PASTOR'S UPDATE APRIL 2, 2026
Greetings Friendship family!
Good day, Friendship family. I greet you in the strong and saving name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We are stepping into a new month, and what a month it is. March was busy, but it was a good month. We experienced highs and lows. We celebrated, and we also grieved. And that is the reality of life in community. As a church, we do not walk through life alone. We walk together. We rejoice together, and we weep together. And through it all, God has been faithful.
Our forty days of Lent are coming to an end, and I want to thank every one of you who participated. Thank you to those who showed up daily for 12 noon prayer. Thank you to those who led us in prayer. Thank you for your discipline, your sacrifice, and your spiritual commitment. I truly believe you are better because of it, and I believe Friendship is better because of your faithfulness.
And now I need to say this. I am excited. This is my favorite time of the year. We are in Holy Week. That brings us to our announcements for the upcoming weeks.
Here are this week's announcements:
Good day, Friendship family. I greet you in the strong and saving name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We are stepping into a new month, and what a month it is. March was busy, but it was a good month. We experienced highs and lows. We celebrated, and we also grieved. And that is the reality of life in community. As a church, we do not walk through life alone. We walk together. We rejoice together, and we weep together. And through it all, God has been faithful.
Our forty days of Lent are coming to an end, and I want to thank every one of you who participated. Thank you to those who showed up daily for 12 noon prayer. Thank you to those who led us in prayer. Thank you for your discipline, your sacrifice, and your spiritual commitment. I truly believe you are better because of it, and I believe Friendship is better because of your faithfulness.
And now I need to say this. I am excited. This is my favorite time of the year. We are in Holy Week. That brings us to our announcements for the upcoming weeks.
Here are this week's announcements:
MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE
Holy Week officially began with Palm Sunday, but our full emphasis begins tonight with our Maundy Thursday service at 7:30 PM. This is a sacred time where we reflect on Christ’s final gathering with His disciples before the cross. In John’s gospel in the Bible, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet during the Lord's Supper, as they celebrated Passover. During tonight's service we will observe Foot Washing and The Lord's Supper. As it will be explained during the service, Pastor Curry symbolically reminds us of Christ's humility by washing the feet of representatives of our Faith community.
Holy Week officially began with Palm Sunday, but our full emphasis begins tonight with our Maundy Thursday service at 7:30 PM. This is a sacred time where we reflect on Christ’s final gathering with His disciples before the cross. In John’s gospel in the Bible, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet during the Lord's Supper, as they celebrated Passover. During tonight's service we will observe Foot Washing and The Lord's Supper. As it will be explained during the service, Pastor Curry symbolically reminds us of Christ's humility by washing the feet of representatives of our Faith community.
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES - NOON AND 7:30 PM
Tomorrow is Good Friday, and we will have two opportunities to worship. At 12 noon, here at Friendship, we will gather for a powerful service. Rev. Chrystopher Grundy will serve as our lecturer, Rev. Kennedy Young will preach, and De’Ante Duckett will lead us in worship. Then at 7:00 PM, we will travel to Christ Second Baptist Church in Long Beach. Pastor Curry will serve as lecturer, and our Mass Choir will minister in song.
Tomorrow is Good Friday, and we will have two opportunities to worship. At 12 noon, here at Friendship, we will gather for a powerful service. Rev. Chrystopher Grundy will serve as our lecturer, Rev. Kennedy Young will preach, and De’Ante Duckett will lead us in worship. Then at 7:00 PM, we will travel to Christ Second Baptist Church in Long Beach. Pastor Curry will serve as lecturer, and our Mass Choir will minister in song.
NO MONTHLY FAMILY PRAYER SERVICE
Please note, because of these services, we will not have 12 noon prayer on Friday, and we will not have our First Friday evening prayer gathering. We ask that you to pray wherever you are, and we hope that you will join us in worship during this sacred time.
This is a holy week. Let us enter it prayerfully, expectantly, and with hearts ready to serve.
Please note, because of these services, we will not have 12 noon prayer on Friday, and we will not have our First Friday evening prayer gathering. We ask that you to pray wherever you are, and we hope that you will join us in worship during this sacred time.
This is a holy week. Let us enter it prayerfully, expectantly, and with hearts ready to serve.
RESURRECTION SUNDAY SERVICE
On Sunday, April 5, we celebrate Resurrection Sunday. We will have three services, 5:30 AM for our Sunrise Service, and then 8:00 AM and 11:30 AM. Communion will be served at all three services.
At the Sunrise Service, our Men’s Choir, the Wrecking Crew, will minister in song. And at the 8:00 and 11:30 services, our Mass Choir and Dance Ministry will lead us in worship. Come ready to celebrate. Come ready to worship. And bring someone with you. Invite someone to experience the power of the risen Christ.
At 10:00 AM, come support our children and youth at the Easter Program. The children and youth have worked hard on their speeches and lines and will also minister in song.
Our children will have their resurrection celebration during Children's Worship at 11:30 AM. They will play games, do crafts, and other activities to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The egg hunt will also take place during this time.
For those of you joining us for worship online, 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.
On Sunday, April 5, we celebrate Resurrection Sunday. We will have three services, 5:30 AM for our Sunrise Service, and then 8:00 AM and 11:30 AM. Communion will be served at all three services.
At the Sunrise Service, our Men’s Choir, the Wrecking Crew, will minister in song. And at the 8:00 and 11:30 services, our Mass Choir and Dance Ministry will lead us in worship. Come ready to celebrate. Come ready to worship. And bring someone with you. Invite someone to experience the power of the risen Christ.
At 10:00 AM, come support our children and youth at the Easter Program. The children and youth have worked hard on their speeches and lines and will also minister in song.
Our children will have their resurrection celebration during Children's Worship at 11:30 AM. They will play games, do crafts, and other activities to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The egg hunt will also take place during this time.
For those of you joining us for worship online, 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.
KINGDOM WIVES
Kingdom Wives, we want to invite all wives and women engaged to be married to join us for our Kingdom Wives class. This group meets on the first and third Saturdays of each month, which means our next gatherings will be on Saturday, April 4 and Saturday, April 18 at 9:00 AM. All sessions are held online for your convenience. Their current theme is Lead with Love. In a world where relationships can be stretched and strained, this study calls us back to God’s design for covenant love, a love that strengthens, sustains, and endures. Ladies, if you desire to grow in your faith, deepen your relationships, and gain practical biblical wisdom for real life, this class is for you. They would love to have you join them. Tap on the picture above for more info.
Kingdom Wives, we want to invite all wives and women engaged to be married to join us for our Kingdom Wives class. This group meets on the first and third Saturdays of each month, which means our next gatherings will be on Saturday, April 4 and Saturday, April 18 at 9:00 AM. All sessions are held online for your convenience. Their current theme is Lead with Love. In a world where relationships can be stretched and strained, this study calls us back to God’s design for covenant love, a love that strengthens, sustains, and endures. Ladies, if you desire to grow in your faith, deepen your relationships, and gain practical biblical wisdom for real life, this class is for you. They would love to have you join them. Tap on the picture above for more info.
YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY - RESUMES TUESDAY
Our next session of young adult Bible study begins on Tuesday, April @ 7:30 PM. Join in as we journey through "Experiencing God: God's Invitation to Young Adults." If you are a young adult searching for God's will and practical advice as you seek answers to important life decisions, this interactive Bible study is for you. Take this invitation to embrace a full life through Him as you join His work throughout the world.
Our next session of young adult Bible study begins on Tuesday, April @ 7:30 PM. Join in as we journey through "Experiencing God: God's Invitation to Young Adults." If you are a young adult searching for God's will and practical advice as you seek answers to important life decisions, this interactive Bible study is for you. Take this invitation to embrace a full life through Him as you join His work throughout the world.
2026 LEAD ACADEMY
Our LEAD Academy begins Thursday, April 9. This is our fifth cohort, and we are excited about what God is doing through leadership development here at Friendship. If you are an aspiring leader or currently serving in a leadership role, I encourage you to register. We are approaching capacity. Tap the picture above to register.
Our LEAD Academy begins Thursday, April 9. This is our fifth cohort, and we are excited about what God is doing through leadership development here at Friendship. If you are an aspiring leader or currently serving in a leadership role, I encourage you to register. We are approaching capacity. Tap the picture above to register.
YOUNG ADULT "VISION IS PRECISION" NIGHT
On Friday, April 10, at 7:00 PM, join us for a night of planning, creating and community as we enter into the vision God has called us to walk in! We will meet in the YA room in the basement of the Carrington Building. Please sign up to attend by tapping the image above.
On Friday, April 10, at 7:00 PM, join us for a night of planning, creating and community as we enter into the vision God has called us to walk in! We will meet in the YA room in the basement of the Carrington Building. Please sign up to attend by tapping the image above.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COUPLES MINISTRY
On Friday, April 10, at 7:00 PM, our Side by Side Couples Ministry will meet online. Married, engaged, and seriously dating couples, this is a great opportunity for you to grow together through biblical teaching and practical wisdom. Our current study is What Happy Couples Know, by Andy Stanley. We will gather online at 7 p.m. via zoom. Couples, this class offers biblical insight and practical tools for building healthy marriages. Your participation is encouraged! To join the class, please tap the image above.
On Friday, April 10, at 7:00 PM, our Side by Side Couples Ministry will meet online. Married, engaged, and seriously dating couples, this is a great opportunity for you to grow together through biblical teaching and practical wisdom. Our current study is What Happy Couples Know, by Andy Stanley. We will gather online at 7 p.m. via zoom. Couples, this class offers biblical insight and practical tools for building healthy marriages. Your participation is encouraged! To join the class, please tap the image above.
HERMENEUTICS CLASS
On Saturday, April 11, at 12 noon, Part #2 of The Hermeneutics class scheduled to begin. The class will be held virtually on Saturday Mornings from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The registration is now open. If you are wondering about having not attended Part #1 do not let that stop you from joining the class. This twelve week session will begin with an overview of Part#1 and then focus on the New Testament books and making proper application of God’s word in and to our current cultural context.
On Saturday, April 11, at 12 noon, Part #2 of The Hermeneutics class scheduled to begin. The class will be held virtually on Saturday Mornings from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The registration is now open. If you are wondering about having not attended Part #1 do not let that stop you from joining the class. This twelve week session will begin with an overview of Part#1 and then focus on the New Testament books and making proper application of God’s word in and to our current cultural context.
PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT BIBLE STUDY
On Tuesday, April 14, at 10:00 AM, our Precept Upon Precept Bible study will begin a new study in the book of Revelation. This is a great opportunity to go deeper into the Word. Precept Upon Precept is an opportunity for you to learn how to observe, interpret, and apply God's Word to your life. Come discover what God is saying, line by line, precept upon precept. To register, tap the picture above.
On Tuesday, April 14, at 10:00 AM, our Precept Upon Precept Bible study will begin a new study in the book of Revelation. This is a great opportunity to go deeper into the Word. Precept Upon Precept is an opportunity for you to learn how to observe, interpret, and apply God's Word to your life. Come discover what God is saying, line by line, precept upon precept. To register, tap the picture above.
COLLEGE & CAREER PREPARATION INITIATIVE PLANNING MEETING
Right after the Leadership Meeting, join the College and Career Vision Planning Initiative (CCPI) Planning Meeting. We'll come together to inspire, equip, and prepare the next generation for their future. This will be a meaningful and energetic time of brainstorming, visioning, and building opportunities to guide our young people toward college, careers, and God’s purpose for their lives.Our youth need caring adults who will pour into them, encourage them, and help them dream big. Let’s come together in faith, love, and vision as we begin planning for the bright futures of the youth at Friendship Baptist Church.
Right after the Leadership Meeting, join the College and Career Vision Planning Initiative (CCPI) Planning Meeting. We'll come together to inspire, equip, and prepare the next generation for their future. This will be a meaningful and energetic time of brainstorming, visioning, and building opportunities to guide our young people toward college, careers, and God’s purpose for their lives.Our youth need caring adults who will pour into them, encourage them, and help them dream big. Let’s come together in faith, love, and vision as we begin planning for the bright futures of the youth at Friendship Baptist Church.
WORSHIP AT THE ORANGE COUNTY RESCUE MISSION
I'm excited to share that Friendship is going to lead a worship service at the Village of Hope Chapel at the Orange County Rescue Mission on Saturday, April 18th at 6:30 PM. Our Mass Choir will sing and Pastor Curry will preach. The chapel services are designed for the residents of the Rescue Mission who came into the program homeless and jobless individuals and families who have gone through rehab and are now ready to change their lives. You are invited to come worship with us, but we only have capacity for 30 individuals outside of our ministry team. So if you would like to attend, please tap the picture above to register.
I'm excited to share that Friendship is going to lead a worship service at the Village of Hope Chapel at the Orange County Rescue Mission on Saturday, April 18th at 6:30 PM. Our Mass Choir will sing and Pastor Curry will preach. The chapel services are designed for the residents of the Rescue Mission who came into the program homeless and jobless individuals and families who have gone through rehab and are now ready to change their lives. You are invited to come worship with us, but we only have capacity for 30 individuals outside of our ministry team. So if you would like to attend, please tap the picture above to register.
NEW WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Ladies, Join us for our next Women’s Bible Study! This class is on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM
beginning April 22. In this study, we’ll journey through the book of Proverbs and consider wisdom principles on everyday topics like words, work, marriage, parenting, leadership influence, and more! Tap the picture for more info and to register.
Ladies, Join us for our next Women’s Bible Study! This class is on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM
beginning April 22. In this study, we’ll journey through the book of Proverbs and consider wisdom principles on everyday topics like words, work, marriage, parenting, leadership influence, and more! Tap the picture for more info and to register.
WOMEN'S MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
All ladies are invited to join us for our monthly Women's Fellowship on Friday, April 24th at 7 PM. Our guest speaker for April will be Sis. Elona Brown, who will speak on the topic, Everything You Need, based on the book, I Surrender All, by Priscilla Shirer. Ladies, join us as we gather online and learn to abide, choose authenticity, receive assurance, and experience abundance...everything we need to surrender! We look forward to you being with us!
All ladies are invited to join us for our monthly Women's Fellowship on Friday, April 24th at 7 PM. Our guest speaker for April will be Sis. Elona Brown, who will speak on the topic, Everything You Need, based on the book, I Surrender All, by Priscilla Shirer. Ladies, join us as we gather online and learn to abide, choose authenticity, receive assurance, and experience abundance...everything we need to surrender! We look forward to you being with us!
NEW SINGLES BIBLE STUDY
Singles, If you're ready to dive into one of the most powerful and insightful books of the Bible, join us for our new class on the Book of Revelation! This 11-week study starts on Monday, April 27th at 7:30 PM. and will be held online. The purpose of the book of Revelation is to tell Christians how we ought to live in light of things to come, so that we might confidently trust God with our future. Join us in this study from Right Now Media, in partnership with Dr. Tony Evans. Anyone interested in studying the book of Revelation is welcome to attend, regardless of your marital status.
Singles, If you're ready to dive into one of the most powerful and insightful books of the Bible, join us for our new class on the Book of Revelation! This 11-week study starts on Monday, April 27th at 7:30 PM. and will be held online. The purpose of the book of Revelation is to tell Christians how we ought to live in light of things to come, so that we might confidently trust God with our future. Join us in this study from Right Now Media, in partnership with Dr. Tony Evans. Anyone interested in studying the book of Revelation is welcome to attend, regardless of your marital status.
Mark your calendar to come back for World Vision's Global 6K for Water on Saturday, May 16, and unite world changers in your community, church, school, or neighborhood to equip children and families with clean water access. Your 6K registration fee equips one person with lasting access to clean water, which helps kids stay in school and women run households and businesses. We’ll gather and walk as a church family on Saturday, May 16 at 9:00 AM.
Let’s show up strong! Join our Friendship Team today and invite your friends, family, coworkers—everyone is welcome. registrations between March 20 and April 10 can use discount code CLEANWATER for $15 off. Tap the photo above to join the team!
Let’s show up strong! Join our Friendship Team today and invite your friends, family, coworkers—everyone is welcome. registrations between March 20 and April 10 can use discount code CLEANWATER for $15 off. Tap the photo above to join the team!
CHRIST CHILDREN'S CENTER
As you know, we are awaiting our final permit to begin the work to create the Christ Children's Center.. We are asking you to partner with us as we build Christ’s Children’s Center. This will be a dedicated, safe, and joy-filled space where our children can learn, worship, and grow. The children’s building and the adjoining playground will allow us to offer age-appropriate teaching, meaningful activities, and an engaging space designed just for them. Your giving helps us build for the next generation.
As you know, we are awaiting our final permit to begin the work to create the Christ Children's Center.. We are asking you to partner with us as we build Christ’s Children’s Center. This will be a dedicated, safe, and joy-filled space where our children can learn, worship, and grow. The children’s building and the adjoining playground will allow us to offer age-appropriate teaching, meaningful activities, and an engaging space designed just for them. Your giving helps us build for the next generation.
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. Remember the Word of God:
"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." -- 2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 ESV
and
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." -- Malachi 3:10 ESV
You may give HERE. If you send or give with a check 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. Remember the Word of God:
"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." -- 2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 ESV
and
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." -- Malachi 3:10 ESV
You may give HERE. If you send or give with a check please make your checks payable to : Friendship Baptist Church of Yorba Linda
- 2026 CHURCH THEME:
- Advancing and Expanding for God’s Glory Alone
Proclaiming Christ, Producing Disciples
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
- Advancing and Expanding for God’s Glory Alone
- APRIL PRAYER FOCUS
- Celebrating the Power of Jesus' Resurrection
Luke 24:5-7; John 11:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 1 Peter 1:3; Matthew 28:5-6
- Celebrating the Power of Jesus' Resurrection
- BIBLE READING
We invite everyone to consider reading God’s Word this year! As of today, you have 274 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
- 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.
Also, let me also remind you, if you have not picked up your Membership Directory, please do so. If you participated in the photo sessions, your copy is free. Additional copies are available for purchase. This is a great resource to stay connected as a church family.
Family, as we move through this season, I want you to remember this. God is with us.
We continue to make progress on our campus. The Fellowship Hall and Event Center are moving forward. The parking lot project has begun. And we are preparing for the next phase, the Children’s Building.
This is a season of growth. This is a season of movement. And we are moving forward together by God’s grace.
Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for being so supportive.
I love you, but God loves you best, God loves you better, and God loves you beyond.
God bless you, and I look forward to worshiping with you during this holy season.
Blessings,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
Family, as we move through this season, I want you to remember this. God is with us.
We continue to make progress on our campus. The Fellowship Hall and Event Center are moving forward. The parking lot project has begun. And we are preparing for the next phase, the Children’s Building.
This is a season of growth. This is a season of movement. And we are moving forward together by God’s grace.
Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for being so supportive.
I love you, but God loves you best, God loves you better, and God loves you beyond.
God bless you, and I look forward to worshiping with you during this holy season.
Blessings,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
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