PASTOR’S WEEKLY UPDATE FEBRUARY 4, 2022
Hey there Friendship Family!
What an honor a privilege for me to connect with you week after week! I am grateful for the means to update you on what’s going on here at Friendship and remind you of God’s everlasting love for you! I hope this finds you doing well this Friday and giving glory to God Almighty. God loves you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Always keep your focus on Jesus; remember He is Watching! He is our strength and comfort. All of us must walk through times of darkness, but none of us have to walk through it alone. Jesus Christ is with you. Remember He is Willing! Additionally, remember that God is powerful. There is nothing he can’t do! Christ does all things well in our individual and collective lives. He is wielding His power and influence in every situation! AMEN! Be encouraged!
Here are a few announcements for you this week:
FRIENDSHIP FAMILY PRAYER
Please plan to join us tonight from 7:30p to 8:30p for our MONTHLY prayer meeting on our church prayer line. Join the Prayer Posse and me. This prayer meeting is an open prayer time, so if you feel led to pray, simply unmute your line and PRAY! See you there! To connect with our prayer service, please follow this link HERE or dial in at +1 (413) 418-4274 and use the PIN 287683504#.
CELEBRATING BLACK ARTIST
There is still time to purchase tickets and attend the South Coast Symphony Event entitled Celebrating Black Artist. This is an evening of unforgettable music from various genres, including Classical, Ragtime, Dixieland, Soul, Spiritual, Opera, Broadway, and Motown. In addition, the gospel/spiritual section will feature a combined Praise Choir made up of members from Second Baptist Church of Santa Ana, Christ Our Redeemer AME Church of Irvine, New Hope Presbyterian Church of Anaheim, and Friendship Baptist Church of Yorba Linda. There are $10 tickets available if you use the discount code CHURCH. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go HERE.
CHURCH-WIDE FINANCIAL EDUCATION SESSION
The RHEMA Men’s Ministry is hosting a church-wide financial education session on Monday, February 7th, at 7:00 PM titled, “Keys to Living an Efficient, Consistent Financial Life from Pre-Retirement through Retirement.” Most of us want to enjoy the same, if not better, lifestyle when we retire as we do or did during our working years. Thus, making wise money moves can make a difference.
“ALL” (Men, Women, Young, and Seasoned alike) are encouraged to join us for this church-wide financial education, information, and wellness ZOOM session for all ages. NO PRODUCTS are being offered or sold. Brother Michael Hempstead, Governance Committee and Former FBC Trustee Chairman, will facilitate this virtual session. To attend, register HERE. We will send you the ZOOM link and supplemental materials for the session in your registration confirmation email.
Subject areas to include:
SIDE BY SIDE COUPLES MINISTRY
The next Side by Side Couples Ministry class for 2022 is scheduled on Friday, February 11th at 7:00pm via Zoom. They are studying the book The Art of Marriage, Growing Together in Christ. The topic for the next session is Growing Together through the Holy Spirit. You can join the meeting via Zoom HERE. Should you have any questions, please contact Deacon Hilton McDaniel (949) 652-1489 or email Sheila McDaniel at [email protected]. We look forward to you joining the class.
BIBLE CLASSES
Don’t forget we have several Bible Studies available for your spiritual growth, including Ex-Hour on Sundays, both in-person and virtual, and classes throughout the week. Please stop by our church website to get more information on classes we offer and classes scheduled to start soon.
BIBLE READING SMALL GROUPS
Do you desire to read God’s Word in 2022? Were you among those who recently stood up, expressing a willingness to read the Bible in one of 5 ways this year? If so, we want to help and encourage you! Starting next month, you’ll have an opportunity to join a Bible Reading Small Group. There will be five small groups. Each group will read a different Bible reading plan: OT, NT, Gospels, Pentateuch, and Psalms/Proverbs 3 times. So, for example, if you want to read the OT, you can join a group where others have selected the same reading plan. The same applies to the other four reading options. Each group will complete its reading plan in 90 days! That’s right! You can complete reading at least one plan before summer!
Groups will meet twice monthly for no longer than an hour. Please note that the group time is intended as a touch base session, not to teach what was read. Group time is an opportunity for discussion, for readers to share insights on the reading, and encourage one another on their progress. So let’s read God’s Word together in 2022 Friendship! They will start the week after Friendship Day! To join a group, please select the appropriate link below:
FRIENDSHIP DAY
Speaking of Friendship Day! Please save the date. Sunday, February 13th, is Friendship Day. This is our first Friendship Day since 2020! We will have one service at 10am and an outdoor reception immediately following that service. But, don’t worry, we will be done in time for you to get to your SuperBowl Events! Friendship Day Celebrates who we are as a church. We will feature a special, look-back video along with our Friendship Day festivities.
BLACK HISTORY PRESENTATION CONTEST
The Silver Eagles’ are sponsoring a Black History Presentation Contest. This year’s theme is “Incite Hope, Not Violence.” Students are encouraged to submit a two-minute or less video presentation on an African American or other person of color from the past or present who inspires them because the individual has made or is making their life count to incite hope, not violence. The contest is open to all children and youth from 1st through 12th grade. Again, submissions are to be video presentations that are 2 minutes or less and submitted by February 13th. Participants should email their submissions to [email protected] by Sunday, February 13th. For more info, go to wearefriendship.church/silvereagles. There, you can also see the video from last year’s winners.
TRANSFORMATION MINISTRIES CONFERENCE 2022
Last call for the Transformation Ministries Conference held on February 10th and 11th at South Shores Church in Dana Point. If you plan to attend, you MUST register TODAY. The 2022 Transformation Ministries Conference is built around the theme: Only GOD. We will revisit the book of Acts and look at how the supernatural work of God turned the world upside down. I will speak from the thought, ONLY GOD IS WORTHY! HERE is the link to Transformation Ministries advertisement for the conference this week, featuring your PASTOR. I speak on Thursday, February 10th at the 9am session.
All of you are invited to attend the conference! It is FREE for you to do so as long as you register under Friendship! To register, go HERE. Select “I need to add my name to my church’s registration.” Then enter Friendship Baptist Church for the church name and enter our church address which is 17145 Bastanchury Road, Yorba Linda, CA 92886. Then enter your contact information under Attendee Information. Let me know if you have a problem by emailing me HERE.
CHURCH OFFICE UPDATES:
I have some things to let you know from the church office.
General Church things to remember:
Well, that’s all I have this week.
Remember, we pray, don’t panic, take precautions, and remain patient. Precautions include wearing a GOOD mask, washing our hands, and watching our distance. Continue to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected! God loves you, and so do I!
In His Service,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
What an honor a privilege for me to connect with you week after week! I am grateful for the means to update you on what’s going on here at Friendship and remind you of God’s everlasting love for you! I hope this finds you doing well this Friday and giving glory to God Almighty. God loves you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Always keep your focus on Jesus; remember He is Watching! He is our strength and comfort. All of us must walk through times of darkness, but none of us have to walk through it alone. Jesus Christ is with you. Remember He is Willing! Additionally, remember that God is powerful. There is nothing he can’t do! Christ does all things well in our individual and collective lives. He is wielding His power and influence in every situation! AMEN! Be encouraged!
Here are a few announcements for you this week:
FRIENDSHIP FAMILY PRAYER
Please plan to join us tonight from 7:30p to 8:30p for our MONTHLY prayer meeting on our church prayer line. Join the Prayer Posse and me. This prayer meeting is an open prayer time, so if you feel led to pray, simply unmute your line and PRAY! See you there! To connect with our prayer service, please follow this link HERE or dial in at +1 (413) 418-4274 and use the PIN 287683504#.
CELEBRATING BLACK ARTIST
There is still time to purchase tickets and attend the South Coast Symphony Event entitled Celebrating Black Artist. This is an evening of unforgettable music from various genres, including Classical, Ragtime, Dixieland, Soul, Spiritual, Opera, Broadway, and Motown. In addition, the gospel/spiritual section will feature a combined Praise Choir made up of members from Second Baptist Church of Santa Ana, Christ Our Redeemer AME Church of Irvine, New Hope Presbyterian Church of Anaheim, and Friendship Baptist Church of Yorba Linda. There are $10 tickets available if you use the discount code CHURCH. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go HERE.
CHURCH-WIDE FINANCIAL EDUCATION SESSION
The RHEMA Men’s Ministry is hosting a church-wide financial education session on Monday, February 7th, at 7:00 PM titled, “Keys to Living an Efficient, Consistent Financial Life from Pre-Retirement through Retirement.” Most of us want to enjoy the same, if not better, lifestyle when we retire as we do or did during our working years. Thus, making wise money moves can make a difference.
“ALL” (Men, Women, Young, and Seasoned alike) are encouraged to join us for this church-wide financial education, information, and wellness ZOOM session for all ages. NO PRODUCTS are being offered or sold. Brother Michael Hempstead, Governance Committee and Former FBC Trustee Chairman, will facilitate this virtual session. To attend, register HERE. We will send you the ZOOM link and supplemental materials for the session in your registration confirmation email.
Subject areas to include:
⚫ Types of Retirement Plans
⚫ Impacts of recent and potential tax law changes
⚫ Income & Wealth Building Strategies
⚫ Social Security / A potential means of wealth building
⚫ Organize your finances / Grow & know your net worth, and more
SIDE BY SIDE COUPLES MINISTRY
The next Side by Side Couples Ministry class for 2022 is scheduled on Friday, February 11th at 7:00pm via Zoom. They are studying the book The Art of Marriage, Growing Together in Christ. The topic for the next session is Growing Together through the Holy Spirit. You can join the meeting via Zoom HERE. Should you have any questions, please contact Deacon Hilton McDaniel (949) 652-1489 or email Sheila McDaniel at [email protected]. We look forward to you joining the class.
BIBLE CLASSES
Don’t forget we have several Bible Studies available for your spiritual growth, including Ex-Hour on Sundays, both in-person and virtual, and classes throughout the week. Please stop by our church website to get more information on classes we offer and classes scheduled to start soon.
⚫ Mommies to Mommies
Did you know that FBC offers a Bible class for mothers with young children? If you’re a mother parenting children between the infant age to the age of 12, we welcome and invite you to join us! This class meets twice monthly on the 2nd and 4th Sunday at 10 a.m. via Zoom. Mothers, this class is designed to offer you Biblical encouragement. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with a community of mothers who understand where you are, share your experiences, and support you in your current season of motherhood. Deaconess Celeste Wall and Pamala Ellens facilitate this class. To join the class, please click HERE. We look forward to welcoming new mothers of young children to our community soon.
BIBLE READING SMALL GROUPS
Do you desire to read God’s Word in 2022? Were you among those who recently stood up, expressing a willingness to read the Bible in one of 5 ways this year? If so, we want to help and encourage you! Starting next month, you’ll have an opportunity to join a Bible Reading Small Group. There will be five small groups. Each group will read a different Bible reading plan: OT, NT, Gospels, Pentateuch, and Psalms/Proverbs 3 times. So, for example, if you want to read the OT, you can join a group where others have selected the same reading plan. The same applies to the other four reading options. Each group will complete its reading plan in 90 days! That’s right! You can complete reading at least one plan before summer!
Groups will meet twice monthly for no longer than an hour. Please note that the group time is intended as a touch base session, not to teach what was read. Group time is an opportunity for discussion, for readers to share insights on the reading, and encourage one another on their progress. So let’s read God’s Word together in 2022 Friendship! They will start the week after Friendship Day! To join a group, please select the appropriate link below:
⚫ Old Testament: Enroll Here
⚫ New Testament: Enroll Here
⚫ The Gospels: Enroll Here
⚫ The Pentateuch: Enroll Here
⚫Psalms/Proverbs: Enroll Here
FRIENDSHIP DAY
Speaking of Friendship Day! Please save the date. Sunday, February 13th, is Friendship Day. This is our first Friendship Day since 2020! We will have one service at 10am and an outdoor reception immediately following that service. But, don’t worry, we will be done in time for you to get to your SuperBowl Events! Friendship Day Celebrates who we are as a church. We will feature a special, look-back video along with our Friendship Day festivities.
BLACK HISTORY PRESENTATION CONTEST
The Silver Eagles’ are sponsoring a Black History Presentation Contest. This year’s theme is “Incite Hope, Not Violence.” Students are encouraged to submit a two-minute or less video presentation on an African American or other person of color from the past or present who inspires them because the individual has made or is making their life count to incite hope, not violence. The contest is open to all children and youth from 1st through 12th grade. Again, submissions are to be video presentations that are 2 minutes or less and submitted by February 13th. Participants should email their submissions to [email protected] by Sunday, February 13th. For more info, go to wearefriendship.church/silvereagles. There, you can also see the video from last year’s winners.
TRANSFORMATION MINISTRIES CONFERENCE 2022
Last call for the Transformation Ministries Conference held on February 10th and 11th at South Shores Church in Dana Point. If you plan to attend, you MUST register TODAY. The 2022 Transformation Ministries Conference is built around the theme: Only GOD. We will revisit the book of Acts and look at how the supernatural work of God turned the world upside down. I will speak from the thought, ONLY GOD IS WORTHY! HERE is the link to Transformation Ministries advertisement for the conference this week, featuring your PASTOR. I speak on Thursday, February 10th at the 9am session.
All of you are invited to attend the conference! It is FREE for you to do so as long as you register under Friendship! To register, go HERE. Select “I need to add my name to my church’s registration.” Then enter Friendship Baptist Church for the church name and enter our church address which is 17145 Bastanchury Road, Yorba Linda, CA 92886. Then enter your contact information under Attendee Information. Let me know if you have a problem by emailing me HERE.
CHURCH OFFICE UPDATES:
I have some things to let you know from the church office.
⚫ SUNDAY WORSHIP
We are excited about worship on Sunday. We still offer worship for those who attend in person and those who attend online. It is the first Sunday in February, and we will celebrate Communion together, and I will start a new preaching series on the VALUE of The Church entitled REDISCOVER CHURCH!
So, don’t forget to have your communion elements ready for our virtual worship attendees. If you attend in person, we will have communion elements for you.
If you are not feeling well, please do not come to worship on Sunday. This is a request and a precaution. We want to do our best to keep everyone safe!
⚫ PHONE SYSTEM UPDATE
We are making progress on our phone system and hope to complete the installation next week! I appreciate your patience through this! Our backup system has been working, so you can call the church number, and someone will answer or call you back. Again, if you do not reach someone, please leave a message or contact church staff via email, and they will call you back. We are here to serve!
General Church things to remember:
⚫ 2022 CHURCH THEME:
United & Unashamed: God’s People United in Mission, Ministry, & Mandate
1 Corinthians 12:12-27 ESV; Romans 1:16-17 ESV
⚫ FEBRUARY PRAYER FOCUS:
Praying for Friendship’s Faithful Walk in the Love of Christ
Ephesians 5:2, 2 John 1:6, John 13:34, Colossians 3:14
⚫ BIBLE READING
You have 330 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. These 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)
⚫ SOCIAL MEDIA
Make sure to follow us on our social media pages for upcoming content. For Facebook, that’s Friendship Baptist Church. For Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, it’s @wearefriendshipchurch.
⚫ IN-PERSON EX-HOUR: In-person Ex-Hour meets each Sunday from 10am to 11am each Sunday in the Multipurpose Building. We invite you to stay after the first service or come earlier for the second service to attend Ex Hour in person.
⚫ EX HOUR: Virtual Ex-Hour meets weekly on Sundays via ZOOM. Join us for class at 10am via this link HERE.
⚫ YOUTH EX HOUR: Our youth Ex Hour takes place during our designated EX Hour time via Google Meet and in-person. Yes, it’s a hybrid approach! 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.
⚫ CHILDREN’S MINISTRY VIDEO: Remember there’s a weekly Children’s Ministry Worship Video designed to keep our children connected, encouraged, and worshipping! Rev. Jaron Singley works hard weekly to produce a Children’s worship video. It is available through our website HERE or the Friendship YouTube Channel HERE.
⚫ WEDNESDAY Prayer Day: Join us each Wednesday for Prayer. We pray at 6:30am, 12pm, and 6:30pm. To connect with our prayer services, please follow this link HERE or dial in at +1 (413) 418-4274 and use the PIN 287683504#.
⚫ 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 a bag of groceries. The Food Bank’s hours of operation are Tuesday - Thursday 2:30pm-4:30pm.
⚫ COVID Recovery Kits:
We still have Covid Recovery Kits through Providence Health and the Yorba Linda Rotary Club. These kits help individuals who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 and are recovering at home. Each kit includes a pulse oximeter to monitor breathing, a thermometer, a box of masks, and a package of sanitizing wipes in a small canvas bag. If you or someone in your family could benefit from one of these kits, please call the church office and arrange to get one.
⚫ COVID Membership Assistance Fund: We are STILL accepting COVID Membership Assistance Grant applications. 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.
Well, that’s all I have this week.
Remember, we pray, don’t panic, take precautions, and remain patient. Precautions include wearing a GOOD mask, washing our hands, and watching our distance. Continue to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected! God loves you, and so do I!
In His Service,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
Posted in COVID-19