Of course, the easiest way to know these things is to come and meet us, which you are heartily welcome to do! We are, after all, your neighbors: People not unlike yourself who have chosen to follow Jesus and are trying to do that as genuinely as possible. This isn't about being a club, it's not about make-believe, putting on airs, importance or brainwashing -- Come with all the questions and find out WHY we've chosen this path... WHO WE ARE... Our congregation is made up of a wide variety of God's people, all of us sharing our relationship with Christ in common. On a given Sunday you'll find children, singles, families, grandparents and retirees worshipping together. As stewards of the ministry God has entrusted to us, our church is led in by 7 Deacons, a Board of Trustees, the Pastor and various committees. Congregational involvement in the life of our church is energetic and essential for a healthy ministry among our own family and to the community at large. We are involved in the Chester-Andover Ministerium (a group of local clergy) who lead a number of annual events (including Lenten services, Concerts of Prayer, and Baccalaureate services). We are a member congregation of the American Baptist Churches of Vermont and New Hampshire, and the pastor is a member of American Baptist Evangelicals. WHAT WE BELIEVE... We at Chester Baptist are committed to: The authority, inspiration and reliability of the Scriptures, and to the responsible handling of the Word of God. The salvation and fullness of life uniquely offered through Jesus Christ, God's authority and grace in our every day lives, and the work of the Holy Spirit, Fostering a lifestyle of prayer, service, worship, study of the Bible, and fellowship with other believers, Witnessing to the power of salvation, and sharing the Good News at home and throughout the world, Bringing together reason and faith to meet today's challenges together in a mature, Christian community. OUR PASTOR... Rev. Tom Charlton graduated locally from Green Mountain Union High School in 1984, Colby College in 1988, and earned his MDiv. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary as well as a Graduate Certificate in Biblical History fom the Institute for Holy Land Studies in Jerusalem. Pastor Tom first attended our church at the age of 10. He has served as pastor since 1992 and has since been joined by his wife, Katy and their three sons, William, David and Tobyn. Tom enjoys fishing and hunting, sailing and whitewater canoeing, and pretty much anything that gets him into the woods. He is Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 206, and a trustee of Chester Academy. Tom's family has lived in Vermont for many generations and he's pleased to continue to call Chester "home."
		©2004-2005 The Trustees and Pastor; 1st Baptist Church of Chester, PO Box 187, Chester, VT 05143 ; 802.875.2638