Author: Jim McMahon

  • Y.A. Collective, Vol. 65, No. 7, July 2025

    There’s a strange phrase I’ve heard before, maybe you’ve heard it too:
    “Jesus and me is all I need.”

    It sounds spiritual. Maybe even courageous. Just me and Jesus—no church mess, no awkward small groups, no coffee-stained tables in the fellowship hall. Just me, my Bible, and the Lord.

    But here’s the thing:
    That version of Christianity—private, disconnected, self-contained—just doesn’t exist in the Bible.

    From Genesis to Revelation, God’s people are always a people. Not a collection of spiritual freelancers, but a redeemed family. And that matters because the process of becoming like Christ—what we call discipleship—isn’t something we were ever meant to do alone.

    We need fellowship. Not just friendly handshakes in the foyer. Not just church potlucks (though I’m all for a good casserole!) But the kind of gospel-shaped, Spirit-filled togetherness that presses us toward Christ.

    The Apostle Paul puts it this way:

    “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ… when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:15–16, ESV)

    We grow towards Christ-likeness when we are joined to His body—when we speak truth in love, when we serve each other, when we show up for one another in real, tangible, everyday ways.

    That means discipleship isn’t just learning more Bible facts (though knowing Scripture is essential). It’s sitting across from a brother or sister and saying, “I’m struggling,” and hearing, “Me too—but Jesus is still faithful.” It’s watching how someone else prays and learning to pray that way. It’s being challenged, encouraged, refined, and restored—not in isolation, but in community.

    Fellowship is not an elective in the Christian life—it’s required reading.
    Not because it earns us salvation, but because it’s one of the ways God shapes us after we’ve received it.

    And when our fellowship is centered on the gospel, it becomes something more than just friendship. It becomes a furnace. A training ground. A refuge. A glimpse of the Kingdom.

    So don’t settle for “Jesus and me.” Step into life with God’s people.
    Join the group. Stay after service. Open your home. Ask the hard questions.
    Fellowship may just be the very place Jesus meets you and makes you more like Himself.

     

  • A Word From Senior Pastor, Britton Carter, Vol. 65, No. 7, July 2025

    A Word From Senior Pastor, Britton Carter

    Being a Church on Mission

    In June, a team from Fee Fee traveled to Alaska to connect at-risk kids with the gospel. We had an amazing trip, and many on the team cannot wait to go back next year (you should pray about joining us, by the way)! While we were serving in Alaska, I considered a few of the attitudes necessary for a mission trip, and I wondered what it would look like if we as a church embodied the same attitudes in our local context. Three of the characteristics that stuck out to me are flexibility, servant-heartedness, and gospel-vision.

    Flexibility

    Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan on a mission trip. We get off schedule. Weather disrupts plans. Tools stop working. Because of the unpredictable nature of living every day on mission, we have to be flexible enough to flow with whatever each day brings. Yet in our own contexts—where we have established patterns and habits over the years—we become increasingly less flexible. Rather than adapting, we grow frustrated when things don’t go according to plan. But if we could be as flexible here as we have to be on a mission trip, then we might see the Holy Spirit do some unexpectedly amazing things through our church.

    Servant-Heartedness

    A friend of mine who pastors in Houston, Texas, frequently challenges the church’s staff to be the kind of people who pick up trash. By that, he means nobody is “above” doing any task for the kingdom of God. That’s the attitude we have to have on a mission trip—a willingness to do whatever is needed for the cause of Christ. How much more impactful would we be for the kingdom of God if we adopted that same attitude here at home?

    Gospel-Vision

    The lost people around us need the gospel. That’s an ever-present thought on a mission trip, where you are surrounded by lost people that you traveled hundreds or thousands of miles to connect with the gospel. Just imagine what God could do through us if we had that same vision in our community.

     

  • Prime Time, Vol. 65, No. 6, June 2025

    It’s summer already.  Time is moving fast and we have great opportunities for you to enjoy this summer.

    On Wednesday, June 4th we will go to Grant’s farm. Admission is free but the bus ride and parking will be $4 per person.  We will begin with a tram ride through the farm.  After that you will be able to feed baby goats, experience the petting zoo and end the day at the Clydesdale barn.  We will then have lunch at 3 Kings.

    On Monday, June 23 we will tour the Cathedral Basilica and then have lunch at Blueberry Hill!  The cathedral was completed in 1914.  It has the largest collection of mosaics in the world outside of Russia.  We will take a tour, visit the gift shop and then head for Blueberry Hill, the late Chuck Berry’s restaurant.

    The senior adult council met last week and planned the July – September activities.  We have several inhouse activities because of the summer heat and a service project that I hope you will all participate in.

     

    Wednesday 7/9 Lunch and Sight and Sound movie, David.

    Monday 7/23 Fitz’s Root Beer Tour and lunch

    Wednesday 8/6 Lunch, watermelon and learn a new game!

    Monday – Thursday 8/18-21 Adult VBS

    Monday 9/8 Breakfast in the Park

    September (TBD) Service Project – painting fingernails at St. Andrews

    Put these events on your calendar and plan to attend as many as possible!

     

  • Family Front, Vol. 65, No. 6, June 2025

    I’m A Christian Now Class is right around the corner beginning June 15. This class is for kids that are awaiting baptism. If the child has accepted Christ and wants to know ‘what’s next’, this is the class for them. This class is 4 consecutive Sundays during the Bible study hour from 9:15-10:15am. We also ask that a parent or parents attend with the child. We teach them what living as a Christian means, what the Lord’s Supper and baptism mean; what the church is; and how to grow as a Christian. Let me know if your family would like to attend.

    VBS is coming! VBS is coming! – July 14-18, 2025 brings an exciting week to our Church. TRUE NORTH: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World will be from 9am-12 noon. Online registration is up and running on the website to register any child that has completed K-5th grade. If you would like to volunteer, There is a Fun Shop on Sunday, June 29. See me with questions or to say: “I’m in”! Find the registration form through our website at https://feefeebc.org/vbs-2025/.  Our leaders will be teaching kids scripture, bible accounts, science gizmos and recreation to learn more about trusting Jesus!

    That same week, we will offer GAME ON! Sports camp in the afternoon, 1pm-4pm. A different sport each day will engage children and give them the basics. We will play lots of fun games, offer snack and have devotion time. Kids will hear about Jesus in a unique way and have lots of fun! If children are coming for the day (VBS in a.m. and sports camp in afternoon) they can bring a lunch. Sports camp is $50 /child who has completed Kindergarten through 5th grade. You need to fill out only one form for both VBS and Sports Camp to register a child. One registration form per child.

    Encounter Kids Camp is happening July 9-12 at Lake of the Ozarks (formerly known as Windermere). This camp is for kids that are going into 3rd through 6th grade. If your child is interested, please notify me. Cost per child will be $50; the church will pay the rest.

     

  • Music Musings, Vol. 65, No. 6, June 2025

    Here is an overview of the summer concert dates.

    The Sunday evening concerts begin at 6:00 p.m. and are expected to run an hour.  There is no charge for these concerts, but an opportunity to give a love offering will be given.

    July 1 –  Timothy and Hosanna Noble                                                                          Timothy and Hosanna – a singing pianist and singing violinist

    The program is meant to share the gospel of Jesus Christ as they bring honor and glory to our great and mighty God.

     

    July 6 – The Lesters

    The Lesters love music and use it as a vehicle to introduce others to Jesus.

    The ministry began with grandparents Harvey and Opal in 1925.  it continues to this day through the 3rd, 4th and 5th generations.

     

    July 20 – Fee Fee Folk

    This concert will feature many of the talented musicians from our church.

    You will hear a concert of diversity featuring music old and new.

     

    August 3 – Charles Graham

    Charles is a minister and gospel singer now residing in Dermott, Arkansas ( his hometown). Before settling in his hometown he raveled all over Europe, Africa and the Americas singing the gospel message.

    Upon returning to Dermott Charles purchased a property where he and his family had worked picking cotton.

    He uses his new home to promote fellowship and community in the area and provide a place of recreation and relaxation for pastors.

     

  • A Word From Senior Pastor, Britton Carter, Vol. 65, No. 6, June 2025

    Reflections on Year 1

    It’s hard to believe, but June 9th marks the one-year anniversary of Kenzie and me joining Fee Fee Baptist Church. In that time, Kenzie and I have fallen in love with St. Louis and with this amazing church. Reflecting on the past twelve months produces far too many thoughts to fit on a single page; however, I will try my best to condense my thoughts and offer a few reflections from one year at Fee Fee.

    • Fee Fee Baptist Church is filled with amazing people. When people outside the church ask me how things are going here, I always brag about the people that comprise FFBC. You guys have welcomed Kenzie and me into the Fee Fee family, and you have extended abundant grace to me over the previous year. The church isn’t the building—it’s the people. And Fee Fee Baptist Church has some truly special people that God wants to use for his glory.
    • Fee Fee Baptist Church has a special staff. I cannot say enough kind words about our hardworking, dedicated staff here at Fee Fee. In ministry, much of our work happens behind the scenes, so our staff will never get the level of recognition that they deserve. But they aren’t working for recognition—they’re working to connect people to the gospel. I’m overwhelmingly thankful for the staff that we have, and I’m excited to see who the Lord continues to bring on board in the years to come.
    • God is moving at Fee Fee. In the past year, we have experienced numerous salvations and baptisms, witnessed spiritual growth in many believers, met an incredible number of new people, and continued our work in the community and around the world. And the best part is—I truly believe that’s just the tip of the iceberg. As we grow in our understanding of the gospel and truly embody our mission of connecting people to its unifying and life-transforming power, we will see God do amazing things in and through our church.
    • Lastly, we have achieved clarity on our mission and values, but they are still aspirational. We have shared language regarding what we do and how we do it, but we have plenty of room for growth. The second we think we have “arrived” as a church and can coast on our “success,” we have already abandoned our mission. Year 1 was amazing; I’m praying that God will mobilize us to a greater extent than ever before in year 2.

     

     

  • Y.A. Collective, Vol. 65, No. 6, June 2025

    This season, we’re creating space for young adults—college students, recent grads, and early career folks—to connect, grow, and find community.

    Over the past month, I’ve been connecting with local young adult pastors and campus ministers, while also reaching out to college students who are returning home for the summer. As I work on shaping a ministry that truly meets your needs, I’d love to grab coffee and hear your story. If that’s not possible, you can also help by filling out the Fee Fee Young Adult Survey—it’s a quick way to let me know how we can serve you better. Just email me at chris@feefeebc.org and I’ll send you the link.

    If you’ve been wondering whether this ministry is for you, let me say this clearly: you are welcome here. Whether you’re confident in your faith, beginning to ask questions, or not sure where you stand, there’s a seat at the table for you.

    Let’s grow together.

     

  • Announcements, Vol. 65, No. 6, June 2025

    International Food Pantry

     

    Food items needed for July include

    boxed cornbread mix

    Peanut butter

    Crackers

    Cookies

    Chili

    Canned beans

    Canned fruit

    Oatmeal

    Pasta sauce

    Next IFP volunteer workday is

    July 19

    8:30 a.m. (off campus)

    For information contact Dan Wallace dlwallace4@yahoo.com

     

     

    Coffee With a Cause

         During 2025 our Coffee With a Cause

    will go toward our

    Member Led Ministry.

    As part of our church values, we want to equip members to connect others to the power of the gospel, and use their gifts for ministries that do the same.

     

    Sympathy

     

    To Larry and Pat  Condra at the passing of their daughter-in-law, Chris Condra, on May 8, 2025

    Fee Fee Offers Bus Rides

    If you or someone you know would like to come to church on Sunday  at Fee Fee and live in the Bridgeton or St. Ann area, you can get on our bus rider list. Just call the church office a few days in advance to sign up for a ride. If you are a new bus rider, our transportation coordinator will contact you to schedule a pick up time for you on our regularly scheduled bus route.

    Fee Fee Weekly Athletic Activities

     

    Fee Fee offers a number of ways you can stay active throughout the week.

    • Pickleball Mondays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
    • Basketball Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m.
    • Volleyball Sundays at 6:30 p.m.

    Everyone is welcome to participate and bringing guests is encouraged.

    Lost & Found

    Are you missing your reading glasses? Or perhaps you have misplaced your jacket or sweater? Pop into the Lost & Found across from the church office to see if your missing items have been waiting for you to reclaim them.

    International Food Pantry

     

    Donations have fallen off considerably for the international food pantry.  If it is difficult for you to get your donations to church or if shopping is difficult for you, we would like to invite you to make a donation to the church and designate these funds for the pantry.  With these funds available, we would be able to purchase more fresh items like eggs, milk and meat right before our time to serve.

     

    If you would like to serve on this team, please contact Dan Wallace at

    636-312-5012.  Upcoming dates are July 19, September 6 and November 15.

     

  • Bible Study Corner, Vol. 65, No. 6, June 2025

    Bible Study

    Wednesday night activities have ended for the summer but get involved with a Sunday morning Bible study.  We meet each week at 9:15 am. Ask Gloria for info on classes that are available.

     

    Bible Reading Plan

     

    We are currently going through part 2 of the churchwide Chronological Bible reading plan.  Pick up a copy in the coffee café or in the foyer.  Join with the church as we read through the New Testament in chronological order.

     

  • Fee Fee Youth, Vol. 65, No. 6, June 2025

    Hey Church Family!

     

    We are kicking youth Wednesday night summer gatherings off on June 4th. We will be having a barbecue on the courtyard and playing yard games. This will be an awesome time of fellowship and fun! Students are encouraged to bring friends.

     

    Also, if you have not already, sign your student up for MFUGE Summer Camp. Camp this year is from July 7th – 11th in Cumberland, Tennessee. It is free for the first 20 students to sign up, this includes any friends that students invite.

     

    Lastly, the youth group is still in need of leaders. Leaders do not have to be young and hip people. We do ourselves a disservice whenever we assume only certain types of people can serve the various ministries of the church. To lead in youth, all you need to do is be a born-again believer and have a passion to see the church built up. Leadership would include helping out in small groups, and chaperoning occasional events when able. For any questions about leadership, please contact me at tyler@feefeebc.org.