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First Baptist Church, South Haven
Worship Gathering: 12/28/2025
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.comLive 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-118136484800Online
View today's message later this week on our YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQahojNwyPo2LMn-ctTG8AWeekly Bulletin
View this week's bulletin including general announcements and weekly prayer requests by clicking here.
https://www.southhavenfbc.com/weekly-bulletinsPrayer 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
Light in a Dark World
John 12:46
Pastor Jerry Koller
John 12:46
Pastor Jerry Koller
The Apostle John uses the term “light” more than any other New Testament author.
Having spent three to three and a half years with Jesus, in verse 4 of chapter one, John is able to declare:
John will use the concepts of light and darkness to illustrate the difference: between truth and error
• between spiritual life and death
• between God’s ways and the world’s ways
• between spiritual sight and spiritual blindness
• between spiritual life and death
• between spiritual life and death
• between God’s ways and the world’s ways
• between spiritual sight and spiritual blindness
• between spiritual life and death
Darkness has to do with ignorance of divine things.
• It also has to do with wickedness.
• The word “shines” expresses the idea of giving light, of shining forth, of becoming visible, or being made manifest.
• Darkness neither comprehends nor overpowers the Light, the incarnate Word. The word “comprehend” means just that.
• It also has to do with wickedness.
• The word “shines” expresses the idea of giving light, of shining forth, of becoming visible, or being made manifest.
• Darkness neither comprehends nor overpowers the Light, the incarnate Word. The word “comprehend” means just that.
That means darkness can’t comprehend or understand spiritual things and it cannot overpower spiritual truth.
In this statement of truth, there are some significant things of which we should be aware.
• The word “remain” means to continue in a certain state.
• Because Jesus came “into the world,” we can believe the world was in a state of darkness when He came.
• The word “remain” means to continue in a certain state.
• Because Jesus came “into the world,” we can believe the world was in a state of darkness when He came.
When did the darkness come about?
What happened to the light?
• God would have had to allow the light to stop shining so that darkness
• God would have had to allow the light to stop shining so that darkness
God’s solution to the darkness is to send the Light.
Light is the primary biblical image for God’s self-disclosure.
Light reflects who God is.
• It reflects His essence; His being.
• It reflects His purity.
• It reflects His truth.
• It reflects His transforming power.
Therefore, whenever light appears, darkness is either exposed or dispelled.
• It reflects His essence; His being.
• It reflects His purity.
• It reflects His truth.
• It reflects His transforming power.
Therefore, whenever light appears, darkness is either exposed or dispelled.
The Apostle Paul addressed the light versus darkness truth.
The imagery Paul uses seems to come from the creation account itself. Then God said, “Let there be light.” (Genesis 1:3a)
Order has come. (see Eph. 5:8; John 12:46; John 8:12)
Two key perspectives regarding the Light we have been given as believers in Christ.
The first perspective we should keep in mind is that because we are in Christ Jesus, there is a divine aspect to our relationship with God.
The second perspective we should keep in mind deals with our function as children of Light. So that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
APPLICATION
Not only has Light been passed on to those who are in Christ for salvation, this light is also passed on to us so that we would be lights of the world.
How do we do this? We do this by reflecting the light of Jesus that is within us.
This light is seen through good works. They are works that bring glory and honor to God the Father, through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Happy Birthday!
• Zoie Zantello (12/30)
• Isaac Tate (1/1)
• Max Foskett (1/2)
• Curt Bales (1/4)
• Isaac Tate (1/1)
• Max Foskett (1/2)
• Curt Bales (1/4)
Next Week’s Servants (1/4)
• Café Food: Annette Koller (casserole), Vasha Ferguson (donuts)
• Café Attendant: Allie Wilson
• Nursery: Abi Avery, Sandi Starland
• Sound Tech: Bill Foskett
• Video, Streaming & Camera Techs: Linda & Julie Newell, Tracy & Riley Marshall, Max Foskett
• Café Attendant: Allie Wilson
• Nursery: Abi Avery, Sandi Starland
• Sound Tech: Bill Foskett
• Video, Streaming & Camera Techs: Linda & Julie Newell, Tracy & Riley Marshall, Max Foskett
Summer Camp Scholarship Fundraiser
A special Christmas tree in the foyer is decorated with hand made offering envelopes to help raise funds for summer campers. These envelopes are marked with monetary amounts from $1-$100. If you'd like to make a donation to our Summer Camp scholarship fund, please take an envelope for the amount you'd like to donate and either drop it in the offering buckets at the back of the sanctuary or leave it on the desk in the office. You can take as many envelopes as you want, and of course donate whatever amount you wish.
Winter Weather is Here
Please use caution and extreme care when coming to church as the parking lot is very icy because of the cold temperatures. The front area by the main entrance/car port is ice free and recommended for drop-offs whenever possible. Also, if worship or other activities will be cancelled due to the weather, we will send an email, text, and post on Facebook. Please be sure to check your device before heading out.
💉🩸 Blood Drive: 1/15/2026 🩸💉
Thursday, 1/15/2026 | 12:30-5:30pm | First Baptist Church(in the main foyer, enter under the carport)
🖊 Sign-up today! It’s easy, and you'll feel great knowing you’ve made a difference!
🗓️ APPOINTMENTS PREFERRED, walk-ins welcomed.
✅ Call 866-642-5663 or sign-up online.
https://donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/11621109Annual Meeting: 1/18/2026
Our Annual Meeting will be held in the sanctuary on Sunday, January 18, immediately following the morning worship service. All members are encouraged and expected to participate if possible.
A PDF copy of the 2026 budget information has been emailed to all members. If you would like to have a paper copy, please contact the church office.
We will vote on the following:
1. Approval of the 2026 budget.
2. Affirmation of the 2026 Elder Ministry Team: Patty Bales, Dan Marshall, Alyssa Newell, and Doug Zantello.
3. Proposed By-Law change.
Because the meeting is expected to be fairly short, we will not have a potluck.
For questions or more information, please contact the church office.
A PDF copy of the 2026 budget information has been emailed to all members. If you would like to have a paper copy, please contact the church office.
We will vote on the following:
1. Approval of the 2026 budget.
2. Affirmation of the 2026 Elder Ministry Team: Patty Bales, Dan Marshall, Alyssa Newell, and Doug Zantello.
3. Proposed By-Law change.
Because the meeting is expected to be fairly short, we will not have a potluck.
For questions or more information, please contact the church office.
Hearing Assistance Devices Available
We have hearing assistance devices available during the morning worship service which 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.
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, debit/credit cards or Paypal, Venmo, Apple & Google Pay thru the church app!
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, debit/credit cards or Paypal, Venmo, Apple & Google Pay thru the church app!
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/southhavenfbcFBC 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
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
• 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
theology class
Wednesdays | 7:00-8:00pm | Main Foyer
• Closed course.
bible study
Thursdays | 9:30-11:30am | Conference Room
• Studying Joshua; open to new participants at any time.
• 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
• Blood Drive: Thursday, 1/15/2026 | 12:30-5:30pm | Main Foyer
• Annual Meeting: Sunday, 1/18/2026 | after worship | FBC Sanctuary
Sundays | 9:00-10:15am | Mission Cafe
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
• 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
theology class
Wednesdays | 7:00-8:00pm | Main Foyer
• Closed course.
bible study
Thursdays | 9:30-11:30am | Conference Room
• Studying Joshua; open to new participants at any time.
• 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
• Blood Drive: Thursday, 1/15/2026 | 12:30-5:30pm | Main Foyer
• Annual Meeting: Sunday, 1/18/2026 | after worship | FBC Sanctuary
• Mike Rooker is recovering from a hemorrhagic brain bleed and stroke.
• Carson Rooker is recovering from surgery to repair his clavicle that was broken in 3 places following a skiing accident.
• The family of former FBC Pastor Charles (Chuck) Williams who passed away on Sunday, 12/14
• The family of Marvin Hall (brother-in-law of Alice Avery & Judi Beckwith, uncle of Jason Avery & Kim Collins) who passed away on 12/9 in Missouri.
• Ginny Dorsey (Rhonda Dobberstein's mom) is recovering from sepsis and pneumonia; is very weak and needs to regain strength.
• Bruce Ferguson is being tested for prostate and bladder problems. Please pray that the results are negative and that the issues are not happening because of cancer.
• Jeff and Allie Wilson and their family upon the loss of Jeff's father, Gary Wilson, on 11/16 and Allie's uncle, Ray Harris, on 11/18.
• Sandi Cagle is having issues with her left shoulder and upper arm; please pray for healing as well as that the issues don’t spread to her right arm.
• Sandi Cagle’s mother is recovering from a fall and surgery for a broken wrist.
• Jett (13-year-old son of Tracy Marshall’s friend, Carrie) is recovering from a motocross accident. Also please keep Carrie’s mental and emotional well-being in prayer. Her mother is undergoing aggressive treatment for stage 4 colon cancer that requires overnight stays in Chicago every two weeks (that Carrie takes her to) and she has 4 children at home, all under 13.
• Judy Niekirk (Mike's mom) is recovering from surgery for renal cell carcinoma. She is recovering well, but the cancer has spread. She is waiting for an oncology appointment to be scheduled.
• Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.
• Carson Rooker is recovering from surgery to repair his clavicle that was broken in 3 places following a skiing accident.
• The family of former FBC Pastor Charles (Chuck) Williams who passed away on Sunday, 12/14
• The family of Marvin Hall (brother-in-law of Alice Avery & Judi Beckwith, uncle of Jason Avery & Kim Collins) who passed away on 12/9 in Missouri.
• Ginny Dorsey (Rhonda Dobberstein's mom) is recovering from sepsis and pneumonia; is very weak and needs to regain strength.
• Bruce Ferguson is being tested for prostate and bladder problems. Please pray that the results are negative and that the issues are not happening because of cancer.
• Jeff and Allie Wilson and their family upon the loss of Jeff's father, Gary Wilson, on 11/16 and Allie's uncle, Ray Harris, on 11/18.
• Sandi Cagle is having issues with her left shoulder and upper arm; please pray for healing as well as that the issues don’t spread to her right arm.
• Sandi Cagle’s mother is recovering from a fall and surgery for a broken wrist.
• Jett (13-year-old son of Tracy Marshall’s friend, Carrie) is recovering from a motocross accident. Also please keep Carrie’s mental and emotional well-being in prayer. Her mother is undergoing aggressive treatment for stage 4 colon cancer that requires overnight stays in Chicago every two weeks (that Carrie takes her to) and she has 4 children at home, all under 13.
• Judy Niekirk (Mike's mom) is recovering from surgery for renal cell carcinoma. She is recovering well, but the cancer has spread. She is waiting for an oncology appointment to be scheduled.
• 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