Fee Fee Baptist Church

Tag: Christmas

  • A Word From Pastor Zach – Vol. 61, No. 24

    Church Family,

    Isn’t it great having something to look forward to? As a kid, it was always exciting when your birthday started getting closer. You loved growing older and having a party with friends. Now that I am creeping ever closer to forty, I don’t quite look forward to birthdays in the same way! However, now that I am a little more “seasoned,” one thing that I always look forward to are family getaways. Isn’t it fun to anticipate getting out of the normal grind and doing something exciting?

    Or maybe, you look forward to a weekly lunch with a friend. Or that phone call when you get to catch up with someone you love. Maybe you look forward to a certain holiday because you know that family will be coming into town, and you get to celebrate together. Whatever it is that you look forward to, the anticipation can be a lot of fun. But more than the anticipation, it is the payoff when the occasion actually takes place.

    Now, imagine the anticipation for Simeon in Luke 2. He had been promised by God that he would see the Messiah before he died. We don’t know how long he had been waiting, but imagine what must have been going through his mind when Jesus was brought into the temple by Mary and Joseph. Simeon was elated and took the Christ child in his arms and declared that his eyes had seen salvation!

    As Christmas is approaching, what would happen if we had that same type of joy that Simeon had when he saw Jesus for the first time? Let’s remember that the gift of Jesus is the gift of salvation for all who believe!

    Let’s make sure that we are intentional about sharing that truth with others this Christmas. We can do that through our actions, like by supporting the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and Angel Tree. We can also do it through our words, by sharing the truth of the Gospel with our friends and family. Who do we need to tell the story of Christmas to this year?

    We can also share the story of Christmas by inviting others to our Christmas performance this year, NOEL: Night of Everlasting Love. On December 18 and 19, we are going to have a special performance reminding people of the incredible gift that God gave us at Christmas. Be praying now about who you can invite to come and watch the performance with you. Or you can invite someone to our Christmas Eve service to hear the Gospel as well.

    The wait is over. Jesus has come. Let’s be sure to share that truth as Christmas draws near! Join me in praying that our church makes an eternal impact as we share about the gift of Jesus this Christmas season.

    In Him,

    Pastor Zach

  • Family Front – Vol. 61, No. 23

    The Christmas Season

    Goodness…the holiday season is gearing up and things are getting busy! Take time to breathe. Be thankful and ask Him to help you make Christmas truly a season of joy celebrating who He is and what he has done for you!

    Families

    A digital survey was sent to you by email regarding family ministry. I want to hear from you about our children and family ministries and how we can serve you and our community better. Thank you to those that have already taken the survey.

    Parents’ Night Out

    PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT is back again Friday, December 10, from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Bring your kids – ages 2 years old through 5th grade – for a fun night with friends and shopping in our free Christmas store while parents have a night out. Pizza supper will be provided for kids and workers. All this for only $5 per child! Sign-up sheets are available now in the Connection Center. You can also email or call Kathy to make a reservation. Reservations are required and the deadline is December 5. Donations for new items to offer in the Christmas store are welcome anytime; there is a box in the Connection Center to place donations. This will allow kids to shop for their immediate family during Parents’ Night Out. Thank you so much for your support!

    “The Lord has been so good to me! How can I ever pay him back? … I will worship Him.  In front of all of the Lord’s people, I will do what I promised him,” (Psalm 116:12,14).

  • A Word From Pastor Zach – Vol. 60, No. 24

    As I write this, I think about how many things are going to be so different with Christmas this year at our church. Every time I walk into the sanctuary, there is a stark reminder of how different things are just based on what isn’t there…we don’t have our massive Christmas tree and we won’t have our Singing Tree performance this year. It’s going to be a big change.

    However, rather than lamenting what we can’t have, I want to take a second to praise our staff and volunteers for their adaptability. Sure, the Singing Tree is quite conspicuous in its absence. But we are still going to have an incredible Christmas performance. I am so thankful for all of the hard work that has been put into our Christmas presentation which will have a combination of virtual and live elements. Our staff and volunteers have worked really hard to get things prepared for this performance. I am confident that whether you are watching here, in person, or tuning in online, you are going to be entertained by this year’s performance.

    What is much more important than being entertained, however, is the reminder that God loved us enough to send His Son to rescue us! The cradle has so much meaning because it led to the cross. God made a way for us to be in right relationship with Him!

    I want to invite you to join us for our Christmas performance. It’s called Christmas: Night of Angels, and it will be on Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20. On both dates, the performance will start at 3:00 p.m. There are two ways that you can watch the performances. First, you can go online to our website and reserve your spot. Since we are at 25% capacity, we need everyone who is planning on being here physically to make a reservation. It doesn’t cost anything, but we need to make sure we stay within the county’s guidelines. Or, you can always watch the performance online. It will be shown on our website and also streamed on our church’s Facebook page.

    Besides our Christmas performance, we will also have a Christmas Eve service. You will need to reserve your spot for this special service as well if you are coming in person. However, we will also stream this service online. Finally, our deacon body is leading a Christmas morning service in our chapel. We’d love to have you come to this as well.

    Finally, as we are on the subject of Christmas, I want to remind you to prayerfully give to our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Our church has set a goal of $25,000 for this special offering. 100% of your gift will go directly to supporting missionaries around the world. Please pray for our missionaries and that God will use them to reach the lost with the truth of the Gospel!

    For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

    John 3:16

    Christmas might be different this year, but the message is the same: God loves us and sent His Son! Let’s praise Him for that! I’m praying you have a great Christmas!

    In Him,

    Pastor Zach

  • Music Musings – Vol. 60, No. 24

    Christmas Program 2020

    Our Christmas program will look a little different this year, but will nonetheless, still capture the joys of our Savior’s birth. No doubt you will enjoy a mini movie by our kids and will agree that there is stardom in their future. Many thanks to Vance Stewart and Justin Flack who have used their uniquely creative skills to produce the Christmas Nativity story as told by our wonderful kids.

    Following the children’s Nativity will be our musical, Christmas, Night of Angels, told from the viewpoint of Mary and Joseph as they remember the events leading to the miraculous birth of Jesus, our Savior. The music will be presented by our virtual Christmas choir and live ensembles. You may view this program live or online.  If attending in person you will need to go to our website to get a free ticket for performances on Saturday, December 19 or Sunday, December 20, both at 3:00 p.m.  We hope you will plan to celebrate with us!

    The Animals of the Nativity

    The animals of the Nativity have been featured in various poems and songs. One of the most famous poems/songs starring the Christmas animals is a carol entitled The Friendly Beasts.  The text of the piece focuses on the humble contributions of the stable animals assumed present at the birth of Christ. It is sung from the perspective of the donkey who lovingly carried Mary on her long journey to Bethlehem, the cow who donated the manger in which Christ lay, the sheep who gave up his wool for the swaddling clothes, and the dove who gently sang the Christ child to sleep on the night of His birth. Each verse begins with the refrain “I, said the donkey, shaggy and brown,” or “I, said the sheep with the curly horn,” and the carol’s last verse runs as follows:

    Thus every beast by some glad spell,

    in the stable dark was glad to tell

    Of the gift he gave Emmanuel.

    The gift he gave Emmanuel.

    Another poem that gives perspective from the eyes of the animals is The Nativity by C.S. Lewis. Lewis cites the various virtues of the animals in response to the presence of the Christ child – wishing to be able to respond to Christ’s presence with the virtues which symbolically belong to these same animals.

    Among the oxen (like an ox I’m slow)

    I see a glory in the stable grow

    Which, with the ox’s dullness might at length

    Give me an ox’s strength.

    Among the asses (stubborn I as they)

    I see my Saviour where I looked for hay;

    So may my beastlike folly learn at least

    The patience of a beast.

    Among the sheep (I like a sheep have strayed)

    I watch the manger where my Lord is laid;

    Oh that my baa-ing nature would win thence

    Some woolly innocence!

  • Prime Time – Vol. 60, No. 24

    Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. It promises fun times with friends and family and the joy that comes from watching the excitement of children. It stirs up memories of long ago when all my cousins and I would load onto a wagon pulled by grandpa’s tractor and ride down the road to spot that perfect cedar tree to chop down. We would then return to the warmth of the wood stove, make construction paper chains, string popcorn and sing Christmas carols accompanied by grandpa’s fiddle and my uncle’s guitar. Even writing that makes me realize that we might be once again living in those simpler times.

    This year, for most of us, Christmas will be a little different. Extended families will probably not be gathering.  People will not be flying or driving across the country to celebrate together. For me personally, this is the first year that I don’t have a place of my own to entertain and decorate as I am living with my daughter and her family until my house is completed. I now live with an Elf on the Shelf who is quarantined in a plastic bag after having come here from the North Pole.

    But some things never change. I always share an Axel nativity story in the Forerunner. He has loved playing with the characters and animals since he was a toddler. He is 6 now. The kids did not have a nativity scene, so I got a small one from Amazon. The characters are tiny and fit well into the back of a toy truck and the kings have been seen driving cars and even doing a little racing. I guess they can get away with it because of their kingly status.

    Last weekend, Hermione the sheep, Stanley the donkey, and Max the cow, (the names were Izabella’s contribution), were riding in the back of a pickup truck. I asked Axel where they were going, and he told me they had to get a gift for baby Jesus since the kings had shown up with gold and a ham. I asked what they were going to get for the baby and where they were going to shop. He said they were going to Sam’s because they had nicer blankets than Jesus was born with. He said baby Jesus needed something better than just some old rags.

    His insights always make me think about the Christmas story in a new light. This year it made me realize that the only gift we have that is good enough to give to Jesus is ourselves. Scripture says that our righteousness is as filthy rags and without faith; that is absolutely all we have to offer! The good news is if you have experienced the transforming power of a relationship with Jesus, you are now clothed in His righteousness and the only thing He wants from you is your love, devotion, service to others and obedience.  Are you willing to give up what you want and expect to wholeheartedly give yourself to Jesus?

  • Featured Article – Vol. 60, No. 24

    by Larry Condra, Prayer Warrior

    A Prayer for this Christmas Season

    People have problems and the problems they have may cloud their judgement.  They may question God or seek solutions in the wrong places.

    Have you not known?
    Have you not heard?
    The everlasting God, the LORD,
    The Creator of the ends of the earth,
    Neither faints nor is weary.
    His understanding is unsearchable.

    (Isaiah 40: 28)

    The prophet Isaiah’s response to those who question God is “Have you not known?” He does this because we surely do know.  “Have you not heard?” We have, of course, heard about God. We are the very people of God. We have heard about God and the wonders He has performed. We know that it is foolish to fall into the trap of resentment. After all, we know that God is the solution to our problems.

    Maybe things aren’t going the way you would like or you know someone who is questioning things going on. Maybe things aren’t being resolved according to your timetable, or theirs. What God has allowed to happen may not make sense. Isaiah’s explanation for this is that God’s understanding is unsearchable. It’s not always possible to figure it out. Indeed, we don’t really have to figure it out.

    Our job is not to figure God out, but to trust Him. We must trust that He will deliver us at the right time.

    ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His word;

    Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know “Thus saith the Lord.”

    I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Saviour, Friend;

    And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end.

    Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him, How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!

    Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!  O for grace to trust Him more!

    As we celebrate Christmas during this unusual year, pray that we will trust in Jesus. Pray that our families, our church, our neighbors, and our nation will not despair or become depressed over changes we face this holiday season but will trust in Jesus.

    Pray too for our children and their families this Christmas season. They are missing their Bible study teachers and classes. Despite this separation, pray that they will experience the real meaning of Christ’s birth. Pray for our Lottie Moon Christmas offering and the missionaries it will help support. Include our Pastor and staff as we ask for God’s blessings.

  • A Word From Pastor Zach – Vol. 60, No. 23

    Well, by the time you are getting this edition of the Forerunner, Thanksgiving has passed. With that being said, it is now officially appropriate to start listening to Christmas music! While you know that I am advocate for not listening to Christmas music too early, that doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy it. I love Christmas music (as long as it is played AFTER Thanksgiving!).

    Speaking of Christmas music, do you have a favorite Christmas carol? I like a lot of different carols, but my favorite is probably “Silent Night.” Not only does it clearly proclaim and celebrate Jesus’ birth, but it is the carol that always reminds me of Christmas Eve services. All growing up, I loved when we turned down the lights and lit our candles on Christmas Eve as we sang that song together as a church. Whenever I hear that song, I think of those services and their significance.

    Silent Night! Holy Night!
    Long ago, minding our plight
    God the world

    from misery freed
    In the dark age of

    our fathers decreed:
    All the world is redeemed
    All the world is redeemed.

     

    -Joseph Mohr, 1816

    Since carols are such a big part of the Christmas season, I have decided to do something a little different for our Christmas series this year. During December, I am going to be preaching the Christmas story using passages that were the inspiration for famous Christmas carols. From Psalm 98 (which inspired “Joy to the World”) to Luke 2 (which inspired “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”), it is going to be a fun and different way to approach the Christmas story.

    Along with reflecting on the Christmas story and the great carols it has inspired, it is my prayer that we would respond to Christ’s birth in tangible ways this Christmas season. It could be as simple as checking in on a fellow church member or neighbor and making sure they are doing alright throughout this pandemic. Or, it could be getting an angel off of our tree and providing gifts for a child of a family in need.

    Another way to respond to Christ’s birth is by giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. As you heard our guest missionary share about the Great Commission and Lottie Moon, I hope it reminded you about the call that God has placed on each of us. We all need to be a part of taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

    This year, our church is setting a goal of $25,000 for our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. That might seem like an audacious goal, but we are committed to making sure that the Christmas story is shared in every corner of the globe. Would you pray about helping us reach this goal?

    I love Christmas. The fact that God loved us enough to send His only Son to live a perfect life and die in our place is astounding! Let’s sing about that story this Christmas season and let’s make sure we are spreading the truth of the Gospel in our neighborhoods and the nations!

    In Him,

    Pastor Zach

  • Prime Time – Vol. 60, No. 23

    I am hoping to see some of you on Sunday, December 6, at 2:00 p.m. on Main Street in St. Charles. We will gather in front of the first capital building which is the current Visitor Center. Main Street will host Santas from all countries, carolers, and all the flavors and smells of Christmas. Hopefully, we can drink some hot chocolate and have a cookie. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather since we will be outside, and don’t forget to wear a mask!

    While it is fun to celebrate Christmas with traditions, it is also a great time to reflect on the real first Christmas. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, just as the prophecy said, and God had to orchestrate a way for Mary and Joseph, from Nazareth, to end up in Bethlehem just as she was about to give birth. God is a planner, so He used a census to require each man to return to his own town.

    It just so happens that Joseph’s hometown of Bethlehem, located about 6 miles from Jerusalem, was where the sacrificial lambs for the Temple in Jerusalem were kept. Each lamb used for sacrifice had to be without spot or blemish. To protect the newborn lambs from injury, they were swaddled in cloths and kept in a cave. Again, it was no accident that there was no room at the inn. Instead, Jesus, like the other sacrificial lambs, was born in a cave and swaddled in cloths.

    It’s no wonder that John the Baptist declared when he saw Jesus, “Behold, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” I hope that during the month of December, you will focus on the real meaning of Christmas and celebrate the lamb of God who took away your sin with His sacrifice on the cross and resurrection from the grave to be our Savior.

    Angel Tree

    Recognizing that some of you might not be able to select an ornament from the Angel Tree this year because you are viewing our services virtually, we wanted to make sure that you still had an opportunity to participate in buying gifts for families this Christmas.

    If you would like to participate, you can email (gloria@feefeebc.org) or call (314) 604-6071, and I will provide you with a gift to buy someone. If you want to participate but don’t feel comfortable going out shopping for the gift, just contact me and I will provide you with a personal shopper to purchase and wrap the gift for you.

    All gifts should be wrapped and the ornament that contained the gift suggestion should be reattached and returned to the church by Sunday, December 20.

    Ministry Need – Christmas Edition

    We are looking for a few people to be personal shoppers for those who would like to purchase a gift(s) for the Angel Tree but don’t want to go out shopping. If you are willing to help with this ministry, please contact Gloria@feefeebc.org or (314) 604-6071.

    Coats for Kids

    If you or someone you know needs a new winter coat, please contact Gloria@feefeebc.org. If you would like to contribute to this ministry, you can give or mail a check to Steve in the church office.

    A big thank you to Mary and the late Jim Zirbas for their generous support of this ministry over the years.

  • Chi Alpha News – Vol. 60, No. 23

    Since it is after Thanksgiving, I can officially say…MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!! Even though I personally have been celebrating all November long, I know there are some traditionalists out there that don’t agree with me (don’t worry, I’ll pray for your souls). Anyway, I hope that even though we are nearing the end of a very difficult year, you are all still looking forward to the holidays. While there have been a lot of hardships we have had to endure over the last year, we are closing in on a NEW YEAR with NEW POSSIBILITIES! I am excited looking forward to next year and some events we have planned. I can’t wait to be able to have a blast with you all again soon! But until then, let’s keep pushing forward. We are still Zooming on Sundays and Wednesdays, just make sure to check your calendar so you know what weeks we are on and off. Miss you all, and I can’t wait to be up in the Rafters with you again soon!

  • Prime Time – Vol. 60, No. 22

    I have spent a lot of time trying to find a Christmas activity for us this year. Outside would be the best, of course.

    On Sunday afternoon, December 6, we will gather at the First Missouri State Capitol State Visitor Center at 230 S. Main Street in St. Charles at 2:00 p.m. We will see the Santas from other countries, listen to carols, drink a hot chocolate and eat a cookie. Hope you will plan to join us.

    The seniors are a generous and loving group of people. I hope, as usual, you will participate and help this year with Coats for Kids and the Angel Tree. Thanks for all you do for the church.

    Coats for Kids

    We will once again be providing coats for kids. If you or someone you know needs a warm coat, or if you would like to contribute money to buy a new coat, you can turn this money in to Steve or Gloria. If you have gently used coats, please save these for the free market in July to give away.

    Angel Tree

    Our annual Angel Tree will be up at Thanksgiving and loaded with ornaments that indicate a specific need. You can take an ornament, purchase that item, wrap it and reattach the ornament, and placed under the tree by December 18.

    If your family or someone you know could use help for Christmas this year, please let Gloria know: gloria@feefeebc.org.