PASTOR'S UPDATE SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
Happy Friday, Friendship Family!
We’ve arrived at September, the ninth month of the year. Can you believe it? This month marks the close of summer and the beginning of fall. Some say, “September is the new January,” and I get it, it’s a season of fresh starts.
School is back in session, routines are reestablished, and even the NFL kicks off a brand-new season. It’s also a time when we as a church re-engage, re-energize, and refocus for the final stretch of the year.
I hope you are refreshed from our time of Sabbath Rest in August. As you know, this was a sacred pause, not just to step back from the busyness of church life, but to breathe, to be still, and to be renewed. Our goal was to provide everyone with space for rest, reflection, and restoration. And now, we press forward.
This first weekend in September is a full one, and it sets the tone for the month ahead. I’d like to briefly walk you through what’s coming up.
Here are this week's announcements:
We’ve arrived at September, the ninth month of the year. Can you believe it? This month marks the close of summer and the beginning of fall. Some say, “September is the new January,” and I get it, it’s a season of fresh starts.
School is back in session, routines are reestablished, and even the NFL kicks off a brand-new season. It’s also a time when we as a church re-engage, re-energize, and refocus for the final stretch of the year.
I hope you are refreshed from our time of Sabbath Rest in August. As you know, this was a sacred pause, not just to step back from the busyness of church life, but to breathe, to be still, and to be renewed. Our goal was to provide everyone with space for rest, reflection, and restoration. And now, we press forward.
This first weekend in September is a full one, and it sets the tone for the month ahead. I’d like to briefly walk you through what’s coming up.
Here are this week's announcements:
MONTHLY FAMILY PRAYER SERVICE
This evening, Friday, September 5th, we begin with Quarterly Intercessory Prayer & Worship at 7:30 PM at the church. This 90-minute prayer gathering is a powerful time to seek the Lord together, and since it falls on my birthday, I would love nothing more than to spend it in prayer with you, lifting up our church, our mission, and our people. Our prayer focus is Building Unity in the Body of Christ.
This evening, Friday, September 5th, we begin with Quarterly Intercessory Prayer & Worship at 7:30 PM at the church. This 90-minute prayer gathering is a powerful time to seek the Lord together, and since it falls on my birthday, I would love nothing more than to spend it in prayer with you, lifting up our church, our mission, and our people. Our prayer focus is Building Unity in the Body of Christ.
KINGDOM WIVES -THIS SATURDAY
On Saturday morning, Kingdom Wives resumes at 9:00 AM via Zoom. The wives will continue their study from the book entitled “Loving Him Well”. Ladies, whether you’re returning or new, this is the perfect time to re-engage, grow spiritually, and be equipped for service to God and your husband. Please note that this class meets on the first and third Saturdays via Zoom. Join the group by going HERE.
On Saturday morning, Kingdom Wives resumes at 9:00 AM via Zoom. The wives will continue their study from the book entitled “Loving Him Well”. Ladies, whether you’re returning or new, this is the perfect time to re-engage, grow spiritually, and be equipped for service to God and your husband. Please note that this class meets on the first and third Saturdays via Zoom. Join the group by going HERE.
COMMUNION SUNDAY & HIGH CHURCH SERVICE
Sunday, September 7th, is First Sunday Worship with a High Church emphasis. Join the Deacons for devotion at 7:45 AM and 11:15 AM, respectively, and let’s partake in Holy Communion with reverence and purpose.
For those of you joining us for worship 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.
Sunday, September 7th, is First Sunday Worship with a High Church emphasis. Join the Deacons for devotion at 7:45 AM and 11:15 AM, respectively, and let’s partake in Holy Communion with reverence and purpose.
For those of you joining us for worship 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.
NEW PREACHING SERIES
I am excited that we will start a new preaching series entitled BUILD UP, a study in Nehemiah! As I said last Sunday, it has been 10 years since I preached from Nehemiah, and I believe the time is now to revisit this incredible story of faith, faithfulness, and resilience.
CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY CLASSES PROMOTING
Also on Sunday, our Children’s & YOUTH Ministries welcomes students back to Ex-Hour and Worship Service! Many students will move up to a new grade level or class. Our Youth Ministry will begin their Ex-Hour time with a Mini Rally in the Quad! It’s going to be a great time.
I am excited that we will start a new preaching series entitled BUILD UP, a study in Nehemiah! As I said last Sunday, it has been 10 years since I preached from Nehemiah, and I believe the time is now to revisit this incredible story of faith, faithfulness, and resilience.
CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY CLASSES PROMOTING
Also on Sunday, our Children’s & YOUTH Ministries welcomes students back to Ex-Hour and Worship Service! Many students will move up to a new grade level or class. Our Youth Ministry will begin their Ex-Hour time with a Mini Rally in the Quad! It’s going to be a great time.
RHEMA MENS MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
Brothers, the Men’s Fellowship resumes on Monday, September 8th, at 7:00 PM. We are back from Sabbath Rest and ready to dive into a new series: “God’s Uncommon Man.” Join the RHEMA Men’s Ministry as we close out the third quarter and leap into the fourth quarter with purpose. This powerful video series features James Brown and Tony Dungy, who will be helping us unpack what it means to be a man who follows God faithfully. Come grow with the Men of Friendship!
Brothers, the Men’s Fellowship resumes on Monday, September 8th, at 7:00 PM. We are back from Sabbath Rest and ready to dive into a new series: “God’s Uncommon Man.” Join the RHEMA Men’s Ministry as we close out the third quarter and leap into the fourth quarter with purpose. This powerful video series features James Brown and Tony Dungy, who will be helping us unpack what it means to be a man who follows God faithfully. Come grow with the Men of Friendship!
FALL REVIVAL - NEXT WEEK!
Fall Revival is here! We will gather on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, September 9th through 11th, each night at 7:30 PM. Our preacher, for the third year in a row, is Pastor Kennedy Young of the East Gate Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. Come expecting to be inspired, encouraged, and strengthened by the Word of God. Let’s pack the house and lean into what God wants to say to us this fall!
NEW MEMBERS RECEPTION
The next New Members Reception is Sunday, September 14th, at 10:00 AM. If you’ve joined Friendship in 2025 and haven’t attended a New Members Reception, we invite you to join us in the Carrington Building. You’ll have the chance to chat with Pastor Curry, Lady Karima, our staff, and key ministry leaders. Come get connected! Please register, HERE.
Fall Revival is here! We will gather on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, September 9th through 11th, each night at 7:30 PM. Our preacher, for the third year in a row, is Pastor Kennedy Young of the East Gate Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. Come expecting to be inspired, encouraged, and strengthened by the Word of God. Let’s pack the house and lean into what God wants to say to us this fall!
NEW MEMBERS RECEPTION
The next New Members Reception is Sunday, September 14th, at 10:00 AM. If you’ve joined Friendship in 2025 and haven’t attended a New Members Reception, we invite you to join us in the Carrington Building. You’ll have the chance to chat with Pastor Curry, Lady Karima, our staff, and key ministry leaders. Come get connected! Please register, HERE.
FINANCIAL BETTERMENT WORKSHOPS
Wholehearted: A Journey in Stewardship and Trust
Try God. Trust God. Track God.
Our 90-day Stewardship journey has begun! To start, our ministry team is excited to offer Financial Betterment workshops! These workshops are designed to provide practical tips, tools, and tactics to assist and equip you for success in your stewardship walk. These sessions will take place on Sundays, shortly after the 11:30 AM Service ends, at 1:30 PM. Refreshments will be provided. The goal is to help you to live with margin so you can then live on mission! Workshop topics and dates are as follows:
Sunday, September 14th
-Budgeting
-Debt Management & Reduction
Sunday, September 21st
-Credit Awareness & Repair
These workshops will provide insightful, valuable information to include:
...AND MORE!
Whether you're starting, restarting, or strengthening your stewardship walk, we pray these workshops serve as an introduction or refresher that leads us to live with margin, so we can live on mission for God. Join us as we embark on this stewardship journey of obedience, faith, and spiritual growth. Register today, HERE!
Wholehearted: A Journey in Stewardship and Trust
Try God. Trust God. Track God.
Our 90-day Stewardship journey has begun! To start, our ministry team is excited to offer Financial Betterment workshops! These workshops are designed to provide practical tips, tools, and tactics to assist and equip you for success in your stewardship walk. These sessions will take place on Sundays, shortly after the 11:30 AM Service ends, at 1:30 PM. Refreshments will be provided. The goal is to help you to live with margin so you can then live on mission! Workshop topics and dates are as follows:
Sunday, September 14th
-Budgeting
-Debt Management & Reduction
Sunday, September 21st
-Credit Awareness & Repair
These workshops will provide insightful, valuable information to include:
- The purpose of and how to create a budget, how to track spending, and the importance of establishing emergency funds.
- Debt management solutions and strategies, knowing your numbers, and comparing payoff methods.
- What makes up a credit score, how to check your credit score, healthy ways to build credit, how to recover from poor credit . . .
...AND MORE!
Whether you're starting, restarting, or strengthening your stewardship walk, we pray these workshops serve as an introduction or refresher that leads us to live with margin, so we can live on mission for God. Join us as we embark on this stewardship journey of obedience, faith, and spiritual growth. Register today, HERE!
MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDIES
Midweek Bible Studies Resume Wednesday, September 17th at 7:30 PM, the week AFTER revival. Yes, we are back in the Word midweek, and we have options! There is a virtual Men’s Class that will continue its study of the Minor Prophets. There is also a virtual Women’s Class that will start a new study entitled “Jesus in Me: Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion by Anne Graham Lotz. Ladies, this study will remind you that the Holy Spirit is your constant Companion, Comforter, and Friend. To register, go HERE.
Lastly, there is a mixed group class that meets in person and is a journey through the Book of Revelation.
Midweek Bible Studies Resume Wednesday, September 17th at 7:30 PM, the week AFTER revival. Yes, we are back in the Word midweek, and we have options! There is a virtual Men’s Class that will continue its study of the Minor Prophets. There is also a virtual Women’s Class that will start a new study entitled “Jesus in Me: Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion by Anne Graham Lotz. Ladies, this study will remind you that the Holy Spirit is your constant Companion, Comforter, and Friend. To register, go HERE.
Lastly, there is a mixed group class that meets in person and is a journey through the Book of Revelation.
YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY RESUMES
Young Adult Bible Study resumes on Thursday, September 18th. Our study, Abundance: Living Responsibly With God's Gifts will guide us into the biblical understanding of abundant life and help us sort out many of the faithful and practical issues that come together in a life of abundance. Seven chapters offer Bible verses and discussion questions about "a life of joy," "material abundance," "over-indulgence," "Living simply," "money," "ways in which we are handled by our stuff," and "ethics." We'll wrestle with our personal finances, seeking always to discern the will of God.
Sign up HERE.
Young Adult Bible Study resumes on Thursday, September 18th. Our study, Abundance: Living Responsibly With God's Gifts will guide us into the biblical understanding of abundant life and help us sort out many of the faithful and practical issues that come together in a life of abundance. Seven chapters offer Bible verses and discussion questions about "a life of joy," "material abundance," "over-indulgence," "Living simply," "money," "ways in which we are handled by our stuff," and "ethics." We'll wrestle with our personal finances, seeking always to discern the will of God.
Sign up HERE.
WOMEN'S VIRTUAL MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
Women of Friendship, you are invited to the final virtual Women’s Monthly Fellowship of the year, taking place on Friday, September 19th at 7"00 PM. The speaker will be Rev. Dr. Karen E. Stewart, teaching from “Start Where You Are,” based on the book “Now & Not Yet” by Ruth Chou Simons. It promises to be a powerful meeting and crescendo to the year! To register, click HERE.
HERMENEUTICS CLASS
The acclaimed Hermeneutics class begins on Saturday, September 20th, at 11:00 AM. Do you want to learn how to interpret God’s Word rightly? Then, join Rev. Felton Patrick Christian for our two-part Hermeneutics Class via Zoom. Part one is a 10-week study of the Old Testament, while part two is a 12-week study of the New Testament. Interested individuals can register HERE or email Rev. Felton Christian, HERE.
Women of Friendship, you are invited to the final virtual Women’s Monthly Fellowship of the year, taking place on Friday, September 19th at 7"00 PM. The speaker will be Rev. Dr. Karen E. Stewart, teaching from “Start Where You Are,” based on the book “Now & Not Yet” by Ruth Chou Simons. It promises to be a powerful meeting and crescendo to the year! To register, click HERE.
HERMENEUTICS CLASS
The acclaimed Hermeneutics class begins on Saturday, September 20th, at 11:00 AM. Do you want to learn how to interpret God’s Word rightly? Then, join Rev. Felton Patrick Christian for our two-part Hermeneutics Class via Zoom. Part one is a 10-week study of the Old Testament, while part two is a 12-week study of the New Testament. Interested individuals can register HERE or email Rev. Felton Christian, HERE.
BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY!
On Sunday, September 21st, we will celebrate Back to Church Sunday. It is a beautiful opportunity to reconnect, recommit, and rejoice in the fellowship of believers. It is a time to welcome familiar faces and greet new ones, as we gather to lift high the name of Jesus together. It’s an excellent time for you to invite family and friends to worship with you at Friendship, especially those who don’t attend church regularly.
On Sunday, September 21st, we will celebrate Back to Church Sunday. It is a beautiful opportunity to reconnect, recommit, and rejoice in the fellowship of believers. It is a time to welcome familiar faces and greet new ones, as we gather to lift high the name of Jesus together. It’s an excellent time for you to invite family and friends to worship with you at Friendship, especially those who don’t attend church regularly.
As part of Back to Church Sunday, we invite all parents and guardians to join us for a Children’s Ministry Open House. Come meet our team, explore the classrooms, and hear what God is doing with the next generation. Come at 10:00AM for Ex-Hour and 11:30AM for Children's Worship. We’ll also help you update your child’s information so we can serve your family well. Don't miss this opportunity to see what God is up to with the Children of Friendship!
SCHOLARSHIP MINISTRY
Parents and grandparents, our Scholarship Ministry is now enrolling students for the 2025–2026 school year. If you have students in grades 1–12, get them connected with our Scholarship Ministry. Please check out the Scholarship Ministry page on our website, HERE.
TEACHERS MEETING
All Bible teachers and LEAD graduates are invited and requested to attend our quarterly Teachers Meeting on Saturday, September 27th at 10 AM. We'll gather in the multi-purpose building to share 2025 accomplishments and pertinent topics related to Christian Education and Discipleship. This will be our LAST meeting for the year so we encourage all teachers to attend. Lunch will be provided, so please RSVP to our Minister of Christian Education at: [email protected] by Thursday, September 25th to confirm your attendance. We look forward to seeing you there!
Parents and grandparents, our Scholarship Ministry is now enrolling students for the 2025–2026 school year. If you have students in grades 1–12, get them connected with our Scholarship Ministry. Please check out the Scholarship Ministry page on our website, HERE.
TEACHERS MEETING
All Bible teachers and LEAD graduates are invited and requested to attend our quarterly Teachers Meeting on Saturday, September 27th at 10 AM. We'll gather in the multi-purpose building to share 2025 accomplishments and pertinent topics related to Christian Education and Discipleship. This will be our LAST meeting for the year so we encourage all teachers to attend. Lunch will be provided, so please RSVP to our Minister of Christian Education at: [email protected] by Thursday, September 25th to confirm your attendance. We look forward to seeing you there!
PASTOR'S ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Praise the Lord! On Sunday, September 28 we will celebrate the 12th Anniversary of our beloved pastor, Rev. Dr. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr. and First Lady Dr. Karima A. Curry. We will celebrate at each our our services with a special reception at 10:00 AM in the Quad.
BIBLE READING GROUPS
Bible Reading groups start October 1st! Is it your goal to complete a Bible reading plan by the end of 2025? Or maybe you’ve already completed a reading plan and want to join in reading with others. In either case, we invite you to join a Bible Reading Small Group! Starting in October, we will once again offer several Bible Reading Groups. These groups are designed to encourage reading a Bible plan in community with others and to promote accountability. You may choose to read the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Pentateuch, the Gospels, or Psalms & Proverbs 3x. Reading plans and information on how you can join a Bible Reading Group will be provided in the coming weeks; please stay tuned for more info!
Praise the Lord! On Sunday, September 28 we will celebrate the 12th Anniversary of our beloved pastor, Rev. Dr. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr. and First Lady Dr. Karima A. Curry. We will celebrate at each our our services with a special reception at 10:00 AM in the Quad.
BIBLE READING GROUPS
Bible Reading groups start October 1st! Is it your goal to complete a Bible reading plan by the end of 2025? Or maybe you’ve already completed a reading plan and want to join in reading with others. In either case, we invite you to join a Bible Reading Small Group! Starting in October, we will once again offer several Bible Reading Groups. These groups are designed to encourage reading a Bible plan in community with others and to promote accountability. You may choose to read the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Pentateuch, the Gospels, or Psalms & Proverbs 3x. Reading plans and information on how you can join a Bible Reading Group will be provided in the coming weeks; please stay tuned for more info!
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.
POETRY/SPOKEN WORD NIGHT
Do you have the gift of spoken word or poetry? We’re preparing for a Poetry Night here at Friendship and we are looking for people to share! Pieces must reflect one of four Gospel moments: Birth, Death, Resurrection, or Ascension of Christ. Auditions are required. Reach out to Rev. Felton Christian to express your interest and get more details, 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.
POETRY/SPOKEN WORD NIGHT
Do you have the gift of spoken word or poetry? We’re preparing for a Poetry Night here at Friendship and we are looking for people to share! Pieces must reflect one of four Gospel moments: Birth, Death, Resurrection, or Ascension of Christ. Auditions are required. Reach out to Rev. Felton Christian to express your interest and get more details, HERE.
Lastly, Friendship, September marks the launch of our 90-day Stewardship Challenge Initiative. As you read in the letter I sent to you, we want to be faithful, intentional, and generous stewards.
As we say: Try God. Trust God. Track God. If you did not get a letter, a link to the letter is available HERE. Next week, we’ll send out a complete list of activities, studies, and opportunities to help us steward our time, talent, and treasure for God’s glory.
As we say: Try God. Trust God. Track God. If you did not get a letter, a link to the letter is available HERE. Next week, we’ll send out a complete list of activities, studies, and opportunities to help us steward our time, talent, and treasure for God’s glory.
2025 WORD CONFERENCE
Mark your calendars and plan on joining us as we celebrate 33 years of the W.O.R.D. (Women of Radiant Design) Conference!
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.
**8:00-9:00 a.m. / Check-In, On-Site Registration & Continental Breakfast**
Registration Cost: $100.00
(conference materials, continental breakfast, and lunch included)
More information and updates coming soon. You may register, HERE.
Mark your calendars and plan on joining us as we celebrate 33 years of the W.O.R.D. (Women of Radiant Design) Conference!
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.
**8:00-9:00 a.m. / Check-In, On-Site Registration & Continental Breakfast**
Registration Cost: $100.00
(conference materials, continental breakfast, and lunch included)
More information and updates coming soon. You may register, 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
- SEPTEMBER PRAYER FOCUS:
Psalm 133:1; 1 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:13; 1 Peter 3:8; Colossians 3:14
- 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.
That’s all for now, Friendship. Thank you for leaning in, staying faithful, and pressing forward. Let’s give God our best, in this season and always. Remember God loves you, and so do I, but God loves us best, better, and beyond what we could imagine!
Have a great rest of the week and a great weekend. I will see you Sunday!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
Have a great rest of the week and a great weekend. I will see you Sunday!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
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