PASTOR'S UPDATE AUGUST 16, 2024
Hello, Friendship family!
Greetings, Friendship Family! I hope you are having a good Sabbath Rest. Sabbath Rest is more than just a break from our weekly routines; it’s a sacred time to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate our souls. It’s an opportunity to draw closer to God and find peace in His presence.
As we continue to enjoy this Sabbath Rest, the end of the summer, and the blessings that come with it, I pray you are encouraged by this past Sunday’s message entitled 'Encouragement Matters.' We explored how Paul, in Acts 20, made it a point to encourage the believers, reminding them to stay faithful, stay alert, and stay connected to the grace of God. In our own lives, let’s make it a priority to uplift one another, just as Paul did, recognizing that encouragement truly matters in our walk of faith.
I also invite you to check out the segment below this greeting and before the announcements that outlines some practical ways that you can find rest for your soul, particularly during this Sabbath Rest.
I want to thank everyone who lifted Lady Karima up in prayer while she was away in Africa for her job. I’m happy to share that she made it home safely, and we are so grateful for your love and support. I also want to remind you that I’ll be out of town this Sunday as Lady Karima and I take some time away for vacation. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we rest and recharge.
This Sunday, we are blessed to have Dr. Willie Nolte, former mission lead for Transformation Ministries, now known as Aspire Leadership Network, sharing the Word with us. Dr. Nolte has a powerful message prepared, and I encourage you to be here and be blessed by his ministry."
Our Wednesday morning prayer at 6:30 a.m. and noon will continue, but we’ll pause the evening prayer at 6:30 p.m. The church office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but there will be no evening meetings. Our food pantry will maintain its regular schedule.
Greetings, Friendship Family! I hope you are having a good Sabbath Rest. Sabbath Rest is more than just a break from our weekly routines; it’s a sacred time to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate our souls. It’s an opportunity to draw closer to God and find peace in His presence.
As we continue to enjoy this Sabbath Rest, the end of the summer, and the blessings that come with it, I pray you are encouraged by this past Sunday’s message entitled 'Encouragement Matters.' We explored how Paul, in Acts 20, made it a point to encourage the believers, reminding them to stay faithful, stay alert, and stay connected to the grace of God. In our own lives, let’s make it a priority to uplift one another, just as Paul did, recognizing that encouragement truly matters in our walk of faith.
I also invite you to check out the segment below this greeting and before the announcements that outlines some practical ways that you can find rest for your soul, particularly during this Sabbath Rest.
I want to thank everyone who lifted Lady Karima up in prayer while she was away in Africa for her job. I’m happy to share that she made it home safely, and we are so grateful for your love and support. I also want to remind you that I’ll be out of town this Sunday as Lady Karima and I take some time away for vacation. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we rest and recharge.
This Sunday, we are blessed to have Dr. Willie Nolte, former mission lead for Transformation Ministries, now known as Aspire Leadership Network, sharing the Word with us. Dr. Nolte has a powerful message prepared, and I encourage you to be here and be blessed by his ministry."
Our Wednesday morning prayer at 6:30 a.m. and noon will continue, but we’ll pause the evening prayer at 6:30 p.m. The church office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but there will be no evening meetings. Our food pantry will maintain its regular schedule.
Sabbath Rest:
“How do I refresh my soul and rest in God?”
Here are some practical ways to find rest for your soul:
“How do I refresh my soul and rest in God?”
Here are some practical ways to find rest for your soul:
- Prayer: Take the time to pray and slow your pace. As Jesus said in Matthew 11, “Come to me … and I will give you rest.”
- Remove Distractions: Our routines and habits can sometimes overwhelm or distract us. These distractions are not the same for everyone. Limiting or removing these distractions can help us refresh.
- Bible Study: Spending time in God’s word is one way to grow closer to Him. The Bible contains stories of hope, peace, and grace that we can all use during busy times.
- Practice Thankfulness: Another way to find rest for your soul is to practice thankfulness. Sometimes, we focus so much on what we need to do next or our goals that we don’t focus on God where we are, and we become worn down.
- Be Still: It is important to be still in His presence at times, to listen in silence, to go out in nature, and to enjoy God's wonders.
Now let's look at the announcements.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVEAWAY
Our Back to School Backpack and School Supply Giveaway will take place on Sunday, August 25th from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. YES CHURCH IS STILL TAKING PLACE! We are partnering with the NAACP of Orange County to kick off the 2024-2025 school year.
Parents, bring your children out for a fun day of play and praise! Get the school supplies you need! Your students will also have the opportunity to take selfies with a nice Back-To-School backdrop. We will have food vendors, cotton candy and more!!! Our scholarship ministries will be taking sign-ups for the new school year! The whole family can get their praise on at the 8:00 am and 11:30 am Services!
Right after the 11:30am service, at 1:30 pm, our College & Career Prep Ministry will be hosting a College Information Dialogue Session. There will be two separate panels: One for future college students and another for parents. Friendship, this is a great opportunity to invite families you know to worship with you and get ready for the school year.
Our Back to School Backpack and School Supply Giveaway will take place on Sunday, August 25th from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. YES CHURCH IS STILL TAKING PLACE! We are partnering with the NAACP of Orange County to kick off the 2024-2025 school year.
