PASTOR'S UPDATE JANUARY 5, 2024
Happy New Year Friendship Family!
I greet you in the great name of Jesus this first week of 2024! God, by His grace, has allowed us to see a New Year and see a New Season! AMEN! This New Year has several promises for us. I believe GOD has MORE in STORE in '24!
I greet you in the great name of Jesus this first week of 2024! God, by His grace, has allowed us to see a New Year and see a New Season! AMEN! This New Year has several promises for us. I believe GOD has MORE in STORE in '24!
More Mercy
More Grace
More Joy
More Peace
More Love
More Hope
MORE, MORE, MORE!
More Grace
More Joy
More Peace
More Love
More Hope
MORE, MORE, MORE!
Our theme this year is Advancing and Expanding... for God’s Glory ALONE!
We are using Ephesians 3: 20-21 which states:
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Yes, we are still people of Resilient Faith, but God is advancing us and expanding us in this next season! Join us as we go forward and grow wider in Him! Amen!!!
We are using Ephesians 3: 20-21 which states:
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Yes, we are still people of Resilient Faith, but God is advancing us and expanding us in this next season! Join us as we go forward and grow wider in Him! Amen!!!
Moving on...
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Christmas Eve Service, our New Year's Eve Worship Service, and our Watch Night Service. All three services were encouraging, enlightening, and inspiring! I trust and pray you were inspired, encouraged and blessed.
Again, Happy New Year!
Please note most Bible Studies start back next week. Check out the church website or with your Bible Study Teacher for more information.
We are now taking requests for 2023 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS now. You can request your statement HERE.
Now on to this week's announcements...
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Christmas Eve Service, our New Year's Eve Worship Service, and our Watch Night Service. All three services were encouraging, enlightening, and inspiring! I trust and pray you were inspired, encouraged and blessed.
Again, Happy New Year!
Please note most Bible Studies start back next week. Check out the church website or with your Bible Study Teacher for more information.
We are now taking requests for 2023 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS now. You can request your statement HERE.
Now on to this week's announcements...
FAMILY PRAYER SERVICE
Join us TONIGHT, January 5th, for our first Monthly Prayer Meeting of 2024. We gather and have prayer every Friday evening before the First Sunday. This service is a time for us to pray through the monthly prayer focus, come together as a worship community, and prepare for the First Sunday. The prayer focus for January is Walking in the Will of God. So please join us TONIGHT for prayer! Also, pray that Friendship will continue to do the work to Build The Kingdom in every area of our church. To join at 7:30 pm, go HERE.
Join us TONIGHT, January 5th, for our first Monthly Prayer Meeting of 2024. We gather and have prayer every Friday evening before the First Sunday. This service is a time for us to pray through the monthly prayer focus, come together as a worship community, and prepare for the First Sunday. The prayer focus for January is Walking in the Will of God. So please join us TONIGHT for prayer! Also, pray that Friendship will continue to do the work to Build The Kingdom in every area of our church. To join at 7:30 pm, go HERE.
KINGDOM WIVES BIBLE STUDY RESUMES TOMORROW
The Kingdom Wives Bible study resumes tomorrow, Saturday, January 6th at 9:00 am virtually via Zoom. The wives will kick off the year with a new study entitled A Wife After God’s Own Heart from the book bearing the same name by Elizabeth George. Join Lady Karima and her team of committed wives as they dive into this study. You don't want to miss this time of community and growth. For more info, go HERE.
The Kingdom Wives Bible study resumes tomorrow, Saturday, January 6th at 9:00 am virtually via Zoom. The wives will kick off the year with a new study entitled A Wife After God’s Own Heart from the book bearing the same name by Elizabeth George. Join Lady Karima and her team of committed wives as they dive into this study. You don't want to miss this time of community and growth. For more info, go HERE.
COMMUNION SUNDAY, JANUARY 7
This Sunday, January 7th, is the first Sunday so we will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper.
