St. John Missionary Baptist Church
Worship Celebration (Sunday, May 26, 2024)
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor
Locations & Times
St. John Missionary Baptist Church (South Campus)
662 S 52nd St, Richmond, CA 94804, USA
Sunday 11:00 AM
Sermonic Text: Acts 14:8-10
Sermonic Title: “Stand Up”
The Key Idea: This Miracle Teaches Some Invaluable Lessons.
I. We Are Usually More Effective Standing Up Rather Than Sitting Down.
II. We Don't Have To Be Popular To Be Blessed.
III. We Are Born Crippled, But We Don't Have To Be Forever Crippled.
IV. We Benefit By Hearing.
V. We Must Have Faith To Be Healed.
VI. We Have The Potential To Do More Than Ever When We “Stand Up.”
Sermonic Title: “Stand Up”
The Key Idea: This Miracle Teaches Some Invaluable Lessons.
I. We Are Usually More Effective Standing Up Rather Than Sitting Down.
II. We Don't Have To Be Popular To Be Blessed.
III. We Are Born Crippled, But We Don't Have To Be Forever Crippled.
IV. We Benefit By Hearing.
V. We Must Have Faith To Be Healed.
VI. We Have The Potential To Do More Than Ever When We “Stand Up.”
From the Pastor Desk
“WHEN PEOPLE DESERVE TO DIE”
(Romans 1:29-32 - ESV)
29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
32 Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
About 150,000 people die globally every day, and their loved ones often experience grief in the aftermath. I always feel sorrowful when I hear about the deaths of babies and children even when I do not know them. Some believe that babies and children do not deserve to die. Some believe that single parents of small children do not deserve to die. Furthermore, some believe that nobody deserves to die.
Paul discussed the types of people who deserve to die in his epistle to the Romans (1:18-32). In general, Paul said these individuals are ungodly and unrighteous (v. 18ff.). He discussed homosexuality and lesbianism as being ungodly and unrighteous (vs. 26-28). He further characterized certain ungodly people as full of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice, envy, murder, strife, deceit, and maliciousness (v. 29a). Moreover, he described these people as gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, and ruthless (vs. 29b-31).
Alarmingly, Paul said that “those who practice such things deserve to die.” He also condemned people who approve of those who practice them (v. 32). In essence, Paul asserts that people who practice ungodliness and unrighteousness deserve to die.
“When People Deserve To Die,” God’s grace and mercy make it possible for them to be pardoned and regenerated if they repent. “When People Deserve To Die,” they can live forever (on earth and afterward in heaven) by having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Praise God, “When People Deserve To Die,” they can transform (Rom. 12:2) and transfer from earth to glory.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“St. John exists, as A Kingdom Building Church in two communities,
to Evangelize sinners and Equip saints,
who are Edifying and Enjoying one another,
to Exalt the SAVIOR” (Mt. 28:18-20).
UNPLUGGED SUNDAY
On this coming fourth Sunday, May 26th, we may dress comfortably and casually because it will be Unplugged Sunday. In both of our Worship Celebrations (North Campus at 9:00 a.m. and South Campus at 11:00 a.m.), I will be preaching, and we will be blessed with inspirational singing. Please plan to attend and invite others to attend, especially young people.
JUNE IS PASTOR EDIFICATION MONTH
Let’s celebrate together throughout June for the 30 years God has blessed St. John with a Pastor. Jeremiah 3:15 states: “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” These days, the average tenure of a Pastor with a congregation is 4-5 years. When we reflect on the pilgrimage and numerous accomplishments St. John has experienced in the last 30 years, we have reasons to praise God and celebrate!
Special Appreciation Worship Celebrations are scheduled on the fourth Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the North Campus (9:00 a.m.) and South Campus (11:00 a.m.). Guest pastors will be preaching, and our Mass Choir will be singing in both Worship Celebrations. The theme is “30 Years Of Dynamic Pastoral Leadership” (Jer. 3:15). Let’s celebrate the 30 years that God has blessed St. John with a faithful pastor.
