Fee Fee Baptist Church

Category: Ronna Paden, Director of Music

All of Ronna Paden’s Forerunner articles.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 14

    Singing Tree Update

    Thanks to those of you who have responded that you will be available to sing in our 2021 Singing Tree. We have had a positive response from about 25 singers, so we are halfway there. If you have not yet sent in your response, please do so ASAP.  Also, you may know others that might enjoy this singing experience, so please share this information with them. Remember – singers do not need to be a member of Fee Fee. Thanks so much for considering the sharing of your singing!

    July Playlist

    I do hope you will enjoy this new playlist that Tara and I have created. We so enjoy sharing these diverse songs with you. There are many different musical genres that can praise our God!

    Billboard Top Christian:

    #1 – Amen

    For King and Country

     

    #2 – Help is On the Way

    Toby Mac

     

    Top Gospel Chart:

    I’m Not Ashamed

    Monica Lisa Stevenson

    (featuring Paul Porter)

     

    Christian Folk Rock:

    Rescuer (Good News)

    Rend Collective

     

    Gospel:

    Sometimes It takes a Mountain

    The Foster Triplets

     

    Classical Gospel:

    We Need You, Lord

    by Jonathan Butler

     

    Christian Acoustic Folk:

    Wayfaring Stranger

    Southern Raised

    Christian Rock:

    Magnify

    We Are Messengers

     

    Christian Rock:

    Made to Fly

    Colton Dixon

     

    Christian Pop:

    Keep on Hoping

    Riley Clemmons

     

    Christian Folk:

    Paradox

    Ellie Holcomb (featuring Natalie Hemby)

     

    Contemporary Worship:

    Never Have I Ever

    Hillsong Young & Free

    You can listen along on YouTube to Ronna’s July 2021 Playlist by using this link:

    https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpdd9NDp5H-X3USv9AIDkSgdWKv6zH_py&feature=share

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 13

    Hymn of the Month

    When I was a little girl, the Linn County Baptist Association had a hymn sing each month. Different churches in the association would host the event which featured the “hymn of the month” which was sung along with other hymns compatible with the theme. Of course, I don’t know how the “hymn of the month” was determined, but remembering this event got me started thinking and wondering if “hymn of the month” exists in various organizations today. Indeed, it does! Here are three web sites that share hymn stories of the month.

    1. Hymn Stories Organization has a hymn of the month giving background information and details surrounding the inspiration for writing and the writer. Hymn Stories hymn for the month of June is Where We’ll Never Grow Old.
    2. The Getty Family Hymn of the Month – The Getty web site lists a hymn for the month with the accompanying story and the memory verse of the month. June’s selection is Jesus Shall Reign.Memory verse for the month is Psalm 72:17.
    3. Happy Hymnody – This web site was developed to sow the truths of hymns into the hearts of children and encourage families to lift their voices in praise to the Holy One. Their hymn for the month of June is This is My Father’s World.

    “It could not be otherwise, but that Christianity be a singing faith. The Founder sang. He learned to sing from His Father. Surely, they have been singing together from all eternity…When He speaks galaxies come into being. And when He sings for joy, more energy is released than exists in all the matter and motion of the universe. If He appointed song for us to release our heart’s delight in Him, is this not because He also knows the joy of releasing His own heart’s delight in song? We are a singing people because we are children of a singing God.” –John Piper, theologian.

    Christmas 2021

    It is time to start thinking about Christmas and get our act together! So, in order to plan, we need to find out how many people will participate. In particular, we are thinking about the Singing Tree. So obviously we need MANY singers to stand on its branches. It is not necessary for you to have any prior experience of singing on the tree, but please reply to Tara (tara@feefeebc.org), to let us know of your interest. We need you!

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 12

    June means a summer filled with music! In a collaborative effort, our Ministry Assistant Tara and I have put together an eclectic YouTube playlist for your listening pleasure. Here is a very diverse list of music we would love to share with you. There is something for everyone!

    Bluegrass:

    Ain’t No Grave (Gonna Hold My Body Down)

    The Isaacs

     

    #2 Billboard Top Christian:

    Less Like Me

    Zack Williams

     

    A cappella finalists in East Africa’s Got Talent:

    Have a Little Talk With Jesus

    Jehovah Shalom Acapella

     

    Gospel Music from Zimbabwe:

    Sweetest Song I Know

    Armor Music Ministry

     

    Blues and Country Jazz (Saxophone):

    Amazing Grace

    Dan Traxler

     

    #10 Billboard Top Christian:

    Wherever I Go

    Dan Bremnes

     

    New Hymn:

    Thank You, Jesus, For the Blood

    Charity Gayle

     

    Contemporary Christian:

    Grown Up Lullabye

    Jamie Grace

     

    Mo Town Gospel:

    Look No Further

    Evvie McKinney

    You can listen along on YouTube to Ronna’s June 2021 Playlist by using this link: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpdd9NDp5H-XvXTg84kWARg3IRJv_mBJ-&feature=share

    Let us know which one is your favorite!

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 11

    Isaiah and Handel’s Messiah

    If you are taking the opportunity to read the book of Isaiah in our new churchwide reading plan you will notice that the book of Isaiah makes up much of the lyrics for Handel’s Messiah including the following promises:

    The Promise that Jesus would come

    The Promise of How Jesus would come

    The Promise of what Jesus would do when He came

    Prophecies and promises of the Messiah’s death

    Here is a listing of titles from this famous musical work along with scripture references from Isaiah.

    From the Christmas portion:

    “Comfort ye, my people.”  (Isaiah 40, vv.1-3)

    “Every valley shall be exalted” (Isaiah 40, v.4)

    “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed” (Isaiah 40, v.5)

    “O Thou that tellest good tidings” (Isaiah 40, v.9)

    “Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen” (Isa. 60, v.1)

    “For behold, darkness shall cover the earth” (Isaiah 60, vv.2-3)

    “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9, v.2)

    “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given” (Isaiah 9, v.6)

    “Then shall the eyes of the bling be opened” (Isaiah 35, vv.5-6)

    From The Prophecies of Jesus’ Death:

    “He was despised and rejected” (Isaiah 50, v.6)

    “And with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53, v.5)

    “And we like sheep have gone astray” (Isaiah 53, v.6)

    Handbells – Opportunity for YOU

    Wow! It was so nice to hear our handbells in worship playing Fanny Crosby’s hymn of praise, Praise Him!  Praise Him!.

    Would you like to ring some bells? For our first project we used only two octaves of bells, but we have two more octaves available to play. So don’t worry that we will have too many players. For our next project we will begin rehearsing on Wednesday, June 30 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 214. Rehearsals will last about 45 minutes to one hour. You will be provided with gloves and will not share music. Our target date for playing will be August 1. Please send an email to Tara@feefeebc.org to let us know of your interest. We need you!

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 10

    Introduction to David Wallace Crowder

    This popular Christian contemporary artist known simply as Crowder grew up listening to Elvis, Willie Nelson, Olivia Newton John, and Bill Gaither. Now that’s diversity!!! David was a student at Baylor University when his musical career began. With Baylor being a Christian university, David was surprised to find out that many of the students didn’t attend church. So he and friend Chris Seay started University Baptist Church to make church something the 20-something students would come to, enjoy, and relate.

    David had a career with the David Crowder Band for several years and is now into solo projects. He has a rather new, popular single, Good God, Almighty. It is a catchy worship piece that celebrates the goodness of God, an anthem that is meant to be sung by congregations collectively. Good God, Almighty is an upbeat song about celebrating the mercy of God and our opportunity to praise Him! As David says, “this song is just some good old-fashioned group singing! And what I love about that is it is a group of people singing in harmony together. That’s what we need and what I’m praying for, some harmony and togetherness.”

    Here are some of the opening lyrics to Good God, Almighty:

    I can’t count the times I’ve called Your name some broken night

    And You showed up and patched me up like You do every time.

     

    I get amnesia

    I forget that You keep coming around

    Yeah, ain’t no way You’ll ever let me down

     

    Good God Almighty

    I hope You’ll find me

    Praising Your name no matter what comes

     

    ‘Cause I know where I’d be

     Without Your mercy

     So I keep praising Your name at the top of my lungs

    I would encourage you to listen to this delightful song! Good God, Almighty by Crowder can be found on YouTube, or any other streaming music service right now.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 9

    First Concert of the Season is Approaching

    Our Summer Concerts are at our doorstep and the first one is set to go on Sunday, May 16 at 6:00 p.m. We will feature music missionary Ken Davidson. Ken currently works at a Chinese university where he oversees a music degree including music technology and recording arts.

    In addition to music missions, Ken is a worship leader, audio engineer, and videographer. Ken is co-founder of Heart Sounds International, which exists to encourage the development of worship music through training native musicians in cultures where Christ followers are restricted or even persecuted.

    Please reserve seats for this May 16 concert, and all upcoming concerts, on our website: https://feefeebc.org/summerconcert/. This is a free event, but reservations are necessary for attending this event. There will be an opportunity to give a love offering and to purchase CDs of the music of various cultures. Please invite friends and other acquaintances to attend this event.

    A Biblical Example of Music Ministry

    1 Samuel 16:21-23 tells the story. David walked bravely carrying his primitive stringed instrument into a place of darkness inhabited by King Saul. Saul was willing to try anything to free himself from the depths of depression that plagued him. As the story unfolds, we find that David’s music touched this tormented man. Saul was relieved as the evil presence departed from him. David’s music not only provided relief, but also brought love from this man for the young shepherd boy whose music had touched his soul.

    When you sing beautifully, or less beautifully, you are making melody in your heart to the Lord. So, sing out to bring joy to the hosts of heaven.

    Christ provides soul music for us. He will fill you with a life free of depression and despair. We, His sheep, need the music of His voice. Let’s rejoice in God together.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 8

    Summer Concerts Beginning Soon – Summer Concerts have been scheduled, and again as last year, they are not scheduled back to back as in previous years. Here’s a look at each one:

    May 16 – Ken Davidson – Ken is a music missionary and co-founder of Heart Sounds. This organization exists to encourage the development of worship music through training native musicians, especially in countries where Christ followers are restricted or persecuted.

    June 6 – Kingdom Players – Kingdom Players is a drama group from Lee University. They present skits based on the Bible. The skits are humorous and/or dramatic.

    June 27 – Timothy and Hosanna Noble – Timothy Noble is a piano virtuoso who has been a part of our concert series for about 7 years. His new wife, Hosanna, brings her vocal talent and playing violin.

    July 11 – Charles Graham – Charles is a Gospel singer who has visited Fee Fee dating back to his college days. Charles has attracted many friends worldwide. His singing is powerful, as is his testimony.

    August 1 – The Lesters – The Lesters are a mainstay for the annual Fee Fee concerts. The family has shared the Good News of the Gospel through song for over 90 years. The present ensemble is a trio comprising of Brian, Jonathan, and Bailee Lester. This trio represents the third and fourth generations of the Lester family.

    Make plans now to attend these concerts and get the word out to friends and neighbors. As always there is no charge for these concerts, but a love offering will be taken for each concert artist. Reserve your seats online at https://feefeebc.org/summerconcert/.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 7

    This Must Be Grace

    Our virtual choir project for This Must Be Grace has been completed and returned by the company who compiled our recordings. We will present this video in our 8:30 a.m. worship on April 11. We owe a debt of gratitude to both Vance Stewart and Andrea Jennings, as they worked diligently to bring this project to completion.

    This must be grace, love in this place.

    So we take our bread; we take our fish;

    We offer it up to You so You can multiply it!

    This must be grace!

    Hymns With Strange Titles

    Recently I came across an article which listed a number of hymns with strange titles. I decided to share three of these with all of you.

    Lord, I Can Suffer thy Rebukes – The text of this hymn was written by Isaac Watts. The tune was by Mozart. Here is the first verse of the hymn:

    Lord, I can suffer Thy rebukes,

    When Thou with kindness dost chastise;

    But Thy fierce wrath I cannot bear:

    O let it not against me rise.

    Blest Be the Man Whose Bowels Move – This is another hymn written by the great hymn writer Isaac Watts. “Bowels” as referenced in scripture are the seat of emotions. It’s that realization that your feelings come from deep within. Here is the first verse of the hymn:

    Blest is the man whose bowels move

    And melt with pity to the poor;

    Whose soul by sympathizing love,

    Feels what his fellow saints endure.

    Although Isaac Watts composed the text for these two “strangely titled” hymns, he is best known for writing text for When I Survey the Wondrous Cross and Joy to the World.

    If Men Go to Hell, Who Cares – This hymn was written by E.M. Bartlett in 1939. In the first verse and chorus, you can clearly see the underlying message of the hymn is all about CARING.

    While the world rushes on in its folly and sin,

    And men go down in despair

    To reign where demons are shrieking within,

    If men go to hell, who cares?

    Who cares, who cares, O Lord, who cares?

    While the world rushes on in sin to despair:

    If men go to hell, who cares?

    A very popular hymn written (text and music) by Bartlett is Victory in Jesus. An interesting piece of trivia…Bartlett was from Waynesville, MO!

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 6

    Hymns Written During Current Pandemic – IV

    Many songs, prayers, and poems have been written in response to our current pandemic in an effort to bring hope and comfort during this strange and difficult time. Here are three songs either newly written or revived in recent months.

    Shelter Me by Father Michael Jonas

    Father Jonas wrote this song in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The lyric is influenced by Psalm 23.  Contemplate on this excerpt of the refrain verses:

    O shelter me, O shelter me.

    The way ahead is dark

    and difficult to see.

    O shelter me, O shelter me.

    All will be well if only

    You will shelter me.

     

    I will look back in days to come

    and realize Your faithfulness has led me home.

    Within Your house

    I’ll find my peace.

    Trusting that in Your mercy

    You have sheltered me.

    In the Light of Your Promise by Laura Laughlin and Tom Paulson

    This new hymn was written for the Crown of Glory Lutheran Congregation by Pastor Laura Laughlin and Music Director Tom Paulson in their desire to turn pain into art in this time of uncertainty. The song proclaims “in the light of Your promise give us Your peace” and “guide the hearts of all people.” The entire song can be heard on YouTube.

    Waymaker by Sinach

    Waymaker is a song recently covered by Michael W. Smith. This song describes God as One who makes a way for us, works miracles, keeps His promises, and defeats darkness with His light. The song was written by Nigerian gospel singer, Sinach, in 2015 and was hugely successful there. It has since been covered by multiple artists worldwide. Smith listened to the song at his daughter’s request and believed it to be a great response to the rough times people were going through. The memorable chorus goes as such:

    Waymaker, Miracle Worker

    Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness

    That is Who You are.

    Virtual Choir

    Our latest virtual choir project has been completed and sent off to the producers. We will soon be adding this beautiful piece to an upcoming worship service. A hearty thank-you goes to all participants, as well as to Vance Stewart for his preparation of recordings, and Andrea Jennings for giving of time and assisting many recordings. We are blessed with wonderful people with servant hearts.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 5

    No Music Musings this week. Check back with the next issue on March 22.