Church News

Sunday, November 20th, was a big day at Dover Baptist Church. We had a really good congregation (77) show up for church. The choir sang a great special. Bro. Freddie Sharp and Daniel Tindle gave a brief talk about their recent mission trip to help folks in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky after the recent floods. They had a short slide show to go with the talk. Bro. Bradley gave a Thanksgiving message titled, "How's Your Prayer Life?" And last but not least, Jadden Evans came down front and was presented with his Certificate of Baptism and a nice new Bible from the church. Bro. Bradley made the presentation. Afterwards, everyone adjourned to the Family Life Center where Youth Minister, Michael Welch baptized Jadden. What a great day in the life of Jadden and Dover Baptist Church! Click the photo of Michael and Jadden to see more.

Thank you for helping Dover Baptist Church reach this milestone! It took a while but our church Facebook page now has been "Liked" 500 times. Be sure and share our page with your family and friends. What better way to let them know what's going on at our church. Social media is an important way to reach people in this day and age. Thanks again from your Dover Baptist Facebook Team.

The Baptist Men had some guests from Smithfield Baptist Church on Thursday night, November 17th at their regular monthly meeting. The Smithfield Baptist Men's group gave a presentation on their mission trip to Honduras two years ago. They had a wonderful slide show and presentation. They also discussed upcoming foreign mission opportunities that will be coming up. They also invited Dover to go with them the next time they go back to Honduras. Over 20 people attendee the meeting. We also had some great food courtesy of the Gross Family. To see more, click the photo.

A very rare thing happened in Shelby County on Monday October 17th and Tuesday the 18th. A film crew descended on Dover Baptist Church to work on a new movie. Dover will serve as the backdrop for a portion of the movie. Bro. Bradley Gray had been contacted by movie producers to see if the church was willing to be used in the production of their latest Christian movie. Bro. Bradley brought the idea to the trustees and deacons who agreed to allow the church to be used in the movie. To find out more about this, click the photo at left.

On Sunday evening, November 13th at 6:00 PM, Dover Baptist Church held their annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Family Life Center. It was a cold dark night but there was lots of love, warmth and light inside. We had a great turnout (around 85 people) for the dinner and everyone should have gone home full. This was a great time of Christian fellowship. Too see some photos from the dinner, click the icon on the left.

The Wolf Pack (our church kids group) will be doing the Samaritan's purse fundraiser again this year. We will have a container for donations at the back of the church. It will start this Sunday, November 6th and go until December 14th. That will give us five weeks to collect for it. Last year we raised approximately $550 so our goal is to meet that or raise more. Thanks. Elias and Tammy Hernandez.

Operation Christmas Child Packing Party

Here are some photos from our Operation Christmas Child packing party on Sunday, November 6th. The folks got together at 5:00 PM in the Family Life Center and put together 100 boxes (I believe). 22 people attended the packing party which is a pretty good bunch. Great job Dover! Lots of kids will have a great Christmas this year! (Photos courtesy of Charlotte White)

UPDATE!!! According to our treasurer, Lily Drury, as of last night (Oct 26th) we have met and surpassed our Eliza Broadus Offering goal of $1,200. Lily reported we have received $1,270 to date. Great job Dover Baptists! Missions are very important to our church. If you still want to give to this mission, don't wait. Do it now! 

Sunday October 30th, marked a very special day in the life of Dover Baptist Church. For the first time in the church's 210 year history, the congregation was not parking on grass, dirt or gravel. We were finally able to park on pavement. The weather wasn't perfect but God's Day was. The service also marked our recognition of Pastor Appreciation Day. Bro. Bradley was recognized at the end of the service and given a nice gift(s). Take a look see.  

The following, is a day by day look from beginning to end of the prep, paving and marking of our new asphalt parking lot. Many folks have wanted this done for years and now, with God's help and some very loyal and giving church members, we have accomplished it. Click on the photo at left and you can walk through the process from start to finish in five easy steps. Good things are happening at Dover Baptist Church!

