Fee Fee Baptist Church

Tag: Prime Time

  • Prime Time – Vol. 60, No. 12

    I’m always amazed at how God’s timing is so perfect. I’m not sure why I haven’t fully come to expect this at all times but it still often surprises me.

    At this writing, I had just read Chapter 2 of John, and was also preparing the Women of the Word’s Bible Study for the upcoming weekly Zoom meeting. I kept coming back to John 2! In this chapter, John records Jesus’ first miracle – turning water into wine. John, as you know, records seven signs to show us that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Water to wine is the first sign. This miracle/sign is recorded only in the Gospel of John as is the raising of Lazarus from the dead!

    Coincidently, the women are studying “The Rock, the Road and the Rabbi,” which takes us on a tour of places in the Holy Land where Jesus walked and helps us understand things from a Jewish perspective instead of our tendency to Westernize scripture. We started last week in Bethlehem and this week went to look at Nazareth for Jesus’ life. This was before He started His public ministry and His first miracle, when He was still hanging out with mom and the family and His first five disciples.

    To explain the importance of having a Jewish perspective on Scripture, Rabbi Jason, a Messianic Jew, helped us understand the mistranslation of Jesus and His earthly father’s occupation. The Greek word “tekton” means builder. Translators of the KJV writing in England where trees are in abundance determined the occupation to be a carpenter but the Rabbi explains that Jesus was most likely a stone mason explaining that the only trees in Nazareth were sycamore fig, balsam, and olive trees.  When you think about this, it explains why Jesus uses analogies about cornerstones and tells us that upon this rock, I will build my church.

    But, as usual, I digress. Moses first sign to the Egyptians was transforming the Nile into blood bringing death.  Deuteronomy 18:18 promises a prophet greater than Moses and that points us to Jesus, who is above all. It is not surprising then that Jesus’ first sign was to turn water to wine – a sign of life! While water is necessary for life, wine is a picture of God’s super abundant grace. Throughout Scripture, wine is symbolic of God’s grace and our joy as a result. Wine is one of the primary signs of the abundant blessings we have through the transformation that comes in our life because Jesus came to redeem us. It was time to celebrate. Are you experiencing the abundant life of being in His kingdom here and now? If not, ask Him to transform your life to one of abundance as you submit to Him.

  • Prime Time – Vol. 60, No. 11

    Regathering Plans and Trusting God

    If all goes as planned, you should be reading this right before June 7, the date we will be regathering as a church.  Some of you will be joining us in person and others will continue attending online. Whatever your choice, it will be a very good day!

    For all of us, this season we have been passing through has been a time to check to see if our professed belief aligns with our actual belief, a time to check your heart’s deepest loyalties.

    We have had to ask ourselves the question of whether we really trust God in all things. We all have moments of doubt and anxiety, (and maybe even weird dreams about singing Aladdin songs and diving off the stage into the third row in our house shoes), but God is here to help us in our unbelief if we cry out to Him. As we pray and read His word, our faith will be strengthened.

    Some of us have found that a portion of our trust came from material goods and relationships with others.  Nonetheless, during this time, He has shown us that we can totally depend on Him as He has faithfully drawn us back to see His supremacy and sufficiency in all things.

    Rely on this promise in Romans 8:28, “For we know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” God has an incredibly amazing plan for our lives and in the worst of times, He will work things together for good. Maybe that good has been a renewed and stronger relationship with Him, an opportunity to talk to your neighbors where you had been too busy before, or even opportunities to bless those around you.

    We can count on God to keep His promises, but this promise has a condition. He requires us to love Him with our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Are you keeping your part of the promise?

  • Prime Time – Vol. 60, No. 10

    By the time you read this, we will be in Phase 1 of reopening St. Louis County. Some of you will be cautiously peeping out your door and others will be bursting forth as if you have just been released from prison. However, you choose to approach this new season, remember to love and respect those who might have a different approach from yours. We will once again be walking through uncharted territory and will need to act in agape love to others, the kind of love that puts the needs and well-being of others before ours.

    One thing is certain, through all this, God has been faithful to His church. He has allowed us to minister to many in our community and to those within the church. Your generosity in sharing from your resources has made it possible to meet the needs of others.

    Today is my day at the office (Tuesday). Vance showed me how to access the door camera at the end of March. By April 1, I could neither use nor find that camera. If the doorbell rings, and I am the only one here, my non-technological response is to walk down the hall and see who is at the door.

    When it rang about an hour ago, there was a man about 50 years old on a bicycle. I went to the door to see what he needed. His name was George and he was from Texas. He and his wife’s van broke down and they are living at the Motel 6 on Dorsett. His son has mailed them their stimulus check, but it hasn’t arrived here yet. He has been trying to find odd jobs to pay for their motel until they get their checks and can get back to Texas. He needed $7 to be able to pay for his room tonight and asked if we had any chili for their dinner.  I gave him some microwavable food, breakfast bars, $7 and prayed with him. He thanked Jesus for providing.

    There are more “Georges” all around you. While I have been typing this article, I had a phone call from a woman asking for info about our Mobile Market on May 18. God is using His church to help those in need. Keep your eyes open. Look for opportunities to help. Some needs are physical, some emotional, and some spiritual. Let Jesus use you!

    Hope to see you in person soon!

  • Prime Time – Vol. 60, No. 09

    It is a beautiful day again today – sunshine and breezy. The flowers and trees are blooming and we see evidence of a faithful God everywhere we look. In staff meeting this week, we were challenged to make a one sentence video to post to encourage you guys to answer the statement, “God is…” My response today is: God is faithful, in control, and good, even in the midst of a pandemic. How would you describe God today?

    I am sure most of you are weary of being isolated. Our life has changed a great deal in a month. I heard good news today that we had the lowest number of new cases since late March. I hope you have let God help you examine your walk with Him and your values during this time.

    At one of our last staff meetings, before we had to start meeting on Zoom, Andrew lead a devotional on difficult prayers. He indicated that one of the most difficult was, “LORD, break me.” Those are hard words to say. What will that look like? Will I be okay? Will my family be okay? What will I have to do? Nevertheless, that day I prayed that prayer because I know that God is good and I knew I wanted to be all in, holding nothing back!

    Now, I in no way think that this pandemic is my fault, (I learned Rick Warren’s first sentence in The Purpose Driven Life – it’s not about you!), but I certainly have had an opportunity to let God point out areas of my life that I had not fully committed to him and He has led me to confession, repentance and increased my faith. What is God showing you? Are you willing to pray that difficult prayer?

    Has He increased your faith and asked you to trust Him more? Has He helped you to value His truth? Has He been all that you have needed? Are you full of hope and joy and thankfulness? I pray that you would let Him refine and grow you and make you more and more like Jesus so we can show others the love and grace that you have received.

    I am hopeful that I will be seeing you all soon. As Paul reminds us in Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

  • Prime Time – Vol. 60, No. 08

    We are praying each of you are well and experiencing the goodness of God even during this pandemic. Many of us are finding ourselves with more time on our hands. How are you using that time? Are you spending more time in prayer, reading God’s Word, connecting to others through social media or a good, old-fashioned phone call? I encourage you to let the Holy Spirit guide you by listening to that still small voice as He suggests how you might minister to others during these uncertain times.

    I hope you are following along in our reading plan through the book of Acts. As I was writing this it was the second day of the plan, and therefore Chapter 2. Jesus has ascended into heaven in Chapter 1 and in Chapter 2, the Holy Spirit was sent. On that day alone, 3,000 repented and believed and were added to the church. And so, the church began, and the last verses of the chapter give a small glimpse into the early church in action. They practiced unity and generous giving, sharing with those who were in need. They shared the gospel, met together to worship, to partake of the Lord’s Supper, and served the Lord with gladness.

    Nothing has changed. We can still do these very same things even though we must do some of them virtually.  We are still the church. Ask God to show you ways to be His hands and feet during this pandemic. This just might be the revival we have been praying for – both in our own hearts as we spend more time with Him and learn to trust Him more – and in the hearts of those who will come to Him through our sharing of the Gospel and showing them His love.

    Finally, if you have a need or know of someone who has a need, please notify me at gloria@feefeebc.org or contact the church office and we will help however we can.

  • Prime Time – Vol. 60, No. 07

    Having trouble figuring out what day of the week it is? Me too. I used to mark time by church on Sunday, office hours on Tuesday and Thursday, and Bible Study on Wednesday night. I did not have trouble remembering what day of the week it was. Not true anymore!

    It’s hard to imagine that we have just been social distancing, followed by sheltering in place, for merely a few weeks. Life as we knew it has changed radically and I believe, when this is over, it will never be the same.

    But the good news is, even in these uncertain times, God is actively working in our lives, refining our character, and making us more like Jesus. He is helping to clarify what is really important to us and what is of true value. I hope you are allowing God to lead you into an even more intimate relationship as you learn to trust Him in all circumstances. Life has no surprises for the Father. He knew you would be living on this day and in this unclear time.

    After all, we were made for God’s pleasure and to give Him glory before we were even born! The psalmist wrote in Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV), “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”

    Let’s praise Him that He knows us and loves us unconditionally. Let’s thank Him for what He is teaching us as we have extended time with Him. Let’s serve Him by loving and serving others and listening as the Spirit leads us in how we can show this love.

    I am praying for you all. If you need anything, or just need to talk, you can reach me at (314) 604-6071 or gloria@feefeebc.org.

    Don’t forget to be thankful in all things, rejoice evermore and pray without ceasing. If we trust Him, He will give us His perfect peace. Be a peace maker by sharing Jesus today. The world needs our hope!

  • Prime Time – Vol. 60, No. 06

    As you have probably deduced, our plans for the spring are currently on hold and activities will be rescheduled at a later date. We will re-evaluate our plans after April 4 to determine when we can reschedule.

    While our plans are uncertain, I can assure you that our Mighty God is on His throne and has everything under control. Rest in this promise from Jesus recorded in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” So, what can we do as a church to help others at this time? Phone calls, cards, checking on our neighbors, providing a meal. I believe God is giving His church an opportunity to step up and be the hands and feet of Jesus. What a perfect time to show and tell of His love!

    Since we are in the high-risk group, I encourage you to stay at home. If you need anything, feel free to call, text or Facebook message me and I, or another Fee Fee family member, will do all we can to help. My phone number is (314) 604-6071 or my email is gloria@feefeebc.org.

    The church will be closed for all services and activities until at least April 22, when we will reassess. In the meantime, check the Fee Fee App or our Facebook page for information on Bible Study and services. You can watch Sunday services live at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. If you do not have access to a computer, call the church office and we will provide you with a CD or DVD of the service.

  • Prime Time – Vol. 60, No. 05

    Don’t forget to sign up at the Info Center for the Churchill Museum trip on Thursday, March 26. The bus will leave the church at 9:30 a.m. We will have lunch at Bek’s, a local favorite.  Admission for the guided tour is $9 and there is a $5 charge for your transportation to and from Fulton, MO. Hope you can join us and bring a friend!

    When was the last time you saw a butterfly up close and personal or rode a carousel? If it’s been too long, or never, then now is the perfect time! We will leave at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 9 for the Butterfly House at Faust Park.  Admission is $5; it is $2 to ride the historic carousel, for anyone who desires. The St. Louis Carousel is an original 1920s carousel installed at the St. Louis Highlands Amusement Park in 1929. After a fire in 1963 destroyed the park, the carousel was moved to Sylvan Springs Park and operated there until 1979. The St. Louis County Historic Buildings Commission and the Faust Park Foundation raised funds to restore the carousel and bring it to Faust Park. This is a chance to relive your childhood, as I’m sure some of us rode this exact carousel at the Highlands! We will have lunch afterwards at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Chesterfield. Invite your neighbors and friends!

    Please sign up for the trip to Casey, IL by April 1; we will then be able to determine a cost per person. This is an overnight trip to see Casey’s attempts to earn themselves a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the biggest…fill in the blank. It will be a fun and leisurely trip and beautiful weather has been ordered!

    As always, sign up sheets are at the Info Center, near the Media Center.

  • Prime Time – Vol. 60, No. 04

    It’s been really nice to see the sun a little more lately. As we move into spring, we have some fun excursions planned.

    That said, we have a fun afternoon planned  here at the church on Thursday, March 12. At 11:30 a.m., we will begin with chili, chicken soup, and brownies. After we eat, we will spend a couple of hours playing games of all types. Bring your favorite game and be willing to try something new. The cost for lunch and snacks is $6. Bring some friends!

    Our day trip to Fulton and the Churchill museum will be on Thursday, March 26. We will have lunch at Bek’s followed by a guided tour of the museum. The bus will leave at 9:30 a.m. and the cost is $9 for the tour and $5 for transportation.

    Upcoming events:
    • April 9 – Butterfly House/Carousel and lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory
    • April 23-24 – Overnight trip to Casey, IL for a leisurely trip to see BIG STUFF.
    • May 16 – Legacy Night (aka Senior Adult banquet)
    • May 27 – Day trip to Perryville, MO.
    • June 9 – Salad lunch and the movie Harriet.
    • July 6-9 – Adult VBS

    Sign-up sheets will be by the Media Center. Bring your friends!

     

  • Prime Time – Vol. 60, No. 03

    Don’t forget to be on the bus by 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 13. The Aquarium is $25.00 per person. Lunch will be at Zia’s afterwards.

    On Tuesday, February 25, we will head to the Missouri History Museum, following with lunch at Joey B’s. The bus will leave the church at 10:00 a.m. The St. Louis Blues exhibit entitled “History Made,” unfortunately ended January, therefore we will see the exhibit the “Mighty Mississippi.” The history museum is free.

    March will feature two events – a chili and game day on Thursday, March 12; and a trip to Fulton to the Winston Churchill Museum on Thursday, March 26. Mark your calendars and sign up by the Media Center.

    Remember to invite some friends to our events, including those who already attend Fee Fee. Sometimes all it takes is a personal invitation.