2024 GRADUATES
All St. John graduates should contact Min. Peggy Alexander (Minister of Christian Education) by June 28, 2024, if interested in receiving recognition from our church at pmorris@sjmbc.org.
If you graduate from high school and plan to attend college or vocational school, you may qualify for a scholarship. Applications can be found at sjmbc.org. Also, if you desire to give towards scholarships, you can do so via mail or online at sjmbc.org.
“GIVE AWAY OR ACCUMULATE?”
The goal of many is to accumulate as much wealth as possible. To accumulate is good, but to give away is better. In other words, life is more meaningful when we give away rather than accumulate. Someone said: “The measure of your life will not be in what you accumulate, but in what you give away.”
Furthermore, Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” In this passage, Jesus admonished us about living to accumulate.
On the other hand, giving is a rewarding experience. Jesus said in Luke 6:38: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” In this passage, Jesus encouraged us to give.
Believers please God by faithfully and generously giving Him tithes and offerings. Tithing is giving to God 10% of our gross income/increase (which belongs to God), and the remaining 90% is ours to utilize wisely. God inspires us to give our offerings from the remaining 90%, in addition to our tithes. Our tithes and offerings should be set aside before paying anything else (first fruits).
At St. John, we give in person during Sunday Morning Worship Celebrations, by mailing or dropping off our tithes and offerings at our Administration Building or South Campus. We also give online through our website (sjmbc.org).
INTERCESSORY PRAYER
Intercessory Prayer is when believers pray on behalf of others. James 5:16b says: “Pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” When believers pray for one another, people are blessed. For example, Peter was delivered from prison because the church prayed incessantly to God on his behalf (Acts 12:5-17). Because God answers prayer, please pray daily for others and the following:
St. John Missionary Baptist Church: Ask God to grow our congregation spiritually, numerically, and financially. Also, pray to Godregarding our Building Project, and intercede on behalf of parishioners who are ill.
Pastor & Minister: Kevin B. Hall & Family, John L. Hall, and Metrice Williams
Mothers: Annie Johnson, Ermestine Martin, Ruth Thomas, Marie Ward, Lillie Wiggins, and Ruth Wilson
Brothers: Anthony Jones and Willie Mulder
Sisters: Dorothy Beasley, Clara Caldwell, Drucilla Cooper, Annie Craven, Vera Dixon, Nyla Gonzalez, Zodia Jordan, Clara Martin, Deborah McWhorter, Gwendolyn Ousborn, Joe Nell Payton, Barbara Ratliff, Dolores Rollins, Peggy Stephens, and Dorothy Younger
If you are a sick & shut-in member of St. Johnwho needs special prayer and desires to be added to this list, call (510-233-1779) or email me (pastorhall@sjmbc.org).
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do,
that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.”
(Jn. 14-13-14)
UPCOMING CHURCH SCHOOL LESSON
“The Alpha And The Omega”
(Revelation 22:6-10, 12-13, 16-21)
Related Scriptures: John 7:37-39; Revelation 1:4-11; 21:9-22:5
OUR DAILY BREAD
Thursday, May 23: 1 Chronicles 11-13; John 9:1-23
Friday, May 24: 1 Chronicles 14-16; John 9:24-41
Saturday, May 25: 1 Chronicles 17-19; John 10:1-21
Sunday, May 26: 1 Chronicles 20-22; John 10:22-42
Monday, May 27: 1 Chronicles 23-25; John 11:1-17
Tuesday, May 28: 1 Chronicles 26-27; John 11:18-46
Wednesday, May 29: 1 Chronicles 28-29; John 11:47-57
Thursday, May 30: 2 Chronicles 1-3; John 12:1-19
Friday, May 31: 2 Chronicles 4-6; John 12:20-50
Saturday, June 1: 2 Chronicles 7-9; John 13:1-17
MEMORANDUM
Our Worship Celebrations: We have two in-person Worship Celebrations on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. (the North Campus) and 11:00 a.m.(the South Campus). Also, our virtual audience is proliferating. Let’s continue to share with others how they can view our Worship Celebrations via live streaming (YouTube) or hear them via podcasts. For more information, you may visit our website at sjmbc.org.
Our Family Life Center: We have submitted again a revised design for our Family Life Center to the City of Richmond to be reviewed for reasons that could reduce the cost of our project. Hopefully, this will not be a long process. If the City of Richmond approves our revised design, we will select a construction contractor. Once this is done, construction will begin (hopefully the parking lot first). Please pray daily asking God to bless and direct us regarding our Family Life Center which will be adjacent to our current sanctuary at the North Campus, consisting of a gymnasium, weight room, and game room (mainly for kids). Also, a parking lot will be across the street from this edifice.
Many of us made a commitment that we fulfilled, but some have not. I am not promoting equal giving but equal sacrifice, which is an appeal to each of us to do our very best. If you are a parishioner or affiliate of St. John, you should want to give financially so that you will feel good in the future knowing that you contributed to an edifice that will glorify God and enrich a community.
May God bless each of us who have already fulfilled our pledge and others who have made “Building Fund” contributions. I encourage everyone (if you have not already done so) to contribute financially (in full or in installments) as soon as possible to this building project by choosing one of the following tiers:
1) $10,000.00 or more
2) $5,000.00 to $9,999.00
3) $1,000.00 to $4,999.00
4) $500.00 to $999.00
5) Below $500.00
Our Weekly Activities: I strongly encourage everyone to participate in the St. John activities that benefit you. Visit our website at sjmbc.org if you need more information. What’s forthcoming?
Sundays:
Worship Celebrations at 9:00 a.m. (North Campus) and 11:00 a.m. (South Campus) Online Church School at 2:00 p.m.Online Lord’s Supper on 1st Sundays in the 11:00 Worship Celebration or after that. Each believer will need bread (or crackers) and grape juice (or something similar) to participate.
Mondays:
Grocery Giveaway Preparation at 10:00 a.m. (South Campus)Women Missionary Ministry (General Mission) on 4th Mondays at 6:00 p.m.(South Campus)
Tuesdays:
Grocery Giveaway (North Campus and South Campus) at 12:00 p.m.Online Church Leadership Council on Tuesdays following 2nd Sundays at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays:
Online Prayer at 12:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.Online Church School at 7:00 p.m.
A BIBLICAL RECAPITULATION
Paul informed us about “When People Deserve To Die” (Rom. 1:29-32 – ESV). Furthermore, in life, shall we “Give Away Or Accumulate?” Jesus admonished us about living to accumulate (Mt. 6:19-21). Instead, Jesus encouraged us to give (Lk. 6:38).
May God bless and sustain each of us.
Your Beloved Servant In Christ,
Pastor Kevin B. Hall
D.Min., M.Div., M.R.E., B.Th., B.A.
“WHEN PEOPLE DESERVE TO DIE”
(Romans 1:29-32 - ESV)
29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
32 Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
About 150,000 people die globally every day, and their loved ones often experience grief in the aftermath. I always feel sorrowful when I hear about the deaths of babies and children even when I do not know them. Some believe that babies and children do not deserve to die. Some believe that single parents of small children do not deserve to die. Furthermore, some believe that nobody deserves to die.
Paul discussed the types of people who deserve to die in his epistle to the Romans (1:18-32). In general, Paul said these individuals are ungodly and unrighteous (v. 18ff.). He discussed homosexuality and lesbianism as being ungodly and unrighteous (vs. 26-28). He further characterized certain ungodly people as full of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice, envy, murder, strife, deceit, and maliciousness (v. 29a). Moreover, he described these people as gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, and ruthless (vs. 29b-31).
Alarmingly, Paul said that “those who practice such things deserve to die.” He also condemned people who approve of those who practice them (v. 32). In essence, Paul asserts that people who practice ungodliness and unrighteousness deserve to die.
“When People Deserve To Die,” God’s grace and mercy make it possible for them to be pardoned and regenerated if they repent. “When People Deserve To Die,” they can live forever (on earth and afterward in heaven) by having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Praise God, “When People Deserve To Die,” they can transform (Rom. 12:2) and transfer from earth to glory.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“St. John exists, as A Kingdom Building Church in two communities,
to Evangelize sinners and Equip saints,
who are Edifying and Enjoying one another,
to Exalt the SAVIOR” (Mt. 28:18-20).
UNPLUGGED SUNDAY
On this coming fourth Sunday, May 26th, we may dress comfortably and casually because it will be Unplugged Sunday. In both of our Worship Celebrations (North Campus at 9:00 a.m. and South Campus at 11:00 a.m.), I will be preaching, and we will be blessed with inspirational singing. Please plan to attend and invite others to attend, especially young people.
JUNE IS PASTOR EDIFICATION MONTH
Let’s celebrate together throughout June for the 30 years God has blessed St. John with a Pastor. Jeremiah 3:15 states: “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” These days, the average tenure of a Pastor with a congregation is 4-5 years. When we reflect on the pilgrimage and numerous accomplishments St. John has experienced in the last 30 years, we have reasons to praise God and celebrate!
Special Appreciation Worship Celebrations are scheduled on the fourth Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the North Campus (9:00 a.m.) and South Campus (11:00 a.m.). Guest pastors will be preaching, and our Mass Choir will be singing in both Worship Celebrations. The theme is “30 Years Of Dynamic Pastoral Leadership” (Jer. 3:15). Let’s celebrate the 30 years that God has blessed St. John with a faithful pastor.
2024 GRADUATES
All St. John graduates should contact Min. Peggy Alexander (Minister of Christian Education) by June 28, 2024, if interested in receiving recognition from our church at pmorris@sjmbc.org.
If you graduate from high school and plan to attend college or vocational school, you may qualify for a scholarship. Applications can be found at sjmbc.org. Also, if you desire to give towards scholarships, you can do so via mail or online at sjmbc.org.
“GIVE AWAY OR ACCUMULATE?”
The goal of many is to accumulate as much wealth as possible. To accumulate is good, but to give away is better. In other words, life is more meaningful when we give away rather than accumulate. Someone said: “The measure of your life will not be in what you accumulate, but in what you give away.”
Furthermore, Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” In this passage, Jesus admonished us about living to accumulate.
On the other hand, giving is a rewarding experience. Jesus said in Luke 6:38: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” In this passage, Jesus encouraged us to give.
Believers please God by faithfully and generously giving Him tithes and offerings. Tithing is giving to God 10% of our gross income/increase (which belongs to God), and the remaining 90% is ours to utilize wisely. God inspires us to give our offerings from the remaining 90%, in addition to our tithes. Our tithes and offerings should be set aside before paying anything else (first fruits).
At St. John, we give in person during Sunday Morning Worship Celebrations, by mailing or dropping off our tithes and offerings at our Administration Building or South Campus. We also give online through our website (sjmbc.org).
INTERCESSORY PRAYER
Intercessory Prayer is when believers pray on behalf of others. James 5:16b says: “Pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” When believers pray for one another, people are blessed. For example, Peter was delivered from prison because the church prayed incessantly to God on his behalf (Acts 12:5-17). Because God answers prayer, please pray daily for others and the following:
St. John Missionary Baptist Church: Ask God to grow our congregation spiritually, numerically, and financially. Also, pray to Godregarding our Building Project, and intercede on behalf of parishioners who are ill.
Pastor & Minister: Kevin B. Hall & Family, John L. Hall, and Metrice Williams
Mothers: Annie Johnson, Ermestine Martin, Ruth Thomas, Marie Ward, Lillie Wiggins, and Ruth Wilson
Brothers: Anthony Jones and Willie Mulder
Sisters: Dorothy Beasley, Clara Caldwell, Drucilla Cooper, Annie Craven, Vera Dixon, Nyla Gonzalez, Zodia Jordan, Clara Martin, Deborah McWhorter, Gwendolyn Ousborn, Joe Nell Payton, Barbara Ratliff, Dolores Rollins, Peggy Stephens, and Dorothy Younger
If you are a sick & shut-in member of St. Johnwho needs special prayer and desires to be added to this list, call (510-233-1779) or email me (pastorhall@sjmbc.org).
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do,
that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.”
