Weekly Word from Pastor Curry: July 24, 2020
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Hello Friendship Family,
I pray you are well. The news this week has not been kind for the State of California. Our numbers are up, and I know many who are concerned and discouraged. We are definitely in a surge, and something has to be done to curb the spread of COVID-19. While I am tired and honestly overwhelmed, I am not discouraged. If I don’t know anything, I know God is faithful and will see us through this! It is my job to remind us of the FAITHFULNESS of God!
I continue to charge this WORSHIP COMMUNITY to PRAY, not PANIC, take PRECAUTIONS, and be PATIENT. Pray for us as a church that the saints do not grow weary. Pray for me as a leader that I remain faithful. Pray for our national leaders and the upcoming election, which is just under 100 days away. Pray that the Gospel continues to be spread and bring peace and comfort to those in need. Remember, we are STILL the CHURCH even though we meet virtually, so we MUST PRAY.
If you plan to participate in our Mission Statement Video Collage, remember it is to due TODAY, July 24th. Don’t delay, get it done TODAY! Did I say TODAY? As a reminder, we would like you or you and your family to record yourself reading the entire Friendship mission statement in your video. If you are a couple or family, please do your video together in unison and not separately. Please film in landscape mode. That means you should turn your phone sideways. Doing so will make our final video look better. Send your video to [email protected].
I pray you are well. The news this week has not been kind for the State of California. Our numbers are up, and I know many who are concerned and discouraged. We are definitely in a surge, and something has to be done to curb the spread of COVID-19. While I am tired and honestly overwhelmed, I am not discouraged. If I don’t know anything, I know God is faithful and will see us through this! It is my job to remind us of the FAITHFULNESS of God!
I continue to charge this WORSHIP COMMUNITY to PRAY, not PANIC, take PRECAUTIONS, and be PATIENT. Pray for us as a church that the saints do not grow weary. Pray for me as a leader that I remain faithful. Pray for our national leaders and the upcoming election, which is just under 100 days away. Pray that the Gospel continues to be spread and bring peace and comfort to those in need. Remember, we are STILL the CHURCH even though we meet virtually, so we MUST PRAY.
If you plan to participate in our Mission Statement Video Collage, remember it is to due TODAY, July 24th. Don’t delay, get it done TODAY! Did I say TODAY? As a reminder, we would like you or you and your family to record yourself reading the entire Friendship mission statement in your video. If you are a couple or family, please do your video together in unison and not separately. Please film in landscape mode. That means you should turn your phone sideways. Doing so will make our final video look better. Send your video to [email protected].
Friendship’s Mission Statement:
Friendship Baptist Church is a church where CHRIST is magnified. Through individually and collectively presenting ourselves to Christ as a living and Holy offering. We are Bible Based, Christ Centered, Accountable, and Saved to Serve.
Friendship Baptist Church is a church where CHRIST is magnified. Through individually and collectively presenting ourselves to Christ as a living and Holy offering. We are Bible Based, Christ Centered, Accountable, and Saved to Serve.
I am excited to announce that next Sunday, August 2nd, at 9a, we will have a Drive-In Church Service. This service will meet the State Guidelines for Houses of Worship. Physically distanced but socially connected. Live music and a message via radio. We seek to create a warm and welcoming event, and we are aware of the rising COVID cases and Orange County guidance, therefore this will be an event enjoyed in the safety of your car. Please prepare in advance to remain in your car. The service will be about one hour. CLICK HERE to RSVP.
Our children and youth have been having a blast with Summer Blast! Summer Blast takes place every Thursday, so Thursday, July 30th, is the last day! Now, this Sunday, July 26th, our Summer Blast team will host a Family Night Drive-In Event at 7:30p. This event should be FUN! CLICK HERE to find out more.
Remember, we are no longer using the Boxcast TV app platform. Last Sunday was our last Sunday with it. We have changed our live streaming platform to create a better viewing experience in our app, increase productivity, and reduce cost. If you were using the Boxcast TV app, we suggest watching our services on YouTube as its app is available on all TV streaming platforms. Doing so makes it simple to find our services or be notified when we are live, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you currently watch our services on our website or Facebook, your viewing experience will not change.
Leaders, don’t forget Leadership Meeting is tomorrow, Saturday, July 25th, via Google Meet at 10a. Check your email for more information. If you have questions, contact the church office ASAP. I look forward to meeting you then!
Ladies, we have a treat for you! As our July Women’s Ministry Fellowship, you are invited to register for a FREE conference hosted by Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. The Desperate for Jesus Women’s conference starts today, Friday, July 24th, at 7p CT (5p our time) and on Saturday, July 25th, from 9a to 12p CT (7a – 10a our time). The conference is hosted by Chrystal Evans Hurst and Priscilla Shirer, daughters of Dr. Tony Evans, Senior Pastor of the Oak Cliff). This conference is a fantastic opportunity to hear good gospel singing, excellent speakers, and be in the “mix of it” all!! You must register to participate. Once registered, you will receive a registration confirmation and access to the conference. Click Here to register for the conference.
Beloved, remember we still have a civic responsibility as believers in these United States of America. We have a responsibility, and an obligation, to make a difference by utilizing our right to vote. This year is a significant election year. I will never tell you who to vote for, but I am adamant that we MUST vote. Too many individuals died and experienced great hardship to ensure that we could have the right and freedom to vote. Please plan to VOTE. If you do not remember if you’re registered to vote or if you need to check what name you’re registered under or what political party you’re registered with, you can check your registration status online at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov.
Also, if you have not already done so, please complete your 2020 Census information. Census results will inform how hundreds of billions of dollars are allocated to our communities in areas such as housing, food assistance, and healthcare. Remember, the U.S. Constitution mandates that a census of the population be conducted every ten years. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and inform how state, local, and federal lawmakers will allocate billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities every year for the next ten years. It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone, or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker. Let’s do our part.
Here are a few reminders:
I’m sorry this was a lot of information, AGAIN. There’s a lot going on! 😊 Please practice physical distancing and wear your mask and stay safe. Wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance.
Serving you gratefully,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Senior Pastor
Our children and youth have been having a blast with Summer Blast! Summer Blast takes place every Thursday, so Thursday, July 30th, is the last day! Now, this Sunday, July 26th, our Summer Blast team will host a Family Night Drive-In Event at 7:30p. This event should be FUN! CLICK HERE to find out more.
Remember, we are no longer using the Boxcast TV app platform. Last Sunday was our last Sunday with it. We have changed our live streaming platform to create a better viewing experience in our app, increase productivity, and reduce cost. If you were using the Boxcast TV app, we suggest watching our services on YouTube as its app is available on all TV streaming platforms. Doing so makes it simple to find our services or be notified when we are live, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you currently watch our services on our website or Facebook, your viewing experience will not change.
Leaders, don’t forget Leadership Meeting is tomorrow, Saturday, July 25th, via Google Meet at 10a. Check your email for more information. If you have questions, contact the church office ASAP. I look forward to meeting you then!
Ladies, we have a treat for you! As our July Women’s Ministry Fellowship, you are invited to register for a FREE conference hosted by Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. The Desperate for Jesus Women’s conference starts today, Friday, July 24th, at 7p CT (5p our time) and on Saturday, July 25th, from 9a to 12p CT (7a – 10a our time). The conference is hosted by Chrystal Evans Hurst and Priscilla Shirer, daughters of Dr. Tony Evans, Senior Pastor of the Oak Cliff). This conference is a fantastic opportunity to hear good gospel singing, excellent speakers, and be in the “mix of it” all!! You must register to participate. Once registered, you will receive a registration confirmation and access to the conference. Click Here to register for the conference.
Beloved, remember we still have a civic responsibility as believers in these United States of America. We have a responsibility, and an obligation, to make a difference by utilizing our right to vote. This year is a significant election year. I will never tell you who to vote for, but I am adamant that we MUST vote. Too many individuals died and experienced great hardship to ensure that we could have the right and freedom to vote. Please plan to VOTE. If you do not remember if you’re registered to vote or if you need to check what name you’re registered under or what political party you’re registered with, you can check your registration status online at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov.
Also, if you have not already done so, please complete your 2020 Census information. Census results will inform how hundreds of billions of dollars are allocated to our communities in areas such as housing, food assistance, and healthcare. Remember, the U.S. Constitution mandates that a census of the population be conducted every ten years. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and inform how state, local, and federal lawmakers will allocate billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities every year for the next ten years. It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone, or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker. Let’s do our part.
Here are a few reminders:
- Phone Line for Worship: For our members who may have a tough time connecting to our worship service online for whatever reason, we are now offering a way for those members to dial in and listen to service over the phone. To access the service via telephone, members and guests need to dial 1 216-930-8774 and enter the PIN: 464 267 559#. It is live for both the 8:00a and 11:30a worship services.
- EX HOUR: Ex Hour meets weekly on Sundays, and we are studying Proverbs. This study will continue through the end of August. Remember, EX Hour takes place every Sunday through the video conference app, Google Meet. Join us for class on Sundays at 10:15a via this link HERE.
- YOUTH EX HOUR: Our youth Ex Hour is off and running each Sunday during our designated EX Hour time. Parents, please encourage your students to join youth teachers for this biblically fun opportunity to learn God’s Word, connect with others, and grow. To join Youth Ex Hour, follow the link HERE.
- AT THE DOOR WITH THE CURRYS: Remember this virtual experience that takes place after each worship service on Sunday. It is a time for Lady Karima and me to connect with you just like we would at church on Sunday. We want to see your face, greet you, and hear how you are doing. To meet us, follow the link HERE. See you Sunday!
- WEDNESDAY Prayer Day: Join us each Wednesday for Prayer. We pray at 6:30a, 12p, and 6:30p. To connect with our prayer services, please follow this link HERE or dial in at +1 (413) 418-4274 and use the PIN 287683504#. Please plan to join us for our MONTHLY Prayer Meeting on Friday, July 31st, at 7:30p on this very Prayer line. We need to PRAY for the Drive-In Service!
- RTNT Bible Study with Pastor Curry: After prayer on Wednesday evenings, please join me for RTNT Bible Study at 7p. To connect with me for Bible Study, please follow this link HERE or dial in at +1 302-455-8997 and use the PIN: 906 944 250#. I hope you are keeping up with your reading and your SOAP journaling. The reading plan is available HERE.
- FBC FOOD BANK OPEN: The FBC Food Bank is OPEN with a new drive-thru system where our clients will receive a pre-packaged food box and bag of groceries. The Food Bank hours of operation are Tuesday - Thursday 2:30p-4:30p.
- COVID Membership Assistance Fund: We are STILL accepting applications for the COVID Membership Assistance Grant. If you are experiencing financial distress due to COVID19, we invite you to apply for one of our $500 assistance grants. The guidelines are available HERE, and the application is available HERE.
I’m sorry this was a lot of information, AGAIN. There’s a lot going on! 😊 Please practice physical distancing and wear your mask and stay safe. Wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance.
Serving you gratefully,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Senior Pastor
Posted in COVID-19