PASTOR'S UPDATE MARCH 1, 2024
Greetings Friendship Family…
I pray you are well. As we start the month of March, I want to remind us that God is with us. Even in a hard season. God is with us!
Everyone goes through trials and tough seasons. While no one wants to walk through life’s difficult days, God promises that He will be with you all along the way. In Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV), the Bible says: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Oh, the beauty of God’s truth! No, we don’t have the promise that everything will be perfect or that life will be free from sorrow. But we do have the promise that He will be with us all along the way. We have the promise that everything is well with our souls. Whatever we face, the promise of Heaven still remains. Whatever we do, there is still grace upon grace.
Be encouraged!
I pray you are well. As we start the month of March, I want to remind us that God is with us. Even in a hard season. God is with us!
Everyone goes through trials and tough seasons. While no one wants to walk through life’s difficult days, God promises that He will be with you all along the way. In Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV), the Bible says: “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Oh, the beauty of God’s truth! No, we don’t have the promise that everything will be perfect or that life will be free from sorrow. But we do have the promise that He will be with us all along the way. We have the promise that everything is well with our souls. Whatever we face, the promise of Heaven still remains. Whatever we do, there is still grace upon grace.
Be encouraged!
Now here are this week's announcements...
Join us TONIGHT, March 1st for our Monthly Prayer Meeting. This is an In-Person PRAYER MEETING. We gather and have prayer every Friday evening before the First Sunday. Usually, we meet virtually but once a quarter we meet in person. Our monthly prayer 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 March is Rejoicing in the Resurrection of our LORD. This month will be an exciting time of prayer and I hope to see you tonight in the Sanctuary as we pray together!
A WIFE AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART
Wives! Tomorrow, March 2nd, in the next WIVES CLASS. It meets virtually from 9:00-10:30 am via ZOOM. Join Lady Karima, and other Friendship wives as they as they continue this impactful study entitled A Wife after God's Own Heart from the book bearing the same name by Elizabeth George. This class is open for new members at any time. To receive the Zoom link to the class, register today, and bring a friend! Go HERE.
Wives! Tomorrow, March 2nd, in the next WIVES CLASS. It meets virtually from 9:00-10:30 am via ZOOM. Join Lady Karima, and other Friendship wives as they as they continue this impactful study entitled A Wife after God's Own Heart from the book bearing the same name by Elizabeth George. This class is open for new members at any time. To receive the Zoom link to the class, register today, and bring a friend! Go HERE.
HIGH CHURCH - FIRST SUNDAY, MARCH 3RD
I look forward to our HIGH CHURCH Worship Service this SUNDAY! It is the first one of 2024! "High Church" is the phrase we use for a more liturgical worship. Some might call it Old School Church. Whatever the case, its designed to help us appreciate our roots and honor God in a different way. Our leaders will wear their OFFICIAL UNIFORMS/DRESS ATTIRE and we will celebrate communion together! The Deacons will lead us in devotion service so get to church early as we will start 15 minutes earlier than we normally start.
Also, we plan to take pictures of some of our ministries on Sunday, March 3rd. So ministry leaders, we want to encourage you to have your members here on the First Sunday. We will take pictures before and after each service and we will have a schedule and location for you. We want to capture these ministry photos so we can include these in the Anniversary Book. Again, wear your official uniforms or whatever the uniform is for your ministry. Here is a tentative schedule for this Sunday (we plan to have two photographers):
MINISTRY PHOTOS NEEDED
Ministry leaders don't forget that we need photos from your ministries from the last three years to be included in our 60th Anniversary Celebration Book. You can email those photographs HERE ([email protected]). We would love to include those photos in the book. Send what you have and the team will decide if it can be included or not! THANKS!!!
60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
I want to remind you that Friendship is turning 60 this year so very excited about that will be celebrating all year long and we want you to be apart of what’s going on. There’s still time to get your congratulatory message and you can go HERE or stop by the table on Sunday after church so that we can get that in.
I look forward to our HIGH CHURCH Worship Service this SUNDAY! It is the first one of 2024! "High Church" is the phrase we use for a more liturgical worship. Some might call it Old School Church. Whatever the case, its designed to help us appreciate our roots and honor God in a different way. Our leaders will wear their OFFICIAL UNIFORMS/DRESS ATTIRE and we will celebrate communion together! The Deacons will lead us in devotion service so get to church early as we will start 15 minutes earlier than we normally start.
Also, we plan to take pictures of some of our ministries on Sunday, March 3rd. So ministry leaders, we want to encourage you to have your members here on the First Sunday. We will take pictures before and after each service and we will have a schedule and location for you. We want to capture these ministry photos so we can include these in the Anniversary Book. Again, wear your official uniforms or whatever the uniform is for your ministry. Here is a tentative schedule for this Sunday (we plan to have two photographers):
- 7:30 am - Prayer Posse' (Sanctuary) and First Impressions
- 9:40 am - Deacons (Sanctuary) and Scholarship Ministries (Quad)
- 9:45 am - Deaconess (Sanctuary) and CYYA (Quad)
- 9:50 am - Ministers (Sanctuary)
- Most Christian Ed Groups (FBI, Women's, etc.) will take place next week, March 10
MINISTRY PHOTOS NEEDED
Ministry leaders don't forget that we need photos from your ministries from the last three years to be included in our 60th Anniversary Celebration Book. You can email those photographs HERE ([email protected]). We would love to include those photos in the book. Send what you have and the team will decide if it can be included or not! THANKS!!!
60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
I want to remind you that Friendship is turning 60 this year so very excited about that will be celebrating all year long and we want you to be apart of what’s going on. There’s still time to get your congratulatory message and you can go HERE or stop by the table on Sunday after church so that we can get that in.
SIDE BY SIDE COUPLES MINISTRY
The next Side by Side Couples Ministry Session will take place on Friday, March 8th at 7pm via Zoom. This group is studying the book US IN MIND by Ted Lowe. This month they are in Chapter 5. How changing your thoughts can change your marriage!
The link to join the ZOOM class on Friday evenings is 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, March 8th at 7pm via Zoom. This group is studying the book US IN MIND by Ted Lowe. This month they are in Chapter 5. How changing your thoughts can change your marriage!
The link to join the ZOOM class on Friday evenings is 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.
BOY SCOUT TROOP CAR WASH
Our Boy Scout Troop, TROOP 1083, is having a CAR WASH. Its is Saturday, March 9th from 8AM-2PM. Come support our Boy Scouts!
Our Boy Scout Troop, TROOP 1083, is having a CAR WASH. Its is Saturday, March 9th from 8AM-2PM. Come support our Boy Scouts!
WOMEN'S MONTHLY VIRTUAL FELLOWSHIP
Kingdom Women – Join us for our Virtual Women’s Ministry Monthly Fellowship on Friday, March 15th at 7:00 p.m. Our guest, Rev. Franchesca White, will teach about Naomi: A Woman of the Bible Who Changed the World through Prayer based upon the book When Women Pray - 10 Women Who Changed The World Through Prayer by Bishop T.D. Jakes. Bishop Jakes writes,
Kingdom Women – Join us for our Virtual Women’s Ministry Monthly Fellowship on Friday, March 15th at 7:00 p.m. Our guest, Rev. Franchesca White, will teach about Naomi: A Woman of the Bible Who Changed the World through Prayer based upon the book When Women Pray - 10 Women Who Changed The World Through Prayer by Bishop T.D. Jakes. Bishop Jakes writes,
We all understand that difficult circumstances are part of life. We all know that trials and tragedies will touch us at some point, and we expect them. We anticipate them. We do our best to be prepared for those moments when they come. But sometimes the depth and the breadth of those circumstances go way beyond our expectations. Sometimes what we view as a difficult moment can stretch into a season. Not just a struggle, but a season of struggle. Not just a single trial or tragedy, but a season of trials and tragedies. In those seasons when it seems like everything that can go wrong does go wrong, it’s easy to believe life will never be the same. It’s easy to believe God has forgotten about you. It’s easy to believe you’ve come under a curse and will never recover. That’s what Naomi believed. That’s what she experienced. Winston Churchill said, “If you’re going through hell—keep going.” That’s good advice, but I would change it a little bit to this: “If you’re going through hell, keep praying.” Because prayer is what will get you through.
Ladies let’s get together and learn because When Women Pray, Curses Are Turned Into Blessings!
FOUNDATIONS EVANGELISM CONFERENCE
Evangelism Conference at Gateway Seminary on Saturday, March 16. To register for Foundations: Reasons We Believe, a one-day workshop focused on apologetics for the church, go HERE.
By purchasing your ticket here, you will save $5 because of the special group rate that Friendship has. Currently, we have 10 spots, which are first come-first served. After payment is received, we will email your ticket to you as soon as possible.
Evangelism Conference at Gateway Seminary on Saturday, March 16. To register for Foundations: Reasons We Believe, a one-day workshop focused on apologetics for the church, go HERE.
By purchasing your ticket here, you will save $5 because of the special group rate that Friendship has. Currently, we have 10 spots, which are first come-first served. After payment is received, we will email your ticket to you as soon as possible.
YOUNG ADULT LADIES TEA
On Saturday, March 16. We will have the young adult ladies tea. For more information, you may scan the QR code above. For more info please contact LeShon Archer, in our Christian Education & Discipleship ministries HERE. We would love to have the young adults ladies (Ages 18-35) participate in this tea as we seek to connect generationally with them.
On Saturday, March 16. We will have the young adult ladies tea. For more information, you may scan the QR code above. For more info please contact LeShon Archer, in our Christian Education & Discipleship ministries HERE. We would love to have the young adults ladies (Ages 18-35) participate in this tea as we seek to connect generationally with them.
MEN'S PRAYER BREAKFAST
Will be on Saturday, March 23rd. Enjoy a great time of fellowship and encouragement with other Christian men. We have breakfast, a time of worship, and we will pray for the needs in our lives, church, community, nation, and world.
We are learning from God and His Word how to have a powerful prayer life that will impact us personally, and make a difference in the world. You will be blessed!
More info to come very soon. Save the Date!
Will be on Saturday, March 23rd. Enjoy a great time of fellowship and encouragement with other Christian men. We have breakfast, a time of worship, and we will pray for the needs in our lives, church, community, nation, and world.
We are learning from God and His Word how to have a powerful prayer life that will impact us personally, and make a difference in the world. You will be blessed!
More info to come very soon. Save the Date!
EASTER IS COMING!
We are preparing for HOLY WEEK
March 24- March 31
We are preparing for HOLY WEEK
March 24- March 31
- March 24 Palm Sunday
- Good Friday Service, Friday March 29th here at Friendship at 12 Noon
- Good Friday Night Service @ Christ Second Baptist, Pastor Welton Pleasant. Pastor Curry will offer the Lecture and the Rev. Dr. Marcus Cosby (Pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church of Houston, Texas) will be the speaker! Also, our choir will sing!
- Sunrise Service, Sunday March 31st at 5:30 am
- Worship Service @ 8:00 am and 11:30 am
- Children & Youth Easter Program @ 10:00 am
NEW CLASS OFFERING - HERMENEUTICS
A New Hermeneutics Class will begin Saturday March 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 pm. Hermeneutics is the method of interpreting the meaning of text or Scriptures. Over the centuries many Christians have abused the Bible by their “proof-texting:” Using the bible like a telephone book of text they cite by chapter and verse to prove their viewpoint. This approach can, and has led to many distortions and errors.
The course will help participants learn how to accurately interpret God’s Word and develop a sound interpretive system. This class will be offered virtually and taught by Rev. Patrick Christian. To join in, go HERE
A New Hermeneutics Class will begin Saturday March 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 pm. Hermeneutics is the method of interpreting the meaning of text or Scriptures. Over the centuries many Christians have abused the Bible by their “proof-texting:” Using the bible like a telephone book of text they cite by chapter and verse to prove their viewpoint. This approach can, and has led to many distortions and errors.
The course will help participants learn how to accurately interpret God’s Word and develop a sound interpretive system. This class will be offered virtually and taught by Rev. Patrick Christian. To join in, go HERE
LOSS OF A SPOUSE SEMINAR - APRIL 6
Friendship is pleased to present another GriefShare event. This event is specifically for those who are grieving the loss of a spouse. We are hosting the "Loss of A Spouse" seminar and would be honored if you chose to journey with us through this event. Our hope is that you would gain comfort, and some practical coping skills from this seminar that will assist you as you continue to navigate through your new reality.
All attendees of the "Loss of A Spouse" seminar are also welcome to join us on campus for our Widow and Widowers Luncheon immediately following the seminar. The seminar will be held here at Friendship on Saturday April 6, 2024 at 10:00 am. To register please go to the GriefShare webpage HERE. We hope to see you there.
CHILDREN'S & YOUTH WORSHIP SERVICES
We are excited to announce that our Youth Worship Service is back. All youth 6th-12th Grade are welcome to join in. Come out as we continue this series called Bible Basics where we discover how we got the Bible and why we can trust that the Bible truly is the Word of God. The Youth praise team leads worship and there will also be games and fun. They meet in the Carrington Building Basement. Young people, JOIN IN!
Friendship is pleased to present another GriefShare event. This event is specifically for those who are grieving the loss of a spouse. We are hosting the "Loss of A Spouse" seminar and would be honored if you chose to journey with us through this event. Our hope is that you would gain comfort, and some practical coping skills from this seminar that will assist you as you continue to navigate through your new reality.
All attendees of the "Loss of A Spouse" seminar are also welcome to join us on campus for our Widow and Widowers Luncheon immediately following the seminar. The seminar will be held here at Friendship on Saturday April 6, 2024 at 10:00 am. To register please go to the GriefShare webpage HERE. We hope to see you there.
CHILDREN'S & YOUTH WORSHIP SERVICES
We are excited to announce that our Youth Worship Service is back. All youth 6th-12th Grade are welcome to join in. Come out as we continue this series called Bible Basics where we discover how we got the Bible and why we can trust that the Bible truly is the Word of God. The Youth praise team leads worship and there will also be games and fun. They meet in the Carrington Building Basement. Young people, JOIN IN!
FAITHFUL GIVING
We want to say thank you for your giving and partnership. YOUR GIVING MATTERS! 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
Philippians 2:8-11; Romans 6:8-11
✔ 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)
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. We continue our series in Acts because we are On the Move! We will be Acts and we pray that God will speak to us in a very real and a specific way. I look forward to seeing you.
Remember this, God loves you. He loves me. He loves us and we are grateful that He is on our side.
I’ll see you Sunday. Have a great weekend.
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
We want to say thank you for your giving and partnership. YOUR GIVING MATTERS! 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
- MARCH PRAYER FOCUS:
Philippians 2:8-11; Romans 6:8-11
- BIBLE READING
We invite everyone to consider reading God’s Word this year! As of today, you have304 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. 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
Remember, Health Care Ministry is sponsoring a weekly Health Walk every Saturday from 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:
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 Carl Randolph.
- Young Adults Class (Carrington Building Rooms 207-208): This class is designed for those aged 18-35.
- VIRTUAL 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.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. We continue our series in Acts because we are On the Move! We will be Acts and we pray that God will speak to us in a very real and a specific way. I look forward to seeing you.
Remember this, God loves you. He loves me. He loves us and we are grateful that He is on our side.
I’ll see you Sunday. Have a great weekend.
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
Posted in Pastor\\\'s Update
No Comments