SERVICE: SUNDAYS AT 8:00AM & 11:30AM

PASTOR'S UPDATE APRIL 4, 2025

Greetings, Friendship Family!

It feel like it’s been a long time since I’ve last greeted you through our monthly update.

March was a LONG month! I greet you with joy and gratitude as we step into the month of April. We’ve been walking through our sermon series Joy on the Journey from the Book of Philippians, and what a journey it has been!

We’ve seen Paul unpack the power of partnership, the necessity of prayer, and Christ as our model.  We’ve watched him lift up living exhibits of faith in Timothy and Epaphroditus.
And this Sunday, I invite you to join me for a deep dive into Philippians Chapter 3 as we PRESS ON IN JOY! Don’t miss it!

Thank you so much for your prayers and support as I have worked diligently over the last several weeks to complete my dissertation. Your encouragement has helped sustain me. Please keep praying as I prepare for my oral presentation this Tuesday, April 8th.

Well, welcome to April!

This month, we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ—the cornerstone of our faith.
The resurrection reminds us that death is defeated, hope is alive, sin is conquered, eternity is real, and Jesus is Lord.


Now, let’s move to this week’s announcements.  
FRIENDSHIP FAMILY PRAYER 
Today is Friday, April 4th and it is the Friday before the First Sunday, and that means it’s time for Friendship Family Prayer!  Tonight we gather virtually for a special time of Prayer, Praise, and Power!

This coming month’s prayer focus is “Rejoicing in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.” I truly believe this will be a powerful time in God’s presence, and I hope to see you there!  To join in at 7:30 PM via Google Meet, go HERE.
KINGDOM WIVES CLASS
Married and Engaged Ladies don't miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and your marriage! The community of Kingdom Wives invites you to join them ONLINE this month on 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings from 9:00-10:30 am.  This month's topic is Understanding His Deepest Thirst, from the study "Loving Him Well!".  

April is sure to bring forth a new season filled with new possibilities as the Kingdom Wives ask God to see their husbands with fresh eyes! New participants must register to receive the class link, resources, and reminders. Please check the written update for details and registration information! HERE.
FIRST SUNDAY COMMUNION SERVICE
Also, this Sunday, April 6 th is the First Sunday! As stated we will continue in our Philippians Preaching Series, Joy on the Journey, and we will gather at the Lord’s Table and celebrate Communion together.  Also, we will celebrate our April birthdays and anniversaries.

For those of you joining us on line, check out the communion instructions so you can observe communion virtually HERE.

And remember: Communion is for believers. If you have not yet placed your trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, we ask that you refrain from partaking—this is a biblical instruction.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS MINISTRY MEETING
Also this Sunday our First Impressions Ministry will have their All-Hands Meeting from 9:55 to 10:55 AM in the Carrington Building, Room 007 (basement level). If you serve in hospitality as a greeting, usher, parking attendant, or safety team member, this meeting is for you.
WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY CLASS
All ladies are invited and welcome to join a new Women's Bible Study titled, Dwell on These Things. This study journeys through the book of Philippians and emphasizes transforming our hearts and minds through memorizing God's Word. The study is held online on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM, and just started on April 2nd. It's not too late to join ladies! To register: CLICK HERE 
YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY - FAITH
Join us on Tuesday, April 8th @ 7:30 PM as we continue to unpack - FAITH.  It is obvious that the word faith is used in different ways.  For some, faith is primarily a matter of the body, something you do.  For others, faith is more a matter of the heart, something you feeL.  Still others think of it as a set of beliefs, something that is primarily a matter of the head.  Each of these understandings of faith is biblical; that is, they can all be found somewhere in the Bible.
This series is meant to be transformative.  In the middle of all of the noise in the world, the crescendo of challenges, choices and crises, the call of Jesus seems ever more important and persistent.  This class began on April 1, but it is not too late to join in. To register: CLICK HERE

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE CLASS
Adults of all ages are invited to join us in person for a study titled, The End is Just the Beginning: A Study in the book of Revelation. Come ready to study, discuss, and grow in your understanding of this powerful book of the Bible. Class meets in Room 207 of the Carrington Building and starts Wednesday, April 9th. To join the class: CLICK HERE
LEAD ACADEMY
Aspiring and current leaders are encouraged and invited to participate in Leadership Excellence and Development Academy, which began on Thursday, April 4th.  If this class is for you, you may still join in on the fun this Thursday, April 10th at 7:30 p.m. LEAD Academy is designed to equip aspiring and emerging leaders with essential leadership skills, tools, and resources, and offers a blend of theological insight and practical application. Our desire and goal is to develop existing and future church leaders! If that's you, we welcome you to join us for LEAD Academy 2025! The class is nearly full, but we have space for you! To register: go HERE
CHURCH LEADERSHIP MEETING
Saturday, April 12th we have our Leadership Meeting at 10:30 AM in the Sanctuary. All Leaders, come be a part as we celebrate what God has done the first quarter of the year and we report what is happening and share what is on the horizon.
MENS MONTHLY GATHERING
Brothers, you were born for more… abundantly more!  You were born to be a 10X Better Man.  Not just better, but 10X better in every aspect of your life.  This month we focus on how we can be 10X better physically.
We look forward to seeing you on Monday, April 14th at 7:00 PM for a fun time of food and fellowship.
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES
Friday, April 18th, we will commemorate Good Friday, and it will be unforgettable.
At 12 NOON, we’ll host a special Good Friday worship experience here at Friendship titled The Journey to the Cross.

Our preacher will be Dr. George Hurtt, our lecturer will be Dr. LaMonte King, and special music will be provided by gospel recording artist, DeAnte Duckett.
This service will be a creative and Spirit-led departure from the traditional “Seven Last Sayings.”
EVENING FELLOWSHIP @ CHRIST SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH
Later that evening at 7:00 PM, we will join Christ Second Baptist Church in Long Beach for their Good Friday worship experience. Pastor Curry will be providing the lecture. Our Mass Choir will sing.
The keynote preacher will be Dr. Jeffrey A. Johnson Sr., Founding Pastor of Eastern Star Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Please note that no transportation will be provided for the evening service. We encourage you to carpool together!

EASTER EGGS-TRAVAGANZA (EGG HUNT AND MORE)
Saturday, April 19th from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, bring the whole family to our Easter Eggstravaganza!  With games, crafts, inflatables, and egg hunts for kids and teens, it’s always a fun and free event.

We still need volunteers and candy donations. Drop candy in the big bucket near the CYYA office and sign up to serve using the link HERE.
SUNRISE SERVICE 
Sunday, April 20th, is Resurrection Sunday and we are going big! The theme is The Resurrection Realized.

We’ll start at 5:30 AM with our Sunrise Service featuring the Men’s Choir, the Wrecking Crew.  We"ll also have Michael Bereal as a special musical guest.
RESURRECTION DAY 8 & 11:30
Then, at 8:00 AM and 11:30 AM, we’ll gather for Resurrection Worship with ministry from our Mass Choir and Dance Ministry. Come ready to praise The Risen Savior! Invite someone to join us!

Beloved, God is doing great things among us. Let’s keep pressing forward with joy, unity, and expectation.
5 WAYS IN 90 DAYS
Is it your goal to complete a Bible Reading Plan in 2025? If so, you're encouraged to join the 5 Ways in 90 Days Bible Class! Starting Tuesday, April 22nd, partner with others by choosing to read the Bible in one (or more) of 5 ways:

  • The Entire Bible (Reading dates: 4/23-7/21)
  • The Pentateuch (Genesis - Deuteronomy) Reading dates: 4/23-5/6
  • The Old Testament (Reading dates: 4/23-6/30)
  • The New Testament (Reading dates: 6/30-7/19)
  • The Gospels (Reading dates (6/30-7/7)
We'll gather weekly on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. (both in person or online) to discuss the week's reading and share insights. Join us in a Bible reading journey! To join the class: CLICK HERE

SINGLES BIBLE STUDY
All Singles are invited to join us for our Spring Bible Study in the book of Hebrews! This 8-week class will be held online on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. starting April 24th. Hebrews teaches us how to live for Jesus in every season of life and shows us that Jesus is better than anything the world can offer. We simply need to answer, "Am I willing to trust Him above everything else?" To join the class: CLICK HERE 
WOMEN'S VIRTUAL FELLOWSHIP
Kingdom Women – Join us for our Virtual Women’s Ministry Monthly Fellowship on Friday, April 25th at 7:00 PM.   Our guest, Dr. MarQuerita Story, will teach on Someday Is Made Up of Thousands of Right Nows based upon the book Now and Not Yet: Pressing in When You’re Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More by Ruth Chou Simons.

Ruth writes, "When we stop thinking about someday like a mirage of unmet hopes and dreams and instead acknowledge the true finish line of God’s work in and through us, we’ll begin to see every right now as an opportunity to train for victory. The daily practice of realigning our hearts, minds, hands, and feet to God’s Word and ways will stop feeling burdensome."

Ladies, let's get together and learn more about Someday Is Made Up of Thousands of Right Nows!"

Don't Delay – Register Today and Invite A Friend...or 2
Invite a friend or two—it’s going to be rich.  To sign up, go HERE.
Sunday, April 27th after second service, from 1:30pm–2:30 pm, our Scholarship Ministry and CCPI are hosting a Resume Writing & Financial Aid Workshop for youth and their parents. 

Youth will focus on building great resumes, while parents get tools to navigate financial aid and college admissions. These workshops are tailored and timely.
Youth Glow-in-the-Dark Lock-In is coming on Friday, May 2nd at 7:00 PM.
Youth from 6th to 12th grade are invited for 12 hours of high-energy fun—games, food, prizes, snacks, and more—all for just $5. Parents, we need your help too.  To sign up to attend, go HERE.
6K WALK FOR WATER
Pastor Curry is excited to share that he's leading a team for World Vision’s Global 6K for Water, and would love for you to join him! Every $50 registration helps provide clean water to one more person in need. And for participants 18 years old and under, the registration is only $25!

This is a great opportunity to walk, run, or roll together for a powerful cause. We’ll gather and walk as a church family on Saturday, May 17th at 9:00 AM.

Let’s show up strong! Join our Friendship Team today and invite your friends, family, coworkers—everyone is welcome.  Let’s walk with purpose and help empower children with the gift of clean water!
To sign up to be on our team, go HERE.
2025 CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
We need you to make an appointment for you and your family to be in the 2025 pictorial directory!  We have a few appointments available for photography sessions on the added date of Saturday, April 12.

If you haven’t signed up yet, you can do so on our website, in the church app, or in person on Sunday in the quad.  Every individual or family photographed will receive a complimentary (FREE!) copy of the directory and an 8x10 portrait, with the option to purchase additional portraits.  To make your appointment go HERE.
FAITHFUL GIVING
We want to say thank you for your giving and partnership.  YOUR GIVING MATTERS! Your faithful giving allows us to increasingly do the work of ministry for our members AND to everyone the Lord sends to us and sends us to.  Friendship Family, as we start a new year, your faithful support is vital. God has blessed us with growth and new opportunities to reach people with His love, both online and in person. Let’s start strong! Please 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:
  • 2025 CHURCH THEME:
     Advancing and Expanding... for God's Glory Alone
     Fortifying the Faithful - Equipping the Elect
     Ephesians 4:11-14 ESV

  • APRIL PRAYER FOCUS:
     Rejoicing in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
           Luke 24:5-7; John 11:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 1 Peter 1:3; Matthew 28:5-6

  • BIBLE READING
We invite everyone to consider reading God’s Word this year! As of today, you have 271 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 ADULT 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.  
Whew! That was a lot of announcements!

I look forward to seeing YOU this Sunday! Not just for High Church and Communion, but for community! I love seeing your faces, worshiping together, and being in the house of the Lord with you.

Oh! And don’t forget—we are kicking off a brand-new preaching series this Sunday titled “Joy on the Journey”—a study through Philippians. This series is going to encourage, challenge, and bless us all, and I hope you’ll be there each week to journey through Philippians with us!

Alright, I’ve talked enough! God loves you, and so do I. Have a great day and an amazing weekend—and I’ll see you Sunday!

Blessings!


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/lK6ri-mjKfB2sIhmcqg2Hi5NyudCSRNzgARr3Mf2K6eUJbquKsJKTjRH8bwIsoC_hqMxDcBGgvz_iM-bLMT8GRoG7ZyW8HAgJwXEgcNgXaSzgCXTwPnItGvBjZf7eqWKVIIalN7w
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor

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