First Baptist Church, South Haven
Worship Gathering: 10/26/2025
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
Correct Planning
James 4:13-17
Pastor Jerry Koller
James 4:13-17
Pastor Jerry Koller
There is nothing wrong with planning. In fact, it’s good to plan. I personally don’t know how anyone can muddle through life by the seat of their pants. Life, to a certain extent, takes planning. Even those who choose not to plan, plan. They simply plan not to plan.
In verse 13, James uses a hypothetical situation. It includes either individuals, or groups of individuals. The plan is to engage in business for at least a year. The overall goal is to make a profit.
The phrase “engage in business” means to carry out or participate in some kind of activity.
• We need to be careful that we do not take a 21st century understanding of engaging in business and read it into the text.
• We need to be careful that we do not take a 21st century understanding of engaging in business and read it into the text.
The phrase “make a profit” has a different meaning than our typical understanding today.
• They would have viewed an exchange as profitable if they were able to trade up, which is what this word means.
• They would have viewed an exchange as profitable if they were able to trade up, which is what this word means.
The idea was to trade what may be considered mediocre (on their part) for something that was considered better.
We would typically think of a year as consisting of twelve months or 365 days.
• In their understanding, a year was a description of some kind of cycle or an extended period of time.
• In their understanding, a year was a description of some kind of cycle or an extended period of time.
The problem is, God is left out of the picture. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that." (James 4:15)
• The phrase “we shall live” deals with the plan that was made even though the planners had no idea what their lives would be like tomorrow.
• The phrase “we shall live” deals with the plan that was made even though the planners had no idea what their lives would be like tomorrow.
But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; (James 4:16a)
• The word arrogance means overbearing pride.
• The word arrogance means overbearing pride.
Jesus illustrates the truth that no one can guarantee that they will live another day in the parable of the rich farmer. See Luke 12:16-20
How to view the unknown amount of time we have left to live: So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)
• The phrase “number our days” has to do with being fully aware of how brief our life actually is and how we have no idea how many more days of life we have left.
• It has to do with understanding.
It has to do with living each day we have on this planet in a way that is pleasing and glorifying to God.
• The phrase “number our days” has to do with being fully aware of how brief our life actually is and how we have no idea how many more days of life we have left.
• It has to do with understanding.
It has to do with living each day we have on this planet in a way that is pleasing and glorifying to God.
To do this, we need wisdom from above.
APPLICATION
I suggest to you that if we want make plans in our lives correctly, we need to develop an "If the Lord Wills" mentality.
“If the Lord wills!” recognizes and acknowledges that our God is a sovereign God.
“If the Lord wills!” recognizes and acknowledges that our God is the giver and keeper of life.
“If the Lord wills!” acknowledges our standing before a holy God.
“If the Lord wills!” reflects our humility and dependence upon Him.
“If the Lord wills!” must be followed with “I will do it.”
Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.
Happy Birthday!
• Renee Goff (10/29)
• Ed Newell (10/30)
• Ed Newell (10/30)
Next Week’s Servants (11/2)
• Café Bakers: Patty Bales (casserole) | Larry Dobberstein (donuts)
• Café Attendant: Tina Wilburn
• Nursery: Abi Avery, Bocock Family
• Sound Tech: Gabe Bocock
• Video, Streaming & Camera Techs: Linda & Julie Newell, Tracy & Riley Marshall, Max Foskett
• Café Attendant: Tina Wilburn
• Nursery: Abi Avery, Bocock Family
• Sound Tech: Gabe Bocock
• Video, Streaming & Camera Techs: Linda & Julie Newell, Tracy & Riley Marshall, Max Foskett
LAST CHANCE—Prayer Initiative
If you'd like to be part of our prayer initiative, you must sign-up in the foyer TODAY.
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!
HELP STILL NEEDED:
• 2 game hosts
• 2 people to make popcorn
• 2 people to make coffee and serve beverages
• person to be a floater/break reliever
Sign-up in the foyer or contact Kim in the church office and let her know how you’ll 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!
HELP STILL NEEDED:
• 2 game hosts
• 2 people to make popcorn
• 2 people to make coffee and serve beverages
• person to be a floater/break reliever
Sign-up in the foyer or contact Kim in the church office and let her know how you’ll 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