PASTOR'S UPDATE MAY 31, 2024
Greetings Friendship Family,
It has been approximately two weeks since I have addressed through our bi-monthly update. Since that time, we celebrated our 60th Church Anniversary, which I thought was a tremendous celebration.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Also, I want to thank everyone who worked to plan and execute the weekend activities. It was a really special time of celebration and I am overwhelmed with gratitude to all of you! As I reflect on the celebration, a verse comes to mind. It's found in Hebrews 6:10 and states:
"God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints as you still do."
In other words, God remembers when men forget. God knows and appreciates your labor of love, and so do I! Thank you!
Now by way of encouragement, I want to encourage us this month to be formidable and flourishing. Yes, I am keeping these adjectives that begin with the letter “F” going. In the last few videos, I have encouraged us to be: Fruitful and Faithful, Focused and Fearless and now, Formidable and Flourishing!
Formidable means to be strong! Ephesians 6:10 tells us to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might."
Flourishing means to be thriving or developing steadily and successfully! Psalm 92:12-13 states, "The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God."
Formidable is about strength. Not our strength but God’s strength operating through us!
God calls us to be strong and then enables us to be so. We cannot be discouraged by resistance, difficulty, or the problematic! How are we strong in the face of forces? We are strong because of and through God’s word! God’s word renews our minds and brings us peace. When we reflect on His promises and the good plans He has for us, it literally revives our spirit and fills us with hope and expectation.
God’s word also strengthens us to keep going, not give up, and not give in to temptation. The truth is we need God’s strength to do what’s right. I wake up some days and don’t really feel like being very nice. But after spending time in the word, the Lord gives me the strength and desire to walk in love and treat people properly.
As stated, Psalm 92 has the most direct references to “flourish” than any other chapter in the Bible. When we look at this psalm, it’s amazing to see that it begins and ends with God’s goodness, His provision, and His righteousness. For this, we are told it is good to give thanks and sing praises because of His faithfulness.
We learn that the wicked flourish for a while only to be struck down later for their lack of faith and faithfulness to God. Their wickedness condemned them and their flourishing was short-lived. Later though, it says the righteous will flourish like the palm tree and cedar in Lebanon. Trees are stable, long-lasting plants, and the longer they live the more they tend to flourish both in fruit and through adversity.
Again, verse 13 then says “Planted in the house of the Lord; they will flourish in the courts of our God.” Take a moment to let that sink in. Not only are we like trees, sturdy and constant, but we are planted before the Lord. In his presence. There we flourish, there we thrive, there we have life everlasting.
Flourishing doesn’t have to mean having everything that would make us comfortable. The promise of flourishing is one that is greater than this world, more lofty, more eternal. Flourishing for believers is about being in God’s presence! I encourage you to flourish in God’s presence. This means being in church, in God’s word, and in prayer!
It's there that we flourish, grow, and become all that God has called us to be! Amen!
Be formidable and flourish.
It has been approximately two weeks since I have addressed through our bi-monthly update. Since that time, we celebrated our 60th Church Anniversary, which I thought was a tremendous celebration.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Also, I want to thank everyone who worked to plan and execute the weekend activities. It was a really special time of celebration and I am overwhelmed with gratitude to all of you! As I reflect on the celebration, a verse comes to mind. It's found in Hebrews 6:10 and states:
"God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints as you still do."
In other words, God remembers when men forget. God knows and appreciates your labor of love, and so do I! Thank you!
Now by way of encouragement, I want to encourage us this month to be formidable and flourishing. Yes, I am keeping these adjectives that begin with the letter “F” going. In the last few videos, I have encouraged us to be: Fruitful and Faithful, Focused and Fearless and now, Formidable and Flourishing!
Formidable means to be strong! Ephesians 6:10 tells us to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might."
Flourishing means to be thriving or developing steadily and successfully! Psalm 92:12-13 states, "The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God."
Formidable is about strength. Not our strength but God’s strength operating through us!
God calls us to be strong and then enables us to be so. We cannot be discouraged by resistance, difficulty, or the problematic! How are we strong in the face of forces? We are strong because of and through God’s word! God’s word renews our minds and brings us peace. When we reflect on His promises and the good plans He has for us, it literally revives our spirit and fills us with hope and expectation.
God’s word also strengthens us to keep going, not give up, and not give in to temptation. The truth is we need God’s strength to do what’s right. I wake up some days and don’t really feel like being very nice. But after spending time in the word, the Lord gives me the strength and desire to walk in love and treat people properly.
As stated, Psalm 92 has the most direct references to “flourish” than any other chapter in the Bible. When we look at this psalm, it’s amazing to see that it begins and ends with God’s goodness, His provision, and His righteousness. For this, we are told it is good to give thanks and sing praises because of His faithfulness.
We learn that the wicked flourish for a while only to be struck down later for their lack of faith and faithfulness to God. Their wickedness condemned them and their flourishing was short-lived. Later though, it says the righteous will flourish like the palm tree and cedar in Lebanon. Trees are stable, long-lasting plants, and the longer they live the more they tend to flourish both in fruit and through adversity.
Again, verse 13 then says “Planted in the house of the Lord; they will flourish in the courts of our God.” Take a moment to let that sink in. Not only are we like trees, sturdy and constant, but we are planted before the Lord. In his presence. There we flourish, there we thrive, there we have life everlasting.
Flourishing doesn’t have to mean having everything that would make us comfortable. The promise of flourishing is one that is greater than this world, more lofty, more eternal. Flourishing for believers is about being in God’s presence! I encourage you to flourish in God’s presence. This means being in church, in God’s word, and in prayer!
It's there that we flourish, grow, and become all that God has called us to be! Amen!
Be formidable and flourish.
YOUTH WORSHIP SERVICE
The Youth will meet this Sunday!
Youth (6th-12th Grade) Worship Service takes place each 1-3rd Sundays. This Sunday, June 2, we are beginning a new series called "Road Signs" for the month of June. Here's a synopsis of the series:
If you set your course in the wrong direction, you’ll end up in the wrong place every time. No matter where you hope to end up, the road you choose matters. The book of Proverbs gives us wisdom to help us navigate the choices of life because we know that each choice determines the direction of our lives. And it’s our direction, not our intention that ultimately determines our destination. Where are you heading? What path are you on?
Have your youth come out to this dynamic series! We meet at 11:30 am in the basement of the Carrington Building.
The Youth will meet this Sunday!
Youth (6th-12th Grade) Worship Service takes place each 1-3rd Sundays. This Sunday, June 2, we are beginning a new series called "Road Signs" for the month of June. Here's a synopsis of the series:
If you set your course in the wrong direction, you’ll end up in the wrong place every time. No matter where you hope to end up, the road you choose matters. The book of Proverbs gives us wisdom to help us navigate the choices of life because we know that each choice determines the direction of our lives. And it’s our direction, not our intention that ultimately determines our destination. Where are you heading? What path are you on?
Have your youth come out to this dynamic series! We meet at 11:30 am in the basement of the Carrington Building.
NEW WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Attention all ladies! We invite you to join our new study, Not What I Signed Up For: Finding the Strength, Purpose, and Faith to Get through a Season You Didn’t Expect, by Nicole Unice. In this 8-week series, we’ll explore the biblical story of Joseph, gaining insights on how God uses life’s challenges to nurture our souls. If you’ve ever felt lost in an unexpected season, this study will provide the spiritual support you need.
This new study starts Wednesday, June 5th, at 7:30 p.m. and will be held online via Zoom. Books can be ordered on Amazon. To register for the class: CLICK HERE
Facilitators: Rev. Belinda Wright & Rev. Fredia Travis.
Attention all ladies! We invite you to join our new study, Not What I Signed Up For: Finding the Strength, Purpose, and Faith to Get through a Season You Didn’t Expect, by Nicole Unice. In this 8-week series, we’ll explore the biblical story of Joseph, gaining insights on how God uses life’s challenges to nurture our souls. If you’ve ever felt lost in an unexpected season, this study will provide the spiritual support you need.
This new study starts Wednesday, June 5th, at 7:30 p.m. and will be held online via Zoom. Books can be ordered on Amazon. To register for the class: CLICK HERE
Facilitators: Rev. Belinda Wright & Rev. Fredia Travis.
GOSPEL VOICES OF OC - JUNE 8th
Join our community partner for an extraordinary event, chronicling the lives of African American artistic masters across choral, dance, band, and theater genres. In its third season, Gospel Voices of OC commemorates June 19, 1865, to present day.
This year, our theme is "Sacred Sounds, Soulful Queens," as we honor women who helped shape our nation's artistic history. Come and experience a Juneteenth celebration of freedom and excellence, sure to inspire people of all ages.
Plus, come early to enjoy a FREE outdoor performance by The Jeff Littleton Jazz Trio* - 5PM-6PM. To purchase tickets, visit MUSCO, HERE.
Join our community partner for an extraordinary event, chronicling the lives of African American artistic masters across choral, dance, band, and theater genres. In its third season, Gospel Voices of OC commemorates June 19, 1865, to present day.
This year, our theme is "Sacred Sounds, Soulful Queens," as we honor women who helped shape our nation's artistic history. Come and experience a Juneteenth celebration of freedom and excellence, sure to inspire people of all ages.
Plus, come early to enjoy a FREE outdoor performance by The Jeff Littleton Jazz Trio* - 5PM-6PM. To purchase tickets, visit MUSCO, HERE.
SIDE BY SIDE COUPLES MINISTRY
The next Side by Side Couples Ministry Class is scheduled for Friday June 14th beginning at 7PM via zoom. The topic for this session is "How We Grow in Marriage" which comes from the Book Building a better Marriage by Pastor Earl and Oneka McClellan. Should you have any questions please contact Deacon Hilton McDaniel (949) 652-1489 or his wife Sheila McDaniel at smcdaniel@cox.net. We pray you are able to join us.
The next Side by Side Couples Ministry Class is scheduled for Friday June 14th beginning at 7PM via zoom. The topic for this session is "How We Grow in Marriage" which comes from the Book Building a better Marriage by Pastor Earl and Oneka McClellan. Should you have any questions please contact Deacon Hilton McDaniel (949) 652-1489 or his wife Sheila McDaniel at smcdaniel@cox.net. We pray you are able to join us.
KINGDOM WIVES
Friendship Kingdom Wives, don’t forget, June 15th, is the next Kingdom Wives Class. It meets virtually from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. via Zoom. Join Lady Karima and other Friendship wives as they continue their study entitled A Wife After God’s Own Heart.
This class is open to new members at any time. Register today using the link HERE to receive the Zoom link to the class.
FATHER'S DAY - JUNE 16th
Grab your children or Grab your dads and come worship with us on Father's Day. We will be celebrating our fathers at each of our services and giving each of our fathers a special gift.
Friendship Kingdom Wives, don’t forget, June 15th, is the next Kingdom Wives Class. It meets virtually from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. via Zoom. Join Lady Karima and other Friendship wives as they continue their study entitled A Wife After God’s Own Heart.
This class is open to new members at any time. Register today using the link HERE to receive the Zoom link to the class.
FATHER'S DAY - JUNE 16th
Grab your children or Grab your dads and come worship with us on Father's Day. We will be celebrating our fathers at each of our services and giving each of our fathers a special gift.
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION - JUNE 19th
Please come out and join us at Boisseranc Park for a Juneteenth Celebration presented by the City of Buena Park. This event is free to attend and takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Our Senior Pastor, Kenneth C. Curry, Jr., will be one of the featured speakers.
Please come out and join us at Boisseranc Park for a Juneteenth Celebration presented by the City of Buena Park. This event is free to attend and takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Our Senior Pastor, Kenneth C. Curry, Jr., will be one of the featured speakers.
BACCALAUREATE SUNDAY & CHILDREN & YOUTH DAY
At the 8:00am service on June 23, we will recognize all of our graduates at our annual Baccalaureate Service. We are collecting the names of all Friendship Members who are graduating from high school or college this year. So, if you are a member of Friendship and are graduating from high school or college or know a student connected to Friendship and that student is graduating from high school or college this year, please let us know by adding their name to the list HERE.
This day is also our Children & Youth Day. Come celebrate our children and youth with us. Rev. Chrystopher Grundy will be our guest speaker at the 8am Service and Rev. Wayne Gaddis will be our guest speaker at the 11:30am Service.
At the 8:00am service on June 23, we will recognize all of our graduates at our annual Baccalaureate Service. We are collecting the names of all Friendship Members who are graduating from high school or college this year. So, if you are a member of Friendship and are graduating from high school or college or know a student connected to Friendship and that student is graduating from high school or college this year, please let us know by adding their name to the list HERE.
This day is also our Children & Youth Day. Come celebrate our children and youth with us. Rev. Chrystopher Grundy will be our guest speaker at the 8am Service and Rev. Wayne Gaddis will be our guest speaker at the 11:30am Service.
WOMEN'S MINISTRY VIRTUAL FELLOWSHIP
Women of Friendship, please note that the next Virtual Women’s Ministry Monthly Fellowship will be Friday, June 28th, at 7:00 p.m. This is a date change from what had previously been advertised on the church calendar.
The guest speaker is the Rev. Dr. Karen Stewart. Join her and the Women's Ministry as they continue the journey through the book When Women Pray - 10 Women Who Changed The World Through Prayer" by Bishop T.D. Jakes. Ladies, don't miss your blessing and a time to learn that something powerful happens When Women Pray! Register today, HERE.
Women of Friendship, please note that the next Virtual Women’s Ministry Monthly Fellowship will be Friday, June 28th, at 7:00 p.m. This is a date change from what had previously been advertised on the church calendar.
The guest speaker is the Rev. Dr. Karen Stewart. Join her and the Women's Ministry as they continue the journey through the book When Women Pray - 10 Women Who Changed The World Through Prayer" by Bishop T.D. Jakes. Ladies, don't miss your blessing and a time to learn that something powerful happens When Women Pray! Register today, HERE.
RHEMA MEN'S SUMMIT - JUNE 29th
Brothers, join us for the RHEMA Men’s Summit 2024, taking place Saturday, June 29th from 9:00am - 2:00pm. The theme is Men Standing & Advancing in God's Power. There will be a continental breakfast, general sessions, breakout sessions, lunch, and giveaways. Admission is only $25. The summit is the ideal place to come out for encouragement and tools to stand and advance the mindset into practice in our quest to be men of great faith. We encourage you to invite a friend. Our goal is 150 men at this event. If each one brings one WE CAN DO IT! To register for this event please go HERE.
Brothers, join us for the RHEMA Men’s Summit 2024, taking place Saturday, June 29th from 9:00am - 2:00pm. The theme is Men Standing & Advancing in God's Power. There will be a continental breakfast, general sessions, breakout sessions, lunch, and giveaways. Admission is only $25. The summit is the ideal place to come out for encouragement and tools to stand and advance the mindset into practice in our quest to be men of great faith. We encourage you to invite a friend. Our goal is 150 men at this event. If each one brings one WE CAN DO IT! To register for this event please go HERE.
ANNUAL MEN’S DAY - JUNE 30th
Also, join us for our Annual Men’s Day, Sunday, June 30th. We continue with the theme, “Men Standing & Advancing in God’s Power." The Wrecking Crew will sing, the Men's Usher Ministry will be in full effect, and our special guest speaker will be Pastor Douglas Nelson of True LA Church, formerly True Zion Missionary Baptist Church, in Los Angeles! Check out his bio HERE.
Also, join us for our Annual Men’s Day, Sunday, June 30th. We continue with the theme, “Men Standing & Advancing in God’s Power." The Wrecking Crew will sing, the Men's Usher Ministry will be in full effect, and our special guest speaker will be Pastor Douglas Nelson of True LA Church, formerly True Zion Missionary Baptist Church, in Los Angeles! Check out his bio HERE.
60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION COMMEMORATIVE BOOK
Our 60th Anniversary Commemorative book is here. You can pick up your book this weekend or purchase one for only $75.00. Friendship, family, friends, and guests, we need you to support this great milestone.
Our 60th Anniversary Commemorative book is here. You can pick up your book this weekend or purchase one for only $75.00. Friendship, family, friends, and guests, we need you to support this great milestone.
2024 CHRISTMAS GALA - DECEMBER 13
Friendship, family, and friends, it has been 5 years since our last Christmas Gala, and it's time for another one! Please save the date for December 13th and join us for our festive, fun, and fabulous 2024 Christmas Gala at the Los Coyotes Country Club at 7PM. Don't miss what a fantastic evening of joy and celebration, featuring a delectable meal, top-notch
entertainment, and dancing all night long!
entertainment, and dancing all night long!
Here's an exclusive offer to add to your excitement- the first 50 ticket purchasers in June will have the chance to win a $50 gift card! With tickets priced at only $75.00 each, this is a golden opportunity to join the celebration and possibly win a little extra holiday cheer. Tickets will be available online and in the quad after each worship service. Stay tuned for updates and don't miss your chance to be a lucky winner! To purchase your tickets, pleas scan the QR code on the flier or go HERE.
CHILDREN'S & YOUTH WORSHIP SERVICES - 1-3 SUNDAYS
Children's Worship happens every 1st - 3rd Sunday during the 11:30 am service only. All Children from age 3 through the 5th Grade are welcome to join in. We currently have three groupings; Pre-K - Kindergarten, First - Third Grade, and Fourth & Fifth Grade.
All youth 6th-12th Grade are welcome to join in our Youth Worship Service. Come out as we continue this series called Bible Basics where we discover how we got the Bible and why we can trust that the Bible truly is the Word of God. The Youth Praise Team leads praise & worship and there will also be games and fun. They meet in the Carrington Building Basement. Young people, JOIN IN!
SAFETY TEAM
The Friendship Safety Team is currently recruiting new members. We need more women and coverage for the 2nd service.
The prerequisites are:
We also would like to appeal to those in Law Enforcement Officers or Retired LEOs. We would love to you on the team, but we know that many of you want to just worship and leave the job at the job. The Safety team, however, just needs to know who you are and where you (in the service) are in case of an emergency.
If interested please contact Pastor Rodney Friend HERE.
Children's Worship happens every 1st - 3rd Sunday during the 11:30 am service only. All Children from age 3 through the 5th Grade are welcome to join in. We currently have three groupings; Pre-K - Kindergarten, First - Third Grade, and Fourth & Fifth Grade.
All youth 6th-12th Grade are welcome to join in our Youth Worship Service. Come out as we continue this series called Bible Basics where we discover how we got the Bible and why we can trust that the Bible truly is the Word of God. The Youth Praise Team leads praise & worship and there will also be games and fun. They meet in the Carrington Building Basement. Young people, JOIN IN!
SAFETY TEAM
The Friendship Safety Team is currently recruiting new members. We need more women and coverage for the 2nd service.
The prerequisites are:
- Member in good standing. New Members must complete new member's class to be officially added to the team. However, they are able to serve will attending the class.
- Ability to serve the entire service. We ask that they show up 30 mins prior to the start of service and stay until the end of service, preferably until all the parishioners leave.
- Be available for special services/events, as needed.
We also would like to appeal to those in Law Enforcement Officers or Retired LEOs. We would love to you on the team, but we know that many of you want to just worship and leave the job at the job. The Safety team, however, just needs to know who you are and where you (in the service) are in case of an emergency.
If interested please contact Pastor Rodney Friend 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
Isaiah 14:10; Duet 31:8; Matt 11:28-29; John16:33; Psalm 32:8; Psalm 37:23-24
✔ 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)
Look, Friendship, that's all I have today. I know it’s a lot, but a lot is happening at the Ship.
We appreciate your continued support, Friendship Family! For more information, contact the church office.
Remember this, God loves you and so do I.
Be encouraged!
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
- MAY PRAYER FOCUS:
Isaiah 14:10; Duet 31:8; Matt 11:28-29; John16:33; Psalm 32:8; Psalm 37:23-24
- BIBLE READING
We invite everyone to consider reading God’s Word this year! As of today, you have 214 days to complete a Bible reading plan, including today. At Friendship, we encourage every 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
Remember, Health Care Ministry is sponsoring a weekly Health Walk every Saturday from 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:
We invite you to stay after the first service or come earlier for the second service to attend EX-Hour in person. Remember, we have two adult classes meeting in person on campus and 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.
- VIRTUAL 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.
Look, Friendship, that's all I have today. I know it’s a lot, but a lot is happening at the Ship.
We appreciate your continued support, Friendship Family! For more information, contact the church office.
Remember this, God loves you and so do I.
Be encouraged!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
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