PASTOR'S UPDATE NOVEMBER 3, 2023
Happy November Friendship Family,
We are in the month of November. The month of gratitude. The month where THANKSGIVING falls.
We are THANKFUL FOR ALL GOD has done and continues to do!
Thanksgiving and praise always go together. We cannot adequately praise and worship God without also being thankful. We can have thankful hearts toward God even when we do not feel thankful for the circumstances in which we may find ourselves.
Here are this week's announcements...
Note: we made the pictures a bit smaller, please tap or click on them to enlarge.
We are in the month of November. The month of gratitude. The month where THANKSGIVING falls.
We are THANKFUL FOR ALL GOD has done and continues to do!
Thanksgiving and praise always go together. We cannot adequately praise and worship God without also being thankful. We can have thankful hearts toward God even when we do not feel thankful for the circumstances in which we may find ourselves.
Here are this week's announcements...
Note: we made the pictures a bit smaller, please tap or click on them to enlarge.
FAMILY PRAYER SERVICE
In preparation for the first Sunday, tonight, Friday, November 3rd, we have our Monthly Family Prayer Service. We gather and have prayer every Friday before the First Sunday. 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 in person in the Sanctuary of our church! It will NOT be on GOOGLE MEET at all. Our Prayer FOCUS for November is Expressing thankfulness to CHRIST.
I HOPE TO SEE YOU TONIGHT - We will meet from 7:30 pm until about 8:45 pm.
In preparation for the first Sunday, tonight, Friday, November 3rd, we have our Monthly Family Prayer Service. We gather and have prayer every Friday before the First Sunday. 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 in person in the Sanctuary of our church! It will NOT be on GOOGLE MEET at all. Our Prayer FOCUS for November is Expressing thankfulness to CHRIST.
I HOPE TO SEE YOU TONIGHT - We will meet from 7:30 pm until about 8:45 pm.
CAREERS IN THE ARMED FORCES INFORMATIONAL
Sponsored by our Veteran's Ministry and our Boy Scouts, this event is here at Friendship on TOMORROW, Saturday, November 4th and is especially for all middle, high school and college-aged students and their families. Come learn about various careers that our armed forces offer. Active-Duty Representatives will be here to share and answer your questions. For more info, please contact Mark Saunders HERE.
Sponsored by our Veteran's Ministry and our Boy Scouts, this event is here at Friendship on TOMORROW, Saturday, November 4th and is especially for all middle, high school and college-aged students and their families. Come learn about various careers that our armed forces offer. Active-Duty Representatives will be here to share and answer your questions. For more info, please contact Mark Saunders HERE.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
Remember to set your clocks back one hour Saturday night. Officially, the change happens at 2:00 am Sunday morning. Praise the Lord we gain an hour! I guess it is good we set our clocks back one hour and gain an hour of rest because on Sunday we are having...
Remember to set your clocks back one hour Saturday night. Officially, the change happens at 2:00 am Sunday morning. Praise the Lord we gain an hour! I guess it is good we set our clocks back one hour and gain an hour of rest because on Sunday we are having...
HIGH CHURCH - FIRST SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH
I look forward to our HIGH CHURCH Worship Service this weekend! It is High Church, Old School Sunday, Throw Back Sunday, & Hat Day for the Ladies! Wow that’s a lot! "High Church" is the phrase we use for a more liturgical worship. I have asked our leaders to wear their OFFICIAL UNIFORMS/DRESS ATTIRE as we celebrate communion together!
The Deacons will lead us in devotional service so get to church 15 minutes before we normally start. Don’t worry, devotion will stream as well! We will present four mothers to be recognized as mothers of the church: Mother Dimple Baylis, Mother Erma Thompson, Mother Hattie Knuckles, and Mother Mildred Henderson. It is a full Sunday!
While we are having HIGH CHURCH & HAT DAY, don’t stress about CLOTHES! Wear what you like!
If you attend worship online ONLY, please prepare your communion elements in advance so you can have them ready when we take communion Sunday. I have provided a link HERE to instruct you on preparing your elements for Sunday.
I look forward to our HIGH CHURCH Worship Service this weekend! It is High Church, Old School Sunday, Throw Back Sunday, & Hat Day for the Ladies! Wow that’s a lot! "High Church" is the phrase we use for a more liturgical worship. I have asked our leaders to wear their OFFICIAL UNIFORMS/DRESS ATTIRE as we celebrate communion together!
The Deacons will lead us in devotional service so get to church 15 minutes before we normally start. Don’t worry, devotion will stream as well! We will present four mothers to be recognized as mothers of the church: Mother Dimple Baylis, Mother Erma Thompson, Mother Hattie Knuckles, and Mother Mildred Henderson. It is a full Sunday!
While we are having HIGH CHURCH & HAT DAY, don’t stress about CLOTHES! Wear what you like!
If you attend worship online ONLY, please prepare your communion elements in advance so you can have them ready when we take communion Sunday. I have provided a link HERE to instruct you on preparing your elements for Sunday.
BRING THE WHOLE TITHE SUNDAY
Also, this Sunday is Bring the Whole Tithe Sunday! Bring the Whole Tithe Sunday is an extension of our Call to Biblical Stewardship Sermon Series last year and this year!
We ask that each Friendship member be honest with God and trust Him by bringing God your “whole” tithe. Since most are paid at the end of the month or the first of the month we emphasize bringing the whole tithe on the First Sunday, but if you are paid bi-weekly or some other schedule we encourage you to bring your whole tithe as an act of faith and obedience on the appropriate Sunday. Remember, you can still give online, via the mail, or on in person on Sundays.
QUILTS ON DISPLAY SUNDAY
The FBC Quilters will be exhibiting quilts that will be donated to the “Linus Project” between services this Sunday”. In addition to continuing with the Linus Project, recruitment will begin to seek participants for their next outreach project, to provide lap blankets and/or shawls for seniors in nursing homes. Anyone who can crochet or knit we asking for your help or if you would like to donate yarn you will be able to sign-up. This is an opportunity to develop community among Friendship members as well as reaching out to those outside of Friendship. Please take some time on Sunday to see the beautiful quilts that will be donated on behalf of FBC.
Also, this Sunday is Bring the Whole Tithe Sunday! Bring the Whole Tithe Sunday is an extension of our Call to Biblical Stewardship Sermon Series last year and this year!
We ask that each Friendship member be honest with God and trust Him by bringing God your “whole” tithe. Since most are paid at the end of the month or the first of the month we emphasize bringing the whole tithe on the First Sunday, but if you are paid bi-weekly or some other schedule we encourage you to bring your whole tithe as an act of faith and obedience on the appropriate Sunday. Remember, you can still give online, via the mail, or on in person on Sundays.
QUILTS ON DISPLAY SUNDAY
The FBC Quilters will be exhibiting quilts that will be donated to the “Linus Project” between services this Sunday”. In addition to continuing with the Linus Project, recruitment will begin to seek participants for their next outreach project, to provide lap blankets and/or shawls for seniors in nursing homes. Anyone who can crochet or knit we asking for your help or if you would like to donate yarn you will be able to sign-up. This is an opportunity to develop community among Friendship members as well as reaching out to those outside of Friendship. Please take some time on Sunday to see the beautiful quilts that will be donated on behalf of FBC.
GRIEFSHARE IS COMING TO FRIENDSHIP
We are excited to announce GRIEFSHARE begins on Tuesday, November 7th at 7:00 pm. GRIEFSHARE IS COMING TO FRIENDSHIP!
This small group ministry is designed to encourage, and support you in your journey to healing from your loss of a loved one. 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 are excited to announce GRIEFSHARE begins on Tuesday, November 7th at 7:00 pm. GRIEFSHARE IS COMING TO FRIENDSHIP!
This small group ministry is designed to encourage, and support you in your journey to healing from your loss of a loved one. 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
Friendship, we are excited to announce our collaboration with the Association of Black Cardiologists for the annual Spirit of the Heart health education and equity events for 2023. This is out FIFTH year doing so. On Thursday, November 9th at 7 pm, Friendship will host the Spirit of the Heart Leaders Forum here in the Sanctuary with a reception that starts at 6pm in the Multipurpose Building. EVERYONE IS INVITED!
The emphasis is on advocating for health in communities of color. This forum designed is to educate, empower and motivate leaders in the Orange County community and that includes many of you at Friendship. If you are a healthcare provider, community leader, or advocate for health equity, we would love to see you there! To register, please scan the QR code above or click HERE.
Friendship, we are excited to announce our collaboration with the Association of Black Cardiologists for the annual Spirit of the Heart health education and equity events for 2023. This is out FIFTH year doing so. On Thursday, November 9th at 7 pm, Friendship will host the Spirit of the Heart Leaders Forum here in the Sanctuary with a reception that starts at 6pm in the Multipurpose Building. EVERYONE IS INVITED!
The emphasis is on advocating for health in communities of color. This forum designed is to educate, empower and motivate leaders in the Orange County community and that includes many of you at Friendship. If you are a healthcare provider, community leader, or advocate for health equity, we would love to see you there! To register, please scan the QR code above or click HERE.
SIDE BY SIDE COUPLES GATHERING
The next Side by Side Couples Ministry Session will take place on Friday, November 10th at 7pm via Zoom. This group is studying the book US IN MIND by Ted Lowe. 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 Side by Side Couples Ministry Session will take place on Friday, November 10th at 7pm via Zoom. This group is studying the book US IN MIND by Ted Lowe. 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.
MINISTRY ELECTIONS
Also, ministry leaders remember ministry elections need to take place by November 20th. If you will not meet the deadline, please advise your Governance Committee Liaison.
Also, ministry leaders remember ministry elections need to take place by November 20th. If you will not meet the deadline, please advise your Governance Committee Liaison.
THANKSGIVING FOOD BASKET GIVEAWAY
First, we will have our annual Thanksgiving Food Basket Give-a-way on Saturday, November 18th, beginning at 11 am. We will distribute BASKETS on a First Come, First Served Basis. So if you or someone you know needs a Thanksgiving Food Basket, you are encouraged to show up Saturday, November 18th beginning at 10 am.
First, we will have our annual Thanksgiving Food Basket Give-a-way on Saturday, November 18th, beginning at 11 am. We will distribute BASKETS on a First Come, First Served Basis. So if you or someone you know needs a Thanksgiving Food Basket, you are encouraged to show up Saturday, November 18th beginning at 10 am.
THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE
Please note we are bringing back our THANKGIVING EVE SERVICE on Wednesday, November 22nd, at 7:30pm. We pray you will join us!
Please note we are bringing back our THANKGIVING EVE SERVICE on Wednesday, November 22nd, at 7:30pm. We pray you will join us!
FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE
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:
Duet 20:4; 1 Cor 15:57; Prov. 21:31; I John 5:4
- 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)
Plans have been printed and you may pick up a copy in the foyer of the Carrington Building.
- 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 10 am 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 it!
I love you Friendship, But God Loves you BEST
I look forward to worship with you SUNDAY.
In His Service,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
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