PASTOR'S UPDATE MARCH 17, 2023
Happy Friday Friendship Family!
I trust and pray you are all doing well right where you are! I pray you are receiving every
spiritual blessing God has for you and that you are encouraged and not discouraged. I know I
said something similiar last week, but I like reiterating it!
Do you know that we serve a GOOD God? Do you know we serve a GREAT God? Well, we do.
We serve a GREAT God who is worthy of GREAT praise! You do not need a full band and
praise team to praise God. You should praise God right where you are. Yes, I’m serious. Why
don’t you pause your reading and give God praise? Praise Him for His goodness, His greatness,
and His faithfulness. Amen! Praise the Lord!
Look, there are a few things we need to update you on this week. I opted not to do a video this
week because those take time! So please patiently read what is here and use the information to your benefit, and share it with others!
Here are this week’s announcements…
WOMEN’S MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
Kingdom Women – TONIGHT! Join the Virtual Women’s Ministry Monthly Fellowship at 7:00 PM. Our guests, Rev. Belinda Wheaton-Wright & Rev. Freida Travis, will be speaking on Understanding Normal: Why We Crave Normal & The Shaking Of What Can Be Shaken based upon the book So Long, Normal: Living And Loving The Free Fall Of Faith by Author Laura Story. Laura writes,
I trust and pray you are all doing well right where you are! I pray you are receiving every
spiritual blessing God has for you and that you are encouraged and not discouraged. I know I
said something similiar last week, but I like reiterating it!
Do you know that we serve a GOOD God? Do you know we serve a GREAT God? Well, we do.
We serve a GREAT God who is worthy of GREAT praise! You do not need a full band and
praise team to praise God. You should praise God right where you are. Yes, I’m serious. Why
don’t you pause your reading and give God praise? Praise Him for His goodness, His greatness,
and His faithfulness. Amen! Praise the Lord!
Look, there are a few things we need to update you on this week. I opted not to do a video this
week because those take time! So please patiently read what is here and use the information to your benefit, and share it with others!
Here are this week’s announcements…
WOMEN’S MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
Kingdom Women – TONIGHT! Join the Virtual Women’s Ministry Monthly Fellowship at 7:00 PM. Our guests, Rev. Belinda Wheaton-Wright & Rev. Freida Travis, will be speaking on Understanding Normal: Why We Crave Normal & The Shaking Of What Can Be Shaken based upon the book So Long, Normal: Living And Loving The Free Fall Of Faith by Author Laura Story. Laura writes,
"You've been faced with circumstances beyond your control. Your plans are altered. But you have the blessing of a Father who loves you enough to take off the training wheels and place his beloved child in the best possible scenario for your good and growth. So Long, Normal guides you to leave behind the idols of comfort, caution, and routine so you can live strong and well, even when life takes an unwelcome turn. Losing your “normal” is not the end of the world but the beginning of a new adventure. It is possible to grow with grace through tough times, navigating the unknown secure in the knowledge that God is with you—every step of the way."
Ladies let’s get together and learn, so we can say So Long Normal – We’re Shaking It Off In 2023! Resister HERE.
YOUTH MINISTRY GAME NIGHT
Attention all youth 6th-12th Grade! Come out tonight from 7-9 pm for a night of fun and games. Let's take some time out to have fun and get to know one another better.
QUILTING OUTREACH
Do you quilt? Are you a seamstress? Or just someone who sews? We have a group here at Friendship seeking to make quilts for youth 5–18 years old who have cancer as part of the Linus Project and for other charitable organizations serving youth. This is an outreach opportunity.
The quilting day will occur on Saturday, March 19th, from 9am to 1:30pm in the Multipurpose Building at Friendship. If you have a portable sewing machine and/or sewing supplies (scissors, cutting boards, pins, etc.), please bring them. Fabric will be provided, and we are accepting 5” or 5 ½” fabric square donations. The goal is to assemble quilt blocks during this time. No quilting skills are required, just a willingness to help. If you have any questions, please text Karen Ammons (714) 782-4540 or Cecil Session (951) 318-2129 to confirm your participation.
