PASTOR’S WEEKLY UPDATE MARCH 4, 2022
Happy Friday, My Beloved Friendship Family!
Welcome to the month of March! It’s a redundant saying, but it is true, time is ticking away, and time stands still for no one!
If we are honest, the times in which we live are still very stressful! Very stressful! Stress is a factor in the life of every Christian. Like the rest of the world, we never seem to have enough time to get things done. There are times when we feel emotionally and physically drained. We wonder how we’ll get through the day.
Life can seem like a never-ending treadmill—if we stop running, we’re afraid we’ll fall off. People find it harder and harder to escape the feeling that they’re fighting a losing battle, working harder and harder to stay in the same place. As a result, we see signs of stress, burnout, and despair all around us.
At such times, we need to reflect on the Apostle Paul’s words:
Welcome to the month of March! It’s a redundant saying, but it is true, time is ticking away, and time stands still for no one!
If we are honest, the times in which we live are still very stressful! Very stressful! Stress is a factor in the life of every Christian. Like the rest of the world, we never seem to have enough time to get things done. There are times when we feel emotionally and physically drained. We wonder how we’ll get through the day.
Life can seem like a never-ending treadmill—if we stop running, we’re afraid we’ll fall off. People find it harder and harder to escape the feeling that they’re fighting a losing battle, working harder and harder to stay in the same place. As a result, we see signs of stress, burnout, and despair all around us.
At such times, we need to reflect on the Apostle Paul’s words:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,
not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colossians 3:23-24
not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colossians 3:23-24
That, in a nutshell, is God’s stress management strategy: Do everything as if you were doing it for Christ. Stop worrying about the outcome; He is in control of that. There is no reason to go forward in fear and hide from the tasks at hand. The Lord goes with you; He never leaves your side. So stay safe, stay strong; you need not be worried. God is in control!
It’s wonderful to have written reminders of God’s love in times of great stress in the world. But, he is in control, and His will shall be done.
AMEN!
Here are your announcements for the week…
FAMILY PRAYER SERVICE
Our next Monthly Family Prayer Service is tonight at 7:30pm and only lasts one hour. This prayer meeting takes place on our church prayer line. Please join the Prayer Posse and me as we pray for our March Prayer Focus which is Praying for the Friendship Family to Walk in Humility before God, and our 2022 Church theme is located below. Remember, 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#.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS
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.
SIDE BY SIDE COUPLES MINISTRY
The next Side by Side Couples Ministry class for 2022 is scheduled for Friday, March 11th, at 7:00pm via Zoom. The class utilizes the book The Art of Marriage, Growing Together in Christ. The topic for the March 11th session is Following Jesus. The link to the class is provided in the written portion of our update. 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.
WEEKEND TO REMEMBER
Attention married and engaged couples! Lady Karima and I invite you to attend a special Weekend To Remember on April 8-10th. The Christian organization Family Life has successfully sponsored the Weekend To Remember marriage conference for many years, and we have been personally blessed by attending on numerous occasions. This year Weekend To Remember is coming to Anaheim, and we invite you to meet us there. Register at https://www.familylife.com/weekend-to-remember/ and use the group code wearefriendship to receive a discounted registration. Consider this an investment in your marriage relationship and an opportunity to grow deeper together.
Here are a few church office updates…
MASKING PLAN FOR WORSHIP
Several weeks ago, I told you I would update you TODAY on our Masking Plan for the Worship Services here at Friendship regarding the changing masking guidelines. We are fully aware that indoor masking is going away practically everywhere by March 12th. We are also very aware and very grateful that we have seen a dramatic decline in cases and hospitalization over the last several weeks because of the nature of worship, singing, proximity, etc. However, we have decided to continue masking through the end of this month. This fits into the state’s strong recommendation that we continue to mask indoors in public settings. Again, this is a recommendation and not a requirement. We desire to keep all congregants and visitors as safe as possible. We are confident masks will go away soon, but we want to be cautious for the time being. I hope you understand!
JOBS AT FRIENDSHIP
We invite you to visit the church website and see the jobs we post. We will post about eight positions over the next several weeks and months. Currently, we are posting two Executive Pastor positions. We invite qualified candidates to apply. Go HERE to see the job postings.
VOLUNTEERISM
Remember Friendship; we are “Saved to Serve.” If you are looking for a way to use your gifts to serve at Friendship, stop by the Ministry Volunteer Fair this Sunday, March 6th. Our Ministry Volunteer Fair will occur between our first and second service. During the fair, you can talk with ministry representatives from our Hospitality Team; AV Ministry; Children, Youth, and Young Adult Ministry; Food Pantry; Health Care Ministry; and the Safety Team about volunteer opportunities.
You can also sign-up to volunteer online by completing the Change Maker Form on our website or in our church app. Please complete the Change Maker Form HERE if you are willing to serve. When all else fails, send an email to [email protected].
TITHE & OFFERING
As the country struggles through difficult economic times due to inflation and now the Ukrainian Conflict, I want to remind and encourage us to remain faithful in our tithes and offering. Unfortunately, as we go into the last month of the first quarter, the overall giving level is down significantly, approximately 20%.
Again, as your pastor, I am asking each of you to be mindful of your giving and remember that offerings are as important to the Lord. Our giving stewardship speaks to both our faith and our obedience. While it can be uncomfortable for a pastor to come to his congregation about financial issues, I truly believe that I would be remiss in my duties as your pastor if I failed to remind you that God loves a cheerful giver.
We have a lot of year in front of us. I am not worried at this point. I am simply updating you and asking for your partnership. I know we can and will meet our overall budget by the end of the year, but I am committed to keeping you up to date quarterly as well. It will take each of us working together and seeking the Lord as we do our part to be faithful financially! If each church member does their part and is faithful to obey the Lord with a willing heart, every one of the church’s needs will be met.
GIRL SCOUT COOKIES
Don’t forget to support our Friendship Girl Scout Troop in their cookie drive. Thank you to those who have already shown support!!!
General Church things to remember:
Well, that’s all I have this week. I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
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
It’s wonderful to have written reminders of God’s love in times of great stress in the world. But, he is in control, and His will shall be done.
AMEN!
Here are your announcements for the week…
FAMILY PRAYER SERVICE
Our next Monthly Family Prayer Service is tonight at 7:30pm and only lasts one hour. This prayer meeting takes place on our church prayer line. Please join the Prayer Posse and me as we pray for our March Prayer Focus which is Praying for the Friendship Family to Walk in Humility before God, and our 2022 Church theme is located below. Remember, 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#.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS
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.
⚫ EX-HOUR
This week in Ex-Hour, we begin a new study to explore 1st and 2nd Thessalonians. Over the next few months, we will explore Paul’s letter to the Thessalonian church, where he acknowledges the good work they are doing and challenges them in areas where maturity and growth are needed. Join Ex-Hour live or online to see how Paul’s instructions letter is still relevant to the church today. View the lesson HERE.
⚫ BIBLE READING CHALLENGE
Our Spring 90 Day Bible Reading Challenge begins this Sunday, March 6th, and their respective small groups will meet at their scheduled times next week. However, it’s not too late to join a group, so please register using the links below. Also, we invite anyone who wants to follow the Spring 90 Day Bible Reading Challenge to participate, even if they cannot join a group. Go HERE to see the 90 Day Bible Reading Challenge READING GUIDE that includes the Five Bible Reading Plans starting March 6th. The 90-Day Bible Class will begin in April.
To join a group, please select the appropriate link below.
Small-Group Meeting Dates & Leaders:
⚫ Monday (1st and 3rd): Pentateuch, 7pm (Karen Ammons): Enroll Here
⚫ Monday (1st and 3rd): New Testament, 7pm (Keah Talley & Le Shon Archer): Enroll Here
⚫ Tuesday (2nd and 4th): Old Testament, 6pm (Bill Jenkins): Enroll Here
⚫ Wednesday (2nd and 4th): Psalms/Proverbs 3x, 7 pm (Shawna Chambers): Enroll Here
⚫ Thursday (Every other): The Gospels, 6pm (James Shelby): Enroll Here
SIDE BY SIDE COUPLES MINISTRY
The next Side by Side Couples Ministry class for 2022 is scheduled for Friday, March 11th, at 7:00pm via Zoom. The class utilizes the book The Art of Marriage, Growing Together in Christ. The topic for the March 11th session is Following Jesus. The link to the class is provided in the written portion of our update. 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.
WEEKEND TO REMEMBER
Attention married and engaged couples! Lady Karima and I invite you to attend a special Weekend To Remember on April 8-10th. The Christian organization Family Life has successfully sponsored the Weekend To Remember marriage conference for many years, and we have been personally blessed by attending on numerous occasions. This year Weekend To Remember is coming to Anaheim, and we invite you to meet us there. Register at https://www.familylife.com/weekend-to-remember/ and use the group code wearefriendship to receive a discounted registration. Consider this an investment in your marriage relationship and an opportunity to grow deeper together.
Here are a few church office updates…
MASKING PLAN FOR WORSHIP
Several weeks ago, I told you I would update you TODAY on our Masking Plan for the Worship Services here at Friendship regarding the changing masking guidelines. We are fully aware that indoor masking is going away practically everywhere by March 12th. We are also very aware and very grateful that we have seen a dramatic decline in cases and hospitalization over the last several weeks because of the nature of worship, singing, proximity, etc. However, we have decided to continue masking through the end of this month. This fits into the state’s strong recommendation that we continue to mask indoors in public settings. Again, this is a recommendation and not a requirement. We desire to keep all congregants and visitors as safe as possible. We are confident masks will go away soon, but we want to be cautious for the time being. I hope you understand!
JOBS AT FRIENDSHIP
We invite you to visit the church website and see the jobs we post. We will post about eight positions over the next several weeks and months. Currently, we are posting two Executive Pastor positions. We invite qualified candidates to apply. Go HERE to see the job postings.
VOLUNTEERISM
Remember Friendship; we are “Saved to Serve.” If you are looking for a way to use your gifts to serve at Friendship, stop by the Ministry Volunteer Fair this Sunday, March 6th. Our Ministry Volunteer Fair will occur between our first and second service. During the fair, you can talk with ministry representatives from our Hospitality Team; AV Ministry; Children, Youth, and Young Adult Ministry; Food Pantry; Health Care Ministry; and the Safety Team about volunteer opportunities.
You can also sign-up to volunteer online by completing the Change Maker Form on our website or in our church app. Please complete the Change Maker Form HERE if you are willing to serve. When all else fails, send an email to [email protected].
TITHE & OFFERING
As the country struggles through difficult economic times due to inflation and now the Ukrainian Conflict, I want to remind and encourage us to remain faithful in our tithes and offering. Unfortunately, as we go into the last month of the first quarter, the overall giving level is down significantly, approximately 20%.
Again, as your pastor, I am asking each of you to be mindful of your giving and remember that offerings are as important to the Lord. Our giving stewardship speaks to both our faith and our obedience. While it can be uncomfortable for a pastor to come to his congregation about financial issues, I truly believe that I would be remiss in my duties as your pastor if I failed to remind you that God loves a cheerful giver.
We have a lot of year in front of us. I am not worried at this point. I am simply updating you and asking for your partnership. I know we can and will meet our overall budget by the end of the year, but I am committed to keeping you up to date quarterly as well. It will take each of us working together and seeking the Lord as we do our part to be faithful financially! If each church member does their part and is faithful to obey the Lord with a willing heart, every one of the church’s needs will be met.
GIRL SCOUT COOKIES
Don’t forget to support our Friendship Girl Scout Troop in their cookie drive. Thank you to those who have already shown support!!!
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
⚫ MARCH PRAYER FOCUS:
Praying for the Friendship Family to Walk in Humility before God
Prov. 22:4, II Cor.10:1, Col 3:12
⚫ BIBLE READING
You have 302 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 @FriendshipBaptistChurch. 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. I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
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