Fee Fee Baptist Church

Category: Forerunner

This category contains everything pertaining to the Forerunner.

  • A Word From Senior Pastor, Britton Carter, Vol. 65, No. 5, May 2025

    A Community, Not a Club

    “I’m not interested in country club Christianity.”

    I sat quietly in my seat, waiting for my friend to explain his comment.

    “You know, sometimes church can feel like a country club. I don’t think that’s what the local church is all about.”

    He was right. We grew up together and had witnessed the same phenomenon. Sometimes, the local church does feel like a country club. People dress up to attend. They pay their “dues” (tithes). Then they sit back and enjoy the privileges of membership—programs catered to them, worship services that fit their tastes, events planned for their amusement.

    None of those things, on their own, is wrong. Wearing nice clothes to a gathering, giving financially to the work of the ministry, enjoying church programs and services, and attending events are all neutral—or in some cases, even good—actions. But when our attitudes match those of country club members and those activities become the sum of our engagement with a local body of believers, we are missing a key aspect of the Christian life.

    The local church isn’t a country club; it’s a community. We are not a people organized for our comfort; we are a people mobilized for gospel mission. We exist for each other, and for our faith-deficient friends in our community and around the world.

    A biblical church isn’t transactional; it’s relational. We are not a collection of individuals who all happen to frequent the same religious establishment. We are a community of believers who are there for each other when life is great and when everything is falling apart—constantly refocusing each other on the gospel. A local church should be defined by transformational relationships—deep connections among believers that allow for joy-filled moments and difficult conversations.

    Let’s examine Fee Fee Baptist Church. Or, even better, let’s examine our own approach to the local church. Are we a country club or a community? Is your relationship with the local church primarily transactional or missional?

    Whatever your response, let’s grow to look even more like a community together.

     

  • A Word From Senior Pastor, Britton Carter, Vol. 65, No. 4, April 2025

    The Biggest Sunday of the Year

    Every Sunday is resurrection Sunday. But not every Sunday has the unique gospel opportunities of the Resurrection Sunday. We celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus every Sunday, and we seek to connect people to the gospel every Sunday. In that sense, Easter is no different than any other gathering of Fee Fee Baptist Church. However, due to the cultural quirks inherent in American Christianity, Resurrection Sunday provides us with our best opportunity all year to connect nonbelievers and unchurched Christians with the gospel.

    Typically, churches witness an influx of visitors on Easter—primarily people loosely connected to the church or family members of regular attenders. Friends and neighbors of church members are usually more inclined to accept an invitation to attend a church service on Easter morning than any other time during the year. Moreover, some non-Christians will wander into church buildings on Easter morning, wondering what Christianity is all about. This all adds up to unparalleled opportunities to connect people to the gospel.

    We could sit back and hope we see higher attendance on Easter Sunday—or we could take advantage of this cultural quirk and actively invite the unchurched people in our lives to participate in our local gathering this Resurrection Sunday. With that purpose in mind, here’s what we’re doing on Easter weekend:

     

    • Good Friday service (4/18), 6:30–7:30 pm, in the old chapel. Join us as we remember our Savior’s death on a cross and pray for his work in our lives and this church on Easter;
    • Easter breakfast (4/20), 9:15–10:15 am, in the gym. Invite your friends and family to join us for a free breakfast on Easter morning;
    • Easter service (4/20), 10:30–11:30 am, in the worship center. Let’s celebrate our risen Savior together on Resurrection Sunday!

     

    There is no easier time of the year to invite somebody to church. We have free food. We have an Easter service. Our local culture has given us a prime opportunity to connect people to the gospel—let’s take advantage of this moment for the glory of God.

     

  • Prime Time, Vol. 65, No. 4, April 2025

    Spring is definitely on its way and our upcoming events will get us ready to welcome the warmer weather and recharge our batteries.

    On Wednesday, April 2, we are going to have a day of food, fun and service. Lunch will begin at 11:30. After lunch we will play some bingo for some fabulous prizes that you bring like jigsaw puzzles you have already completely and the dog hasn’t eaten any pieces, books you have read, Knick knacks or decor that don’t fit your decor anymore!  We will end the day with a short service project at the church. Hope you will join us. Lunch is $7.

    On Thursday, April 24, we will go to the science center for the omnimax movie Super Human Body: World of Medical Marvels. This movie will take us on a journey into the human body and the incredible breakthroughs in science and technology. After the movie, we will go to Zia’s for lunch and you will have a chance to go across the street to Missouri Bakery!

    Hope you can join us for our April events.

    Upcoming Events:

    Wednesday, 4/2 at 11:30 am.  Bingo and Lunch for prizes from your home like puzzles, books, baked goods.  Come walk on the wild side!

    Thursday, 4/24. Science Center Omnimax and Zia’s

    Thursday, 5/8  Transportation Museum and a ride on the Chicago CTA trolley!

    Wednesday/Thursday, 5/21-22 Overnight trip to Nauvoo, IL

    Wednesday, 6/4. Grants Farm with lunch at 3 Kings

    Monday, 6/23 Cathedral Basilica and lunch at Blueberry Hill

     

  • Announcements, Vol. 65, No. 4, April 2025

    International Food Pantry

     Food items needed for April include

    boxed cornbread mix

    canned beans

    canned fruit

    pasta noodles & sauce

    oatmeal

    granola bars

    Next IFP volunteer workday is

    May 17

    8:30 a.m. in the café

    For information contact Dan Wallace dlwallace4@yahoo.com

    Coffee With a Cause

         During 2025 our Coffee With a Cause

    will go toward our

    Member Led Ministry.

    As part of our church values, we want to equip members to connect others to the power of the gospel, and use their gifts for ministries that do the same.

     Sympathy

    To the family of Heather  Smrigna

    At the passing of her brother

    Darden Rhodes on 3/10/25

    and

    To the family of Demova “Jean” Hurdle

    at her passing on 3/11/25

    Thank You

     From The Alpha Players for the use of our dining room for their play rehearsals.

    Attention Veterans

    Please email the your branch of military service to jim@feefeebc.org so we can update your church profile. Thank you. And, thank you for your service.

    All Church Work Day – April 5th

    Join us on Saturday, April 5th, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM for our All Church Work Day! We will be tackling both indoor and outdoor projects around the church to help keep our space clean, beautiful, and welcoming for everyone.

    This is a wonderful opportunity for families to serve together! Whether you’re handy with a hammer or prefer less physical tasks, there will be jobs for all abilities.

    Come lend a hand and be a part of making our church home even better. We look forward to working alongside you in fellowship and service!

    See you there!

    JESUS IS ALIVE!

    We are celebrating Christ’s resurrection through fellowship  and worship with an Easter breakfast on April 20 at 9:15 in the gym.

    We need you to sign up if you think you will be attending the breakfast so we know how many to prepare for. So be sure to invite friends and neighbors that may not have a place to worship.

    There will be no 9:15 Bible study that day. Celebration worship will be at 10:30 with childcare provided for preschoolers as well as KidsZone for elementary aged children.

    Hope to see you here as we celebrate the risen Lord!

    Annie Armstrong Update

     Our Annie Armstrong Easter Offering total collected to date is $11,791.25. Our church goal is $18,000.00. Fee Fee will continue collecting for Annie Armstrong throughout the month of April. We are nearly two-thirds of the way there. C’mon church, we can do this!

     

  • Family Front, Vol. 65, No. 4, April 2025

    VBS is on the calendar – July 14-18, 2025, 9am-12 noon. Online registration is up and running. The theme this year is True North, Trusting Jesus in a Wild World. If you would like to volunteer, we will give you all the tools to help you do this. And it’s a fun week! See me with questions or to say: “I’m in”! Find the registration form through our website at https://feefeebc.org/vbs2025/  True North VBS teaches kids scripture, bible accounts, science gizmos and recreation to learn more about trusting Jesus!

    That same week, we will offer GAME ON! sports camp daily from 1pm-4pm. A different sport each day will engage children and give them the basics. We will play lots of fun games, offer snacks and have devotional time. Kids will hear about Jesus in a unique way and have lots of fun! If children are coming for the day (VBS in a.m. and sports camp in afternoon) they can bring a lunch. Sports camp is $50 /child who has completed Kindergarten through 5th grade. Use same form for VBS and sports camp to register a child. One registration form per child.

    Encounter Kids Camp is happening July 9-12 at Lake of the Ozarks (formerly Windermere). This camp is for kids that are going into 3rd through 6th grade. If your child is interested, please notify me. We will need volunteers to go with our kids as well. Cost per child will be $50; the church will pay the rest.

    Let’s serve together as the Lord: Psalm 145:8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love.  Psalm 145:8 

     

  • Bible Study Corner, Vol. 65, No. 4, April 2025

    Bible Study

    Scripture is important to the church for so many reasons.  You can study together with a group every Sunday at 9:15 a.m..  Ask Gloria to help you find the perfect group for you.  Let’s grow together!

    Bible Reading Plan

    Part 2 of the churchwide Chronological Bible reading plan is now available.  Pick up a copy in the coffee café or in the foyer.  Join with the church as we read through the New Testament in chronological order.

     

  • Music Musings, Vol. 65, No. 4, April 2025

    Gospel Mass

    Reminder:  Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons 3:30-5:00.

    Part specific rehearsal recordings are available.

    It is not too late to join.  Come sing with us and bring afriend.

    Christus Victor (Amen)

    Christus Victor (Amen) is a new”ish” hymn written by Keith and Krysten Getty.  It is believed that this hymn will rival In Christ Alone in popularity. This hymn celebrates Christ’s victory over sin and death drawing from scriptures in Exodus 15 and Revelation 15.

    The hymn celebrates The Song of Moses as referenced in Exodus 15 and The Son of Man described in Revelation 15.

    A three-fold Amen is incorporated is incorporated in the hymn.  This technique is a way for people to respond to the message.  It is essentially saying, “Yes, we agree; may it be so!”

    The hymn  brings forcus to the Trinity:

    V.1 – God the Father

    V.2 – God the Son

    V.3 – God the Spirit

    The chorus brings these ideas together in praise to God, the three in one.

    It is easy to hear this hymn if you search for Christus, Victor (Amen)

    – Keith and Krysten Getty Cochren & Co.

    Our choir will soon be introducing this hymn and hopefully we can incorporate it into our congregational repertoire.  You will be blessed.

     

  • Music Musings, Vol. 65, No. 3, March 2025

    Sing, Play and Praise – An Invitation

    We welcome adults, youth and children to share their God-given talents with our music ministry.

    We are calling for instrumentalists – strings, brass and woodwinds – to enrich our worship. Adults, youth and children (skilled and in-training) are invited to use musical gifts in service to God.

    We also invite singers of all ages to join our choir.  Whether you are new to choral singing or have years of experience, your voice is a gift to be shared.  Join us to proclaim God’s glory through music.

    For all inquiries, contact Ronna Paden at Ronna@feefeebc.org or 314-941-8711.

    I look forward to hearing from you.

    Holy Forever

    Holy Forever is a worship song we have been singing for several months in our church.  This song by Chris Tomlin has ranked high on the Billboard charts for around 59 weeks.  It has captivated worshippers all over the world.

    The song’s inspiration comes from the New Testament book of Revelation 5:13, which declares, “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever.”

    Celebrating the eternal power of God and His unchanging nature, this song recognizes that God is the same yesterday, today and forever.  It is delightfully “singable” for the entire congregation.

     

  • Bible Study Corner, Vol. 65, No. 3, March 2025

    Bible Study

    Scripture is important to the church for so many reasons.  You can study together with a group every Sunday at 9:15 a.m..  Ask Gloria to help you find the perfect group for you.  Let’s grow together!

    Bible Reading Plan

    Our new Bible reading plan began on January 1, 2025.  We are reading the New Testament in chronological order at the rate of about 1 chapter day.  It will be fun to see the 4 Gospels put together in chronological order.  To be able to do this, you will need a Bible bookmark, reading guide or you can follow along on our website.  Make it a point to talk to others about what you are reading each day and what the God of the Universe is teaching you.  It is important for Christians to talk to each other about Scripture and what God is showing them.  Bookmarks and reading guides are available in the connection center.

     

  • Announcements, Vol. 65, No. 3, March 2025

    International Food Pantry

    Donations have fallen off considerably for the international food pantry.  If it is difficult for you to get your donations to church or if shopping is difficult for you, we would like to invite you to make a donation to the church and designate these funds for the pantry.  With these funds available, we would be able to purchase more fresh items like eggs, milk and meat right before our time to serve.

    If you would like to serve on this team, please contact Dan Wallace at 636-312-5012.  Upcoming dates are March 15, May 17, July 19, September 6 and November 15, 2025.

    Fee Fee Is Hiring

    We are currently looking for someone to join our maintenance team on a

    part-time basis. Candidates should be proficient in general cleaning duties.

    Familiarity with minor electrical, plumbing and general handyman repairs is preferred. Applications are available in the church office during regular business hours.

    Loaves and Fishes

    We feed the residents at Loaves and Fishes (a local homeless shelter for families) every 3rd Tuesday of each month.  There are 29 residents and about half of them are children.  Do you belong to a group in this church who would be willing to provide a meal in the upcoming months?  Your group can buy a meal like pizza or have individuals provide a part of the meal like, spaghetti, salad, bread and desert.  Then it needs to be delivered between 4:30 and 4:45. There is a sign-up in the connection center if you can help or you can just let Gloria know. Thanks in advance for your help.

    Inclement Weather Cancellation Policy

     Fee Fee Baptist Church will cancel services, Bible studies and activities when it is deemed necessary for the safety of church members driving to and from church as well as walking and moving around the church properties itself. The church no longer mirrors Pattonville School District’s cancellation policy as they have changed their procedures in calling for cancellations and Virtual Learning Days.

    We will take many criteria into formulating a decision on cancellations.

    On days Fee Fee is not cancelled, but inclement weather is happening, it is the sole discretion of the bus drivers if they feel comfortable picking up church goers. All cancellations will be conveyed through TV stations Channels 2, 4, and 5. It will be posted on our website, social media and notifications will be sent out through our church app.

    Coffee With a Cause

    During 2025 our Coffee With a Cause will go toward our

    Member Led Ministry.

    As part of our church values, we want to equip members to connect others to the power of the gospel, and use their gifts for ministries that do the same.

     Week Of Prayer For

    North American Missions March, 2-9

     Annie Armstrong Ingathering

    March, 9

    Church Goal Is

    $18,000.00