Communion is fundamentally all about Jesus. Focusing on Jesus helps us avoid being distracted by side issues. Jesus instituted communion for his disciples to remember his death and sacrifice. At its core, communion is a celebration, remembrance, and proclamation of Christ’s death.
So please plan to join us this Sunday for Communion. If you can’t join us this Sunday, prepare your elements and join us virtually for worship and communion. HERE are the instructions for preparing your elements at home.
NEW MEMBERS' CLASS
We will begin a new 8-week New Members Class session on Sunday, January 7th. If you joined Friendship, but have not completed the New Members Class, we strongly encourage you to complete this 8-week course which will introduce you to the foundational beliefs, biblical doctrine, and operations of our church. This course takes place in-person on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am. To register, go HERE.
LA CHARGERS FAITH & FAMILY DAY
Friendship Baptist Church has been invited to Faith and Family Day this Sunday, January 7th as they take on Super Bowl Champs – the Kansas City Chiefs!
Kick off is at 1:25pm and the game will be followed by a Q&A with team Chaplain, George Gregory, and running back Joshua Kelley, as they discuss their faith while answering your questions. The event will conclude with an on-field prayer! All guests will also receive give away items courtesy of HeGetsUs. To purchase discounted tickets and participate in this event, go to their website HERE.
This Sunday, January 7th, is the first Sunday so we will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper.
Communion is fundamentally all about Jesus. Focusing on Jesus helps us avoid being distracted by side issues. Jesus instituted communion for his disciples to remember his death and sacrifice. At its core, communion is a celebration, remembrance, and proclamation of Christ’s death.
So please plan to join us this Sunday for Communion. If you can’t join us this Sunday, prepare your elements and join us virtually for worship and communion. HERE are the instructions for preparing your elements at home.
NEW MEMBERS' CLASS
We will begin a new 8-week New Members Class session on Sunday, January 7th. If you joined Friendship, but have not completed the New Members Class, we strongly encourage you to complete this 8-week course which will introduce you to the foundational beliefs, biblical doctrine, and operations of our church. This course takes place in-person on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am. To register, go HERE.
LA CHARGERS FAITH & FAMILY DAY
Friendship Baptist Church has been invited to Faith and Family Day this Sunday, January 7th as they take on Super Bowl Champs – the Kansas City Chiefs!
Kick off is at 1:25pm and the game will be followed by a Q&A with team Chaplain, George Gregory, and running back Joshua Kelley, as they discuss their faith while answering your questions. The event will conclude with an on-field prayer! All guests will also receive give away items courtesy of HeGetsUs. To purchase discounted tickets and participate in this event, go to their website HERE.
21-DAY FAST BEGINS JANUARY 8TH
Please note that our time of prayer and fasting for 2024 begins Monday, January 8th and goes through Sunday, January 28th. This is a 21 Day Fast of your choosing and you may chose the time that your fast will begin. You can choose in complete fast, selective fast, partial fast, or a soul fast. You must govern your own fast and grow closer to God.
THERE is a FASTING GUIDE designed by Pastor Miles McPherson and The Rock Church and adapted for Friendship that we have used for the last three years. It is designed to help you choose and fasting method by explaining the four types of fast mentioned above. Get it HERE.
As with last year, we will have a daily prayer line available. So, I invite you to join us each day for prayer at 12 Noon beginning Monday, January 8th via our prayer line on Google Meet. The information for the prayer line is the same as our regular one - To join at Noon, click HERE
We have prayer leaders for each day as follows:
Please note that our time of prayer and fasting for 2024 begins Monday, January 8th and goes through Sunday, January 28th. This is a 21 Day Fast of your choosing and you may chose the time that your fast will begin. You can choose in complete fast, selective fast, partial fast, or a soul fast. You must govern your own fast and grow closer to God.
THERE is a FASTING GUIDE designed by Pastor Miles McPherson and The Rock Church and adapted for Friendship that we have used for the last three years. It is designed to help you choose and fasting method by explaining the four types of fast mentioned above. Get it HERE.
As with last year, we will have a daily prayer line available. So, I invite you to join us each day for prayer at 12 Noon beginning Monday, January 8th via our prayer line on Google Meet. The information for the prayer line is the same as our regular one - To join at Noon, click HERE
We have prayer leaders for each day as follows:
- Monday: Pastor Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
- Tuesday: Lady Karima Curry
- Wednesday: Rev. Jaron Singley
- Thursday: Sister Leshon Archer
- Friday: Deacon James Shelby
- Saturday: Sister Melanie Porter
- Sunday: Rev. Rodney Friend
MEN'S MONTHLY GATHERING
The Next Men’s Gathering will take place on Monday, January 8th in the Multi-Purpose Building.
Brothers you are invited to join us for the NCAA Football Championship Potluck and Game Night here at the church beginning at 4:30 pm, when the game starts. Come out to watch the football game and play your favorite games while enjoying a plethora of fine foods brought out by all of us.
The Next Men’s Gathering will take place on Monday, January 8th in the Multi-Purpose Building.
Brothers you are invited to join us for the NCAA Football Championship Potluck and Game Night here at the church beginning at 4:30 pm, when the game starts. Come out to watch the football game and play your favorite games while enjoying a plethora of fine foods brought out by all of us.
SIDE BY SIDE COUPLES GATHERING
The next Side by Side Couples Ministry Session will take place on Friday, January 12th at 7pm via Zoom. This group is studying the book US IN MIND by Ted Lowe. The link to join the ZOOM class on Friday evenings is listed HERE. Should you have any questions, please contact Deacon Hilton McDaniel (949) 652-1489 or email Sheila McDaniel HERE. We look forward to you joining the class.
The next Side by Side Couples Ministry Session will take place on Friday, January 12th at 7pm via Zoom. This group is studying the book US IN MIND by Ted Lowe. The link to join the ZOOM class on Friday evenings is listed HERE. Should you have any questions, please contact Deacon Hilton McDaniel (949) 652-1489 or email Sheila McDaniel HERE. We look forward to you joining the class.
MUSIC OF THE MARCH
The Arts & Learning Conservatory Invites You to attend their Music of the March Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration & Tribute on Saturday, January 13th at the Irvine Barclay Theatre at 7:00pm. To purchase tickets for this show, go to their website HERE.
There will also be a free, pre-show concert – Rhythms of Freedom – from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, in the lobby of the Barclay Theatre on that same day. It will be an interactive and electrifying drumming performance by the renowned drummers of Disney's "Lion King". For more information on this, go to their webpage HERE.
A FEW MORE THINGS TO NOTE
The Arts & Learning Conservatory Invites You to attend their Music of the March Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration & Tribute on Saturday, January 13th at the Irvine Barclay Theatre at 7:00pm. To purchase tickets for this show, go to their website HERE.
There will also be a free, pre-show concert – Rhythms of Freedom – from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, in the lobby of the Barclay Theatre on that same day. It will be an interactive and electrifying drumming performance by the renowned drummers of Disney's "Lion King". For more information on this, go to their webpage HERE.
A FEW MORE THINGS TO NOTE
- Please note the church offices will be closed on Monday, January 15th to celebrate and observe the Martin Luther King Holiday.
- Convocation 2023 is still being planned and we will update you on this in next week's update. It is scheduled to take place January 16th through the 18th here at Friendship!
- Leaders, we have our first Leadership Meeting of the year on Saturday, January 20th at 10:00am. Please plan your schedule accordingly. Also, please note the church calendar is available online at our website.
- We will have our annual State of the Church Address on Sunday, January 21st.
YOUTH NEW YEAR'S PARTY
Calling all youth 6th-12th Grade! Sunday, January 14th @ 11:30 am,in the Carrington Building Basement. Let's get together and celebrate the new year and plan and pray for what's ahead. We are planning a fun time of games, music, food and prizes. Feel free to bring your friends!
Calling all youth 6th-12th Grade! Sunday, January 14th @ 11:30 am,in the Carrington Building Basement. Let's get together and celebrate the new year and plan and pray for what's ahead. We are planning a fun time of games, music, food and prizes. Feel free to bring your friends!
SHARE JESUS AS YOU GO
Are you one of the many Christians who find sharing the gospel with others daunting, stressful,
and adversarial? Especially when you think about the threats of the changing culture you’ll have to face? The issues is not necessarily willingness but preparedness.
Join us for "Live Ready" - Sharing Jesus as you Go. This class is set to begin January 23, 2024. This is an opportunity to strengthen our faith as we courageously move forward in our call to share the Gospel. The objectives of the class is to clarify the Christian’s role and responsibilities to, and in sharing the gospel. To build the students confidence in carrying out the great commission in practical conversations and biblically consistent ways. The Class will run for seven weeks. To register, go HERE.
NEW IN-PERSON BIBLE STUDY: PRAY FIRST
Adults of all ages are invited to attend a new Bible study based on the book, Pray First by Chris Hodges. How do you approach prayer? In this 13-week study we'll gain tools to bring joy to our time with God and discover biblically grounded methods for making prayer a priority and not an afterthought. This new class will be held in-person at the church on Thursday evenings and starts January 25th at 7:30 p.m. Class materials include a book and study guide. Participants are asked to please order both via any of the following: Faithgateway.com, Christianbook.com, or Amazon. Facilitators: Deacon Al Upshur & Sis. Melanie Porter. To register, go HERE
BIBLE TEACHING CONFERENCE: GATEWAY SEMINARY
Mark your Calendars! All teachers and LEAD graduates are invited to attend this year's Bible Teaching Conference taking place at Gateway Seminary on Saturday, January 27th starting at 9 a.m. This year's theme is Shaping Lives. Many of us attended last year and gained valuable insights and learnings to equip and encourage us as we serve in Christian Education Ministry. Please join us again! RSVPs can be emailed to Sis. Le Shon Archer @ [email protected] or Lady Karima @ [email protected]. An email invite and reminder will be sent to all teachers and LEAD Graduates shortly.
NEW WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY BEGINS JANUARY 31ST
All ladies are encouraged and welcome to join us for a new study titled, Galatians: Free & Accepted, by Jada Edwards. Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt unaccepted? In this 12-week series, we’ll study the importance of knowing that you are wholly and fully accepted in Christ, by Christ, and through Christ. This new study starts Wednesday, January 31st at 7:30 p.m. and will be held virtually. Ladies, please order your study guide (which includes access to streaming video) via one of the following: Faithgateway.com, Christianbook.com, or Amazon. Facilitators: Rev. Belinda Wright & Rev. Fredia Travis. To register, go HERE
Are you one of the many Christians who find sharing the gospel with others daunting, stressful,
and adversarial? Especially when you think about the threats of the changing culture you’ll have to face? The issues is not necessarily willingness but preparedness.
Join us for "Live Ready" - Sharing Jesus as you Go. This class is set to begin January 23, 2024. This is an opportunity to strengthen our faith as we courageously move forward in our call to share the Gospel. The objectives of the class is to clarify the Christian’s role and responsibilities to, and in sharing the gospel. To build the students confidence in carrying out the great commission in practical conversations and biblically consistent ways. The Class will run for seven weeks. To register, go HERE.
NEW IN-PERSON BIBLE STUDY: PRAY FIRST
Adults of all ages are invited to attend a new Bible study based on the book, Pray First by Chris Hodges. How do you approach prayer? In this 13-week study we'll gain tools to bring joy to our time with God and discover biblically grounded methods for making prayer a priority and not an afterthought. This new class will be held in-person at the church on Thursday evenings and starts January 25th at 7:30 p.m. Class materials include a book and study guide. Participants are asked to please order both via any of the following: Faithgateway.com, Christianbook.com, or Amazon. Facilitators: Deacon Al Upshur & Sis. Melanie Porter. To register, go HERE
BIBLE TEACHING CONFERENCE: GATEWAY SEMINARY
Mark your Calendars! All teachers and LEAD graduates are invited to attend this year's Bible Teaching Conference taking place at Gateway Seminary on Saturday, January 27th starting at 9 a.m. This year's theme is Shaping Lives. Many of us attended last year and gained valuable insights and learnings to equip and encourage us as we serve in Christian Education Ministry. Please join us again! RSVPs can be emailed to Sis. Le Shon Archer @ [email protected] or Lady Karima @ [email protected]. An email invite and reminder will be sent to all teachers and LEAD Graduates shortly.
NEW WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY BEGINS JANUARY 31ST
All ladies are encouraged and welcome to join us for a new study titled, Galatians: Free & Accepted, by Jada Edwards. Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt unaccepted? In this 12-week series, we’ll study the importance of knowing that you are wholly and fully accepted in Christ, by Christ, and through Christ. This new study starts Wednesday, January 31st at 7:30 p.m. and will be held virtually. Ladies, please order your study guide (which includes access to streaming video) via one of the following: Faithgateway.com, Christianbook.com, or Amazon. Facilitators: Rev. Belinda Wright & Rev. Fredia Travis. To register, go HERE
FAITHFUL GIVING
I want to say thank you for your giving and partnership. Your faithful giving allows us to increasingly do the work of ministry for our members AND to everyone the Lord sends to us and sends us to. Let’s keep giving to make Friendship a PRODUCTIVE CHURCH! You may give HERE.
General Church things to remember:
Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
Psalm 25:4-5; Rom. 12:2; Eph. 5L:15-20; 1 Thes. 5:16-18; 1 Tim. 2:3-4
member to read one of six Bible reading plans in the year. Consider joining a Bible-reading
small group that will be starting soon! The 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)
7:00 am to 7:35 am led by Rev. Aubrey Craig and Sister Sandra Jones. This is a 30-minute
walk. The walking group will meet on the corner of Bastanchury Road and Rose Drive. If you
want to participate, show up with water and energy snacks. Water and snacks will not be
provided. For more information, please call Sister Sandra Jones at 909-438-7217.
a Young Adult Class. They meet as follows:
Well, that’s all I have to say this week BELOVED!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AGAIN!
Continue to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected
God loves you, and so do I!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
I want to say thank you for your giving and partnership. Your faithful giving allows us to increasingly do the work of ministry for our members AND to everyone the Lord sends to us and sends us to. Let’s keep giving to make Friendship a PRODUCTIVE CHURCH! You may give HERE.
General Church things to remember:
- 2024 CHURCH THEME:
Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
- JANUARY PRAYER FOCUS:
Psalm 25:4-5; Rom. 12:2; Eph. 5L:15-20; 1 Thes. 5:16-18; 1 Tim. 2:3-4
- BIBLE READING
member to read one of six Bible reading plans in the year. Consider joining a Bible-reading
small group that will be starting soon! The 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)
- WEEKLY HEALTH WALK
7:00 am to 7:35 am led by Rev. Aubrey Craig and Sister Sandra Jones. This is a 30-minute
walk. The walking group will meet on the corner of Bastanchury Road and Rose Drive. If you
want to participate, show up with water and energy snacks. Water and snacks will not be
provided. For more information, please call Sister Sandra Jones at 909-438-7217.
- IN-PERSON EX-HOUR:
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 Carl Randolph.
- 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 10:00 am 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 EX-Hour 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 6:30 am, 12:00 pm, and 6:30 pm. To connect with our prayer services, please follow this link HERE or dial in at +1 (413) 418-4274 and use the PIN 287683504#.
- Friendship FOOD BANK OPEN: The Friendship 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, 2:30 pm-4:30 pm.
Well, that’s all I have to say this week BELOVED!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AGAIN!
Continue to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected
God loves you, and so do I!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
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