MARCH IS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to spread the word about the importance of screening for colorectal cancer, starting at age 45. Join our Healthcare Ministry as they partner with St. Jude Medical Center, Endoscopy Department on Sunday, March 19th, 2023, from 9:30am -1:30pm, in the quad to receive valuable Colorectal Screening information. The Healthcare Ministry will also be providing blood pressure checks.
TEACHER'S MEETING
To all Bible Teachers and LEAD Graduates, our 1st Quarter Teacher’s Meeting will be held on Saturday, March 25th, at 10 a.m. Check you email for more information as an email went out last Friday! We will meet in person, at Friendship, in the Multi-Purpose Building. We look forward to seeing you and to our time together. In the email you also received some information regarding FREE, online conference titled, Black Church Sunday School Essentials: Ministering to the Post-Pandemic Pupil. This half-day intensive is offered by Lifeway Christian Resources and is uniquely designed for Black and Urban Church Educational Leaders and Sunday School Workers. Check your email for more information.
SINGLES MINISTRY CHAT-N-CHEW
Have you faced difficult situations, experienced loss, or had to make life-changing decisions? The reality is we have all had experiences that caused a shift, whether physical or emotional. But despite these sometimes unexpected circumstances, there is hope to rebuild with clarity and faith while navigating life in the New Normal.
Join us for a virtual fellowship on March 25, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Our guest speaker, Sis. Tanya Whiteside of The Whiteside Group, and a beloved member of Friendship Baptist Church, will lead the discussion and share with us on how we can Find Joy In The Unexpected! Register HERE. Don’t Delay…Register Today! We look forward to seeing you there!
BIBLE STUDY CLASS
If you’re seeking an adult Bible Study class to attend during the week, you’re invited to join a new study on the Book of Acts. This in-person class meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Carrington Building and is taught by Deacon Toreno Winn. This study recently started (two sessions held), and new members are welcomed! Register to attend: The Book of Acts Bible Study
HOLY WEEK
FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE
We also want to thank those who have already started to give for our FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE. This month (March), we request that you submit your PLEDGE FORM and begin making your pledges.
On the pledge form, please indicate your planned pledge amount and your frequency of giving. Again, if you have the printed form, please put your total pledge amount on the KICK STARTER LINE. Then tell us, on that form, whether you will give your pledge over 12 months or 15 months. Lastly, please tell us the frequency of your giving, whether you will give weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly (as a one-time gift). Also, the form is available online HERE.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT NEEDED
Also, I need an Executive Assistant. I will admit we do not offer the highest salary. Still, we offer a great work environment, medical benefits, a retirement package, and the satisfaction of working in a Christian environment and making a difference for the Kingdom of God. Qualified individuals should be highly organized, have problem-solving capabilities, and be willing to get things done! If that’s you or someone you know, please apply on our website HERE!
HEALTH SEMINAR
Second Baptist Church, in partnership with The Association of Black Cardiologists, Friendship Baptist, Johnson Chapel A.M.E., and Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. churches is hosting a series of ten community-based heart health educational sessions designed to provide the African American community with tools and resources to reduce cardiovascular disease and improve health outcomes by reducing disparities in cardiovascular disease.
These sessions began on Tuesday, January 24th. They are held weekly on Tuesdays, and four more sessions are left. Sessions go from 7pm until 8pm weekly. The sessions cover “Knowing Your Risk for Heart Disease.” Participants will learn about risk factors for heart disease. Specifically, the sessions will cover the following:
MEN NEEDED @ FOOD PANTRY
Attention, Men of Friendship. We need you! We need men to help us pick up donated food from area stores and other sources to serve those with food insecurity. There has been an increase in pick-ups from stores and other sources. We need pick-up drivers on Mondays and Fridays between 8:00am and 10:00am. This does require some mild lifting. Please contact Gloria Banks or Rev. Felton Christian at the church if you can assist during these times. You can reach Rev. Felton Christian HERE.
