Fee Fee Baptist Church

Tag: Worship

  • Music Musings – Vol. 60, No. 21

    The Power of Music

    “And Elisha said, “As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, surely were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you nor see you. But now bring me a musician.” Then it happened, when the musician played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him,” (2 Kings 3:14-15).

    Three kings came to the prophet Elisha asking for God’s help and guidance. Their armies were stuck in the dry desert, facing a thirsty death before they ever got to battle. Elisha had no respect for the kings of Israel, but because of the presence of Jehoshaphat, he agreed to seek God for their need.

    When Elisha sought God for a prophetic word to speak to the three kings, he said, “now bring me a musician.” It was remarkable that when Elisha wanted to become more sensitive to the leading and speaking of the Holy Spirit, he asked for the service of a musician.

    We know that Elisha was annoyed when the king of Israel first approached him on this matter (2 Kings 3:13). Perhaps this troubled his mind and spirit, and he needed some calm awareness of the potential of music. He sought to spiritually build up himself through “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,” (Colossians 3:16).

    We don’t know the name of the musician, but when the musician played, the hand of the Lord came upon Elisha and he prophesied, bringing a promise of deliverance to the three kings. The musician probably never thought that God would use his music to bring a great spiritual and military victory. Yet the musician did what he could do and God used it, and in at least a small way it helped to change history.

    Our God is a singing God who loves music, (Zephaniah 3:17). We are made in God’s image, so we have a natural attraction to music. We can do ourselves much spiritual good by listening to God-honoring music and by worshiping Him in song. Make use of this great, wonderful, God-given spiritual resource.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 60, No. 20

    Hymn Sing – A Throwback!

    Did you ever attend a hymn sing? Up in North Central Missouri where I am from, our Linn County Baptist Association held a hymn sing in one of the Linn County Baptist churches each month. These “sings” usually featured hymns built around special themes and were well attended by people who just loved singing hymns. I was pretty young, but still remember these events as very joyous occasions and since my mother who served as Associational Music Director planned each event, it was never disputed that I would be in attendance often participating in the special music numbers. So much for reminiscing!

    I haven’t been to a hymn sing in years, but when our Friendship Choir did some “hymn caroling” during Impact Week the old classic hymns were so well received that it seemed others might enjoy and receive a blessing from a hymn sing event.

    So, come join us on October 11 at 3:00 p.m. in our courtyard for a good ole Hymn Sing! Please bring your own lawn chairs and your voice to sing praises. The Friendship Choir will be leading us in hymns, and we would love to have you join in on the singing! Can’t wait to see you there!

    Why Do We Sing?

    A good friend shared this article with me, and I thought you would enjoy.

    “Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,”  Ephesians 5:18-19.

    Why do people sing? The nineteenth century American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow may have said it best: “Music is the universal language of mankind.” Even when our spoken words cannot be understood, music can bridge a gap where our words often fail. Joy, sorrow, fear, exaltation, praise, energy – every facet of life can be reflected in music. And when our spoken words that edify and communicate to the heart, all the better.

    Why do we sing songs in church? The Early Church did so because of the Jewish culture of singing the Psalms in worship. But why did Israel sing? Because they were human and needed to pour out their hearts to God in praise, confession, petition, and love. We also sing in corporate worship because Paul instructed us to praise God with “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,” (Ephesians 5:19). Corporate worship, especially with music, focuses our attention on the Savior we serve.

    Do you invest your whole heart in corporate worship in church? Worship is our “sacrifice of praise” to the Lord, (Hebrews 13:15)?

    “My ready tongue makes haste to sing the glories of my heavenly King.” – Charles Wesley

  • Music Musings – Vol. 60, No. 19

    Children’s Nativity

    Our children’s Nativity presentation is one of our Christmas performance items that is absolutely a favorite.

    This year’s presentation will be in a different format in order to maintain safety and social distancing. Children will be able to participate in person or virtually, depending on your family comfort level. Please respond to Tara (tara@feefeebc.org) to let us know of your preference.  We look forward to hearing from you as we plan this favorite Christmas feature.

    Handbells Anyone?

    What an interesting few months we have experienced! There are still a lot of unknowns, but the general consensus is that in music making the use of small groups is better than large groups. So – handbells may be considered a very safe avenue for making music. Handbell players can easily wear masks and gloves and socially distance.

    I recently came across arrangements requiring 3-6 players. Many are geared toward Christmas themes. Please indicate your interest in participating by sending an email to Tara (tara@feefeebc.com). This would be a wonderful opportunity to share your gift for making music as we approach the Christmas season.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 60, No. 18

    Christmas 2020 at Fee Fee – Thoughts and Considerations

    It is that time of year when we start thinking about celebrating Christmas here at Fee Fee! It is safe to say our celebration will look quite different this year, but we still want to give our best shot to create a joyous and meaningful event to honor the birth of our great Savior.

    A survey was recently sent to our 2019 Christmas choir to find out participation interest for this year. Here are the results of that survey:

    • 14 would participate in a virtual choir
    • 13 would sing in a small ensemble (8 or less safely distanced)
    • 15 would sing in a larger ensemble (8-12 safely distanced)
    • All others would not be comfortable participating this year

    At this time, I am asking for a response from our extended church family if you would be willing to sing in a small/large ensemble OR virtual choir setting. You may send information to tara@feefeebc.org to indicate which group you would be interested.

    We would also like to hear from those of you who would contribute in other ways. We always need technicians, ushers, greeters, decorators, costumers, etc. Please let us know in what capacity you could volunteer your talents. You may come up with an avenue of service that would be completely new to our production! As always, thank you for considering and I look forward to hearing from you.

    The Joy of Music

    “David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their fellow Levites as musicians to make a joyful sound with musical instruments, harps and cymbals,” (1 Chronicles 16:16).

    Music is a vital part of our lives. Music blesses us through hard times and good times. If we were to try and explain music to an alien from another world we would probably fail miserably. Music is not meant to be explained, but rather experienced. There are times when music can express what we feel when words fail us. Music is poetry put to rhythm. It is a rhyme put to a steady beat. This gift from God is a power that moves and stirs the soul. Music can be therapeutic, lifting us when we are down. Through music we lift our voices to God in praise and worship. Those who suffer affliction are wounded souls. Music can be a perfect salve for the sorrowful soul. Lift your soul with music. Let it carry your praises and appreciation to God even in times of uncertainty.

  • 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. 16

    Hymn Caroling Project

    What a joy for our Friendship Choir to pay visits this past Sunday to some of our folks who have been staying in during these months of isolation during the pandemic. We did some “hymn caroling” safely distancing as we shared favorite hymns. It was great to see members we dearly love and have been missing! On Sunday we spread hymns of cheer in the St. Peters/St. Charles area and we look forward to “caroling” this week for folks in Bridgeton, Maryland Heights, St. Ann, and St. Louis. Feeling BLESSED!!!

    Music’s Effective Ministry

    God had His hand on this young man whose music not only would fill the heart of a depressed king, but also would someday fill His written word.

    “Provide a man,” Saul says. “I don’t care who it is. Bring him to me.”

    David was the man. With his primitive stringed instrument, he walked bravely into that dark place where Saul was living. Somehow his music unleashed the caged feelings inside this tormented man and soothed the savage beast within. Saul was relieved. The evil presence departed. God used the gift of music to put David into the very presence of the king. The king not only found relief from his depression, but he found love in his heart for the young shepherd boy whose music touched his soul.

    Be a singing saint. Never mind how beautiful or less beautiful you may sound. Sing loud enough to drown out those defeating thoughts that normally clamor for attention. Release yourself from that cage of reluctance. Sing out! You’re not auditioning for the Metropolitan Opera. You’re making melody with your heart to the Lord your God.

    Soft music for a hard heart is what David provided for Saul. That’s the music that Christ our Savior provides for us.  He is our Shepherd and we are His sheep. We need the music of His voice. His power can give us life free from depression and despair.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 60, No. 15

    Concerts – Need Helpers

    For our upcoming concerts on July 26 (The Lesters) and again on August 9 (Timothy and Hosanna Noble), we will need some volunteers to assist with “ticket taking” and ushering. We will need ticket takers at the main door of the Worship Center and also the Welcome Center. Ushers will be needed to ensure social distancing is observed and to point out the boxes that will be used to collect the love offerings. Doors for attendees will open at 5:45 p.m. for each concert so arrive by no later than 5:30 p.m. to be at your post.

    If you could be available for either or both of these events, please let Tara know. Send message to tara@feefeebc.org. Thank you for considering helping out for these concerts.

    The Songs We Sing

    “Then Deborah and Barack the son of Abinoam sang on that day…,” Joshua 5:1 NASB.

    Music is everywhere in our world today. It is at our fingertips on our various devices. It is hard to comprehend how powerful songs were for people who lived in earlier times. I really don’t know much about the Mongol armies in the 12th century A.D., but I have read that the officers composed their orders in rhyme and used fixed melodies in their delivery. As we read the “Song of Deborah” in Judges 5, we can picture this song being repeated throughout

    Israel as a reminder of God’s miraculous deliverance and all He had done for them.

    Songs can take on a similar role for us as we speak to each other “in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord,” (Ephesians 5:19). Songs provide a language that reminds us of Biblical principles and truths. They help us to remember God’s work in our own lives. They can lift our spirits and help prevent us from being saturated by the sin and corruption in the world.

    Fill your lives with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to teach you, remind you, and inspire you.

  • Family Front – Vol. 60, No. 14

    Family Worship!

    It has been so good to worship together in person these last few weeks. It was wonderful to have kids in worship again! Families will find a onetime-use individual Praise Packs with a few activities for kids to follow along with the worship service. It is okay, too, if you choose to stay at home to worship!  We will look forward to seeing you again soon as you feel comfortable getting out. You can pick up a Praise Pack and bring it back with you to the Worship Center for worship – you are not required to sit in the gym.

    Ministry Opportunities

    Despite the sheltering in place, we have some great opportunities to serve our community. We still have the Mobile Food Market every other Monday and another blood drive July 22-23. Impact Week will be August 2-8, where we serve our community through various projects. These will be great opportunities for families to serve together. Watch for more information!

    KidsZone Bible Study

    Just a reminder, there are weekly Bible plans on our church website that you can use at home as well as some downloadable activities. The KidsZone lessons follow the sermon series, “I AM,” the statements of Jesus in the book of John. You can find these on our website on the KidsZone page.

    My Prayer for You

    I miss you all immensely! I pray for you often that the Father will give you all the patience and love you need to carry on leading your children to know Christ better. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you lead your families.

    “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go,” Joshua 1:7.

  • Music Musings – Vol. 60, No. 14

    Summer Concert Reminder

    Please remember that you will need to request a ticket to attend the upcoming concerts:

    • The Lesters on July 26
    • Timothy and Hosanna Noble on August 9

    To register go to our website and click on the Summer Concert banner, (or navigate to the Ministries heading and scroll down to Summer Concerts). Click on the green Reserve Tickets button for either or both concerts. Tickets are FREE of charge, but attendees will need a ticket to attend so we comply with the mandated seating limitations. You will have an opportunity to contribute a love offering at each of these concerts. If you do not have a computer are unable to order tickets, please contact the church office and someone will assist you.

    A Shelter in the Time of Storm

    I leave you with a lesser known hymn we recently sang in our 8:30 a.m. July 5 service. The message seems appropriate in this time of stress and uncertainty.

    Verse 1

    The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide.

    A shelter in the time of storm;

    Secure whatever ill betide,

    A shelter in the time of storm.

     

    Chorus

    O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,

    A weary land, a weary land;

    O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,

    A shelter in the time of storm.

     

    Verse 4

    O Rock divine, O Refuge dear,

    A shelter in the time of storm;

    Be Thou our helper ever near,

    A shelter in the time of storm;

  • Music Musings – Vol. 60, No. 13

    Summer Concert Information

    As you know we have two concerts scheduled for this summer. The Lesters will be here on July 26, then Timothy and Hosanna Noble will be with us on August 9. Because we will need to limit number of attendees this year, we are asking that you reserve your seats by emailing Tara@feefeebc.org and giving her the number in your family that will be attending each event. This is very disconcerting to me (no pun intended), since we have always advertised and encouraged attendance as these concerts have served as a great outreach opportunity for our community. But safety is of prime concern and we must follow state and county mandates.

    The Blessing

    The Blessing is a top-rated scripturally rich worship song (ranked #2 this week). The beginning of the song is straight from Numbers 6:24-26:

    “The Lord bless you

    and keep you;

    The Lord make His face shine on you

    and be gracious to you;

    The Lord turn His face toward you

    and give you peace.”

    The song was written as a blessing over our families, our children, and our generations. It is a song that aims to turn hearts to receive blessings from heaven, especially at a time such as now. Even during a pandemic, God still commands blessings over our lives. I won’t quote the entire song, but here is a lyric from Deuteronomy 7:9 that is particularly meaningful:

    “May His favor be upon you

    And a thousand generations

    And your family and your children

    And their children and their children.”

    This song reminds us of God’s bigness as well as His nearness. It further reminds us that His promise of future hope will go beyond this moment. You can find this song on many of the streaming music services right now. Find it on YouTube under “The Blessing” by Kari Jobe with Elevation Worship.