The Message Newsletter - December 2025

VOLUME 5

DECEMBER 2025

THE MESSAGE

MerryChristmas

Notes from

PASTOR CHRIS

Anniversary

Greetings FBCC Faith Family!

As we journey through the sacred season of Christmas and step toward a new year, I invite us all to pause and ask an intentional question: Have we truly made room for Jesus Christ? Not merely room on our calendars, or in our traditions and celebrations, but room in our hearts, our homes, and our hopes.

The Christmas story reminds us that when Christ entered the world, there was no room for Him in the inn (Luke 2:7). Yet Heaven made room. Angels rejoiced. Wise men worshipped. Shepherds hurried to behold the Savior. Our recent emphasis in the sermon series “Make Room” calls us to do the same, making room for seekers, for worship, and for obedience. True worship always leads to transformed living, and when Christ is welcomed, lives are changed forever (Matthew 2:10–11).

As we move into a new year, many carry joy and gratitude, while others carry grief, loss, and heaviness. For those who have lost loved ones, this season may feel more painful than festive. Please hear this clearly: God still sits on the throne. The same God who sent His Son as our Savior has also sent the Holy Spirit as our Comforter (John 14:16–18). You are not forgotten, overlooked, or alone. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

Christmas assures us that God stepped into our sorrow, wrapped Himself in flesh, and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Because of Christ, sorrow does not have the final word; hope does! As we cross into the new year, we do so anchored in the unchanging promises of God.

Anniversary

Therefore, as a Faith Family, I admonish and encourage us to live intentionally in the spiritual gifts of the season: Hope - confident expectation rooted in Christ (Romans 15:13) Peace - not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God (Isaiah 9:6; Philippians 4:6–7) Joy - strength that rises even in hardship (Nehemiah 8:10) Love - the defining mark of Christ’s followers (John 13:34–35) Let us make room for Jesus in our decisions, our relationships, our generosity, and our witness. Make room for Him in the new year, not as a guest, but as Lord. When Christ has room, faith grows, hope stands firm, and love overflows.

May the God who came to us in Bethlehem walk with us into the new year, guiding, comforting, restoring, and strengthening us all.

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Chris

Outreach Committee Purpose

The purpose of the First Baptist Church of Chesterfield (FBCC) outreach effort is to extend God’s care and concern by providing tangible acts of love for people in need. This is the fundamental foundation of us being “a local church with a global mission”.

Mission

The mission of outreach is to bring people in need to Christ through tangible acts of love that utilize the gifts, talents, and resources of the Church.

Meet the Leaders

Carolyn Barnes Lead

Pat Ward Co-Lead

Committee Members Lucy Clifton Gwen Young

2025 OUTREACH AWARDS On November 16th, the Discretionary Outreach Awards were presented In celebration of our 179th Church Anniversary. FBCC blessed nine (9) organizations with $3000.00 each. These organizations were nominated by FBCC church members, and the Outreach Committee diligently reviewed their submitted documents.

The 2025 Discretionary Award Recipients were:

WESLEY HOUSE ASSOCIATION

On Sunday, November 30, 2025, the Outreach Ministry Partner Awards were presented to the six (6) organizations listed below, who serve the St. Louis Area, Haiti, and South Africa. Each organization was awarded $5000.00. FBCC has honored and supported a partnership with these organizations for 4 years.

Bethesda Evangelical Bethesda Evangelical Church Church Cape Town, Cape Town, South South Africa Africa

New Member Assimilation Team The purpose of the New Member Assimilation (NMA) Team is to support and encourage new members as they start their journey at First Baptist Church of Chesterfield. We assist our new members as they connect with the church, grow spiritually, and serve at FBCC. NMA aims to greet our visitors and provide a warm welcoming experience from the Parking lot to the Pew. Each Sunday, NMA offers every family who submits a First time Visitor’s Connection Card with a beautiful, unforgettable Visitor’s Welcome Bag including: Connect Card An 8-page Welcome Booklet covering a personal Greeting from Pastor Chris and Lady Tamra, Weekly Worship Scheduled, What we Believe, FBCC Ministries Listing, FBCC Prayer options, and 5 Ways to Give as well as the various ways to Connect with FBCC Note Pad Booklet and Ink Pen Bookmark and a Daily Bread book Welcome Tissues

e h t t e Me am Te

Frank Boyd, Dr. Joe Butler, Karen Butler, Trina Van Hook, Deaconess Donna Daniels, Tammy Graves, Steven Graves, Renee Ewell, Duane Ewell

The New Member Orientation, for members who joined FBCC from January 2024 - December 2025, was held on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

New Members were given a New Members Welcome

Handbook to highlight various aspects about the church; to new

members

navigate

and

answer

questions,

as

well

help as

understand more about FBCC Ministries and how they can connect with and serve the Body of Christ.

