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First Baptist Church, South Haven

Worship Gathering: 3/24/2024

Join us for in-person worship in the sanctuary or live on Facebook at 10:30am. The service will also be posted to YouTube and Archive later in the week.

Locations & Times

First Baptist Church

10781 76th St, South Haven, MI 49090, USA

Sunday 10:30 AM

Website

Please use our website as a resource tool to stay informed and up to date on our most current activities. **Please Note*** Under "Resources" we have a page for "FBC Members Only" which has our latest emails and any pertinent info from Pastor Jerry.  If you try to access this page, you will need the password "Know Him" to see the content.

https://www.southhavenfbc.com

Live Stream

If you're unable to join us in person, you can view today's service live on our Facebook page beginning at 10:30 AM.

https://www.facebook.com/First-Baptist-Church-of-South-Haven-118136484800

Online

View today's message later this week on our YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQahojNwyPo2LMn-ctTG8A

Weekly Bulletin

View this week's bulletin including general announcements and weekly prayer requests by clicking here.

https://www.southhavenfbc.com/weekly-bulletins

Prayer Requests

Please let us know how we can pray for you or if you are in need of specific care or encouragement.

https://southhavenfbc.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/0c9d288f-af8d-41bd-9359-4dc3cf051bc9

The Attributes of God
Love (Part 1)
Pastor Jerry Koller

1 John 4:8

1 John 4:16

There are a number of definitions in the dictionary regarding love.
· The vast majority of them have to do with some kind of emotion or feeling.
· The vast majority would not apply to God.

The greatest hindrance to understanding what it means when Scripture states God is love has to be our own understanding of love from a human perspective.

“Evangelical teenagers were coming to describe the Christian life as falling in love with Jesus and the “thrills” and “happiness” of a romantic relationship with him. Perhaps because they believed so strongly in a personal relationship with Jesus as the center of Christianity, they didn't question what might be lost when that relationship was equated with an erotic, emotional attraction to a teen idol.”

God’s love is in perfect balance with the others.
· It never is exercised to a greater degree than any other attribute.
· It is an attribute of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

God in three persons does not mean that the God we serve is a team of three distinct Gods. God is not composed of parts. God is One.

God in three persons does not mean that God sometimes taking the role of the Father, while at other times taking the role of the Son, or the role of the Holy Spirit.

It was not until the 4th century, at the Council of Nicaea, that the church articulated the truth that, in essence, God is three persons in One—Father, Son, and Spirit—co-equal, and co-eternal persons.
· The church fathers used the word persons because they knew what a person is.

In Philosophy, personhood may be distinguished by possession of defining characteristics, such as consciousness and rationality, or in terms of relationships with others.

The University of Missouri’s Center for Health Ethics say personhood include these characteristics: Rationality or logical reasoning ability—Consciousness—Self-consciousness (self-awareness)—Use of language—Ability to initiate action—Moral agency and the ability to engage in moral judgments—Intelligence.

Another generally accepted description of personhood lists 5 characteristics: consciousness, reasoning, self-motivated activity, capacity to communicate, and self-awareness.

Within the Trinity, we find relationship existing.

Love cannot exist outside relationships.

Scriptural Examples of Relationships:

John 3:35

John 5:20

John 14:31

Love always has an object.

Love is an expression of giving.

St. Augustine reasoned that God must be love inside himself. To his mind, the Father is the one who loves, the Son is the one who is loved, and the Holy Spirit is the love that flows between them and binds them together.

APPLICATION

All who are in Christ Jesus are the object of God’s love.
· Love is a communicable attribute of God.
· It is an attribute He shares with us.
· It is an attribute He possessed long before He created.
· We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19)
· God cannot give what He Himself does not possess.

Urgent Prayer Request from Haiti

We received the following prayer request from Pastor Jephthe Lucien in Haiti, who we provide missionary support to on a monthly basis. Please keep him, his family, and his ministry in prayer during such a challenging time. Dear Friends, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to bring your attention to the critical situation currently faced by the people of Haïti, particularly in the city of Port au Prince, and request your prayers for peace and security. Port au Prince, as the capital city, is at the epicenter of both government activities and the operations of various gangs. Sadly, the escalating violence has resulted in an alarming loss of life on a daily basis. The situation is dire, and the need for prayers has never been more urgent. In addition to the general population, our church community is also bearing the brunt of these challenging circumstances. Our church buildings in Port au Prince and orphanage buildings have been destroyed, forcing us to move to a rented space in a relatively safer area. However, even in our new location, we find ourselves overwhelmed as more orphans seek refuge with us, desperately escaping the violence and destruction around them. The well-being of these vulnerable children is of utmost concern to us. With limited resources, we are doing our best to provide them with the care they need, but the pressure is mounting. Therefore, we humbly request your prayers and support as we strive to offer them solace and a secure environment. Furthermore, the impact of the ongoing unrest has affected the functioning of our churches and the accreditation process for our university has come to a standstill. This not only hampers our ability to minister to our congregation effectively, but also hinders the advancement of education and opportunities for the youth. In this trying time, we believe in the power of collective prayer. We earnestly ask for your intercession for the people of Haïti, specifically for peace and security to be restored in Port au Prince. Please pray for the orphans who have sought refuge with us, that they find comfort, strength, and hope amidst the chaos. Additionally, we kindly request prayers for the resumption of normal church operations and the successful completion of the accreditation process for our university. Your thoughts and prayers mean the world to us during these challenging times. Let us come together in solidarity, seeking divine intervention and guidance for Haïti and our church community. May the peace of the Lord be with you and may your prayers bring the much-needed hope and healing to the people of Haïti. Yours faithfully, Pastor Jephthe Lucien

Happy Birthday!

· Patty Bales (3/25) · Kim Collins (3/29)

Happy Anniversary!

· Don & Deb Jenks (3/26, 52 years) · Bruce & Vasha Ferguson (3/28, 47 years) · Larry & Rhonda Dobberstein (3/30, 39 years)

Next Week’s Servants (3/31)

· Café Bakers: *Closed for Easter* · Café Attendant: *Closed for Easter* · Nursery: Tracy Marshall, Gena Bassett · Sound Tech: Rocky Starland

Love Offering | Match Your Donation

We have received a very generous offer to match donations received between now and March 31 to help a church family member with a special situation as they pursue hiring a lawyer regarding custody issues for their child. There is reason to believe that the non-custodial parent, who is grossly behind on child support, is placing the child in danger due to substance abuse. The lawyer fee is $3500. Every little bit helps, and this is a great way to double your gift, and help this need be met! If you feel compelled to help, please make your payment to FBC with the note of "Love Offering: Lawyer" in the memo and turn your gift in between now and the end of the month. Thank you!

Bible Study Resumes 4/18

You are invited to join our Bible study group on Thursday mornings from 9:30-11:30am in the Conference Room. We will begin the LifeChange Bible Study on Ecclesiastes. “Ecclesiastes is sometimes perceived as one of the most difficult books in Scripture but it's also one of the most rewarding. Launching you on an 8-week journey, this in-depth study addresses the quest for meaning, presence of evil, wisdom and foolishness, and other issues to help you understand God's ways in an often confusing and frustrating world. “ Books are $9 each. To sign-up, stop by the Welcome Center or contact Vasha Ferguson or Tina Wilburn.

Hearing Assistance Devices Now Available

We have purchased a few devices to help individuals with a hearing deficit to listen to the morning worship service better. The devices allow the user to control the volume based on their individual needs. They are available from the Sound Booth at the rear of the sanctuary and are cleaned and sanitized after each use. For questions, see Rocky Starland.

New Youth Group Bible Study

Sundays | 9:15-10:15am | Conference Room > What: In place of afternoon Youth Group, we will have a Youth Bible Study on Sunday mornings. Join us as we go through the Mixtape Theology, a devotional and retrospective inspired by 90’s Christian music and culture. > Who: Anyone 5th grade and up > Where: Conference Room > When: Starting March 24, 9:15 - 10:15 am > Got ???’s: Contact Julie Newell (260-929-6688) or Allie Wilson (269-598-0333).

Seder Dinner

Wednesday, 3/27 | 6:00pm | FBC Gym · Join us as we celebrate Holy Week with this special event on March 27 at 6:00 PM at First Baptist Church. Come and hear our guest speaker, Douglas Carmel, from Rock of Israel Ministries share the Gospel of Jesus Christ from a Messianic (born-again) Jewish perspective. · Experience a true Passover meal that the Jews would celebrate. · Learn about how Christ is the center of Passover. · There is no cost; however, you MUST sign-up at the Welcome Center or online by Sunday, March 24, so we can plan accordingly. · If you are willing to help with set-up, cooking and/or serve the meal, and/or clean-up, please contact Kim (269-637-1291 or southhavenfbc@gmail.com). · A love offering will be collected for our speaker. Bring your Jewish and ‘not so Jewish’ friends and neighbors!

https://southhavenfbc.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/843a4893-bd5f-4011-9bce-412e02970225

🌷✝️🌱 Easter Celebration: Sunday, 3/31 🌱✝️🌷

Easter Breakfast  We will have breakfast in the gym from 9:15-10:00 AM.  Sunday School will not meet so families can enjoy breakfast together.   Worship Celebration  Following breakfast, join us for a special worship service at 10:30 as we honor our Risen Savior.   Get Involved!    · Help is needed for the breakfast!  · We also need people to bring egg casseroles or quiches that feed 10-12 people.  · Sign-up online, at the Welcome Center, or by contacting Kim, and let us know how you’ll help. · For questions or more information, contact the office.

https://southhavenfbc.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/d017e675-2ada-4e13-b771-632a2ddd1575

🌷🐴🌱 Trivia Night | Spring 2023 🌱🐴🌷

Join us for our annual SpringTrivia Night. This event will be a fundraiser for True Vine Equestrian Center. [https://www.truevineequestrian.org/] Saturday, 4/13 | 6-9pm | Upstairs at FBC 💰 | $100 per table registration fee. (all proceeds go to True Vine) 👫 | 8-10 people per table (table hosts coordinate or bring snacks & drinks for their group) 🙋 | If you don't have a table, but want to join us, we have open seats - contact Kim and we'll find a spot for you! 🆓 | $1 mulligans - up to 10 per table = one free point per round 🪙 | Two rounds of Heads or Tails at $5 per play 👶🏻 | Childcare is available. ✅ | Sign-Up Online or stop by the welcome center. ❓ | For questions or more info, contact the church office (southhavenfbc@gmail.com or 269-637-1291).

https://southhavenfbc.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/a0c137b1-18d9-44a1-8568-f63a14bf704d

Have You Considered?

Did you know that if your bank offers online services, you can set your tithe up as a regular ‘bill payment’ through your bank? This is a convenient option to help with continuity in giving and the ability for you to tithe even when you are on vacation or miss church. It eliminates having to wonder if you turned in your offering while you were gone! If you have questions or would like more information about how to utilize this convenient option, check with your banking institution or contact the church office.

Pop 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!

Mission Cafe

Sundays | 9:00-10:15am | Mission Cafe The Mission Café is a great place to have a breakfast treat and coffee, enjoy lively conversation and have fun while helping support missions at First Baptist. All items are store bought and served safely. Featuring: ¨ Donuts ¨ Bagels ¨ English Muffins ¨ Snacks ¨ Hot & Cold Beverages ¨ And more! For your convenience, we accept cash, check and debit/credit cards!

Online Giving is Available!

If you would like to support our ministries by giving an online donation via debit/credit card or your bank account, you can do so by using this link:

https://www.shelbygiving.com/app/giving/southhavenfbc

FBC App

You can download the app by clicking the link below from your cell phone or tablet. By using the app, you can conveniently view recorded Sunday worship services; look up addresses and phone numbers for other church members; update your personal information; register for events; tithe online; send prayer requests; and more.  We're excited to bring another avenue of communication to you!  If you have any questions or issues, please contact Kim.

https://shelby.ministryone.com/landing/v6VP

On the Calendar

mission café Sundays | 9:00-10:15am | Mission Cafe children’s sunday school Sundays | 9:15-10:15am | Children's Worship Room · Ages 5 years old through 5th grade · No Class 3/24 and 3/31 · Contact Bailey Finch for questions or more information. youth bible study: mixtape theology Sundays | 9:15-10:15am | Conference Room · Ages 6th grade and older · No Class 3/31 · Contact Julie Newell or Allie Wison for questions or more information. worship Sundays | 10:30am | Sanctuary · If you're unable to join us in-person, you can watch live on Facebook or view later in the week on Facebook or YouTube or listen to an audio only version on Archive. children’s worship Sundays | 10:30am | Children’s Worship Room · Ages 5 years old through 5th grade · Schedule change: No class 3/31; class will meet 4/7. · Does not meet on the first Sunday of each month. · Contact Alyssa Newell for questions or more information. men’s bible study Tuesdays | 7:00-8:30pm | Mission Café · Contact Paul Fitton or Larry Dobberstein for questions or more information. church office open Wednesdays | 11:00am-4:00pm bible study Thursdays | 9:30-11:00am | Conference Room · Begins 4/18 · Study of Ecclesiastes · Contact Tina Wilburn for questions or more information. women’s craft group Thursdays | 6:30pm | Craft Room · Contact Tracy Marshall for questions or more information. coming soon · Theology Class Begins: Wednesday, 3/20 | 7:00-8:00pm | Mission Cafe · Blood Drive: Thursday, March 21 | 1-6pm | FBC Main Foyer · Seder Dinner: Wednesday, March 27 | 6:00pm | FBC Gym · Easter Celebration: Sunday, March 31 ---> breakfast 9:15am-10:00am | gym ---> worship 10:30am | sanctuary · Spring Trivia Night: Saturday, April 13 | 6:00pm | Upstairs @ FBC · Bible Study Resumes: Thursday, April 18 | 9:30am | Conference Room

· Terry Buckley was unable to have surgery due to excessive fluid around his lungs and heart. He will be hospitalized at the Cleveland Clinic for at least a week while they try to remove the fluid and will then be re-evaluated once the medications have time to work.
· Raelynn (great-niece of Gena Poole) after blood work was sent out three times with one positive result, one inconclusive result, on the third test they finally got a negative result for the gene condition that was assumed she may have had. Praise God for answered prayers! She has been taken off from oxygen support, the feeding tube has been removed, and she is holding her own without them. Prayers that she continues to do well on her own are appreciated.
· Jim Wheeler (Renee Goff's uncle in Kansas City) is doing significantly better. All of his tubes have been removed and he is up and walking as well as eating and keeping food down. The family appreciates all of your prayers during this time.
· Bruce Ferguson had his medications adjusted and is continuing with his doctors for further treatment.
· Lennon McKamey (son of Kyle & Sarah McKamey) is consulting with a neurologist due to issues with blacking out and falling. Pray that a cause can be identified so proper treatment can be given. He is currently on anti-seizure medication and has additional testing scheduled for later this month.
· Steve & Lisa Follman and their family upon the loss of Lisa’s mother, Martha Dubuisson on 2/23.
· Rhonda Dobberstein · continues to heal from breast cancer surgery and pneumonia. She is feeling better, but still very weak and has little energy. She will start radiation in a few weeks. Pray that she regains strength and is feeling a bit more normal before then.
· Nolan Marshall was approved to receive services for another year. Praise God for answered prayers!
· Vincent Bryant (son of Miriam Bryant) is dealing with multiple health issues: blood clots which are interfering with his dialysis treatments; continues to recover from a 2nd surgery on his left hand which resulted in one finger being amputated; issues with an ankle that prevents him from driving.
· Miriam Bryant has begun therapy for hip issues.
· Pete Danapilis is recovering from cataract surgery.
· Anna Bocock’s has Epstein Barr in addition to one strain of Lyme. She is waiting for next month’s treatment to be done, will then take another blood test to see how the treatment performed, and once the tests come back, she will hopefully be able to move forward with the Lyme disease treatments.
· Caroline Bocock is having some symptoms resurface so she will need to have more treatments. They are waiting for her most recent test results to come back so they can determine which strain of Lyme’s needs to be treated next.
· Joyce Bocock continues to do well. Prayers for continued improvement and relief from pain are appreciated.
· 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

Follow us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/First-Baptist-Church-of-South-Haven-118136484800/

Visit our website:

http://www.southhavenfbc.com/