
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

2025 Church Announcements
Good news: First Bethel now accepts Zelle as a payment for church donations. Payment can be made with the QR code or cell phone number: 240-532-1256.


Email: Firstbethelbaptistmd@ gmail.com
First Bethel Baptist Church Announcements – Sunday, May 4, 2025
Good Morning First Bethel. The following are our church announcements for the week:
Hello to our Viewing Audience. Thank you for joining our Lord’s Supper Praise and Worship Service this morning.
Our Sunday School Class occurs each Sunday morning, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Our Noon Day Bible Study Class occurs each Tuesday. All are invited to attend both classes to grow your spiritual enrichment.
A special thanks to everyone who accompanied Pastor Bates last Sunday to the First Baptist Church of Warrenton. A delicious meal and glorious worship experience was had by all in attendance during the Pastoral celebration with Pastor and Mrs. Brown. To God Be the Glory for all the love and support showered upon them by both of their beloved church families, and may God continue to grow and use them in His service.
“Happy Birthday Wishes” are extended to everyone born in the month of May.
We are now able to accept Church donations via ZELLE. The QR-Code can be found on the back of the church bulletin and in our church website under “Donations.” If you have any questions, please see Sister Faye Highsmith.
As we thank God for our many blessings and for another opportunity to worship and glorify Him, please continue to pray for and send cards of encouragement to all our First Bethel family and friends who are sick and shut in, bereaved, or experiencing health challenges.
Thought for the Week
“Obedience leads to blessings.
So, if you’re not obedient to God, who are you obedient to?”

Pastor Bates Appreciation Day Media Page
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3pm Appreciation Service
Speakers:
-
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

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 QR Code/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 5/4/25
Pastor Lehman D Bates
Romans 13
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Sermon for 6/13/21:
"The good fight of faith"
5/4/25 Sermon :
"The Armour of Light"
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.”
2/23/25
This week’s “Black History Moment” showcases African American inventors. Dr. Mark E. Dean, an inventor and computer engineer, is the co-creator of the first IBM computer and color monitor, and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1997. Garrett Augustus Morgan Sr., an American inventor and community leader, invented the 3-way traffic light. In 1966, because the crime rate in their Queens, NY neighborhood was very high and police were slow to arrive on the scene, Marie Van Brittan Brown and her husband Albert Brown invented their own home audio-video security system. Their invention laid the foundation for security systems that are in use today. Alexander Miles revolutionized the design for elevators, inventing the electric elevator in 1887 to make it safer than the old manual models. He also founded the United Brotherhood Life Insurance Company for Black people in 1899, and was posthumously inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2007. George Crum, born George Speck, was a renowned NY chef who reportedly invented the potato chip in the mid 1800’s. However, his sister Catherine Wicks later claimed to be the real inventor of this tasty and popular invention.
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
Lauren's Volleyball Links: (she's #5)
Games occur on Saturday mornings around 6am (via Facebook Live)
https://www.facebook.com/studioulcalina
Remaining game dates:
1/18/25
2/1/25
2/8/25
2/15/25
3/8/25
prayer for healing corner
Please pray for and send cards of encouragement to all our sick, shut-in, and/or bereaved members and friends.
1/12/25
We extend our deepest and sincere condolences to the Artis family on the passing of our beloved and devoted Deacon Dwight Artis. The Home Going Service for Deacon Artis will occur here on Saturday, January 25th. Viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. A Repast will occur downstairs following Interment.
We also extend our condolences to the family of Dr. Winston Ridley Jr., the late Pastor of Greater First Baptist Church in Washington, DC, and to the family of Dr. Grady Jones, on the recent passing of Dr. Jones’ son William. We collectively pray that God will comfort the grieving hearts of the Artis, Ridley, and Jones’ families, and that He will give them His blessed peace and strength during their bereavement.

Online Resources

Scripture Study Archives
(coming soon)
Organizational Profile
Dr LEHMAN D. BATES, PASTOR & ORGANIZER
FIRST BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH
2025 OFFICERS, MINISTERS, ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF, ORGANIZATION LEADERS
BOARD OF DEACONS:
Michael Artis – Chairman
Khaliff Kassim – Vice Chairman
Kelvin Cooke
Herbert Corbin
Boyd Covington, Jr,
John Curenton
Murphy Hackett
Eddie Johnson
Marvin Nash
George Turner
BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Eddie Johnson – Chairman
Mikal Ba’th
Boyd Covington, Jr
John Curenton
Terry Joyner
Kim Outlaw
George Turner
Rhonda Weaver
ASSISTANT TO PASTOR:
Phillip M. Coram, Retired Associate Pastor
Lewis Fortune, Minister (ill)
Gregory Gavin, Minister
Robert D. Morgan, Minister
Vaughn D. Perry, Minister
BOARD OF DEACONESS:
Rosetta Artis - Chairlady
Cassandra Cooke - Secretary
Gloria Anderson
Alphonise Artis
Regina L. Brown
Rhodenia Coram
Sibbie Corbin
Petrina Covington
Linda A. Curenton
Frances Felder
Linda Morgan
Antoinette Vallier
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF:
Faye Highsmith - Church Clerk & Finance/ Budget
Regina L. Brown – Church Secretary
Cassandra Cooke – Church Administrative Aide
Vonzy Davis – Church Bulletin Coordinator
2025 - ORGANIZATION LEADERS
MISSIONARY MINISTRY – Joan Carver, Coordinator
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION – Pastor Bates, Coordinator
CHURCH SCHOOL – Linda Curenton, Secretary
TEACHERS – Michael Artis & Deborah Thomas
FIRST BETHEL GOSPEL CHOIR – Billie Champ-Lopes, Minister of Music
GREETERS of VISTORS – Synthia Howell, Coordinator
USHER BOARDS – Rebecca Outlaw and Linda Curenton, Coordinators
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENT – Terry Joyner, Coordinator
HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE – Alphonise Artis, Coordinator
REVIVAL COMMITTEE – Michael Artis, Chairman
SISTER’S KEEPERS – Gloria Anderson, Chairlady
TRAVEL & FELLOWSHIP – Antoinette Vallier, Coordinator
FBBC MEDIA & SOUND – Musicians, Coordinators
WEBSITE POWERHOUSE –Lawrence Weaver - Coordinator
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