PASTOR'S UPDATE OCTOBER 18, 2024
Hey there!
Friendship Family, what a powerful time we had this past Sunday! As we gathered around God's Word, we were reminded of the importance of being anchored in the storm. Just like a ship faces the waves and winds, we, too, encounter the storms of life. But our anchor—God—is sure and steadfast. We learned that no matter how fierce the storm, or how long it rages, we can trust that God is with us in the middle of it and on the other side. He’s not just with us during the trials; He’s with us as we rebuild and recover afterward. The worship was rich, and we were reminded of God’s presence, promises, and faithfulness to anchor us in every season of life. Keep that in mind as we move forward this week, grounded and secured in Him.
Now let's look at the announcements.
Friendship Family, what a powerful time we had this past Sunday! As we gathered around God's Word, we were reminded of the importance of being anchored in the storm. Just like a ship faces the waves and winds, we, too, encounter the storms of life. But our anchor—God—is sure and steadfast. We learned that no matter how fierce the storm, or how long it rages, we can trust that God is with us in the middle of it and on the other side. He’s not just with us during the trials; He’s with us as we rebuild and recover afterward. The worship was rich, and we were reminded of God’s presence, promises, and faithfulness to anchor us in every season of life. Keep that in mind as we move forward this week, grounded and secured in Him.
Now let's look at the announcements.
W.O.R.D (Women of Radiant Design) CONFERENCE
Ladies, we are excited to kick off the 32nd annual W.O.R.D. (Women of Radiant Design) Conference tomorrow, October 19th, starting at 9 a.m. here at Friendship! The theme this year is “Kingdom Women: Pressing in When You’re Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More.” Over 300 women will gather, but there’s still room for you! You can register onsite if needed. Or, save time by registering HERE.
Cost: $75.00 (conference materials and lunch included)
Location: Friendship Baptist Church
Ladies, we are excited to kick off the 32nd annual W.O.R.D. (Women of Radiant Design) Conference tomorrow, October 19th, starting at 9 a.m. here at Friendship! The theme this year is “Kingdom Women: Pressing in When You’re Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More.” Over 300 women will gather, but there’s still room for you! You can register onsite if needed. Or, save time by registering HERE.
Cost: $75.00 (conference materials and lunch included)
Location: Friendship Baptist Church
WOMEN'S DAY - PRAISE-IN-PINK
Then, on this Sunday, October 20th, we’ll continue the celebration with Women’s Day: "Praise in Pink." Our guest speaker, Pastor Connie Jackson, of the St. John Northwest Church of Houston, TX, will deliver a powerful Word at the 8:00 and 11:30 a.m. services. Plus, we will worship with our awesome Women's Day Choir! We invite everyone to wear pink in honor of breast cancer survivors and in memory of those we’ve lost. Ladies, I hope you will join us for this wonderful teaching, preaching, and celebration weekend.
SINGLES BIBLE STUDY
All singles are invited to join our Fall Bible Study on the book of Jonah! This 7-week class will be held online on Thursdays at 7 p.m., starting October 24th. While Jonah is best known for encountering a large fish, the book is about so much more. It’s about God’s grace, compassion, and love—even toward wayward people—and His commitment to spreading His message worldwide through people like you and me. Facilitators will be Dr. Tammi Gray and Rev. Terry Abercrombie. To register: CLICK HERE.
HERMENEUTICS BIBLE STUDY
Do you want to enhance your ability to interpret the Bible? If so, you're encouraged to join the Hermeneutics class. Hermeneutics is the method of interpreting the meaning of Biblical text or Scriptures. This 12-week course starts on Saturday, October 26th at 11 a.m. and will be held virtually. All adults are welcome to join us, even if you did not participate in part one of the class. Facilitator: Rev. Patrick Christian. To register: CLICK HERE
WIDOWS/WIDOWERS OUTING
The Deacons Ministry is hosting a special outing for our widows and widowers on Saturday, October 26th. The outing is in Pasadena, where participants will see “The Piano Lesson” by August Wilson, a Tony Award-winning play. The bus will depart from Friendship at 12:30 p.m. and return by 6:15 p.m. Widows attend for free, but if you’d like to bring a guest, the cost is $73, which includes lunch, transportation, and the play. Contact Deacon James Shirley for tickets.
Then, on this Sunday, October 20th, we’ll continue the celebration with Women’s Day: "Praise in Pink." Our guest speaker, Pastor Connie Jackson, of the St. John Northwest Church of Houston, TX, will deliver a powerful Word at the 8:00 and 11:30 a.m. services. Plus, we will worship with our awesome Women's Day Choir! We invite everyone to wear pink in honor of breast cancer survivors and in memory of those we’ve lost. Ladies, I hope you will join us for this wonderful teaching, preaching, and celebration weekend.
SINGLES BIBLE STUDY
All singles are invited to join our Fall Bible Study on the book of Jonah! This 7-week class will be held online on Thursdays at 7 p.m., starting October 24th. While Jonah is best known for encountering a large fish, the book is about so much more. It’s about God’s grace, compassion, and love—even toward wayward people—and His commitment to spreading His message worldwide through people like you and me. Facilitators will be Dr. Tammi Gray and Rev. Terry Abercrombie. To register: CLICK HERE.
HERMENEUTICS BIBLE STUDY
Do you want to enhance your ability to interpret the Bible? If so, you're encouraged to join the Hermeneutics class. Hermeneutics is the method of interpreting the meaning of Biblical text or Scriptures. This 12-week course starts on Saturday, October 26th at 11 a.m. and will be held virtually. All adults are welcome to join us, even if you did not participate in part one of the class. Facilitator: Rev. Patrick Christian. To register: CLICK HERE
WIDOWS/WIDOWERS OUTING
The Deacons Ministry is hosting a special outing for our widows and widowers on Saturday, October 26th. The outing is in Pasadena, where participants will see “The Piano Lesson” by August Wilson, a Tony Award-winning play. The bus will depart from Friendship at 12:30 p.m. and return by 6:15 p.m. Widows attend for free, but if you’d like to bring a guest, the cost is $73, which includes lunch, transportation, and the play. Contact Deacon James Shirley for tickets.
Our Harvest Festival is on Thursday, October 31st, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This will be a fun event for all ages with games, a cake walk, cotton candy, and more! Come out in costume. We encourage everyone to create or find a Bible-themed costume or character. Adults may NOT wear masks. We’ll also have a trunk-or-treat and a chili cook-off. We’re asking our ministries to sign up to host a booth or game.
We appreciate your candy donations, please drop them off on the table in front of the CYYA office - downstairs in the little alcove in the Carrington Building next to Pastor Jaron's office.
- Trunk or Treat - Participating vehicles will need to be parked in the designated area no later than 6:15 pm. The parking lot team will help direct you to a spot. Open up and decorate your trunk or the back of your vehicle. There are some great trunk decorating ideas on the internet!! We encourage using a biblical theme. Please refrain from anything overly spooky or gory. The winning car will be awarded a prize.
- Chili Cook-Off - Who will be crowned as this year's Chili King or Queen? Contestants must pre-register; no walk-ups will be accepted for contest judgment. Contestants must sign-in at the registration upon arrival. Chili drop-off: by 7:00p.m. Chili must be prepared in advance and will be transferred to pans provided by Friendship Harvest Fest Leadership. Chili must be warm upon arrival. Please, AVOID overly spicy chili. The winning chef will be awarded a prize. To sign up for the Cook-Off, CLICK HERE
We appreciate your candy donations, please drop them off on the table in front of the CYYA office - downstairs in the little alcove in the Carrington Building next to Pastor Jaron's office.
FRIENDSHIP SCHOLARSHIP MINISTRY – Deadline Extended!
The Friendship Scholarship Ministry is extending the deadline for scholarship applications until October 31st! This is a great opportunity for students from kindergarten through 12th grade to apply for mentorship and encouragement in their educational journey.
If you haven’t had a chance to submit your application yet, now is the time! CLICK HERE
The Friendship Scholarship Ministry is extending the deadline for scholarship applications until October 31st! This is a great opportunity for students from kindergarten through 12th grade to apply for mentorship and encouragement in their educational journey.
If you haven’t had a chance to submit your application yet, now is the time! CLICK HERE
ANGEL TREE 2024
John 3:16 is all about Reconciliation! Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree Ministry Program
creates a pathway to reconciliation between incarcerated parents and their children and families. Connection usually begins through “Angel Tree Christmas” giving incarcerated parents a way to provide gifts with personal messages to their children, delivered by caring, local volunteers. Once again, the Friendship Family has again we have the opportunity and are encouraged to include these families in our community and outreach efforts throughout the year through this amazing ministry program. We’ve already been assigned 13 children to serve, and we expect more in the coming weeks. If you are interested in participating this year please register via planning center. Sign-ups have begun. Please email Rev. Felton Patrick Christian HERE.
John 3:16 is all about Reconciliation! Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree Ministry Program
creates a pathway to reconciliation between incarcerated parents and their children and families. Connection usually begins through “Angel Tree Christmas” giving incarcerated parents a way to provide gifts with personal messages to their children, delivered by caring, local volunteers. Once again, the Friendship Family has again we have the opportunity and are encouraged to include these families in our community and outreach efforts throughout the year through this amazing ministry program. We’ve already been assigned 13 children to serve, and we expect more in the coming weeks. If you are interested in participating this year please register via planning center. Sign-ups have begun. Please email Rev. Felton Patrick Christian HERE.
S.A.L.T. HOLIDAY CANNING CLASS:
Back By Popular Demand YES WE CAN – Preserving Fall Fruits! Join us on November 2nd from 9:00,am until Noon as our very own Sis. Sybella Patten shares her amazing experience and skills in teaching a "hands on" canning class. Sis. Sybella, along with volunteers from the Orange County Master Food Preservers, will show us how to “can” two tasty fall recipes: apple preserves and cranberry orange chutney. Apple preserves is a quick and easy recipe to “put up” apples for the cool days later in the fall season. And, just in time for the fall crop of cranberries available September – December, the cranberry orange chutney recipe brings together the flavors of sweet-tart cranberries, the spicy taste of ginger and cinnamon, along with a zing of orange. Attendees will take home one jar of each recipe.
This class is open to men and women but here's the thing...we only have room for 20 class participants. Don't delay register HERE today!
Back By Popular Demand YES WE CAN – Preserving Fall Fruits! Join us on November 2nd from 9:00,am until Noon as our very own Sis. Sybella Patten shares her amazing experience and skills in teaching a "hands on" canning class. Sis. Sybella, along with volunteers from the Orange County Master Food Preservers, will show us how to “can” two tasty fall recipes: apple preserves and cranberry orange chutney. Apple preserves is a quick and easy recipe to “put up” apples for the cool days later in the fall season. And, just in time for the fall crop of cranberries available September – December, the cranberry orange chutney recipe brings together the flavors of sweet-tart cranberries, the spicy taste of ginger and cinnamon, along with a zing of orange. Attendees will take home one jar of each recipe.
This class is open to men and women but here's the thing...we only have room for 20 class participants. Don't delay register HERE today!
Spirit of the Heart Health Fair & Symposium 2024
Friendship Family, we are excited to announce our Annual Health Fair coming up on Saturday, November 16th! In the spirit of wholeness and healthy living, we’re coming together for a day dedicated to taking care of our temples. It’s going to be a great day filled with information, inspiration, and involvement as we learn, move, and grow together.
This year, we’ve got something for everyone—health education, screenings, a health walk, cooking demos, and fun activities for the kids. And yes, participants will enjoy free lunch, free health screenings, and even a free participant t-shirt.
This is an opportunity for us to invest in our health, so I want to personally encourage each of you to come out and be a part of it. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors! Let’s share the love and make this a day of community, care, and connection. To register, CLICK HERE.
Friendship Family, we are excited to announce our Annual Health Fair coming up on Saturday, November 16th! In the spirit of wholeness and healthy living, we’re coming together for a day dedicated to taking care of our temples. It’s going to be a great day filled with information, inspiration, and involvement as we learn, move, and grow together.
This year, we’ve got something for everyone—health education, screenings, a health walk, cooking demos, and fun activities for the kids. And yes, participants will enjoy free lunch, free health screenings, and even a free participant t-shirt.
This is an opportunity for us to invest in our health, so I want to personally encourage each of you to come out and be a part of it. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors! Let’s share the love and make this a day of community, care, and connection. To register, CLICK HERE.
WEEKEND TO REMEMBER
You are invited to join Lady Karima and me for Weekend-to-Remember, a couples getaway with a purpose: oneness. Great marriages don't just happen, they take work. This retreat is designed to help couples grow together and avoid drifting apart. This event takes place in San Diego, CA on November 22-24th and includes special rates and sessions for military couples. Family Life also provides married and engaged couples of Friendship a special discount on registration. Please use the code: wearefriendship at registration. For more information and to register, go HERE.
You are invited to join Lady Karima and me for Weekend-to-Remember, a couples getaway with a purpose: oneness. Great marriages don't just happen, they take work. This retreat is designed to help couples grow together and avoid drifting apart. This event takes place in San Diego, CA on November 22-24th and includes special rates and sessions for military couples. Family Life also provides married and engaged couples of Friendship a special discount on registration. Please use the code: wearefriendship at registration. For more information and to register, go HERE.
THANKSGIVING TURKEY GIVEAWAY 2024:
Yes, It’s that time again. Friendship will be having our holiday Turkey Giveaway 2024. The
date is November 23, 2024 beginning at 11:00 am until 1:00 pm or to our supply runs out. As has been our policy in previous years the distribution is on a first come first serve basis, so be sure to spread the word to those who might benefit.
Let’s come together and bless our community during this holiday season, as we continue to live out our mission of love and generosity. Mark your calendars, and we look forward to serving alongside you on November 23rd!
Yes, It’s that time again. Friendship will be having our holiday Turkey Giveaway 2024. The
date is November 23, 2024 beginning at 11:00 am until 1:00 pm or to our supply runs out. As has been our policy in previous years the distribution is on a first come first serve basis, so be sure to spread the word to those who might benefit.
Let’s come together and bless our community during this holiday season, as we continue to live out our mission of love and generosity. Mark your calendars, and we look forward to serving alongside you on November 23rd!
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
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - PLAY/MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Our Music Ministry is currently working on a production for Christmas. We anticipate a need for Production Volunteers. Production volunteers provide general assistance with productions. They may assist with making sets and backdrops, paint, hang lights, procure costumes and props, and support rehearsals by prepping materials. - it's a long list, and it's where most of the fun happens. There are countless opportunities to join the fun. There are countless opportunities to join the fun. If you can assist in any way, please e-mail Sonya Griffin HERE.
If you missed the last the last Christmas Gala Committee's $50 Gift Card Raffle, don't WORRY! Starting in October, everyone who purchases a Christmas Gala ticket will be entered into our next $50 Gift Card Raffle. 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
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.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - PLAY/MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Our Music Ministry is currently working on a production for Christmas. We anticipate a need for Production Volunteers. Production volunteers provide general assistance with productions. They may assist with making sets and backdrops, paint, hang lights, procure costumes and props, and support rehearsals by prepping materials. - it's a long list, and it's where most of the fun happens. There are countless opportunities to join the fun. There are countless opportunities to join the fun. If you can assist in any way, please e-mail Sonya Griffin HERE.
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.
FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS:
CONVERSATION STARTER WORKSHOP
We are promoting the Conversation Starters Workshop, which will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Garden Grove. This two-session workshop helps families and individuals discuss their wishes for end-of-life care.
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
12301 Magnolia St, Garden Grove, CA
Please see the graphic/flier above for more information. Registration Required. Space is limited. Please contact Kellie Gonzalez @ kellie.gonzalez@hoag.org or 949-764-6037.
We are promoting the Conversation Starters Workshop, which will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Garden Grove. This two-session workshop helps families and individuals discuss their wishes for end-of-life care.
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
12301 Magnolia St, Garden Grove, CA
Please see the graphic/flier above for more information. Registration Required. Space is limited. Please contact Kellie Gonzalez @ kellie.gonzalez@hoag.org or 949-764-6037.
NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS Orange County (NAMIOC)
Friendship is partnering with NAMI Orange County. NAMI Orange County is dedicated to improving the lives of the people of our community affected by mental illness. They strive to create a better tomorrow—a tomorrow where all people affected by mental illness can experience hope, recovery and wellness in a world free of stigma. Please see the flier above and us the QR Code to acess more information. We belive this can be a powerful resource to our worship community. Be encouraged!
Friendship is partnering with NAMI Orange County. NAMI Orange County is dedicated to improving the lives of the people of our community affected by mental illness. They strive to create a better tomorrow—a tomorrow where all people affected by mental illness can experience hope, recovery and wellness in a world free of stigma. Please see the flier above and us the QR Code to acess more information. We belive this can be a powerful resource to our worship community. Be encouraged!
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
Col.2:2-3; James 3:17; 1 Cor 1:30; James 1:5; Prov.2:6
✔ 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)
Friendship, as always, there’s so much happening in our church and community, and I’m excited about the opportunities we have to serve, learn, and grow together.
Thank you, Friendship, and God bless you!
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
- OCTOBER PRAYER FOCUS:
Col.2:2-3; James 3:17; 1 Cor 1:30; James 1:5; Prov.2:6
- BIBLE READING
We invite everyone to consider reading God’s Word this year! As of today, you have 74 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.
Friendship, as always, there’s so much happening in our church and community, and I’m excited about the opportunities we have to serve, learn, and grow together.
Thank you, Friendship, and God bless you!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
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