First Baptist Church, South Haven
Worship Gathering: 10/19/2025
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
Speak No Evil
James 4:11-12
Pastor Jerry Koller
James 4:11-12
Pastor Jerry Koller
Reminder: James is writing to believers, to the Church of Jesus Christ who is scattered throughout the Roman empire because of persecution.
• Do not speak against one another,
• NIV: …do not slander one another.
• ESV: …do not speak evil against one another.
• Do not speak against one another,
• NIV: …do not slander one another.
• ESV: …do not speak evil against one another.
The phrase “speak not against,” or “do not speak against” carries with it the idea of making accusations or leveling charges against someone.
• These charges or accusations are unfavorable.
• It includes malice which is the intent or desire to do evil to someone.
• The malicious intent of such speech is to attack the good name and reputation of someone.
• These charges or accusations are unfavorable.
• It includes malice which is the intent or desire to do evil to someone.
• The malicious intent of such speech is to attack the good name and reputation of someone.
In the Greco-Roman world, a person’s name and reputation functioned as social currency. (see Acts 22:25-28)
A good reputation, could be a valuable asset, while dishonor could destroy an individual and their family.
He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; (James 4:11b)
• The word judge can mean to form a critical opinion.
• Judge can also mean to put someone or something on trial or preside over a case like a trial judge in a court of law.
• In verse 11, the words judge and judges also has to do with calling to account or pronouncing a sentence on someone like in a court of law.
• The word judge can mean to form a critical opinion.
• Judge can also mean to put someone or something on trial or preside over a case like a trial judge in a court of law.
• In verse 11, the words judge and judges also has to do with calling to account or pronouncing a sentence on someone like in a court of law.
James has mentioned the law in 6 verses prior to this one.
• James 1:26 – A reference to the royal law: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
• James 2:12 – A reference to the law of liberty.
• James 1:26 – A reference to the royal law: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
• James 2:12 – A reference to the law of liberty.
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge…(James 4:12a)
• The Lawgiver is God.
• It is the Lawgiver, the Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; (James 4:12b)
• Based on this context, “destroy” has to do with eternal misery.
• The Lawgiver is God.
• It is the Lawgiver, the Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; (James 4:12b)
• Based on this context, “destroy” has to do with eternal misery.
Because there is One who saves and destroys, because there is only One Lawgiver and Judge, James asks: But who are you who judge your neighbor? (James 4:12c)
In His Sermon on the Mount, a great teaching about kingdom living, Jesus talked about judging. Here is what He said. Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. (Matt. 7:1-2)
• The word Matthew uses for judge is the same word James used in today’s passage.
• The word Matthew uses for judge is the same word James used in today’s passage.
Ten verses later, Jesus said:
In other words, this is the summary of the Gospel.
APPLICATION
This is not an issue of discerning between right and wrong. It is not about taking a stand for what you believe is right. This is about exercising a prerogative that is God’s and God’s alone.
Let’s be devoted to one another.
Let us build up one another.
Let us admonish one another.
Let us care for one another.
Let us edify one another. (see Eph. 4:29)
Let us serve one another.
Let’s bear one another’s burdens.
Let’s be kind to one another.
Let’s comfort and encourage one another.
Let’s live in peace with one another.
Let us serve one another.
Let us build up one another.
Let us admonish one another.
Let us care for one another.
Let us edify one another. (see Eph. 4:29)
Let us serve one another.
Let’s bear one another’s burdens.
Let’s be kind to one another.
Let’s comfort and encourage one another.
Let’s live in peace with one another.
Let us serve one another.
Happy Birthday!
• Tom Craig (10/20)
• Rocky Starland (10/21)
• Pat Fitton (10/23)
• Rocky Starland (10/21)
• Pat Fitton (10/23)
Happy Anniversary!
• Curt & Patty Bales (10/20, 24 years)
• Rob & Brandy Zantello (10/25, 22 years)
• Rob & Brandy Zantello (10/25, 22 years)
Next Week’s Servants (10/26)
• Café Bakers: Marge Parmenter (casserole) | Jean Robinson (pumpkin bread)
• Café Attendant: Marge Parmenter
• Nursery: Abi Avery, Annette Koller
• Sound Tech: Don Jenks
• Video, Streaming & Camera Techs: Linda & Julie Newell, Tracy & Riley Marshall, Max Foskett
• Café Attendant: Marge Parmenter
• Nursery: Abi Avery, Annette Koller
• Sound Tech: Don Jenks
• Video, Streaming & Camera Techs: Linda & Julie Newell, Tracy & Riley Marshall, Max Foskett
Prayer Initiative
If you'd like to be part of our prayer initiative, please sign up in the foyer or see Pastor Jerry.
Pumpkinfest: Thursday, 10/30
WHEN? Thursday, October 30
TIME? 6:30—8:00 pm
WHO? Kids ages 2 yrs. old-5th grade
(All Children Must Be Accompanied by an Adult age 18 or older)
WHERE? FBC gym
WHAT? PumpkinFest provides a FREE festive, carnival-type atmosphere INDOORS. Kids and their parents can enjoy an evening of FREE games, food and treats (no tricks!). Hot coffee, popcorn, and cotton candy will be served. If the weather is rainy or cold, this is a great alternative to trick-or-treating! Or stop by after you’re finished trick-or-treating, have more fun and get more candy! This is a children’s event and costumes should be “G” rated—please no scary or violent attire. SIGN-UP IN THE FOYER SOON AND LET US KNOW HOW YOU WILL HELP!
TIME? 6:30—8:00 pm
WHO? Kids ages 2 yrs. old-5th grade
(All Children Must Be Accompanied by an Adult age 18 or older)
WHERE? FBC gym
WHAT? PumpkinFest provides a FREE festive, carnival-type atmosphere INDOORS. Kids and their parents can enjoy an evening of FREE games, food and treats (no tricks!). Hot coffee, popcorn, and cotton candy will be served. If the weather is rainy or cold, this is a great alternative to trick-or-treating! Or stop by after you’re finished trick-or-treating, have more fun and get more candy! This is a children’s event and costumes should be “G” rated—please no scary or violent attire. SIGN-UP IN THE FOYER SOON AND LET US KNOW HOW YOU WILL HELP!
Got Candy?
We need a LOT of it brought in for PumpkinFest! If possible, we are asking that each household bring in two or more bags of candy to church each Sunday through October 26. Please leave your candy bags in the pumpkin can outside the church office door. Thanks for your help!
Oktoberfest Celebration: 11/2
A Time to Give: Oktoberfest Offering On Sunday, November 2, we will receive a special Oktoberfest Offering. During our morning worship service, we will have an opportunity to present a monetary gift to God in thanksgiving for His abundant blessings and in joyful celebration of being a church who is committed to being what God wants us to be. We will receive an extremely important Oktoberfest Offering which will be used solely for payment of our building mortgage (annually about $36,000.00). Besides celebrating God’s goodness, our Oktoberfest Celebration will also be a time when we can recommit ourselves to fulfilling God’s calling “To Know Him and Make Him Known” and to the goal of living out our faith together. We are looking forward to what 2026 will bring as we see how God will use our building to impact the lives of others in our community. If you are unable to join us for the service, we hope you’ll consider either mailing or making an online contribution ahead of time. Your offering is vital to our ability to pay the mortgage. We thank you for prayerfully considering how you can contribute. A Time of Fellowship Following our worship service on November 2, we will enjoy a time of food and fellowship with a Potluck Dinner. Please bring a main/side dish AND a dessert to share that feeds at least 10-12 people. A Time to Help If you’re able to help with the potluck (set-up, serving, and/or clean-up), please SIGN-UP HERE or contact Kim Collins.
https://southhavenfbc.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/2b621712-4e48-474f-85fc-e5705926c000Trivia Night: 11/22
Saturday, November 22 | 6:00-9:00pm | Upstairs at FBC
We invite you to join us for our annual Fall Trivia Night, featuring all new categories, as we raise funds for mission projects.
* $100 per table. (Proceeds benefit True Vine Equestrian Center)
* 8-10 people per table
(Table hosts will coordinate or bring snacks and drinks for their group)
* Heads or Tails: 2 Rounds/ $5 to play each
* $1 mulligans - up to 10 per table.
* Door Prizes and More!
* Childcare is available.
* For questions or more info, contact the church office southhavenfbc@gmail.com269-637-1291.
https://southhavenfbc.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/a0c137b1-18d9-44a1-8568-f63a14bf704dHearing 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
• Pumpkinfest 2025: Thursday, 10/30 | 6:30-8:00 PM | FBC Gym
(*NOTE: This event is not on Halloween this year*)
• Oktoberfest Celebration: Sunday, 11/2 | during worship
• Trivia Night: Saturday, 11/8 | 6:00-9:00pm | Upstairs at FBC
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
• Pumpkinfest 2025: Thursday, 10/30 | 6:30-8:00 PM | FBC Gym
(*NOTE: This event is not on Halloween this year*)
• Oktoberfest Celebration: Sunday, 11/2 | during worship
• Trivia Night: Saturday, 11/8 | 6:00-9:00pm | Upstairs at FBC
· Matt Jenks (Don & Deb Jenks’ son) is at home recovering following a medical issue and brief hospitalization. He will follow up with his primary care doctor.
· Mike & Amy Niekirk and their family upon the loss of Amy's father, Robert Kusick, on 9/28 in Illinois.
· Judy Niekirk (Mike's mom) has been diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma. They are determining treatment options.
· Marialice Quinn (former member of FBC) is continuing treatment for cancer and continued prayers during this time are greatly appreciated
• Penny Cornet (Rocky Starland's Aunt in Cypress, CA) at a rehab facility for therapy to regain strength.
• Vasha Ferguson is recovering from hand surgery for carpal tunnel.
• Vince Bryant (Miriam Bryant’s son) is recovering from foot surgery.
• Beth Bocock continues to recover from ulcerative colitis.
• Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.
· Mike & Amy Niekirk and their family upon the loss of Amy's father, Robert Kusick, on 9/28 in Illinois.
· Judy Niekirk (Mike's mom) has been diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma. They are determining treatment options.
· Marialice Quinn (former member of FBC) is continuing treatment for cancer and continued prayers during this time are greatly appreciated
• Penny Cornet (Rocky Starland's Aunt in Cypress, CA) at a rehab facility for therapy to regain strength.
• Vasha Ferguson is recovering from hand surgery for carpal tunnel.
• Vince Bryant (Miriam Bryant’s son) is recovering from foot surgery.
• Beth Bocock continues to recover from ulcerative colitis.
• 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