Fee Fee Baptist Church

Author: Tara Smith

  • Featured Article – Vol. 60, No. 24

    by Larry Condra, Prayer Warrior

    A Prayer for this Christmas Season

    People have problems and the problems they have may cloud their judgement.  They may question God or seek solutions in the wrong places.

    Have you not known?
    Have you not heard?
    The everlasting God, the LORD,
    The Creator of the ends of the earth,
    Neither faints nor is weary.
    His understanding is unsearchable.

    (Isaiah 40: 28)

    The prophet Isaiah’s response to those who question God is “Have you not known?” He does this because we surely do know.  “Have you not heard?” We have, of course, heard about God. We are the very people of God. We have heard about God and the wonders He has performed. We know that it is foolish to fall into the trap of resentment. After all, we know that God is the solution to our problems.

    Maybe things aren’t going the way you would like or you know someone who is questioning things going on. Maybe things aren’t being resolved according to your timetable, or theirs. What God has allowed to happen may not make sense. Isaiah’s explanation for this is that God’s understanding is unsearchable. It’s not always possible to figure it out. Indeed, we don’t really have to figure it out.

    Our job is not to figure God out, but to trust Him. We must trust that He will deliver us at the right time.

    ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His word;

    Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know “Thus saith the Lord.”

    I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Saviour, Friend;

    And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end.

    Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him, How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!

    Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!  O for grace to trust Him more!

    As we celebrate Christmas during this unusual year, pray that we will trust in Jesus. Pray that our families, our church, our neighbors, and our nation will not despair or become depressed over changes we face this holiday season but will trust in Jesus.

    Pray too for our children and their families this Christmas season. They are missing their Bible study teachers and classes. Despite this separation, pray that they will experience the real meaning of Christ’s birth. Pray for our Lottie Moon Christmas offering and the missionaries it will help support. Include our Pastor and staff as we ask for God’s blessings.

  • A Word From Pastor Zach – Vol. 60, No. 23

    Well, by the time you are getting this edition of the Forerunner, Thanksgiving has passed. With that being said, it is now officially appropriate to start listening to Christmas music! While you know that I am advocate for not listening to Christmas music too early, that doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy it. I love Christmas music (as long as it is played AFTER Thanksgiving!).

    Speaking of Christmas music, do you have a favorite Christmas carol? I like a lot of different carols, but my favorite is probably “Silent Night.” Not only does it clearly proclaim and celebrate Jesus’ birth, but it is the carol that always reminds me of Christmas Eve services. All growing up, I loved when we turned down the lights and lit our candles on Christmas Eve as we sang that song together as a church. Whenever I hear that song, I think of those services and their significance.

    Silent Night! Holy Night!
    Long ago, minding our plight
    God the world

    from misery freed
    In the dark age of

    our fathers decreed:
    All the world is redeemed
    All the world is redeemed.

     

    -Joseph Mohr, 1816

    Since carols are such a big part of the Christmas season, I have decided to do something a little different for our Christmas series this year. During December, I am going to be preaching the Christmas story using passages that were the inspiration for famous Christmas carols. From Psalm 98 (which inspired “Joy to the World”) to Luke 2 (which inspired “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”), it is going to be a fun and different way to approach the Christmas story.

    Along with reflecting on the Christmas story and the great carols it has inspired, it is my prayer that we would respond to Christ’s birth in tangible ways this Christmas season. It could be as simple as checking in on a fellow church member or neighbor and making sure they are doing alright throughout this pandemic. Or, it could be getting an angel off of our tree and providing gifts for a child of a family in need.

    Another way to respond to Christ’s birth is by giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. As you heard our guest missionary share about the Great Commission and Lottie Moon, I hope it reminded you about the call that God has placed on each of us. We all need to be a part of taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

    This year, our church is setting a goal of $25,000 for our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. That might seem like an audacious goal, but we are committed to making sure that the Christmas story is shared in every corner of the globe. Would you pray about helping us reach this goal?

    I love Christmas. The fact that God loved us enough to send His only Son to live a perfect life and die in our place is astounding! Let’s sing about that story this Christmas season and let’s make sure we are spreading the truth of the Gospel in our neighborhoods and the nations!

    In Him,

    Pastor Zach

  • Bible Study Corner – Vol. 60, No. 23

    Adult Bible study will continue online during the month of December. However, there will also be three in person classes meeting on the church campus on Sundays at 9:45 a.m.  Each participant should wear a mask and socially distance. You can join the Potts in the Dining Room, Doug Monasmith in the Fellowship Hall, or Scott Knepper in C112.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 60, No. 23

    Christmas Program 2020!

    Yes, it’s happening! This year will look a little different as I’m sure you have guessed by now. The theme for this year is “Christmas, Night of Angels.” This piece is narrated by Joseph and Mary and tells the Christmas story through angel visitations recorded in scripture. The presentation will feature a virtual choir and live smaller ensembles.

    You may attend on Saturday, December 19 or Sunday, December 20. Both programs will begin at 3:00 p.m. and run approximately an hour.

    Plan to attend. Invite a friend. Let us know how many are coming by reserving your seat – watch our website for details!

    Two Christian Songs That Inspire Gratitude

    Through it All

    Andraé Crouch, 1970s

    The text of this song came to Andraé Crouch after he experienced, in the span of two years, the loss of his parents and a brother. Through it All simply recognized that his sad experiences taught him everything about trust.

    Especially meaningful is the lyric of the second verse:

    I thank Him for the mountains, 

    and I thank Him for the valleys,

    I thank Him for the storms He brought me through.

    For if I’d never had a problem,

    I wouldn’t know that God could solve them,

    I’d never know what faith in God could do.

    His Eye is on the Sparrow written in 1905 by lyricist Civilla D. Martin and composer Charles H. Gabriel.

    I sing because I’m happy,

    I sing because I’m free.

    That is why we sing.  Because He takes care of the birds of the air and the lilies of the field – Because His eye is on the sparrow, I KNOW He is watching me.

  • Announcements – Vol. 60, No. 23

    Christmas Meals

    Again this year we want to provide groceries for Christmas meals for families that may be struggling a bit.  We need your help in recommending potential families.  If you know of a family that may need a Christmas meal this year please submit those names to the church office or Ron Burns (314) 803-2540, by December 11.

    Angel Tree

    Recognizing that some of you might not be able to select an ornament from the Angel Tree this year because you are viewing our services virtually, we wanted to make sure that you still had an opportunity to participate in buying gifts for families this Christmas.

    If you would like to participate, you can email (gloria@feefeebc.org) or call (314) 604-6071, and I will provide you with a gift to buy someone. If you want to participate but don’t feel comfortable going out shopping for the gift, just contact me and I will provide you with a personal shopper to purchase and wrap the gift for you.

    All gifts should be wrapped and the ornament that contained the gift suggestion should be reattached and returned to the church by Sunday, December 20.

    Ministry Need – Christmas Edition

    We are looking for a few people to be personal shoppers for those who would like to purchase a gift(s) for the Angel Tree but don’t want to go out shopping. If you are willing to help with this ministry, please contact Gloria@feefeebc.org or (314) 604-6071.

    Coats for Kids

    If you or someone you know needs a new winter coat, please contact Gloria@feefeebc.org. If you would like to contribute to this ministry, you can give or mail a check to Steve in the church office.

     

  • Devotional Corner – Vol. 60, No. 23

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

    “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning,” (Psalm 30:5).

    Paul did not take pleasure in infirmities. He tells us that he was anxious to get rid of the infirmity that clouded his life. But when he saw that God supplied the grace he began to love the supply better than freedom from infirmity.

    He saw that it was better to have darkness with stars brought out by it, than all sunshine and no stars; that the cold winds of winter are as necessary for the world’s development as the cheerful warmth of spring and summer; that the mantle of snow is as good for earth as its mantle of grass and flowers. But for the snow mantle the mantle of flowers might not be. When a mean learns that God’s strength is perfected through his infirmity, necessities, persecutions, and distresses, he will by and by begin to welcome them as an angel sent from heaven to minister to him. —A.C. Dixon

    Any man can sing by day; but only he whose heart has been tuned by the gracious hand of Jehovah can sing in the darkness. The things of earth may satisfy for the hours of prosperity; but only the peace of God can give gladness in the darkness of adversity. God gives joy in sorrow; and when the sad one sings through his tears, then the Lord comes out to him with new and more tender assurances, so that by his very hymn he is made more gladsome. That which is born of trust rises in rapture. —William M. Taylor

  • Prime Time – Vol. 60, No. 23

    I am hoping to see some of you on Sunday, December 6, at 2:00 p.m. on Main Street in St. Charles. We will gather in front of the first capital building which is the current Visitor Center. Main Street will host Santas from all countries, carolers, and all the flavors and smells of Christmas. Hopefully, we can drink some hot chocolate and have a cookie. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather since we will be outside, and don’t forget to wear a mask!

    While it is fun to celebrate Christmas with traditions, it is also a great time to reflect on the real first Christmas. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, just as the prophecy said, and God had to orchestrate a way for Mary and Joseph, from Nazareth, to end up in Bethlehem just as she was about to give birth. God is a planner, so He used a census to require each man to return to his own town.

    It just so happens that Joseph’s hometown of Bethlehem, located about 6 miles from Jerusalem, was where the sacrificial lambs for the Temple in Jerusalem were kept. Each lamb used for sacrifice had to be without spot or blemish. To protect the newborn lambs from injury, they were swaddled in cloths and kept in a cave. Again, it was no accident that there was no room at the inn. Instead, Jesus, like the other sacrificial lambs, was born in a cave and swaddled in cloths.

