Pastor’s Weekly Update November 5, 2021
Happy Friday, Friendship Family!
I pray this weekly update finds each of you well and prosperous!
I pray that you take time this month to reflect on God’s faithfulness and articulate your gratitude to our Lord and Savior!
I am reminded today of the account of Paul and Silas from Acts 16. I somewhat mentioned this in my sermon on Sunday as I set up the context. Remember, they were arrested in the city of Philippi as they were proclaiming the all-mighty power of God for healing and salvation among the afflicted. After being beaten and thrown into jail, they reacted by ‘praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners listened to them.’ Then suddenly, there was a great earthquake, and the earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s shackles were freed. (Acts 16:25-26).
Upon witnessing the great demonstration of the power of God, the jailer in charge immediately asked Paul and Silas, ‘what must I do to be saved?’ So, as he took faith in the Lord Jesus and his family, they were baptized and began rejoicing before God. And there a church was born!
Note this, as Paul and Silas began to pray and give praise unto God amid their affliction, both physical and spiritual bonds were broken! Praise God! Beloved, you may not require a Paul and Silas rescue, but the Lord God sees and knows exactly what you are depending upon Him for today!
We know that God responds to the praises of His people, and when He moves, His miracle-working power is experienced! So praise God in the MIDDLE OF IT!
Well, I have said enough. Let me quickly update you with this week’s announcements.
FAMILY PRAYER SERVICE
Tonight, Friday, November 5th, is our next Monthly Family Prayer Service. We gather and have prayer every Friday before the First Sunday regularly. This service is a time for us to pray through the monthly prayer focus, come together as a worship community, and prepare for the First Sunday. This time is an open time of prayer where members are encouraged to pray. I pray you will consider joining us. This prayer meeting remains virtual for now via our Google Meets Prayer line. We start promptly at 7:30 and go for approximately one hour. The prayer focus for November is Faith Forward in Thanksgiving. Beloved, this is the time we recall and reflect on God’s goodness, and we are THANKFUL! Please follow this link HERE or dial in at +1 (413) 418-4274 and use the PIN 287683504#.
SATURDAY SCIENCE FUN DAY
Our Academic & Career Enrichment Department is planning an exciting opportunity for fun and learning for children in 3rd grade and up at the upcoming Saturday Science Fun Day on TOMORROW, November 6th. This Event is called “Speedometry.”
We will use Hot Wheels cars and tracks to conduct experiments. So bring the kids out and join us. They will discover that they don’t have to be experts on complicated scientific concepts to do the most basic and most important steps of being a scientist: ask questions, observe, explore, and gather evidence. It’s not too late to register. Please CLICK for more INFO & to REGISTER!
SUNDAY WORSHIP
This Sunday is a communion Sunday! For those who join us for in-person worship, we will have communion for you. For those who will join us online for worship, this is a reminder to have your communion elements ready.
Also, don’t forget to set your clock back an hour Saturday night before you go to bed for Daylight Savings Time! We want to see you in worship on Sunday!
JOINT DEACON-TRUSTEE MEETING
Reminder to all Deacons and Trustees, Tuesday, November 9th, is our annual Joint Meeting. This meeting will take place via Zoom. The meeting link will be sent out on Monday. I look forward to seeing you Tuesday.
MOVIE NIGHT
The RHEMA Men’s Ministry invites 40 people (Men & Women) to a movie outing on Monday, November 15th, at 7:00 pm at the Brea Regal Theater. Experience the Holy Land like never before. Attendees will join Dr. Tony Evans and his daughters, Chrystal Evans Hurst and Priscilla Shirer, as they retrace the steps that changed the world in JOURNEY WITH JESUS. Filmed on location in Israel, JOURNEY WITH JESUS, brings the Bible to life as Dr. Evans and his daughters lead a beautiful and captivating walking tour of the historical sites and places of Jesus’ ministry, delivering personal insights, powerful teaching, and biblical context for each location. From the Sea of Galilee to the Jordan River, Nazareth to Jerusalem: the ministry, movements, and moments that defined Christ’s life—from his birth to his resurrection—come alive in fresh new ways.
Our discounted rate is $14 per person and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can reserve your seat here or text Deacon Charles Owens at 949-887-0581. View the Trailer HERE.
2022 CHURCH CALENDAR
Attention ALL! Dates/events for the 2022 Church Calendar are due by Monday, November 15th. Please send your calendar additions to Leigha Carrington in Membership Services by then. Also, if you need a calendar guide, please get in touch with Leigha for that as well. You may reach her HERE.
MINISTRY ELECTIONS
Also, ministry leaders remember ministry elections need to take place by November 30th. If you will not meet the deadline, please advise your Governance Committee Liaison.
TRANSFORMATION MINISTRIES CONFERENCE 2022
I am excited to announce that I have been asked to speak at the next Transformation Ministries Conference being held on February 10th and 11th at South Shores Church in Dana Point. This is the conference we hosted for Transformation Ministries in 2015 here at Friendship. The 2022 Transformation Ministries Conference is built around the theme: Only GOD. We will revisit the book of Acts and look at how the supernatural work of God turned the world upside down. I will speak from the thought, ONLY GOD IS WORTHY!
All of you are invited to attend the conference! It is FREE for you to do so as long as you register under Friendship! To register, go HERE. Select “I need to add my name to my church’s registration.” Then enter Friendship Baptist Church for the church name and enter our church address which is 17145 Bastanchury Road, Yorba Linda, CA 92886. Then enter your contact information under Attendee Information. Let me know if you have a problem by emailing me HERE.
BIBLE READING
This is a reminder that you still have time to read the WORD and accomplish a goal you may have set for yourself!
At Friendship, we encourage every member to read one of six Bible reading plans in the year. These plans include;
If you have not completed a reading plan, there is still time. To help you, we will load a 90-day plan to complete the Gospels in the Church App. Simply open the “Bible” tab from the bottom menu of the church app and select “plan.” Each day will include a reading of ONE chapter per day... just one chapter a day to complete the Gospels in 90 days!
If you would like to complete a different plan, I have attached some other 90-day plans HERE for you to download and follow. So let’s finish strong and read our Bible before the end of 2021.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
OK, So I am making ONE more appeal! We really NEED VOLUNTEERS! I really need volunteers in our Media Ministry and our Audio Ministry. I need MEMBERS who are willing to serve at least one Sunday a month with either ministry. Media and Sound are critical to both our in-person worship and our online worship! We need individuals, and we need you! Would you prayerfully consider joining the team? If you want to volunteer, complete the CHANGEMAKER form by clicking HERE, and we will get you connected to the right ministry opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you!
FOURTH-QUARTER PUSH
We have just EIGHT more Sundays to meet our 2021 budget, and it is within our reach!
Friendship, thank you for your generous financial support of your church. You are amazingly faithful and generous. This fourth quarter campaign helps to ensure we finish 2021 strong financially! Please remain faithful to your church and continue your financial support. Your generous contributions have assisted us in maintaining a high level of ministry here at Friendship. Finishing strong will help us this year and position us greatly for next year as we anticipate greater in-person ministry opportunities! Please know we are constantly investing in the ministry here at Friendship! We are making progress!
AMAZONSMILE
We would also like to remind you that Friendship is a part of AmazonSmile as a Charitable Organization! AmazonSmile is a program that Amazon offers to support select non-profits. Friendship Baptist Church is one of the non-profit organizations eligible to receive donations through Amazon Smile. When you shop, half a percent of your purchase will be donated back to the church. For Friendship to receive your donation, you must Choose Friendship Baptist Church Yorba Linda as your charitable organization in your profile. Once you have made this selection, Amazon will remember it for future purchases under that account. Sign up for AmazonSmile HERE.
FUNERAL SERVICES FOR REV. ELBERT CUNNINGHAM
Many of you heard me announce on Sunday that our beloved Rev. Elbert Cunningham passed away on Friday, October 29th. We continue to lift his wife, Sister Deborah Willard Cunningham, up in prayer along with their entire family. The services to celebrate his life, living, and legacy will take place on Thursday, November 11th, at 11am here at Friendship. The services are open to the membership to attend. We will also stream the services live via YouTube and our church website.
General Church things to remember:
Well, that’s all I have this week!
Continue to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected!
God loves you, and so do I!
In His Service,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
I pray this weekly update finds each of you well and prosperous!
I pray that you take time this month to reflect on God’s faithfulness and articulate your gratitude to our Lord and Savior!
I am reminded today of the account of Paul and Silas from Acts 16. I somewhat mentioned this in my sermon on Sunday as I set up the context. Remember, they were arrested in the city of Philippi as they were proclaiming the all-mighty power of God for healing and salvation among the afflicted. After being beaten and thrown into jail, they reacted by ‘praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners listened to them.’ Then suddenly, there was a great earthquake, and the earthquake shook the foundations of the prison, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s shackles were freed. (Acts 16:25-26).
Upon witnessing the great demonstration of the power of God, the jailer in charge immediately asked Paul and Silas, ‘what must I do to be saved?’ So, as he took faith in the Lord Jesus and his family, they were baptized and began rejoicing before God. And there a church was born!
Note this, as Paul and Silas began to pray and give praise unto God amid their affliction, both physical and spiritual bonds were broken! Praise God! Beloved, you may not require a Paul and Silas rescue, but the Lord God sees and knows exactly what you are depending upon Him for today!
We know that God responds to the praises of His people, and when He moves, His miracle-working power is experienced! So praise God in the MIDDLE OF IT!
Well, I have said enough. Let me quickly update you with this week’s announcements.
FAMILY PRAYER SERVICE
Tonight, Friday, November 5th, is our next Monthly Family Prayer Service. We gather and have prayer every Friday before the First Sunday regularly. This service is a time for us to pray through the monthly prayer focus, come together as a worship community, and prepare for the First Sunday. This time is an open time of prayer where members are encouraged to pray. I pray you will consider joining us. This prayer meeting remains virtual for now via our Google Meets Prayer line. We start promptly at 7:30 and go for approximately one hour. The prayer focus for November is Faith Forward in Thanksgiving. Beloved, this is the time we recall and reflect on God’s goodness, and we are THANKFUL! Please follow this link HERE or dial in at +1 (413) 418-4274 and use the PIN 287683504#.
SATURDAY SCIENCE FUN DAY
Our Academic & Career Enrichment Department is planning an exciting opportunity for fun and learning for children in 3rd grade and up at the upcoming Saturday Science Fun Day on TOMORROW, November 6th. This Event is called “Speedometry.”
We will use Hot Wheels cars and tracks to conduct experiments. So bring the kids out and join us. They will discover that they don’t have to be experts on complicated scientific concepts to do the most basic and most important steps of being a scientist: ask questions, observe, explore, and gather evidence. It’s not too late to register. Please CLICK for more INFO & to REGISTER!
SUNDAY WORSHIP
This Sunday is a communion Sunday! For those who join us for in-person worship, we will have communion for you. For those who will join us online for worship, this is a reminder to have your communion elements ready.
Also, don’t forget to set your clock back an hour Saturday night before you go to bed for Daylight Savings Time! We want to see you in worship on Sunday!
JOINT DEACON-TRUSTEE MEETING
Reminder to all Deacons and Trustees, Tuesday, November 9th, is our annual Joint Meeting. This meeting will take place via Zoom. The meeting link will be sent out on Monday. I look forward to seeing you Tuesday.
MOVIE NIGHT
The RHEMA Men’s Ministry invites 40 people (Men & Women) to a movie outing on Monday, November 15th, at 7:00 pm at the Brea Regal Theater. Experience the Holy Land like never before. Attendees will join Dr. Tony Evans and his daughters, Chrystal Evans Hurst and Priscilla Shirer, as they retrace the steps that changed the world in JOURNEY WITH JESUS. Filmed on location in Israel, JOURNEY WITH JESUS, brings the Bible to life as Dr. Evans and his daughters lead a beautiful and captivating walking tour of the historical sites and places of Jesus’ ministry, delivering personal insights, powerful teaching, and biblical context for each location. From the Sea of Galilee to the Jordan River, Nazareth to Jerusalem: the ministry, movements, and moments that defined Christ’s life—from his birth to his resurrection—come alive in fresh new ways.
Our discounted rate is $14 per person and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can reserve your seat here or text Deacon Charles Owens at 949-887-0581. View the Trailer HERE.
2022 CHURCH CALENDAR
Attention ALL! Dates/events for the 2022 Church Calendar are due by Monday, November 15th. Please send your calendar additions to Leigha Carrington in Membership Services by then. Also, if you need a calendar guide, please get in touch with Leigha for that as well. You may reach her HERE.
MINISTRY ELECTIONS
Also, ministry leaders remember ministry elections need to take place by November 30th. If you will not meet the deadline, please advise your Governance Committee Liaison.
TRANSFORMATION MINISTRIES CONFERENCE 2022
I am excited to announce that I have been asked to speak at the next Transformation Ministries Conference being held on February 10th and 11th at South Shores Church in Dana Point. This is the conference we hosted for Transformation Ministries in 2015 here at Friendship. The 2022 Transformation Ministries Conference is built around the theme: Only GOD. We will revisit the book of Acts and look at how the supernatural work of God turned the world upside down. I will speak from the thought, ONLY GOD IS WORTHY!
All of you are invited to attend the conference! It is FREE for you to do so as long as you register under Friendship! To register, go HERE. Select “I need to add my name to my church’s registration.” Then enter Friendship Baptist Church for the church name and enter our church address which is 17145 Bastanchury Road, Yorba Linda, CA 92886. Then enter your contact information under Attendee Information. Let me know if you have a problem by emailing me HERE.
BIBLE READING
This is a reminder that you still have time to read the WORD and accomplish a goal you may have set for yourself!
At Friendship, we encourage every member to read one of six Bible reading plans in the year. These plans include;
1. The entire Bible,
2. The Pentateuch (or the first five books of the Old Testament),
3. The entire Old Testament,
4. The Gospels (or the first four books of the New Testament),
5. The entire New Testament, and
6. Psalms and Proverbs (3 times)
If you have not completed a reading plan, there is still time. To help you, we will load a 90-day plan to complete the Gospels in the Church App. Simply open the “Bible” tab from the bottom menu of the church app and select “plan.” Each day will include a reading of ONE chapter per day... just one chapter a day to complete the Gospels in 90 days!
If you would like to complete a different plan, I have attached some other 90-day plans HERE for you to download and follow. So let’s finish strong and read our Bible before the end of 2021.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
OK, So I am making ONE more appeal! We really NEED VOLUNTEERS! I really need volunteers in our Media Ministry and our Audio Ministry. I need MEMBERS who are willing to serve at least one Sunday a month with either ministry. Media and Sound are critical to both our in-person worship and our online worship! We need individuals, and we need you! Would you prayerfully consider joining the team? If you want to volunteer, complete the CHANGEMAKER form by clicking HERE, and we will get you connected to the right ministry opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you!
FOURTH-QUARTER PUSH
We have just EIGHT more Sundays to meet our 2021 budget, and it is within our reach!
Friendship, thank you for your generous financial support of your church. You are amazingly faithful and generous. This fourth quarter campaign helps to ensure we finish 2021 strong financially! Please remain faithful to your church and continue your financial support. Your generous contributions have assisted us in maintaining a high level of ministry here at Friendship. Finishing strong will help us this year and position us greatly for next year as we anticipate greater in-person ministry opportunities! Please know we are constantly investing in the ministry here at Friendship! We are making progress!
AMAZONSMILE
We would also like to remind you that Friendship is a part of AmazonSmile as a Charitable Organization! AmazonSmile is a program that Amazon offers to support select non-profits. Friendship Baptist Church is one of the non-profit organizations eligible to receive donations through Amazon Smile. When you shop, half a percent of your purchase will be donated back to the church. For Friendship to receive your donation, you must Choose Friendship Baptist Church Yorba Linda as your charitable organization in your profile. Once you have made this selection, Amazon will remember it for future purchases under that account. Sign up for AmazonSmile HERE.
FUNERAL SERVICES FOR REV. ELBERT CUNNINGHAM
Many of you heard me announce on Sunday that our beloved Rev. Elbert Cunningham passed away on Friday, October 29th. We continue to lift his wife, Sister Deborah Willard Cunningham, up in prayer along with their entire family. The services to celebrate his life, living, and legacy will take place on Thursday, November 11th, at 11am here at Friendship. The services are open to the membership to attend. We will also stream the services live via YouTube and our church website.
General Church things to remember:
- IN-PERSON EX-HOUR: In-person Ex-Hour meets each Sunday from 10am to 11am each Sunday in the Multipurpose Building. We invite you to stay after the first service or come earlier for the second service to attend Ex Hour in person.
- EX HOUR: Virtual Ex-Hour meets weekly on Sundays via ZOOM. Join us for class at 10am via this link HERE.
- YOUTH EX HOUR: Our youth Ex Hour takes place during our designated EX Hour time via Google Meet and in-person. Yes, it’s a hybrid approach! Parents, please encourage your students to join youth teachers for this biblically fun opportunity to learn God’s Word, connect with others, and grow. To join Youth Ex-Hour, follow the link HERE.
- CHILDREN’S MINISTRY VIDEO: Remember there’s a weekly Children’s Ministry Worship Video designed to keep our children connected, encouraged, and worshipping! Rev. Jaron Singley works hard weekly to produce a Children’s worship video. It is available through our website HERE or via the Friendship YouTube Channel HERE.
- WEDNESDAY Prayer Day: Join us each Wednesday for Prayer. We pray at 6:30am, 12pm, and 6:30pm. To connect with our prayer services, please follow this link HERE or dial in at +1 (413) 418-4274 and use the PIN 287683504#.
- FBC FOOD BANK OPEN: The FBC Food Bank is OPEN with a new drive-thru system where our clients will receive a pre-packaged food box and a bag of groceries. The Food Bank’s hours of operation are Tuesday - Thursday 2:30pm-4:30pm.
- COVID Recovery Kits:
We still have Covid Recovery Kits through Providence Health and the Yorba Linda Rotary Club. These kits help individuals who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 and are recovering at home. Each kit includes a pulse oximeter to monitor breathing, a thermometer, a box of masks, and a package of sanitizing wipes in a small canvas bag. If you or someone in your family could benefit from one of these kits, please call the church office and arrange to get one.
- COVID Membership Assistance Fund: We are STILL accepting applications for the COVID Membership Assistance Grant. If you are experiencing financial distress due to COVID19, we invite you to apply for one of our $500 assistance grants. The guidelines are available HERE, and the application is available HERE.
Well, that’s all I have this week!
Continue to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected!
God loves you, and so do I!
In His Service,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor