SERVICE: SUNDAYS AT 8:00AM & 11:30AM

PASTOR’S WEEKLY UPDATE SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

 PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY
SOME ANNOUNCEMENTS WRITTEN HERE ARE NOT IN THE VIDEO

We are now Mask Optional for worship on Sundays!!!

Check our information on the 2022 Pastoral Anniversary 
HERE
Greetings Friendship Family, 

Thank God for another week and another day! An old song by Tessie Hill says…
Just Another Day that the Lord has kept me!
He has kept me from all evil with my mind stayed on Him!
Just another day that the Lord has kept me!
Beloved, as we go throughout our lives, it is prudent to acknowledge God’s presence and power in our lives. In Genesis, God promises Jacob in a dream that “I am with you and will keep you wherever you go” (Genesis 28:15 ESV). As we live our lives, we must live with the realization that God’s watchfulness is with us. It is His protection and presence that holds us no matter what happens! Essentially we must know that God stands guard over us in the present and the future.
Just another Day that the Lord has kept me!
I told you last week was busy. Well, this week was equally busy, and I am still here, and it’s by the grace of God!
Just another Day that the Lord has kept me!
Thank you for your prayer and your support. I really appreciate you, Friendship! I appreciate you more than you will ever realize.
NATIONAL BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY
This Sunday, we will celebrate National Back to Church Sunday, September 18th.

You are invited to join us as we GET IN THE GAME! 

National Back to Church Sunday is a call to action and invitation
– action for the church, invitation for the world.

Now, more than ever, people need Jesus and a caring community or church where they can belong, grow and flourish. Prayerfully, you have extended the invitation to your friends, family, and coworkers. There’s still time - go to http://www.wearefriendship.church/game to get the virtual fliers and email or text them to your people. We need to get the word out that everyone is invited!

At Friendship, we believe the Bible is true and that it tells us how we can obtain new life through a personal relationship with God. Likewise, the Bible provides practical answers to life’s questions for all willing to listen and obey what it teaches.

Again, our theme for this day is “Get in the Game!” As the start of the football season gets underway, we call each of us to action. The attire for the day is to represent your favorite team

Let’s “Get in the Game!”

Also, this week we encourage you to share our social media posts! We know many of you have Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Help your church get the word out! We will make “Get in the Game” posts. Will you make the pass? Share, share, share!

Remember, we are Mask Optional for worship on Sundays.
MASK OPTIONAL
We moved back to our Masks Optional phase for Sunday Worship. So yes, Masks are optional now for worship. You are welcome to join us for in-person worship if you choose to continue to wear a mask or not. We recognize some of you may prefer to wear a mask as a personal choice or to protect a family member who may be at high risk. We understand.

A safe worship environment is still our goal. We encourage physical distancing when possible. If you don’t feel well or think you may have been infected, please remain at home and worship with us via the Live Stream. Remember our refrain: We pray, we don’t panic, we take precautions, and we remain patient.

NEW VACCINES AVAILABLE
As many of you know, new strain-specific COVID vaccines are now available. Everyone ages five and older are eligible for the vaccination booster. Please check with your healthcare provider for more information and determine when you should get your next vaccination booster shot.

Here are a few highlighted announcements…

WOMEN’S MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
Ladies, tonight is the night. It’s Ladies’ Night! Tonight is the Virtual Women’s Monthly Fellowship, and it kicks off at 7pm sharp. Ladies, we need your face in the place as my wife, Lady Karima Curry, speaks on the topic, Well Water Women of the Word in “In Every Season.”  It’s not too late to head over to the events page of our website and get more information, and register to attend this event. Register HERE.

TEACHER’S MEETING
To all Bible teachers and LEAD Academy graduates: As a reminder, our 3rd Quarter Teacher’s Meeting will be held tomorrow, Saturday, September 17th, at 10a. We will meet in person in the Multi-Purpose Building at 10a. We pray you can join us as we review highlights from 2022 thus far and discuss breathing life into Sunday School and Bible Study. This is our last scheduled Teacher’s Meeting for 2022. If you cannot attend, please respond to the email invite, so we can plan accordingly and ensure you receive the information discussed. We look forward to gathering together and seeing you tomorrow at 10a.