    It’s no wonder that John the Baptist declared when he saw Jesus, “Behold, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” I hope that during the month of December, you will focus on the real meaning of Christmas and celebrate the lamb of God who took away your sin with His sacrifice on the cross and resurrection from the grave to be our Savior.

    Angel Tree

    Recognizing that some of you might not be able to select an ornament from the Angel Tree this year because you are viewing our services virtually, we wanted to make sure that you still had an opportunity to participate in buying gifts for families this Christmas.

    If you would like to participate, you can email (gloria@feefeebc.org) or call (314) 604-6071, and I will provide you with a gift to buy someone. If you want to participate but don’t feel comfortable going out shopping for the gift, just contact me and I will provide you with a personal shopper to purchase and wrap the gift for you.

    All gifts should be wrapped and the ornament that contained the gift suggestion should be reattached and returned to the church by Sunday, December 20.

    Ministry Need – Christmas Edition

    We are looking for a few people to be personal shoppers for those who would like to purchase a gift(s) for the Angel Tree but don’t want to go out shopping. If you are willing to help with this ministry, please contact Gloria@feefeebc.org or (314) 604-6071.

    Coats for Kids

    If you or someone you know needs a new winter coat, please contact Gloria@feefeebc.org. If you would like to contribute to this ministry, you can give or mail a check to Steve in the church office.

    A big thank you to Mary and the late Jim Zirbas for their generous support of this ministry over the years.

  • Chi Alpha News – Vol. 60, No. 23

    Since it is after Thanksgiving, I can officially say…MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! Even though I personally have been celebrating all November long, I know there are some traditionalists out there that don’t agree with me (don’t worry, I’ll pray for your souls). Anyway, I hope that even though we are nearing the end of a very difficult year, you are all still looking forward to the holidays. While there have been a lot of hardships we have had to endure over the last year, we are closing in on a NEW YEAR with NEW POSSIBILITIES! I am excited looking forward to next year and some events we have planned. I can’t wait to be able to have a blast with you all again soon! But until then, let’s keep pushing forward. We are still Zooming on Sundays and Wednesdays, just make sure to check your calendar so you know what weeks we are on and off. Miss you all, and I can’t wait to be up in the Rafters with you again soon!

  • Family Front – Vol. 60, No. 23

    Here are updates on kids’ activities through the end of the year:

    Wednesdays — We had our last AWANA for 2020; we plan to start up again mid- January.

    Sundays — Children will worship with their parents; preschool care will be provided. There will be no KidsZone for elementary age kids until January 2021. There will be Praise Packets for the kids to use during worship; just pick them up before entering the service. We are planning to restart preschool and children’s Bible Study, and KidsZone in January.

    Make it a New Year’s resolution to have Family devotions

    Why? It’s God’s Command (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Ephesians 6:4, and Proverbs 22:6). Beginning January 1, 2021, we will put some resources into your hands to help you with daily devotional time and to lead your family to Jesus. But why wait? We all want to help our children to come to love and believe in the one True God. Setting time aside each day will show our children that God is the center and priority of our lives. If you need some devotional materials, your child receives a devotion booklet each month. Preschoolers receive a page each week. Those are a good place to begin.

    Advent Boxes

    The family Advent boxes will be available for pick up after December 1 and will have twelve days of activities you can use to worship together and celebrate Jesus throughout the month. Take the opportunity to use these boxes to lead your family in family devotion times to celebrate our Lord.

    “Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to it’s setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised,” (Psalm 113:2-3).

  • Community Connection – Vol. 60, No. 23

    Blood Drive

    You know what is a great gift to give for Christmas? A blood donation! On Monday, December 14 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. we are hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross. It’s recommended that all donations be scheduled ahead of time. You can go to the Red Cross website (www.redcrossblood.org) and use the Sponsor Code “FeeFeeBaptistBridgeton” to find our drive and schedule your donation. You can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The drive will be held in the Family Life Center. Everyone donating can drive around to the back of the church and park in the lot by the gym and enter through the gym doors. On the blood drive page on the church website you can find some helpful info about donating including who can donate and how to donate. If you have any questions about any of this, please contact Andrew (andrew@feefeebc.org).

    Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

    Have you prayed today for our missionaries serving all over the world right now to declare the Gospel? If not, take a moment right now as you are reading this to pause and pray. Now that you’ve done that, let me ask the next question: have you given financially to support them? Our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering goal is $25,000. All the money goes to support these missionaries and their work. You can give in person on Sunday morning, online through the church website, or mail in your check.

    Upcoming Mobile Market Dates

    Everyone – you, your friends, your neighbors – are welcome to come to the church on Monday, December 14 from 10:00 a.m. until noon (or whenever we run out of food) for our Mobile Market. Simply drive up, pop your trunk, and have groceries put in your car. St. Louis Area Foodbank is closed on Monday, December 28 so there will be no Mobile Market on that day.