Fee Fee Baptist Church

Author: Tara Smith

  • Chi Alpha News – Vol. 61, No. 14

    Minneapolis Mission Trip Report

    Thank you so much, Church, for your prayers and support of our students and leaders who served in Minneapolis this last week. I am happy to report this was one of our best mission trips to date, that I can remember – from serving as a student here, to being a college leader, to now serving the church as Director of Student Ministries. I am so proud of our students and the hard work they produced, but I am prouder of the community they continued to build here, between themselves. Seeing them interact and work together, laugh and learn as a group, and even play silly games together, meant more than you can know. These kids built a bond together that will continue to strengthen our youth group for years to come. Please pray in the weeks ahead that we will grow together and see the fruits of the work we did. Also pray for our partner church, Alfa y Omega, and the city of Minneapolis, that God will continue to work and move there!

    DNOW Updates!

    I am so excited for our upcoming DNOW weekend that is happening July 23-25. Continue to pray for this weekend and that God will move through our students. I am so excited to announce that this year we are offering this event to be FREE to all guests that wish to attend! So, if your student has always wanted to invite a friend or two to DNOW, but has been hesitant because of the cost, NOW is the time to encourage them to come!

     

    Chi Alpha Summers: Every Wednesday June 2 – August 11

    July 23-25: DNOW

    July 26-30: Serve for VBS

    July 31: Paintball

    August 22: Youth & Family BBQ

  • Family Front – Vol. 61, No. 14

    Family Fun Play Date!

    An open play date for parents and kids 5th grade and under on Friday, July 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Come play together in our air-conditioned gym and play area!

    VBS ‘Wilderness Escape’ is July 26-30, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

    What a fun way to help kids (and adults!) see how God guides and provides! See me if you are interested in volunteering. Thank you for providing the many requested supplies for VBS and Sports Camp; you all are so gracious and generous! We are STILL LOOKING for some Easy-Up canopies that we could borrow for VBS – if you have one (or more) please put your name on it and bring it to church by July 18.

    Sports Crusaders Basketball Camp is also July 26-30, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

    Please be praying for these college students who will be leading the camp (Timothy,  Megan, Maura, and MeKency). Ask God to keep them healthy and for God to work mightily through them.

    Registration for VBS and Sports Camp is STILL AVAILABLE

    On our website at feefeebc.org/freevbs or feefeebc.org/sports-crusaders. VBS is always FREE. We can only take 40 kids for basketball camp, so REGISTER NOW! The same registration form can be used for both events.

    Upcoming Family Events:
    Family Swim Night

    The very next week we are hosting a FREE Family Swim Night at the Bridgeton Municipal Pool, Friday, August 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

    Free Market

    On Saturday, August 7, we have our annual Free Market on our parking lot. Backpacks with school supplies will be available for kids in our community.

    Welcome Weekend

    On Saturday, August 14 we will be having our Welcome Weekend event for our preschoolers, children, and Youth that will be moving up to the next grade/department. This will give kids an opportunity to see their new classrooms and meet their teachers. Promotion day is Sunday, August 22.

  • A Word From Pastor Zach – Vol. 61, No. 14

    Church Family, the second half of July here at Fee Fee is going to be busy…but I also believe that it is going to be transformative for our church. We have three significant events that are happening that all concern the future of our church.

    First, on July 18, we are going to have an incredibly important service take place at 6:00 p.m. What service is that? We are having a Deacon Ordination service! If you go back to Acts 6, we see that deacons were appointed by the early church in order to serve and meet the needs of widows in the congregation. Since that time, deacons are called by God to step into a servant leadership role in the church. We have the blessing of four men – Chris Fisbeck, David Jennings, Jonathan McPhillips, and Dann Webber – who have been training with our deacon body for over a year and are now going to be officially ordained. Please join me in praying for these men and their families and do everything you can to be here at 6:00 p.m. for this service. We will have a reception that will follow as we honor and celebrate these men.