BIBLE STUDIES

⚫ Women’s Bible Study: This Wednesday, September 21st, all ladies are invited to join us as we start a new Bible study titled “Learning Contentment in a Culture of More.” This 12-week study will focus on the book of Numbers and help us see ourselves in the story of the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness. Though God led them out of slavery and provided for all their needs, they grumbled and chose to go their way instead of following God’s instructions. Through their story, we’ll learn how to be content in deliverance, preparation, uncertainty, obedience, opposition, and blessings.

Books will be available for purchase this Sunday on the 1st floor of the Carrington Building between services and after 11:30a service. The cost per book is $10. The class starts at 7:30p and will be held virtually. Please utilize the following link to enroll in this class: Women’s Bible Study: Numbers, Learning Contentment in a Culture of More

⚫ Singles Class: All singles are invited to participate in a new Bible study titled, Be Still. A Simple Guide to Quiet Times. This class starts Thursday, October 6th at 7p and will be held virtually. For some, these two simple words, “be still,” are a welcome invitation to slow down. Others feel impossible, out of reach in our increasingly noisy world, or simply too hard to maintain. This 7-session study will equip you with the tools needed to deepen your relationship with God and help you see that even amid a busy life, you can spend quiet time with God.

Books will be available for purchase this Sunday between services and after the 11:30a service on the 1st floor of the Carrington Building. The cost per book is $15. Please utilize the following link to enroll in this class: Singles Bible Study: Be Still

⚫ Bible Reading Small Groups ~ October 2022: As we quickly approach the final quarter of 2022, we want to encourage all who desire to complete a Bible reading plan by year-end to know: There’s still time for you to do so! Starting next month, we will offer several Bible Reading Small Groups. These groups are designed to promote reading a Bible plan in community with others and accountability. As many of you may recall, we offered Bible Reading Small Groups earlier this Spring. After the Spring sessions, almost 40 participants completed one of the reading plans after 90 days! To God be the glory! Additional information on joining a Bible Reading Group is coming soon.

⚫ New Members Class: If you’ve recently become a member of Friendship or are a member who has never attended the New Members Class, we invite you to attend a new session starting on Sunday, October 2nd. Over eight weeks, this class teaches what we believe about fundamental Christian doctrines, including Salvation, the Trinity, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. In addition, this class provides a good foundation on key doctrines in the Bible. Join us at 10 a.m. on Sundays; we meet on the 2nd floor of the Carrington Building, Room 209.

MENTOR UP
Friendship Family, our outreach Ministry, partners with a program called Mentor Up. Mentor Up is a Christian ministry that meets weekly at various locations in Southern California, mentoring boys ages 8 to 18 through the GROUP MENTORING PROCESS! Everything happens in a group setting.

We aim to assist single parents with weekly relief by providing a viable outlet for the boys and you for a couple of hours each week. Mentor Up provides meals, games, sports activities, Bible study, or life skill topics/lessons. In addition, we have opportunities for outings to the beach, bowling, movies, miniature golf, etc. Finally, Mentor Up seeks to help single parents who need assistance with transportation by providing a carpool.

To register your son, please contact Chuck Divine at (949) 201-9495 or Houston Williams, a Friendship member, at (714) 318-0014.

We’ve been announcing the return of Mentor Up Ministry for Tuesday, September 20th. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond our control have delayed our return date until Tuesday, September 27th, from 6:00p – 8:00p.

SCHOLARSHIP MINISTRY
Parents and grandparents - Prayerfully, your young people are off to a great start in school this year. With the new academic year comes the start of a new year for our Scholarship ministry. The Scholarship Ministry is now taking open enrollment for all First through Twelfth grade students for the 2022-2023 school year. Representatives of the scholarship ministry will be in the quad after services on Sunday. Please visit their table for more information and even to sign up. You may also register HERE.  

We are also looking for mentors for our students. Mentors serve to encourage students and parents throughout the year. You may also inquire about serving as a mentor at the booth on Sunday.

CHILDREN & YOUTH CHOIR REHEARSAL
We are excited to announce we are working to bring our children & youth back to worship through singing on fourth Sundays. There is a rehearsal for them on Wednesday, September 21st, at 6p. This is for all children and youth ages 5-17. We request that all participants be vaccinated and provide proof of a negative home test before arriving at rehearsal and on the Sunday morning they sing. For more information contact Sonya Griffin via email HERE.

SOCAL HARVEST CRUSADE
The 2022 So Harvest Crusade will occur at the Angels Stadium of Anaheim on November 5th & 6th. This evangelistic hope-filled event encourages those anxious about what the future holds for this crazy mixed-up world. It is two days of music, community, and hearing a life-changing message from Pastor Greg Laurie about getting right with God. Please go HERE to understand the event and see how you can attend, spread the word, invite others, and serve. There are volunteer opportunities available. Please check the volunteer page HERE.

THE NEW PREACHING SERIES CONTINUES
Over the next few weeks, we will explore the book Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster. In these months – which are strange and unsettling – we want to be a voice that is encouraging and hopeful and one that points to Jesus. This book is a great resource that we can utilize to structure and guide our spiritual growth. I pray that when we get to the other side of this series, we will look just a little bit more like Jesus. Go HERE for a pdf copy of the book.

Lasting success in any enterprise or field of endeavor requires discipline. A scholar must be disciplined in her academic research and writing. Likewise, an NBA player must be disciplined in perfecting his craft through lots and lots of practice. The late Kobe Bryant was known not only for his singular talent but also for his tireless work ethic.  

Proper training, discipline, and hard work are indispensable for success in education, athletics, business, public speaking, or any other area. The same is true of the Christian life. A successful Christian life requires discipline in cultivating healthy habits and routines. This series will teach us the spiritual disciplines necessary to be all God has called us to and accomplish all God has called us to accomplish. I pray you will join me on the journey.

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
I want to reiterate my heartfelt appreciation for your faithfulness and financial support through giving, and thank you once again for your help in making ministry happen here at Friendship.

Friendship has been incredibly blessed to continue in ministry and grow through the pandemic, and I anticipate greater growth in the future. So much of our growth is due to the generosity of our members who return their tithe and practice over and above giving while keeping the great commission in view!  

Your faithful giving has helps us to do vital ministry work in the community, and with your continued support, we can carry on this legacy. Yes, your contribution will enable us to disciple, evangelize, and serve! So again, thank you for supporting Friendship and helping us to make a difference!

Don’t forget that there are multiple ways you can give to Friendship: cash (on Sundays) and check (anytime), and also you can give online, via your desktop, laptop, or smartphone at our website or the church mobile app. To give TODAY, please go HERE.

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION (CCCU)
Friendship has maintained a great relationship with the Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) as a trusted faith-based financial partner for many years. Recently, to positively impact our church, CCCU has pledged to donate $50.00 to Friendship Baptist Church anytime one of our members or attendees joins the credit union.

CCCU has a heart for missions and a commitment to supporting ministries such as our church. We encourage you to explore the positive impact Christian Community Credit Union is making by visiting their website www.mycccu.com or by calling our dedicated representative, Michael Antaramian, who is available anytime to answer questions or share more information. He CAN BE REACHED at 1.800.347.2228 extension 6224. Check out THIS link to CCCU as well; it is designed just for the Friendship Family.

COVID SAFETY UPDATE:
This Sunday, we return to a Mask Optional protocol for worship. A safe in-person worship experience is still our priority!

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

⚫ SEPTEMBER PRAYER FOCUS:
Praying that Body of Friendship is inspired to do the Work of God
Matt. 11;28; 1 Cor. 15:58; 2 Cor. 9:8; Col. 3:23-24.

⚫ BIBLE READING
You have 106 days to complete a Bible reading plan, including today. Friendship encourages 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. We now have two adult classes meeting in person on campus, along with a Young Adult Class. They meet as follows:
Adult Class One (Sanctuary): The team teaching in the sanctuary includes Lady Karima Curry, Pamela Jones, Deacon Demetrius Linebarger, Melanie Porter, Vivian Randolph, & Deacon James Shelby
Adult Class Two (Carrington Building Room 217): The team teaching in the Carrington Building Room 217 includes Le Shon Archer, Deacon Rick Archer, Karen Ammons, Gwen Matthews, and Rev. Phil Yoder.
Young Adults Class (Carrington Building Rooms 207-208): This class is designed for those aged 18-35.

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: A weekly Children’s Ministry Worship Video is provided to keep our children connected, encouraged, and worshipping! 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 +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! I look forward to seeing you Sunday for Back to Church Sunday!

Continue to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Stay Connected!

God loves you, and so do I! 


In His Service,
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/lK6ri-mjKfB2sIhmcqg2Hi5NyudCSRNzgARr3Mf2K6eUJbquKsJKTjRH8bwIsoC_hqMxDcBGgvz_iM-bLMT8GRoG7ZyW8HAgJwXEgcNgXaSzgCXTwPnItGvBjZf7eqWKVIIalN7w
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
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