by pastorhall | Sep 30, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
“PRAY FOR RAIN!” “Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone.” Zechariah 10:1 (NIV) Among all of the perils that confront us, in some places such as...
by pastorhall | Sep 23, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
“GOD LOVES YOU!” “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Jesus spoke these words in the context of his discussion with Nicodemus which the Apostle John...
by sjmbcadmin | Sep 23, 2021 | Bereavement
SIs. Paulette Preston’s father (Ernest Palmer) passed, on September 12th at the age of 100 (and 5 months). The Funeral Service will be Tuesday, September 28th at 11:00 a.m. at the Wilson & Kratzer Mortuary, 455 24th Street, Richmond, California. The...
by pastorhall | Sep 16, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
“WHAT GOD EXPECTS FROM EACH BELIEVER” Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority [power] in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the...
by sjmbcadmin | Sep 15, 2021 | Bereavement
SIs. Shica Worley (the wife of Min. Bahati Worley) needs our prayers because her mother, Vikki Brown, passed Sunday, September 12th. Funeral arrangements are pending. Condolences may be sent to: Please pray for Sis. Shica Worley and her family. Thank You. Your...
by pastorhall | Sep 9, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
“BECAUSE THE LORD IS” “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 As believers, we can truthfully say so much that is wonderful about the Lord. David testified in Psalm 27:1...
by pastorhall | Sep 2, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
“GOD WILL UPHOLD THEE” “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10 Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, our...
by sjmbcadmin | Sep 2, 2021 | Bereavement
Sis. Katherine Alonzo’s brother (Joseph A. Lewis) passed today, September 1st in Sacramento, California. Funeral arrangements are pending. Please pray for Sis. Alonzo and her...
by pastorhall | Aug 26, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
“The Righteous Have God’s Favor” Psalm 34:15-17 15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The righteous are people who have the right relationship with God which is through faith in Jesus Christ. The righteous put God...
by pastorhall | Aug 26, 2021 | Membership News
We praise God for blessing Sis. Zodia Jordan to celebrate her 90th birthday on August 12, 2021. We pray that God will continue to bless her and keep her in good health for many more years. “Mother Jordan,” we love you and thank God for you. Your Servant...
by pastorhall | Aug 19, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
Our Hope Is In The Lord Psalm 85:4-9 (KJV) 4 Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease. God is love, but the sins of humanity can cause God to become angry with people. This world is so corrupt! As in the days of the Bible, God will...
by pastorhall | Aug 12, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
“And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the...
by sjmbcadmin | Aug 7, 2021 | Bereavement
1. Deacon Rudolph (Rudy) Johnson passed. 2. The father of Deacon Calvin Edwards passed. Please pray for the Johnson and Edwards families. Thank...
by pastorhall | Aug 5, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
Greetings to each of you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Although we are truly blessed, we are also living in perilous and unprecedented times. We are told that we are amidst a pandemic that has affected the entire world. As your pastor, I...
by pastorhall | Jul 29, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
God’s Word “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22 One of the greatest challenges for believers is to be “doers of the word.” People can easily talk, but walking what we talk about is more arduous. To be “doers of...
by sjmbcadmin | Jul 29, 2021 | Bereavement
Sis. Francis Carter’s sister (Steen Atkins) passed today, July 27th. Please pray for Sis. Francis Carter and her family. Thank You. Your Servant In Christ, Dr. Kevin B. Hall,...
by pastorhall | Jul 22, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
“Believers Having The Mind Of Christ” (Philippians 2:5-11) 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a...
by pastorhall | Jul 16, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) A Change Of Plan I greet each of you as God’s servant in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and...
by pastorhall | Jul 15, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19). Greetings to each of you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. In my 34 years as a pastor...
by pastorhall | Jul 8, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
“This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” (Psalm 118:23) Greetings to each of you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. I am so grateful to God for all that He is doing. Since the reopening of our church (almost 5 weeks ago), God...
by pastorhall | Jul 1, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
By the grace of God, we have now begun the second half of the year which means that half of the year is already behind us. We are so thankful to God that we are still alive, for the Lord has blessed and sustained us which has been my constant prayer. As a...
by pastorhall | Jun 24, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
What a mighty God we serve! Despite all of the perils of this world, by the grace of God, we are still alive! We want to do all that we can to experience quality living, so we encourage everyone to be conscientious concerning our well-being and safety. As of June...
by pastorhall | Jun 17, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
Greetings to each of you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. In these unprecedented times, people are faced with many challenges and forced to make many adjustments. Nobody envisioned most of the world, even churches, being shut down 15 months ago, but...
by pastorhall | Jun 10, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Acts 20:28 Paul summoned the elders of the church of Ephesus, and he commanded...
by pastorhall | Jun 3, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
By the grace of God, we have entered into a new month. June is the month for a lot of congregations, including St. John, to return to corporate worship. At St. John, our facilities have been closed for 14 ½ months, so many of us are excited about reopening this...
by pastorhall | May 27, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
Greetings to each of you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Truly, God has brought us from a mighty long way, and we give Him all the glory! As succinctly as possible, let me address six major ecclesiastical concerns. 1. CHURCH REOPENING We are...
by pastorhall | May 20, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
I greet each of you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Let’s get right to the point in regards to subjects that concern us. CHURCH REOPENING If God wills, we are preparing for two Worship Celebrations on the 1st Sunday of June (June 6th): The North...
