Weekly Word from Pastor Curry: May 22, 2020

Good Day, Friendship Family,

It’s me, Pastor Curry, with your weekly update. Again, I thank you for reading, viewing the video, and sharing the post.

We continue to navigate ourselves through this time of difficulty and uncertainty. Even as restrictions are loosened, and parts of our society, community, and economy begin to return to “normal,” we are not sure what normal is anymore, nor are we necessarily secure in all the information that comes from our leaders. As I reflect on this and consider all of the subtle and not so subtle messages that come my way, I remember the words from a hymn I quote and sing often.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus name

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

When darkness veils his lovely face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

I cannot explain everything that is going on and give you a concrete theological framework for all of this, but I do know that God is for us, and God is with us! I trust in God absolutely, especially in this! I trust He has a plan for me. I trust He has a plan for us. I trust this did not catch Him by surprise. I trust that He will get the glory even in this! I trust in God.
Here are my updates for you this week:

• 56th Church Anniversary: Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you to all those who attended the Birthday Parade on Sunday, May 17th, to celebrate our 56th Church Anniversary. We had over 100 cars, and nearly 300 people come through, and we had a wonderful time. It was so refreshing to see each of you. Thank you to Deacon James Shelby and Deaconess Melissa Hunter for your planning and leadership. Thank you to our staff, the safety team, and ALL others who made a significant contribution to make this event happen. We had 56 ballons for 56 years and 22 roses for our 22 charter members. It was wonderful. Also, thank you to all those who sent a special voluntary monetary gift to commemorate the church anniversary. How kind! Your words of encouragement blessed Lady Karima and me. This has not been an easy season or transition for us, but we are navigating ourselves through it to the best of our abilities. I ask that you continue to pray for me. We have a lot still before us, and I want to do my best for you and God, our Father.

• COVID Membership Assistance Fund: As I stated last week, we have reached our goal. To God be the GLORY! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. WE are now in the process of finalizing our ministry guidelines for opening our application process on June 1st. I have a small committee of Deacons and Trustees working on this with me. Again, thank you for supporting our vision. 

• WEDNESDAY Prayer Day: Join us each Wednesday for Prayer. We pray at 6:30a, 12p, and 6:30p. To connect with our prayer services, please follow this link https://meet.google.com/yco-ykae-ugq or dial in at +1 (413) 418-4274 and use the PIN 287683504#.

• RTNT Bible Study with Pastor Curry: After prayer on Wednesday evenings, please join me for RTNT Bible Study at 7pm. To connect with me for Bible Study, please follow this link https://meet.google.com/xqd-irci-oka or dial in at +1 302-455-8997‬ and use the PIN: 906 944 250#‬. ‬‬I hope you are keeping up with your reading and your SOAP journaling. An updated rending plan with the correct dates is HERE.‬

• LAST CALL ON THE MEMBERSHIP SURVEY: Thank you to those who have already completed the survey. We have received just over 175 responses. I would love to get 300 responses to have a more representative sample. So I am asking one last time that you would complete the survey by Sunday, May 24th. Let me reiterate, we are not rushing to regather, but my job as your pastor is to work and plan for regathering. Remember, regathering will happen eventually, and we must be adequately prepared to regather. I believe this survey will help me and the leadership team to be ready.  You can find that membership survey HERE. Just click on the link. Again, all responses help.

I look forward to your joining us for worship on Sunday. We have a special presentation from our children and youth, and you do not want to miss it. I love you, Friendship, and I thank God for you every day!

Monday, this nation celebrates Memorial Day, an American tradition that began more than 150 years ago. It’s a time to remember those who have died in military service for our country. Memorial Day is different than Veterans Day, where we honor living Veterans for their service to this country. While many see Memorial Day merely as a time to barbeque, go to the beach, and gather with family and friends, I know many in our worship community are grieving the loss of parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, siblings, friends, or battle buddies. I do not wish you a “Happy Memorial Day” because I know it's inappropriate. Please know that I am praying for you and thinking about you! I am with you, even though I can’t be near you.
Continue to pray. Continue to take care of one another. Continue to be the church!
Serving you and grateful,

Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Senior Pastor