PASTOR'S UPDATE JUNE 30, 2023
Greetings, Friendship Family,
It is your pastor, Pastor Curry, and I am happy to connect with you this week. I will admit I feel disconnected!
Summer is here, and vacations have begun.
I am sure many of you are looking forward to time with your family on a trip to the beach, the mountains, a theme park, a major league baseball game, or just a few days away from the busy life you lead. I trust you will have a safe and enjoyable time this summer.
Remember, your church continues to minister every day of the year. When you are at home, please remember to attend your church faithfully this summer.
Also, the cost of ministry does not decrease during the summer months. Please remain faithful to the Lord with your tithes and offerings. We are currently experiencing a $150,000 deficit and really need your partnership!
Marriages, funerals, hospital stays, struggles, and outreach continue to occur even when you are away. Your prayers will mean much to your church family and staff, even while you are not with us here.
Most of us will not be away for more than a couple of Sundays during the summer, but we want you to know that you will be missed when absent.
We pray that you enjoy some leisure time and use your witness and testimony for Jesus wherever you go. Letting us know when you will be traveling will help us know that you do not have an illness or other problem. Also, it will enable us to pray better for you while you are gone.
Serving the Lord by serving you and our church is a joy. I love you in the Lord.
Here are the announcements for this week…
It is your pastor, Pastor Curry, and I am happy to connect with you this week. I will admit I feel disconnected!
Summer is here, and vacations have begun.
I am sure many of you are looking forward to time with your family on a trip to the beach, the mountains, a theme park, a major league baseball game, or just a few days away from the busy life you lead. I trust you will have a safe and enjoyable time this summer.
Remember, your church continues to minister every day of the year. When you are at home, please remember to attend your church faithfully this summer.
Also, the cost of ministry does not decrease during the summer months. Please remain faithful to the Lord with your tithes and offerings. We are currently experiencing a $150,000 deficit and really need your partnership!
Marriages, funerals, hospital stays, struggles, and outreach continue to occur even when you are away. Your prayers will mean much to your church family and staff, even while you are not with us here.
Most of us will not be away for more than a couple of Sundays during the summer, but we want you to know that you will be missed when absent.
We pray that you enjoy some leisure time and use your witness and testimony for Jesus wherever you go. Letting us know when you will be traveling will help us know that you do not have an illness or other problem. Also, it will enable us to pray better for you while you are gone.
Serving the Lord by serving you and our church is a joy. I love you in the Lord.
Here are the announcements for this week…
FAMILY PRAYER MEETING TONIGHT
tonight is our Family Prayer Meeting. This prayer session takes place the Friday before the first Sunday. Sunday is July 2nd, the First Sunday of the Month.
So we invite you to join us for this one-hour prayer meeting which takes place virtually from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Google Meet. We will pray on July’s prayer focus, Walking in the Freedom of Christ. To join in via Google Meet, click HERE.
SINGLES MINISTRY PRAYER & PRAISE
Then our Singles are invited to participate in the Singles prayer and praise the next day, tomorrow, July 1st, at 9:00 am on the Same Prayer Line.
5K HEALTH WALK TRAINING
Jump-start your exercise routine by walking with the Healthcare Ministry! In preparation for our Annual 5K Health Walk at the Church Picnic, our Healthcare Ministry is offering a pre-walk training on Saturday July 1st and 8th. This training will take place on the El Cajon Trail in Yorba Linda. Participants will meet in the parking lot of the St Jude’s Heritage Medical Group at 4300 Rose Drive at 8am, that’s just one block from the Ship. If you are intimidated by the 5K, we still want you to join us. You can walk with the regular group that meets every Saturday from 7:00-7:30 am at the same location. There will be something for everyone. Let’s all have fun walking.
HARVEST CRUSADE
Please note that the HARVEST CRUSADE takes place at the Honda Center this Saturday and Sunday at the Honda Center! We invite you to attend and/or invite others, mainly the unsaved, to attend. There’s plenty of information regarding this event online! Check it out!
FIRST SUNDAY - COMMUNION SERVICE
Please plan to join us on Sunday, July 2nd for Sunday worship and Communion along with the last message in our Keep the Faith Series! I am excited to preach Sunday.
If you can’t join us this Sunday, prepare your elements and join us virtually for worship and Communion. I have provided a link HERE to instruct you on preparing your elements for Sunday though I doubt you will need them since we’ve been doing this for three years.
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED JULY 4TH
Please note that the church office will be closed Tuesday, July 4th, in Observance of the Independence Day Holiday. We are open on Monday, July 3rd. We will reopen on Wednesday, July 5th.
NEW MEMBER'S RECEPTION
For all of our New Members, we will have our Next NEW Members Reception Sunday, July 9th, at 10:00 am, during EX-Hour. We pray you will join us as we introduce you to our leadership team and give you additional information on your NEW church! Please follow the signage on the first floor of the Carrington Building.
tonight is our Family Prayer Meeting. This prayer session takes place the Friday before the first Sunday. Sunday is July 2nd, the First Sunday of the Month.
So we invite you to join us for this one-hour prayer meeting which takes place virtually from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Google Meet. We will pray on July’s prayer focus, Walking in the Freedom of Christ. To join in via Google Meet, click HERE.
SINGLES MINISTRY PRAYER & PRAISE
Then our Singles are invited to participate in the Singles prayer and praise the next day, tomorrow, July 1st, at 9:00 am on the Same Prayer Line.
5K HEALTH WALK TRAINING
Jump-start your exercise routine by walking with the Healthcare Ministry! In preparation for our Annual 5K Health Walk at the Church Picnic, our Healthcare Ministry is offering a pre-walk training on Saturday July 1st and 8th. This training will take place on the El Cajon Trail in Yorba Linda. Participants will meet in the parking lot of the St Jude’s Heritage Medical Group at 4300 Rose Drive at 8am, that’s just one block from the Ship. If you are intimidated by the 5K, we still want you to join us. You can walk with the regular group that meets every Saturday from 7:00-7:30 am at the same location. There will be something for everyone. Let’s all have fun walking.
HARVEST CRUSADE
Please note that the HARVEST CRUSADE takes place at the Honda Center this Saturday and Sunday at the Honda Center! We invite you to attend and/or invite others, mainly the unsaved, to attend. There’s plenty of information regarding this event online! Check it out!
FIRST SUNDAY - COMMUNION SERVICE
Please plan to join us on Sunday, July 2nd for Sunday worship and Communion along with the last message in our Keep the Faith Series! I am excited to preach Sunday.
If you can’t join us this Sunday, prepare your elements and join us virtually for worship and Communion. I have provided a link HERE to instruct you on preparing your elements for Sunday though I doubt you will need them since we’ve been doing this for three years.
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED JULY 4TH
Please note that the church office will be closed Tuesday, July 4th, in Observance of the Independence Day Holiday. We are open on Monday, July 3rd. We will reopen on Wednesday, July 5th.
NEW MEMBER'S RECEPTION
For all of our New Members, we will have our Next NEW Members Reception Sunday, July 9th, at 10:00 am, during EX-Hour. We pray you will join us as we introduce you to our leadership team and give you additional information on your NEW church! Please follow the signage on the first floor of the Carrington Building.
DISCIPLESHIP BOOTCAMP
Discipleship Bootcamp is almost here!
Friendship family, we invite you to join us for Discipleship Bootcamp, taking place Tuesday, July 11th through Thursday, July 13th, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm here at the church. This year’s theme is “Building Resilient Faith in the Twists and Turns of Life.” It's not all smooth sailing in the game of life - even after becoming a Christian. Jesus guides us through the ups, downs, and zigzags of life. Even when we mess up, it's never "game over." Following Jesus changes the game! We’re prepared to host classes for adults, children, and youth, but we need you to please register so we can plan and prepare for your arrival.
Also, we have many opportunities for those that are able to help out in the areas of registration, directing people, snack tables, materials tables, greeters, etc. To register to attend OR volunteer, please register HERE.
CHURCH PICNIC
Our Annual Church Picnic and 5K Health Walk will take place on Saturday, July 15th, at Ted Craig Regional Park. The picnic takes place from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. We will have food, games, jumpers, and fun for the entire family. Volunteers are needed to cook, serve, and set up. Please contact the church office to volunteer, and don’t forget about the 5K Health Walk, which I already told you will take place that morning at 8:00 am at Ted Craig Regional Park.
Discipleship Bootcamp is almost here!
