First Baptist Church, South Haven
Worship Gathering: 6/28/20
Thank you for joining us for worship this morning! While our place of worship has changed from the usual place and time, we are grateful to know that the Body of Christ can worship anytime, anywhere. As a reminder If you have a need for assistance during this time (grocery delivery, meals, etc.), please do not hesitate to call/text Kim Collins on her cell phone. We have church members ready and willing to help.
Locations & Times
First Baptist Church
10781 76th St, South Haven, MI 49090, USA
Sunday 6:00 AM
Worship Video:6/28/2020
You can view the sermon video that correlates with today's notes on our YouTube page by clicking here.
https://youtu.be/73cPaWsvR20Weekly Bulletin
View this week's bulletin including general announcements and weekly prayer requests by clicking here.
https://www.southhavenfbc.com/weekly-bulletins
Work, Labor, and Endurance
1 Thessalonians 1:1-3
Pastor Jerry Koller
1 Thessalonians 1:1-3
Pastor Jerry Koller
Background: The Apostle Paul took three major missionary trips.
· During the first trip, Barnabas and his nephew, John Mark, were his associates.
· At one point in the trip, John Mark left the group.
· During plans for the second trip, Barnabas wanted to take his nephew, but Paul would not allow it because he bailed on the first excursion.
· Paul replaced Barnabas with Silas.
· As the group traveled through Lystra and Derbe, they added a young man to their group named Timothy.
· During the first trip, Barnabas and his nephew, John Mark, were his associates.
· At one point in the trip, John Mark left the group.
· During plans for the second trip, Barnabas wanted to take his nephew, but Paul would not allow it because he bailed on the first excursion.
· Paul replaced Barnabas with Silas.
· As the group traveled through Lystra and Derbe, they added a young man to their group named Timothy.
When this letter was written, Paul was still on his second mission trip.
· He wrote his first letter to the Thessalonian church from the city of Corinth around AD 51, just a few months after having preached to them.
· He wrote his first letter to the Thessalonian church from the city of Corinth around AD 51, just a few months after having preached to them.
Not only did Paul pray for them individually, it appears all three leaders prayed for the church—Paul, Silas and Timothy.
In verse 3, three specifics are mentioned. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thess. 1:3)
· The three specifics are works, labor, and endurance.
· The catalysts are faith, hope, and love.
· The three specifics are works, labor, and endurance.
· The catalysts are faith, hope, and love.
Faith, hope, and love are the triune pillars of our spiritual life.
1. Work Produced by Faith
· These were works produced by faith.
· They were not works that lead to faith.
· They were the result of faith.
· These were works produced by faith.
· They were not works that lead to faith.
· They were the result of faith.
2. Labor Prompted by Love
· Paul is addressing something internal.
· He is talking about inner motivation.
· The word labor is not to be understood so much as actions as it is effort.
· Effort is the energy, strength, and motivation that is needed to do something.
· Paul is addressing something internal.
· He is talking about inner motivation.
· The word labor is not to be understood so much as actions as it is effort.
· Effort is the energy, strength, and motivation that is needed to do something.
All three of the things Paul mentions in verse 3 are tied together. They are distinct but connected.
3. Endurance Inspired by Hope
· Another translation uses the word steadfast rather than endurance.
· Another translation uses the word steadfast rather than endurance.
This Greek word that Paul used here in verse three is a combination of two root words. One word means under and the other means abiding or remaining steadfast.
· Sometimes it is translated patient enduring.
· In the majority of instances where it is used, it is translated perseverance.
· Sometimes it is translated patient enduring.
· In the majority of instances where it is used, it is translated perseverance.
APPLICATION
What Paul thanks God for in regard to the church at Thessalonica is important for the church of today for these they are timeless principles.
1. Faith Without Change?
· Faith must produce good works.
· Many world religions have a system of works.
· The works we do are not, cannot, will never be a means to an end.
· They are the fruit, as it were, of faith.
· Faith must produce good works.
· Many world religions have a system of works.
· The works we do are not, cannot, will never be a means to an end.
· They are the fruit, as it were, of faith.
If you can’t see this fruit in your life, you should seriously address the kind of faith you have.
2. Love Waxing Cold?
· Are your efforts prompted by love?
· Efforts or labors refer to all aspects of life.
· Love for God and love for people encompass everything we think, do and say.
· Are your efforts prompted by love?
· Efforts or labors refer to all aspects of life.
· Love for God and love for people encompass everything we think, do and say.
What drives you in life? If love is not the catalyst behind your labors, you probably have a problem. Don’t let your love wax cold.
3. A Reason to Persevere?
· Hope is the catalyst that helps you persevere.
· Some in the church have chosen to compromise on truth.
· Some have fallen captive to apathy.
