Fee Fee Baptist Church

Author: Jim McMahon

  • Announcements, Vol. 65, No. 5, May 2025

    Meet Chris Otterson, Young Adult and Worship Pastor

    Hello Fee Fee Family!

    I’m so excited to introduce myself as the new Pastor of Young Adults and Worship here at Fee Fee Baptist Church! My name is Chris Otterson, and it’s truly an honor to be part of this incredible church family.

    In this role, I’m thrilled to walk alongside our young adults as we grow in faith, wrestle with big questions, build authentic community, and learn what it means to follow Jesus in our everyday lives. I’m also deeply grateful for the opportunity to help lead our church in worship—creating space for us to draw near to God and experience His grace in powerful and life-changing ways.

    A little about me: I’ve been leading worship since high school, and over the past 15 years I’ve served in both worship and youth ministry roles. I hold a degree in Modern Music Ministry from Visible Music College, and I’m passionate about helping people discover how their unique gifts and stories are part of God’s greater story. I love good food, deep conversations, and just about anything involving music or creativity. I believe the church should feel like family—a place where people are known, loved, and encouraged to grow.

    Thank you so much for the warm welcome I’ve already received. I’m truly looking forward to getting to know each of you more in the weeks and months ahead. If we haven’t met yet, I’d love for you to come say hello!

    “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
    —Colossians 3:16 (ESV)

    International Food Pantry

     Food items needed for May include

    boxed cornbread mix

    canned beans

    canned fruit

    pasta noodles & sauce

    oatmeal

    granola bars

    Next IFP volunteer workday is

    May 17

    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.

     

  • Family Front, Vol. 65, No. 5, May 2025

    Mother’s Day brings seeing the newest little ones in our congregation. We will be dedicating young ones that day. If your family would like to be part of the worship service on May 11, let me know.

    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. If you would like to volunteer, we will give you all the tools to help you do this. And it’s a fun week! See me with questions or to say: “I’m in”! Find the registration form through our website at https://feefeebc.org/vbs2025/ True North VBS teaches 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. Use same form for 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.

    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.

     

  • Fee Fee Youth, Vol. 65, No. 5, May 2025

    Hey Church Family,

    During April the youth group did a deep dive through the book of 1 Peter. We talked a lot about the cost of following Christ, having joy in Christ, and why Christ is always worth it. We also went through a study of what happened on Easter.

    This summer we are going to MFUGE at Cumberland University in Tennessee! MFUGE is a camp that combines normal camp activities with a missional focus. It is July 7th through the 11th. We are still looking for leaders for this event, consider serving if you are able.

    Lastly, the youth ministry is still in need of volunteers. This has been a constant request, that still needs to be filled. Having more leaders will help us better disciple our youth and take pressure off the few who are currently serving. For any questions or interest in serving, email me at tyler@feefeebc.org 

    Graduation Sunday is May 25th. Please submit your graduates name, the name of their high-school, college or trade school, degree or certification earned along with a photo to tyler@feefeebc.org

     

  • Music Musings, Vol. 65, No. 5, May 2025

    SAVE THE DATE

    Don’t miss our presentation of Robert Ray’s Gospel Mass on Sunday, May 18, at 6:00 p.m. in our worship center.

    When Robert Ray was attending college at Northwestern University, he was commissioned to write an experimental setting of the Mass using rhythms and harmonies of African-American music.  In Ray’s mind, God lead him in the writing of this now famous work.  “God controls everything I do,” said Ray, a conductor, composer and music educator.  It was written at a time when Martin Luther King, Jr.’s message of inclusion felt fresh and white audiences were eager to embrace gospel music.

    Even though the music was expected to be a one-time performance, after the first performance it caught on and was wildly successful.

    The work is different with each performance depending on the nature of the choir and the creative improvisation of the soloists and instrumentalists.

    The traditional movements with classic texts include the genres of rock, jazz, blues and pop.  The music retains the ability to fascinate listeners with a freshness of vision each time it is sung.

    Carve out time in your schedule to attend this concert.  Invite friends and neighbors.  You will be glad you did.

    About Maria Ellis

     Maria Ellis from UMSL will be conducting our Gospel Mass presentation.

    Maria holds roles of Artistic Director for both The Sheldon’s All-Star Chorus and the University 0f Missouri-St. Louis Voices of Jubilation Ensemble.

    The award winning radio programs “Bach and Beyonce” and “American Gospel ” are both hosted by Maria Ellis.

    Maria made her conducting debut at Carnegie Hall conducting The Gospel Mass.”

    She has won numerous awards locally and internationally.

    It is no wonder she is in such high demand.

     

  • Bible Study Corner, Vol. 65, No. 5, May 2025

    Bible Study

    I know many of you are reading along with the church in our Bible Reading plan. Talk to your friends about what God is showing you in Scripture.

    While our Bible Studies will be winding down for the summer, we still have a place for everyone on Sunday morning to study the Bible with others in a small group. Ask Gloria for help if you want to know what class you should try.

    In addition to reading Scripture daily, here are 10 books every Christian should read. All of these are available in our media center for check out.

    1. The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller. This book challenges our understanding of Christianity and the gospel.
    2. Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi. This story about a Muslim’s conversion to Christianity is an excellent apologetics book that also challenges its readers to be faithful in their evangelism.
    3. When Sinners Say “ I do” by Dave Harvey. This marriage book explores how the gospel introduces grace into believer’s marriages.
    4. The Grace Awakening by Charles Swindoll. This book confronts legalism and celebrates the grace of the gospel.
    5. Radical by David Platt. This book challenges its readers to reorient their priorities around missions and evangelism.
    6. What is the Mission of the Church? by Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert. This book clarifies what the church – and subsequently, what every Christian – is here for.
    7. Tell the Truth by Will Metzger. This book explains evangelism and challenges its readers to practice what they learn.
    8. When People are Big and God is Small by Edward Welch. This book challenges us to think more highly of God and to stop basing our actions on what other people think of us.
    9. A Praying Church by Paul Miller. This book highlights prayer and gives practical advice on how to pray as a body of believers.
    10. Designed to Lead by Eric Geiger and Kevin Peck. This book calls all Christians in the world to operate as leaders in the world and it serves as a guide for developing leaders within the church.

     Bible Reading Plan

    Part 2 of the churchwide Chronological Bible reading plan is now available.  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.

     

  • Prime Time, Vol. 65, No. 5, May 2025

    May is going to be a fun month. First on May 8th, we will be going to the Transportation Museum. We have been there before but never as VIP’s. We are going to enjoy complimentary admission, a vintage trolley ride, and a VIP guided tour by Conductor Charlie, our own Charlie Lee! Wear your walking shoes as we explore the 42 acres of cars, airplanes, boats and 70 train locomotives. The museum has the largest collection of train locomotives of any museum in the country. The bus will leave at 10 am.

    Then on Wednesday/Thursday, May 21-22, we will journey to Nauvoo, IL. This historical city is located along the Mississippi river. In the mid 1800’s, it was the oldest city in Illinois. Some of the major attractions we will visit are the restored homes of the early Mormon settlers, the Joseph Smith Historic Site, the Brigham Young Home, the Flood Museum and several of the town’s museums. Cost will be determined by the number of individuals who sign up. Plan on a hotel room, and 6 meals and admissions. The cut off for sign-ups will be May 14.

     

  • A Word From Senior Pastor, Britton Carter, Vol. 65, No. 5, May 2025

    A Community, Not a Club

    “I’m not interested in country club Christianity.”

    I sat quietly in my seat, waiting for my friend to explain his comment.

    “You know, sometimes church can feel like a country club. I don’t think that’s what the local church is all about.”

    He was right. We grew up together and had witnessed the same phenomenon. Sometimes, the local church does feel like a country club. People dress up to attend. They pay their “dues” (tithes). Then they sit back and enjoy the privileges of membership—programs catered to them, worship services that fit their tastes, events planned for their amusement.

    None of those things, on their own, is wrong. Wearing nice clothes to a gathering, giving financially to the work of the ministry, enjoying church programs and services, and attending events are all neutral—or in some cases, even good—actions. But when our attitudes match those of country club members and those activities become the sum of our engagement with a local body of believers, we are missing a key aspect of the Christian life.

    The local church isn’t a country club; it’s a community. We are not a people organized for our comfort; we are a people mobilized for gospel mission. We exist for each other, and for our faith-deficient friends in our community and around the world.

    A biblical church isn’t transactional; it’s relational. We are not a collection of individuals who all happen to frequent the same religious establishment. We are a community of believers who are there for each other when life is great and when everything is falling apart—constantly refocusing each other on the gospel. A local church should be defined by transformational relationships—deep connections among believers that allow for joy-filled moments and difficult conversations.

    Let’s examine Fee Fee Baptist Church. Or, even better, let’s examine our own approach to the local church. Are we a country club or a community? Is your relationship with the local church primarily transactional or missional?

    Whatever your response, let’s grow to look even more like a community together.

     

  • A Word From Senior Pastor, Britton Carter, Vol. 65, No. 4, April 2025

    The Biggest Sunday of the Year

    Every Sunday is resurrection Sunday. But not every Sunday has the unique gospel opportunities of the Resurrection Sunday. We celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus every Sunday, and we seek to connect people to the gospel every Sunday. In that sense, Easter is no different than any other gathering of Fee Fee Baptist Church. However, due to the cultural quirks inherent in American Christianity, Resurrection Sunday provides us with our best opportunity all year to connect nonbelievers and unchurched Christians with the gospel.

    Typically, churches witness an influx of visitors on Easter—primarily people loosely connected to the church or family members of regular attenders. Friends and neighbors of church members are usually more inclined to accept an invitation to attend a church service on Easter morning than any other time during the year. Moreover, some non-Christians will wander into church buildings on Easter morning, wondering what Christianity is all about. This all adds up to unparalleled opportunities to connect people to the gospel.

    We could sit back and hope we see higher attendance on Easter Sunday—or we could take advantage of this cultural quirk and actively invite the unchurched people in our lives to participate in our local gathering this Resurrection Sunday. With that purpose in mind, here’s what we’re doing on Easter weekend:

     

    • Good Friday service (4/18), 6:30–7:30 pm, in the old chapel. Join us as we remember our Savior’s death on a cross and pray for his work in our lives and this church on Easter;
    • Easter breakfast (4/20), 9:15–10:15 am, in the gym. Invite your friends and family to join us for a free breakfast on Easter morning;
    • Easter service (4/20), 10:30–11:30 am, in the worship center. Let’s celebrate our risen Savior together on Resurrection Sunday!

     

    There is no easier time of the year to invite somebody to church. We have free food. We have an Easter service. Our local culture has given us a prime opportunity to connect people to the gospel—let’s take advantage of this moment for the glory of God.

     

  • Prime Time, Vol. 65, No. 4, April 2025

    Spring is definitely on its way and our upcoming events will get us ready to welcome the warmer weather and recharge our batteries.

    On Wednesday, April 2, we are going to have a day of food, fun and service. Lunch will begin at 11:30. After lunch we will play some bingo for some fabulous prizes that you bring like jigsaw puzzles you have already completely and the dog hasn’t eaten any pieces, books you have read, Knick knacks or decor that don’t fit your decor anymore!  We will end the day with a short service project at the church. Hope you will join us. Lunch is $7.

    On Thursday, April 24, we will go to the science center for the omnimax movie Super Human Body: World of Medical Marvels. This movie will take us on a journey into the human body and the incredible breakthroughs in science and technology. After the movie, we will go to Zia’s for lunch and you will have a chance to go across the street to Missouri Bakery!

    Hope you can join us for our April events.

    Upcoming Events:

    Wednesday, 4/2 at 11:30 am.  Bingo and Lunch for prizes from your home like puzzles, books, baked goods.  Come walk on the wild side!

    Thursday, 4/24. Science Center Omnimax and Zia’s

    Thursday, 5/8  Transportation Museum and a ride on the Chicago CTA trolley!

    Wednesday/Thursday, 5/21-22 Overnight trip to Nauvoo, IL

    Wednesday, 6/4. Grants Farm with lunch at 3 Kings

    Monday, 6/23 Cathedral Basilica and lunch at Blueberry Hill

     

  • Fee Fee Youth, Vol. 65, No. 4, April 2025

    Hey Church Family!

    We had an amazing time at DNOW last month. We gathered together with several local churches to worship and learn from God’s word. I want to thank our host home leaders and Sunday school classes that brought dinners for our students. You all helped pull of a great weekend.

    This month in the youth ministry we will be doing a deep dive through the Sermon on the Mount. We will see how we apply Jesus’s teaching to our lives, and respond in worship.

    Lastly, we are still looking for leaders to serve within the youth ministry. Having more leaders will help us pull off more events and grow the ministry. Most importantly, having more leaders will help us disciple our youth even better.