Fee Fee Baptist Church

Tag: hymns

  • Music Musings – Vol. 62, No. 20

    Christmas Production Needs

    We still would like more angels in our “Heavenly Host” for our Christmas production. Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons at 1:15 p.m. in Room B3. Angel participants do not to be regular attendees of Fee Fee. We welcome those from other churches and any from our community. Also we would like a few participants who will not have spoken lines, but would appear briefly near the end of the pageant. Sign up in the Connection Center if interested.

    Prayer… A Subject for Many Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs

    A lot of music (Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs) for Christian use has been written as actual prayers. The following is a playlist of examples from each category.

    Psalms
    • Psalm 5 by Maranatha Singers (inspired by Psalm 5)
    • Psalm 4 (When I Call) by Melissa Breems (inspired by Psalm 4:1)
    • Psalm 139:23-24 Song “Lead Me in the Way Everlasting” by Esther Mui
    Hymns
    • Have Thine Own Way, Lord by Fountainview Academy – This hymn was written by Adelaide Pollard in response to having been unsuccessful in raising funds to make a trip to Africa for missionary service.
    • I Must Tell Jesus by Mom Winans (Gaither Music) – This hymn was written by Elisha Hoffman, a preacher who used these simple words to encourage a distraught lady.
    Spiritual Songs
    • Battle Belongs by Paul Wickham – This song was inspired by 2 Chronicles 20. The people of God stood firm and sent men singing worship songs at the head of their army. As they gave thanks to the Lord for His enduring love, their enemies began fighting each other.
    • God So Loved – by We the Kingdom – The music highlights different countries and cultures united by the love of Christ. The text simply expands on the familiar verse, John 3:16.
    • Lord, I Need You – Matt Maher  – Jesus desires to meet you everyday.  He is ready to meet you whenever and wherever you can step back and say “Lord, I need You.”

    You can listen to all of these prayers, plus a BONUS prayer song called Cleanse Me, using this link: https://bit.ly/3Ti22uh

  • 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.

  • 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. 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. 4

    Hymns Written During Past Pandemics – Part III

    By Dr. Julie Barrier, Crosswalk.com

    James Montgomery, born in 1771, was a Scottish-born hymn writer and poet. He wrote 400 hymns in the midst of controversial quarantines for yellow fever, cholera, and bubonic plague.  Sing Hallelujah, Sing is one of his most famous. What a statement of faith!

    “Sing Hallelujah, Glory to God alone…Bring your thank-offerings to the throne. The Lord put forth His hand.  He touched us and we died.  Vengeance went through the land, but mercy walked beside.  He heard our prayers; He saw our tears and stayed the plague and quelled our fears.”

    Dr. John Ryland was an English Baptist pastor and a close friend of John Newton, composer of Amazing Grace. The deadly Cattle Plague was similar to smallpox, but even more deadly. This plague ravaged Britain and other parts of Europe. Ryland paraphrased Psalm 139 into lyrics for his hymn, Sovereign Ruler of  the Skies.

    “He that formed me in the womb shall guide me to the tomb. All my times shall ever be ordered by His wise decree…Plagues and death around me fly ’til He bids I cannot die. Not a single shaft can hit ’til the God of love thinks fit.”

    Swiss pastor Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531) was one of the most influential voices in the Protestant Reformation. Black plague broke out in Zurich and he raced to minister to the sick. Zwingli caught the dreaded disease and almost died. But the hymn he wrote gives us an inspiring glimpse of his faith. The first four verses of his hymn were penned when the disease struck. Verses five through eight were written as his health deteriorated. Verse nine through twelve were written after God healed him. What a great model for us as we fight sickness:

    “Help me Lord, my strength and rock, Lo at the door I hear death’s knock.  Lift up Your arm once pierced for me, that conquered death and rescued me. Yet if Your voice in life’s midday recalls my soul, then I obey.”

    During his illness:

    “My pains increase, haste to console; for fear and woe seize body and soul. Death is at hand, my senses fail, my tongue is dumb, now Christ prevail. He (Satan) harms me not – I fear no loss. For here I lie beneath the cross.”

    After his recovery:

    “My God! My Lord! Healed by your hand, upon the earth once more I stand. Let sin no more rule over me – my mouth shall sing alone to Thee. Though now delay, my hour will come – involved perchance in deeper gloom. BUT LET IT COME, MY JOY WILL RISE. And bear my yoke straight to the skies.”

    What a picture of handling suffering!

    Virtual Choir Project

    It’s time to get serious! Some of you have already arranged a time for Andrea Jennings to record you. If you have not set up a time with her, please make your appointment ASAP. We need to have all recordings by February 26. Also, thanks to Jonathan McPhillips for creating a score that moves forward with repeat and coda marked. This will help you to not get lost in following the arrangement. Appreciate every one of you!

  • Music Musings – Vol. 61, No. 2

    Hymns Written During Pandemics in Biblical Times – Part I

    By Dr. Julie Barrier, Crosswalk.com

    Plagues and suffering have often produced the greatest hymns of hope and joy. This article will identify lyrics of songwriters who rose above the darkness, depression, and disease. Let’s see what we can learn from these songwriters who praised and thanked God during difficult times.

    Miriam, the sister of Moses, witnessed the ten terrible plagues of Egypt. God spared His people from disease and death. After the Jews’ divine rescue, Miriam sang:

    “I will sing unto the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath He thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation,” (Exodus 15:20-21, KJV).

    Satan cannot steal our song! In the second chapter of Job, Satan begs God to inflict a deadly disease upon Job to make God’s righteous servant curse God. Job sang, “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord,” (Job 1:20, LB).

    King David in his arrogance, defied God by counting his soldiers. He commanded over 1.5 million troops. Because of the king’s disobedience, 70,000 Jews died of the plague in three days. Even in his deep remorse, David knew to sing to God.

    “I will praise You, Lord, for You have saved me from my enemies. You refuse to let them triumph over me, O Lord, my God.  I pleaded with You, and You gave me my health again.  You brought me back from the brink of the grave, from death itself, and here I am alive!  Oh, sing to Him you saints of His; give thanks to His holy name.  His anger lasts a moment; His favor lasts for life!  Weeping may go on all night, but in the morning, there is joy,” (Psalm 30:1-5, LB).

     

    Virtual Choir Update

    This project is being delayed because the recording is on back order. As soon as we receive the recording, we will resume preparing this project. Thanks for your patience!

  • Music Musings – Vol. 60, No. 17

    Eternal Father, Strong to Save

    Recently I came across a website that lists a hymn of the day. The hymn for today is Eternal Father, Strong to Save. This is a hymn written by William Whiting in 1860. Inspiration for this hymn came from Psalm 107 which describes the dangers of the sea. This hymn is commonly associated with Naval Armed Services and is often referred to as the “Navy Hymn.” Here are the lyrics of the hymn:

    1. Eternal Father, strong to save,

    Whose arm does bind the restless wave;

    Who bids the mighty ocean deep

    Its own appointed limits keep;

    O hear us when we cry to Thee,

    For those in peril on the sea.

     

    1. O Savior, whose almighty word

    The winds and waves submissive heard

    Who walked upon the foaming deep,

    And calm amid the rage did sleep;

    O hear us when we cry to Thee

    For those in peril on the sea.

     

    1. O Holy Spirit, who did brood

    Upon the waters dark and rude,

    And bid their angry tumult cease,

    And give for wild confusion peace;

    O hear us when we cry to Thee

    For those in peril on the sea.

     

    1. O Trinity of love and pow’r,

    Your children shield in danger’s hour;

    From rock and tempest, fire and foe,

    Protect them where-so-e’er they go;

    Thus, evermore shall rise to Thee

    Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

    The writer, William Whiting, grew up near the shores of England. At the age of thirty-five he had felt his life was saved by God when a fierce storm nearly destroyed the ship on which he was traveling. This event instilled a faith in God’s control over the rage of the sea. Whiting wrote the hymn to “anchor his faith” and is commonly believed to have been inspired by Psalm 107 which describes the power and danger of the seas in great detail:

    “Some went out to the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, His wonderful deeds in the deep. For He spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away,” Psalm 107: 23-26.

    This hymn was popularized by the Royal Navy and the U.S. Navy, and has been adopted by many branches of the armed services in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has been sung at the funerals of many of our presidents and dignitaries – most recently John McCain and George H.W. Bush. For a stunning YouTube rendition of this hymn, search for “Naval Academy Glee Club Tribute to Pearl Harbor.”

  • Music Musings – Vol. 60, No. 10

    Did You Know…

    Many of our popular hymns have interesting backstories.

    The song I Know Whom I Have Believed was written by a Union soldier during the Civil War, who was held as a prisoner of war and became a believer while praying for another dying soldier.

    Hymn writer Fanny Crosby was blind from infancy yet was able to memorize the first five books of the Bible, the four Gospels, the Proverbs, and most of the Psalms.

    But one song in particular, of which many of us have grown to adore, has an inspiring origin.

    Carl Boberg, a newspaper editor, and member of the Swedish Parliament, being inspired by the sound of church bells ringing during a wild thunderstorm, penned the poem, O Great God. When O Great God was published, the poem did not catch on and it seemed destined to be forgotten. However, three years later someone liked it enough to match the words with a Swedish melody. Boberg published the poem again in 1891 – this time in the form of a song.

    A few decades later in the 1930s, English missionary Stuart Hine heard the song while in Poland. He was deeply moved, translated the song to English and took it home with him to England. In English, the song was now called How Great Thou Art. 

    Moving on to the 1940s, an evangelist heard this song being sung by native tribal people in India, of all places! The evangelist, Dr. Edwin Orr, was deeply inspired and brought the song to the United States. In 1954 the song found its way into the hands of George Beverly Shea, who sang it over 100 times in Billy Graham’s 1957 New York crusade. In 1959 it became the theme song for Billy Graham’s weekly radio broadcast.

    The song later became recognized by ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) as “The All-Time Outstanding Gospel Song” in America. How Great Thou Art has consistently been listed as one of the greatest hymns ever written, usually falling in second place right behind Amazing Grace, and has been recorded over 1,800 times in the last 50 years. Many of you have no doubt heard the recordings by Elvis Presley and it was also recorded in 2017 by popular country artist Alan Jackson.

    How astonishing that this song started as a poem in a small Swedish town and somehow wound its way around the globe to become a great hymn of the faith.