· Some have publicly rejected the faith they once held strongly to.
· May hope in the coming of Christ keep this from happening to you.
· Hope is the catalyst that helps you persevere.
· Some in the church have chosen to compromise on truth.
· Some have fallen captive to apathy.
· Some have publicly rejected the faith they once held strongly to.
· May hope in the coming of Christ keep this from happening to you.
Do not be afraid to ask yourselves the hard questions.
Do not be afraid to properly assess your lives.
Do not be afraid to properly assess your lives.
Worship Resumes July 12!
The target date for our first corporate worship service, since the state of emergency was declared, is Sunday, July 12 at 10:30 AM. For the most part, the format we have become accustomed to will be the same with a few alterations. For those not ready to return, we intend to offer a live worship stream via Facebook. This means when our service begins in the auditorium, so will the live stream. While we will not present a recorded message, as we have been doing during the pandemic, we plan to record and post the service on YouTube and Facebook each week by Monday afternoon at the latest.
Masks are Required...To begin with, we are requiring those who wish to attend to wear a mask (or bandana) that covers both their nose and mouth. Face shields are acceptable. This requirement will remain until the end of July. At that time, we will reassess the situation to see if masks are still needed. Our rationale for this requirement has to do with the number of droplets that are discharged during singing. Some data suggests singing expels as much as a sneeze. Believing most would want to be able to sing, we feel masks will restrict the amount of droplet discharge to some degree. It will not eliminate them all, but with distancing, we believe everyone should be safe.
Offering: We will not be physically collecting the offering in our regular manner of passing a bag. We strongly suggest you continue to give via mail, online, etc. as you have been during the pandemic. We also intend to place a couple of baskets in the rear of the church should one want to place their offering in it each week.
Koinonia: We will discontinue koinonia for a season as we continue to watch and see how the pandemic progresses. Please be sensitive to this decision. We know many of you have not seen one another for months. Please refrain from physical contact (hugs, kisses, handshakes, etc.) as the individual you are extending them to may not wish to make contact.
Mission Café: Sadly, we will not re-open the Café at this time. Like some other things, this will be for a season. It will not be permanent.
Communication: We will not be distributing any printed information (bulletins, prayer cards, kid's coloring pages, etc.). Announcements will run in the foyer and before worship. We will continue to send out as much information as possible electronically (emails, website, Facebook, etc.). Please take advantage of these methods if you want to stay informed.
Classes and Small Groups: For a season, we will not be conducting Sunday School classes or Children’s Worship in person. As the pandemic diminishes, we will resume these ministries knowing it is safe to do so. Again, this is for a season. It is not permanent. We will resume small groups for those interested. These gatherings will comply with distancing and sanitizing policies.
Masks are Required...To begin with, we are requiring those who wish to attend to wear a mask (or bandana) that covers both their nose and mouth. Face shields are acceptable. This requirement will remain until the end of July. At that time, we will reassess the situation to see if masks are still needed. Our rationale for this requirement has to do with the number of droplets that are discharged during singing. Some data suggests singing expels as much as a sneeze. Believing most would want to be able to sing, we feel masks will restrict the amount of droplet discharge to some degree. It will not eliminate them all, but with distancing, we believe everyone should be safe.
Offering: We will not be physically collecting the offering in our regular manner of passing a bag. We strongly suggest you continue to give via mail, online, etc. as you have been during the pandemic. We also intend to place a couple of baskets in the rear of the church should one want to place their offering in it each week.
Koinonia: We will discontinue koinonia for a season as we continue to watch and see how the pandemic progresses. Please be sensitive to this decision. We know many of you have not seen one another for months. Please refrain from physical contact (hugs, kisses, handshakes, etc.) as the individual you are extending them to may not wish to make contact.
Mission Café: Sadly, we will not re-open the Café at this time. Like some other things, this will be for a season. It will not be permanent.
Communication: We will not be distributing any printed information (bulletins, prayer cards, kid's coloring pages, etc.). Announcements will run in the foyer and before worship. We will continue to send out as much information as possible electronically (emails, website, Facebook, etc.). Please take advantage of these methods if you want to stay informed.
Classes and Small Groups: For a season, we will not be conducting Sunday School classes or Children’s Worship in person. As the pandemic diminishes, we will resume these ministries knowing it is safe to do so. Again, this is for a season. It is not permanent. We will resume small groups for those interested. These gatherings will comply with distancing and sanitizing policies.
Happy Birthday!
· Deb Jenks (7/4)
Graduation Open House
Hayden Rooker will celebrate her graduation with an Open House on Saturday, July 18, beginning at 4:00 PM at the Rooker home (12895 CR 687, South Haven, MI 49090). The congregation is invited!
We Are Here For You!
If you need assistance in any way (physically, spiritually, mentally, financially, grocery delivery, or otherwise), please do not hesitate to contact the church office and we will try to help. We also have rolls of toilet paper available if you're having difficultly getting it from the store, please feel free to buy some from us. We were anticipating a need and trying to be proactive to help keep our church family covered, but there wasn't as much demand as we expected and we don't want to "get stuck" with rolls that don't fit our dispensers.
Church Parking Lot Repairs
We thank those of you who have donated for your generosity and support of this project to resurface our parking lot. So far, we have received $4,084 and have $5000 in pledges for a total of $9,084. The cost to resurface the lot was $10,650.00, which leaves a balance of $1566. If you are able to make a donation to help us meet our goal of funding the full cost of this maintenance, your financial contribution would be greatly appreciated. Be sure to mark “Parking Lot” on your gift.
New Bible Study Begins
The Wednesday morning Bible study group will begin a new study on Wednesday, July 15. Participants have the option to join via zoom or meet in person. The new study is titled “Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together” by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. "Discover the power of Paul's encouraging vision of community in Titus 2! Wolgemuth explores how Christian women of all ages are strengthened and better equipped to impact the world when singles and young moms widen their peer group and older women who've "been there" invest in the next generation." Cost for book and study guide is $17. If you’re interested in joining, please contact Tina Wilburn (269-767-4685 or 2fifty7@gmail.com).
Check Out Our Web Page
We are keeping our web page (southhavenfbc.com) updated regularly. Please use it as a tool. Under "Resources" we have a page for FBC Members only which has our latest emails and letters from Pastor Jerry (https://www.southhavenfbc.com/for-fbc-family-only). If you try to access this page, you will need the password "Know Him" to see the content.
Flower Bed Maintenance Needed
We need help maintaining the church’s flowerbeds. If you're looking for a reason to get out of the house and yet still maintain your social distancing, feel free to stop by church at your convenience and pull weeds from whatever flowerbed catches your eye. If you contact us in advance, we can arrange for the garage to be open so you can get tools, otherwise feel free to bring your own. Once life returns to normal, we'll work on adopting flower beds as we have in the past.
Online Giving is Now Available!
You now have the option to support our ministries by giving an online tithe via debit/credit card or by donating via your bank account. If you're interested in sending a gift via this safe and secure option, you can do so by using this link:
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/first-baptist-church-south-haven-miPop Cans = Scholarships
Don’t forget that your beverage can & bottle donations are used to fund teen scholarships for youth retreats, summer camps, special activities, etc. Please bring your recyclable items to the church anytime!
Attention Amazon Shoppers!
Please remember us for your online Amazon purchases and designate “First Baptist Church South Haven” as your charity of choice. We will receive 0.5% donation from all purchases which is used for our youth scholarships. You can do so by going to the following link: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/38-2244607. Thanks for your support!
We Care Pantry Collections
The We Care Food and Personal Care Pantries continue to need supplies. We suggest calling ahead to make sure someone is there to receive your items. If you are able to help.
Food Pantry
First Congregational Church
651 Phoenix Street
269-637-3804
Open Mon., Wed., Fri. 10am-12pm
Suggested items are:
· Cereal
· Dry Pasta
· Canned Vegetables
· Canned Fruit
· Tuna
· Spaghetti Sauce
· Crackers
· Rice-A-Roni
· Pork & Beans
· Canned Soup
· Peanut Butter
· Oatmeal
Personal Care Pantry
First Assembly of God Church
06500 Blue Star Hwy
269-637-1286
Open Wed. 10am-1pm
Suggested items are:
· Shampoo
· Conditioner
· Body Soap
· Deodorant
· Toothbrushes
· Toothpaste
· Feminine Items
· Shaving Cream
· Razors
· Dish Soap
· Laundry Detergent
· Cleaning Supplies
· Trash Bags
· Toilet Paper
· Paper Towels
For questions, contact the church office. Thank you for helping those in our community who are in need.
Food Pantry
First Congregational Church
651 Phoenix Street
269-637-3804
Open Mon., Wed., Fri. 10am-12pm
Suggested items are:
· Cereal
· Dry Pasta
· Canned Vegetables
· Canned Fruit
· Tuna
· Spaghetti Sauce
· Crackers
· Rice-A-Roni
· Pork & Beans
· Canned Soup
· Peanut Butter
· Oatmeal
Personal Care Pantry
First Assembly of God Church
06500 Blue Star Hwy
269-637-1286
Open Wed. 10am-1pm
Suggested items are:
· Shampoo
· Conditioner
· Body Soap
· Deodorant
· Toothbrushes
· Toothpaste
· Feminine Items
· Shaving Cream
· Razors
· Dish Soap
· Laundry Detergent
· Cleaning Supplies
· Trash Bags
· Toilet Paper
· Paper Towels
For questions, contact the church office. Thank you for helping those in our community who are in need.