You are welcomed to reach out to the NMA Leads, Duane and Renee Ewell at newmemberassim@firstbcc.org.

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 Sesame-Garlic Beef & Broccoli with Whole-Wheat Noodles | Eating Well Ingredients 1-pound boneless beef sirloin steak, trimmed 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium free soy sauce or no sodium 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, plus 2 teaspoons, divided 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper 6 ounces whole-wheat linguine 4 cups broccoli florets ½ cup water ½ cup slivered onion

⅛ teaspoon ground pepper 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seed Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions Step 1. Thinly slice beef across the grain into bite-size strips. Place it in a resealable plastic bag set in a shallow dish. Combine no sodium or low sodium soy sauce, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, garlic, ginger and crushed red pepper in a small bowl; pour over the beef. Seal the bag; turn to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, turning the bag once.

Healthy Tip of the Month Recipe Instructions Step 2. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Cook linguine for 1 minute less than directed on package. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.

Step 3. Meanwhile, combine broccoli and water in a wok or medium nonstick skillet; bring to a boil over medium-highheat. Cook until the water is evaporated for 3 to 4 minutes. Add onion, pepper, and the remaining 2 teaspoons sesame oil.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the broccoli mixture to a bowl; cover and keep warm.

162‌

(cont.)

Step 4. Drain the beef, reserving the marinade.

Add half of the beef to the hot wok (or skillet); cook, stirring, until slightly pink in the center, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining beef; remove to the plate.

Step 5. Combine the reserved cooking water and marinade in the wok (or skillet); add the noodles. Cook over medium heat, stirring, just until the noodles are tender and the sauce is thickened slightly, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 6. Divide the noodle mixture among 4 plates or shallow bowls. Top with the beef and the broccoli mixture. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Note: Please feel free to modify ingredients if needed.

Health Tip: Hepatitis C Prevention and Control | Hepatitis C | CDC

Mental Health

Mental Health Tip: World Hepatitis Alliance | Community Briefing: Understanding Hepatitis and Mental Health

Jokes “Laughter for Life” The Man and The Horse!

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?

From 1899 to 1955 a famous St. Louis restaurant called Madame De Foe’s owned by Cora Woody DeFoe was located on a 160-acre farm roughly one mile north of Clayton Rd. between Baxter and Schoettler Roads where she had lived since 1860. The restaurant was known for country dining, including its famous fried chicken dinners. For 47 year the primary cook for the restaurant was Edna Hutt Darby, member of First Baptist Church of Chesterfield.

AI colored photos of Edna Darby and one of her daughters cooking at Madame DeFoe’s restaurant.

Edna and her husband Samuel were married September 1, 1911. Their family consisting of children Sarah (Love), Margaret (Gines), Sam Jr., Fred, and Betty (James) all lived and worked on the DeFoe farm. In June of 1938 the Darby’s hosted a dinner party for St. Louis resident “Hammerin” Hank Armstrong,the world welter weight champion and his wife. He had just returned from capturing the championship in New York.

When Mrs. DeFoe died in 1955, she left the bulk of her estate to Edna and her children. The distribution was $10,000 and the household goods to Edna, $5,000 to Margaret, $3000 each to Betty and Sam Jr., $2000 to Fred and Sarah and $2000 to Betty’s baby Rosemary. Interestingly, Edna’s daughter Sarah worked as a cook for the St. Louis shoe manufacturer and philanthropist David P. Wohl (1886-1960). At the time

of his death in 1960 she was bequeathe $5000. Edna lost her husband Sam in 1945 (Washington Park Cemetery), son Sam Jr. in 1962 (Greenwood Cemetery), daughter Sarah in 1970 (Jefferson Barracks) and son Frederick in 1958 (Jefferson Barracks).Her daughter Margaret married Horace Gines in 1962, was a member of FBCC and is on the “Original Member Plaque”.

She died in 1970 and rests at the FBCC Cemetery. Below is a photo from a November 7,1976, Post Dispatch article that shows Mother Edna Darby, at the time our oldest church member age 83 at FBCC with Rev. Clarence Dowell, “I worked for a good German woman,” she said “who taught me how to clean properly and to cook. Then at 14 I met Madame Cora L. DeFoe… I remember so well the churn we used to have. It took two people to operate it, and it produced 90 pounds of butter...”Edna Darby went to be with the Lord December 25, 1977 after a wonderful life of service and family.

Partial Family Tree

Sources: St. Louis Post Dispatch, Ancestry.com

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.

December Celebrations

December Celebrations

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