PASTOR'S UPDATE JULY 3, 2025
Greetings, Friendship Family!
Welcome to the second half of 2025. Can you believe it? Time truly flies!
I want to take a moment to remind all of us about redeeming the time. Remember those New Year’s resolutions? The goals we set at the start of the year? We now have just about six months left to commit to them and see them through.
Jesus said in John 9:4, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” Even in the summer, when many of us tend to slow down or do less, let’s commit to growing, developing, and being all that God has called us to be. Let’s use this time wisely for His glory.
I also want to say how much I missed being with you this past Sunday. But I was so blessed to hear that we had a joyful and impactful Men’s Day. I’m grateful that God smiled on the men of Friendship. To God be the glory!
Lady Karima and I had a wonderful time in Arizona with Dr. Warren Stewart and Dr. Karen Stewart. It was such a gift to celebrate, support, and honor them. I’m deeply grateful for Pastor Warren Stewart’s impact on my life. In fact, during our visit, Pastor Stewart was cleaning out his office and gifted me a photo of himself with our own Bishop Carrington. That picture is already a cherished possession.
Being there made me miss Bishop Carrington even more. Thank you for being so supportive of my travel to be with Dr. Stewart.
Now, these announcements are coming out today because tomorrow is the Fourth of July, and I don’t want them to get lost in the busyness of the holiday.
I pray you have a safe, relaxing time off and that you’re able to spend it with family and friends while reflecting on the freedom that is ours in Christ Jesus. Remember, “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed!” Be encouraged.
Because of the holiday, we will pray in place this month instead of gathering, since Independence Day is on Friday, July 4th.
Our prayer focus for July is: Living in the Freedom of Christ’s Glory!
Welcome to the second half of 2025. Can you believe it? Time truly flies!
I want to take a moment to remind all of us about redeeming the time. Remember those New Year’s resolutions? The goals we set at the start of the year? We now have just about six months left to commit to them and see them through.
Jesus said in John 9:4, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” Even in the summer, when many of us tend to slow down or do less, let’s commit to growing, developing, and being all that God has called us to be. Let’s use this time wisely for His glory.
I also want to say how much I missed being with you this past Sunday. But I was so blessed to hear that we had a joyful and impactful Men’s Day. I’m grateful that God smiled on the men of Friendship. To God be the glory!
Lady Karima and I had a wonderful time in Arizona with Dr. Warren Stewart and Dr. Karen Stewart. It was such a gift to celebrate, support, and honor them. I’m deeply grateful for Pastor Warren Stewart’s impact on my life. In fact, during our visit, Pastor Stewart was cleaning out his office and gifted me a photo of himself with our own Bishop Carrington. That picture is already a cherished possession.
Being there made me miss Bishop Carrington even more. Thank you for being so supportive of my travel to be with Dr. Stewart.
Now, these announcements are coming out today because tomorrow is the Fourth of July, and I don’t want them to get lost in the busyness of the holiday.
I pray you have a safe, relaxing time off and that you’re able to spend it with family and friends while reflecting on the freedom that is ours in Christ Jesus. Remember, “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed!” Be encouraged.
Because of the holiday, we will pray in place this month instead of gathering, since Independence Day is on Friday, July 4th.
Our prayer focus for July is: Living in the Freedom of Christ’s Glory!
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY
The church office will be closed on Friday, July 4th for the holiday.
The church office will be closed on Friday, July 4th for the holiday.
KINGDOM WIVES BIBLE STUDY
Attention, all wives of Friendship. The next Kingdom Wives Bible Study Classes take place on Saturday, July 5th, and Saturday, July 19th. You do not want to miss July’s sessions in the series “Loving Him Well.” Classes meet on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 9:00–10:30 AM online. This month’s topic: “Taming the Temper!” It’s a practical and biblical look at dealing with your husband’s anger. Fireworks might fly on this topic, so log in and join other wives to discuss!
New participants must register to receive the class link, resources, and reminders. Click HERE.
Attention, all wives of Friendship. The next Kingdom Wives Bible Study Classes take place on Saturday, July 5th, and Saturday, July 19th. You do not want to miss July’s sessions in the series “Loving Him Well.” Classes meet on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 9:00–10:30 AM online. This month’s topic: “Taming the Temper!” It’s a practical and biblical look at dealing with your husband’s anger. Fireworks might fly on this topic, so log in and join other wives to discuss!
New participants must register to receive the class link, resources, and reminders. Click HERE.
COMMUNION SUNDAY - ONE SERVICE@ 10:00 AM
Remember that this Sunday, July 6th, we have ONE SERVICE at 10:00 AM. Let’s PACK OUT the sanctuary!
Children’s Worship will be available during the 10:00 AM service. Kids aged 3 through 5th grade will have a full worship experience with loving, skilled teachers who share God’s Word in fun and relevant ways.
Don’t stay home with the kids, bring them to worship, bring them to Jesus! Matthew 19:14 says, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
Youth are encouraged to join us in the sanctuary. We’ll have the Mass Choir singing, and we will share in Communion. We look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday at 10 AM!
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.
Remember that this Sunday, July 6th, we have ONE SERVICE at 10:00 AM. Let’s PACK OUT the sanctuary!
Children’s Worship will be available during the 10:00 AM service. Kids aged 3 through 5th grade will have a full worship experience with loving, skilled teachers who share God’s Word in fun and relevant ways.
Don’t stay home with the kids, bring them to worship, bring them to Jesus! Matthew 19:14 says, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
Youth are encouraged to join us in the sanctuary. We’ll have the Mass Choir singing, and we will share in Communion. We look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday at 10 AM!
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.
YOUNG ADULT CHOIR
Attention ALL Young Adults 18-35. We need you. The Young Adult Ministry is preparing for Young Adult Day on July 27. If you want to sing in the special Young Adult Choir, join the rehearsal taking place on Sundays, July 13 and 20 after the 11:30 service and Wednesday, July 23 at 6:30 PM. All voices are welcome!
Attention ALL Young Adults 18-35. We need you. The Young Adult Ministry is preparing for Young Adult Day on July 27. If you want to sing in the special Young Adult Choir, join the rehearsal taking place on Sundays, July 13 and 20 after the 11:30 service and Wednesday, July 23 at 6:30 PM. All voices are welcome!
RHEMA MEN'S MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
Attention Men of Friendship! Let’s stay fired up after last Sunday’s message! Join the RHEMA Men’s Ministry on Monday, July 14 at 7:00 PM for our monthly Men’s Gathering. We’ll close out our series on being a 10X man. Let’s connect, break bread together, and encourage one another before our Sabbath Rest in August.
Attention Men of Friendship! Let’s stay fired up after last Sunday’s message! Join the RHEMA Men’s Ministry on Monday, July 14 at 7:00 PM for our monthly Men’s Gathering. We’ll close out our series on being a 10X man. Let’s connect, break bread together, and encourage one another before our Sabbath Rest in August.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Vacation Bible School 2025 is almost here! Join us Tuesday–Thursday, July 15–17, for “Magnified! Seeing God Bigger, Living for Him Better.” Dinner is served nightly at 6:00 PM. Classes for children, youth, and adults begin at 7:00 PM. Please register so we can plan meals and materials. Do not delay registering TODAY. To register, go HERE.
Vacation Bible School 2025 is almost here! Join us Tuesday–Thursday, July 15–17, for “Magnified! Seeing God Bigger, Living for Him Better.” Dinner is served nightly at 6:00 PM. Classes for children, youth, and adults begin at 7:00 PM. Please register so we can plan meals and materials. Do not delay registering TODAY. To register, go HERE.
THE HIDDEN SPORT DOCUMENTARY SCREENING
Friendship Family, we are excited to announce that we’re hosting an exclusive screening of The Hidden Sport, an Emmy-winning documentary by our own Loren Lenora Sullivan and her classmates. It will take place here at Friendship on Friday, July 18th, at 7:30pm. There will be a networking mixer at 6:00 PM with bites from Chef2theBone and Parker House Delights. Again, the screening starts at 7:30 PM. Come out and celebrate these young creatives and their amazing accomplishments.
Friendship Family, we are excited to announce that we’re hosting an exclusive screening of The Hidden Sport, an Emmy-winning documentary by our own Loren Lenora Sullivan and her classmates. It will take place here at Friendship on Friday, July 18th, at 7:30pm. There will be a networking mixer at 6:00 PM with bites from Chef2theBone and Parker House Delights. Again, the screening starts at 7:30 PM. Come out and celebrate these young creatives and their amazing accomplishments.
YOUNG ADULT CONFERENCE
The B.O.L.D. Young Adult Conference takes its theme from 1 Timothy 4:12-16. This conference is designed to encourage and build strength and resilience in young adults and to help us understand our gifts and purpose.
Young adults ages 18-35 are invited to attend the conference on Friday, July 19 at Friendship Baptist Church in Yorba Linda, California.
Activities include an awesome main session with worship led by Dorian Dorris and an impactful message from Rev. Chrystopher Grundy then we will have some dynamic breakout sessions to help you discover how God has uniquely gifted you and help you unpack how you can apply various spiritual disciplines in your life. A continental breakfast and lunch is included.
To register, go HERE.
The B.O.L.D. Young Adult Conference takes its theme from 1 Timothy 4:12-16. This conference is designed to encourage and build strength and resilience in young adults and to help us understand our gifts and purpose.
Young adults ages 18-35 are invited to attend the conference on Friday, July 19 at Friendship Baptist Church in Yorba Linda, California.
Activities include an awesome main session with worship led by Dorian Dorris and an impactful message from Rev. Chrystopher Grundy then we will have some dynamic breakout sessions to help you discover how God has uniquely gifted you and help you unpack how you can apply various spiritual disciplines in your life. A continental breakfast and lunch is included.
To register, go HERE.
CHURCH STEWARDSHIP MEETING
We will have our mid-year Stewardship Meeting on Saturday, July 26th, at 10:00 AM. Formerly known as the Church Business Meeting, this meeting is an opportunity to review what has taken place so far this year and discuss what is on the horizon for the rest of the year and beyond. We will provide updates on our ministry, money, and management. All members are invited to attend.
YOUNG ADULT SUNDAY
As mentioned, Young Adult Sunday is coming on Sunday, July 27th. We invite the entire Friendship Family to join us as we celebrate Young Adult Day on Sunday, July 27. Rev. Joseph Manaway will preach at both services. Let’s show up strong and support our young adults as they lead us in worship!
TEACHER'S MEETING
Attention all Christian Education teachers, you are invited to our 3rd Quarter Teachers Meeting taking place on Tuesday, July 29 at 7:00 PM online. We will share ministry updates and accomplishments from the first half of the year. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. A ZOOM invitation will be sent soon.
We will have our mid-year Stewardship Meeting on Saturday, July 26th, at 10:00 AM. Formerly known as the Church Business Meeting, this meeting is an opportunity to review what has taken place so far this year and discuss what is on the horizon for the rest of the year and beyond. We will provide updates on our ministry, money, and management. All members are invited to attend.
YOUNG ADULT SUNDAY
As mentioned, Young Adult Sunday is coming on Sunday, July 27th. We invite the entire Friendship Family to join us as we celebrate Young Adult Day on Sunday, July 27. Rev. Joseph Manaway will preach at both services. Let’s show up strong and support our young adults as they lead us in worship!
TEACHER'S MEETING
Attention all Christian Education teachers, you are invited to our 3rd Quarter Teachers Meeting taking place on Tuesday, July 29 at 7:00 PM online. We will share ministry updates and accomplishments from the first half of the year. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. A ZOOM invitation will be sent soon.
2025 CHRISTMAS GALA
It may seem far off, but it’s time to mark your calendars for our 2025 Christmas Gala on Friday, December 12, at Anaheim Hills Golf Club. Tickets are just $75 each. The first 50 tickets purchased in July will be entered into a $50 gift card drawing! Yes, we are still thinking bout Christmas in July! You can purchase your tickets right HERE.
It may seem far off, but it’s time to mark your calendars for our 2025 Christmas Gala on Friday, December 12, at Anaheim Hills Golf Club. Tickets are just $75 each. The first 50 tickets purchased in July will be entered into a $50 gift card drawing! Yes, we are still thinking bout Christmas in July! You can purchase your tickets right HERE.
General Church things 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.
2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 ESV
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Malachi 3:10 ESV
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
You may give HERE.
Please make your checks payable to :
Friendship Baptist Church of Yorba Linda
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.
2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 ESV
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Malachi 3:10 ESV
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
You may give HERE.
Please make your checks payable to :
Friendship Baptist Church of Yorba Linda
- 2025 CHURCH THEME:
Fortifying the Faithful - Equipping the Elect
Ephesians 4:11-14 ESV
- JULY PRAYER FOCUS:
2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:13-14; Galatians 5:1; Psalm 119:45; John 8:36
- BIBLE READING
✔ 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
- IN-PERSON EX-HOUR:
- 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.
Well, that’s all I have. Family, there’s a lot going on this month, and that’s a good thing. We’re in pursuit of God’s best together. AMEN!
Please know I love you, but God loves you best, better, and more. We look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday at 10 AM.
Blessings!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
Please know I love you, but God loves you best, better, and more. We look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday at 10 AM.
Blessings!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
Posted in Pastor\\\'s Update
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