BEREAVEMENT COMMITTEE
We also need individuals to serve on our Bereavement Committee, assisting bereaved families at funerals during the repast. Losing a family member can be one of the most difficult and painful experiences a person will go through. Having a solid support system of friends and other family members is essential during such devastating times. If you are interested in serving, please contact the church office.
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.
YOUTH MINISTRY GAME NIGHT
Attention all youth 6th-12th Grade! Come out tonight from 7-9 pm for a night of fun and games. Let's take some time out to have fun and get to know one another better.
QUILTING OUTREACH
Do you quilt? Are you a seamstress? Or just someone who sews? We have a group here at Friendship seeking to make quilts for youth 5–18 years old who have cancer as part of the Linus Project and for other charitable organizations serving youth. This is an outreach opportunity.
The quilting day will occur on Saturday, March 19th, from 9am to 1:30pm in the Multipurpose Building at Friendship. If you have a portable sewing machine and/or sewing supplies (scissors, cutting boards, pins, etc.), please bring them. Fabric will be provided, and we are accepting 5” or 5 ½” fabric square donations. The goal is to assemble quilt blocks during this time. No quilting skills are required, just a willingness to help. If you have any questions, please text Karen Ammons (714) 782-4540 or Cecil Session (951) 318-2129 to confirm your participation.
MARCH IS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a great time to spread the word about the importance of screening for colorectal cancer, starting at age 45. Join our Healthcare Ministry as they partner with St. Jude Medical Center, Endoscopy Department on Sunday, March 19th, 2023, from 9:30am -1:30pm, in the quad to receive valuable Colorectal Screening information. The Healthcare Ministry will also be providing blood pressure checks.
TEACHER'S MEETING
To all Bible Teachers and LEAD Graduates, our 1st Quarter Teacher’s Meeting will be held on Saturday, March 25th, at 10 a.m. Check you email for more information as an email went out last Friday! We will meet in person, at Friendship, in the Multi-Purpose Building. We look forward to seeing you and to our time together. In the email you also received some information regarding FREE, online conference titled, Black Church Sunday School Essentials: Ministering to the Post-Pandemic Pupil. This half-day intensive is offered by Lifeway Christian Resources and is uniquely designed for Black and Urban Church Educational Leaders and Sunday School Workers. Check your email for more information.
SINGLES MINISTRY CHAT-N-CHEW
Have you faced difficult situations, experienced loss, or had to make life-changing decisions? The reality is we have all had experiences that caused a shift, whether physical or emotional. But despite these sometimes unexpected circumstances, there is hope to rebuild with clarity and faith while navigating life in the New Normal.
Join us for a virtual fellowship on March 25, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Our guest speaker, Sis. Tanya Whiteside of The Whiteside Group, and a beloved member of Friendship Baptist Church, will lead the discussion and share with us on how we can Find Joy In The Unexpected! Register HERE. Don’t Delay…Register Today! We look forward to seeing you there!
BIBLE STUDY CLASS
If you’re seeking an adult Bible Study class to attend during the week, you’re invited to join a new study on the Book of Acts. This in-person class meets weekly on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Carrington Building and is taught by Deacon Toreno Winn. This study recently started (two sessions held), and new members are welcomed! Register to attend: The Book of Acts Bible Study
- Wednesday, April 5th ~ Holy Week Revival at Christ Our Redeemer ~ Irvine, CA ~ 7pm (Pastor Curry Preaching & Friendship Choir Singing) ~ Time TBA.
- Thursday, April 6th ~ Maundy Thursday Service @ Friendship @ 7:30pm
- Friday, April 7th ~ Good Friday Service ~ Christ Second Baptist ~ Long Beach, CA~ 7pm (Pastor Curry Lecturing & Friendship Choir Singing ~ Preacher: Dr. Marcus Cosby (Houston, TX) ~ Time TBA.
- Sunday, April 9th ~ Resurrection Sunday ~ Three Services ~ 5:30am, 8am, & 11:30am
- Friday, April 14th ~ Post Resurrection Sunday Concert ~ Peace Tour (Cinque Cullar) ~ @ Friendship @ 7:30pm
FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE
We also want to thank those who have already started to give for our FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE. This month (March), we request that you submit your PLEDGE FORM and begin making your pledges.
