PASTOR'S UPDATE APRIL 5, 2024
Greetings, Friendship Family…
It’s the first week of April, and we are in our Post-Resurrection Celebration time! I pray your Resurrection Sunday was amazing for you! I was blessed by everything that took place during Holy Week. I appreciated everyone serving in a variety of ways! As we settle into the post-resurrection season, let me give you this encouragement:
In Second Timothy, Paul writes his farewell letter to his beloved son in the ministry! It is a letter of encouragement! Paul urges Timothy, and ultimately us, to continually consider Jesus. In every situation, we should consciously shift our hope to the exalted Christ, the One who can make us more than conquerors.
In 2 Timothy 2:8, Paul says, “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and descended from David, according to my gospel.” (CSB) Here, Paul says remember your incarnate, crucified, and risen Savior! Note that this text does not say, “Remember things about Jesus Christ.” No, we are encouraged to Remember Jesus Christ Himself! Moreover, “remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead.” Remember your crucified Savior! He did die. And He died the terrible death of the crucifixion. “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.” In other words, remember your living Savior! Yes, He rose! Let’s not leave the resurrection celebration behind; carry it with you daily! Never forget him!
Now, what tempts us to forget? Sacrifice and suffering, setbacks and humiliation, and, above all, sin and self-centered pride. Therefore, we must work hard to keep Him at the center of our lives. Yes, continually remember Jesus Christ! That’s my message for us as we start the month of April. Remember Jesus! There is a song that says, “Always remember Jesus, Jesus! Always keep Him on your mind!” Amen!
As we start the month of April, there are several announcements and events that we want to encourage you to participate in!
It’s the first week of April, and we are in our Post-Resurrection Celebration time! I pray your Resurrection Sunday was amazing for you! I was blessed by everything that took place during Holy Week. I appreciated everyone serving in a variety of ways! As we settle into the post-resurrection season, let me give you this encouragement:
In Second Timothy, Paul writes his farewell letter to his beloved son in the ministry! It is a letter of encouragement! Paul urges Timothy, and ultimately us, to continually consider Jesus. In every situation, we should consciously shift our hope to the exalted Christ, the One who can make us more than conquerors.
In 2 Timothy 2:8, Paul says, “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and descended from David, according to my gospel.” (CSB) Here, Paul says remember your incarnate, crucified, and risen Savior! Note that this text does not say, “Remember things about Jesus Christ.” No, we are encouraged to Remember Jesus Christ Himself! Moreover, “remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead.” Remember your crucified Savior! He did die. And He died the terrible death of the crucifixion. “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.” In other words, remember your living Savior! Yes, He rose! Let’s not leave the resurrection celebration behind; carry it with you daily! Never forget him!
Now, what tempts us to forget? Sacrifice and suffering, setbacks and humiliation, and, above all, sin and self-centered pride. Therefore, we must work hard to keep Him at the center of our lives. Yes, continually remember Jesus Christ! That’s my message for us as we start the month of April. Remember Jesus! There is a song that says, “Always remember Jesus, Jesus! Always keep Him on your mind!” Amen!
As we start the month of April, there are several announcements and events that we want to encourage you to participate in!
Now here are this week's announcements...
FAMILY PRAYER SERVICE
Join us virtually tonight, 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, I pray that Friendship will continue to do the work to build the Kingdom of God in every area of our church. Our prayer? "Build Your Church, We're Your Church!" To join at 7:30 pm, go HERE.
I keep hearing that Song: Joy, Joy—God’s great joy! Joy—down in my soul. Sweet, Beautiful Soul-Saving Joy! Joy, Joy in my soul!
Join us virtually tonight, 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, I pray that Friendship will continue to do the work to build the Kingdom of God in every area of our church. Our prayer? "Build Your Church, We're Your Church!" To join at 7:30 pm, go HERE.
I keep hearing that Song: Joy, Joy—God’s great joy! Joy—down in my soul. Sweet, Beautiful Soul-Saving Joy! Joy, Joy in my soul!
KINGDOM WIVES
Friendship Kingdom Wives, don’t forget tomorrow, April 6th, is the next Kingdom Wives Class. It meets virtually from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. via Zoom. Join Lady Karima and other Friendship wives as they continue their study entitled A Wife After God’s Own Heart. This class is open to new members at any time. Register today using the link HERE to receive the Zoom link to the class.
Friendship Kingdom Wives, don’t forget tomorrow, April 6th, is the next Kingdom Wives Class. It meets virtually from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. via Zoom. Join Lady Karima and other Friendship wives as they continue their study entitled A Wife After God’s Own Heart. This class is open to new members at any time. Register today using the link HERE to receive the Zoom link to the class.
WIDOW/WIDOWER EVENTS - APRIL 6
On April 6th, we will have two special events for widows and widowers and its not too late to participate.
On April 6th, we will have two special events for widows and widowers and its not too late to participate.
LOSS OF A SPOUSE SEMINAR
Friendship is pleased to present another GriefShare event. This event is specifically designed for those who are grieving the loss of a spouse, acknowledging the unique challenges you may be facing. 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 will find solace, understanding, 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.
WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS LUNCHEON
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.
RHEMA MEN'S MONTHLY GATHERING
Men of Friendship, Monday, April 8th, is the next Men’s Ministry Monthly Fellowship. Brothers, you are invited to join us for a potluck and to watch the Men’s College Basketball Championship Game. Will it be North Carolina State vs. Alabama? Purdue vs. UConn? Or North Carolina vs. UConn? Or will it be Purdue vs. Alabama? We will know on Saturday. No matter who it is, you are invited to join the men and fellowship as we watch the game.
We will also try to get back to our Service Challenge Study.
The potluck and the game will begin at 6:00 p.m., and the Study will begin our study at 7:30 pm. Brothers, we hope to see you there!
Men of Friendship, Monday, April 8th, is the next Men’s Ministry Monthly Fellowship. Brothers, you are invited to join us for a potluck and to watch the Men’s College Basketball Championship Game. Will it be North Carolina State vs. Alabama? Purdue vs. UConn? Or North Carolina vs. UConn? Or will it be Purdue vs. Alabama? We will know on Saturday. No matter who it is, you are invited to join the men and fellowship as we watch the game.
We will also try to get back to our Service Challenge Study.
The potluck and the game will begin at 6:00 p.m., and the Study will begin our study at 7:30 pm. Brothers, we hope to see you there!
THE BIBLE IN 90 DAYS
Our Christian Education & Discipleship Ministry is offering a new Session of the BIBLE IN 90-Days class! This class is facilitated by Dr. Leseanda Wesson and Sister Millicent Crenshaw!
Yes, you can read the entire Bible in 90 days! In just about 12 pages a day, you'll reap the benefits of a proven, enjoyable, and unique group approach to reading and understanding the Bible.
The 90-Day Bible Class starts on Tuesday, April 9th, and will be held online at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays weekly. If you're unsure or unable to commit to reading the entire Bible in 90 days, consider joining the class to read just the Old Testament, New Testament, Pentateuch, or the Gospels. Go HERE for more info and to register.
Our Christian Education & Discipleship Ministry is offering a new Session of the BIBLE IN 90-Days class! This class is facilitated by Dr. Leseanda Wesson and Sister Millicent Crenshaw!
Yes, you can read the entire Bible in 90 days! In just about 12 pages a day, you'll reap the benefits of a proven, enjoyable, and unique group approach to reading and understanding the Bible.
The 90-Day Bible Class starts on Tuesday, April 9th, and will be held online at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays weekly. If you're unsure or unable to commit to reading the entire Bible in 90 days, consider joining the class to read just the Old Testament, New Testament, Pentateuch, or the Gospels. Go HERE for more info and to register.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COUPLES MINISTRY
Attention all married, engaged, and seriously dating couples, the next Side-by-Side couples class will take place on Friday, April 12th, at 7 p.m. via Zoom.
Join Deacon Hilton, Sister Shelia McDaniel, and other Friendship couples as they continue their study entitled Us In Mind by Ted Lowe. The topic for the next session will be "What do you think is the purpose of Marriage? "
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.
Attention all married, engaged, and seriously dating couples, the next Side-by-Side couples class will take place on Friday, April 12th, at 7 p.m. via Zoom.
Join Deacon Hilton, Sister Shelia McDaniel, and other Friendship couples as they continue their study entitled Us In Mind by Ted Lowe. The topic for the next session will be "What do you think is the purpose of Marriage? "
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.
WOMEN'S MINISTRY VIRTUAL FELLOWSHIP
Women of Friendship, please note the next Kingdom Women’s Virtual Women’s Ministry Monthly Fellowship will take place Friday, April 19th, at 7:00 p.m.
The guest speaker is the Rev. Dawnesha Beaver. She will teach about Mary—When Women Pray, God Brings Redemption & Reconciliation into Darkness. based upon the book When Women Pray - 10 Women Who Changed The World Through Prayer" by Bishop T.D. Jakes. Bishop Jakes writes:
Women of Friendship, please note the next Kingdom Women’s Virtual Women’s Ministry Monthly Fellowship will take place Friday, April 19th, at 7:00 p.m.
The guest speaker is the Rev. Dawnesha Beaver. She will teach about Mary—When Women Pray, God Brings Redemption & Reconciliation into Darkness. based upon the book When Women Pray - 10 Women Who Changed The World Through Prayer" by Bishop T.D. Jakes. Bishop Jakes writes:
"Redemption is a financial concept. It means “to buy out.” Originally, it was a term used when someone purchased the debt incurred by a slave—to redeem a slave meant to buy their freedom. That is what Jesus has done for us. He has redeemed us. He canceled the debt of our slavery to sin and purchased our freedom at the cost of His own life. Paul wrote that in Jesus, and in Jesus alone, “we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Eph. 1:7). Have you tasted that freedom? Do you want more life in your life? Do you want more light in your darkness? Do you want to see relationships healed and the very armies of heaven sent down to work on your behalf? Then pray. Because When Women Pray, God brings reconciliation and redemption into the darkness of this world."
Ladies, don't miss your blessing and a time to learn that something powerful happens When Women Pray! Register today, HERE.
Friendship, we have been invited to participate in Love Yorba Linda 2024, a citywide community service day on Saturday, April 27, from 8am to 12pm.
It is a day where volunteers come together to complete community service projects across OUR 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 & in 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 who completed 50 projects!
Friendship, let’s show up and show love for our city!
When volunteers arrive at 8 a.m. for the rally, they receive a Love Yorba Linda shirt (with our Church Logo on it!). All community service projects will be completed by noon. To pick your area of service, please scan the QR code above or go HERE.
It is a day where volunteers come together to complete community service projects across OUR 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 & in 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 who completed 50 projects!
Friendship, let’s show up and show love for our city!
When volunteers arrive at 8 a.m. for the rally, they receive a Love Yorba Linda shirt (with our Church Logo on it!). All community service projects will be completed by noon. To pick your area of service, please scan the QR code above or go HERE.
LEADERSHIP MEETING - STAY TUNED
Leaders, the Leadership Meeting is scheduled for the morning of Saturday, April 27th. In order to encourage maximum participation for the LOVE YORBA LINDA event, I am looking to start our Leadership Meeting later that day or MOVE it to another day. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience this might cause! STAY TUNED!
Leaders, the Leadership Meeting is scheduled for the morning of Saturday, April 27th. In order to encourage maximum participation for the LOVE YORBA LINDA event, I am looking to start our Leadership Meeting later that day or MOVE it to another day. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience this might cause! STAY TUNED!
LEAD ACADEMY
Also, we are excited to announce the start of our 2024 Leadership Excellence and Development (LEAD) Academy, starting on Thursday, May 2nd at 7 p.m.!
LEAD Academy is for all existing and aspiring leaders. This course offers meaningful discussion, readings, training videos, mentorship, and more - all in a hybrid learning environment (in-person, online, and self-study).
Our desire and goal is to develop existing and future church leaders. You do not need to hold a current leadership role or title within the church to participate. We especially welcome young adults and those aspiring to lead.
Join me, Lady Karima, Pastor Jaron, and Le Shon Archer as we LEARN to LEAD!
To sign up, go HERE.
Also, we are excited to announce the start of our 2024 Leadership Excellence and Development (LEAD) Academy, starting on Thursday, May 2nd at 7 p.m.!
LEAD Academy is for all existing and aspiring leaders. This course offers meaningful discussion, readings, training videos, mentorship, and more - all in a hybrid learning environment (in-person, online, and self-study).
Our desire and goal is to develop existing and future church leaders. You do not need to hold a current leadership role or title within the church to participate. We especially welcome young adults and those aspiring to lead.
Join me, Lady Karima, Pastor Jaron, and Le Shon Archer as we LEARN to LEAD!
To sign up, go 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:
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.
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.
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
John 11:23-26: Luke: 24:6-7; 1 Thess 4:14; Matt 28:5-6; 1 Peter 1:3: 1 Cor 15:3-4
✔ 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.
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
- APRIL PRAYER FOCUS:
John 11:23-26: Luke: 24:6-7; 1 Thess 4:14; Matt 28:5-6; 1 Peter 1:3: 1 Cor 15:3-4
- BIBLE READING
We invite everyone to consider reading God’s Word this year! As of today, you have 270 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.
- First Sunday Communion Service:
This Sunday is the First Sunday! It is Communion Sunday, I pray you will join us in person for worship and communion! If you will worship form home, check out the communion instructions so you can observe communion virtually HERE.
Look, Friendship, that's all I have today.
Remember this, God loves you and so do I.
Be encouraged!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
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