Friendship family, we invite you to join us for Discipleship Bootcamp, taking place Tuesday, July 11th through Thursday, July 13th, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm here at the church. This year’s theme is “Building Resilient Faith in the Twists and Turns of Life.” It's not all smooth sailing in the game of life - even after becoming a Christian. Jesus guides us through the ups, downs, and zigzags of life. Even when we mess up, it's never "game over." Following Jesus changes the game! We’re prepared to host classes for adults, children, and youth, but we need you to please register so we can plan and prepare for your arrival.
Also, we have many opportunities for those that are able to help out in the areas of registration, directing people, snack tables, materials tables, greeters, etc. To register to attend OR volunteer, please register HERE.
CHURCH PICNIC
Our Annual Church Picnic and 5K Health Walk will take place on Saturday, July 15th, at Ted Craig Regional Park. The picnic takes place from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. We will have food, games, jumpers, and fun for the entire family. Volunteers are needed to cook, serve, and set up. Please contact the church office to volunteer, and don’t forget about the 5K Health Walk, which I already told you will take place that morning at 8:00 am at Ted Craig Regional Park.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COUPLES MINISTRY
The next virtual Side by Side Couples Ministry class is scheduled to take place on Friday, July 14th at 7:00 pm. via zoom. We are studying the book Cherish by Gary Thomas. The topic for our upcoming session is “Keep on Cherishing”. No registration needed. The link to join the ZOOM class on Friday evenings is listed HERE. Should you have any questions, please contact Deacon Hilton McDaniel (949) 652-1489 or email Sheila McDaniel HERE. We look forward to you joining the class.
The next virtual Side by Side Couples Ministry class is scheduled to take place on Friday, July 14th at 7:00 pm. via zoom. We are studying the book Cherish by Gary Thomas. The topic for our upcoming session is “Keep on Cherishing”. No registration needed. The link to join the ZOOM class on Friday evenings is listed HERE. Should you have any questions, please contact Deacon Hilton McDaniel (949) 652-1489 or email Sheila McDaniel HERE. We look forward to you joining the class.
WOMENS MINISTRY MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
Join us on Friday, July 21st at 7:00 pm for the FBC Women’s Ministry virtual monthly fellowship.
Our guests, Dr. Gail Buck and Dr. Unique Page (mother & daughter dynamo), will be speaking about “Saying Hello: Hello, New Life – Hello, New Vision” based upon the book So Long, Normal: Living And Loving The Free Fall Of Faith by Author Laura Story.
Laura writes, “With our new life in Christ being the greatest of these life-changing encounters, it should be no surprise to us that Jesus came to change not just who we are but also how we see things. Because of Jesus, you and I now have a new lens through which to view ourselves, others, and the world. It's not enough to simply say hello to the new life God gives us; we must embrace our new vision, which changes the way we see ourselves.”
Ladies, let's get together and get ready, get ready, get ready to shout and SAY HELLO to the world!
Don't Delay – Register Today and Invite A Friend or Two. Register HERE.
Join us on Friday, July 21st at 7:00 pm for the FBC Women’s Ministry virtual monthly fellowship.
Our guests, Dr. Gail Buck and Dr. Unique Page (mother & daughter dynamo), will be speaking about “Saying Hello: Hello, New Life – Hello, New Vision” based upon the book So Long, Normal: Living And Loving The Free Fall Of Faith by Author Laura Story.
Laura writes, “With our new life in Christ being the greatest of these life-changing encounters, it should be no surprise to us that Jesus came to change not just who we are but also how we see things. Because of Jesus, you and I now have a new lens through which to view ourselves, others, and the world. It's not enough to simply say hello to the new life God gives us; we must embrace our new vision, which changes the way we see ourselves.”
Ladies, let's get together and get ready, get ready, get ready to shout and SAY HELLO to the world!
Don't Delay – Register Today and Invite A Friend or Two. Register HERE.
CHURCH STEWARDSHIP MEETING
Our next Membership Stewardship Meeting (also known as a Church Business Meeting) takes place Saturday, July 22nd at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary. All members are invited to attend and learn about the progress of our church.
ANGEL TREE SIGN-UPS
The Outreach Department has begun sign-ups for the Angel Tree projects. Angel Tree mobilizes local churches like ours to minister to hundreds of thousands of children by delivering a gift, the Gospel message, and a personal message of love on behalf of their mom or dad behind bars.
If you are interested in participating, please complete the interest form HERE.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
Friendship Family, our Celebrate Recovery Ministry, invites you to join them weekly for encouragement and fellowship! Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens the face of his neighbor.”
Celebrate Recovery is a biblically-balanced approach to help bring sustainable recovery and healing to our hurts, habits and hang-ups. It guides us toward new healthy truths and life-giving habits as we repair our broken relationships. Join us every Thursday Night in the Multipurpose Building. Dinner begins at 6:00 pm. The General session begins at 7:00 pm and the Men’s and Women’s Small Group begins at 8:00 pm.
A men's step study on the first four books will begin on July 7th, and will be conducted on the first and third Thursday of each month; and a step study on books five through eight will be conducted on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. The books are based on the eight principles of recovery found in the Beatitudes and address the 12 steps of recovery. By working through the lessons and exercises found in each of the participant's guides, you will begin to experience the true peace and serenity you have been seeking. Plus, you will gain tools that will help you restore and develop stronger relationships with others and with God.
Our next Membership Stewardship Meeting (also known as a Church Business Meeting) takes place Saturday, July 22nd at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary. All members are invited to attend and learn about the progress of our church.
ANGEL TREE SIGN-UPS
The Outreach Department has begun sign-ups for the Angel Tree projects. Angel Tree mobilizes local churches like ours to minister to hundreds of thousands of children by delivering a gift, the Gospel message, and a personal message of love on behalf of their mom or dad behind bars.
If you are interested in participating, please complete the interest form HERE.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
Friendship Family, our Celebrate Recovery Ministry, invites you to join them weekly for encouragement and fellowship! Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens the face of his neighbor.”
Celebrate Recovery is a biblically-balanced approach to help bring sustainable recovery and healing to our hurts, habits and hang-ups. It guides us toward new healthy truths and life-giving habits as we repair our broken relationships. Join us every Thursday Night in the Multipurpose Building. Dinner begins at 6:00 pm. The General session begins at 7:00 pm and the Men’s and Women’s Small Group begins at 8:00 pm.
A men's step study on the first four books will begin on July 7th, and will be conducted on the first and third Thursday of each month; and a step study on books five through eight will be conducted on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. The books are based on the eight principles of recovery found in the Beatitudes and address the 12 steps of recovery. By working through the lessons and exercises found in each of the participant's guides, you will begin to experience the true peace and serenity you have been seeking. Plus, you will gain tools that will help you restore and develop stronger relationships with others and with God.
TRANSFORM CONFERENCE 2023
I am excited to announce Gateway Seminary’s Transform Conference 2023! The Transform Conference is a one-day workshop taking place at Gateway Seminary in Ontario on Saturday, August 19. This year’s theme is Cultivating Holiness. This Conference is designed for ministry leaders and will teach how to cultivate holiness within community.
Gateway is offering this conference to Southern California churches and online to churches across the globe. I am honored that I have been asked to lead one of the breakout sessions! The regular conference cost is $20, but our Friendship family will have a special group rate of only $10! We have 30 slots at this price. Click HERE to sign up.
FAITHFUL GIVING
Beloved, as the summer approaches, we encourage you to remain faithful in your giving. I know it is graduation and travel season, but we still have ministry and financial obligations, and we need your faithful tithing support to meet those obligations! Therefore, we ask that you begin or continue to be faithful and trust God by bringing God your “whole” tithe. Remember, you can still give online, via the mail, or in person on Sundays. Give HERE.
FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE
We also want to thank those who have already started to give for our FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE. We request that you submit your PLEDGE FORM and begin making your pledges.
On the pledge form, please indicate your planned pledge amount and your frequency of giving. Again, if you have the printed form, please put your total pledge amount on the KICK STARTER LINE. Then tell us, on that form, whether you will give your pledge over 12 months or 15 months. Lastly, please tell us the frequency of your giving, whether you will give weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly (as a one-time gift). Also, the form is available online HERE.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Make sure to follow us on our social media pages for upcoming content. For Facebook, that’s Friendship Baptist Church. For Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, it’s @wearefriendshipchurch.
I am excited to announce Gateway Seminary’s Transform Conference 2023! The Transform Conference is a one-day workshop taking place at Gateway Seminary in Ontario on Saturday, August 19. This year’s theme is Cultivating Holiness. This Conference is designed for ministry leaders and will teach how to cultivate holiness within community.
Gateway is offering this conference to Southern California churches and online to churches across the globe. I am honored that I have been asked to lead one of the breakout sessions! The regular conference cost is $20, but our Friendship family will have a special group rate of only $10! We have 30 slots at this price. Click HERE to sign up.
FAITHFUL GIVING
Beloved, as the summer approaches, we encourage you to remain faithful in your giving. I know it is graduation and travel season, but we still have ministry and financial obligations, and we need your faithful tithing support to meet those obligations! Therefore, we ask that you begin or continue to be faithful and trust God by bringing God your “whole” tithe. Remember, you can still give online, via the mail, or in person on Sundays. Give HERE.
FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE
We also want to thank those who have already started to give for our FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE. We request that you submit your PLEDGE FORM and begin making your pledges.
On the pledge form, please indicate your planned pledge amount and your frequency of giving. Again, if you have the printed form, please put your total pledge amount on the KICK STARTER LINE. Then tell us, on that form, whether you will give your pledge over 12 months or 15 months. Lastly, please tell us the frequency of your giving, whether you will give weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly (as a one-time gift). Also, the form is available online HERE.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Make sure to follow us on our social media pages for upcoming content. For Facebook, that’s Friendship Baptist Church. For Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, it’s @wearefriendshipchurch.
General Church things to remember:
Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
2 Cor 3:17; John 8:36; Gal 5:13-14; Psalm 119:45; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 6:22
✔️ The entire Bible,
✔️ The Pentateuch (or the first five books of the Old Testament),
✔️ The entire Old Testament,
✔️ The Gospels (or the first four books of the New Testament),
✔️ The entire New Testament, and
✔️ Psalms and Proverbs (3 times)
Well, that’s all I have this week. I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Continue to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Stay Connected!
Remember, God loves you, and so do I!
In His Service,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
- 2023 CHURCH THEME:
Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
- JULY PRAYER FOCUS:
2 Cor 3:17; John 8:36; Gal 5:13-14; Psalm 119:45; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 6:22
- CURRENT PREACHING SERIES:
- BIBLE READING
✔️ The entire Bible,
✔️ The Pentateuch (or the first five books of the Old Testament),
✔️ The entire Old Testament,
✔️ The Gospels (or the first four books of the New Testament),
✔️ The entire New Testament, and
✔️ Psalms and Proverbs (3 times)
- WEEKLY HEALTH WALK
- IN-PERSON EX-HOUR:
- Adult Class One (Sanctuary): The team teaching in the Sanctuary includes Lady Karima Curry, Pamela Jones, Deacon Demetrius Linebarger, Melanie Porter, Vivian Randolph, & Deacon James Shelby
- Adult Class Two (Carrington Building Room 217): The team teaching in the Carrington Building Room 217 includes Le Shon Archer, Deacon Rick Archer, Karen Ammons, Gwen Matthews, and Rev. Phil Yoder
- Young Adults Class (Carrington Building Rooms 207-208): This class is designed for those aged 18-35.
- EX HOUR: Virtual Ex-Hour meets weekly on Sundays via ZOOM. Join us for class at 10:00 am via this link HERE.
- YOUTH EX HOUR: Our in-person youth EX-Hour takes place during our designated EX Hour time in the Multipurpose Building. Parents, please encourage your students to join youth teachers for this biblically fun opportunity to learn God’s Word, connect with others, and grow.
- CHILDREN’S EX-HOUR: As stated in previous weeks, our Children’s EX-Hour is back and meets on Sundays at 10am in the Multipurpose Building. Parents, please note you must check in and check out your children weekly for Ex-Hour.
- MOMMIES WITH BABIES: We have our Mommies with Babies class simultaneously during EX-Hour in the Multipurpose Building. Mommies with two years old and younger children are invited to this EX-HOUR class and are encouraged to bring their children with them! Come for encouragement, community, and growth! Amen!
- WEDNESDAY Prayer Day: Join us each Wednesday for Prayer. We pray at 6:30 am, 12:00 pm, and 6:30 pm. 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, 2:30 pm-4:30 pm.
Well, that’s all I have this week. I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Continue to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Stay Connected!
Remember, God loves you, and so do I!
In His Service,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor