First Baptist Church, South Haven
Worship Gathering: 5/25/2025
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
A Crown of Life
James 1:9-12
Pastor Jerry Koller
James 1:9-12
Pastor Jerry Koller
In verses 9 and 10, two groups of individuals are mentioned: the brother of humble circumstances and the rich person. The context can be seen as one of the most universal trials that humanity faces—financial adversity.
The people (brother) of humble circumstances - more literally, of a humble station in life.
• This is a person whose social or professional position is not particularly high, prestigious, or influential.
• It indicates a modest or a low standing in society, often implying simplicity or lacking in material possessions. It would be a position that is insignificant in the world’s eyes—lowly, relatively poor and powerless.
• This is a person whose social or professional position is not particularly high, prestigious, or influential.
• It indicates a modest or a low standing in society, often implying simplicity or lacking in material possessions. It would be a position that is insignificant in the world’s eyes—lowly, relatively poor and powerless.
To these individuals, James advises that they should glory in their high position. Glory encompasses the idea of boasting.
• Not the kind that is a result of pride.
• It is focused on being in Christ.
• Not the kind that is a result of pride.
• It is focused on being in Christ.
The word boast here in 1 Corinthians is the same as in James 1:9 where it is translated glory.
In verse 10, James addresses the other group: the rich.
• In this comparison, James does not criticize or condemn the rich.
• When it comes to adversities, wealth does not ensure that an individual never faces them.
• Just because someone is poor does not mean their poorness will save them any more than one’s financial prosperity can buy eternal life.
• In this comparison, James does not criticize or condemn the rich.
• When it comes to adversities, wealth does not ensure that an individual never faces them.
• Just because someone is poor does not mean their poorness will save them any more than one’s financial prosperity can buy eternal life.
The word translated “humble circumstance” in verse 9 and the word translated “in his humiliation” in verse 10 come from the same word group or root. Both have to do with humility. Both come to Christ in the same way.
In regard to the rich, James uses a very powerful metaphor that would have been understood by anyone reading his letter:
The point is, like flowers on flowering grass, a rich man’s wealth does not last forever.
The word pursuits here have to do with ways, with a journey or an undertaking.
Financial or social status does not exempt a person from undergoing various trials.
James never gives the impression that it will be easy. He never implies that the trials will never seem overwhelming or unbearable.
• The word blessed can mean fortunate or privileged.
• Fortunate means supremely favored.
• Privileged means confined to an exclusive group.
• Fortunate means supremely favored.
• Privileged means confined to an exclusive group.
Blessed reflects a deep sense of spiritual joy and contentment that comes from a right relationship with God.
“Persevere” means he or she bears up under the trial.
Perseverance leads to approval. By inference, the approval comes from God
• The individuals that have been tested and proven to be reliable or worthy.
• They meet divine standards.
• The individuals that have been tested and proven to be reliable or worthy.
• They meet divine standards.
Happy Birthday!
• Camille Tate (5/28)
• Lauren Koller (5/29)
• Lauren Koller (5/29)
Happy Anniversary!
• Rocky & Sandi Starland (5/27, 53 years)
Next Week’s Servants (6/1)
• Café Bakers: Tina Wilburn (casserole) | Don Jenks (donuts)
• Café Attendant: Tina Wilburn
• Nursery: Connie Hollis, Allie Wilson
• Sound Tech: Don Jenks
• Video, Streaming & Camera Techs: Linda & Julie Newell, Tracy & Riley Marshall, Max Foskett
• Café Attendant: Tina Wilburn
• Nursery: Connie Hollis, Allie Wilson
• Sound Tech: Don Jenks
• Video, Streaming & Camera Techs: Linda & Julie Newell, Tracy & Riley Marshall, Max Foskett
Workday Cancelled: 5/25
We will not hold the workday that was previously scheduled for today due to a variety of circumstances and the holiday weekend.
Attention Graduates
As we prepare to recognize our college and high school graduates this year, we want to be sure that we don’t miss anybody. If you will be graduating, please contact the church office ASAP. Also, if you let us know when your graduation open house is, we would be more than happy to publish it in upcoming bulletins. We are planning to recognize our graduates during the morning worship service on Sunday, June 1. For questions or more info, contact Kim in the office.
4th of July Freedom Celebration | **Extra Help Needed**
Pastor Jerry will be recovering from surgery, and we will need extra help to do some of the things that he normally does in order to pull off our hot dog giveaway during the fireworks. We need people to:
• Load the van during the day on Wednesday, July 2. A list will be provided.
• Drive the church van and roaster trailer to the designated spot at Kid’s Korner between 11:00pm and 12:00am Wednesday night, July 2.
• Stake off the area we will use in the park on Thursday morning, July 3, between 6:00-7:00am.
• Go to the park between 4:30-5:00pm for setup.
• Return the van and roaster back to the church after the fireworks (which typically requires waiting to move until traffic has significantly cleared so the van and trailer can be easily maneuvered.
If you are available and interested in serving in any of these ways, please contact the church office ASAP and no later than Sunday, June 8, so we can proceed with planning. Additional help will be needed as usual to cook, wrap, and serve hot dogs and that info will be coming soon if we get the above tasks covered and can proceed with hosting the event this year.
• Load the van during the day on Wednesday, July 2. A list will be provided.
• Drive the church van and roaster trailer to the designated spot at Kid’s Korner between 11:00pm and 12:00am Wednesday night, July 2.
• Stake off the area we will use in the park on Thursday morning, July 3, between 6:00-7:00am.
• Go to the park between 4:30-5:00pm for setup.
• Return the van and roaster back to the church after the fireworks (which typically requires waiting to move until traffic has significantly cleared so the van and trailer can be easily maneuvered.
If you are available and interested in serving in any of these ways, please contact the church office ASAP and no later than Sunday, June 8, so we can proceed with planning. Additional help will be needed as usual to cook, wrap, and serve hot dogs and that info will be coming soon if we get the above tasks covered and can proceed with hosting the event this year.
Church Workdays: Sunday, 6/29
Please mark your calendars and plan to join us after worship for our Church Workday as we do some spring cleaning and maintenance around our campus. Jobs will be both indoors and outside, so please dress accordingly. Lunch will be provided after worship, and we'll work until 2:00pm. For questions or more information, 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
• 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
• Church Workday: 6/29 | after worship - 2pm
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
• 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
• Church Workday: 6/29 | after worship - 2pm
• Susan Seitz is at home recovering from a successful SI Joint fusion (Sacroiliac) surgery.
• Miriam Bryant & Family upon the loss of her sister, Edna Fruge, on 4/16.
• Vincent Bryant (Miriam Bryant's son) is recovering from foot surgery.
• Jeremy Price is recovering from back surgery.
· Marialice Quinn (former FBC member) has completed cancer treatments and will have a follow up MRI in a few weeks.
• Bill Foskett Sr. (Bill Foskett's dad) was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a rare aggressive cancer in muscle cells. Praise God that surgery to remove the cancer is all that is required for treatment.
• James Thomas (friend of Bruce & Vasha Ferguson) has been diagnosed with ascites; a very serious disease often associated with cirrhosis.
• Louann Pranger (Tracy Marshall's mom) continues to recover from a C Diff infection
• Derrick (grandson of Bruce & Vasha Ferguson) is recovering from a stroke.
• Beth Bocock continues to recover from ulcerative colitis.
• Judy Jones (wife of Pastor Grady Jones/friend of Pastor Jerry) has cancer.
• Lennon McKamey (son of Kyle & Sarah) needs surgery on his shoulder. Please pray that preparing for surgery goes smoothly.
• Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.
• Miriam Bryant & Family upon the loss of her sister, Edna Fruge, on 4/16.
• Vincent Bryant (Miriam Bryant's son) is recovering from foot surgery.
• Jeremy Price is recovering from back surgery.
· Marialice Quinn (former FBC member) has completed cancer treatments and will have a follow up MRI in a few weeks.
• Bill Foskett Sr. (Bill Foskett's dad) was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a rare aggressive cancer in muscle cells. Praise God that surgery to remove the cancer is all that is required for treatment.
• James Thomas (friend of Bruce & Vasha Ferguson) has been diagnosed with ascites; a very serious disease often associated with cirrhosis.
• Louann Pranger (Tracy Marshall's mom) continues to recover from a C Diff infection
• Derrick (grandson of Bruce & Vasha Ferguson) is recovering from a stroke.
• Beth Bocock continues to recover from ulcerative colitis.
• Judy Jones (wife of Pastor Grady Jones/friend of Pastor Jerry) has cancer.
• Lennon McKamey (son of Kyle & Sarah) needs surgery on his shoulder. Please pray that preparing for surgery goes smoothly.
• 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