PASTOR'S UPDATE AUGUST 30, 2024
Hello, Friendship family!
As we bring this Sabbath to a close, I pray that this time has been a period of rest and rejuvenation for you all. We are entering the last four months of the year, and there is still much work for us to do. I look forward to worshiping and doing ministry with you as we advance toward the goals we've set for 2024.
Remember, our church theme for 2024 is "Advancing & Expanding for God's Glory Alone," based on Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV). This theme reminds us that everything we do as a church should be rooted in bringing glory to God, who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. As we press forward, let’s keep this mission at the forefront of our minds, seeking to grow spiritually, numerically, and in our impact for Christ.
Speaking of advancing and expanding, you should have noticed all the activity taking place on our new building! How exciting! Here’s a summary of what’s been happening and what’s to come. The underground work is complete, including plumbing changes and structural concrete such as footings. Now, steel beams have been erected, and framing has begun! Framing will continue through September, and by the end of the month, we will have plumbers, electricians, and HVAC teams on-site to start their installations. Once everything is framed and roughed in, we will move on to exterior lath and the roof! We’ve also ordered other materials like doors, roll-up doors, operable walls, glass storefronts, and plumbing fixtures. It’s going to be a busy and exciting couple of months!
I’m glad to be back after a week of vacation, although it meant missing two Sundays. I thank God for my friends, Dr. Willie Nolte and Dr. Karen Stewart, who covered for me and preached while I was out. I trust you received their ministry well. I also want to thank our staff and leaders for ensuring everything ran smoothly in my absence. But I must say, I’m happy to be back with you all.
Now let's look at the announcements.
As we bring this Sabbath to a close, I pray that this time has been a period of rest and rejuvenation for you all. We are entering the last four months of the year, and there is still much work for us to do. I look forward to worshiping and doing ministry with you as we advance toward the goals we've set for 2024.
Remember, our church theme for 2024 is "Advancing & Expanding for God's Glory Alone," based on Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV). This theme reminds us that everything we do as a church should be rooted in bringing glory to God, who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. As we press forward, let’s keep this mission at the forefront of our minds, seeking to grow spiritually, numerically, and in our impact for Christ.
Speaking of advancing and expanding, you should have noticed all the activity taking place on our new building! How exciting! Here’s a summary of what’s been happening and what’s to come. The underground work is complete, including plumbing changes and structural concrete such as footings. Now, steel beams have been erected, and framing has begun! Framing will continue through September, and by the end of the month, we will have plumbers, electricians, and HVAC teams on-site to start their installations. Once everything is framed and roughed in, we will move on to exterior lath and the roof! We’ve also ordered other materials like doors, roll-up doors, operable walls, glass storefronts, and plumbing fixtures. It’s going to be a busy and exciting couple of months!
I’m glad to be back after a week of vacation, although it meant missing two Sundays. I thank God for my friends, Dr. Willie Nolte and Dr. Karen Stewart, who covered for me and preached while I was out. I trust you received their ministry well. I also want to thank our staff and leaders for ensuring everything ran smoothly in my absence. But I must say, I’m happy to be back with you all.
Now let's look at the announcements.
MONTHLY FAMILY PRAYER SERVICE
Our next Family Prayer Service is tonight, Friday, August 30th. However, due to the Labor Day Holiday Weekend, we will not gather in person or virtually. We ask that you take time out to pray sometime this day. You can view our prayer list and see the theme for the month of September HERE.
Our next Family Prayer Service is tonight, Friday, August 30th. However, due to the Labor Day Holiday Weekend, we will not gather in person or virtually. We ask that you take time out to pray sometime this day. You can view our prayer list and see the theme for the month of September HERE.
HIGH CHURCH - FIRST SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
I look forward to our HIGH CHURCH Worship Service this SUNDAY! "High Church" is the phrase we use for a more liturgical worship. Some might call it Old School Church. Whatever the case, its designed to help us appreciate our roots and honor God in a different way. Since this is a holiday weekend, our leaders will wear our official casual attire in black and white, and we will celebrate communion together! The Deacons will lead us in devotion service so get to church early as we will start 15 minutes earlier than we normally start.
I look forward to our HIGH CHURCH Worship Service this SUNDAY! "High Church" is the phrase we use for a more liturgical worship. Some might call it Old School Church. Whatever the case, its designed to help us appreciate our roots and honor God in a different way. Since this is a holiday weekend, our leaders will wear our official casual attire in black and white, and we will celebrate communion together! The Deacons will lead us in devotion service so get to church early as we will start 15 minutes earlier than we normally start.
BIBLE CLASSES RESUME THIS MONTH!
Tuesday
Thursday
Tuesday
- 10 a.m. online: Precept Upon Precept. Join us starting September 10th as we study the book of 1st Peter and focus on How to Stand Firm When Tested. To join the class: CLICK HERE
- 7:30 p.m. online: Men’s Bible Study – NEW STUDY! Men of all ages are welcome to join us as we start a new, 8-week study in the book of Revelation titled, The Overcomers, by Matt Chandler. We’ll discover how Revelation is not just about future events but has practical relevance for our lives right now. Class starts September 18th. To join the class: CLICK HERE
- 7:30 p.m. online: Women’s Bible Study – NEW STUDY! Ladies, join us for a 10-week study on the book of Ephesians. We’ll examine the invaluable truths Paul’s letter holds for us today and along the way, understand the riches of our inheritance as daughters of our heavenly Father. Class starts September 18th. To join the class: CLICK HERE
- 7:30 p.m., in person: Adult Bible Study – NEW STUDY! Adults of all ages are invited to join us in person as we journey through the books of Jeremiah and Daniel with an emphasis on, The God I Serve is Able. Class meets in Room 207 of the Carrington Building and starts September 18th. To join the class: CLICK HERE
Thursday
- 10:30 a.m. in person: Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). Ladies, did you know BSF offers a weekly class here at Friendship? The Fall session starts September 12th and will study the book of Revelation. To learn more about BSF or to register, visit: Bible Study Fellowship
CALLING ALL YOUNG ADULTS 18-35
Do you desire to be part of a group that learns what it means to follow Jesus together through Bible teaching, small group discussion, worship, prayer, and fun? Whether you’re starting or completing a degree, embarking on a career, or praying about your future, our hope is to come together to create opportunities for young adults to shine and grow! Join Pastor Jaron on Thursday, September 5th at 7:00 pm here at Friendship and let’s put this thing together!
Do you desire to be part of a group that learns what it means to follow Jesus together through Bible teaching, small group discussion, worship, prayer, and fun? Whether you’re starting or completing a degree, embarking on a career, or praying about your future, our hope is to come together to create opportunities for young adults to shine and grow! Join Pastor Jaron on Thursday, September 5th at 7:00 pm here at Friendship and let’s put this thing together!
KINGDOM WIVES
All married and engaged ladies are welcome and encouraged to join us at 9 am on Saturday, September 7th as we continue our journey in the book, A Wife After God's Own Heart, by Elizabeth George. Our focus for this session is Serving the Lord. Sisters, grab your coffee, tea, or morning beverage of choice and join us online for great discussion and teaching. To attend the class: CLICK HERE
TEACHERS MEETING - SEPTEMBER 7TH
Bible teachers and LEAD graduates are invited and asked to join us on Saturday, September 7th at 10 am in the multi-purpose building for our 3rd quarter Teachers' Meeting. We will share accomplishments of 2024 thus far and plans for 2025. This is our final teachers' meeting of the year. Your efforts to attend are much appreciated.
All married and engaged ladies are welcome and encouraged to join us at 9 am on Saturday, September 7th as we continue our journey in the book, A Wife After God's Own Heart, by Elizabeth George. Our focus for this session is Serving the Lord. Sisters, grab your coffee, tea, or morning beverage of choice and join us online for great discussion and teaching. To attend the class: CLICK HERE
TEACHERS MEETING - SEPTEMBER 7TH
Bible teachers and LEAD graduates are invited and asked to join us on Saturday, September 7th at 10 am in the multi-purpose building for our 3rd quarter Teachers' Meeting. We will share accomplishments of 2024 thus far and plans for 2025. This is our final teachers' meeting of the year. Your efforts to attend are much appreciated.
2024 FALL REVIVAL
Revival 2024, to be held September 10th -12th. Services take place in person at 7:30 pm nightly here at Friendship. Our guest speaker is Pastor Kennedy Young of the East Gate Missionary Baptist Church of Dallas, TX. We are excited about all that God is going to do at this year’s Revival.
Revival 2024, to be held September 10th -12th. Services take place in person at 7:30 pm nightly here at Friendship. Our guest speaker is Pastor Kennedy Young of the East Gate Missionary Baptist Church of Dallas, TX. We are excited about all that God is going to do at this year’s Revival.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COUPLES MINISTRY
Married, Engaged, and Seriously Dating couples are invited to join the Side-by-Side Couples Ministry for our monthly class on Friday, September 13th at 7 p.m. We will gather via Zoom and continue our current series titled, Building a Better Marriage by Pastor Earl McClellan and his wife, Oneka. The topic for September is Serve Each Other. To join the class: CLICK HERE
Married, Engaged, and Seriously Dating couples are invited to join the Side-by-Side Couples Ministry for our monthly class on Friday, September 13th at 7 p.m. We will gather via Zoom and continue our current series titled, Building a Better Marriage by Pastor Earl McClellan and his wife, Oneka. The topic for September is Serve Each Other. To join the class: CLICK HERE
NATIONAL BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY
Mark your calendars for Back to Church Sunday taking place Sunday, September 15th! This national event takes place on the third Sunday of September each year, where churches across America come together to invite their communities to church. Plan to be here and bring someone with you to this special event.
Mark your calendars for Back to Church Sunday taking place Sunday, September 15th! This national event takes place on the third Sunday of September each year, where churches across America come together to invite their communities to church. Plan to be here and bring someone with you to this special event.
YOUR VOTE MATTERS
We will have Voter Registration tables available in the quad on Sunday, October 6, October 13 and October 20. Also, be on the lookout for some virtual election information sessions that will be held later this month where
our own Deacon James Shirley and others will help us explore some of the issues that will be on our ballots this year.
We will have Voter Registration tables available in the quad on Sunday, October 6, October 13 and October 20. Also, be on the lookout for some virtual election information sessions that will be held later this month where
our own Deacon James Shirley and others will help us explore some of the issues that will be on our ballots this year.
Kingdom Women,
Mark your calendars and plan on joining us as we celebrate 32 Years of W.O.R.D (Women of Radiant Design) Conference!
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Time: 9:00 A.M.
Cost: $75.00 (conference materials and lunch included)
Location: Friendship Baptist Church
The theme for this year’s conference is Kingdom Women: Pressing In When You're Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More. 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.
And That's Not All! Be sure to join us on Sunday, October 20th 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 a.m. 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!
Mark your calendars and plan on joining us as we celebrate 32 Years of W.O.R.D (Women of Radiant Design) Conference!
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Time: 9:00 A.M.
Cost: $75.00 (conference materials and lunch included)
Location: Friendship Baptist Church
The theme for this year’s conference is Kingdom Women: Pressing In When You're Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More. 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.
And That's Not All! Be sure to join us on Sunday, October 20th 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 a.m. 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!
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
If you missed the last the last Christmas Gala Committee's $50 Gift Card
Raffle, don't fret! You have another opportunity to enter and win because
starting, September 1st, is our second $50 Gift Card Raffle!! All persons
who purchase a Christmas Gala ticket in September will be entered and
eligible to win. Use one of the following convenient ways to purchase your
ticket:
1. Stop by the Christmas Gala table in the quad after each service
2. Visit the church website at www.wearefriendship.church/events
3. Scan the QR Code in the bulletin
4. Or stop by the church office
Join us on December 13th at the Los Coyotes Country Club in Buena Park,
CA for an enchanting night of elegant dining and entertainment. The $75
ticket price is non-refundable but is transferable.
Installment payments are accepted. All tickets must be purchased and paid in
full by November 24th. We look forward to seeing you there making your red
carpet entrance!!
Raffle, don't fret! You have another opportunity to enter and win because
starting, September 1st, is our second $50 Gift Card Raffle!! All persons
who purchase a Christmas Gala ticket in September will be entered and
eligible to win. Use one of the following convenient ways to purchase your
ticket:
1. Stop by the Christmas Gala table in the quad after each service
2. Visit the church website at www.wearefriendship.church/events
3. Scan the QR Code in the bulletin
4. Or stop by the church office
Join us on December 13th at the Los Coyotes Country Club in Buena Park,
CA for an enchanting night of elegant dining and entertainment. The $75
ticket price is non-refundable but is transferable.
Installment payments are accepted. All tickets must be purchased and paid in
full by November 24th. We look forward to seeing you there making your red
carpet entrance!!
To purchase your tickets, please scan the QR code on the flier or go HERE.
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.
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 while 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.
FINANCIAL EDUCATION CLASS FOR YOUTH PRESENTED BY ONE OF OUR YOUTH:
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 62:1-2; Psalm 91:1; Psalm 116:7; Jeremiah 6:16; Psalms 23:1-2; Matt. 11:28-30; Heb. 4:9-11
Hebrews 10:24-25; Rom 8:1-3; Heb 13:1-3; Jam 1:7; Mark 2:17
✔ 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)
Thank you again for your continued prayers and support.
Let’s keep moving forward in faith, encouraging one another, and living out the mission God has given us.
Have a blessed week, and I’ll see you soon!
Remember 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
- AUGUST PRAYER FOCUS:
Psalm 62:1-2; Psalm 91:1; Psalm 116:7; Jeremiah 6:16; Psalms 23:1-2; Matt. 11:28-30; Heb. 4:9-11
- SEPTEMBER PRAYER FOCUS:
Hebrews 10:24-25; Rom 8:1-3; Heb 13:1-3; Jam 1:7; Mark 2:17
- BIBLE READING
We invite everyone to consider reading God’s Word this year! As of today, you have 123 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.
Thank you again for your continued prayers and support.
Let’s keep moving forward in faith, encouraging one another, and living out the mission God has given us.
Have a blessed week, and I’ll see you soon!
Remember God Loves you and So do I!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
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