PARKING LOT UPDATE!!! It was announced at church Sunday, by Bro. Bradley that our goal of $25,000 to pave our parking lot had been met and exceeded. We gave $28,168 towards half the price of the paving. The other half will come from the general fund. Way to step up Dover Baptist Church!!! Paving will commence on Tuesday, October 25th and be ready for Wednesday night services the next night.

On Saturday, October 22, 2022, Dover Baptist Church held its annual Fall Festival. The weather was perfect, sunny and warm with a nice breeze. We had a great turnout and everyone seems to have had a great time. There were so many things for everyone to do and eat. There were: the bouncy house, photo booth, straw pile to dig through for goodies and cornhole boards for the grown ups, cake walk, games inside, fellowship tables, fire engine, hayrides and much more. To see what went on, click the photo.

Fall Festival Almost Here

Join us for some good Christian fun, food and fellowship at our church's annual Fall Festival. Everyone is invited. There will be a chili/soup cook off, bouncy house for the kids, Trunk or Treat and so much more! The Fall Festival is on Saturday, October 22, 2022. It will run from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM. It is always a good time.

See you at church!!!

On Sunday morning, September 25, 2022, Dover Baptist Church held its Homecoming Sunday event. Thanks to lots of invites, we had around 130 people attend church services. The service started at 10:30 AM and went till noon. There was lots of good singing, testimonials and a great sermon. We also celebrated with a new Christian. Lastly, we had great Christian fellowship with a meal in the Family Life Center. To see what all went on, click the photo.

On Sunday, September 18, 2022, during the church business meeting, the congregation voted to start fund raising on paving our church parking lot. The proposal for paving the parking lot was approved by the deacons at a prior deacons meeting. Once we have raised 50% of the funds, we will match them with the other 50% already in the bank. Now is the time for everyone who would like to see our parking paved to step up and donate!

Everyone had a good crowd at Baptist Men's on Thursday night, September 15th. Fifteen men showed up to enjoy some fellowship and to hear some scripture and testimony from Kenny Way who own Our Best Restaurant in Smithfield. To see some more photos, click on the photo of Kenny at left.

It's time for the annual Eliza Broadus Offering for State Missions! Our church goal this year is $1,200. To find out more about the mission of the Eliza Broadus offering, click on this link. https://www.kywmu.org/ebo.html

On Sunday, September 25th, everyone is invited to "come home to Dover" for a special day of memories, music and fellowship. The service begins at 10:30 AM which is a little earlier than normal. Dinner will be served after the service. We're so glad you're back.  Good to see you at church!!!

Dave Stahl in Concert at Dover

Sunday, August 28 continued to be a special day at Dover Baptist Church. If the choir being back and having a baptism wasn't enough, we had a Sunday night concert with Bro. Dave Stahl, who is a Gospel Music Evangelist. We had another great turnout with 60-70 people in attendance. Here are some photos from our BIG concert night!

On Sunday, August 28, 2022 Dover Baptist Church had a very BIG day! We had a big crowd for the service which is always good to see. First, our Adult Choir was back from their Summer vacation and did a great job singing, "Step Into The Water." Then Brother Bradley introduced our "guest" pastor, Bro. Ben Early. Brother Ben preached on "How Great Thou Art" and then finished his sermon by singing the hymn of the same name. At the end of the service Bro. Bradley brought up Daniel Tindle to give him his Certificate of Baptism and a new study Bible. Daniel was baptized after church in the Family Life Center. Praise The Lord!  

Brother Bradley announced Sunday, August 14th, at the church business meeting, that the congregation had donated $1,050 to the ALC Baby Bottle Campaign to help fund their programs for young women. Great job Dover Baptist Church! We are a giving church! https://alckentucky.com/

On Thursday, August 18th, the Baptist Men's Group will have a special guest speaker, Bro. Harry Hebert from Christiansburg Baptist Church. Dinner will be served at 6:30 PM and all men are welcome to attend to enjoy both the food and fellowship! The meeting will be held in the Family Life Center. See you at church!  

Brother Freddie Sharp is leading a Bible Study on Friday night's at Dover Baptist Church. The study begins at 6:00 PM and is held in the Family Life Center. He is currently leading a study of the Gospel of John. Everyone is welcome to attend. Just bring yourself and your Bible. See you at church!

After our annual summer hiatus, adult choir practice will start again on Wednesday night, August 17th, at 7:30 PM. Whether you can really sing or only make a joyful noise, we welcome you to join our adult choir!!!

See you at choir!  

Dave Stahl will be in concert at Dover at 6:00 PM on August 28th. Dave is a retired school teacher from New Castle, KY and is now a full-time music evangelist. Dave travels all over an 8 state area sharing the gospel in song each and every Sunday. His high energy piano playing is second-to-none and will have your toes tapping. His powerful vocals compliment his playing style, and his testimony about God's goodness in his life will touch your heart. Come join us!  

A BIG shout out to everyone who donated towards the Kentucky Disaster Relief Fund to help those in eastern Kentucky who are suffering after the recent floods. Our church really stepped up! In one offering, taken up at the August 7th service, Dover Baptists gave $3,200 to help others in need. This money will go directly to the Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief organization which will be responsible for delivery of necessities to those in need. Great job!!!  

The youth group who went to Crossings Cedarmore this summer. They will briefly share some of their experiences and fondest memories from camp on Sunday, August 7, during the worship service! They are our future folks. Let's show them some love that day.

We had a good crowd of around 50 people show up for the Sizzlin', Summer Social. The SSS was held Sunday evening, July 24th.  The Killion Family entertained from 6:00-7:00 PM. They put on a very good performance of some great Gospel music. Afterwards, the crowd adjourned to the Family Life Center to partake in a potluck dinner. There was lots of good food and conversation for all. Here are some pics. Take a look and see.....

Baptist Men Have Special Guest

We had a great turnout at Baptist Men on the evening of July 21st. Nineteen (19) men showed up to eat, converse and listen to our guest speaker, John Auten, who heads up the new North Central Baptist Network. https://www.ncbnetwork.org/ Bro. Auten had a short Bible study and afterwards everyone continued to socialize. It was a great evening! Here are some pics. See you at the next Baptist Men's Meeting? I hope so.....  

Dover Baptist Church members, Evelyn and Bill Fleming celebrated their 50th anniversary by renewing their vows in front of family and friends on Saturday, July 16th. Bro. Bradley Gray officiated their exchange of vows. They had a great turnout of family and friends. The couple that were the best man/maid of honor were also able to attend. Afterwards, they held a reception in the Family Life Center. Here are some photographs from the celebration. Congratulations to Bill and Evelyn!!!

Had a great crowd at the Father's Day service on Sunday, June 19th. Brother Bradley had a very touching Father's Day message. Afterwards, every father was presented with a nice gift bag. Here's some pics from the Father's Day service.

On Sunday morning, June 12, 2022, Dover Baptist Church had two focuses. The first was recognizing our recent graduates. This was done in the first part of the service. The second emphasis on was the Kentucky Family Foundation and what a service they perform for Christians and Godly people in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Bro. John Raizor was the representative/speaker from the Ky Family Foundation. To see more, click the photo at left.

On Sunday, June 5, 2022, Dover Baptist Church had graduation day for the children who attended this year's Vacation Bible School. We had around 70 people in the congregation that day. The children pledged the flags and Bible, sang and danced several songs and then afterwards received their certificates. After Bro. Gray's sermon, the congregation moved over to the Family Life Center and had a nice boxed lunch. It was great day at Dover! Click the photo to see more.

On Sunday, May 22nd, Bro. Bradley and Bro. Michael made a presentation to Oscar, our Swedish exchange student who will be going back to Sweden soon. Oscar Gramming was presented with a New Testament where one side is in English and the other side is Swedish. My camera started acting up (it turned itself off) when Bro. Michael was presenting. So unfortunately, I didn't get the photos of his presentation. Anyway, here are the ones that I did manage to take. Oscar seemed to enjoy it quite a bit. We will miss him when he returns home. The Bailey's have been his host and hosted an open house that afternoon for Oscar and his American friends. hejdå Oscar!!!

It is almost time for VBS 2022! This year's vacation bible school will be Friday, June 3rd (6:00 PM-8:45 PM); Saturday, June 4th (11:00 AM-1:45 PM); Sunday, June 5th (11:00 AM-Family Day)(meal included) You and your kids will be glad you did!

On Saturday, May 14th from 1:00-4:00 PM, members of Dover Baptist Church held a "Prayer Stop" in the parking lot. Eight people participated in this event. It was an opportunity for anyone driving by on Dover Road to stop and have prayer with the group. They didn't get any takers but they did get some waves and honks from passers by. They plan on having the next Prayer Stop in Shelbyville at a yet, undisclosed location. Click the photo to see the Prayer Stop in action.

We Have A New Christian!

At church on Sunday, May 15th, Bro. Bradley recognized our church's newest Christian, Sophia White, by presenting her with a Bible. Congratulations young lady! Sophia is the daughter of Robin and Billy White. Bet they're proud.....

On Sunday morning, May 8, 2022, Dover Baptist Church celebrated Mother's Day with a Mother's Day breakfast. The breakfast was held at 9:00 AM in the Family Life Center and everyone was encouraged to attend. Well, a lot of people took it to heart and we end up with a crowd that was double expectations. We had 45 people show up for a delicious and fun breakfast. The worship service also turned out a great crowd. We had 82 people show up to worship and listen to Bro. Bradley's sermon on Experiencing God. Afterward, every mother was given a nice gift. A BIG THANK YOU!!! to everyone who made this day such a special occasion. Click to see more.....

It is almost time for VBS! This year's vacation bible school will be from Friday, June 3rd to Saturday June 4th with Family Day on Sunday, June 5th. Stay tuned to find out times and more information. Your kids will be glad you did.

Mother's Day This Sunday

Join us for a special breakfast and help celebrate Mother's Day by getting her out of the kitchen for a good breakfast before church! Everyone is invited to attend. Breakfast will start at 9:00 AM. The event will be held in the Family Life Center. Hope to see you there!

It's ALC baby bottle time again! Every year, the A Loving Choice (ALC) Pregnancy Center holds a baby bottle campaign and provides churches with bottles to be filled with change, bills or checks to help support the mothers they provide counseling for. The bottles are available in the foyer of the church, in a basket, on the floor. Please consider giving to this life saving organization. They need to be returned to the church by June 8th, which is Father's Day. Thanks.

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering Update

As of Sunday, April 24, 2022, Dover Baptist Church has reached and exceeded their goal of $1,200 for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. The latest total given is $1,300 which is 8% above our goal! Great job to everyone who gave to this important mission offering.

Dover Baptist Church had a great turnout for Easter Sunday this year. On April 17th, 86 people showed up to hear the message that Jesus Christ arose from the grave. We had some great special music, several visitors and some folks we haven't seen in awhile. Glad to have all of them! The choir sang and Bro. Bradley preached. This sermon was the fourth in his series, "On The Road to Easter." Scripture was found in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 23. What better way to celebrate Jesus' victory over death than to rejoice in His House! To see more, click the photo.

On Friday night, April 15, 2022, Dover Baptist Church held its Good Friday service which started at 7:00 PM. We had a good crowd turnout to hear some great scripture, some great music and some great preaching! This was a very moving and spiritual service. Everyone who attended was blessed. To see more of what went on, click the photo at left.

Brother Bradley Gray, who is currently the Dover Baptist Church Worship Leader, has consented to act as Interim Pastor for the church with the announcement of the retirement of Bro. Ben Early. The deacons asked if Bradley would serve as interim pastor after accepting the retirement of Bro. Early and he agreed to do so. It was then made as a motion during the March 20th, business meeting and the congregation voted to have Bro. Gray serve as the interim. Bradley has been at Dover since 2018. He has done an excellent job with the music program. Bradley is also an accomplished speaker and preacher. He has preached on several occasions over the past four years and done a great job! Please keep Bro. Gray and the Pulpit Committee in your prayers as we search, with God's guidance, for the next pastor of Dover Baptist Church.  

This year's Spring Work Day will be held on Saturday, April 9th at 9:00 AM. Come dressed to work as we spend the day cleaning up the grounds and campus at Dover Baptist Church in preparation for the Easter Season. Stay tuned for more details about what else will be needed. Be sure and mark your calendars now so you will have the date open to help improve your church home. Normally, lunch is served for those who participate so it isn't all work and no fun! Hope to see you there!

Here is a short video showing the baptism of Aaliyah Cox at Dover Baptist Church on Sunday, March 27, 2022. The baptism took place in the Family Life Center after Bro. Ben's last sermon. Bro. Ben Early also performed this final baptism at Dover Baptist Church. She seemed a bit hesitant at first but finally took the plunge! Welcome a new Christian to the Body of Christ! Click the image at left to see the video.

On Sunday, March 27, 2022, Dover Baptist Church celebrated the retirement of Brother Ben Early and Gloria. This was his final Sunday preaching as our pastor. We had a great turnout for them. 110 packed the sanctuary and we had to bring in some folding chairs to accommodate everyone. We also had a baptism after the service. So we had the end and the beginning of two different Christian experiences in one service. After the service and the baptism, the church held a reception in the Family Life Center for Ben and Gloria. We are really going to miss those two and hope only the best for them in their future. Amen!

Brother Ben and Gloria's Journey (A Slideshow)

Here is the slideshow put together by Bradley Gray for the Retirement Service of Bro. Ben Early and Gloria. This was shown at church on March 27, 2022 for Ben's last worship service. It shows Bro. Ben and Gloria as they progressed throughout their careers in the service, of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If you missed this service, you missed a special one. Here's the link which takes you to our church YouTube Channel. Enjoy!  https://youtu.be/2pQkT8P7ZR4

Sunday, March 20th marked a special day. Another soul has been saved! Aaliyah Cox forward to profess her faith in Jesus Christ and to request him as her Lord and Savior. She has been attending classes with Bro. Early about becoming and what it means to be a Christian. She was with her grandparents Jesse and Alberta Poe. Please join us in welcoming Aaliyah to the Brotherhood of Christians! She will be baptized after Worship Services on Sunday, March 27th. Be sure and attend this special time in the life of every Christian.

Bro. Ben and Gloria Early provided the special music at church on Sunday, March 20, 2022. They sang "He Touched Me" and did a really great job! There were several tears shed during this very moving piece of music. To hear a portion of their singing, visit our church YouTube Page.

Brother Early makes the Sentinel News. Hope they don't mind the repost of their story. Click the pics to read the story.

On Sunday, March 27th from 2:00-5:00 PM the church will be hosting a retirement party for Brother Ben and Gloria Early. The event will be held at the Family Life Center. Please stop by and wish them well in the next phase of their journey through life in the service of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! There will be finger food and great conversation. Don't miss this chance to exchange stories with Ben and Gloria. Also, Sunday the 27th of March will also be Bro. Ben's last sermon as our pastor. Be sure and be there for both of these special events in the life of our church.

Brother Early Announces His Retirement

At the end of the worship service, on Sunday, March 7, 2022, Bro. Ben Early announced he would be retiring as the pastor at Dover Baptist Church. This took everyone by surprise! We were blessed to have Bro. Ben and Gloria for just shy of 9 years. During their tenure as our church leaders, the church has accomplished many great things. Attendance soared to 100 per week before the pandemic hit. We paid off the Family Life Center. Added a beautiful steeple to the church building. Carpeted the church. Built the Prayer Garden. Added a great worship leader and youth leaders to our staff. Many lives have been changed and many souls have been saved by their many years in the ministry. We wish Ben and Gloria the best for whatever their next endeavors involve in this life. We thank them for their dedicated service and friendship as well. It's sad they are leaving us, but, in this life, there is always change. Bro. Ben's last service will be March 27, 2022.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." Thank you for finishing your "race" with us! Best wishes.....

It's that time again.... Annie Armstrong Easter Offering time that is. By supporting the annual Annie Armstrong Mission Fund, we are making an eternal impact across North America. Our church's goal this year is $1,200. 100% of your donations goes to helping missions/missionaries on this continent. Our world is in dire need of the saving grace and love of Jesus Christ, now more than ever. Won't you help? To find out more about this offering, click the envelope at left.

*** Attention all young adults out of high school/20 somethings. ***

Daniel Tindle will be teaching a Sunday School class for you this summer in the main room of the Family Life Center! The class will run from Mother's Day, May 8th through Sunday, August 7th. We'll be studying Bible Studies written by Campus Crusade for Christ that focus on reaching and disciplining college/graduate school students. These lessons will help you see the uniqueness of Jesus and what our lives with Jesus are all about. An Adventure! See you at church!

On Sunday, February 27th, the church celebrated High Attendance Sunday. The emphasis in February for the church was to get as many people to show up for Sunday School and church as possible. Weather it is the Corona Virus, the weather, or general apathy, the crowds didn't show up as we had hoped. Those who did show up enjoyed a very nice lunch after the worship service. To see more of the photos from the luncheon, click the photo at left. 

Tribute Quartet Entertains and Inspires!

On Friday night, January 21, 2022, the Tribute Quartet held a concert, at Dover Baptist Church, that started at 7:00 PM. 89 people were in attendance on this cold January night. Those that showed up were treated to some really great Gospel Music and a really fun time! They sang, they played, they had some comic relief and they also witnessed. If you missed this performance, you really missed out! Brother Bradley was the emcee for the concert and he participated with the group on one number. After the show, they moved over to the Family Life Center to meet the audience and to sell some of their CDs and merchandise. To see more, click the photo at left.

The Tribute Quartet Will Sing at Dover Baptist Church

The Tribute Quartet of Hendersonville, TN will be in concert at Dover Baptist Church on Friday night, January 21 at 7:00 PM. This award winning gospel quartet has headlined the National Quartet Convention, The Gaither Homecoming Tours, and Dollywood for many years. The concert is FREE. A love offering will be taken so give what you like. This is an AMAZING opportunity to hear one of the top gospel groups in America right here in our home church. Plan to attend and bring a friend! See you at church....

Update on this year's Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. As of January 2nd, we have surpassed our goal of $1,100. We have collected $1,108. Great job! This is especially impressive considering all the other things that members have been asked to contribute to lately. Way to step up Dover Baptists!!!!  

There will be a Youth Fundraiser on Sunday, January 16th, immediately after the morning worship service. There will be a Dessert Auction in the Family Life Center. Bro. Bradley will be the auctioneer for the event. We need volunteers to bring in your favorite desserts for the auction. If you have any questions, see Michael or Patti. Bidder, bidder, bidder......  

A BIG thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to the Tornado Disaster Relief offering taken up, after church on Sunday, December 19th. According to church treasurer, Lily Drury, we were able to give $2,840 to those effected by the tornadoes. Dover Baptist has that giving spirit! AMEN (Photo by Brandon Clement/WXChasing)

On Sunday, January 2nd, 2022, Dover Baptist Church was pleased to have the Bro. Nicolae Vat Family provide both the special music and the sermon. The Vat's have been in the United States for the past five years and will be returning to their native Romania shortly. The sermon was "Keep Your Eyes Focused on Jesus." Biblical reference was from Matthew 14:22-33. What a great service!

UPDATE! Dover Baptist Church took up an offering to help the Vat Family after the service. The church raised $1455.64 to help them with their mission back in Romania. Great job everyone! To see some photos from the service, click the image.

It is time to sign up for Crossings 2022! Let youth leader, Michael Welch, know ASAP if your youth wants to go with us to camp. Who can go? It's open to any "graduate" of the 6th grade by the end of this school year. We have 14 spots, currently. If your youth has a friend that doesn't know Jesus yet, we hope that they can go with us, too. We do hope to have 2 fundraisers in early 2022 to help with the $305 per person fee.

Here are the details:
Crossings at Cedarmore

June 25-29, Boone Lodge
$305 per person.
Each youth needs to pay $75 deposit by Feb. 20th.