PASTOR'S UPDATE NOVEMBER 29, 2024
Greetings, Friendship Family…
I pray that each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, reflecting on the many ways God has been gracious to you.
As we continue in this season of gratitude and celebration and prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us remember to give thanks for God's goodness and faithfulness in every area of our lives.
Beloved, I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday, December 1st, the last first Sunday of 2024. Sunday, we will celebrate communion together as a church family for the last time this year. It is also a High Church Sunday (the last one of the year as well). "High Church" is the phrase we use for a more liturgical worship style/presentation. Some might call it Old School Church. Whatever the case, it's designed to help us appreciate our roots and honor God in a traditional manner unique to the Black Church.
As we celebrate communion this Sunday, may we remember that His death was the propitiation for our sins—the payment and replacement for the penalty we deserved. He is a great God, and I am eternally grateful that He is my Savior. How about you?
This Sunday, we will not have EX-Hour. Instead, we will collectively enter the “Construction Zone” of our new building to write scriptures and prayers on the framing before the drywall is installed. This is a sacred time to reflect on God’s greatness in Friendship over the past 60 years. As we write, let us remember Psalm 119:11, "Thy word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against thee."
May the scriptures and prayers inscribed within the walls testify to our collective faith and trust in God. I encourage you to join me in this solemn demonstration of our collective reliance on Him to uphold us in every area. I know it is a holiday weekend, but I pray you will sacrifice to be there.
This Sunday, we begin our Advent preaching series, A Time for Wonder: Celebrating the Days of Advent through the Eyes of Worship. This series is based on a devotional from Christianity Today, and free copies are available at the church.
The devotional is also accessible as a PDF on our website for those who prefer an electronic version. Click HERE to access the digital devotional. Let us reflect together as I preach from the passages outlined in the weekly readings.
Throughout December, we will have regular worship services at 8:00 AM and 11:30 AM each Sunday. Due to the placement of Christmas, there will be no single-service Sundays this year. With only five Sundays left in 2024, I encourage you to put your best foot forward and join us in worship each week.
On Tuesday, December 31st, we will hold our Watch Night Service at 7:00 PM. This historic service, unique to the Black Church, will conclude at 9:15 PM, aligning with the East Coast New Year. This earlier time accommodates those who do not drive at night and addresses competing events. I pray you will join us for this time of thanksgiving, reflection, and preparation.
Now, let's look at the announcements for this week/month:
I pray that each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, reflecting on the many ways God has been gracious to you.
As we continue in this season of gratitude and celebration and prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us remember to give thanks for God's goodness and faithfulness in every area of our lives.
Beloved, I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday, December 1st, the last first Sunday of 2024. Sunday, we will celebrate communion together as a church family for the last time this year. It is also a High Church Sunday (the last one of the year as well). "High Church" is the phrase we use for a more liturgical worship style/presentation. Some might call it Old School Church. Whatever the case, it's designed to help us appreciate our roots and honor God in a traditional manner unique to the Black Church.
As we celebrate communion this Sunday, may we remember that His death was the propitiation for our sins—the payment and replacement for the penalty we deserved. He is a great God, and I am eternally grateful that He is my Savior. How about you?
This Sunday, we will not have EX-Hour. Instead, we will collectively enter the “Construction Zone” of our new building to write scriptures and prayers on the framing before the drywall is installed. This is a sacred time to reflect on God’s greatness in Friendship over the past 60 years. As we write, let us remember Psalm 119:11, "Thy word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against thee."
May the scriptures and prayers inscribed within the walls testify to our collective faith and trust in God. I encourage you to join me in this solemn demonstration of our collective reliance on Him to uphold us in every area. I know it is a holiday weekend, but I pray you will sacrifice to be there.
This Sunday, we begin our Advent preaching series, A Time for Wonder: Celebrating the Days of Advent through the Eyes of Worship. This series is based on a devotional from Christianity Today, and free copies are available at the church.
The devotional is also accessible as a PDF on our website for those who prefer an electronic version. Click HERE to access the digital devotional. Let us reflect together as I preach from the passages outlined in the weekly readings.
Throughout December, we will have regular worship services at 8:00 AM and 11:30 AM each Sunday. Due to the placement of Christmas, there will be no single-service Sundays this year. With only five Sundays left in 2024, I encourage you to put your best foot forward and join us in worship each week.
On Tuesday, December 31st, we will hold our Watch Night Service at 7:00 PM. This historic service, unique to the Black Church, will conclude at 9:15 PM, aligning with the East Coast New Year. This earlier time accommodates those who do not drive at night and addresses competing events. I pray you will join us for this time of thanksgiving, reflection, and preparation.
Now, let's look at the announcements for this week/month:
HIGH CHURCH SUNDAY - DECEMBER 1ST
Mark your calendars for High Church Sunday/Communion Sunday on December 1st. This will be our last High Church Sunday of 2024. 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!
If you will worship from home, check out the communion instructions so you can observe communion virtually CLICK HERE.
Mark your calendars for High Church Sunday/Communion Sunday on December 1st. This will be our last High Church Sunday of 2024. 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!
If you will worship from home, check out the communion instructions so you can observe communion virtually CLICK HERE.
CITY OF BUENA PARK TREE LIGHTING
Friday, December 6th, at Buena Park City Hall. Our Mass Choir will sing during the City of Buena Park's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Come out and support them as they minister to the community. According to the City webpage, there will be photo opportunities, food and dessert vendors, pictures with Mr. and Ms. Claus, the return of the extremely popular Santa train, and, of course, the lighting of the Christmas tree. Buena Park City Hall is located at 6650 Beach Blvd. Buena Park, CA 90621
Friday, December 6th, at Buena Park City Hall. Our Mass Choir will sing during the City of Buena Park's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Come out and support them as they minister to the community. According to the City webpage, there will be photo opportunities, food and dessert vendors, pictures with Mr. and Ms. Claus, the return of the extremely popular Santa train, and, of course, the lighting of the Christmas tree. Buena Park City Hall is located at 6650 Beach Blvd. Buena Park, CA 90621
CHURCH STEWARDSHIP MEETING
We will have our Annual Stewardship Meeting on Saturday, December 7th, at 10:00 AM. Formerly known as the Church Business Meeting, this meeting is an opportunity to review 2024 and preview 2025. We will provide updates on our ministry, money, and management. All members are invited to attend as I update us on where we are, how we will end the year, and where we are going.
We will have our Annual Stewardship Meeting on Saturday, December 7th, at 10:00 AM. Formerly known as the Church Business Meeting, this meeting is an opportunity to review 2024 and preview 2025. We will provide updates on our ministry, money, and management. All members are invited to attend as I update us on where we are, how we will end the year, and where we are going.
BRENT JONES LIVE RECORDING CONCERT
Saturday, December 7th, @ 4:30 in the afternoon (and after our Stewardship Meeting) Brent Jones and his Best Life Choir will present a live recording at Friendship Baptist Church. Tickets are $30—don’t miss this phenomenal event.
Saturday, December 7th, @ 4:30 in the afternoon (and after our Stewardship Meeting) Brent Jones and his Best Life Choir will present a live recording at Friendship Baptist Church. Tickets are $30—don’t miss this phenomenal event.
RHEMA MEN'S FELLOWSHIP
Monday, December 9th at 7:00 PM. All the men of Friendship are invited to join us for this time of fellowship. I will be there and look forward to seeing you.
Monday, December 9th at 7:00 PM. All the men of Friendship are invited to join us for this time of fellowship. I will be there and look forward to seeing you.
2024 CHRISTMAS GALA - DECEMBER 13
Join us on December 13th at the Los Coyotes Country Club in Buena Park, CA for an enchanting night of elegant dining and entertainment. Thank you to everyone who has already purchased tickets. There is still room for more, but we must finalize our count by Friday, December 6th. Please secure your ticket as soon as possible if you plan to attend.
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.
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.
BIBLE READING
Did you complete a Bible reading plan this year? If so, praise the Lord, and congratulations! Please let us know by sending an email to leshon@wearefriendship.church. We kindly request that all emails be received no later than Thursday, January 2nd. We will recognize Bible readers on the first Sunday of the new year, January 5th.
If you’ve yet to complete a Bible Reading Plan, there’s still time before the end of the year! We encourage selecting one of the 6 reading plans below:
Did you complete a Bible reading plan this year? If so, praise the Lord, and congratulations! Please let us know by sending an email to leshon@wearefriendship.church. We kindly request that all emails be received no later than Thursday, January 2nd. We will recognize Bible readers on the first Sunday of the new year, January 5th.
If you’ve yet to complete a Bible Reading Plan, there’s still time before the end of the year! We encourage selecting one of the 6 reading plans below:
- The Gospels (The first four books of the New Testament),
- Psalms & Proverbs (3 times),
- The Pentateuch (First 5 books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy),
- The Old Testament,
- The New Testament, and
- The entire Bible
60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION COMMEMORATIVE BOOK
Our 60th Anniversary Commemorative books are still available for purchase. You can pick up your book any time during the week from the church office or on Sundays for only $75.00. Thank you for your support.
Our 60th Anniversary Commemorative books are still available for purchase. You can pick up your book any time during the week from the church office or on Sundays for only $75.00. Thank you for your support.
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
Lk. 12:8-9; Jn. 8:12; Rom. 5:1, 8:1; Gal. 3:26; Eph.1: 7-10; Phil. 4:19
✔ 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)
Closing Thoughts:
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 to meet the 2024 budgeted income. This budget supports every ministry and mission that makes Friendship Friendship.
I am asking each member to remain steadfast in giving. If you haven't been tithing would you please consider starting? We need every member to contribute significantly to maintain your ministry momentum. if you have been tithing, THANK YOU! We appreciate your faith and your partnership!
Whether tithing or not, 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.
Finally, this evening, Friday, November 29th, is our usual day for our Monthly Prayer Meeting. Since it is the holiday weekend, we are not gathering, but I invite you to take time to pray for our church.
Our prayer focus for December is Rejoicing in the Birth of Christ. Please also pray for our church’s financial needs, ministry impact, and God’s glory in all we do. Would you also pray for me? In a moment of transparency, I need your prayers. Leadership requires tough decisions, and I have felt attacked in recent weeks. While I know not everyone will agree with every decision, I am committed to honoring God. Pray for strength, wisdom, and courage as I lead.
Also, please note that we will not have Wednesday Prayer Day on Wednesday, December 25th since it is Christmas Day, nor will we have it on Wednesday, January 1st, as it is New Year's Day. We will continue to meet through December, but our last prayer Wednesday will be December 18th. We will resume on January 8th.
Well, that’s all I have! Again, I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday. Be encouraged. Remember, God loves you, and so do I!
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
- DECEMBER PRAYER FOCUS:
Lk. 12:8-9; Jn. 8:12; Rom. 5:1, 8:1; Gal. 3:26; Eph.1: 7-10; Phil. 4:19
- BIBLE READING
We invite everyone to consider reading God’s Word this year! As of today, you have 32 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.
Closing Thoughts:
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 to meet the 2024 budgeted income. This budget supports every ministry and mission that makes Friendship Friendship.
I am asking each member to remain steadfast in giving. If you haven't been tithing would you please consider starting? We need every member to contribute significantly to maintain your ministry momentum. if you have been tithing, THANK YOU! We appreciate your faith and your partnership!
Whether tithing or not, 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.
Finally, this evening, Friday, November 29th, is our usual day for our Monthly Prayer Meeting. Since it is the holiday weekend, we are not gathering, but I invite you to take time to pray for our church.
Our prayer focus for December is Rejoicing in the Birth of Christ. Please also pray for our church’s financial needs, ministry impact, and God’s glory in all we do. Would you also pray for me? In a moment of transparency, I need your prayers. Leadership requires tough decisions, and I have felt attacked in recent weeks. While I know not everyone will agree with every decision, I am committed to honoring God. Pray for strength, wisdom, and courage as I lead.
Also, please note that we will not have Wednesday Prayer Day on Wednesday, December 25th since it is Christmas Day, nor will we have it on Wednesday, January 1st, as it is New Year's Day. We will continue to meet through December, but our last prayer Wednesday will be December 18th. We will resume on January 8th.
Well, that’s all I have! Again, I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday. Be encouraged. Remember, God loves you, and so do I!
Thank you, Friendship, and God bless you!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
Posted in Pastor\\\'s Update
1 Comment
Thank you for your visionary leadership. I will make an additional monetary gift towards our shortfall before the end of the year.
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nWith appreciation,
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nIngrid Johnson
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