Worship Location: 6016 Allentown Road, Camp Springs, MD 20746
Mailing Address: 9201 Edgeworth Drive #4734 Capitol Heights, MD 20791
Office Phone: (301) 499 - 7115
Inclement Weather Notice
2024 Church Activities Calendar
SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2024: TRIP TO NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
o BUSES TO LEAVE CHURCH AT 9 AM AND RETURN AT APPROXIMATELY 3 PM
o FREE PASSES ARE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME FIRST SERVE BASIS; FREE PASSESS ARE LIMITED TO THE FIRST 50 PERSONS WHO SIGN UP
o TRANSPORTATION COSTS FOR PERSONS OVER 12 YEARS OF AGE IS $25.OO; PERSONS 12 YEARS OLD AND YOUNGER THERE IS NO CHARGE
o FURTHER INFORMATION WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE NEXT SUNDAY IN THE FOYER AND THE CHURCH’S WEBSITE.
o PLEASE EMAIL THE CHURCH IMMEDIATELY IF YOU WANT TO ATTEND AT firstbethelbaptistmd@gmail.com. INCLUDE IN THE SUBJECT LINE “MUSEUM TRIP”.
o INTERESTED PERSONS MUST NOTIFY THE CHURCH NO LATER THAN MAY 1, 2024.
o YOU MAY ALSO SEE LAWRENCE OR RHONDA WEAVER IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
Pastor Bates Appreciation Day Media Page
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3pm Appreciation Service
Speakers:
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Damien Briggs
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Bernard Winchester
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Anthony Maclin
Pastor Bates' Thank You
“I want to sincerely thank the Pastors: Dr. Lehman D. Bates, II, Ebenezer Baptist Church – Charlottesville, VA; Dr. Damion Briggs, Eastern Community Church – Landover, MD; Dr. Bernard Winchester, First Baptist Church of Fairmont Heights – Fairmont Heights, MD; Bishop Anthony G. Maclin – The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square, Upper Marlboro, MD that preached the WORD; the Pastors, the Ministers, the First Bethel Family; present and former members of First Baptist Church of Marshall Heights, Washington, DC; and all of my Brothers and Sisters in Christ, who came together and those who could not attend, to make this a very special day for me.
Your presence, fellowship, love, time and generosity will never be forgotten. To God Be The Glory… For The Things HE Has Done!!!
I am truly beyond grateful. Thank you so very much!” – Dr. Lehman D. Bates
Heading 6
** Church Bulletin**
First Bethel Baptist Church Announcements – Sunday, April 7, 2024
Good Morning First Bethel. The following are our church announcements for the week:
Hello to our Viewing Audience and welcome to our Praise and Worship Service.
Each week, our Sunday School Class occurs at 9:00 a.m., and our Noon Day Bible Study Class occurs on Tuesdays. Both classes are held here in the Sanctuary.
On Sunday, April 21st, our Pastor, Gospel Ensemble, and congregation will worship with First Baptist Church of Warrenton as Pastor delivers the Gospel Message for the “1st Pastoral Anniversary Celebration of Dr. Dwayne Brown.” If you prefer to ride, bus transportation will be provided. Lunch will be served for all guests beginning at 1:30 pm, followed by the anniversary service at 3:00 pm. First Baptist has requested an estimate of First Bethel attendees, so if you are going, please sign up today using the “Sign-Up Sheet” posted on the table in the church entrance. The church is located at 39 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186. Please see Sister Regina Brown if you have any questions.
Attention First Bethel à On Saturday, May 18th, we are sponsoring a trip to visit the “National Museum of African American History and Culture.” Timed passes will be obtained for our group to visit the museum. Complete details, including cost per person to cover transportation costs and departure time from the church parking lot, will be shared in the coming weeks. Children 12 and under are free, and family and friends are welcome to join us. Let’s go as a church family and enjoy a day of fellowship while learning about our rich history.
We extend “Happy Birthday” wishes to everyone born in the month of April. We especially wish a very Happy Birthday to Deacon Michael Artis, who is celebrating his birthday today. We love you Deacon Artis!
