Fee Fee Baptist Church

Category: Forerunner

This category contains everything pertaining to the Forerunner.

  • Chi Alpha Vol. 63, No. 8

    Let me first say thank you all for your support in my life as I grew in my faith here at Fee Fee. I will be leaving for college August 5th, and I whole-heartedly believe that God has properly equipped me to be a bold servant for Him, even in the mission field of a public university.

    There is still quite a big question mark about what’s next for the youth department. We still need people to step up and help. We have some volunteers for Sunday Mornings, but when the school year starts volunteers will be needed to lead Wednesday night small groups for the students. Sign-ups for these positions will soon be posted for you to answer if God has called you to serve.

    Yet amid the chaos, I found strange reassurance in John chapter 11. Jesus had just learned about Lazarus’ sickness and proclaimed that the sickness would be used for God’s glory. But look at the next 2 verses: “Now Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus. So, when he heard that he was sick, he stayed two more days in the place where he was.” (John 11:5-6 CSB) Jesus intentionally waits 2 more days before making his way to Bethany, where Lazarus was sick. Long distance healing is not an issue to Jesus either, as we see with his interaction with the Roman centurion. Jesus waits 2 days because he knows that waiting for Lazarus to die will bring the greatest glory to God and show God’s power over death to the disciples and convince the Pharisees to kill Jesus (which ultimately leads to more glory). Our situation at FeeFee may not be as dire as Lazarus’, but we can take heart in knowing that God has the perfect time to send someone to proclaim His glory to our youth.

    Let everything we say and do be to honor and glorify our Lord.

    Joey Stewart, Summer Intern

  • Prime Time Vol. 63, No. 7

    Hope you are enjoying your summer so far.  I wish I could take you to the beach but … how about these activities instead.

    On Friday, July 7 at 10 a.m., we will go to the Miniature Museum.  This museum has an extensive display of tiny objects.  There is everything from room boxes, to dollhouses and all sorts of displays.  There are 2 floors of exhibits that range from 1:6 to micro-scale.  The museum costs $5.50.  After the museum, we will eat at Hodak’s!

    On Monday, July 24, we are going to stay at church in the air conditioning.  We will gather at 11 for lunch which will consist of sandwiches, chips and dessert.  The cost of lunch is $7.00.  Then we will watch the Sight and Sound production of Joseph. This production was filmed in 2010 in front of a live audience and tells the story of dreams and the power of forgiveness.

    A final reminder to join me in an in-depth Bible study August 21-24 from 9:30-noon at Adult VBS.

     

  • A Word from Interim Pastor Derald Harris Vol. 63, No. 7

    In my daily Bible reading the other day I was reading the story of Gideon in the book of Judges. And I saw something fascinating. Just as a reminder – this story details the suffering that the Midianites were inflicting on Israel as a punishment from God for their unfaithfulness. The occupying army stripped the land of food – they took all the livestock and destroyed the crops. Whenever the Israelites could grow and harvest modest amounts of food, they worked hard to keep their harvest a secret from the Midianites.

    In the 6th chapter we find a man named Gideon. He describes himself as the least member of the weakest clan in his tribe. (How is that for a self-image?) Gideon is hiding in the bottom of a winepress, threshing a little wheat so Midianites could not see him.

    Here comes the fascinating part. In verses 11-12 an angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and said, “Mighty Hero, the Lord is with you.” Then in verse 14, the angel tells him to “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!”

    I’m sure Gideon looked around to see who the angel was addressing. When he looked at himself, he just saw a coward – a nobody – who was hiding from the enemy. He is pretty honest about his current situation. He reminds the angel of his status within his family and asks how he can possibly do what God expects of him.

    But when God looks at us, He doesn’t see who we ARE. He sees who He can make us to be! God saw Gideon as a mighty warrior he could use to rescue His people.

    The thing that transformed Gideon from a coward into that mighty warrior was simple. The Lord said to him, “I will be with you.”

    God is saying the same thing to us today – both as individuals and as a church.

    Let me ask you, when you look at Fee Fee Baptist Church, what do you see? Do you see a church simply trying to hold on through a time of leadership transition? OR do you see a church empowered by the Spirit of God to do mighty things in this community and region. The difference is realizing that God is with us. This is HIS church, and He promises that He will build HIS church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

    So, let me challenge you to see Fee Fee Baptist Church from God’s perspective and be encouraged. God says, “I am with you!” And that is more than enough.

     

  • Heart of Worship Vol. 63, No. 7

    Calling all worshippers! We will be having a special night of worship and prayer on Sunday, August 13th, starting at 6pm. It will be combined with Sunday Night Connections, so be sure to bring your entire family to worship with us and enjoy some food and fellowship afterwards. Along with worship, there will be prayer throughout the service, and the focus will be “Back to School”. We will also be praying specifically for teachers, students, schools and the entire school year.

    We had a worship night last year, and we thought a great time to have another one would be right before the new school year starts again to set our focus on God. Let’s show our families that God is our top priority and how important it is to have Him be first in all we do. Let’s also encourage our teachers and students to be a light wherever they go – including school!

    The Bible says in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

    People are supposed to see our good works, the Bible says, so that they may glorify our God in Heaven. Our job is to do good works for others to observe them and glorify God!

    We can be a model of Christ’s love to those around us. (John 13:34-35) We can be ready to give an account of the hope that is within us. (1 Peter 3:15) We can be ready to pray with anyone who asks. (1 Timothy 2:1) We can also be willing to give sacrificially when we see people in need. (1 John 3:16-18) These are some examples of being the hands and feet of Jesus. He physically doesn’t step down from Heaven to do it – so He uses people like us,

    His Jesus followers, to do it for Him. Isn’t it exciting that we can be used by God to carry out His will?

    Please join us for worship and prayer on Sunday, August 13th! The band and I are really looking forward to worshipping with you – we’ll see you there!

     

     

  • Family Front Vol. 63, No. 7

    Families: June 25, is family day in church so your children will be with you in worship. What a great time to be an example to your kids on how to worship. Beforehand, have a discussion with your children on why we worship and how to worship. It would be a great family discussion.

    For your calendar: VBS and Sports camp is July 17-21, 2023. STELLAR VBS is 9am-12noon; Sports Crusaders Basketball Camp is 1-4pm. This is for kids that have completed K-5th grade. There is a preschool VBS for parents who serve in VBS. Information and registration forms are on our website feefeebc.org/freevbs. If you would like to serve in VBS, I have crew leader (family group leader) spots open.

    For the sports camp I have secured a host home for the 3 coaches—woo hoo! Thank you Middendorfs! We will need meals for these Sport Crusaders for the week. If your Sunday School class could help with gift cards or money to help the students with meals, please get those funds to me. They certainly would welcome a home cooked meal one night as they have been travelling all summer. We have salvations every year we do this…it’s an exciting and fun week for our kids and builds God’s kingdom! There is something for everyone to do so if you are interested in serving that week, contact me. Thanks for everything you do to support our children’s ministries.

    We will be setting up for STELLAR VBS July 10th -16th  at various times. If you have some time to decorate rooms, get supplies together and various other things, just let me know.

    At the beginning of August, there are several events for you to note: Friday, August 4th, is Swim Night 6-8 pm. It’s always a great night for families and it’s FREE so invite friends and neighbors to come. Saturday, August 5th, is the FREE Market and school supply give-away. We will be asking for backpacks and school supply donations from you in the near future. Then, August 6th ,  is promotion Sunday for our preschoolers through youth.

    The summer is already flying by…don’t miss any opportunities to serve!!!!

    We are at a critical point of needing people to serve in our preschool, children and

    youth ministry. God has called us to love and teach our young ones. Afterall, they are the future of our church. God has gifted people to meet the needs of our

    congregation. Is He speaking to you? Answer God’s call on your life and seek to serve! God asks not only for our tithes,  but also our time and our talents in

    service. It’s so rewarding to see these kids know, love, and serve Jesus. Don’t you want to be part of that?

     

  • Announcements Vol. 63, No. 7

    School Supplies and Free Market

    It is time to start collecting school supplies for our community backpack giveaway at the Free Market on Saturday, August 5.  Last year we collected enough supplies and backpacks to provide 116 for our community.  This really blesses the children in our area when they have a brand new backpack and the supplies they need to start school.

    We need crayons, pencils, ink pens, markers, highlighters, wide-ruled notebook paper, spiral notebooks, composition books, pencil sharpeners, pencil cases, Kleenex, pocket folders, 3 ring binders, school glue, glue sticks, sharpies, erasures, and post it notes.  We also need some cute backpacks for the younger kids.  We have had a donation of 50 plain black backpacks that the older kids prefer.

    Don’t forget, also, to start gathering your items to give away at the free market.  In the past, we have given away everything from baby items, furniture, toys, books, clothing and anything else in really good shape that you are willing to part with.  This is not a garage sale.  Everything is free.

    If you have not participated before, you will find this to be a day that you will receive more of a blessing than those you give items to. Mark your calendar for August 5 at 9 am and bring your trunk full of items to share.

    Note from the History Committee

    The church History Committee is documenting how the COVID pandemic affected the church – both the institution and the members. Five years from now memories will have grown dim and 25 years from now few if any will remember how Fee Fee dealt  with the life altering pandemic.  If you would like to share how the pandemic affected your life, write it up and send a copy to the church office. If you have questions, feel free to contact committee chairman Larry Land.

    Blood Drive

    It’s time again to give life-saving blood. July 27 the Red Cross will be here in our gym and you have an opportunity to give. Get online at http://feefeebc.org/enterprise/blooddrive/ to set up an appointment. You can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule your donation. On our website you will find helpful info about donating including who can donate and how to donate.

    Mobile Market

    Our partnership with the St. Louis Area Foodbank will continue into 2023 with more Mobile Markets. Upcoming dates are:

    • July 10
    • Aug 14

    Anyone is welcome to come get groceries on the second Monday of each month, at 10:00 a.m. (until the food runs out). If you would like to volunteer for this ministry, talk to Kathy Webber and she will make sure you have a spot to serve!

    International Food Pantry

    Foods needed are breakfast foods including cereal, oatmeal, breakfast bars, and shelf stable milk. Contact Cathy Wallace for more information.

    New Bible Reading

    The plan will begin on July 5th and will cover the books of Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Pick up your bookmark in the connection center and join us in reading God’s word together.

    Thank you

    Our church sent a coffee truck to Pattonville Early Childhood on May 26th .

    “ Thank you Fee Fee Baptist Church for spoiling us with the LC Coffee Truck! We really enjoyed it and appreciated having it here. The drinks were delicious! Thank you, Pattonville Early Childhood”

    If you would like a monthly birthday list or a updated directory please call the office.

    REMEMBER:  NO Wednesday night activities during the summer until Sept 13th.

     

  • Chi Alpha Vol. 63, No. 7

    I’ve never really been good at goodbyes. No matter the circumstance, it’s something I never really look forward to, because that means something is ending. Whether it’s high school graduation, moving to a new state, or even your favorite movie or tv franchise ending…goodbyes never get easier. But this goodbye is especially tough. As it was announced on June 18th, I have accepted a call to a new position, and my last Sunday here will be July 2nd. While my family and I are very excited about these new possibilities, and we know that God has prepared this path for us, it doesn’t make this transition any easier.

    I came to Fee Fee when I was 6 months old, and it truly is the only church I have ever known. Apart from a few semesters away for college, I sat in these pews every Sunday with you. I’ve grown up with you from my days in the nursery (where many of you remind me how you held me…thank you all for that), to my days in the Children’s Department enjoying the days of VBS and Children’s Church, and to my transition into the Youth Group here, where my life was forever changed. Chi Alpha, and every leader, student, or volunteer who has ever been involved there, has truly changed my life. This is the space where I grew into the man that I am today, and everyone there has been with me through all of life’s highs and lows.

    My transition from student to staff was one that I wasn’t expecting when I came on board as the Summer Intern, but I saw God’s hand through that whole transition. As we worked through a pastoral transition and then a global pandemic, to say my first couple years in ministry was hectic is an understatement. But there was always one constant…the students. Their genuine joy, willingness, care, curiosity, and kindness is what made coming to work in difficult conditions worth it. I am so proud of each of them. The impact they have made on the youth group culture, each other, our church, our community, across the country while on mission, and on me and my family is out of this would. Students, I love you all, and I can’t wait to watch you succeed. You truly will change the world.

    These last almost 5 years are one I would not change for the world. Serving as your Youth Pastor has been one of the best joys of my life, and I truly am sad to see this time pass. While this may seem like goodbye, please know that I am still here, cheering you on, and rooting for Fee Fee. Invest in each other, BUILD great community here, and continue to PURSUE our community. Be the hands and feet of Jesus.

    Thank you Fee Fee, we truly will miss you.

    Kyle & Alaina Baldwin

    Chi Alpha Youth activities this month:

    July 6th:   Chi Alpha Summers

    July 10th —14th:   MFUGE Camp

    July 19th:  Board Game Night

    Jul 28:  Underground Church

     

  • Music Musings Vol. 63, No. 7

    JULY 9th  –  6:00 p.m. KRISTINE HARRIS/ JERRY WESTENKUEHLER  TRUMPET/ ORGAN PERFORMANCE

    Dr. Harris is a trumpet player extraordinaire who has been active in ensemble settings and as a soloist. She has performed in magnificent cathedrals and venues all over the world.  Her teaching has been a passion for her and she has taught and directed in colleges as well as New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.  Dr. Harris will be joined by her friend, Jerry Westenkuehler.  Dr. Westenkuehler is an organist who studied at William Jewell and Southwestern Baptist theological Seminary where he received his Doctorate of Musical Arts in organ performance.  In addition to performing, he has composed numerous pieces for organ and handbells.

    JULY 16th  –  6:00 p.m. THE HARRIS TRIO GOSPEL TRIO

    Fee Fee considers the Harris Trio family.  John and Lee are members of Fee Fee and they along with their friend Kathy are well known by our congregation.  The trio has been singing together since their teen-age  years.  They sing with an amazing tight signature blend.  The harmonies they render are stunning

    JULY 23rd  –  6:00 p.m. DOUG MICKAN VENTRILOQUIST

    Ventriloquist Doug Mickan is a favorite entertainer for audiences of ALL ages.  In his upcoming concert he will entertain us with his many lovable and unique friends.  Doug is a worship pastor and will likely mix music along with his ventriloquism.  Doug was a favorite among our Summer Concert Artists last year and we are delighted to invite him back.

    JULY 30th  –  6:00 p.m. THE LESTERS SINGING  GOSPEL MUSIC SINCE 1925

    This singing family has been serving God through Gospel music since 1925.  This ministry began with grandparents  Harvey and Opal Lester and continues now to the 3rd, 4th and 5th generations.  This family has been identified as St. Louis’ First      Family of Gospel Music.  Singing gospel music is their heart’s desire and purpose.  They intend to “keep on singing” the gospel message and have no plans to stop.

    Please invite friends and neighbors to join you at these concerts.  We will have a time of refreshments (ice cream!) and fellowship after each concert.  Starting time for each concert is 6:00 and each concert is expected to last for about one hour. There is no charge for these concerts.  However, a love offering will be received each evening.

     

  • Family Front Vol. 63, No. 6

    We are having some exciting days in Children’s Ministry seeing many children excepting Jesus as their Savior and following Him in baptism. If you would like to serve, there is always a place for people who love Jesus and love children.  Contact me if you would like to serve.

    Don’t forget to mark your calendars: VBS and Sports camp is from July 17-21. STELLAR VBS is from 9 A.M. -NOON; Basketball Camp is from 1 A.M. – 4 P.M. If your child is attending both VBS and Basketball Camp each day don’t forget to pack them a lunch.  Information and registration forms are on our website feefeebc.org/freevbs. There is something for everyone to do so if you are interested in serving that week, contact me. A few things we are still collecting for VBS to help with decor: empty Cheese Ball and animal cracker/pretzel containers you find at Sam’s Club or Costco; 2-liter soda bottles – empty – prefer the green, but we can use clear as well. Thanks for your donations of time and stuff!

    For Basketball Camp I may need host homes to house the college students leading the basketball camp. We will also need meals for these Sport Crusaders for the week. Contact me if you could open your home to a student or 2. If your Sunday School class could help with gift cards or money to help the students with meals, contact me.

    Thank you for your support!

     

  • Prime Time Vol. 63, No. 6

    Summertime, summertime, sum, sum, summertime!  Time for trips, pool parties, graduations, BBQ.  I love the summer and we have one packed with adventure for our prime timers!

    We finally were able to arrange to go to the newly renovated Holocaust Museum but had to adjust the schedule a little.

    We will leave church at 10:45 on Wednesday, June 7 to have lunch at Grassis which opens at 11.  We need to make our lunch somewhat quick as we should arrive at the museum by 12:15 for check in.  We will listen to a Holocaust survivor from 12:30-1:30 and then go on a guided tour from 1:30-3:00pm.  The cost of the tour is $10 each and I must pay this in advance.  If you sign up and don’t come, you will still have to pay for your ticket.

    On Thursday, June 22, we will leave for a tour of historic homes in St. Genevieve.  We will eat first at the Brickhouse.  We do not yet have a price for the homes we are going to tour but it appears that admission is generally $3-$5 with some places being free.  The Brick House Restaurant is the oldest brick building west of the Mississippi River.  It was built in 1780.  According to their website, they have a lunch buffet for $11.75.  They feature American food.

    Below are upcoming events for the next quarter so mark your calendar:

    Friday, July 7 Miniature Museum and Hodak’s for lunch

    Monday July 24 Sandwiches /movie.  Joseph produced by Sight and Sound

    Monday August 7 Old St. Ferdinand Shrine and Cugino’s for lunch

    Mon-Thur., Aug 21-24 Adult VBS

    Wednesday, Sept 6 Sikeston Depot and Lamberts for lunch

    Monday Sept 25 Chihuly at the MO Botanical Garden and lunch at Zia’s

    Don’t forget to mark your calendar for these events and sign up.