Fee Fee Baptist Church

Author: Tara Smith

  • A Word From Pastor Zach – Vol. 62, No. 7

    Church Family,

    You might have noticed a theme through my last few articles that is now about to reach its crescendo: Easter is coming! It is now April, and we have the incredible opportunity to get people connected with our church during our Easter services on April 17.

    As I shared earlier, we are going with the theme of “Hope.” I can’t wait to preach about the Living Hope we have since our Savior conquered the grave! Also, we are bringing back our hot Easter breakfast in the gym (which will be between our two services during the Bible Study hour). Please don’t come alone on Easter Sunday. Invite family, friends, neighbors, or co-workers to come with you!

    Also, we want to be really strategic about encouraging any guests we have on Easter to come back again. With that in mind, I wanted to share with you the exciting news of our “Family Connection Sunday” on April 24, the week after Easter. We have found that many people, saved or lost, are concerned about being better parents and grandparents and making sure they are making a difference in the lives of their children and grandchildren. The whole purpose of this special Sunday the week after Easter is to equip families to reconnect with each other and form deeper relationships.

    We are bringing in a guest speaker, Dr. Richard Ross, from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, to come and lead this special Sunday. Dr. Ross has decades of experience in connecting and ministering to families. He will be preaching a message entitled “The Hearts of Parents and the Future of Their Children,” from Psalm 110:12-4 in both of our services.

    In addition, he will do a special training session for parents and grandparents during the Bible Study hour, entitled “How to Make a Spiritual Impact on Your Children or Grandchildren.” Finally, we are going to have a luncheon for parents and their kids in 5th-12th grade. After a quick meal, Dr. Ross will lead a 50-minute session called “Restoring Heart Connections between Parents and Teenagers.” He puts parents and their kids knee-to-knee and he guides them through what to say to each other. It is powerful. Tears are common. Dr. Ross has shared with me that parents talk about this session for years!

    So many people want to be equipped to be a better parent and grandparent. It is our prayer that Dr. Ross and our Family Connection Sunday will be a great encouragement to our members and will also be a way to get our guests on Easter to want to show up the following Sunday. Will you join me in praying that God will move and work in a fresh way in our church and community through our Easter and Family Connection Sunday services?

    In Him,

    Pastor Zach Crook

  • Featured Article – Vol. 62, No. 7

    “And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place,” (Hebrews 10: 19-20 NLT).

    Our generation lacks a sense of wonder and reverence toward God.  We want to bring God down to our level. He is God! As His children, we have direct access to Him. We ought never to forget that this access was purchased with the precious blood of His only Son. No one who truly understands this ever enters God’s presence without a sense of holy awe. No one who comprehends the incredible price paid at Calvary ever takes his relationship with God for granted.

    We will never truly understand God. To begin to understand the way He relates to us, we first comprehend a true sense of His holiness and His demand for holiness among His people. If we are in God’s presence, we are on holy ground! We must never act as if it were God’s purpose to make us successful. It would be preposterous for us to become impatient when God does not answer our prayers when and how we think He should! He is God, we are not!1

    Soon we will celebrate Easter and the resurrection of our Lord. As this day approaches, meditate on the price Jesus paid to give you access to the Father. As you prepare to celebrate “He is Risen!”, revisit the cross and witness your Savior suffering for you. How priceless God’s gift of salvation is!

    If you are interested in joining the Prayer Warriors ministry, contact Larry Condra for details: (314) 604-5221.

     

    1Adapted from Experiencing God Day-By-Day by Henry Blackaby

  • Family Front – Vol. 62, No. 7

    Family Connection Sunday

    Dr. Richard Ross will be our guest for Family Connection Sunday on April 24. He is a teacher, author, speaker, and conference leader. His mission is: “By the Spirit—live, teach, speak, and write to see Christ’s kingdom come through teenagers and their parents and leaders—for the glory of God.” Dr. Ross was one of the architects of True Love Waits – promises of purity that began with Ross’ youth group in 1993. On April 24 we have Dr. Ross preaching in both services, teaching to parents and grandparents during the Bible study hour at 9:45 a.m., then a lunch discussion with parents and students grades 5-12.  Put this date on your MUST DO calendar. It will be a great day!

    Mother Daughter Spa Day

    Come prepared to pamper yourself and do a craft on Saturday, May 14, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Cost is $5.00 per person.  Sign-up sheets will be available soon.

    Father Son Fishing Day

    On Saturday, June 18, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Busch Wildlife. Put it on your calendar and plan to spend a fun morning fishing. If you need fishing equipment to use, let Kathy know; we will have extra equipment available.

    VBS 2022 & Soccer Camp

    REGISTRATION IS OPEN for VBS and Soccer Camp for kids that have completed Kindergarten through 5th grade. There are limited spaces available for soccer camp, so go to our website and register early: www.feefeebc.org/free-vbs-fee-fee.  It’s not too early to set time aside to help with VBS. Put July 18-22 on your calendar for our 2022 VBS called “MOMUMENTAL – Celebrating God’s Greatness.” There will be many different areas to help: registration, music leadership, station leader or helper, family group leader or helper, snacks, photographer, sound, PowerPoint, and more! If you have soccer skills or are athletic, there are volunteer spots available for Soccer Camp also. VBS will be in the mornings and Soccer Camp will be in the afternoon. The cost for this week of fun is FREE for VBS and $55 for Soccer Camp. Email or talk to Kathy (kathy@feefeebc.org) if you are interested in serving!

  • Bible Study Corner – Vol. 62, No. 7

    Are you involved in Bible Study? Our numbers continue to grow but there is always room for more. Join us on Sundays at 9:45 a.m., Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m., Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m., or on Facebook Live on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. God has a special message for you from His word! Ask Gloria for details regarding these studies: gloria@feefeebc.org.

    Interested in a small group or Transformation group? Contact Gloria for more information. We were made for connection with God and with others. Don’t miss this opportunity.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 62, No. 7

    Patriotic Concert

    Our first Fee Fee Summer Concert will present patriotic music. This concert will be presented on Sunday, July 3, at 6:00 p.m. Plan now to be a part of our “Patriotic Choir.” We will rehearse on Sundays from 2:00-3:30 p.m. in the choir room beginning May 1. There will be no rehearsal on Mother’s Day (May 8) and Father’s Day (June 19). We need your voice.  Please join us as we celebrate our freedom and declare our dependence on the undeniable hand of God on our nation.

    COVID vaccinations will be required to participate, but masks will be optional at this time. Invite your friends to join you in this project. Singers do not need to be members of Fee Fee. Come help us proclaim: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

    Music in 1 Samuel 16

    As we read many passages in the Bible, we find the importance of music. In 1 Samuel 16 David soothes Saul’s discomfort. God allowed an evil spirit to torment Saul. Saul’s attendants found Jesse’s son, David, who played the harp. Saul grew to like David and made him an armor bearer and asked Jesse if David could stay in his employ permanently. So, whenever the evil spirit would trouble Saul, David would play the harp for him and Saul would be soothed. Wow! Here is the power of music at work!

  • Devotional Corner – Vol. 62, No. 6

    “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy,” (Matt. 5:6-7).

    The Greek word translated as “blessed” is makarios. It describes complete fulfillment in life, an enduring condition rather than fleeting happiness.

    As Jesus launches into the Beatitudes to tell us how to be “blessed” (makarios), it is crucial for us to know that He uses a literary device called a chiasm—wherein the most essential elements are found in the middle. The verses at the center of the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:6–7, are the main message of the chiasm: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; blessed are the merciful.

    Jesus is establishing His Kingdom on a foundation of both righteousness and mercy. They can be said to be two sides of the Kingdom coin or compared to the vertical and horizontal aspects of the cross: Righteousness is a focus on God, and mercy is a focus on others.

    The righteousness that Jesus describes is social harmony, similar to the harmony found in the championship team. Righteousness implies a right way that is chosen rather than imposed; it can also be translated as justice.

    We tend to desire justice for others and mercy for ourselves. But in Jesus’ Kingdom, when people are merciful, they are blessed because they too shall receive mercy.

    Rather than a substitute, mercy is a complement to righteousness. They go together. Righteousness (harmony) comes about because we are merciful and seek to lead others to follow God’s ways for their benefit.

    The social harmony His Kingdom provides is unlike anything the world offers. It is the byproduct of truth and grace. We don’t compromise Kingdom standards. Instead, we recognize that God’s standards are provided for the benefit of the community.

    The kingdoms of the earth focus on dominion and control over others. They stoke offense, which is a focus on self. But the Kingdom of Heaven encourages us to find the good life through serving one another in love (Galatians 5:13). Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness find mercy and are blessed with ultimate happiness as a result.—

  • Music Musings – Vol. 62, No. 6

    Multigenerational Choir

    Let’s have a multigenerational choir here at Fee Fee. Recently, churches have begun looking for opportunities for children, youth, adults and seniors to minister together.

    Think about the value of blending multiple timbres into one homogeneous sound. This is a perfect picture of the body of Christ. An intergenerational music ministry allows everyone the opportunity to participate – no matter the individual skill level. It reflects the age diversity already present. It involves the youngest and oldest pooling their voices together.

    Young people bring excitement and a contagious enthusiasm. Older members contribute a wealth of knowledge. Therefore, they can benefit from each other. Unity in purpose and musical unity are key. It’s a win – win situation!

    The choir must work together to overcome personal music preferences and traditions to be effective worship leaders.

    Here is a scripture that applies so well to the workings of an intergenerational choir:

    Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians church urged them (us) “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called with all humility and with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the Lord of peace,” (Ephesians 41:3 ESV).

    We can learn more than music from a choir experience.

    Hannah’s Song (Mother’s Prayer)

    As we have been reading in 1 Samuel, I was really taken by Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving. In coming across this rendition of Hannah’s song, I thought its beauty along with the dramatization was worth sharing: https://bit.ly/3ifg3bS

  • Prime Time – Vol. 62, No. 6

    On Tuesday, April 12, we will have lunch at 11:30 a.m. and then prepare 20 Easter baskets for the children living at Loaves and Fishes. We will dye Easter eggs and assemble baskets which will include small toys, stuffed animals, and candy. We could use your help even if you can’t come that day. You can pick up some items like Pez dispensers, Matchbox cars, princess figurines, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, books, or any other small toy items.  We will also need LOTS of candy.  If you are near a Dierbergs, some have chocolate crosses available. Even if you cannot attend that day, you can absolutely help with this project.

    On April 26 at 10:00 a.m. we will go to Oakland House for a tour and luncheon. This home in Affton is the country home of Louis A. Benoist and has been restored to its original beauty from 1853.The cost is $22 per person.

    In May, we have two great events planned. We will go to Warm Springs Ranch on May 9 to see the Clydesdales. Then on Saturday night, May 14 we will have our annual Legacy Banquet. Our entertainment will be provided by Ronna, Maggie, Rennae, John, and Dave with a variety of songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s, and our own Lowell Donnelly will give the devotional. You will definitely not want to miss this night.

    I want to encourage you as the pandemic numbers continue to go down and the weather gets better, to resume your small groups and include your friends and neighbors.

  • Bible Study Corner – Vol. 62, No. 6

    Bible Study numbers are increasing each week as Covid numbers continue to fall. We have places for everyone in Bible Study on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. Talk to Gloria if you want to get connected.

    While we continue to read through the Bible together, I would like to encourage you to start a T-Group and meet in person one hour a week talking about what God has shown you in the scripture you have been reading. Meet in a park or on someone’s patio, or a coffee shop. It’s a great way to build spiritual connections with others and to hold each other accountable for studying scripture. If you need help getting started or would like to start a group, contact Gloria: gloria@feefeebc.org.

  • Announcements – Vol. 62, No. 6

    Sympathy

    Our love through Christian sympathy is extended to

    … Diane Wright on the passing of her husband, Victor Wright, on March 5.

    … Family and friends on the passing of David (Bill) Pischel, on March 12.

    Deacon Recommendations: Qualifications/Expectations
    1. Choose persons who meet the biblical qualifications set forth primarily in Acts 6:1-7 and I Timothy 3:8-13.
    • A man of honest (good) report (Acts 6:3).
    • Full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:3).
    • Full of wisdom (Acts 6:3).
    • Full of faith (Acts 6:5).
    • Grave (I Timothy 3:8); reverence for spiritual matters.
    • Not double-tongued (I Timothy 3:8).
    • Not given to much wine (I Timothy 3:8).
    • Not greedy of filthy lucre (I Timothy 3:8).
    • A holder of the faith (I Timothy 3:9).
    • Tested and proved (I Timothy 3:10).
    • Blameless (I Timothy 3:10).
    • Christian family life (I Timothy 3:11-12).
    • Husband of one wife (I Timothy 3:11-12).
    • Ruling their children and their own houses well (I Timothy 3:12).
    • Bold in the faith (I Timothy 3:13).
    1. Choose persons who can serve well.

    (Full recommendation forms can be found in the Connection Center and can be turned in to a Deacon, church staff, or church office.)