    Second, from July 23-25, our student ministry is having their Disciple Now. This event had to be delayed from the spring, and I know our students are so excited about getting to spend this weekend focusing on their relationships with God. Teenage years are incredible pivotal when it comes to faith formation, so I want to ask you to join me in praying for these junior high and high school students. We need God to move in a new and fresh way in the next generation, and I am praying this event might be a catalyst to students’ hearts being forever changed by King Jesus.

    Third, from July 26-30, we are having Vacation Bible School and basketball camp. After not being able to have VBS last year, it is really encouraging to know that we are going to have a bunch of kids on our campus all week learning about Jesus. When it comes to evangelistic events, nothing has been more successful in America than VBS. Please join me in praying that many kids will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus that week! Let’s also pray for the many volunteers, including the Sports Crusaders, who are giving up their time to serve our kids. I want to challenge you to volunteer in some way as we share the Gospel with the kids who are the future of our country.

    The latter half of July will certainly have a lot going on. However, more than just events on the calendar, these three things all have to do with the future of our church. Join me in praying that these new deacons will serve our church well. Pray that our youth will be captivated by Christ and live boldly for Him. And pray that our kids will fall in love with Jesus during VBS.

    I can’t wait to see God work over the next few weeks!

    In Him,

    Pastor Zach

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 14

    Singing Tree Update

    Thanks to those of you who have responded that you will be available to sing in our 2021 Singing Tree. We have had a positive response from about 25 singers, so we are halfway there. If you have not yet sent in your response, please do so ASAP.  Also, you may know others that might enjoy this singing experience, so please share this information with them. Remember – singers do not need to be a member of Fee Fee. Thanks so much for considering the sharing of your singing!

    July Playlist

    I do hope you will enjoy this new playlist that Tara and I have created. We so enjoy sharing these diverse songs with you. There are many different musical genres that can praise our God!

    Billboard Top Christian:

    #1 – Amen

    For King and Country

     

    #2 – Help is On the Way

    Toby Mac

     

    Top Gospel Chart:

    I’m Not Ashamed

    Monica Lisa Stevenson

    (featuring Paul Porter)

     

    Christian Folk Rock:

    Rescuer (Good News)

    Rend Collective

     

    Gospel:

    Sometimes It takes a Mountain

    The Foster Triplets

     

    Classical Gospel:

    We Need You, Lord

    by Jonathan Butler

     

    Christian Acoustic Folk:

    Wayfaring Stranger

    Southern Raised

    Christian Rock:

    Magnify

    We Are Messengers

     

    Christian Rock:

    Made to Fly

    Colton Dixon

     

    Christian Pop:

    Keep on Hoping

    Riley Clemmons

     

    Christian Folk:

    Paradox

    Ellie Holcomb (featuring Natalie Hemby)

     

    Contemporary Worship:

    Never Have I Ever

    Hillsong Young & Free

    You can listen along on YouTube to Ronna’s July 2021 Playlist by using this link:

    https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpdd9NDp5H-X3USv9AIDkSgdWKv6zH_py&feature=share

  • Announcements – Vol. 61, No. 14

    Sympathy

    Our love through Christian sympathy is extended to

    … Donna Reynolds on the passing of her mother, Jean Bunch, on June 26.

    … Bonnie Ferguson and family on the passing of her sister, Terri Smith, on June 28.

    Now Accepting Donations for  Backpacks & School Supplies

    #2 Wooden Pencils

    24-Pack Crayons

    Colored Pencils

    Washable Markers

    Dry Erase Markers

    Elmer’s Glue Sticks

    Ink Pens

    Erasers

    Fiskar Scissors

    Spiral Notebooks (Wide Ruled)

    Composition Notebooks

    Pocket Folders (3-holes)

    3-Ring Binders

    Clorox Wipes

    Hand Sanitizer

    Please place all donations in the Donation Center bins across from the Connection Center. The last day to drop off backpacks and school supplies is August 3. These will be given out during Free Market on August 7.

  • Devotional Corner – Vol. 61, No. 13

    Taken from L.B. Cowman’s “Streams in the Desert,” Zondervan Updated Edition

    “They will soar on wings like eagles,” (Isaiah 40:31).

    There is a fable about the way birds first got their wings. The story goes that initially they were made without them. Then God made the wings, set them down before the wingless birds, and said to them, “Take up these burdens and carry them.”

    The birds had sweet voices for singing, and lovely feathers that glistened in the sunshine, but they could not soar in the air. When asked to pick up the burdens that lay at their feet, they hesitated at first. Yet soon they obeyed, picked up the wings with their beaks, and set them on their shoulders to carry them.

    For a short time the load seemed heavy and difficult to bear, but soon, as they continued to carry the burden and to fold the wings over their hearts, the wings grew attached to their little bodies. They quickly discovered how to use them and were lifted by the wings high into the air. The weights had become wings.

    This is a parable for us. We are the wingless birds, and our duties and tasks are the wings God uses to lift us up and carry us heavenward. We look at our burdens and heavy loads, and try to run from them, but if we will carry them and tie them to our hearts, they will become wings. And on them we can then rise and soar toward God.

    There is no burden so heavy that when lifted cheerfully with love in our hearts will not become a blessing to us. God intends for our tasks to be our helpers; to refuse to bend our shoulders to carry a load is to miss a new opportunity for growth. —J.R. Miller.

  • A Word From Pastor Zach – Vol. 61, No. 13

    When you think about going on a summer trip, what comes to your mind? Some people think about beautiful sandy beaches. Others are drawn to the mountains. Maybe you are a family that loves going to Six Flags or Disney. Often, when we think about summer trips, we are thinking about rest, relaxation, and fun.

    However, as you are reading this, a group of 26 youth and adults are on a different kind of trip. They are serving up in Minneapolis, MN, on a mission trip. Among other mission projects, our team is partnering with a Hispanic church, Alfa y Omega, and serving with them.

    Our team will be doing physical labor in both the church and members’ homes. They also will be leading backyard Bible clubs for the church. Finally, they will be partnering with other missions agencies in Minneapolis to serve those in need and share the Gospel with the lost.

    I am always so thankful for people who sacrifice their time to do this kind of “trip.” God’s heart is for us to be on mission. To go and to serve others. One of my favorite verses in Scripture is 2 Corinthians 5:20. It says:

    “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.””

    Think about what it means to be an ambassador. An ambassador represents the interests of their country/kingdom as they live and serve in another country or kingdom. They are a representative of that country’s government or monarchy. As ambassadors, we represent God to a lost and broken world. He is making His appeal through us!

    One of the best ways for the church to represent God well in this world is through missions. When a group of students and adults take a week of their summer to go and serve those in need in Minnesota, I believe that the lost world around them notices.

    However, it is important to note that we aren’t just ambassadors for God when we go on a mission trip. Rather, we are ambassadors for God each and every day. The way that we live our lives matter! What can we do to make sure we are clearly showing the love of Christ to the world around us?

    I want to encourage you to be in prayer for our Minneapolis Mission Team. Pray that they will be ambassadors who represent King Jesus well as they serve in Minnesota. In addition, I want to encourage you to be praying for your own ambassadorship. Take a few moments this week and examine your life. Are you representing the interests of the Kingdom of God well in your neighborhood and community?

    It is commendable to go on a mission trip. It is just as commendable to live boldly for Christ right here in St. Louis. Whether it is on a mission trip or in our everyday lives, let’s commit to being positive witnesses for Christ!

    In Him,

    Pastor Zach

  • Bible Study Corner – Vol. 61, No. 13

    Each week more people are returning to church for corporate worship and Bible Study. I would like to challenge each of you to get involved. Pastor Zach just preached through Hebrews 10, and we really are better together. We have classes for everyone. Hope to see you Sunday at 9:45 a.m.

    Men’s Fraternity continues to meet through the summer, but all other Wednesday Bible Studies will resume on September 8.

    Join me on Facebook Live on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. for a study through Isaiah. If you cannot join live, it is posted on Facebook and website for viewing at your convenience.

    Backpacks

    Last year at the Free Market, we were able to hand out almost 100 backpacks filled with school supplies for the kids in our community. Our goal is to DOUBLE that number this year! We are hoping that small groups, Bible Study classes, Marco Polo groups, and any other group or individual will help us meet this goal. The Forerunner has a list of needed school supplies. Help us reach our goal by August 3 for handout at the Free Market on August 7.

  • Announcements – Vol. 61, No. 13

    Summer Social

    Prime Time is having a fun Summer Social on Saturday, July 10 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. We will be enjoying watermelon, homemade ice cream, and table games. We would love for anyone who would like to join us, but you must sign up in the Connection Center so we can plan accordingly.

    Backpacks

    Last year at the Free Market, we were able to hand out almost 100 backpacks filled with school supplies for the kids in our community. Our goal is to DOUBLE that number this year! We are hoping that small groups, Bible Study classes, Marco Polo groups, and any other group or individual will help us meet this goal. Below is a list of needed school supplies. Help us reach our goal by August 3 for handout at the Free Market on August 7.

    Now Accepting Donations for Backpacks & School Supplies

    #2 Wooden Pencils

    24-Pack Crayons

    Colored Pencils

    Washable Markers

    Dry Erase Markers

    Elmer’s Glue Sticks

    Ink Pens

    Erasers

    Fiskar Scissors

    Spiral Notebooks (Wide Ruled)

    Composition Notebooks

    Pocket Folders (3-holes)

    3-Ring Binders

    Clorox Wipes

    Hand Sanitizer

    Please place all donations in the Donation Center bins across from the Connection Center. The last day to drop off backpacks and school supplies is August 3. These will be given out during Free Market on August 7.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 13

    Hymn of the Month

    When I was a little girl, the Linn County Baptist Association had a hymn sing each month. Different churches in the association would host the event which featured the “hymn of the month” which was sung along with other hymns compatible with the theme. Of course, I don’t know how the “hymn of the month” was determined, but remembering this event got me started thinking and wondering if “hymn of the month” exists in various organizations today. Indeed, it does! Here are three web sites that share hymn stories of the month.

    1. Hymn Stories Organization has a hymn of the month giving background information and details surrounding the inspiration for writing and the writer. Hymn Stories hymn for the month of June is Where We’ll Never Grow Old.
    2. The Getty Family Hymn of the Month – The Getty web site lists a hymn for the month with the accompanying story and the memory verse of the month. June’s selection is Jesus Shall Reign.Memory verse for the month is Psalm 72:17.
    3. Happy Hymnody – This web site was developed to sow the truths of hymns into the hearts of children and encourage families to lift their voices in praise to the Holy One. Their hymn for the month of June is This is My Father’s World.

    “It could not be otherwise, but that Christianity be a singing faith. The Founder sang. He learned to sing from His Father. Surely, they have been singing together from all eternity…When He speaks galaxies come into being. And when He sings for joy, more energy is released than exists in all the matter and motion of the universe. If He appointed song for us to release our heart’s delight in Him, is this not because He also knows the joy of releasing His own heart’s delight in song? We are a singing people because we are children of a singing God.” –John Piper, theologian.

    Christmas 2021

    It is time to start thinking about Christmas and get our act together! So, in order to plan, we need to find out how many people will participate. In particular, we are thinking about the Singing Tree. So obviously we need MANY singers to stand on its branches. It is not necessary for you to have any prior experience of singing on the tree, but please reply to Tara (tara@feefeebc.org), to let us know of your interest. We need you!