On the pledge form, please indicate your planned pledge amount and your frequency of giving. Again, if you have the printed form, please put your total pledge amount on the KICK STARTER LINE. Then tell us, on that form, whether you will give your pledge over 12 months or 15 months. Lastly, please tell us the frequency of your giving, whether you will give weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly (as a one-time gift). Also, the form is available online HERE.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT NEEDED
Also, I need an Executive Assistant. I will admit we do not offer the highest salary. Still, we offer a great work environment, medical benefits, a retirement package, and the satisfaction of working in a Christian environment and making a difference for the Kingdom of God. Qualified individuals should be highly organized, have problem-solving capabilities, and be willing to get things done! If that’s you or someone you know, please apply on our website HERE!
HEALTH SEMINAR
Second Baptist Church, in partnership with The Association of Black Cardiologists, Friendship Baptist, Johnson Chapel A.M.E., and Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. churches is hosting a series of ten community-based heart health educational sessions designed to provide the African American community with tools and resources to reduce cardiovascular disease and improve health outcomes by reducing disparities in cardiovascular disease.
These sessions began on Tuesday, January 24th. They are held weekly on Tuesdays, and four more sessions are left. Sessions go from 7pm until 8pm weekly. The sessions cover “Knowing Your Risk for Heart Disease.” Participants will learn about risk factors for heart disease. Specifically, the sessions will cover the following:
- How to control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
- How to prepare healthy food, particularly African American dishes
- How to be more physically active, have a healthy weight, and quit smoking
MEN NEEDED @ FOOD PANTRY
Attention, Men of Friendship. We need you! We need men to help us pick up donated food from area stores and other sources to serve those with food insecurity. There has been an increase in pick-ups from stores and other sources. We need pick-up drivers on Mondays and Fridays between 8:00am and 10:00am. This does require some mild lifting. Please contact Gloria Banks or Rev. Felton Christian at the church if you can assist during these times. You can reach Rev. Felton Christian HERE.
BEREAVEMENT COMMITTEE
We also need individuals to serve on our Bereavement Committee, assisting bereaved families at funerals during the repast. Losing a family member can be one of the most difficult and painful experiences a person will go through. Having a solid support system of friends and other family members is essential during such devastating times. If you are interested in serving, please contact the church office.
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.
General Church things to remember:
Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
2 Cor 13:11: Philp 4:6-7; Psalm 4:8; 2 Thes 3:16; Col 3:15
✔️ 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)
Well, that’s all we have this week. I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Continue to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Stay Connected!
God loves you, and so do I!
In His Service,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
- 2023 CHURCH THEME:
Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
- MARCH PRAYER FOCUS:
2 Cor 13:11: Philp 4:6-7; Psalm 4:8; 2 Thes 3:16; Col 3:15
- 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)
- WEEKLY HEALTH WALK
- IN-PERSON EX-HOUR: We invite you to stay after the first service or come earlier for the second service to attend Ex-Hour in person. Remember, we have two adult classes meeting in person on campus and 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.
- 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 in-person youth Ex Hour takes place during our designated EX Hour time in the Multipurpose Building. Parents, please encourage your students to join youth teachers for this biblically fun opportunity to learn God’s Word, connect with others, and grow.
- CHILDREN’S EX-HOUR: As stated in previous weeks, our Children’s ExHour is back and meets on Sundays at 10am in the Multipurpose Building. Parents, please note you must check in and check out your children weekly for Ex-hour.
- MOMMIES WITH BABIES: We have our Mommies with Babies class simultaneously during EX-Hour in the Multipurpose Building. Mommies with two years old and younger children are invited to this EX-HOUR class and are encouraged to bring their children with them! Come for encouragement, community, and growth! Amen!
- 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.
Well, that’s all we have this week. I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Continue to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Stay Connected!
God loves you, and so do I!
In His Service,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor