PASTOR’S WEEKLY UPDATE MARCH 11, 2022
Greetings, Friendship Family!
My prayer is that this weekly update finds each of you well!
I know that the news is not always encouraging. On the one hand, we can feel, sense, and see the end of this pandemic. But, on the other hand, there is stress and concern about what is going on in our country and around the world.
Many, if not most of us, are extremely concerned about what is happening in Ukraine and Eastern Europe! We are all praying and asking God to intervene and provide relief!
It is good to remember that we have access to a God who helps us and understands our anxiety as we face adversity and uncertainty in challenging times.
People of faith have always faced seasons of adversity and uncertainty. Paul understood this when he wrote in Romans 15:30:
My prayer is that this weekly update finds each of you well!
I know that the news is not always encouraging. On the one hand, we can feel, sense, and see the end of this pandemic. But, on the other hand, there is stress and concern about what is going on in our country and around the world.
Many, if not most of us, are extremely concerned about what is happening in Ukraine and Eastern Europe! We are all praying and asking God to intervene and provide relief!
It is good to remember that we have access to a God who helps us and understands our anxiety as we face adversity and uncertainty in challenging times.
People of faith have always faced seasons of adversity and uncertainty. Paul understood this when he wrote in Romans 15:30:
“I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit,
to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.”
to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.”
Notice he asked those who knew him to join him in prayer for his situation. God has called us to the community! So as we see others deal with difficulty in our country and around the world, let’s continue to pray for them and pray for one another. I firmly believe that PRAYER STILL WORKS and PRAYER CHANGES THINGS!
In the uncertainty of the days ahead, I encourage you to reflect on God’s promises. Remember that He is faithful. Remember that he is reliable. Remember that He is our sustainer! Further, as each of us endures our own trials, we can learn to lean on the others within the body of Christ. That’s why I am spending so much time reminding us that we are ALL a part of the body of Christ, and we are connected! We are the church!
Stay strong and know that no one can be against you when God is for you! AMEN!
Here are your announcements for the week.
In the uncertainty of the days ahead, I encourage you to reflect on God’s promises. Remember that He is faithful. Remember that he is reliable. Remember that He is our sustainer! Further, as each of us endures our own trials, we can learn to lean on the others within the body of Christ. That’s why I am spending so much time reminding us that we are ALL a part of the body of Christ, and we are connected! We are the church!
Stay strong and know that no one can be against you when God is for you! AMEN!
Here are your announcements for the week.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS SUNDAY
Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday, March 13th, at 2am. Set your clock forward an hour. Yes, we all lose an hour of sleep on Sunday. Most of us utilize our cell phones anyway, and it will do this automatically, but just in case, I thought I would remind you!
SIDE BY SIDE COUPLES MINISTRY
The next Side by Side Couples Ministry class for 2022 is this evening 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. 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. To join the session, go HERE.
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.
KINGDOM WIVES CLASS
Attention all wives, The Kingdom Wives class resumes tomorrow, Saturday, March 12th, from 9am to 10:30am. In this session, the Kingdom wives will continue in the book Sacred Marriage and focus on Chapter 12, Sacred Sexuality! Don’t miss this one!
WOMEN’S MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
Ladies, you are invited to join the Friendship Women’s Ministry Friday, March 18th, at 7pm for the next Virtual Women’s Ministry Fellowship. You are invited to hear Friendship’s own, Rev. Dr. Barbara Smith-Mustin, speak on A Lifelong Battle and what must be done to fight and win the battle against our adversary, the devil. To register, go HERE.
NEW WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY CLASS
We’re excited to announce the start of a new Women’s Bible Study on Wednesday, March 23rd at 7:30p. All women are welcome to join in a new study where we will focus on and learn about women in the Bible. Our study will be based on the book titled: “Ten Women of the Bible: One by One They Changed the World” by best-selling Christian author Max Lucado.
Participants will explore the lives of 10 pivotal biblical women, including Sarah, Rahab, Abigail, Esther, Sapphira, Mary Magdalene, and others. And see to answer these questions: Why did God choose these women? What set them apart? They lived in a different world than our own, but women today find themselves facing some of the same issues. Yet, even more, these women demonstrate a God who sees women where they are and loves them for who they are. By exploring their lives, participants of this study will identify essential and relevant truths God wants them to grasp and apply to their own lives.
The book for this study is a workbook and costs $10 per participant. Books will be available in the church office soon, and we’ll be sure ladies who plan to attend the class are notified when the books arrive. Ladies, we look forward to a great time together studying God’s Word and women. To join the class, go HERE.
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
Men join the RHEMA Men’s Ministry on Monday March 14th, at 7:00p via Zoom as we look at Chapter 1 of the Kingdom Men Rising book by Dr. Tony Evans. Chapter One is titled Chosen for the Challenge and includes these subtopics: We Are in This Together, Why We Must Rise. Chosen For Greatness, Greatness Is Coming, and Calling Our Culture to Rise Up. The leader for this session will be Deacon Charles Owens. To register, please go HERE.
Here are a few church office updates…
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!!!
JOBS AT FRIENDSHIP
We invite you to visit the church website and see the jobs we have posted. We will post about eight positions over the next several weeks and months. Currently, we are posting two Executive Pastor Positions, a Marketing & Media Manager Position, and an Executive Assistant Position. We invite qualified candidates to apply. Go HERE to see the job postings.
VOLUNTEERISM
Remember Friendship; we are “Saved to Serve.” We had an excellent Ministry Volunteer Fair this past Sunday! Thank you to everyone who participated and signed up! We have decided to extend this Ministry Volunteer Fair to this Sunday, March 13th, between the first and second service. So, again, we invite you to stop by and sign up to serve.
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
Lastly, I wanted to thank you for responding to my appeal last week and Sunday! While we have not made up the entire deficit for the quarter just yet, we have already seen an increase in our giving. Thank you!
I want you to know that I am serious about my giving. I will never ask you to do what I don’t do myself. So not only do I work here, pastor here, and lead here, but I give here as well!
Many of you support and fund the vision of this church regularly. Thank you for standing firm with us and not abandoning the ship. Generosity and giving have little to do with how much you have. It has everything to do with the attitude of your heart and your faithfulness to God. So thank you for your faithfulness!
As I said last week, we have a lot of year in front of us. I am not worried. 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, and I am committed to keeping you up to date quarterly as well.
Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday, March 13th, at 2am. Set your clock forward an hour. Yes, we all lose an hour of sleep on Sunday. Most of us utilize our cell phones anyway, and it will do this automatically, but just in case, I thought I would remind you!
SIDE BY SIDE COUPLES MINISTRY
The next Side by Side Couples Ministry class for 2022 is this evening 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. 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. To join the session, go HERE.
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.
KINGDOM WIVES CLASS
Attention all wives, The Kingdom Wives class resumes tomorrow, Saturday, March 12th, from 9am to 10:30am. In this session, the Kingdom wives will continue in the book Sacred Marriage and focus on Chapter 12, Sacred Sexuality! Don’t miss this one!
WOMEN’S MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
Ladies, you are invited to join the Friendship Women’s Ministry Friday, March 18th, at 7pm for the next Virtual Women’s Ministry Fellowship. You are invited to hear Friendship’s own, Rev. Dr. Barbara Smith-Mustin, speak on A Lifelong Battle and what must be done to fight and win the battle against our adversary, the devil. To register, go HERE.
NEW WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY CLASS
We’re excited to announce the start of a new Women’s Bible Study on Wednesday, March 23rd at 7:30p. All women are welcome to join in a new study where we will focus on and learn about women in the Bible. Our study will be based on the book titled: “Ten Women of the Bible: One by One They Changed the World” by best-selling Christian author Max Lucado.
Participants will explore the lives of 10 pivotal biblical women, including Sarah, Rahab, Abigail, Esther, Sapphira, Mary Magdalene, and others. And see to answer these questions: Why did God choose these women? What set them apart? They lived in a different world than our own, but women today find themselves facing some of the same issues. Yet, even more, these women demonstrate a God who sees women where they are and loves them for who they are. By exploring their lives, participants of this study will identify essential and relevant truths God wants them to grasp and apply to their own lives.
The book for this study is a workbook and costs $10 per participant. Books will be available in the church office soon, and we’ll be sure ladies who plan to attend the class are notified when the books arrive. Ladies, we look forward to a great time together studying God’s Word and women. To join the class, go HERE.
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
Men join the RHEMA Men’s Ministry on Monday March 14th, at 7:00p via Zoom as we look at Chapter 1 of the Kingdom Men Rising book by Dr. Tony Evans. Chapter One is titled Chosen for the Challenge and includes these subtopics: We Are in This Together, Why We Must Rise. Chosen For Greatness, Greatness Is Coming, and Calling Our Culture to Rise Up. The leader for this session will be Deacon Charles Owens. To register, please go HERE.
Here are a few church office updates…
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!!!
JOBS AT FRIENDSHIP
We invite you to visit the church website and see the jobs we have posted. We will post about eight positions over the next several weeks and months. Currently, we are posting two Executive Pastor Positions, a Marketing & Media Manager Position, and an Executive Assistant Position. We invite qualified candidates to apply. Go HERE to see the job postings.
VOLUNTEERISM
Remember Friendship; we are “Saved to Serve.” We had an excellent Ministry Volunteer Fair this past Sunday! Thank you to everyone who participated and signed up! We have decided to extend this Ministry Volunteer Fair to this Sunday, March 13th, between the first and second service. So, again, we invite you to stop by and sign up to serve.
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
Lastly, I wanted to thank you for responding to my appeal last week and Sunday! While we have not made up the entire deficit for the quarter just yet, we have already seen an increase in our giving. Thank you!
I want you to know that I am serious about my giving. I will never ask you to do what I don’t do myself. So not only do I work here, pastor here, and lead here, but I give here as well!
Many of you support and fund the vision of this church regularly. Thank you for standing firm with us and not abandoning the ship. Generosity and giving have little to do with how much you have. It has everything to do with the attitude of your heart and your faithfulness to God. So thank you for your faithfulness!
As I said last week, we have a lot of year in front of us. I am not worried. 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, and I am committed to keeping you up to date quarterly as well.
General Church things to remember:
1 Corinthians 12:12-27 ESV; Romans 1:16-17 ESV
Prov. 22:4, II Cor.10:1, Col 3:12
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
- 2022 CHURCH THEME:
1 Corinthians 12:12-27 ESV; Romans 1:16-17 ESV
- MARCH PRAYER FOCUS:
Prov. 22:4, II Cor.10:1, Col 3:12
- BIBLE READING
- 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
- 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