The Message - November 2025

VOLUME 4

NOVEMBER 2025

THE MESSAGE

Anniversary "Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations." Psalm 90:1

Notes from

R O T S A P CHRIS

Anniversary

Grateful for Grace Through the Generations 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 confidence that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

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 what God can do through a faithful people. What they built by faith, 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 the same.

Anniversary In many ways, the story of Noah mirrors our own: through the storms 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 prepared us for the next chapter of ministry.

As we celebrate this 179th anniversary and gather around the Thanksgiving table, let’s remember: We give thanks for what God has done.

We rejoice in what God is doing.

We trust in what God will yet do.

Our history is rich, our future is bright, and our joy is unshakable, because our hope is in Christ! May this season renew our gratitude and deepen our commitment to live as a thankful people with joyful hearts.

To God be the glory for the things He has done!

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Chris

Anniversary "Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations." Psalm 90:1 (NIV)

Introducing the First Baptist Church of Chesterfield History & Legacy Committee Mission Statement: “To preserve, celebrate, and share the rich history of the 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 continue the legacy of faith and service.”

Chair: Ronald Moore Co-Chair: Dr. Gladys Smith

1. Artifact Storage & Retention Subcommittee Mission Statement: “To preserve, protect, and organize the tangible history of our church by safeguarding artifacts, documents, and memorabilia in a manner that honors their spiritual and historical significance, ensuring accessibility for present and future generations.”

Chair: Loretta Redmond

2. Oral History Subcommittee Mission Statement: “To capture and preserve the voices and testimonies of past and present members of First Baptist Church of Chesterfield through recorded interviews, written accounts, and storytelling projects, creating a living archive that reflects the faith, struggles, and triumphs of our congregation.”

Chair: Dr. Gladys Smith Members: Kendra Clark, Ronald Moore, Verleana Moore, Wendy Williams Peterkin

Anniversary "Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations." Psalm 90:1 (NIV)

3. Mural Subcommittee Mission Statement: “To design and create a visual narrative of First Baptist Church of Chesterfield’s journey of faith through a mural that artistically represents our past, celebrates our present, and inspires hope for the future, serving as a permanent reminder of God’s faithfulness.”

Chair: Deacon Joe Randolph

4. Mini Museum Subcommittee Mission Statement: “To curate and maintain a mini museum within the First Baptist Church of Chesterfield that displays artifacts, photographs, and stories of significance, providing members and visitors with an engaging and accessible way to connect with the church’s history and legacy.”

Chair: Deaconess Roxie Randolph

5. Cemetery Research Subcommittee Mission Statement: “To honor the memory of those who came before us by researching, documenting, and preserving the history of our church cemetery. We strive to recognize the contributions of past members, maintain accurate burial records, and ensure that the stories of our ancestors continue to inspire future generations.”

Chair: Ronald Moore Members: James Black, Dori Johnson

Anniversary "Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations." Psalm 90:1 (NIV)

6. Media & Imaging Subcommittee Mission Statement: “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 our legacy accessible, engaging, and enduring.”

Chair: Karen Butler Members: Pam Coaxum, Penny King, Olivia Montgomery

7. Ancestry Subcommittee Mission Statement: “To honor and preserve the spiritual and cultural heritage 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 came before us.”

Chair: Dr. Gladys Smith Members: Linda Claiborne, Verleana Moore, Wayne Troupe

8. Archive Subcommittee Mission Statement: “To develop policies and procedures for a secure, sustainable, and accessible content management system. Our goal is to collaborate with all subcommittees to provide guidelines for the organization, categorization, and preservation of all FBCC historical content in a clear chronological order.”

Chair: Wendy L. Williams Peterkin Members: Kendra Clark, Jackie Torry

Anniversary "Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations." Psalm 90:1 (NIV)

Stay tuned for the First Baptist Church of Chesterfield History and Legacy Committee’s monthly feature in the FBCC newsletter that we affectionately call: "Did You Know?", where we share historical information about our church.

The FBCC History and Legacy Committee will also have pictures on displays to commemorate previous FBCC events that happened over the years for our 179th Anniversary celebration in November. Also look forward to hearing FBCC member oral history interviews, seeing additional photos of church events, and viewing sample videos of various church activities.

We invite you to share any FBCC church memorabilia, such as church bulletins, church directories, church and pastors' anniversary booklets, 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 Legacy committee who will make digital copies that we can showcase during our upcoming historic-focused FBCC events. Our goal is to share your memories during our FBCC history events with the congregation and the community at large. Note that this process guarantees that our official church archives include your digitized copies for future generations to access. We will make an announcement regarding the start of this project in the coming months.

Ronald Moore Chair

Dr. Gladys Smith Co-Chair

Anniversary "Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations." Psalm 90:1 (NIV)

First Baptist Church of Chesterfield History & Legacy Committee: Photo Collage

Meet Your Trustees Meet Your

Trustees are persons "who manage for others". The word "trust" is the key word; it means that the Church has put its confidence in a group of its members and have given them the duty of caring for the Church's material possessions.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

Min. Will Montgomery Trustee Lead

Linda Adams

Travis Bramlett

Lynell Boyd Trustee Lead

KC Branch

Jo Crump

Alan Jackson

Dori Johnson

Tyron Fisher

Steven Graves

John Jackson

Joyce Jefferson

Harmonie King

Marquetta Mansion

Earl Ming

Andre' Terrell

Jason Montgomery

Michael Reese

Erika Watson

Tonya Williams

Emergency Response Team The First Baptist Church of Chesterfield is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all staff, volunteers, church members, and visitors. Emergencies such as sudden cardiac arrest, unexpected illness requiring attention, or in some cases, severe weather requiring evacuation of the sanctuary can occur at any time. These events can vary greatly. The members of the Emergency Response Team consist of a group of 13 ministry leaders who have been trained on CPR/AED and first aid and are designated to respond to any emergency. In case of an emergency, please contact any usher who will then notify a member of the team. Members of the Emergency Response Team will be activated immediately when an emergency is suspected. It is the responsibility of the Emergency Response Team members to assess the emergency, contact 911 if necessary, and issue guidance for evacuation if necessary. For more information, contact the Emergency Response Team Lead, Beverly Hawkins or any of the other team members listed on the next page.

e h t t e Me am Te Beverly Hawkins Team Lead

Jo Crump

Dcn. Ray Daniel

Cyndi Lewis

Jei Love

Dcn. Mark Watson

Tonya Williams

Penny King

Anne Montgomery

Charles Witt

Joyce Jefferson

Dcn. Daniel Montgomery

Gina Young

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 Kale Salad with Cranberries | EatingWell Ingredients 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot 1½ tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon grated orange zest 3 tablespoons orange juice ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground pepper 7 cups stemmed and torn mixed kale, such as lacinato, curly and/ or red ½ cup sweetened dried cranberries ¼ cup sliced almonds

Instructions Step 1. Stir shallot and vinegar together in a large bowl; let stand for 5 minutes. Whisk in oil, honey, orange zest, orange juice, salt, and pepper. Add kale and massage the mixture gently with your hands until the kale is lightly wilted, about 3 minutes. Arrange the salad on a platter, sprinkle with cranberries and almonds. **This easy holiday salad gets its flavor from a sweet citrus dressing that’s infused into the kale by massaging the greens and the dressing together with your hands. We like a mix of kale for this recipe, but any type of kale will work.

Note: Please feel free to modify ingredients if needed.

Healthy Tip of the Month

161‌

Mental Health Mental Health Tip: Physical Activity and Lung Cancer | American Lung Association

Jokes “Laughter for Life” What’s your Favorite Bible Verse?

As a ministry, the Healthy Minute Ministry’s mission is to minister to the whole person spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally to foster health, healing, and hope to the faith community consistent with our Christian principles.

Did You Know?

As part of the efforts leading up to the 180th 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.

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.

Share the Good News!

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.

Recurring Happenings Virtual Communion

Thursdays in Prayer (TIP)

Intercessory Prayer

When: Every 1st Sunday at 9:45 a.m.

When: Every Thursday from 12:00-12:30 p.m.

When: Every Sunday at 8:00 a.m.

Gather Your Elements: grape juice, juices, crackers, or breads

Conference Call Line: 1 (877) 873-8018

In-person: Church Office Conference Room

Access Code: 3270406

Conference Call Line: 1 (877) 873-8018 Access Code: 3270406

Noon Day Bible Study

Wednesday Night Bible Study

When: Every Wednesday at Noon in the Fellowship Hall

When: Every Wednesday at 6:45 p.m.

When: Monthly (Saturday at Noon)

Classes for all ages including children, youth, and adults.

Contact the Church Office for the dates.

Facilitator: Deacon Jim Wilson

Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.

Young Adult Bible Study

In-person: Classroom #15 off the Fellowship Hall.

Join in-person or via Zoom

If joining a meeting via Zoom, be sure to remain on mute unless speaking. If joining the Conference Line, press *6 to mute and unmute.

November Celebrations

November Celebrations

Faith Happenings

Faith Happenings

Faith Happenings

Faith Happenings

Faith Happenings

Faith Happenings

FYI

FYI

FYI

Who’s My Deacon & Minister?

In times of need, your Deacon is your first point of contact for prayer, illness, distressed situations, hospitalization, surgery, or death of a loved one.

Use the first letter of your last name in order to find your assigned Deacon and Minister.

If you are unable to connect with your primary assigned Deacon, please contact your back-up Deacon.

First Letter of Last Name

Primary Deacon(s)

Primary Minister(s)

Back-Up Deacon(s)

Back-Up Minister(s)

ABC

Mark Watson Jim Wilson

Gene Moniz

1.) Mario Menears 2.) Perry Woods

1.) John Lewis 2.) Henry Crump

DEF

John Durham

James Stewart

1.) D.Montgomery 2.) Ray Daniels

Sylvania McDaniel

GHI

Joe Randolph Kurt Nalls

Darryl Redmond

JKL

Kurtis Downing Doug Sheffield Nate Davis

Kurtis Downing Doug Sheffield Mark Watson

James Stewart

MNO

Ray Daniels John Drake

Karlos Bledsoe

Joe Randolph

Darryl Redmond

PQRS

Mario Menears

John Lewis

Ray Daniels Mark Watson

Karlos Bledsoe

TUVWYZ

Daniel Montgomery Shaun Bell

Sylvania McDaniel

Mark Watson

Gene Moniz

For more information, please contact: Deacon Mark Watson, Sr., Deacon Chairman watsonmark4077@gmail.com Deacon Ray Daniels, Deacon Vice Chairman danielsplacement@sbcglobal.net

THE MESSAGE

Newsletter

Be a Part of the Buzz!

If you have a heart for storytelling, writing, snapping pictures, or creative design, join our Newsletter Team! Help us keep the FBCC family informed, inspired, and connected.

Big ideas or small, your gifts can help share God’s work!

Reach out today at themessage@firstbcc.org.

k n a Th !

You Karen Butler

We hope you enjoyed this month’s issue of FBCC’s newsletter! Stay tuned for what’s next!

Lady Tamra Rogers Jill YoungMenears

MMM Newsletter Committee

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 Will Montgomery & Lynell Boyd Trustee Co-Leads

First Baptist Church of Chesterfield 17103 Wild Horse Creek Road Chesterfield, MO 63005 P: (636) 537-8748 | F: (636) 537-4873 info@firstbcc.org | www.firstbcc.org

First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, MO

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@firstbcc17103