PASTOR'S UPDATE NOVEMBER 15, 2024
Hello, Friendship Family!!!
It is the middle of November and I am encouraged by what God is doing in our church. Did you know that last Sunday we has eight individuals join our fellowship. Three people joined at the 8:00 am service and five people joined at the 11:30 am service! God is up to something at Friendship, and I am both delighted and excited to a part of what God is doing!
I want to start this weekly update by encouraging you. No matter the season, remember that God stands with us. Life is full of seasons.
God created all the seasons, and he is good no matter what season we are in. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:” Then Genesis 8:22 says, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night, shall not cease.”
There are seasons of seedtime, waiting and harvest…seasons of testing and development. The difficult seasons are necessary for the good times to come. Think about it, if the farmer doesn’t plant seed, he won’t get a crop to harvest. If your faith is never tested, then you’ll never have a testimony to share about God’s goodness and faithfulness. You have heard me quote the legendary Andre Crouch often when he wrote in a song entitled Through It All, “If I never had a problem, I wouldn’t know God Could solve them, I wouldn’t know what faith in His word could do. But through it all I have learned to trust in Jesus, I have learned to trust in God, I have learned to depend upon His word.”
No matter where we are in life, God is PRESENT. He’s constant, faithful, and present through every challenge and every joy. As we step into the last half of this month, let’s hold on to His promise that He’ll never leave us nor forsake us. AMEN? AMEN!
Before we go into the announcements, first let me say that I was honored to recognize Veterans Day this week by representing Friendship at the Yorba Linda Veterans Day Celebration, and it was a privilege. I want to give a special shout out to our very own veterans: Val Washington, Greg Green, Sandra Jones, and Victor Weaver who joined me at the event. Thank you for your service to our country and thank you for attending. Also I want to thank Lady Karima, Diane Alexander, and Mother LaForest Weaver for attending and supporting our veterans.
Now let's look at the announcements for this week/month:
It is the middle of November and I am encouraged by what God is doing in our church. Did you know that last Sunday we has eight individuals join our fellowship. Three people joined at the 8:00 am service and five people joined at the 11:30 am service! God is up to something at Friendship, and I am both delighted and excited to a part of what God is doing!
I want to start this weekly update by encouraging you. No matter the season, remember that God stands with us. Life is full of seasons.
God created all the seasons, and he is good no matter what season we are in. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:” Then Genesis 8:22 says, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night, shall not cease.”
There are seasons of seedtime, waiting and harvest…seasons of testing and development. The difficult seasons are necessary for the good times to come. Think about it, if the farmer doesn’t plant seed, he won’t get a crop to harvest. If your faith is never tested, then you’ll never have a testimony to share about God’s goodness and faithfulness. You have heard me quote the legendary Andre Crouch often when he wrote in a song entitled Through It All, “If I never had a problem, I wouldn’t know God Could solve them, I wouldn’t know what faith in His word could do. But through it all I have learned to trust in Jesus, I have learned to trust in God, I have learned to depend upon His word.”
No matter where we are in life, God is PRESENT. He’s constant, faithful, and present through every challenge and every joy. As we step into the last half of this month, let’s hold on to His promise that He’ll never leave us nor forsake us. AMEN? AMEN!
Before we go into the announcements, first let me say that I was honored to recognize Veterans Day this week by representing Friendship at the Yorba Linda Veterans Day Celebration, and it was a privilege. I want to give a special shout out to our very own veterans: Val Washington, Greg Green, Sandra Jones, and Victor Weaver who joined me at the event. Thank you for your service to our country and thank you for attending. Also I want to thank Lady Karima, Diane Alexander, and Mother LaForest Weaver for attending and supporting our veterans.
Now let's look at the announcements for this week/month:
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! This event starts at 9:00 am and promises to be a full day dedicated to health, wellness, and community! There will be free health screenings, a health walk, cooking demos, kids' activities, lunch, and a participant t-shirt for all who attend. It’s a chance to take care of ourselves and learn valuable tools for a healthier life. Make sure to be there and bring someone along!
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.
Volunteers for Spirit of the Heart:
As announced above, Spirit of the Heart (Association of Black Cardiologist) and Friendship Baptist Church are hosting a Health Symposium and Community Walk on Saturday, November 16, 2024, here at Friendship. We need your help! We need Volunteers to help with food set-up in the morning through lunchtime from 8-12 pm, check-in, and in the Kid’s Zone from 9-3 pm. If you are available to serve, please call the church office to sign up.
Friendship Family, we are excited to announce our Annual Health Fair coming up on Saturday, November 16th! This event starts at 9:00 am and promises to be a full day dedicated to health, wellness, and community! There will be free health screenings, a health walk, cooking demos, kids' activities, lunch, and a participant t-shirt for all who attend. It’s a chance to take care of ourselves and learn valuable tools for a healthier life. Make sure to be there and bring someone along!
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.
Volunteers for Spirit of the Heart:
As announced above, Spirit of the Heart (Association of Black Cardiologist) and Friendship Baptist Church are hosting a Health Symposium and Community Walk on Saturday, November 16, 2024, here at Friendship. We need your help! We need Volunteers to help with food set-up in the morning through lunchtime from 8-12 pm, check-in, and in the Kid’s Zone from 9-3 pm. If you are available to serve, please call the church office to sign up.
ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR
We will have a Christian Estate Planning Seminar on Sunday, November 17th, from 1:30 to 3:00 pm, right after our 11:30 service. This free seminar will provide guidance on creating a comprehensive estate plan to honor the Lord while benefiting your family. We’ll cover wills, trusts, and related documents, along with the opportunity to partner with our church in planning a lasting legacy. Join us for this practical and impactful session! Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP HERE
Go HERE to watch a PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
We will have a Christian Estate Planning Seminar on Sunday, November 17th, from 1:30 to 3:00 pm, right after our 11:30 service. This free seminar will provide guidance on creating a comprehensive estate plan to honor the Lord while benefiting your family. We’ll cover wills, trusts, and related documents, along with the opportunity to partner with our church in planning a lasting legacy. Join us for this practical and impactful session! Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP HERE
Go HERE to watch a PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
SERMON SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
Our next Stewardship Preaching Series Small Group meets Wednesday, November 20th at 7 p.m. This is our last session for the year, so don’t miss it. Let’s come together for this final gathering to deepen our understanding of financial stewardship and prepare our hearts as we approach the holidays. To sign up, GO HERE.
Our next Stewardship Preaching Series Small Group meets Wednesday, November 20th at 7 p.m. This is our last session for the year, so don’t miss it. Let’s come together for this final gathering to deepen our understanding of financial stewardship and prepare our hearts as we approach the holidays. To sign up, GO 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.
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. To sign up, GO 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. To sign up, 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!
CHAT-N-CHEW SINGLES' MINISTRY FELLOWSHIP
Join us for a virtual fellowship on November 23, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. Our guest speaker, Tonya L. Whiteside of The Whiteside Group and a beloved member of Friendship Baptist Church, will lead the discussion and share with us about Faith in Crisis: Igniting Inner Faith!
Tonya writes, "What if the very challenges you face today are the keys to unlocking unprecedented strength and spiritual growth tomorrow? Can embracing your trials lead to profound personal and spiritual growth? The journey of spiritual growth is continuous and often challenged by various trials and fears. By embracing these challenges and turning to our faith, we not only overcome them but emerge stronger and more connected to our spiritual purpose. This discussion aims to ignite a renewed passion for personal growth and deeper spiritual engagement, encouraging you to find strength in your faith and community."
Don’t Delay…Register Today! CLICK HERE! We look forward to seeing you there!
TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON
To express our gratitude and heartfelt thanks, Friendship Bible teachers are invited to an appreciation luncheon being held on Sunday, November 24th at 1:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose building. If you are an active Bible teacher, teaching assistant, or actively serve in Christian Education Ministry in any capacity, we invite you to attend. This luncheon is our way of honoring you for your service and celebrating the work God is doing through you. We kindly ask that you please RSVP no later than Wednesday, November 20th, so we can plan and prepare accordingly. For further information or if you have questions, please reach out to Le Shon Archer, Minister of Christian Education. To RSVP, CLICK HERE
To express our gratitude and heartfelt thanks, Friendship Bible teachers are invited to an appreciation luncheon being held on Sunday, November 24th at 1:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose building. If you are an active Bible teacher, teaching assistant, or actively serve in Christian Education Ministry in any capacity, we invite you to attend. This luncheon is our way of honoring you for your service and celebrating the work God is doing through you. We kindly ask that you please RSVP no later than Wednesday, November 20th, so we can plan and prepare accordingly. For further information or if you have questions, please reach out to Le Shon Archer, Minister of Christian Education. To RSVP, CLICK 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
It’s already November! Have you purchased your Christmas Gala tickets yet? If not, it’s not too late. You still have until Sunday, November 24 to purchase your tickets. You don’t want to miss this year's Christmas Gala event. This will be our last 60th Anniversary celebration event. You can purchase your tickets after each Sunday worship service, online on the church website, at the church office Monday-Friday, during regular business hours, or Scan the QR code below. Also, this will be the last $50 gift card raffle. Tickets are only $75.
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.
THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE
Enter into Thanksgiving with Praise! Come worship with us on Wednesday, November 27th at 7:30 pm.
Enter into Thanksgiving with Praise! Come worship with us on Wednesday, November 27th at 7:30 pm.
HIGH CHURCH SUNDAY - DECEMBER 1ST
And looking ahead, mark your calendars for High Church Sunday/Communion Sunday on December 1st. This will be our last High Church Sunday of 2024, and we have something special planned! As part of our building construction, we’ll have the chance to mark the walls with scripture, inscribing our favorite verses on the framing—a reminder of God’s Word as the foundation of our church. Just as Deuteronomy teaches us to write God’s commands on the doorposts of our homes, we’ll write His Word into the very walls of our building. Let’s make this a moment to remember!
And looking ahead, mark your calendars for High Church Sunday/Communion Sunday on December 1st. This will be our last High Church Sunday of 2024, and we have something special planned! As part of our building construction, we’ll have the chance to mark the walls with scripture, inscribing our favorite verses on the framing—a reminder of God’s Word as the foundation of our church. Just as Deuteronomy teaches us to write God’s commands on the doorposts of our homes, we’ll write His Word into the very walls of our building. Let’s make this a moment to remember!
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. Friendship Family, as we near the year’s end, your faithful support has been vital. God has blessed us with growth and new opportunities to reach people with His love, both online and in person. Let’s finish strong! Please consider a year-end gift to continue supporting our mission and our building project. Let’s keep giving to make Friendship a productive church! You may give HERE.
General Church things to remember:
Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
Duet 20:4; 1 Cor 15:57; Prov. 21:31; I John 5:4
✔ 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)
I need to share an important challenge we face as we wrap up 2024. To meet our budget for this year, we’re working to close a shortfall of $135,000, aiming for a total goal of $450,000. This budget supports every ministry and mission that makes Friendship, Friendship.
I am asking each member to remain steadfast in giving. And if you’re able, please prayerfully consider making an additional Thanksgiving and/or Christmas gift. Every gift, whether large or small, matters, and together we can ensure that Friendship stands strong as we step into 2025 with faith and vision.
In the coming days, you’ll receive a letter inviting you to partner with us to finish the year strong. Let’s continue to trust God as we move forward, confident that He will provide. AMEN!
As always, there’s so much happening, and I’m thrilled to see how God is moving in our church and community. For details on any of these announcements, check the written version of this update.
And like I always say, Friendship, I love you, but God loves you more, best, and most! Be blessed, have a great weekend and I hope to see you at one or all of the upcoming events! Let’s keep moving forward 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. Friendship Family, as we near the year’s end, your faithful support has been vital. God has blessed us with growth and new opportunities to reach people with His love, both online and in person. Let’s finish strong! Please consider a year-end gift to continue supporting our mission and our building project. 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
- NOVEMBER PRAYER FOCUS:
Duet 20:4; 1 Cor 15:57; Prov. 21:31; I John 5:4
- BIBLE READING
We invite everyone to consider reading God’s Word this year! As of today, you have 46 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.
I need to share an important challenge we face as we wrap up 2024. To meet our budget for this year, we’re working to close a shortfall of $135,000, aiming for a total goal of $450,000. This budget supports every ministry and mission that makes Friendship, Friendship.
I am asking each member to remain steadfast in giving. And if you’re able, please prayerfully consider making an additional Thanksgiving and/or Christmas gift. Every gift, whether large or small, matters, and together we can ensure that Friendship stands strong as we step into 2025 with faith and vision.
In the coming days, you’ll receive a letter inviting you to partner with us to finish the year strong. Let’s continue to trust God as we move forward, confident that He will provide. AMEN!
As always, there’s so much happening, and I’m thrilled to see how God is moving in our church and community. For details on any of these announcements, check the written version of this update.
And like I always say, Friendship, I love you, but God loves you more, best, and most! Be blessed, have a great weekend and I hope to see you at one or all of the upcoming events! Let’s keep moving forward together!
Thank you, Friendship, and God bless you!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
Posted in Pastor\\\'s Update
No Comments