by sjmbcadmin | May 19, 2021 | Bereavement
Sis. Betty Marshall passed, and she was the sister of Mother Geraldine Johnson, Mother Annie Johnson, Sis. Dolores Rollins and Bro. Gary Briggs. Also, she was the aunt, relative, and loved one of many. The viewing will be Thursday, May 27th (12-2 pm) at the Wilson...
by pastorhall | May 13, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
WE NEED TO WORSHIP TOGETHER “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb. 10:25 – ESV).The writer of Hebrews was exhorting believers not to become like some who...
by pastorhall | May 6, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
Greetings to each of you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. By the grace of God, we are alive to witness the month of May, and we have so much to thank God and to entreat God for. VOLUNTEERS AT THE NORTH CAMPUS We thank God for many of you who served...
by sjmbcadmin | May 6, 2021 | Bereavement
Sis. Mary Simmons’ sister (Margie Hubbard) passed yesterday, May 4th. Sis. Candy Anderson’s sister (Fledia Terry-Duke of Richmond) passed. Please pray for Sis. Candy Anderson, Sis. Mary Simmons, and their...
by sjmbcadmin | Apr 30, 2021 | Bereavement
Min. Peggy Alexander and Sis. Tammy Brown’s brother (Archie Webster, Jr.) passed. He was also the uncle of Sis. Alandria Webster. Please pray for...
by sjmbcadmin | Apr 30, 2021 | Bereavement, Membership News
Greetings to each of you: I am scheduled to share Words of Comfort at Mother Vera Winston’s Homegoing Celebration Sunday, May 2nd at the Chapel of the Chimes (4499 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611). Viewing: 2:00 – 3:00 PM Service: 3:00 –...
by pastorhall | Apr 29, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” By the grace of God, we are alive to witness the completion of another month. Many who began this month with us are not alive today, but we are still alive; therefore, we...
by pastorhall | Apr 22, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
LET’S LABOR TOGETHER Matthew 9:37-38 (KJV) 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Greetings to each of you in...
by sjmbcadmin | Apr 21, 2021 | Bereavement
Sis. Delores Murray-Hill’s husband (Levi Hill) passed, and the funeral arrangements are pending. Mother Vera Winston passed, and the funeral arrangements are pending. Please pray for the Hill and Winston families.
by pastorhall | Apr 15, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
“REACHING OTHERS FOR CHRIST” Luke 10:30-37 (KJV) 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there...
by pastorhall | Apr 8, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE! Psalm 95:3-6 Reads: 3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. 5 The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry...
by pastorhall | Apr 1, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
“KEEP PRESSING ON!” Philippians 3:13-14 Reads: 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of...
by sjmbcadmin | Mar 28, 2021 | Membership News
To All St. John Members & Friends: Our church is committed to assist people in many ways, especially during this pandemic. We made attempts to host and be a vaccination site but were told to try again at a later date. If you have influence with people in...
by pastorhall | Mar 25, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
TOGETHER WE CAN! Greetings to each of you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. I often reflect and apply to my life (especially when faced with a challenge) Philippians 4:13 which reads: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” ...
by pastorhall | Mar 18, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
GET INVOLVED! In life, people should strive to make a difference, but we cannot make a difference by being spectators and naysayers. I challenge each of us to get involved! Let’s consider some areas where our involvement is needed. First, we still need a lot of...
by sjmbcadmin | Mar 18, 2021 | Bereavement, Membership News
Sis. Adrianne White-Gilmer passed Wednesday, March 10, 2021. She was the mother of Sis. April Jabbaar ‘s (Gilmer) and the daughter of Sis. Effie White.
by pastorhall | Mar 11, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
Greetings to each of you, my beloved, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. God has blessed us to still be alive as we proceed through the third month of the year, and we extol Him highly for His grace and mercy. Your participation and support are needed...
by sjmbcadmin | Mar 4, 2021 | Uncategorized
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.…” (2 Corinthians 13:5) As we are already in the third month of the year, we should examine ourselves to ensure that we are on the right road. Doing the following faithfully amid this pandemic...
by pastorhall | Feb 25, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
FROM THEN TO NOW By the grace of God, we are alive to witness February which is Black History Month. In the last three weeks, we discussed how Black History Month emanated, we highlighted the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and we accentuated the life of Rosa...
by sjmbcadmin | Feb 25, 2021 | Bereavement
Sis. Audrey Shivers’ Brother (Mr. Paul Marigney) passed Monday, February 22, 2021. Funeral arrangements are pending
by sjmbcadmin | Feb 19, 2021 | Bereavement
Mother Ruth Thomas’ Brother (John Foxhall–also the uncle of Sis. Robin Thomas) passed Thursday, February 11, 2021.
by sjmbcadmin | Feb 18, 2021 | Bereavement, Membership News
Sis. Laquita Madison’s Father (Mr. Michael Madison, Sr.) passed Monday, February 16, 2021. Please pray for the Madison Family.
by pastorhall | Feb 18, 2021 | The Pastor's Desk
“For We Walk By Faith, Not By Sight” (2 Cor. 5:7) February Is Black History Month! We began this month discussing the history of Black History Month, and then last week we highlighted the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Today, let’s reflect on the life of one...