Opportunities this Week
Children's Sunday School
· This group is on summer break and will resume again this fall.
Monday Evening Men's Group
· This group is on summer break and will resume again this fall.
Tuesday Evening Women's Bible Study
· This group is on summer break and will resume again this fall.
Wednesday Bible Study
· Currently studying the book of James, but will be starting a new book on 7/15.
· Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:00 AM. This group meets via Zoom, but will also resume meeting in person soon.
· · To find out where they are meeting or if you're interested in joining, please call/text Tina Wilburn at 269-767-4685 or email 2fifty7@gmail.com.
Thursday Evening Craft Group
· Has not yet resumed, but will be very soon. Contact Tracy Marshall for questions or more information.
· This group is on summer break and will resume again this fall.
Monday Evening Men's Group
· This group is on summer break and will resume again this fall.
Tuesday Evening Women's Bible Study
· This group is on summer break and will resume again this fall.
Wednesday Bible Study
· Currently studying the book of James, but will be starting a new book on 7/15.
· Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:00 AM. This group meets via Zoom, but will also resume meeting in person soon.
· · To find out where they are meeting or if you're interested in joining, please call/text Tina Wilburn at 269-767-4685 or email 2fifty7@gmail.com.
Thursday Evening Craft Group
· Has not yet resumed, but will be very soon. Contact Tracy Marshall for questions or more information.
Weekly Prayer List
· Molly Blaney (daughter of Lisa & Steve Follman) was having issues related to her gall bladder. She has been sent home with pain medicine and has an appointment with a surgeon to have it removed.
· Ramona Schultz (Kristen Schultz's 88 year-old mother-in-law) has a mass on her brain which is believed to be cancer. Treatment options are being evaluated.
· John Ellis is in boot camp and struggling with loneliness.
· Pastor Jephthe Lucien and his family and their Haitian community as they grieve the loss of Jephthe's brother, Pastor Henoc Lucien. Cards can be sent to: Pastor Jephthe Lucien | c/o Jerusalem Baptist Mission Church | P.O. Box 601 | Round Lake Beach, FL 60073.
· Dominique (Bruce's Ferguson’s nephew) who is recovering from COVID-19.
· Shirley Jackson and her family upon the death of her husband, Art, on 5/31 following a battle with kidney cancer.
· Leslie Robinson, who lost her husband and pastor, Darrel Robinson, to Covid-19. She was in the hospital and released but quarantined. Her mother is also hospitalized. She's 90 years old and was in a recent car accident where she had to be cut out. Bishop Robinson was the pastor of Vasha Ferguson’s sister, Deborah Kirby. She was very close to him and his wife. So, please include her, the congregation and God's guidance for the continuation of the ministry in your prayers as well.
· Lynn Rarick continues to deal with hip issues. Pray that a resolution can be figured out.
· Crystal Jennings (sister of Tracy Marshall’s brother-in-law, Louie) started chemo for stage 4 breast cancer. She had scans to check how the hormone therapy was doing and there is no new growth and the lesions on her bones show signs of healing. Thank you for all the prayers and please continue to pray that the cancer will be eradicated..
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.
· Ramona Schultz (Kristen Schultz's 88 year-old mother-in-law) has a mass on her brain which is believed to be cancer. Treatment options are being evaluated.
· John Ellis is in boot camp and struggling with loneliness.
· Pastor Jephthe Lucien and his family and their Haitian community as they grieve the loss of Jephthe's brother, Pastor Henoc Lucien. Cards can be sent to: Pastor Jephthe Lucien | c/o Jerusalem Baptist Mission Church | P.O. Box 601 | Round Lake Beach, FL 60073.
· Dominique (Bruce's Ferguson’s nephew) who is recovering from COVID-19.
· Shirley Jackson and her family upon the death of her husband, Art, on 5/31 following a battle with kidney cancer.
· Leslie Robinson, who lost her husband and pastor, Darrel Robinson, to Covid-19. She was in the hospital and released but quarantined. Her mother is also hospitalized. She's 90 years old and was in a recent car accident where she had to be cut out. Bishop Robinson was the pastor of Vasha Ferguson’s sister, Deborah Kirby. She was very close to him and his wife. So, please include her, the congregation and God's guidance for the continuation of the ministry in your prayers as well.
· Lynn Rarick continues to deal with hip issues. Pray that a resolution can be figured out.
· Crystal Jennings (sister of Tracy Marshall’s brother-in-law, Louie) started chemo for stage 4 breast cancer. She had scans to check how the hormone therapy was doing and there is no new growth and the lesions on her bones show signs of healing. Thank you for all the prayers and please continue to pray that the cancer will be eradicated..
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.
First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com