PASTOR'S UPDATE OCTOBER 6, 2023
Welcome to October! This is the first Friday and the first update of the new month!
The year continues to dwindle away on us. Before we know it, we will be at Watch Night Service. As we stare the end of the year in our faces, I want to encourage you to consider redeeming the time. I often bring up this topic at the end of each year. Or in the last quarter of each year to give us the opportunity for consideration.
In Ephesians 5:16 & Colossians 4:5, Paul uses this phrase “REDEEMING THE TIME!” When Paul wrote “redeeming the time,” he spoke of redeeming opportunities. He tells us that God can help us recoup, recover, regain, and retrieve lost time and opportunities! We’ve all missed opportunities along our journeys in life in various ways and for various reasons. Some of it was due to our stupidity or inexperience. Some of it was due to hardships or difficulties in life that prevented us from doing what we wanted.
Regardless of the reason, Paul tells us that if we’re willing to go the distance to do whatever is necessary to “redeem the time,” we can turn things around and end up with a lot of brand-new, wonderful opportunities that make up for any lost or wasted time in our past. This week, I ask that you pray about areas you feel you need to redeem the time. AMEN
Now on to a few announcements...
The year continues to dwindle away on us. Before we know it, we will be at Watch Night Service. As we stare the end of the year in our faces, I want to encourage you to consider redeeming the time. I often bring up this topic at the end of each year. Or in the last quarter of each year to give us the opportunity for consideration.
In Ephesians 5:16 & Colossians 4:5, Paul uses this phrase “REDEEMING THE TIME!” When Paul wrote “redeeming the time,” he spoke of redeeming opportunities. He tells us that God can help us recoup, recover, regain, and retrieve lost time and opportunities! We’ve all missed opportunities along our journeys in life in various ways and for various reasons. Some of it was due to our stupidity or inexperience. Some of it was due to hardships or difficulties in life that prevented us from doing what we wanted.
Regardless of the reason, Paul tells us that if we’re willing to go the distance to do whatever is necessary to “redeem the time,” we can turn things around and end up with a lot of brand-new, wonderful opportunities that make up for any lost or wasted time in our past. This week, I ask that you pray about areas you feel you need to redeem the time. AMEN
Now on to a few announcements...
LEADERSHIP MEETING
Tomorrow, Saturday, October 7th from 10:00 am - Noon in the Sanctuary.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
Tomorrow, Saturday, October 7th from 10:00 am - Noon in the Sanctuary.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
RHEMA MEN'S FELLOWSHIP
Monday October 9th, 7 pm in-person in the multipurpose building on campus.
Title: Moving from Discipleship to Evangelism Session 3. Our series on Evangelism is engaging and practical as we continue to look at applying the "BLESS" model. If you're not hip to the "BLESS" model for evangelism, we encourage you to come see what it's all about and how you can apply it. Our session leaders are Deacon Allen Gobert, Brother Erwin Cross, Dr. David Smith, Rev. Patrick Christian and Deacon Charles Owens.
We look forward to seeing each of you in the house. All men are welcome and encouraged to come out. Food will be provided, so come on out for the camaraderie and join in on an interactive, action packed session, oh yeah and BRING A FRIEND!
WOMEN'S DAY CHOIR REHEARSAL
Women's Day - Praise-In-Pink is right around the corner (October 22nd) and there are a few more rehearsals for Tuesday, Oct. 10th, and Wednesday, Oct. 18th.
Time: 7:00 pm
Click HERE to find the song Playlist.
Monday October 9th, 7 pm in-person in the multipurpose building on campus.
Title: Moving from Discipleship to Evangelism Session 3. Our series on Evangelism is engaging and practical as we continue to look at applying the "BLESS" model. If you're not hip to the "BLESS" model for evangelism, we encourage you to come see what it's all about and how you can apply it. Our session leaders are Deacon Allen Gobert, Brother Erwin Cross, Dr. David Smith, Rev. Patrick Christian and Deacon Charles Owens.
We look forward to seeing each of you in the house. All men are welcome and encouraged to come out. Food will be provided, so come on out for the camaraderie and join in on an interactive, action packed session, oh yeah and BRING A FRIEND!
WOMEN'S DAY CHOIR REHEARSAL
Women's Day - Praise-In-Pink is right around the corner (October 22nd) and there are a few more rehearsals for Tuesday, Oct. 10th, and Wednesday, Oct. 18th.
Time: 7:00 pm
Click HERE to find the song Playlist.
SCHOLARSHIP MINISTRY ORIENTATION
On Wednesday evening, October 18th at 7:30 pm our scholarship ministry will have its annual mandatory orientation. This is for all NEW and RETURNING students. This will be a virtual meeting on Google Meet. Our scholarship ministry leaders will share general info, recent updates and award criteria.
On Wednesday evening, October 18th at 7:30 pm our scholarship ministry will have its annual mandatory orientation. This is for all NEW and RETURNING students. This will be a virtual meeting on Google Meet. Our scholarship ministry leaders will share general info, recent updates and award criteria.
W.O.R.D. WOMENS CONFERENCE
Kingdom Women, IT'S TIME - Join us for our first, post-pandemic, “In-Person” Women of Radiant Design (W.O.R.D.) Conference! The date is Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and it is here at Friendship!
The theme for this year’s conference is Kingdom Women: Created and Called According To God's Kingdom Purpose. We are excited and waiting with tip-toe anticipation as our special guests and beloved sisters in ministry join us with a Timely Word and Timely Teaching.
To REGISTER for the conference, CLICK HERE.
And That's Not All! Be sure to join us on Sunday, October 22nd as we celebrate Women’s Day - Praise In Pink at Friendship. Our guest speaker, Pastor Connie Jackson, will deliver a powerful Word at the 8:00 and 11:30 am services. We invite FBC members and our guests to wear something pink in honor of breast cancer survivors and to honor the memory of those we lost to the disease.
Ladies, you don’t want to miss out on this Wonderful Women’s Weekend! More information and updates can be found on the church website located at www.wearefriendship.church.
Don't Delay…Register Today and Be Sure To Invite A Friend!
We look forward to seeing YOU soon!
Kingdom Women, IT'S TIME - Join us for our first, post-pandemic, “In-Person” Women of Radiant Design (W.O.R.D.) Conference! The date is Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and it is here at Friendship!
The theme for this year’s conference is Kingdom Women: Created and Called According To God's Kingdom Purpose. We are excited and waiting with tip-toe anticipation as our special guests and beloved sisters in ministry join us with a Timely Word and Timely Teaching.
To REGISTER for the conference, CLICK HERE.
And That's Not All! Be sure to join us on Sunday, October 22nd as we celebrate Women’s Day - Praise In Pink at Friendship. Our guest speaker, Pastor Connie Jackson, will deliver a powerful Word at the 8:00 and 11:30 am services. We invite FBC members and our guests to wear something pink in honor of breast cancer survivors and to honor the memory of those we lost to the disease.
Ladies, you don’t want to miss out on this Wonderful Women’s Weekend! More information and updates can be found on the church website located at www.wearefriendship.church.
Don't Delay…Register Today and Be Sure To Invite A Friend!
We look forward to seeing YOU soon!
GRIEFSHARE IS COMING TO FRIENDSHIP
We trust that your choice to participate in GriefShare proves beneficial and that healing may begin and or continue in your life. This group is here to encourage, and support you in this journey to healing from our loss. This session will begin on November 7th at 7:00 pm and goes for 13 weeks. It is our intention to meet each week as scheduled with the exception of really bad weather and for the winter holidays. This group is open to our Friendship family and guests. Please go HERE to register on our GriefShare page.
We trust that your choice to participate in GriefShare proves beneficial and that healing may begin and or continue in your life. This group is here to encourage, and support you in this journey to healing from our loss. This session will begin on November 7th at 7:00 pm and goes for 13 weeks. It is our intention to meet each week as scheduled with the exception of really bad weather and for the winter holidays. This group is open to our Friendship family and guests. Please go HERE to register on our GriefShare page.
HEALTH COMMUNITY FORUM
Join us here at Friendship on Thursday, November 9th for the Spirit of the Heart Community Forum. The Spirit of the Heart is the signature community program of the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC). This program is scheduled in several U.S. cities each year and are developed to help consumers understand that heart disease is preventable, and to share heart-healthy practices as important steps for longevity. This program has made measurable differences in communities nationwide even leading to legislation for health care reform. To register, please scan the QR code above or click HERE.
Join us here at Friendship on Thursday, November 9th for the Spirit of the Heart Community Forum. The Spirit of the Heart is the signature community program of the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC). This program is scheduled in several U.S. cities each year and are developed to help consumers understand that heart disease is preventable, and to share heart-healthy practices as important steps for longevity. This program has made measurable differences in communities nationwide even leading to legislation for health care reform. To register, please scan the QR code above or click HERE.
FAITHFUL GIVING
Lastly, in the last several weeks, I have told the congregation we are in a $200,000 deficit. Our deficit continues, and my team and I are concerned. We need ALL members to continue to be faithful and generous, and we also need you to help encourage the others in our membership and fellowship to do so. We must try and close the gap and raise the budgeted amount by the end of the year. We must raise essentially $1.2M by December 31st. We have a tremendous amount of work to do. You may give HERE.
FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE
Also, please continue to pray for the Future NOW Initiative. God is up to something!
Also, please continue to pray for the Future NOW Initiative. God is up to something! Plans are being reviewed and we are making progress! Prayerfully, we can start sometime in November. Pray!
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.
General Church things to remember:
Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
Col.2:2-3; James 3:17; 1 Cor 1:30; James 1:5; Prov.2:6
✔️ 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)
BLESSINGS FRIENDSHIP FAMILY!!!
In His Service,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
Lastly, in the last several weeks, I have told the congregation we are in a $200,000 deficit. Our deficit continues, and my team and I are concerned. We need ALL members to continue to be faithful and generous, and we also need you to help encourage the others in our membership and fellowship to do so. We must try and close the gap and raise the budgeted amount by the end of the year. We must raise essentially $1.2M by December 31st. We have a tremendous amount of work to do. You may give HERE.
FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE
Also, please continue to pray for the Future NOW Initiative. God is up to something!
Also, please continue to pray for the Future NOW Initiative. God is up to something! Plans are being reviewed and we are making progress! Prayerfully, we can start sometime in November. Pray!
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.
General Church things to remember:
- 2023 CHURCH THEME:
Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
- PRAYER FOCUS:
Col.2:2-3; James 3:17; 1 Cor 1:30; James 1:5; Prov.2:6
- 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.
BLESSINGS FRIENDSHIP FAMILY!!!
In His Service,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
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