Category: Forerunner

This category contains everything pertaining to the Forerunner.

  • Bible Study Corner – Vol. 62, No. 7

    Are you involved in Bible Study? Our numbers continue to grow but there is always room for more. Join us on Sundays at 9:45 a.m., Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m., Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m., or on Facebook Live on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. God has a special message for you from His word! Ask Gloria for details regarding these studies: gloria@feefeebc.org.

    Interested in a small group or Transformation group? Contact Gloria for more information. We were made for connection with God and with others. Don’t miss this opportunity.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 62, No. 7

    Patriotic Concert

    Our first Fee Fee Summer Concert will present patriotic music. This concert will be presented on Sunday, July 3, at 6:00 p.m. Plan now to be a part of our “Patriotic Choir.” We will rehearse on Sundays from 2:00-3:30 p.m. in the choir room beginning May 1. There will be no rehearsal on Mother’s Day (May 8) and Father’s Day (June 19). We need your voice.  Please join us as we celebrate our freedom and declare our dependence on the undeniable hand of God on our nation.

    COVID vaccinations will be required to participate, but masks will be optional at this time. Invite your friends to join you in this project. Singers do not need to be members of Fee Fee. Come help us proclaim: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

    Music in 1 Samuel 16

    As we read many passages in the Bible, we find the importance of music. In 1 Samuel 16 David soothes Saul’s discomfort. God allowed an evil spirit to torment Saul. Saul’s attendants found Jesse’s son, David, who played the harp. Saul grew to like David and made him an armor bearer and asked Jesse if David could stay in his employ permanently. So, whenever the evil spirit would trouble Saul, David would play the harp for him and Saul would be soothed. Wow! Here is the power of music at work!

  • Devotional Corner – Vol. 62, No. 6

    “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy,” (Matt. 5:6-7).

    The Greek word translated as “blessed” is makarios. It describes complete fulfillment in life, an enduring condition rather than fleeting happiness.

    As Jesus launches into the Beatitudes to tell us how to be “blessed” (makarios), it is crucial for us to know that He uses a literary device called a chiasm—wherein the most essential elements are found in the middle. The verses at the center of the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:6–7, are the main message of the chiasm: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; blessed are the merciful.

    Jesus is establishing His Kingdom on a foundation of both righteousness and mercy. They can be said to be two sides of the Kingdom coin or compared to the vertical and horizontal aspects of the cross: Righteousness is a focus on God, and mercy is a focus on others.

    The righteousness that Jesus describes is social harmony, similar to the harmony found in the championship team. Righteousness implies a right way that is chosen rather than imposed; it can also be translated as justice.

    We tend to desire justice for others and mercy for ourselves. But in Jesus’ Kingdom, when people are merciful, they are blessed because they too shall receive mercy.

    Rather than a substitute, mercy is a complement to righteousness. They go together. Righteousness (harmony) comes about because we are merciful and seek to lead others to follow God’s ways for their benefit.

    The social harmony His Kingdom provides is unlike anything the world offers. It is the byproduct of truth and grace. We don’t compromise Kingdom standards. Instead, we recognize that God’s standards are provided for the benefit of the community.

    The kingdoms of the earth focus on dominion and control over others. They stoke offense, which is a focus on self. But the Kingdom of Heaven encourages us to find the good life through serving one another in love (Galatians 5:13). Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness find mercy and are blessed with ultimate happiness as a result.—

  • Music Musings – Vol. 62, No. 6

    Multigenerational Choir

    Let’s have a multigenerational choir here at Fee Fee. Recently, churches have begun looking for opportunities for children, youth, adults and seniors to minister together.

    Think about the value of blending multiple timbres into one homogeneous sound. This is a perfect picture of the body of Christ. An intergenerational music ministry allows everyone the opportunity to participate – no matter the individual skill level. It reflects the age diversity already present. It involves the youngest and oldest pooling their voices together.

    Young people bring excitement and a contagious enthusiasm. Older members contribute a wealth of knowledge. Therefore, they can benefit from each other. Unity in purpose and musical unity are key. It’s a win – win situation!

    The choir must work together to overcome personal music preferences and traditions to be effective worship leaders.

    Here is a scripture that applies so well to the workings of an intergenerational choir:

    Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians church urged them (us) “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called with all humility and with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the Lord of peace,” (Ephesians 41:3 ESV).

    We can learn more than music from a choir experience.

    Hannah’s Song (Mother’s Prayer)

    As we have been reading in 1 Samuel, I was really taken by Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving. In coming across this rendition of Hannah’s song, I thought its beauty along with the dramatization was worth sharing: https://bit.ly/3ifg3bS

  • Prime Time – Vol. 62, No. 6

    On Tuesday, April 12, we will have lunch at 11:30 a.m. and then prepare 20 Easter baskets for the children living at Loaves and Fishes. We will dye Easter eggs and assemble baskets which will include small toys, stuffed animals, and candy. We could use your help even if you can’t come that day. You can pick up some items like Pez dispensers, Matchbox cars, princess figurines, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, books, or any other small toy items.  We will also need LOTS of candy.  If you are near a Dierbergs, some have chocolate crosses available. Even if you cannot attend that day, you can absolutely help with this project.

    On April 26 at 10:00 a.m. we will go to Oakland House for a tour and luncheon. This home in Affton is the country home of Louis A. Benoist and has been restored to its original beauty from 1853.The cost is $22 per person.

    In May, we have two great events planned. We will go to Warm Springs Ranch on May 9 to see the Clydesdales. Then on Saturday night, May 14 we will have our annual Legacy Banquet. Our entertainment will be provided by Ronna, Maggie, Rennae, John, and Dave with a variety of songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s, and our own Lowell Donnelly will give the devotional. You will definitely not want to miss this night.

    I want to encourage you as the pandemic numbers continue to go down and the weather gets better, to resume your small groups and include your friends and neighbors.

  • Bible Study Corner – Vol. 62, No. 6

    Bible Study numbers are increasing each week as Covid numbers continue to fall. We have places for everyone in Bible Study on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. Talk to Gloria if you want to get connected.

    While we continue to read through the Bible together, I would like to encourage you to start a T-Group and meet in person one hour a week talking about what God has shown you in the scripture you have been reading. Meet in a park or on someone’s patio, or a coffee shop. It’s a great way to build spiritual connections with others and to hold each other accountable for studying scripture. If you need help getting started or would like to start a group, contact Gloria: gloria@feefeebc.org.

  • Announcements – Vol. 62, No. 6

    Sympathy

    Our love through Christian sympathy is extended to

    Diane Wright on the passing of her husband, Victor Wright, on March 5.

    Family and friends on the passing of David (Bill) Pischel, on March 12.


    Deacon Recommendations: Qualifications/Expectations
    1. Choose persons who meet the biblical qualifications set forth primarily in Acts 6:1-7 and I Timothy 3:8-13.
    • A man of honest (good) report (Acts 6:3).
    • Full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:3).
    • Full of wisdom (Acts 6:3).
    • Full of faith (Acts 6:5).
    • Grave (I Timothy 3:8); reverence for spiritual matters.
    • Not double-tongued (I Timothy 3:8).
    • Not given to much wine (I Timothy 3:8).
    • Not greedy of filthy lucre (I Timothy 3:8).
    • A holder of the faith (I Timothy 3:9).
    • Tested and proved (I Timothy 3:10).
    • Blameless (I Timothy 3:10).
    • Christian family life (I Timothy 3:11-12).
    • Husband of one wife (I Timothy 3:11-12).
    • Ruling their children and their own houses well (I Timothy 3:12).
    • Bold in the faith (I Timothy 3:13).
    1. Choose persons who can serve well.

    (Full recommendation forms can be found in the Connection Center and can be turned in to a Deacon, church staff, or church office.)


     

  • Chi Alpha News – Vol. 62, No. 6

    DNOW!

    We are so excited for our DNOW 2022 Weekend! This is one of my favorite events every year, and this year is shaping up to be one of the best yet! This year we are partnering with Remix Church and their students; Lenny Barber is returning as our speaker; and Katelynn Griffey is leading worship for us! Plus, our theme, “Stand,” is going to serve as a tool of preparation for our students to ready them for the trials they face every day in their schools and in life. Continue to pray for our students and leaders leading up to this event!

    Washington, D.C. Forms

    If you are signed up to go on the Washington, D.C. mission trip this summer, please make sure that you log on to the Praying Pelican Website and fill out the legal and risk assessment forms. These need to be completed before we leave, so do it sooner rather than later! If you have any questions, contact Kyle: kyle@feefeebc.org.

  • Family Front – Vol. 62, No. 6

    Missions

    On Sunday, April 3, our elementary children will be able to attend the North American Mission Study that will go from 9:45 a.m. through KidsZone and end at 12:00 p.m. This will be taught by our Bible Study teachers. We will focus on prayer for our Southern Baptist missionaries serving through the North American Mission Board and the people they serve. We will also highlight the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.

    Mother Daughter Spa Day

    Come prepared to pamper yourself and do a craft on Saturday, May 14, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. More details, including cost, to follow.

    Father Son Fishing Day

    On Saturday, June 18, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Busch Wildlife. Put it on your calendar and plan to spend a fun morning fishing. If you need fishing equipment to use, let Kathy know; we will have extra equipment available.

    VBS 2022 & Soccer Camp

    It’s not too early to set time aside to help with VBS. Put July 18-22 on your calendar for our 2022 VBS called “MOMUMENTAL – Celebrating God’s Greatness.” There will be many different areas to help: registration, music leadership, station leader or helper, family group leader or helper, snacks, photographer, sound, PowerPoint, and more! If you have soccer skills or are athletic, there are volunteer spots available for Soccer Camp also. VBS will be in the mornings and Soccer Camp will be in the afternoon. The cost for this week of fun is FREE for VBS and $55 for Soccer Camp. Email or talk to Kathy (kathy@feefeebc.org) if you are interested in serving!

  • Community Connection – Vol. 62, No. 6

    As I’m sure most of you have already heard, I have accepted a new job as the Community Resource Coordinator for the St. Louis Area Foodbank. My last Sunday at Fee Fee Baptist Church will be on Sunday, March 27. It took a lot of prayer to get to this point, but I am at peace with this decision knowing this is what God is calling me to do.

    I cannot begin to say thank you enough for all that Fee Fee has done for me and my family these past 10 years.  You have been my friends and family. You have watched my daughters grow up and helped point them to Jesus. You have supported me as I took on new positions and more responsibilities within the church. You have challenged me to grow as a person and as a follower of Jesus. You have given me the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with people right here in our neighborhood and all over the world. For all of that, you have my heartfelt appreciation. My family and I will miss you dearly.

    My last encouragement to you is to continue to live out the model of Jesus from Mark 10:45 when He said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” He, being the Son of Man, is showing us the model of how to live: serving others. Jesus spent his life serving others by lovingly teaching them and caring for their needs. That has been my prayer for us at Fee Fee – that we would be a people that model Jesus by serving others.  So please continue to serve those around you.  I am so proud of how much our church has grown in serving people through things like the blood drive, Mobile Market, Impact Week, and missions emphases. My prayer will continue to be that Fee Fee Baptist Church pursues the good of our community for the glory of God!

    Thank you, Fee Fee! The Yakel family loves you!