PASTOR'S UPDATE JANUARY 19, 2024
Happy Friday to you and yours!
I wanted to drop in and give you a few announcements for this week. I also want to encourage you a bit as we continue our 21-Days of Fasting. We are making headway and are about 12 days in today and so I pray that you’re being encouraged as you go about your days remembering it’s about fasting and praying and connection with God.
Our theme this year is Advancing and Expanding for God‘s Glory Alone taken from Ephesians, chapter 3 verses, 20 and 21. I am planning to preach on that this Sunday - we’re taking pause from Acts - but I want to encourage you to continue to advance in prayer. I love Philippians chapter 4 verses 6 and 7 which says:
I wanted to drop in and give you a few announcements for this week. I also want to encourage you a bit as we continue our 21-Days of Fasting. We are making headway and are about 12 days in today and so I pray that you’re being encouraged as you go about your days remembering it’s about fasting and praying and connection with God.
Our theme this year is Advancing and Expanding for God‘s Glory Alone taken from Ephesians, chapter 3 verses, 20 and 21. I am planning to preach on that this Sunday - we’re taking pause from Acts - but I want to encourage you to continue to advance in prayer. I love Philippians chapter 4 verses 6 and 7 which says:
"do not be anxious about anything but everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
I want to encourage you - don’t worry, be happy! Don’t worry, pray - talk to God! Let God lead you in everything that you do. Prayer is important and it is our opportunity to talk to God. So today, as you consider advancing, remember to advance in prayer, move forward in prayer, make prayer a priority, amen. That’s all I have as a means of encouragement.
Now here are this week's announcements...
We are now taking requests for 2023 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS now. You can request your statement HERE.
Now here are this week's announcements...
We are now taking requests for 2023 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS now. You can request your statement HERE.
A WIFE AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART
Meets via Zoom tomorrow at 9:00 am. To join this virtual small group, go HERE.
Meets via Zoom tomorrow at 9:00 am. To join this virtual small group, go HERE.
LEADERSHIP MEETING TOMORROW
Leaders, we have our first Leadership Meeting of the year tomorrow, Saturday, January 20th at 10:00am. Please plan your schedule accordingly. In the Sanctuary. We will be sharing what God is doing and where we are going. Also, please note the church calendar is available online at our website.
Leaders, we have our first Leadership Meeting of the year tomorrow, Saturday, January 20th at 10:00am. Please plan your schedule accordingly. In the Sanctuary. We will be sharing what God is doing and where we are going. Also, please note the church calendar is available online at our website.
STATE OF THE CHURCH ADDRESS
We will have our annual State of the Church Address on Sunday, January 21st at each of our services. I want to talk to you about what I love about Friendship and where we are headed and what God is going to do in us as we Advance and Expand for God's Glory Alone.
We will have our annual State of the Church Address on Sunday, January 21st at each of our services. I want to talk to you about what I love about Friendship and where we are headed and what God is going to do in us as we Advance and Expand for God's Glory Alone.
SHARE JESUS AS YOU GO
Are you one of the many Christians who find sharing the gospel with others daunting, stressful,
and adversarial? Especially when you think about the threats of the changing culture you’ll have to face? The issues is not necessarily willingness but preparedness.
Join us for "Live Ready" - Sharing Jesus as you Go. This class is set to begin Tuesday, January 23, 2024. This is an opportunity to strengthen our faith as we courageously move forward in our call to share the Gospel. The objectives of the class is to clarify the Christian’s role and responsibilities to, and in sharing the gospel. To build the students confidence in carrying out the great commission in practical conversations and biblically consistent ways. The Class will run for seven weeks. To register, go HERE.
NEW WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY: BOOK OF JOB
Looking to join a new adult Bible class in 2024? You're invited to attend a study on the Book of Job, starting Wednesday, January 24th at 7:30 p.m. This class will be held in-person and will be taught by Deacon Toreno Winn. To register, go HERE
NEW THURSDAY IN-PERSON BIBLE STUDY: PRAY FIRST
Adults of all ages are invited to attend a new Bible study based on the book, Pray First by Chris Hodges. How do you approach prayer? In this 13-week study we'll gain tools to bring joy to our time with God and discover biblically grounded methods for making prayer a priority and not an afterthought. This new class will be held in-person at the church on Thursday evenings and starts January 25th at 7:30 p.m. Class materials include a book and study guide. Participants are asked to please order both via any of the following: Faithgateway.com, Christianbook.com, or Amazon. Facilitators: Deacon Al Upshur & Sis. Melanie Porter. To register, go HERE
BIBLE TEACHING CONFERENCE: GATEWAY SEMINARY
Mark your Calendars! All teachers and LEAD graduates are invited to attend this year's Bible Teaching Conference taking place at Gateway Seminary on Saturday, January 27th starting at 9 a.m. This year's theme is Shaping Lives. Many of us attended last year and gained valuable insights and learnings to equip and encourage us as we serve in Christian Education Ministry. Please join us again! RSVPs can be emailed to Sis. Le Shon Archer HERE or Lady Karima HERE. An email invite and reminder has been sent to all teachers and LEAD Graduates.
NEW ONLINE WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY BEGINS JANUARY 31ST
All ladies are encouraged and welcome to join us for a new study titled, Galatians: Free & Accepted, by Jada Edwards. Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt unaccepted? In this 12-week series, we’ll study the importance of knowing that you are wholly and fully accepted in Christ, by Christ, and through Christ. This new study starts Wednesday, January 31st at 7:30 p.m. and will be held virtually. Ladies, please order your study guide (which includes access to streaming video) via one of the following: Faithgateway.com, Christianbook.com, or Amazon. Facilitators: Rev. Belinda Wright & Rev. Fredia Travis. To register, go HERE.
Are you one of the many Christians who find sharing the gospel with others daunting, stressful,
and adversarial? Especially when you think about the threats of the changing culture you’ll have to face? The issues is not necessarily willingness but preparedness.
Join us for "Live Ready" - Sharing Jesus as you Go. This class is set to begin Tuesday, January 23, 2024. This is an opportunity to strengthen our faith as we courageously move forward in our call to share the Gospel. The objectives of the class is to clarify the Christian’s role and responsibilities to, and in sharing the gospel. To build the students confidence in carrying out the great commission in practical conversations and biblically consistent ways. The Class will run for seven weeks. To register, go HERE.
NEW WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY: BOOK OF JOB
Looking to join a new adult Bible class in 2024? You're invited to attend a study on the Book of Job, starting Wednesday, January 24th at 7:30 p.m. This class will be held in-person and will be taught by Deacon Toreno Winn. To register, go HERE
NEW THURSDAY IN-PERSON BIBLE STUDY: PRAY FIRST
Adults of all ages are invited to attend a new Bible study based on the book, Pray First by Chris Hodges. How do you approach prayer? In this 13-week study we'll gain tools to bring joy to our time with God and discover biblically grounded methods for making prayer a priority and not an afterthought. This new class will be held in-person at the church on Thursday evenings and starts January 25th at 7:30 p.m. Class materials include a book and study guide. Participants are asked to please order both via any of the following: Faithgateway.com, Christianbook.com, or Amazon. Facilitators: Deacon Al Upshur & Sis. Melanie Porter. To register, go HERE
BIBLE TEACHING CONFERENCE: GATEWAY SEMINARY
Mark your Calendars! All teachers and LEAD graduates are invited to attend this year's Bible Teaching Conference taking place at Gateway Seminary on Saturday, January 27th starting at 9 a.m. This year's theme is Shaping Lives. Many of us attended last year and gained valuable insights and learnings to equip and encourage us as we serve in Christian Education Ministry. Please join us again! RSVPs can be emailed to Sis. Le Shon Archer HERE or Lady Karima HERE. An email invite and reminder has been sent to all teachers and LEAD Graduates.
NEW ONLINE WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY BEGINS JANUARY 31ST
All ladies are encouraged and welcome to join us for a new study titled, Galatians: Free & Accepted, by Jada Edwards. Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt unaccepted? In this 12-week series, we’ll study the importance of knowing that you are wholly and fully accepted in Christ, by Christ, and through Christ. This new study starts Wednesday, January 31st at 7:30 p.m. and will be held virtually. Ladies, please order your study guide (which includes access to streaming video) via one of the following: Faithgateway.com, Christianbook.com, or Amazon. Facilitators: Rev. Belinda Wright & Rev. Fredia Travis. To register, go HERE.
NEW MEMBERS' CLASS
We begam a new 8-week New Members Class session on Sunday, January 7th. It is not too late to join in! If you joined Friendship, but have not completed the New Members Class, we strongly encourage you to complete this 8-week course which will introduce you to the foundational beliefs, biblical doctrine, and operations of our church. This course takes place in-person on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am. To register, go HERE.
We begam a new 8-week New Members Class session on Sunday, January 7th. It is not too late to join in! If you joined Friendship, but have not completed the New Members Class, we strongly encourage you to complete this 8-week course which will introduce you to the foundational beliefs, biblical doctrine, and operations of our church. This course takes place in-person on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am. To register, go HERE.
21-DAY FAST BEGAN JANUARY 8TH
Our time of prayer and fasting for 2024 began on Monday, January 8th and goes through Sunday, January 28th. If you have not started yet, it is not too late! You may start now and end with us or start now and do 21 days. This is a 21-Day Fast of your choosing and you may chose the time that your fast will begin. You can choose in complete fast, selective fast, partial fast, or a soul fast. You must govern your own fast and grow closer to God.
THERE is a FASTING GUIDE designed by Pastor Miles McPherson and The Rock Church and adapted for Friendship that we have used for the last three years. It is designed to help you choose and fasting method by explaining the four types of fast mentioned above. Get it HERE.
As mentioned above, we have a daily prayer line available. So, we invite you to join us each day for prayer at 12 Noon beginning Monday, January 8th via our prayer line on Google Meet. The information for the prayer line is the same as our regular one - To join at Noon, click HERE
We have prayer leaders for each day as follows:
60TH ANNIVERSARY
This year, we are celebrating our 60th Anniversary all year. We are planning to produce a 60th Anniversary Celebration Book and would love to include your congratulatory words or messages of encouragement and photos. Please use this form to send your message and upload a photo.
Our time of prayer and fasting for 2024 began on Monday, January 8th and goes through Sunday, January 28th. If you have not started yet, it is not too late! You may start now and end with us or start now and do 21 days. This is a 21-Day Fast of your choosing and you may chose the time that your fast will begin. You can choose in complete fast, selective fast, partial fast, or a soul fast. You must govern your own fast and grow closer to God.
THERE is a FASTING GUIDE designed by Pastor Miles McPherson and The Rock Church and adapted for Friendship that we have used for the last three years. It is designed to help you choose and fasting method by explaining the four types of fast mentioned above. Get it HERE.
As mentioned above, we have a daily prayer line available. So, we invite you to join us each day for prayer at 12 Noon beginning Monday, January 8th via our prayer line on Google Meet. The information for the prayer line is the same as our regular one - To join at Noon, click HERE
We have prayer leaders for each day as follows:
- Monday: Pastor Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
- Tuesday: Lady Karima Curry
- Wednesday: Rev. Jaron Singley
- Thursday: Sister Leshon Archer
- Friday: Deacon James Shelby
- Saturday: Sister Melanie Porter
- Sunday: Rev. Rodney Friend
60TH ANNIVERSARY
This year, we are celebrating our 60th Anniversary all year. We are planning to produce a 60th Anniversary Celebration Book and would love to include your congratulatory words or messages of encouragement and photos. Please use this form to send your message and upload a photo.
ALL TEACHER'S MEETING
All FBI Teachers and LEAD Graduates are invited and asked to attend our 1st Teacher's Meeting of the year, scheduled for Saturday, February 10th at 10:30 am in the Multi-Purpose Building. As we launch 2024, all teachers are asked to join us as we share what's planned for the ministry in 2024.
FRIENDSHIP LOVE CHILDREN & YOUTH VALENTINE'S PARTY
On Wednesday, February 14th we're hosting a Valentine's Party for children (Pre-K-5th grade) and youth (6-12th grade) from 4:30–8:30 PM. We'll have music, games, crafts, food, and all kinds of fun. Parents, this is your opportunity to enjoy a few hours out on Valentine's Day! This night is about Friendship Love, so we also invite adults of all ages to join the fun and volunteer to make this event a blast! You must register, HERE.
All FBI Teachers and LEAD Graduates are invited and asked to attend our 1st Teacher's Meeting of the year, scheduled for Saturday, February 10th at 10:30 am in the Multi-Purpose Building. As we launch 2024, all teachers are asked to join us as we share what's planned for the ministry in 2024.
FRIENDSHIP LOVE CHILDREN & YOUTH VALENTINE'S PARTY
On Wednesday, February 14th we're hosting a Valentine's Party for children (Pre-K-5th grade) and youth (6-12th grade) from 4:30–8:30 PM. We'll have music, games, crafts, food, and all kinds of fun. Parents, this is your opportunity to enjoy a few hours out on Valentine's Day! This night is about Friendship Love, so we also invite adults of all ages to join the fun and volunteer to make this event a blast! You must register, HERE.
FAITHFUL GIVING
We want to say thank you for your giving and partnership. YOUR GIVING MATTERS! Your faithful giving allows us to increasingly do the work of ministry for our members AND to everyone the Lord sends to us and sends us to. Let’s keep giving to make Friendship a PRODUCTIVE CHURCH! You may give HERE.
General Church things to remember:
Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
Psalm 25:4-5; Rom. 12:2; Eph. 5L:15-20; 1 Thes. 5:16-18; 1 Tim. 2:3-4
member to read one of six Bible reading plans in the year. Consider joining a Bible-reading
small group that will be starting soon! The plans include:
✔ 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)
7:00 am to 7:35 am led by Rev. Aubrey Craig and Sister Sandra Jones. This is a 30-minute
walk. The walking group will meet on the corner of Bastanchury Road and Rose Drive. If you
want to participate, show up with water and energy snacks. Water and snacks will not be
provided. For more information, please call Sister Sandra Jones at 909-438-7217.
a Young Adult Class. They meet as follows:
Blessings! Have a great day and weekend and we will see you Sunday!
Continue to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected
God loves you, and so do I!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
We want to say thank you for your giving and partnership. YOUR GIVING MATTERS! Your faithful giving allows us to increasingly do the work of ministry for our members AND to everyone the Lord sends to us and sends us to. Let’s keep giving to make Friendship a PRODUCTIVE CHURCH! You may give HERE.
General Church things to remember:
- 2024 CHURCH THEME:
Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
- JANUARY PRAYER FOCUS:
Psalm 25:4-5; Rom. 12:2; Eph. 5L:15-20; 1 Thes. 5:16-18; 1 Tim. 2:3-4
- BIBLE READING
member to read one of six Bible reading plans in the year. Consider joining a Bible-reading
small group that will be starting soon! The plans include:
✔ 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
7:00 am to 7:35 am led by Rev. Aubrey Craig and Sister Sandra Jones. This is a 30-minute
walk. The walking group will meet on the corner of Bastanchury Road and Rose Drive. If you
want to participate, show up with water and energy snacks. Water and snacks will not be
provided. For more information, please call Sister Sandra Jones at 909-438-7217.
- IN-PERSON EX-HOUR:
a Young Adult Class. They meet as follows:
- 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 Carl Randolph.
- 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#.
- Friendship FOOD BANK OPEN: The Friendship 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! Have a great day and weekend and we will see you Sunday!
Continue to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected
God loves you, and so do I!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
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