Fee Fee Baptist Church

Author: Tara Smith

  • A Word From Pastor Zach – Vol. 60, No. 17

    As our staff has taken time trying to evaluate how best to do ministry this fall and winter, I catch myself wishing for things to go back to “normal.” Normalcy has been pretty evasive, hasn’t it? I keep hoping that we have turned a corner on this pandemic, but we are still in the midst of this fight. As of the writing of this article, we are still operating under a 25% capacity mandate from St. Louis County.

    Regardless of the limitations, we still want to be able to offer some in-person Bible Studies on Sunday mornings and Wednesday night activities this fall. With the 25% capacity rule, we are having to get pretty creative, but I hope that you will be gracious towards the staff as we chart a course through these uncertain waters.

    With all of that being said, we are excited to be able to offer some in-person Bible Study options on Sunday morning during our normal Bible Study time starting September 6. From 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., we will have three different class options you can participate in on campus. These classes will be taught by Dave Potts in the Dining Room, Doug Monasmith in our chapel, and Gloria Fox in our Fellowship Hall. Dave will be teaching through the “Explore the Bible” curriculum from Lifeway. Doug is teaching from the book of Genesis. And Gloria will be teaching on the life and ministry of Jesus from a Jewish perspective. If you are interested in attending one of these in-person classes, please sign up through our website or call the office if you want to reserve a spot.

    We are going to offer these Bible Study options for six weeks and reevaluate after that time. These classes are not necessarily meant to replace your normal class meeting, whether it has been on Zoom or some other platform. However, we wanted to offer some classes on campus for those of you who are interested in attending a class in person.

    Additionally, starting Wednesday, September 9, right after Labor Day, we will begin our fall schedule for our Wednesday night activities. From 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., we will have our Men’s Fraternity, Women’s Bible Study, Youth Small Groups, and some kids’ activities, including games, Bible study, and tutoring. We are not going to have our normal Wednesday night dinners in September. In addition, we are going to continue having our Weeknight prayer time online at 7:00 p.m., so we will not have a prayer meeting in the Dining Room. Instead, we would encourage you to join in with our men’s or women’s studies, or volunteer with our kids and teens!

    Things will continue to look a little different around here this fall. However, in spite of all of that, I am comforted by the fact that God isn’t taken by surprise by any of this. He is still seated on His throne, and He is sovereign! Will you join me in praying to our Sovereign King that He will continue to work in and through our church this fall?

    In Him,

    Pastor Zach

     

  • Community Connection – Vol. 60, No. 17

    Mobile Market Volunteers Needed

    Our Mobile Markets have been such a blessing to our community these past few months. Many of our volunteers at these events have been students and teachers who are no longer available with school starting. So we are looking for more volunteers to help! If you’d be willing to help us “pursue the good of our community” on Monday mornings this fall at our Mobile Markets, please contact Andrew (andrew@feefeebc.org). Our next Mobile Market will be on Monday, September 21 at 10:00 a.m. There will not be one on September 7 due to Labor Day.

    Dominican Republic Water Project

    Just like everything here in the U.S., everything in the Dominican Republic shut down or slowed down due to COVID-19 concerns, including our water project. However, this week I received pictures of the main structure being built! Work has resumed! Pastor Andres is so excited. We still need to raise some funds for some of the equipment that will go inside. If you feel called to give to finish this project, you can give online under the “Dominican Water Project” funds. Thank you for supporting this life changing ministry!

     

    Thank You

    An anonymous Thank You card received regarding the Mobile Market:

    A note of gratitude for food to help feed our family. A note of appreciation for having meals on our home household table. A note of thanks for kindness, support, prayers, encouragement thru [sic] a rough hard time. A heart-felt for reaching out thru [sic] this service to help others thru [sic] crisis tough times. Thanks so much, family.

     

  • Music Musings – Vol. 60, No. 17

    Eternal Father, Strong to Save

    Recently I came across a website that lists a hymn of the day. The hymn for today is Eternal Father, Strong to Save. This is a hymn written by William Whiting in 1860. Inspiration for this hymn came from Psalm 107 which describes the dangers of the sea. This hymn is commonly associated with Naval Armed Services and is often referred to as the “Navy Hymn.” Here are the lyrics of the hymn:

    1. Eternal Father, strong to save,

    Whose arm does bind the restless wave;

    Who bids the mighty ocean deep

    Its own appointed limits keep;

    O hear us when we cry to Thee,

    For those in peril on the sea.

     

    1. O Savior, whose almighty word

    The winds and waves submissive heard

    Who walked upon the foaming deep,

    And calm amid the rage did sleep;

    O hear us when we cry to Thee

    For those in peril on the sea.

     

    1. O Holy Spirit, who did brood

    Upon the waters dark and rude,

    And bid their angry tumult cease,

    And give for wild confusion peace;

    O hear us when we cry to Thee

    For those in peril on the sea.

     

    1. O Trinity of love and pow’r,

    Your children shield in danger’s hour;

    From rock and tempest, fire and foe,

    Protect them where-so-e’er they go;

    Thus, evermore shall rise to Thee

    Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

    The writer, William Whiting, grew up near the shores of England. At the age of thirty-five he had felt his life was saved by God when a fierce storm nearly destroyed the ship on which he was traveling. This event instilled a faith in God’s control over the rage of the sea. Whiting wrote the hymn to “anchor his faith” and is commonly believed to have been inspired by Psalm 107 which describes the power and danger of the seas in great detail:

    “Some went out to the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, His wonderful deeds in the deep. For He spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away,” Psalm 107: 23-26.

    This hymn was popularized by the Royal Navy and the U.S. Navy, and has been adopted by many branches of the armed services in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has been sung at the funerals of many of our presidents and dignitaries – most recently John McCain and George H.W. Bush. For a stunning YouTube rendition of this hymn, search for “Naval Academy Glee Club Tribute to Pearl Harbor.”

  • Announcements – Vol. 60, No. 17

    Sympathy

    Our love through Christian sympathy is extended to

    …Jeannette Chaffin and family on the passing of her husband, Ed (Bud) Chaffin, on May 26.

    Fee Fee Cemetery Now Hiring

    Fee Fee Cemetery is hiring a Cemetery Manager position. The Cemetery Manager is the primary point of contact, performing coordination and administrative tasks, along with some light/moderate physical work. This is a permanent, part-time position with the ability to work remotely some of the time. Work schedule will vary based on need and circumstances. If interested, contact (314) 739-2415.

     

  • Bible Study Corner – Vol. 60, No. 17

    Thanks to each and every one of our teachers who have found a way to continue Bible Study. We have had several requests for meeting in person so we will roll out this option on Sunday, September 6 at 9:45–10:45 a.m. While this is not meant to replace your existing Sunday School class, it is an option for those who would like to attend a Bible Study in person at this time.

    The Options are as follows:

    • Dave and Donna Potts will be leading a study in the Dining Room using the dated Lifeway Curriculum – “Through the Bible.”
    • Doug Monasmith will be leading a study on the book of Genesis in the Chapel.
    • Gloria Fox will be taking “A Fresh Look at Jesus,” by seeing His life from a Jewish perspective in the Fellowship Hall.

    Again, these are in-person studies for a limited time at the church and are not meant to replace your current Bible Study class that is on Zoom or some other method. Due to limited capacities, reserve your spot by signing up for classes on our website.

    In addition, in-person Men’s and Women’s Bible studies will begin on Wednesday, September 9 from 6:00–7:00 p.m.

    Women’s Bible study will be resuming the Beth Moore study of the Patriarchs beginning with Jacob. Men’s Fraternity will be continuing with their study.

    Children will also be meeting on Wednesday from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Kathy will provide more details to our families on what the children’s hour will encompass.

    Looking forward to seeing you in Bible Study, even if it is in an abbreviated way.

  • Bible Study Corner – Vol. 60, No. 16

    We still are mostly meeting virtually for Bible Study. If you would like to join a virtual group, please contact gloria@feefeebc.org.

    We are in the process of trying to work out ways to meet again on Sunday mornings without violating the St. Louis County mandates. Updates to come soon. In the meantime, hide His word in your heart! You will be blessed.

  • Announcements – Vol. 60, No. 16

    150th Anniversary of Fee Fee Baptist Chapel

    The Sesquicentennial of the Fee Fee Baptist Church Memorial Chapel will be celebrated on Saturday, August 15 at 2:00 p.m. There will be a short presentation highlighting the history that made this momentous event possible, followed by a discussion.

    The building was a rustic country church for many years, but as time went by, the area transitioned from rural to suburban, and the building acquired electric lights and indoor plumbing. Additional improvements were made over the years, becoming what it is today.

    Come join us as we review the history of the building and the community.

    Mobile Food Market

    We love our partnership with the St. Louis Area Food Bank to get free groceries into the hands of families in our community. The next Mobile Market Mondays will be on August 24, at 10:00 a.m. until noon in the church parking lot. If you know of families or individuals in need of groceries, please tell them about the Mobile Market! To volunteer, contact Andrew,  andrew@feefeebc.org.

    Fee Fee Cemetery Now Hiring

    Fee Fee Cemetery is hiring a Cemetery Manager position. The Cemetery Manager is the primary point of contact, performing coordination and administrative tasks, along with some light/moderate physical work. This is a permanent, part-time position with the ability to work remotely some of the time. Work schedule will vary based on need and circumstances. If interested, contact (314) 739-2415.

    Back to School!

    Dates that a few of our local schools will begin classes for the 2020-2021 school year:

    Pattonville — August 31

    Ritenour — August 24

    Francis Howell — August 24

    Refer to your school’s website for more info regarding back to school details.

     

  • Featured Article – Vol. 60, No. 16

    by Nina Palumbo, Clinical Social Worker certified in Spiritual Christian Counseling

    God is Our Hope

    Four months ago, social distancing, wearing face masks, and Zoom meetings were not part of our everyday lives. An invisible virus has increased our anxiety and fear that we may become sick or lose a loved one. Worry creeps in as our time of isolation and physical separateness extends far longer than we wish for or desire. Our mostly predictable lives with established routines have been completely upended. We are dealing with a new set of rules, limitations, and change. We crave security and want to feel safe and to feel that we have a sense of control over our lives. How much uncertainty we can tolerate varies from person to person. Some people seem to enjoy taking risks and living unpredictable lives while others find the randomness of life deeply distressing. But all of us have a limit. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the emotional toll of the pandemic right now, you are not alone. Many of us are in the same boat.

    In Mark 4:35-41, we read about the disciples becoming fearful of the storm while Jesus slept peacefully in the boat. They awake Him and with the spoken word Jesus calms the storm and His disciples’ fear. When we are afraid, worried, or panicked, and feel are choices are restricted or limited, there are three important choices we can make.

    We Can Choose Faith Over Fear

    Although it may feel like everything is changing at a rapid pace, know that God is not. He is the same faithful God as before the pandemic and will continue to be once it passes. Our faith can be steady because our God is faithfully unchanging. This truth alone can strengthen us to not give into fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Fear can rob us of these three gifts that we need during times of uncertainty. Power enables us to live a life of faith when it is not easy. Love enables us to share and sacrifice when it is not convenient. A sound mind allows us to experience peace even when things seem to be going wrong.

    Choose Wisdom Over Worry

    Be careful to not become paralyzed by worry. Use wisdom to listen to sound advice and to ensure that the source of information you are watching and reading are credible. If there is an action you can take to protect yourself or others, then please do so.

    Choose Prayer Over Panic

    Jesus called His church a house of prayer (Matthew 21:13) and now is our time. It’s time to pray for God’s intervention to stop the spread of the disease. It is time to ask for healing. It is time to ask for peace and comfort for those who are grieving. It is time for us to ask for direction and discernment for our leaders. Prayer is powerful and effective. If we spend our time panicking instead of praying, we forfeit our greatest strength.

    This would be a great time to begin reading the Bible every day, conforming your thoughts to God’s will (Romans, 12:2). This would be a great time to pray every day for 5-20 minutes, “casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you,” (1 Peter 5:7). This would be a great time to choose to forgive someone in your life, so that you might experience a better relationship with God (Mark 11:25). God is our hope for the end of this pandemic. God is our hope for our spiritual, emotional, financial, and physical needs during this time. Do not despair. During isolation from friends and family, we can still experience joy when we turn to God. “For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence,” Psalm 21:6.

  • A Word From Pastor Zach – Vol. 60, No. 16

    Who’s your one?

    It’s an interesting question, isn’t it? What are we talking about when we ask that question? The Great Commission. Evangelism. Sharing your faith. Imagine if every member of our church could answer that question, “Who’s your one?” with the name of a person—a person for whom they’re praying and with whom they’re sharing the Gospel. How would it change our church? How would it change the world?

    Matthew 28:19-20 is very clear on what our responsibility is as believers. We are supposed to make disciples! Our mission is to be witnesses. To be ambassadors. To share the hope of the Gospel with a lost and dying world.

    I’m convinced that God’s people don’t merely need another method for evangelism. What we need is a white-hot passion to see people who are far from God experience the new life He offers through Jesus Christ. Everything else we do pales in comparison to evangelism. If we’re not intent on doing everything so that lost men, women, and children will experience the transforming work of God, we are missing the point of the Great Commission. Without a focus on evangelism, we fail.

    That’s why we’re launching this “Who’s Your One?” initiative. This effort is designed to mobilize every member of Fee Fee Baptist Church to identify one person in his or her relational network to pray for and share the Gospel with in 2020.

    Sometimes, in church, we have the tendency to talk about how we need to share our faith more than we actually go and do it. That is why we are asking every person to participate in this initiative. Grab a “Who’s Your One?” bookmark and write in the name of one person for which you are going to share the Gospel. In addition, we have prayer journals available online to download or in our Welcome Center that will give you ways to pray for your “one” every day.

    It’s not an elaborate or complicated idea, but this simple idea could lead to revival! What would happen if each of us had one person that we were intentional about sharing the Gospel with over the next five weeks? As we launch this “Who’s Your One?” campaign, we are praying for God to use each of us to reach those who are lost in our relational networks.

    In Him,

    Pastor Zach

  • Community Connection – Vol. 60, No. 16

    Thank you for making an Impact!

    Thank you to everyone that participated in making an impact in our community during Impact Week! You were definitely a blessing.  We were able to provide needed improvements to a neighbor’s house. We packaged food at St. Louis Area Foodbank that will bless hundreds of people in the area. We wrote cards to encourage people. We did yard work at a local homeless shelter. We provided groceries for a neighbor. We prepared dinner for a homeless shelter. Thank you for being willing to sacrifice to share the message of God’s love with those around us!

    Swim Night Rescheduled – Friday, August 21

    Our Swim Night has been tentatively rescheduled for Friday, August 21. We will continue to monitor the progress of restrictions by the county and make appropriate changes if necessary. Ready to get out of the house? Want a fun night of swimming for you and your family? Then join us Friday night, August 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Bridgeton Pool (4201 Fee Fee Rd.) for our annual Swim Night. Swimming is FREE for everyone! So bring your family and friends to this fun night. You can read about the steps that the Bridgeton Pool is taking to stay safe during COVID concerns on their website.