Fee Fee Baptist Church

Category: Ronna Paden, Director of Music

All of Ronna Paden’s Forerunner articles.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 24

    New Keyboard

    We acknowledge the wonderful new keyboard purchased with generous funds given in memory of Marci Gholami. This instrument will greatly enhance our worship music. It features flexibility to customize sounds, action, and depth of tone second to none. We are very grateful for this generous gift commemorating the memory of Marci.

    Save the Date

    Holiday calendars fill up these days with all kinds of celebrations. Be sure to include our Christmas presentations here at Fee Fee in your date book.  We will present NOEL: Night of Everlasting Love on Saturday, December 18 and again on Sunday, December 19, both at 3:00p.m. Both performances will present the traditional story of the Nativity with beautiful Christmas classics and pageantry. Invite your friends and neighbors to hear the Gospel story.

    Another opportunity to celebrate Jesus this season, is at our special 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service, filled with traditional music and the Gospel story.

    Greeters and Ushers Needed

    We will need greeters and ushers for the Christmas presentations on December 18 and 19. This is a wonderful opportunity to greet our guests with a smile and hearty welcome! Greeters and ushers would need to be available by at least 2:30 p.m. Please contact tara@feefeebc.org if you are available to help.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 23

    Save the Dates (at least one of them!)

    Our Christmas program, Noel (Night of Everlasting Love) will be presented on Saturday, December 18, and again on Sunday, December 19. Both performances will begin at 3:00 p.m. You will hear some beautiful arrangements of Christmas classics as you watch the traditional pageantry of the Nativity story.

    Mark your calendar! This would be a good time to invite friends and neighbors or folks you barely know for an afternoon of worship!

    Trumpets in the Old Testament

    As our church family is now reading in the book of Numbers on our journey through the Pentateuch, I have noticed the importance of the use of trumpets in these scriptures, which has prompted me to do a little reading on trumpets in the Old Testament.

    The trumpet is the instrument most frequently referenced in the Bible and its uses were many and varied.

    The following list gives specific uses:

    1. To assemble a large group of people

    2. To give direction to a large group of people.

    3. To alert people to coming danger of judgement.

    4. Used along with other instruments and singers to celebrate holy days and sacred events.

    5. As a battle signal.

    6. To make an announcement or proclamation.

    7. As a regular part of worship ceremonies.

    8. And most importantly – To praise God.

    We find in Numbers 10:1-13, that the silver trumpets had two primary purposes: to make people alert and gain their attention and to sound the alarm of battle.

    The High Priests or the representatives in the priestly line were to blow the silver trumpets. This compares with end times when a representative of our High Priest Yeshua will blow the final trumpet blast to summon His people to resurrection and war against evil.

    “The LORD spoke further to Moses, saying, ‘Make yourself two trumpets of silver, of hammered work you shall make them; and you shall use them for summoning the congregation and for having the camps set out,” (Numbers 10:1-2 NASB).

    It is truly amazing how all the events we are reading about point forward to the time of Jesus!

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 22

    November Playlist

    Start playing this list right away! You will not find a more diversified list of music that will get you in the mood for Thanksgiving!

    Ronna’s November 2021 Playlist: https://bit.ly/3CuDA0K

    Contemporary Worship

    We Give You Thanks

    All Sons and Daughters

     

    Gospel

    You’ve Been So Good

    The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

     

    Christian Rap

    Thankful

    Flauce feat. Rapper Big Pooh & Blackwell

     

    Contemporary Christian

    Thank You, Lord

    Paul Baloche

     

    Jazz

    Thanksgiving Theme

    Vince Guaraldi Trio

     

    Contemporary Worship

    Goodness of God

    Jenn Johnson & Bethel Music

     

    Contemporary Christian

    Thank You, Lord

    Hillsong Worship

     

    Folk

    Thanksgiving Song

    Mary Chapin Carpenter

    Contemporary

    Thankful

    Josh Groban

     

    Indie Singer-Songwriter

    The Thanksgiving Song

    Ben Rector

     

    Contemporary Christian

    Gobble Gobble

    Matthew West

     

    Gospel

    We Gather Together

    Gospel Souls

     

    Christian Indie/Folk

    My Father’s World

    Gungor

     

    Christian Indie/Folk

    Leave This House Singing

    Will Reagan & United Pursuit

     

    Native American Worship

    We Thank You

    Broken Walls – Created for Worship

    Let me know which of these you connected with the best and then I will tell you my favorite!

     

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 21

    Why We Sing

    I recently came across an article in a professional magazine for Worship Leaders and thought it was very interesting and worth condensing to share in this issue of The Forerunner.

    We enjoy singing.

    But that’s not why we sing.

     

    Singing connects us to one another.

    But that’s not why we sing.

     

    Singing is a way of serving the Lord.

    But that’s not why we sing.

     

    Singing impacts my mind (lyrics teach truths and Biblical values.)

    But that’s not why we sing.

     

    Singing is a way of our giving back to God.

    But that’s not why we sing.

     

    Singing is a form of prayer.

    But that’s not why we sing.

     

    Singing is tied to the promises of God.

    But that’s not why we sing.

     

    Singing forces us to be physically involved when we express worship.

    But that’s not why we sing.

     

    Singing is something the Bible commands us to do.

    But that’s not why we sing.

     

    Singing effects our emotions.

    But that’s not why we sing.

     

    WHY do we sing?

    God deserves our praise. We choose to sing. How dare we arrogantly decide that He should not receive something that He declares He wants. Do we know better than He does whether the sound we make is good enough when He says it is? Who are we to judge our worship – when that right belongs only to Him.

    So – you have reason to sing!

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 20

    Here is Your Playlist for October

    I decided it might be interesting to take a journey through the decades and select some music representative of the 1930s on down to the present. Some of the music may reflect a style much before your time, and as we get closer to the music you remember, you may enjoy some music you haven’t heard for a very long time!

    Enjoy Ronna’s October 2021 Playlist by clicking this link:

    https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpdd9NDp5H-VssyjlF-hzfWgsakufuptY&feature=share.

    1937-41

    Golden Gate Quartet

    Early Songs

     

    1946

    Sister Rosetta Tharpe

    Didn’t It Rain

     

    1950s

    Jeff Fenholt

    Jesus, My Lord

    1950s Style

    Shawn Cheek

    For the Love of the Truth

    1960

    Ferlin Husky

    Wings of a Snow White Dove

    1967

    Edwin Hawkins Singers

    Oh Happy Day

     

    1976

    Andrae Crouch

    Soon and Very Soon

     

    1982

    Amy Grant

    El-Shaddai

     

    1988

    Paul Mullins

    Awesome God

     

    1990

    Michael W. Smith

    For You

     

    1992

    Steven Curtis Chapman

    The Great Adventure

     

    2003

    Casting Crowns

    Voice of Truth

     

    2011

    Matt Redman

    10,000 Reasons

     

    2021

    Elevation Worship

    Worthy

    Here you have it – old and new – but always the same message of love and hope.

    Angel Signups and Rehearsal Information

    This year we will have Cassie McKeown from Dance Factory to lead our little angels. Cassie is planning to hold rehearsals at the Dance Factory studio on Sundays from 1:00-3:00 p.m. starting October 10. Rehearsals will be every Sunday, except for November 28, leading up to the performance dates. Dance Factory is located very close to our church at 22 Fee Fee Rd. in Maryland Heights.

    Please sign your child up on the Angel list located in the Connection Center. There is no audition process. All children 6 years old and older are welcome. We look forward to our “host of angels” for 2021.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 19

    Christmas Choir Rehearsals

    Rehearsals for our Christmas Choir will begin on September 26. These rehearsals will be held in the choir room and start time at 3:30 p.m. All singers will need to have been fully vaccinated and wear a singer’s mask which will be provided for you. Please respond to tara@feefeebc.org if you wish to participate, and have not already responded.

    Moses

    As we have begun reading the book of Exodus, I have been reminded of a piece by Ken Medema entitled Moses. The piece is almost like a mini-musical and is very creatively written to tell the story of Moses. I have included an excerpt of the lyrics here and would suggest you might truly enjoy hearing this piece performed by Steve Green with The National Christian Choir using this YouTube link: https://youtu.be/U0Hl3rFfFuM

    Moses by Ken Medema

     

    Old Moses, ‘way back there in the wilderness, saw some smoke, came to the bush, and the bush was burnin’.

    God said, “Take off your shoes, Moses, you’re on holy ground.

     

    Moses, I’ve chosen you to be My man, Moses, ‘way down in Egypt’s land.  Moses, I’ve chosen you to work for me,

    Moses, I’ve chosen you to set my people free!”

     

    “Not me, Lord!  Don’t You know I can’t talk so good; I stutter all the time. D-d-d-do You know my brother, Aaron? He can sing like an angel, talk like a preacher. Not me, Lord!  I can’t talk so good.

     

    And another thing, how will they know that I’ve been here with You? Don’t You know down in Egypt they want little Moses’ head?

    Don’t You know that in Egypt, they want little Moses dead?

     

    Don’t You know they’ll never hear a single word I’ll say! Maybe You’d better get Your dirty work done another way!

    “Not me, Lord!

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 18

    Are you ready for our September Playlist?

    Well, I hope so, because I have found some terrific music for your listening pleasure! This month you have the benefit of hearing two pieces by my favorite singer, David Phelps. I will begin and end with his music, for he is in a category all his own.

    Simply David Phelps

    Brethren, We Have Met to Worship

    David Phelps

     

    Christian Country

    No Turning Back

    Tommy Brandt

     

    A Capella Gospel

    I’ll Meet You in the Morning

    Jehovah Shalom A capella

     

    Multi-National Classical Crossover

    Amazing Grace

    Il Divo

     

    Indie Worship

    And Can it Be (Die for Me)

    Daniel Dorfsmith

     

    Up-and-Coming Christian Artist

    Dare to Believe

    Efralot

     

    Southern Gospel

    How Beautiful Heaven Must Be

    Gaither Vocal Band

     

    Contemporary Worship

    Jireh

    Elevation Worship and Maverick City

     

    Contemporary Christian

    Rebuilder

    Carrollton

     

    Indie Rock

    Seasons

    NEEDTOBREATHE

     

    Contemporary Christian

    Ruins

    Mandisa

     

    David Phelps – Just Wow!  In a class by himself!

    I Have Nothing

    David Phelps

     

    As always, this list reflects many different styles. They may not ALL be to your liking, but I’m certain many of them will bring you joy. Until next time! Here is the link for Ronna’s September 2021 Playlist:

    https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpdd9NDp5H-VBX-CHttCySjAX0EWhNsYt&feature=share

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 17

    Opportunity to be a Ringer!

    In September we will once again start rehearsing handbells with a performance target date of October 3. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. The rehearsals run no longer than one hour.

    Up to now this group has been made up of adults, but we would love to expand this ensemble to be inclusive of our youth as well. A multigenerational group would be great!

    Please email tara@feefeebc.org if you have an interest in participating in this ensemble. You will find it rewarding to work in tandem with others to create some beautiful music. It is an activity that will stimulate your brain and motor skills – and that’s a good thing! Come give it a go!

     

    Scriptures About Music

    The following is taken from an article by Crystal McDowell – writer, speaker and teacher.

    Music is ministry that ushers in the presence of God. “Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang: ‘He is good; His love endures forever,’” (2 Chronicles 5:13).

    Music can be inspired from the Spirit of God. “Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Ephesians 5:19-20).

    Music can be used for evil purposes. “Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good,” (Daniel 3:15).

    Music is an affront to God when hypocrisy is in the heart. “Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps,” (Amos 5:23).

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 16

    August Playlist

    Okay everyone, here is your August playlist! This diverse list DEFINITELY offers something for everyone! Enjoy listening to all genres of Christian music. You may find a type of music new to you that you will really enjoy. Listen with an open mind!

    Indie Worship (independent musicians)

    Shepherd of My Soul

    Rivers and Robots

     

    Alternative Christian Rock/Metal

    Feel Invincible

    Skillet

     

    Christian Rock

    Gospel Song

    Rhett Walker

     

    Contemp. Gospel (soulful revivalist spirit!)

    Love Theory

    Kirk Franklin

     

    Country

    Nothing But The Blood of Jesus

    Carrie Underwood

     

    Worship

    Hymn of the Holy Spirit

    Robbie Seay and Trenton Bell

     

    Christian Rap

    Don’t Waste Your Life

    Lecrae

     

    A cappella Worship

    Abide With Me

    Eclipse 6

     

    Experimental Christian/New Gospel

    Jesus

    Phil Thompson

     

    Contemporary Christian

    All Together

    Mike Donehey (of Tenth Avenue North)

     

    Collaborative Christian Rock

    Together

    for King & Country, Tori Kelly, and Kirk Franklin

     

    Indie Rock

    Carry Me

    NEEDTOBREATHE (feat. Jon Foreman)

    Listen anytime, anywhere to Ronna’s August 2021 Playlist using this handy YouTube link.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 15

    Choir Returning to 8:30 a.m. Worship

    Our choir will begin rehearsing on August 2 and will return to lead in worship on September 5. It has been about 18 months since our choir has been “on duty,” and I know everyone will be happy to see them returning to our choir loft to sing beautiful songs of praise and inspiration.

    New Hymn by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell

    Almost Home is a new hymn composed by Irish hymnist Matt Papa collaborating with Matt Boswell from Texas.

    Scriptural basis for the hymn is from Hebrews 11:16:

    “But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.”

    The Christian life is a journey toward a place we know in our hearts as home, yet we have never seen or experienced.

    “This song reminds us that we are almost there. Almost to our reward! Don’t drop a single anchor, the opening lines urge us, because this world is not our home. And so, we press on through the doubts and darkness, looking forward to that day when He shall wipe away every tear. On that day, the weak and the strong will rejoice together in our faithful God, the one who brings us home,” – Matt Papa.

    This hymn is set to release on September 10, 2021. You can easily find and hear by keying in – Almost Home by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell.