"for I was hungry and you gave Me food; for I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; for I was a stranger and you took me in" - Matthew 35:25 (NKJV) [emphasis mine] You can read the same Scripture passage a thousand times, and it may come across the same way each time, until you live out its application. This was certainly the case with my recent short-term mission trip. Dover partnered with Corinth Baptist Church and The Hope Project to launch our first collaborative mission trip to Nicaragua. As one Body of Christ, we washed feet and gave out shoes. We fed, taught, and played games with children. We built and delivered bunk beds to families who were sleeping on dirt floors and on benches. We hosted a pastors’ conference, and through our interpreter, taught sound doctrine to local ministers. We secured, and helped pastors obtain water filters to fend off the prevalence of waterborne illness. We funded medicine for them and their families. Women were taught to crochet for both their own needs, and to sell to help support their families. Most importantly, we prayed daily (and will continue to do so) for these precious people and leaders in the second poorest country in the Western hemisphere. As we served, my heart and mind took me, as it often does, to Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 25, verses 31 – 40. This is the proclamation of Jesus, who reminds His faithful followers, that “whatever you did for the least of these, you did for Me.” As we were delivering food, serving meals, and pouring drinks, I was stricken by a new revelation that I had not thought of before. Perhaps, I was the stranger who needed to be taken in. You see, when I was young, I cared little about missions. I was more concerned with self than serving, and the least of these was the most distant thing from my mind. I was estranged from God, self-absorbed, and wandering off the path God wanted me to follow. It wasn’t until I hit my lowest of lows, that I cried out, and God took me in. He picked me up, washed off the dirt (and there was a lot of dirt), and restored my soul. He sent a mentor, who had also once been estranged, but who, like me, needed to be taken into the family of God and discipled, so that he might disciple others. When I was in Nicaragua, I was also a stranger, and yet, the people invited me into their homes. The blessing of serving was far more beneficial for me than it was for them. The two words that describe it best are “life changing.” I pray that you might consider a life-changing mission trip, both for the least of these, and for yourself. God Bless, Arnold "Win" Davis Executive Director of Missions Note: If you are part of a church that may not currently be able to field a whole mission team or have always wanted to serve in short-term national and/or international missions, consider joining fellow Dover Baptist Association church members to be the hands, heart, feet and voice of Jesus. Mission Scholarships are available. For more info, email us at Dover.Info@doverbaptist.org.

As the school year revs up, I am reminded of the tradition I participated in as a student, See You at the Pole™, which takes place on September 24th this year. Christian students participate in this prayer meeting by gathering before the bell rings at the flagpoles on their campuses to pray over their school, peers, teachers and faculty for the year. It reminded us students that faith is not only a right and privilege to practice in the public square, but also a responsibility to wield with grace and compassion for those we encounter every day. Nowadays, I am no longer a student. I am a proud mother of a toddler and a second child due in December. While preschool and afterschool care is not part of our family’s routine yet, I have become very aware that we churches are not thinking about the privilege and responsibility we have in stewarding ministries to young families in our immediate neighborhoods…right under our stained-glass windows. Many churches rely on child development and care centers to help subsidize their mortgages or even employ or partner with church member staff and parents. Some of the most reputable, long-standing preschools I know are a stone’s-throw from my home and operated by, or at least within, churches. And, in a US population where about half of adults “seldom or never attend religious services,” it’s a fact that fewer people are walking through church doors, whether in seeking Jesus or out of a once-expected social obligation for the local watering hole news (Pew Research Center, February 26, 2025). So, when areligious parents are entrusting their most treasured persons into the hands of a church…are we, the church, meeting them at the curb? According to a report issued April 29, 2026 by the Center for American Progress, nearly half of children under 6 live where there are too few licensed slots for the number of children who need care (see childcaredeserts.org for an interactive map to see where your home lands). Apart from statistics, I see the childcare and early childhood education crisis firsthand among my fellow parents: waitlists for preschools, pricey daycares, and forced financial sacrifices that come with having to choose between working and finding not only supervision for your child, but also qualified, quality care for your child. We churches can lead the way in living out the love of the Gospel in providing quality, licensed, and affordable childcare. When congregations minister to and subsidize young families that come to their preschools, child development centers, and afterschool programs, they are not only emphasizing children as a worthwhile and critical part of the church, but also setting out to reach and support the families searching, whether intentionally or not, for loving communities exemplifying Christ. When students pray at the flagpole, the aim is to love and minister to fellow students and school staff. So, I ask, when we churches accept these families at the curb at drop-off, are we also ministering to them? Have the parents shaken hands with a pastor and been prayed with—regardless of their religious affiliation? Are the teachers being equipped as ministers of the church to disciple their childcare staff and the families they encounter daily? Do the parents feel that our church is a safe place they turn to if and when their lives turn upside down? Is our church seeing kids not as the future church, but the church now? Evangelism is the first stage of discipleship when Jesus deploys each of his ambassadors to offer to walk alongside the lost before we can invite them to walk with Him. As the saying goes, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Churches have always had the task to build bridges through intentional relationships with all generations for the sake of making Christ known. Just like the Lord called Philip to meet the Ethiopian on the side of the road to meet him where he was—our commission is not limited to church walls or even the flagpole. Instead, let us vow never to kick someone to the curb, but simply walk the extra steps to meet them there instead. Claire McAuliffe, Guest Writer Dover Communications & Operations Manager

Chief Adkins speaks at Historic St John's Church “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” – Revelation 7:9-10 (NKJV) “But we’ll never be truly free until those in bondage have the same rights as you and me.” – "My Shot," Lin-Manuel Miranda, from the Broadway Musical Hamilton The irony was almost breathtaking. Chickahominy Indian Chief Stephen Adkins was invited to speak at Historic St. John’s Church. A little more than 250 years ago, on these same hallowed grounds, Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech. Chief Adkins noted that the liberty Henry passionately petitioned for did not include American Indians, women, African American slaves or even non-landowners. He stressed, however, that the Declaration of Independence written a few months later, would carry a message “everyone” can embrace and fight for today. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” [emphasis mine]. Chief Adkins addressed the long and complex journey of Virginia's native tribes. He noted the systematic racism that had oppressed Indians and people of color, and how religious leaders, throughout history, had condoned the colonization and subjugation of America’s indigenous peoples in the name of Christianity. I felt comfortably uncomfortable as I listened and learned what the history books I read in grade school had failed to disclose. Adkins, now 80, has spent much of his life advocating for equality and achieving Federal recognition for Virginia Tribes as sovereign nations. Many in those tribes are part of our Dover Baptist Association. As we celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation, some would say that bringing up the dark days of our past detracts from our country’s celebration, and how far we’ve come. No matter how hard we try, we can’t erase history. As Christians, we need to learn from our mistakes, and repent of our sins–past, present and future. As Spanish-American writer George Santayana noted, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” We can be better: better in our attitude, better in our actions, better in our acceptance of others, despite our differences. This doesn’t mean we are to condone sin, bad doctrine, or boorish behavior, but as Jesus admonished, we need to first take the plank out of our own eye in order to see clearly how to remove the speck of sawdust from our brother’s eye (Matthew 7:5). We will never hate anyone into the Kingdom of Heaven. Our Baptist denomination has taken a few hits lately as a few folks have been, as my grandmother used to say, “just acting ugly.” As Christians, our primary role is to make disciples and example the love of Christ. During this historic celebration, and our love of country, may we share the love of Jesus, by loving our neighbors as ourselves. May we fight for the freedom of others: freedom from inequality, freedom from racism, freedom from financial and food insecurity, and freedom from fear. Through our actions, may others be blessed by what many of us have experienced all our lives: to know the benefits and blessings of liberty and being One Nation under God. God Bless, Arnold ‘Win’ Davis, Executive Director of Missions

Missions & Ministries The following organizations and/or contacts listed alphabetically are either ministry or mission initiatives or cooperative partners of Dover Baptist Association and/or its member churches. Baptist Collegiate Ministries Contact: Phone: Email: Type: Local/State Purpose or Mission: Central Virginia Baptist Ministries Contact: Win Davis, President 2023-2024 Email: win.davis[at]doverbaptist.org Website Type: Regional State Purpose or Mission: Central Virginia Baptist Ministries, Inc. (CVBM) exists to coordinate and to expand the joint mission efforts carried out by Dover Baptist Association , Middle District Baptist Association and River City Faith Network ; its goal is to maximize the resources, effectiveness, and participation in multiple missions - ministry projects designed to meet needs in the name of Christ. Central Virginia Raceway Ministry Contact: Charles Ward, Volunteer Coordinator Phone: (804) 317 - 0094 Websi te Type: Local (Central Virginia) Purpose or Mission: Central Virginia Raceway Ministries brings a host of chaplains and volunteers to help with NASCAR races at the Richmond Raceway. Learn how to volunteer here ! Dover Woman's Missionary Union Contact: Darlene Herod, Director Phone: 804-467-7994 Email: kingherod[at]earthlink.net Click for our page regarding DWMU. Famaden Memorial Institute and Tabernacle of Praise Ministries, Int'l Contact: Pastor Joe Reeves Phone: (804) 437 - 4986 Email: j8reev[at]aol.com Type: Local/Global (Richmond, VA and Brewerville, Liberia, Africa) Purpose or Mission: Dover Baptist Association and Famaden Memorial Institute formed an official partnership on October 24, 2021. Together, the goal is to spread the true Gospel message of Jesus Christ. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD Current List of Needs Mechanics of Faith Mechanics of Faith Mission Video Contact: Jason Wells, Founder/Director Website Phone: (804) 277 - 3205 Type: Local (Central Virginia) Purpose or Mission: Mechanics of FAITH is a nonprofit organization that believes in keeping families safe by offering automotive repair services to those in need. No one should be left without safe and reliable means of transportation, to get them to and from their job, doctors' appointments, or other needs because of a costly repair bill . DOWNLOAD MECHANICS OF FAITH INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION Men in Ministry: Wheelchair Ramps Contact: nanksize@yahoo.com Phone: (804) 533 - 3046 Type: Local (Central Virginia) Purpose or Mission: Men in Ministry is an organization established in the early 1980’s for the purpose of making home repairs for individuals and families in need. Over the years the men have worked on a number of Hanover Habitat For Humanity homes. Originally made up of men from four area Baptist churches- Northside, Shalom, Walnut Grove and Mechanicsville. Currently over a dozen churches from several denominations are represented among the men who participate in various projects. The predominant project for the last several years has been building handicap ramps at no cost for those unable to pay or for cost of materials for those who can afford that cost. The group meets five times during the year on Saturday mornings at a different area church for breakfast and business and a program brought by an invited speaker. Attendance is usually around 25. The men range in age from 50 to 80. The majority are retired and most are military veterans. Minister/Pastor Support Groups Contact: Steve Smith, Dover Baptist Association's Associate for Ministry to Church Leaders Phone: (804) 241 - 8944 Type: Local (Central Virginia) Purpose or Mission: We have a Monday support group for our ministers and pastors. We also have a monthly Pastor Support luncheon at noon at Roma's in Mechanicsville on the first Wednesday of each month. We gather to encourage one another in the Gospel ministry. Pastor Health Network Contact: Rev. Greg Soult, PHN Facilitator and Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church Email: bowtiepastor[at]gmail.com Type: Dover Baptist Association (Local); Small Group; Professional Development Purpose or Mission: We meet monthly on Wednesdays with fellow Dover Baptist Association pastors and ministers and discuss latest vocational development strategies and support. Sunday School and Discipleship Leaders Group Contact: Claire McAuliffe Email: claire.mcauliffe[at] doverbaptist.org** Type: Dover Baptist Association (Local) Support Group Purpose or Mission: Gather Discipleship, Sunday School, and Small Group facilitators and directors over a bi-monthly meal to provide support, ideas, and networking opportunities. **If interested in this group or for further information, please email to be included in upcoming dialogues and events. Tipi Wakan Ministry at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation Contact: Dr. Maria Lynn Phone: (804) 300-6013 Email: standingontherock316@gmail.com Type: Domestic (North and South Dakotas) Purpose or Mission: As believers in the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the church family at Tipi Wakan has a passion for reaching our community and world with the love of Jesus. We believe that all people matter to God and we want to do all we can to meet the real needs of people in our community; and, the spiritual needs around the world. Further information: http://tipiwakanchurch.org/

