PASTOR'S UPDATE MARCH 28, 2024
Greetings, Friendship Family…
It is Holy Week, and Resurrection Sunday is coming. Praise the Lord! I love Resurrection Sunday. This is my favorite time of the year.
Resurrection Sunday is a Celebration Sunday. It is not a competition Sunday. We are not competing with Satan and the forces of darkness. Christ has already won, so it is not the Superbowl Sunday of Christianity! Additionally, it is not a comparison Sunday! We are not comparing one church or worship service against another! Resurrection Sunday is a Sunday of unity for the church universal. We come together to celebrate, not compare!
As we approach the celebration of Christ’s resurrection may we remember four things:
3. May we remember the IMPACT of the resurrection.
4. Lastly, may we remember the INSPIRATION of the resurrection, which is hope! Jesus’
He is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End.
He is working in all things, through all things, and writing His story on the tablets of our hearts. And He’s been doing this from generation to generation since the beginning of time. Amen.
It is Holy Week, and Resurrection Sunday is coming. Praise the Lord! I love Resurrection Sunday. This is my favorite time of the year.
Resurrection Sunday is a Celebration Sunday. It is not a competition Sunday. We are not competing with Satan and the forces of darkness. Christ has already won, so it is not the Superbowl Sunday of Christianity! Additionally, it is not a comparison Sunday! We are not comparing one church or worship service against another! Resurrection Sunday is a Sunday of unity for the church universal. We come together to celebrate, not compare!
As we approach the celebration of Christ’s resurrection may we remember four things:
- May we remember the IMPORTANCE of the gospel.
As Paul reminds the Corinthians, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday all bring Christians back to meditate on Christ’s death, and why He died; His burial, the grave; and His resurrection, and how what that means for us receiving the righteousness of Christ. That’s the gospel. The whole gospel. May we remember the importance of the Gospel.
2. May we remember the central IDEA of the gospel, that is salvation.
Easter pulls us back to the core, the central idea, of the gospel which is the grace we have in Christ, and reminds us that we are saved, that we are now being saved, and we will be saved by Christ and His work, and not by our own work. How easy it is to act as though God saved us, and now we’re working really hard to keep ourselves saved! No! Salvation is all grace, and Easter reminds us, even as we fail, that He will never fail us.
3. May we remember the IMPACT of the resurrection.
The impact of the resurrection is we are changed! When Paul met the resurrected Christ (Acts 9), he was never and could never be the same. Paul was fully immersed in God’s unconditional favor because of Jesus, and his life can only be called extraordinary after that. Easter reminds us that grace changes us, and His grace creates risk-takers who trust Him and follow Him, making an impact in the world!
4. Lastly, may we remember the INSPIRATION of the resurrection, which is hope! Jesus’
Resurrection is a model for what ours will be like. An instantaneous change, an imperishable body; immortality; the death of death; victory, triumph, not on our own, but in Jesus. Easter reminds us to hope! Hope encourages us over and over and over again. No matter how bad life is, there is always hope that dead things can be resurrected new! For God’s glory alone! Soli Deo Gloria!
He is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End.
He is working in all things, through all things, and writing His story on the tablets of our hearts. And He’s been doing this from generation to generation since the beginning of time. Amen.
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Let’s celebrate the Resurrection! Be encouraged.
Before I give you the announcements, let me say “THANK YOU” for your presence, participation, and partnership in our Groundbreaking & Construction Re-launch Ceremony this Past Sunday! It was unifying, encouraging, and simply amazing!
Thank you staff, leaders, members, supporters, visitors, haters, everyone!
Before I give you the announcements, let me say “THANK YOU” for your presence, participation, and partnership in our Groundbreaking & Construction Re-launch Ceremony this Past Sunday! It was unifying, encouraging, and simply amazing!
Thank you staff, leaders, members, supporters, visitors, haters, everyone!
Now here are this week's announcements...
EASTER IS COMING!
We are celebrating/commemorating HOLY WEEK - March 24- March 31
Good Friday Service @ Friendship:
Friday, March 29th, here at Friendship at 12 Noon is our good Friday Service: The Significance of the Cross - Seven Last Sayings! This will be an exciting and memorable time:
Our speakers:
We are celebrating/commemorating HOLY WEEK - March 24- March 31
Good Friday Service @ Friendship:
Friday, March 29th, here at Friendship at 12 Noon is our good Friday Service: The Significance of the Cross - Seven Last Sayings! This will be an exciting and memorable time:
Our speakers:
- Pastor Welton Pleasant, Christ Second Baptist Church, Long Beach, CA
- Pastor Jeremy Whittington, Prayer Center Church, Los Angeles, CA
- Rev. Wayne Gaddis, Jr, Youth Pastor, Greater St. Augustine MBC, Los Angeles, CA
- Pastor Rikki Ferrell, Greater New Bethel Baptist Church, Inglewood, CA
- Minister Stevie Wakes, Associate, The Burning Bush Baptist Church, Victorville, CA
- Dr. Jawane Hilton, Pastor, Brister Baptist Church, Compton, CA
- Pastor Keith Tolbert, Life Center Church, San Bernardino, CA
Lunch Available After Service:
After our Good Friday service, we will have lunch available at the church for those who would like to participate. It’s a taco bar lunch. It's $5 per person. We will have chicken, beef, and seafood options, along with punch and water! This is cash only!
After our Good Friday service, we will have lunch available at the church for those who would like to participate. It’s a taco bar lunch. It's $5 per person. We will have chicken, beef, and seafood options, along with punch and water! This is cash only!
Good Friday Night Service @ Christ Second Baptist, Long Beach:
At 7pm on Good Friday, we will join Pastor Welton Pleasant and the Christ Second Baptist Church Family for their God Friday service. 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! We have a FREE bus available for this outing. We can transport 56 passengers. Priority is given to our choir members and our seniors. Please get in touch with the church office if you have any questions.
At 7pm on Good Friday, we will join Pastor Welton Pleasant and the Christ Second Baptist Church Family for their God Friday service. 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! We have a FREE bus available for this outing. We can transport 56 passengers. Priority is given to our choir members and our seniors. Please get in touch with the church office if you have any questions.
Resurrection Sunday (Easter):
Sunday, March 31st, is Resurrection Sunday, and we will have three services that day.
Sunday, March 31st, is Resurrection Sunday, and we will have three services that day.
- Sunrise Service, Sunday, March 31st, at 5:30am, with guest preacher Pastor Samuel J. Casey and music from the Wrecking Crew!
- Celebration Worship Services @ 8:00am and 11:30am
- On Resurrection Sunday, the Children and Youth will also have special activities during the 11:30am worship time. Children Pre-K-5th grade will celebrate the resurrection, enjoy games, AND hunt for eggs. Youth grades 6-12 will also celebrate with a special resurrection day youth service in the basement.
- Children & Youth Easter Program @ 10:00am
- Children grades Pre-K-5th grade will present speeches about the meaning of Easter. Our Youth 6th-12th grade will be performing a skit.
NEW CLASS OFFERING - HERMENEUTICS
A New Hermeneutics Class will begin Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 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 through 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, from 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 through 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
FAMILY PRAYER SERVICE
Join us virtually on Friday, April 5th at 7:30pm , for our Monthly Prayer Meeting. 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 April is Walking in the Joy of the Lord . So please join us virtually via Google Meet 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 virtually on Friday, April 5th at 7:30pm , for our Monthly Prayer Meeting. 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 April is Walking in the Joy of the Lord . So please join us virtually via Google Meet 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.
WIDOW/WIDOWER EVENTS - APRIL 6
On April 6th, we will have two special events for widows and widowers.
On April 6th, we will have two special events for widows and widowers.
LOSS OF A SPOUSE SEMINAR
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. To register please go to the GriefShare webpage HERE. We hope to see you there.
Widow and Widowers Luncheon
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!
SAFETY TEAM
The Friendship Safety Team is currently recruiting new members. We need more women and coverage for the 2nd service.
The prerequisites are:
We also would like to appeal to those in Law Enforcement Officers or Retired LEOs. We would love to you on the team, but we know that many of you want to just worship and leave the job at the job. The Safety team, however, just needs to know who you are and where you (in the service) are in case of an emergency.
If interested please contact Pastor Rodney Friend HERE.
The Christian Education and Deacon Ministry will host a Widow and Widowers Luncheon. Come enjoy an afternoon of fellowship, food, games, and encouraging connections with others on the life journey after their spouse's loss. Please register HERE as soon as possible to secure your seat at the luncheon.
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. We just need you to register: HERE
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!
SAFETY TEAM
The Friendship Safety Team is currently recruiting new members. We need more women and coverage for the 2nd service.
The prerequisites are:
- Member in good standing. New Members must complete new member's class to be officially added to the team. However, they are able to serve will attending the class.
- Ability to serve the entire service. We ask that they show up 30 mins prior to the start of service and stay until the end of service, preferably until all the parishioners leave.
- Be available for special services/events, as needed.
We also would like to appeal to those in Law Enforcement Officers or Retired LEOs. We would love to you on the team, but we know that many of you want to just worship and leave the job at the job. The Safety team, however, just needs to know who you are and where you (in the service) are in case of an emergency.
If interested please contact Pastor Rodney Friend HERE.
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 Commemorative Book Pre-Sales
Our 60th Anniversary Commemorative book is on the way. We will start taking pre-sales, today, Friday, March 15, 2024, online and on Sundays after each worship service. The book is only $75.00. Friendship family, friends, and guests, we need you to support this great milestone. Sixty faithful years of ministry! What a blessing it will be to look back over the years to see what God has done in our ministry and faith community. For more information, contact the church office. To purchase your Commemorative Book, go HERE.
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 Commemorative Book Pre-Sales
Our 60th Anniversary Commemorative book is on the way. We will start taking pre-sales, today, Friday, March 15, 2024, online and on Sundays after each worship service. The book is only $75.00. Friendship family, friends, and guests, we need you to support this great milestone. Sixty faithful years of ministry! What a blessing it will be to look back over the years to see what God has done in our ministry and faith community. For more information, contact the church office. To purchase your Commemorative Book, go HERE.
LOVE YORBA LINDA
Friendship, we have been invited to participate in Love Yorba Linda 2024. This is a citywide community service day, on Saturday, April 27, 2024!
It is a day where volunteers come together to complete community service projects across the city. This is a great opportunity for us to put feet to the message we heard from Acts chapter 4:32-5: 11 the first point was “The Value of Community” and & Acts 6:1-7 the fourth point was, “Ultimately the Goal of Ministry Is Expansion. Last year, Love Yorba Linda had over 1,000 volunteers that completed 50 projects!
Friendship, while there were very few of us among this number, we have another opportunity to show we do value the community by taking the opportunity to expand our ministry efforts and presence beyond our walls. Let’s join in by serving alongside the members who live in the community where we worship.
Each volunteer receives a Love Yorba Linda shirt when they arrive at 8am for the rally and then they head out to their community service project that is completed by noon.
All of the information to sign up is in the flyer above. Tap or click to enlarge the flyer or go HERE.
Friendship, we have been invited to participate in Love Yorba Linda 2024. This is a citywide community service day, on Saturday, April 27, 2024!
It is a day where volunteers come together to complete community service projects across the city. This is a great opportunity for us to put feet to the message we heard from Acts chapter 4:32-5: 11 the first point was “The Value of Community” and & Acts 6:1-7 the fourth point was, “Ultimately the Goal of Ministry Is Expansion. Last year, Love Yorba Linda had over 1,000 volunteers that completed 50 projects!
Friendship, while there were very few of us among this number, we have another opportunity to show we do value the community by taking the opportunity to expand our ministry efforts and presence beyond our walls. Let’s join in by serving alongside the members who live in the community where we worship.
Each volunteer receives a Love Yorba Linda shirt when they arrive at 8am for the rally and then they head out to their community service project that is completed by noon.
All of the information to sign up is in the flyer above. Tap or click to enlarge the flyer or go HERE.
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)
Look, Friendship, that's all I have today.
Pray for me as I prepare for Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday morning!
Remember this, God loves you and so do I.
Be encouraged!
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 have 278 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.
Look, Friendship, that's all I have today.
Pray for me as I prepare for Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday morning!
Remember this, God loves you and so do I.
Be encouraged!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
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