(Jn. 14-13-14)
UPCOMING CHURCH SCHOOL LESSON
“The Alpha And The Omega”
(Revelation 22:6-10, 12-13, 16-21)
Related Scriptures: John 7:37-39; Revelation 1:4-11; 21:9-22:5
OUR DAILY BREAD
Thursday, May 23: 1 Chronicles 11-13; John 9:1-23
Friday, May 24: 1 Chronicles 14-16; John 9:24-41
Saturday, May 25: 1 Chronicles 17-19; John 10:1-21
Sunday, May 26: 1 Chronicles 20-22; John 10:22-42
Monday, May 27: 1 Chronicles 23-25; John 11:1-17
Tuesday, May 28: 1 Chronicles 26-27; John 11:18-46
Wednesday, May 29: 1 Chronicles 28-29; John 11:47-57
Thursday, May 30: 2 Chronicles 1-3; John 12:1-19
Friday, May 31: 2 Chronicles 4-6; John 12:20-50
Saturday, June 1: 2 Chronicles 7-9; John 13:1-17
MEMORANDUM
Our Worship Celebrations: We have two in-person Worship Celebrations on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. (the North Campus) and 11:00 a.m.(the South Campus). Also, our virtual audience is proliferating. Let’s continue to share with others how they can view our Worship Celebrations via live streaming (YouTube) or hear them via podcasts. For more information, you may visit our website at sjmbc.org.
Our Family Life Center: We have submitted again a revised design for our Family Life Center to the City of Richmond to be reviewed for reasons that could reduce the cost of our project. Hopefully, this will not be a long process. If the City of Richmond approves our revised design, we will select a construction contractor. Once this is done, construction will begin (hopefully the parking lot first). Please pray daily asking God to bless and direct us regarding our Family Life Center which will be adjacent to our current sanctuary at the North Campus, consisting of a gymnasium, weight room, and game room (mainly for kids). Also, a parking lot will be across the street from this edifice.
Many of us made a commitment that we fulfilled, but some have not. I am not promoting equal giving but equal sacrifice, which is an appeal to each of us to do our very best. If you are a parishioner or affiliate of St. John, you should want to give financially so that you will feel good in the future knowing that you contributed to an edifice that will glorify God and enrich a community.
May God bless each of us who have already fulfilled our pledge and others who have made “Building Fund” contributions. I encourage everyone (if you have not already done so) to contribute financially (in full or in installments) as soon as possible to this building project by choosing one of the following tiers:
1) $10,000.00 or more
2) $5,000.00 to $9,999.00
3) $1,000.00 to $4,999.00
4) $500.00 to $999.00
5) Below $500.00
Our Weekly Activities: I strongly encourage everyone to participate in the St. John activities that benefit you. Visit our website at sjmbc.org if you need more information. What’s forthcoming?
Sundays:
Worship Celebrations at 9:00 a.m. (North Campus) and 11:00 a.m. (South Campus) Online Church School at 2:00 p.m.Online Lord’s Supper on 1st Sundays in the 11:00 Worship Celebration or after that. Each believer will need bread (or crackers) and grape juice (or something similar) to participate.
Mondays:
Grocery Giveaway Preparation at 10:00 a.m. (South Campus)Women Missionary Ministry (General Mission) on 4th Mondays at 6:00 p.m.(South Campus)
Tuesdays:
Grocery Giveaway (North Campus and South Campus) at 12:00 p.m.Online Church Leadership Council on Tuesdays following 2nd Sundays at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays:
Online Prayer at 12:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.Online Church School at 7:00 p.m.
A BIBLICAL RECAPITULATION
Paul informed us about “When People Deserve To Die” (Rom. 1:29-32 – ESV). Furthermore, in life, shall we “Give Away Or Accumulate?” Jesus admonished us about living to accumulate (Mt. 6:19-21). Instead, Jesus encouraged us to give (Lk. 6:38).
May God bless and sustain each of us.
Your Beloved Servant In Christ,
Pastor Kevin B. Hall
D.Min., M.Div., M.R.E., B.Th., B.A.