CHESTER CONGREGATIONAL BAPTIST CHURCH

Catch The Spirit!

     Come and enjoy a fulfilling experience. Since 1731, the Chester Congregational Baptist Church has welcomed all who want to experience the love of God in Christian community and worship.
As God’s people, gathered into a community of faith in the heart of our small town, we will provide an open and welcoming physical and spiritual center for worship, fellowship, support, Christian education, service, and outreach to one another, the community and the world. We celebrate the rich and varied religious heritage of our congregation, yet we are a united and caring church family, knit together in love by our common faith in Jesus Christ. We strive to embody Christ’s love and teachings in our living and being, and to share our faith, talents and resources with others through our mutual ministry in His name.

Worship

      We gather for worship every Sunday morning at 10:30 AM, (summer schedule, 9:00 AM). As the heart of church life, our worship lifts our spirits through scripture readings, music, prayer, and preaching . Active Prayer Support is offered by members privately, and in the context of Sunday’s prayers of the people. Prayer concerns can be shared through the use of our prayer box, or prayer board, and are published in the weekly bulletin, and in the monthly newsletter.
     We celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month and on Maundy Thursday, and Christmas Eve. Baptism is administered as needed in accordance with the practices of both the United Church of Christ and American Baptist Churches.
     We encourage the participation of all our members in worship as ushers, greeters, choir members, musicians, lay readers, and, on occasion, lay preachers. We welcome the presence of children in our worship service, and we encourage them to participate as singers, acolytes, ushers, greeters and lay readers. On most Sundays, we invite them to participate in "A Time for Children" during the service. We do provide child care for the very young during our regular 10:30 Am Sunday service for children up to 3 years of age.

Fellowship

  
     Through our church fellowship opportunities and activities, we discover the joy and privilege of being part of a caring church family. By doing things together, whether worship or work, education or recreation, we develop deep and abiding friendships. Those opportunities arise as we participate in mission, community service, education and fund raising programs, as well as weekly worship and social activities.
     Each week, after worship, we have an informal time for refreshment and conversation in the Vestry. We encourage interaction between the generations, and our church social events are suited to those of all ages, and may include barbeques, dances, craft-making , drama, sleigh rides, or whatever interests our members. Our Men's Fellowship Breakfasts have been a big hit. Call the church office for more information or if you would like to be on the list to receive notice of these events.