The_Message_11-2025 by First Baptist Church of Chesterfield

"Lord,Youhavebeenourdwellingplacethroughoutallgenerations."

Psalm90:1 "Lord,Youhavebeenourdwellingplacethroughoutallgenerations." Psalm90:1

Notes from

GratefulforGraceThroughtheGenerations

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, my heart overflows with gratitude for God’s goodness, His faithfulness, and the unshakable joy that anchors us in every season. Over the past few months, our journey through Paul’s letter to the Church at Philippi has reminded us that true joy is not circumstantial but Christ-centered. Paul’s joy wasn’t rooted in comfort or success; it was grounded in his confidencethat“Hewhobeganagoodworkinyouwillcarryitonto completionuntilthedayofChristJesus”(Philippians1:6).

We've also been walking through Genesis 6–10, seeing how Noah trusted God when the world around him was filled with corruption and chaos. In an age of judgment, God provided an ark of grace. When the floodwaters receded, Noah’s first act was one of worship and gratitude, as he built an altar and gave thanks (Genesis 8:20). Gratitude was Noah’s response to grace, and it should be ours just thesame.

That same confidence and joy have carried FBCC for 179 years. Founded in 1846 by men and women who trusted God when the odds were against them, our church stands today as living proof of whatGodcandothroughafaithfulpeople. Whattheybuiltbyfaith, God has sustained by grace. And we know that He does all things well. We've also been walking through Genesis 6–10, seeing how Noah trusted God when the world around him was filled with corruption and chaos. In an age of judgment, God provided an ark of grace. When the floodwaters receded, Noah’s first act was one of worship and gratitude, as he built an altar and gave thanks (Genesis 8:20). Gratitude was Noah’s response to grace, and it should be ours just thesame.

Inmanyways,thestoryofNoahmirrorsourown:throughthestorms of history (i.e., wars, pandemics, cultural shifts, and personal trials), God has kept us afloat. Like Noah, we step onto new ground today, offering thanksgiving to the Lord who preserved us, purified us, and preparedusforthenextchapterofministry.

As we celebrate this 179 anniversary and gather around the Thanksgivingtable,let’sremember:

WegivethanksforwhatGodhasdone. WerejoiceinwhatGodisdoing. WetrustinwhatGodwillyetdo.

Our history is rich, our future is bright, and our joy is unshakable, becauseourhopeisinChrist! Maythisseasonrenew ourgratitudeanddeepenourcommitmenttolive asathankfulpeoplewithjoyfulhearts.

ToGodbethegloryforthethingsHehasdone!

InChrist’sLove, Pastor Chris InChrist’sLove, Pastor Chris

"Lord,Youhavebeenourdwellingplacethroughoutallgenerations. Psalm90:1(NIV) "Lord,Youhavebeenourdwellingplacethroughoutallgenerations. Psalm90:1(NIV)

IntroducingtheFirstBaptistChurchofChesterfield

History&LegacyCommittee

MissionStatement: “Topreserve,celebrate,andsharetherichhistoryofthe

First Baptist Church of Chesterfield by honoring the faith, sacrifices, and contributions of past and present members. Through research, storytelling, preservation, and creative expression, we seek to strengthen our congregation’s connection to its heritage and inspire future generations to continuethelegacyoffaithandservice.”

MissionStatement: “Topreserve,celebrate,andsharetherichhistoryofthe First Baptist Church of Chesterfield by honoring the faith, sacrifices, and contributions of past and present members. Through research, storytelling, preservation, and creative expression, we seek to strengthen our congregation’s connection to its heritage and inspire future generations to continuethelegacyoffaithandservice.”

Chair: RonaldMoore Co-C

1.ArtifactStorage&Ret

1.ArtifactStorage&Rete

Mission Statement: “To pr of our church by safeguar manner that honors thei accessibilityforpresentan

Mission Statement: “To pre of our church by safeguar manner that honors thei accessibilityforpresentand

Chair: LorettaRedmond

2.OralHistorySubcomm

Mission Statement: “To ca past and present member recorded interviews, writte living archive that reflec congregation.”

Chair:Dr.GladysSmith Mem Moore,WendyWilliamsPeterkin

"Lord,Youhavebeenourdwellingplacethroughoutallgenerations." Psalm90:1(NIV) "Lord,Youhavebeenourdwellingplacethroughoutallgenerations." Psalm90:1(NIV)

3.MuralSubcommittee

MissionStatement: “To design and create a visual narrative of First Baptist Church of Chesterfield’s journey of faith through a mural that artistically representsourpast,celebratesourpresent,andinspireshopeforthefuture, servingasapermanentreminderofGod’sfaithfulness.”

Chair:DeaconJoeRandolph

4.MiniMuseumSubcommittee

Mission Statement: “To curate and maintain a mini museum within the First BaptistChurchofChesterfieldthatdisplaysartifacts,photographs,andstories of significance, providing members and visitors with an engaging and accessiblewaytoconnectwiththechurch’shistoryandlegacy.”

Chair: DeaconessRoxieRandolph

5.CemeteryResearchSubcommittee

Mission Statement: “To honor the memory of those who came before us by researching,documenting,andpreservingthehistoryofourchurchcemetery. We strive to recognize the contributions of past members, maintain accurate burialrecords,andensurethatthestoriesofourancestorscontinuetoinspire futuregenerations.”

Chair:RonaldMoore Members:JamesBlack,DoriJohnson

"Lord,Youhavebeenourdwellingplacethroughoutallgenerations." Psalm90:1(NIV) "Lord,Youhavebeenourdwellingplacethroughoutallgenerations." Psalm90:1(NIV)

6.Media&ImagingSubcommittee

MissionStatement: “To visually preserve and share the story of our church through photography, videography, and digital imaging. We are committed to capturing historical artifacts, events, and milestones in ways that make ourlegacyaccessible,engaging,andenduring.”

Chair:KarenButler Members:PamCoaxum,PennyKing,OliviaMontgomery

7.AncestrySubcommittee

MissionStatement:“Tohonorandpreservethespiritualandculturalheritage of the First Baptist Church of Chesterfield by researching, documenting, and sharing the stories of our church members from early years to the present. Through genealogical exploration, historical education, and community engagement, we seek to strengthen our collective identity, deepen our faith, and inspire future generations to cherish the legacy of FBCC members who camebeforeus.”

Chair: Dr.GladysSmith Members:LindaClaiborne,VerleanaMoore, WayneTroupe

8. ArchiveSubcommittee

Mission Statement: “To develop policies and procedures for a secure, sustainable, and accessible content management system. Our goal is to collaboratewithallsubcommitteestoprovideguidelinesfortheorganization, categorization, and preservation of all FBCC historical content in a clear chronologicalorder.”

Chair:WendyL.WilliamsPeterkinMembers:KendraClark,JackieTorry

Anniversary

"Lord,Youhavebeenourdwellingplacethroughoutallgenerations." Psalm90:1(NIV) "Lord,Youhavebeenourdwellingplacethroughoutallgenerations." Psalm90:1(NIV)

The FBCC History and Legacy Committee will also display pictures to commemorate past FBCC events over the years in celebration of our 179th Anniversary. Look forward to hearing the oral history interviews of FBCC members, seeing additional photos of church events, and viewing sample videosofvariouschurchactivities.

Stay tuned for the First Baptist Church of Chesterfield History and Legacy Committee’s monthly feature in the FBCC newsletter that we affectionately call:"DidYouKnow?",wherewesharehistoricalinformationaboutourchurch. The FBCC History and Legacy Committee will also display pictures to commemorate past FBCC events over the years in celebration of our 179th Anniversary. Look forward to hearing the oral history interviews of FBCC members, seeing additional photos of church events, and viewing sample videosofvariouschurchactivities.

We invite you to share any FBCC church memorabilia, such as church bulletins,churchdirectories,churchandpastors'anniversarybooklets,photos and videos of church events on DVDs, mini-DVDs, CDs, cassette tape, videotapes, digital 8 and older technology with members of the History and Legacycommitteewhowillmakedigitalcopiesthatwecanshowcaseduring our upcoming historic-focused FBCC events. Our goal is to share your memories during our FBCC history events with the congregation and the communityatlarge. Notethatthisprocessguaranteesthatourofficialchurch archivesincludeyourdigitizedcopiesforfuturegenerationstoaccess.Wewill make an announcement regarding the start of this project in the coming months.

"Lord,Youhavebeenourdwellingplacethroughoutallgenerations."

Trusteesarepersons"whomanageforothers".Theword"trust"isthekeyword; itmeansthattheChurchhasputitsconfidenceinagroupofitsmembersand havegiventhemthedutyofcaringfortheChurch'smaterialpossessions.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God'svariedgrace: 1Peter4:10(ESV)

LindaAdams

TravisBramlett

LynellBoyd TrusteeLead

Min.WillMontgomery TrusteeLead

AlanJackson

JohnJackson

DoriJohnson

HarmonieKing

StevenGraves

JoyceJefferson

JoCrump

MarquettaMansion

MichaelReese

JasonMontgomery

EarlMing

EmergencyResponseTeam

TheFirstBaptistChurchofChesterfieldisdedicatedtoprovidinga safe and secure environment for all staff, volunteers, members, and guests. While we pray for protection, we also recognize that emergencies,suchassuddencardiacarrest,unexpectedmedical needs, or severe weather requiring evacuation, can arise without warningandvaryinnatureandseverity.

To ensure readiness, o thirteen (13) trained mi basic first aid. In the e usher, who will imme activated, the Emergen situation, contact 911 direction regarding procedures. For more information, Team Lead, Beverly Ha followingpage.

Meetthe Team Meetthe Team

DeaconMarkWatson

CyndiLewis

TonyaWilliams CharlesWitt

JeiLove

AnneMontgomery

DeaconRayDaniels

JoCrump

JoyceJefferson

GinaYoung

DeaconDanielMontgomery PennyKing

BeverlyHawkins TeamLead

Healthy Recipe of the Month Healthy Recipe of the Month Mediterranean Diet:

The Mediterranean Diet is best described as a healthy eating pattern rather than a strict regimen. Rooted in the traditional cuisines of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, it emphasizes mostly plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, herbs, and spices. Olive oil rich in heart-healthy fats serves as the primary source of added fat, replacing butter and other oils. Animal proteins are enjoyed in moderation, with fish and seafood as the main sources, complemented by smaller amounts of poultry, eggs, and dairy. Just as important is limiting added sugars, which can fuel inflammation, weight gain, and chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Natural sweetness from whole fruit is the preferred choice, offering fiber, antioxidants, and a gentler impact on blood sugar levels.

*Disclaimer: Many people want reliable information on various diets. Always consult your health care provider before adopting a new nutritional plan

Recipe Recipe

KaleSaladwithCranberries|EatingWell

Ingredients Instructions

2tablespoonsfinelychoppedshallot

1½tablespoonsricevinegar

2tablespoonsextra-virginoliveoil

1tablespoonhoney

1teaspoongratedorangezest

3tablespoonsorangejuice

½teaspoonsalt

¼teaspoongroundpepper

7cupsstemmedandtornmixed kale,suchaslacinato,curlyand/ orred

½cupsweeteneddriedcranberries

¼cupslicedalmonds

Step1 Stirshallotandvinegartogetherina largebowl;letstandfor5minutes.Whiskinoil, honey,orangezest,orangejuice,salt,and pepper.Addkaleandmassagethemixture gentlywithyourhandsuntilthekaleislightly wilted,about3minutes Arrangethesaladon aplatter,sprinklewithcranberriesand almonds.

**Thiseasyholidaysaladgetsitsflavorfroma sweetcitrusdressingthat’sinfusedintothe kalebymassagingthegreensandthe dressingtogetherwithyourhands.Welikea mixofkaleforthisrecipe,butanytypeofkale willwork.

Note: Please feel free to modify ingredients if needed.

DidYouKnow?

As part of the efforts leading up to the 180 Church Anniversary in November 2026, the History and Legacy Committee will reserve this section called “Did You Know” of the FBCC Newsletter going forward, presenting historic “trivia-like” facts specific to our church. th

If you have any personal historical facts or items to share, the History and Legacy Committee would love to consider them for publication.

On Monday, September 26, 2011, the First Baptist Church of Chesterfield’s Inspirational Choir participated in the national “How Sweet the Sound” competition at the Scott Trade Center. The hosts were Donald Lawrence and CeCe Winans. The guest judges were Karen Clark-Sheard, Shirley Caesar, and Marvin Sapp. For your viewing pleasure, click here to witness their song selection as well as comments from various judges.

We want to hear from you! Any praise reports to share? Do you have a testimony? We want to know! Share your good news by submitting it to MMM’s Newsletter Committee via email at themessage@firstbcc.org.

RecurringHappenings

When:Every1st Sundayat9:45a.m.

GatherYour Elements:grape juice,juices,crackers, orbreads

When:EveryThursday from12:00-12:30p.m.

ConferenceCallLine: 1(877)873-8018

AccessCode:3270406

NoonDayBible Study WednesdayNight BibleStudy

When:Every WednesdayatNoon intheFellowshipHall

Facilitator:Deacon JimWilson

When:Every Wednesdayat6:45p.m.

Classesforallages includingchildren, youth,andadults.

Dinnerbeginsat5:30 p.m.

When:EverySundayat 8:00a.m.

In-person:Church OfficeConference Room

ConferenceCallLine: 1(877)873-8018

AccessCode:3270406

YoungAdult BibleStudy

When:Monthly (SaturdayatNoon)

ContacttheChurch Officeforthedates.

In-person:Classroom #15offtheFellowship Hall.

Joinin-personorvia Zoom

IfjoiningameetingviaZoom,besuretoremainon muteunlessspeaking.IfjoiningtheConferenceLine, press*6tomuteandunmute.

NovemberCelebrations

FaithHappenings

Who’sMyDeacon&Minister?

Intimesofneed,yourDeaconisyourfirstpointofcontactforprayer,illness, distressedsituations,hospitalization,surgery,ordeathofalovedone.

UsethefirstletterofyourlastnameinordertofindyourassignedDeacon andMinister.

IfyouareunabletoconnectwithyourprimaryassignedDeacon,please contactyourback-upDeacon.

Our Vision

To move “Forward in Faith” emulating the work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, ministering to all people, exalting the Savior, equipping and supporting the members for Ministry, and evangelizing the lost, while continuing to share our rich Christian and cultural heritage.

Our Mission

To advance the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in accordance with Matthew 28:18-20, through preaching of the Gospel, consistent Christian living, personal evangelism, missionary endeavor, Christian education, and the public worship of God.

Christopher L. Rogers, Sr. Senior Pastor Mark Watson, Sr. Deacon Chairman

Co-Leads