Fee Fee Baptist Church

Author: Tara Smith

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 4

    Hymns Written During Past Pandemics – Part III

    By Dr. Julie Barrier, Crosswalk.com

    James Montgomery, born in 1771, was a Scottish-born hymn writer and poet. He wrote 400 hymns in the midst of controversial quarantines for yellow fever, cholera, and bubonic plague.  Sing Hallelujah, Sing is one of his most famous. What a statement of faith!

    “Sing Hallelujah, Glory to God alone…Bring your thank-offerings to the throne. The Lord put forth His hand.  He touched us and we died.  Vengeance went through the land, but mercy walked beside.  He heard our prayers; He saw our tears and stayed the plague and quelled our fears.”

    Dr. John Ryland was an English Baptist pastor and a close friend of John Newton, composer of Amazing Grace. The deadly Cattle Plague was similar to smallpox, but even more deadly. This plague ravaged Britain and other parts of Europe. Ryland paraphrased Psalm 139 into lyrics for his hymn, Sovereign Ruler of  the Skies.

    “He that formed me in the womb shall guide me to the tomb. All my times shall ever be ordered by His wise decree…Plagues and death around me fly ’til He bids I cannot die. Not a single shaft can hit ’til the God of love thinks fit.”

    Swiss pastor Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531) was one of the most influential voices in the Protestant Reformation. Black plague broke out in Zurich and he raced to minister to the sick. Zwingli caught the dreaded disease and almost died. But the hymn he wrote gives us an inspiring glimpse of his faith. The first four verses of his hymn were penned when the disease struck. Verses five through eight were written as his health deteriorated. Verse nine through twelve were written after God healed him. What a great model for us as we fight sickness:

    “Help me Lord, my strength and rock, Lo at the door I hear death’s knock.  Lift up Your arm once pierced for me, that conquered death and rescued me. Yet if Your voice in life’s midday recalls my soul, then I obey.”

    During his illness:

    “My pains increase, haste to console; for fear and woe seize body and soul. Death is at hand, my senses fail, my tongue is dumb, now Christ prevail. He (Satan) harms me not – I fear no loss. For here I lie beneath the cross.”

    After his recovery:

    “My God! My Lord! Healed by your hand, upon the earth once more I stand. Let sin no more rule over me – my mouth shall sing alone to Thee. Though now delay, my hour will come – involved perchance in deeper gloom. BUT LET IT COME, MY JOY WILL RISE. And bear my yoke straight to the skies.”

    What a picture of handling suffering!

    Virtual Choir Project

    It’s time to get serious! Some of you have already arranged a time for Andrea Jennings to record you. If you have not set up a time with her, please make your appointment ASAP. We need to have all recordings by February 26. Also, thanks to Jonathan McPhillips for creating a score that moves forward with repeat and coda marked. This will help you to not get lost in following the arrangement. Appreciate every one of you!

  • Chi Alpha News – Vol. 61, No. 4

    Minneapolis Mission Trip

    As our departure date for the Twin Cities gets closer each day, there is a large sense of anticipation building. We are all very excited for the opportunity to serve in Minneapolis after losing out on the opportunity to travel and serve last year. We are continuously monitoring the situation prior to our trip and working closely with Praying Pelican Missions to try and create the safest environment possible. Please continue to pray for our student ministry, Praying Pelican Missions, and the city of Minneapolis. We are anxious for the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in just a few short months.

    Students, as we get closer to this trip, do not forget your calling to serve in your local community. Being the hands and feet of Jesus does not begin and end by traveling to different cities or countries. Jesus has called you to serve in your local community, schools, and at your activities. The mission never ends, so embrace it, and continue to build the Kingdom!

  • Devotional Corner – Vol. 61, No. 4

    Taken from Mrs. Charles E. Cowman’s “Streams in the Desert,” Vol. Two

    “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them,” (Matthew 7:12).

    This universal language is the language of action. I understand that you have a kind heart, because your kindness takes shape in a friendly letter or deed – I can see your kindness. I understand how much you love your family because your love for them takes form in hard working devotion to their needs. In the same way we come to know the Love of God. For long centuries God in His wisdom spoke to men through words, on the lips of prophets and priests and sages and saints, and men could not be sure what God was like. Then when they were ready, He spoke to them in a new way: ‘And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, full of Grace and Truth.’ God’s Love took form in a Life which we could see, in a death upon a Cross which we beheld; and ever since then, men have said, ‘God is like Jesus Christ. God’s Love is like the Cross.’ This was the ‘Incarnation,’ taking shape in flesh before the eyes of people. God has spoken, at last, in the universal language of action!

    George Washington, one day, had a tempting opportunity to preach a sermon on loving your neighbor. He was riding across the farmlands with a company of gentlemen, when the last horse over a stone fence knocked over a number of stones, leaving a large opening. Washington suggested that they stop and repair it, but the others shrugged their shoulders; so he said nothing more, and rode on with them. When the party disbanded, one of them, riding homeward, found Washington back in the farmer’s fence, carefully replacing the stones. ‘Oh, General,’ chattered the man, ‘You are too big a man to be doing a thing like that.’ ‘No,’ answered Washington, gravely inspecting his work, ‘I’m just the right size.’ Washington was preaching his sermon in the universal language of action. Words would have bored the farmer no end, but the deed of neighborliness spoke for itself.

    If you want, with all your heart, to tell someone that you love them, say as little as possible about it, and show them in loving deeds. — SSPEC

  • A Word From Pastor Zach – Vol. 61, No. 4

    If you grew up in church or have been going for a while, most of us know the answer to this trivia question: What is the shortest verse in the Bible? It’s John 11:35 – “Jesus wept.”

    However, did you know that this is only one of two places in Scripture where our Savior cried? The other place where He wept was in Luke 19:41. The passage says, “As He approached and saw the city, He wept for it…”

    It is actually really interesting to contrast these two passages. In John 11, Jesus is going to visit Lazarus’ tomb. We know that He is going to raise Lazarus from the dead. And yet, though He knows that miracle is coming, He still weeps. On the surface, it might seem like Jesus has the same reaction to Lazarus’ death that He does to Jerusalem. However, when we dig a little deeper, we see there is a stark difference between how Christ “weeps” in these two passages.

    In the original Greek, there are two different words used for “wept.” In Luke 19, the word used for weep is klaio. This type of weeping is best described as crying aloud in anguish. Interestingly enough, this is the type of weeping that we see Mary and others have in Luke 11:33 as they mourn the loss of Lazarus. Jesus is mourning over Jerusalem because He knows, in AD 70, that Jerusalem will be sieged and overthrown.

    In John 11, the word for “weep” is dakryo. This words means that He wept silent tears, best described as tears of compassion. In other words, it seems like in John 11, Jesus is crying not out of anguish, but He is full of compassion for the grief that Lazarus’ friends and family are dealing with. Jesus cares about them, so He weeps. However, His crying isn’t marked with anguish. Instead, He knows what is going to happen with Lazarus. He knows that a resurrection is coming!

    Why was Jesus’ weeping so different in these two passages? Because, in both situations, Jesus knew what was coming. In Luke 19, Jesus is in anguish over Jerusalem because He knows that the city is full of people who will not repent and trust in Him. When the city is destroyed, He knows the eternal implications of its residents. He is heartbroken over their impending demise.

    When it comes to Lazarus, Jesus has compassion for those who are mourning. He knows that they are heartbroken for Lazarus in the same way that He was devastated for Jerusalem. However, He isn’t heartbroken Himself. He knows that Lazarus will be restored to life and that the mourning of his family and friends will turn to joy.

    So Jesus wept…twice! But He was only truly heartbroken for those who didn’t have the hope of eternity with Him.

    Let me close with this last question. What breaks your heart? It is evident by contrasting these two passages that Christ’s heart breaks over the lost. Will you join me in praying that we have the same burden for the lost in our city?

    In Him,

    Pastor Zach

  • Announcements – Vol. 61, No. 4

    Snow Policy Reminder

    Weekday activities will be canceled on the days that the Pattonville School District is closed due to inclement weather. This includes day and evening activities, including all Wednesday night activities. You may also check the closings on KTVI Channel 2 and KSDK Channel 5 on the TV. For Sunday closings, check the TV channels listed above, Facebook, Fee Fee App, or the church website.

    Sympathy

    Our love through Christian sympathy is extended to

    …Eva MacKoul on the passing of her mother-in-law, Lois MacKoul, on February 18.

    Pickleball is Back On!

    Tired of being cooped up in the house? Want to get a little exercise and have fun while you’re doing it? Pickleball is starting back up in the Gym every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Adults of all ages are welcome! Masks are required the entire time on the church campus and while playing the game. If you are interested in joining in a game of Pickleball, contact Carol Gollaher at (314) 620-4036.

     

  • Prime Time – Vol. 61, No. 4

    Aren’t you thankful for a nice warm house and a schedule that allows you to stay home, drink hot chocolate, and read books when we have a snow day? I know I am.

    I’m also thankful that spring is on its way and with the prospect of many of us having had our vaccine shots soon, I feel like we can start planning some adventures. I will be meeting with the senior council in the next few weeks to plan some outings. We will wear our masks, social distance, and enjoy some fellowship.

    If you have a suggestion for an outing, please feel free to email, text, or call with your idea.

    Are you keeping up with your Grounded reading plan? It’s challenging, isn’t it? I find myself digging in a little deeper than I have time for and getting behind. I am thankful for the time to catch up on the weekends.

    Hang in there, hope is on the horizon!

  • Announcements – Vol. 61, No. 3

    Sympathy

    Our love through Christian sympathy is extended to

    …Debbie Nicholson on the passing of her father, Lloyd Welsh, on January 8.

    …Gerald Canaday and Karla Conrey, on the passing of their wife and mother, respectively, Sue Canaday, on January 23.

    Mobile Food Market

    We love our partnership with the St. Louis Area Food Bank to get free groceries into the hands of families in need in our community. Upcoming Mobile Market Mondays will be:

    February 22

    March 8

    Each of these will take place starting 10:00 a.m. (until the food runs out) in the church parking lot. Contact Andrew to volunteer, andrew@feefeebc.org.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 3

    Hymns Written During Past Pandemics – Part II

    By Dr. Julie Barrier, Crosswalk.com

    We are not alone in our distress. Godly men and women throughout the ages praised God in the midst of disease and disaster.  Many great hymns of praise have been written by Christians during plagues throughout church history.

    One of these hymns is Now Thank We All Our God, composed in 1636 by pastor Martin Rinckart. Eilenberg, Germany, his tiny hometown, was ravaged by the Thirty Years War. The Swedish army set siege around the city wall.  War refugees seeking safety overran the crowded town. Soon after, the Bubonic plague erupted there and almost 5,000 people perished within a year. Rinckart was the only pastor left alive to bury the dead. He often performed 40-50 funerals per day, including the burial of his own wife. In the midst of such pestilence and heartbreak, Rindkart wrote:

    “Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices, Who wondrous things

    has done, in Whom this world rejoices. Who from our mother’s arms has blessed us

    on our way with countless gifts of love and still is ours today!”

    Come to Your Temple Here on Earth, composed by pastor Paul Gerhardt, was written about the same time as Rinckart. Europe was besieged with war and plague, yet these words of assurance came to this beloved pastor’s heart:

    “Arise and make an end of all heartache and our pain; Your wandering flock at last recall

    and grant them joy again. To peace and wealth the land restore, wasted with fire or plague

    or sword, Come to Your ruined churches, Lord, and bid them bloom once more.”

    Isaac Watts wrote When We Are raised from Deep Distress during the London cholera outbreak in 1666. Cholera outbreaks were prevalent in various parts of the British Empire, including parts of Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. In 1854, 23,000 people died from cholera in Great Britain. Here are Watts’ lyrics inspired by Psalm 89 and 90.

    “Pains of the flesh seek to abuse our minds with slavish fears; Our days are past and we shall

    lose the remnant of our years. Jehovah speaks the healing word and no disease withstands;

    fevers and plagues obey the Lord and fly at His command!”

    This great Congregational minister wrote 750 hymns!  Watts always found a reason to praise God.

    Virtual Choir Project

    Rehearsal recordings are finished and ready for you to download along with copies of the sheet music. Please contact Tara (Tara@feefeebc.org) to let us know you can participate. When you give her your contact information, you will be included in all informational emails. If you do not have a way to print the music you may pick up a copy of the choral sheet on the table by office entrance.

    Again, you do not need to be a current choir member to take part in this project. There is no age limitation. In fact, a multigenerational choir would be ideal!

    Please consider joining in this project. We have made it easier than ever!

  • A Word From Pastor Zach – Vol. 61, No. 3

    At this time last year, I had a bit of an issue. I had just gone in for my annual physical and I found out that I had pretty high cholesterol. I had never had that issue previously, but I immediately knew the cause: the keto diet.

    You see, I was looking forward to going on a cruise with Jill that February, and I wanted to get in better shape. I jumped on board the fad diet of keto. While the food was delicious, my body just couldn’t handle it. My cholesterol suffered.

    After getting those results from the doctor, I had to make a shift in my mind. I had been looking for a quick way to lose weight. And, honestly, it worked. I lost 20 pounds on the keto diet. However, it became apparent that this quick fix had some pretty terrible unforeseen consequences. I remember the nurse telling me that I needed to get off that diet immediately.

    At that point, I realized I had to make changes that would actually be sustainable (and wouldn’t shoot my cholesterol through the roof!). I started having a more balanced diet and made a commitment to running more regularly. It started off slowly. I didn’t see change right away. But incrementally, month by month, I started being able to run farther and I just felt healthier. Now, a year later, I weigh the same that I did when I was on the crash diet, without the negative side effects.

    Why do I share that story with you? I think we often want a keto-quick fix when it comes to our relationship with God, when the discipline of getting in his Word and spending time with him daily is the true recipe for long-term success.

    Can God miraculously transform our lives in just an instant? Of course! But a strong, healthy relationship with him happens by regularly spending time with him. Eugene Peterson argues that following Jesus is long obedience in the same direction. It is allowing Jesus to mold us and shape us and transform us more and more into his image. It is developing spiritual disciplines and displaying the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

    In John 15:4, Jesus says, “Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.”

    Instead of looking for quick fixes, let’s commit to remaining in Him. I want to encourage you to stay the course with our Grounded reading plan and allow His Spirit to slowly transform you, day by day.

    In Him,

    Pastor Zach

  • Bible Study Corner – Vol. 61, No. 3

    I hope each of you are doing the Grounded reading plan with me! We are already in John. It’s so interesting to read all four Gospels in rapid succession to get a complete picture of Jesus. If you would like to talk with others about what you are reading, please contact Zach or Gloria and we will put you in a Transformation Group.

    I also hope you are involved in a Bible Study! We have both in-person and online studies on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Please contact Gloria gloria@feefeebc.org, if you would like to get connected.