A RESOURCE NETWORK FOR BAPTISTS SINCE 1783. DBA joins 60+ churches in and surrounding Richmond, Virginia. "then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose." Philippians 2:2 Our Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6128 Ashland, VA 23005 Our Office Location: 11006 Lakeridge Parkway Ashland, VA 23005 Contact Us Office Phone: (804) 550-1980 Email: dover.info@doverbaptist.org The Dover Diary is our monthly publication. Check it out! The Dover Diary Check out where our churches have been on mission! Dover churches: update your church directory entry through our online form. The Latest Dover Calendar Check out the latest news in the Dover Baptist Association community by clicking through our carousel of announcements below or download all of this week's flyers. Click to add the Dover Event Calendar to your Calendar App! Job Openings Check out the latest church ministry job openings . Send us your ministry jobs to post! Interim & Supply Pasto rs Need a person for pulpit supply? Looking for an interim pastor? Or, apply to be on the list ! Church Directory Dover Baptist Association is a family of churches covering 7 counties around Richmond, VA. Watson Mission Offering The Leslie and Hazel Watson Missions Offering supports the ministries of local and international organizations. Prayer Send a prayer concern and your church prayer lists to our Prayer Council by emailing prayers[at]doverbaptist.org. Be a Dover Baptist Association prayer warrior by following our weekly prayer focus calendar featured below. Download our printable church prayer list for the year HERE . Our Churches Dover Baptist Association is a family of churches covering 7 counties around Richmond, VA. Our Mailing Address: Dover Baptist Association P.O. Box 6128 Ashland, VA 23005 Email dover.info[at]doverbaptist.org Our Office Location: 11006 Lakeridge Parkway Ashland, VA 23005 Phone (804) 550 - 1980

Job Listings Job Type Select Select Dover Baptist Association Jobs Only Press "Search Jobs" button to activate selected sorts/filters. Search Jobs Number of jobs found: 26 Assistant Teachers, Child Care Development Center, FBC Ashland Full Time, Part Time First Baptist Church, Ashland Dover Church Listing View Job Associate Pastor for Adult Discipleship, Mount Vernon Part Time Mount Vernon Baptist Church Dover Church Listing View Job Associate Pastor of Youth and Next Generation, Northside Baptist Full Time Northside Baptist Church Dover Church Listing View Job Associate Pastor/Youth Pastor, Part Time Part Time Mineral Baptist Church Non-Dover Listing View Job Audio/Visual Technician, Mt. Vernon Part Time Mount Vernon Baptist Church Dover Church Listing View Job Camp Counselor Camp Counselor Camp Alkulana Non-Dover Listing View Job Childcare Workers Part Time Mount Vernon Baptist Church Dover Church Listing View Job Choir Director/Pianist Part Time Parham Road Baptist Church Dover Church Listing View Job Director, Child Care Development Center (FBC, Ashland) Full Time First Baptist Church, Ashland Dover Church Listing View Job Lead Teacher, Child Care Development Center, FBC Ashland Full Time, Part Time First Baptist Church, Ashland Dover Church Listing View Job Music Director (Part Time) Part Time Sharon Baptist Church Dover Church Listing View Job Organist, Berea Part Time Berea Baptist Church Dover Church Listing View Job Pastor Full Time/Part Time Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Clarksburg WV Non-Dover Listing View Job Pastor, PBC Full Time Pioneer Baptist Church Dover Church Listing View Job Pianist, Full Time Full Time Oakland Baptist Church Non-Dover Listing View Job Piano Accompanist, Gayton Part Time Gayton Baptist Church Non-Dover Listing View Job Praise & Worship Leader – 8:00 am Contemporary Service Part Time Berea Baptist Church Dover Church Listing View Job PreK Teacher Part Time North Run Baptist Church Dover Church Listing View Job Second Grade Teacher and Substitutes Full Time/Part Time Faith Community Academy Dover Church Listing View Job Senior Pastor Full Time HopeWELL Baptist Church, New Kent Dover Church Listing View Job Senior Pastor Full Time Berea Baptist Church Dover Church Listing View Job Senior Pastor, New Highland Full Time New Highland Baptist Church Dover Church Listing View Job Teacher for 4 year old class Part Time North Run Baptist Church Dover Church Listing View Job Teachers/Asst Teachers Full Time/Part Time Deep Run Child Development Center/Deep Run Baptist Church Dover Church Listing View Job Youth Minister, TBC Part Time Taylorsville Baptist Church Dover Church Listing View Job Youth Ministry Coordinator Part Time Ferry Farm Baptist Church Non-Dover Listing View Job