Please continue to pray for our Pastor and his family, as well as everyone else on our sick and shut in list. Thank you for sending cards of encouragement to all our First Bethel family and friends who are bereaved, sick and shut in, or experiencing health challenges.
Thought for the Week
“It may be nice to be important, but it’s MORE important to be nice.
Be a hand that reaches out; be a smile to those who feel they have no reason to smile;
and be a light for those who live in darkness.”
**Great News: New Sanctuary for Worship: **
Since Sunday, January 3, 2021, God has blessed us with a new location for Sundays Worship, Tuesdays Noon Bible Study and Saturdays Choir Rehearsal. We will now be resuming live worship services at Bells United Methodist Church, 6016 Allentown Road, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Church is now available at full capacity and subject to county COVID restrictions. Entry through the main front door. The schedule for worship and Bible Study Classes are as follows:
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Sundays - Sanctuary and three rooms - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
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Church School is 9:00 am to 10:00 am (classroom)
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Church Service is 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (Sanctuary)
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Tuesdays - classroom - 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
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Saturdays - Sanctuary - 11:30 am to 1:30 pm (choir rehearsal)
Additional Announcements:
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During this transitional period, our members and friends are reminded to check regularly for email updates regarding the status of our official move-in to the new location. We invite our viewing audience to continue to worship with us through our streamed services at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKPwu9mskrkoV80R0tgXe-A/featured
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Additionally, First Bethel Baptist Church has obtained a new PO Box to be used during the interim. The box is now active and can be used.
The Church mailing address is as follows:
First Bethel Baptist Church 9201 Edgeworth Drive #4734 Capitol Heights, MD 20791
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Donations can still be made via mail at the new address, and the use of the paypal account (Donate link above).
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Any/all email inquires are still available at firstbethelbaptistmd@gmail.com
First Bethel keep spreading the word so we can get to 1000+ subscribers!!
Mississippi Relief Update!
Describe your image
4/15/23 Update:
Good Morning to all!
Please see the changes to the count of the Silver City itemized count. God Bless you all!
Respectively,
Joan Carver
1) Bottle Water (FBBC & Deacon Corbin)-- Total 311? bottles and/or (35 vs. 25 cases. Not sure of the bottle count??)*
2) Can Soups (top pop cans) Chicken Noodle & Cream Tomatoe & Broccoill & Cheese Total 73 Cans
3) Misc. Canned Food -- Vegetables, Beans, Jelly, Tuna, and Sardines Total 27 cans
4) Wash Clothes Total 154 7 wash clothes added new total 161*
5) Jumbo Towels Total 7
6) Feminine Products Total 800 pads (50 x 16=800)
7) Lotion (Tubes and/or containers) Total 94
8) Toothpaste (Tubes) Total 119
9) Toothbrushes Total 115
10) Body Wash unisex Total 20
11) Deodorant Tubes Total 94
12) Soap Bars Total 144*
13) Toliet Tissue (Rolls) Total est. 7
Grand Total Estimated 2,121 Items
Activity: April 1st through April 11th 2023
“Silver City, Mississippi Tornado Release Effort”
Dear Pastor! Pray, All is Well!
Mercy was shown and Mercy was given! The Silver City, Mississippi Tornado Release Effort (the first combined effort by five to six Baptist Pastor and their church members, lead by Bishop Anthony Maclin of the Sanctuary Kingdom) was Blessed and successful! Praise God!
This report is sent to you and some of the other First Bethel officers and members to help keep everyone abreast and on one accord. A Heartfelt thanks is extended to everyone!
The First Bethel Baptist Church (FBBC) support, participation, and donations helped to make a significant difference in the lives of others through this effort. The devastation of this tornado left some people who were already experiencing some of the worst situations (such as, uninsured, sick and shut-in, low-income senior citizens, fixed-to-no-income moms and dads and children of these parents) hopeless! Some of these people may eventually receive some help from FEMA, but oftentimes it is too late or not at all! This compassionate effort was unique because it gave support quickly and directly in some of the most dire situations. We wait for Pastor’s updates as he receives them.
A list is shown at the close of this e-mail to give an account of the itemized items that were provided on behalf of the FBBC Family and its friends! Please note that the number of bottles of water (Deacon A. Corbin) and the number of items in the ninety-four (94) pre-packed hygiene bags (Deaconess Alphonise Artist, Deaconess Rose Artist, Deaconess Rhodenia Coram, and Deaconess Antionette Vallier) are included in the Total and the Grand Total. We thank ALL of the donors -- everything that was given was needed!
The Tractor Trailer was successfully packed on Monday, April 10th by volunteers of the different churches. Bishop Maclin and several of the other pastors, including Pastor Bates, were there at the Sanctuary lending a “Helping Hand.” Pictures were taken and soon as possible they will be uploaded to the FBBC's web page.
The Tractor Trailer arrived safely in Mississippi on Tuesday, April 11th! Praise God!
Thank you all again! God Bless you!
Respectively,
Joan Carver
“List of Itemized items Donated to the Silver, City Mississippi
Tornado Release Effort”
1) Bottle Water (FBBC & Deacon Corbin)-- Total 311 bottles and/or 25 cases
2) Can Soups (top pop cans) Chicken Noodle & Cream Tomatoe & Broccoill & Cheese Total 73 Cans
3) Misc. Canned Food -- Vegetables, Beans, Jelly, Tuna, and Sardines Total 27 cans
4) Wash Clothes Total 154
5) Jumbo Towels Total 7
6) Feminine Products Total 800 pads (50 x 16=800)
7) Lotion (Tubes and/or containers) Total 94
8) Toothpaste (Tubes) Total 119
9) Toothbrushes Total 115
10) Body Wash unisex Total 20
11) Deodorant Tubes Total 94
12) Toliet Tissue (Rolls) Total est. 7
Grand Total 1,970.00 Items
Respectively,
Joan Carver
Welcome to First Bethel Baptist Church
Welcome to the Website of FBBC of Camp Springs, MD
Thank you for visiting us.
On behalf of myself and the First Bethel Church family, we welcome you to our sanctuary. It is our hope that your experience with us will strengthen your relationship with God, cultivate your desire to link with our church and its numerous activities, and/or accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
At your first opportunity, you are invited to come and Worship with us on Sunday Mornings at 10:00AM. Sunday Church School Classes for all ages begins at 9:00AM.
Moreover, on each Tuesday of the week Structured Scripture Study is taught by Pastor Bates at 12 Noon and 7:00PM, everyone is welcome to attend.
Additionally, Members and Friends of FBBC can contribute Tithes, Offerings and Special Gifts through our various PayPal links on this web page (including below).
“My Prayer for You is that the LORD will Bless You and Keep You Daily.”
(Psalm 118:24)
Lehman D. Bates, Pastor
About Our Church
Committed to Spreading the Good News
The First Bethel Baptist Church of Capitol Heights Maryland was organized and held the initial Worship Service on Sunday, December 23, 2012 under the dynamic leadership of our beloved Pastor and Organizer, Dr. Lehman D. Bates. The initial service was held at our previous location, 9171 Central Avenue, Capitol Heights, MD with a total of 47 members. The Lord allowed us to grow and we were officially incorporated in January 2013 with a Charter Membership of 83 Members. Today we thank God for a total of 107 members, more than twice our initial number in ONE YEAR.
GOD has continued to bless us with three faithful and dynamic ministers of the gospel; as well as the support and prayers of three Sons of the Church and their wives as Charter Members. These ministers continue to help and support our Pastor and our Church. Through God’s grace and love we receive many expressions of love and support from non-members and friends – we are blessed!
After much prayer and fasting, the Lord directed Pastor Bates to complete the organization of our church family for the work and glory of GOD. The structure now includes: Board of Deacons, Board of Deaconess, Board of Trustees, Budget Committee, Church Clerk, Church Secretaries, Music Staff, Missionary Ministry, Welcome & Announcement Committee, Church School, New Members Class, Ushers, First Bethel Gospel Choir, Golden Saints/Travel Fellowship and Revival/Hospitality Committee. The Young Adult Fellowship, Nurses Unit, Christian Education, a Historian and the FBBC Media Powerhouse Committees are still being developed. The Church By-Laws were completed and ratified. The church purchased a new set of drums and microphones. The Golden Saints/Travel Fellowship sponsored their first trip to see Moses on March 28, 2014. Our first Fall Revival was held Sunday, September 22 through Wednesday, September 25, 2013. Dr. Marshall F. Prentice, Pastor of the Zion Baptist Church in Baltimore, MD was the evangelist.
Also, the church baptized three young people: Nyha Lavern Shaw, Talayia Maria Sharon Rhode and Zander Aiden Perry. We have mourned the lost of numerous members over the years, and we continue to pray for those families. We have supported bereaved families inside and outside our church family, as we dedicate ourselves to spreading the love of God.
Our congregation presently supports both foreign and local missions. We continue to honor families with Thanksgiving Baskets on any given year in support of families in need. The Lord also blessed us to purchase, wrap and send Christmas Gifts to The Joseph Francis General Hospital Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies for patients unable to go home for Christmas. The growth and stability of our congregation will lead to the continued support of education, foreign and local missions, and many other areas that our Pastor envisions, encourages and the Lord allows us to be a part of.
With Christ and Pastor, our church will make a difference as we spread the love and peace of God throughout the world.
About the Pastor
Biographical Sketch
Of
Dr. Lehman D. Bates
Dr. Lehman D. Bates, a native of Columbus, Ohio, was licensed to the Gospel Ministry and ordained into the Pastoral Ministry through the Union Grove Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio, and the Columbus, Ohio Baptists Pastor’s Conference. He currently serves as the spiritually pragmatic Pastor of the First Bethel Baptist Church in Capitol Heights, MD. Previously he pastored First Baptist Church of Marshall Heights, Washington, DC; Victory Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, PA; and Second Baptist Church in Delaware, OH.
Dr. Bates is a dedicated teacher, profound thinker, and motivating humanitarian. As a dedicated Pastor, preacher, teacher, and speaker, he desires to be a positive motivator of individuals and groups, encouraging them to achieve their full potential. He travels and ministers domestically and internationally to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and provide counseling, health care support, medical supplies, and enlightened meaning of the Word to developing countries. His mission travels include the Caribbean, East & West Africa, Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, India, West Indies and Europe, among others. Moreover, he is the Executive Director of “Global Faith Alliance,” which has provided health care support, counseling, and the work of missions in St. Kitts-Nevis and Haiti.
As a family man, Dr. Bates is the grateful and honored father of one son, Pastor Lehman D. Bates II, who is married to the former Gloria Pailen, and one daughter, Lori DeVon Bates Curry, who is married to Melvin Curry and the parents of Dr. Bates’ three delightful and loving granddaughters.
Worship Service Hours
Come Worship with Us!
Sundays:
9am - Church Sunday School in the Polar Room
10am - Sunday Service in the sanctuary
Tuesday Bible Study: noon
First Sunday: Communion and Right Hand of Fellowship
Sermon for 4/7/24
Pastor Lehman D Bates
Act 5: 29-42
"Don't Fight Against God"
29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Sermon for 6/13/21:
"The good fight of faith"
4/7/24 Sermon :
Acts 5: 29-42
"Don't Fight with God"
Pastor Lehman D Bates
African-American History Facts
Black History Month Fact
2/11/25: As we all know, our Black History cannot be contained within one month, for we live “our” history 365 days a year, every year of our lives. So this week’s “Black History Moment” showcases the African American Baptist Church. The First African Baptist Church, located in Savannah, Georgia, is the oldest Black church in this country. Organized in 1777, they are still in existence and worshipping today. The 19th Street Baptist Church is the oldest Black church in Washington DC and was founded in 1839. The Ridgley Methodist Episcopal Church, founded in 1871, is the oldest Black church in Prince Georges County. It’s located on Central Avenue in Landover, Maryland, and is currently home to the New Rock Church.
This week’s “Moment in Black History” showcases Mr. Thomas A. Dorsey, the Father of Gospel Music. Dorsey, the son of a revivalist Baptist preacher, learned to play the piano at an early age, and by the age of 12, he was a professional Blues musician. In 1922, after attending a Baptist Convention in Chicago, he was so moved by the musical preacher that night that he had a conversion experience and coined the term “gospel music,” writing his first gospel song within a week. In August 1932, while away working, Dorsey received horrible news that both his wife and child died in childbirth. Wrecked by the news, he said that God led him to the piano where he penned “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.” While still traveling the Blues circuit, he began having his gospel songs printed in sheet music form and selling them for 10 cents a piece to musicians and Pastors. He became the Choral Director at Pilgrim Baptist Church and founded the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses in Chicago in 1933, serving as its president for 40 years. He later composed such compelling gospel classics as “Peace in the Valley,” “On the Battlefield,” “The Old Ship of Zion,” “Walk All Over God’s Heaven,” and “The Lord Will Make a Way.”
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.
Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.
General Order Number 3
One of General Granger’s first orders of business was to read to the people of Texas, General Order Number 3 which began most significantly with:
"The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer."
The celebrations that followed the reading of the proclamation by General Gordon Granger began a tradition that has lasted for one hundred and fifty five years, and today is hosted in cities across America and beyond. The JUNETEENTH.com website is dedicated to this celebration and to those who tirelessly contribute to its continued existence and growth. For information regarding the website, contact them via email or call: 504 242-4691.
First Timers at First Bethel Baptist Church
First Bethel Baptist Church is an open and welcoming church. From humble beginnings, we have grown into a sizeable congregation. Our typical services include prayer, sermon and community inclusiveness. We are always overjoyed when people want to come to worship with us, so please know there’s always room for more in our ranks. We look forward to meeting you.
PASTOR'S CORNER
Lehman D. Bates
CHANGE YOUR FACE
Every personality has a face. SMILE! How do you see yourself? What’s your real self- esteem quotient on a scale of 0 (low) – 10 (solid)? Hopefully the face of your personality is not marred, twisted, inferior, ugly, or caustic.
The feelings and pictures you have about yourself form your self–image. How you view yourself consists of both emotional feelings and mental pictures, this is your selfconcept. What you see and feel about yourself will determine your relationship with other people and with God. The Scripture statement is significant here as it brings the heart and mind together: “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7)
A sound and secure self–esteem is viable without arrogance or selfishness. A healthy, Godly self–image is essential to virtuous growth in character, personality and disposition. In his book, “The Sensation of Being Somebody,” Dr. Maurice Wagner discusses three (3) basic components essential to a healthy self–image:
A sense of belongingness, of being loved: you are loved; accepted; enjoyed; cared for.
A sense of worth and value: you count; you have something to offer.
A sense of being competent: you can do this task; you can cope with that situation; you are able to meet life.
You are somebody. You belong to God and He Loves you so much. You count. He gave Himself for you through Christ and you have something to offer. Never underestimate your capability. You are fit for the task. As you believe in God, BELIEVE in yourself. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). Change your face! SMILE.
DR. LEHMAN D. BATES, PASTOR
UPCOMING Church news
8/27/22: We will celebrate our “Annual Homecoming Weekend,” beginning with our “Fellowship Cookout” next Saturday (8/ 27/22) between Noon–5:00 p.m., followed by Worship Service on Sunday. Dr. & Mrs. Lehman Bates II and members of Ebenezer Baptist Church will be our special guests. If you would still like to make a food item or monetary donation towards the cookout, please see Deaconess Alphonise Artis after service today.
9/1- 9/2/22: Pastor Michael Parker and Journey United Methodist Church will join us in hosting a “Two-Night Revival on the Lawn” on Thursday, September 1st and Friday, September 2nd. Both nights, services will begin at 7:00 p.m. and Pastor Michael Parker will preach. On Sunday, September 4th, Pastor Parker will serve as the Guest Preacher and Journey United Methodist Church will fellowship with us in a “Joint Lord’s Supper Worship Service.”
6/20/21
Get ready First Bethel à a “Joint Summer Outdoor Revival” will occur here in our parking lot on Thursday and Friday of this week, beginning at 6:30 p.m. both evenings. First Bethel and Journey United Methodist Church invites you to attend this special worship experience and bring a friend. Social distancing measures will be in place and attendees are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs. Flyers with complete details are posted in the church entrance.
Link to Summer Revival with Bells United: 6/24 - 6/25:
https://boxcast.tv/channel/oo5c1eubwgzldz2dr5w8
6/13/21
We extend special birthday greetings to Dr. Roberta Turner, who is celebrating a birthday this week. Dr. Turner is the mother of our own Deacon George Turner. Sister Linda Curenton is also celebrating a birthday on Thursday! “Happy Birthday” to you both and to everyone in our congregation and viewing audience celebrating a birthday this month.
5/16/21
We wish a very “Happy Birthday” to everyone in our congregation and viewing audience celebrating a birthday this month. We especially want to recognize our beloved Pastor, Dr. Lehman D. Bates, who will be celebrating his birthday on Thursday, May 20th. To God Be the Glory as we thank God for you Pastor!
We also extend our congratulations to Candice Graves and Naa-Odoley Glover, the grand-daughters of Sister Regina Gladden. Candice is a graduate of North Carolina A&T, where she majored in Chemistry. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Training & Development for Adult Learners at North Carolina State. Naa-Odoley will begin her Junior year this Fall at Bethany College, majoring in Psychology for Children. We wish them both continued success in their educational pursuits.
5/9/121
We continue to solicit your love and prayers for our dear Pastor, and we are so delighted to have our beloved guitarist Greg Gavin back with our First Bethel family today. Please continue to pray for and send cards of encouragement to all our sick shut-in, and/or bereaved members and friends.
prayer for healing corner
Please pray for and send cards of encouragement to all our sick, shut-in, and/or bereaved members and friends.
8/21/22: The “Home-Going Services” for Deaconess Ruth A.H. Summers will be held on Thursday, September 15th at First Baptist Church of Marshall Heights. Viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will occur at 2:00 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetery. Additional information is forthcoming. Please continue to keep the Coram and Summers’ families in your thoughts and prayers during their bereavement.
10/1/7/21
We send a special “Hello and We Miss You” out to Mr. Edward Brooks and Associate Minister Louis Fortune. We pray that God is tending to all your needs as you rejoice in the Lord this morning. Please continue to pray for and send cards to all our sick, shut-in, and/or bereaved members and friends to encourage their hearts.
9/19/21
We send our love and prayers to Sister Adrienne Taylor, who will undergo surgery on Thursday, Sept 23rd, and to all our members and friends who are home recovering from surgery and/or recent hospital stays. Thank you for sending cards of encouragement to our sick, shut-in, and/or bereaved members and friends to brighten their day and let them know we are praying with them.
9/5/21
We’re happy to report that Ms. Mary Ouzts was released from Doctor’s Hospital on Tuesday and is home recuperating. By God’s grace, Deacon Antwon Corbin is doing much better following a recent health scare and hospital stay. We are also keeping Sister Pamela Arnett and our beloved Pastor Bates lifted in prayer as they both prepare for upcoming surgeries this week. May God continue to heal and watch over each of you as only He can. Please continue to pray for and send cards of encouragement to all our sick, shut-in, and/or bereaved members and friends.
8/29/21
These are indeed trying times for all - just found out that Mr. Jesse Barfield, the loving brother our beloved Thelma Spriggs died last month. Jesse was in the Deanwood Nursing Home in NE Washington, DC and Thelma took great care of him. Lets us all lift Thelma up in prayer. Please send a sympathy card or text her to express your love and support. Thelma's cell phone is: 202-436-1842 and her mailing address is:
Thelma D. Spriggs
P.O. Box 64295
Washington, DC 20029-4295
8/8/21
We extend our sincere condolences to Regina Gladden on the loss of her niece Rolanda McLaughlin and her husband Reginald McLaughlin. They both died in a house fire on Monday, August 2nd in West Philadelphia. Two others, their 28-year-old daughter Jessica and 10-year-old grandson Julian, were hospitalized with smoke inhalation but are expected to survive. They are the family of Regina’s late brother Raymond. Please keep the Gladden and McLaughlin families lifted in your thoughts and prayers during the difficult days ahead.
Online Resources
Scripture Study Archives
(coming soon)
Organizational Profile
Dr LEHMAN D. BATES, PASTOR & ORGANIZER
ASSOCIATE MINISTERS OF THE CHURCH:
Dwayne Brown; Associate Pastor
PastorPhillip Coram; Associate Pastor; Ret.
Lewis Fortune
Vaughn Perry
Robert Morgan
BOARD OF DEACONS:
Michael Artis – Chairman
Khaliff Kassim Vice-Chairman
Dwight Artis
Kelvin Cooke
Herbert Corbin
George Fisher
Murphy Hackett
Eddie Johnson
John Mozon
Marvin Nash
George Turner
BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Eddie Johnson – Chairman
Mikal Ba’th
Boyd Covington, Jr
John Curenton
Rodney Davis
Terry Joyner
Kim Outlaw
Samuel Tucker
George Turner
Rhonda Weaver
BOARD OF DEACONESS:
Rosetta Artis – Chairlady
Cassandra Cooke – Secretary
Gloria Anderson
Alphonise Artis
Sibbie Corbin
Rhodenia Coram
Frances Felder
Mary Ann Fisher
Lillie Minick (posthumous)
Linda Morgan
Krislynn Perry
Antoinette Vallier
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF:
Faye Highsmith – Church Clerk / Financial Secretary
Regina Hedgepeth – Administrative Assistant to Pastor
Deaconess Cassandra Cooke – Administrative Aide
Vonzy Davis – Bulletin & Program Coordinator
CHURCH MINISTRIES & NAMES OF LEADERS
(Coordinators, Directors & Chairpersons are appointed by the Pastor, elected annually, eligible for reelection and additional term of service, dependent upon the office or area of responsibility. All members are welcome to join the various ministries).
MISSIONARY MINISTRY – Joan Carver, Coordinator
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION – Faye Highsmith, Director
CHURCH SCHOOL – Pastor Bates & Faye Highsmith, Acting / Linda Curenton - Secretary
CHILDREN’S CHURCH - Mary M. Ouzts, Coordinator
NEW MEMBERS CLASS – Regina Hedgepeth, Wilhemina Matthews,
Pastor Bates & Faye Highsmith, Leaders
FIRST BETHEL GOSPEL CHOIR – Billie Champ-Lopes, Director
FIRST BETHEL MENS CHORUS – William Joyner, Director
MUSICIANS – William Joyner, Gregory Parrish, William Lopes, Gregory Garvin & Brian West
GREETERS of VISTORS – Synthia Howell, Coordinator
HOSPITALITY – Deaconess Alphonise Artis, Coordinator
NURSES UNIT – Adrienne Taylor, Chairlady /Rachel Stevens Co-Chairlady
USHER BOARDS – Rebecca Outlaw, Coordinator
SISTER’S KEEPERS – Deaconess Gloria Anderson, Chairlady
TRAVEL & FELLOWSHIP – Deaconess Antoinette Vallier
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENT – Trustee Terry Joyner, Coordinator
REVIVAL COMMITTEE – Deacon Michael Artis, Chairman
YOUTH COORDINATOR – TBD
YOUNG ADULT FELLOWSHIP - Pastor Bates, Coordinator
FBBC MEDIA POWERHOUSE – Lawrence Weaver & Deacon Khaliff Kassim, Coordinators
SOUND TECHNICIANS – Regina Gladden & Deacon Dwight Artis
Contact Us
Current mailing address:
First Bethel Baptist Church
9201 Edgeworth Drive #4734 Capitol Heights, MD 207
Current Worship Adress:
Bells United Methodist Church
6016 Allentown Road, Camp Springs, MD 20746
OFFICE: (301) 499 - 7115