Parents, bring your children out for a fun day of play and praise! Get the school supplies you need! Your students will also have the opportunity to take selfies with a nice Back-To-School backdrop. We will have food vendors, cotton candy and more!!! Our scholarship ministries will be taking sign-ups for the new school year! The whole family can get their praise on at the 8:00 am and 11:30 am Services!
Right after the 11:30am service, at 1:30 pm, our College & Career Prep Ministry will be hosting a College Information Dialogue Session. There will be two separate panels: One for future college students and another for parents. Friendship, this is a great opportunity to invite families you know to worship with you and get ready for the school year.
MONTHLY FAMILY PRAYER SERVICE
Our next Family Prayer Service would be Friday, August 30th. We will not gather in-person OR virtually. We ask that you take time out and pray sometime this day. You can view our prayer list and see the theme for the month of September HERE.
Our next Family Prayer Service would be Friday, August 30th. We will not gather in-person OR virtually. We ask that you take time out and pray sometime this day. You can view our prayer list and see the theme for the month of September HERE.
2024 FALL REVIVAL
Revival 2024, to be held September 10th -12th. Services take place in person at 7:30 pm nightly here at Friendship. Our guest speaker is Pastor Kennedy Young of the East Gate Missionary Baptist Church of Dallas, TX. We are excited about all that God is going to do at this year’s Revival.
Revival 2024, to be held September 10th -12th. Services take place in person at 7:30 pm nightly here at Friendship. Our guest speaker is Pastor Kennedy Young of the East Gate Missionary Baptist Church of Dallas, TX. We are excited about all that God is going to do at this year’s Revival.
NATIONAL BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY
Looking WAY ahead, mark your calendars for Back to Church Sunday taking place Sunday, September 15th! This national event takes place on the third Sunday of September each year, where churches across America come together to invite their communities to church. Plan to be here and bring someone with you to this special event.
Looking WAY ahead, mark your calendars for Back to Church Sunday taking place Sunday, September 15th! This national event takes place on the third Sunday of September each year, where churches across America come together to invite their communities to church. Plan to be here and bring someone with you to this special event.
Kingdom Women,
Mark your calendars and plan on joining us as we celebrate 32 Years of W.O.R.D (Women of Radiant Design) Conference!
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Time: 9:00 A.M.
Cost: $75.00 (conference materials and lunch included)
Location: Friendship Baptist Church
The theme for this year’s conference is Kingdom Women: Pressing In When You're Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More. We are excited and waiting with tip-toe anticipation as our special guests and beloved sisters in ministry join us with a Timely Word and Timely Teaching.
And That's Not All! Be sure to join us on Sunday, October 20th as we celebrate Women’s Day-Praise In Pink at Friendship. Our guest speaker, Pastor Connie Jackson, will deliver a powerful Word at the 8:00 and 11:30 a.m. services. We invite FBC members and our guests to wear something pink in honor of breast cancer survivors and to honor the memory of those we lost to the disease.
Ladies, you don’t want to miss out on this Wonderful Women’s Weekend!
Mark your calendars and plan on joining us as we celebrate 32 Years of W.O.R.D (Women of Radiant Design) Conference!
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Time: 9:00 A.M.
Cost: $75.00 (conference materials and lunch included)
Location: Friendship Baptist Church
The theme for this year’s conference is Kingdom Women: Pressing In When You're Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More. We are excited and waiting with tip-toe anticipation as our special guests and beloved sisters in ministry join us with a Timely Word and Timely Teaching.
And That's Not All! Be sure to join us on Sunday, October 20th as we celebrate Women’s Day-Praise In Pink at Friendship. Our guest speaker, Pastor Connie Jackson, will deliver a powerful Word at the 8:00 and 11:30 a.m. services. We invite FBC members and our guests to wear something pink in honor of breast cancer survivors and to honor the memory of those we lost to the disease.
Ladies, you don’t want to miss out on this Wonderful Women’s Weekend!
60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION COMMEMORATIVE BOOK
Our 60th Anniversary Commemorative book is here. You can pick up your book this weekend or purchase one for only $75.00. Friendship, family, friends, and guests, we need you to support this great milestone.
Our 60th Anniversary Commemorative book is here. You can pick up your book this weekend or purchase one for only $75.00. Friendship, family, friends, and guests, we need you to support this great milestone.
2024 CHRISTMAS GALA - DECEMBER 13
Friendship, family, and friends, have you purchased your Christmas Gala ticket yet? Tickets are still on sale online and after each worship service on Sunday at the Christmas Gala table. Tickets are just $75.00. You can make a partial payment and pay off the rest by November 24, 2024. Please, stop by the Christmas Gala table for more information.
Join us Friday, December 13th, for a festive, fun, and fabulous 2024 Christmas Gala at the Los Coyotes Country Club at 7 pm, in Buena Park. . Secure your spot now and join us for an evening of festive joy and celebration. Doors open at 6:30 pm for a fabulous time!
Join us Friday, December 13th, for a festive, fun, and fabulous 2024 Christmas Gala at the Los Coyotes Country Club at 7 pm, in Buena Park. . Secure your spot now and join us for an evening of festive joy and celebration. Doors open at 6:30 pm for a fabulous time!
To purchase your tickets, pleas scan the QR code on the flier or go HERE.
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 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 while 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.
FINANCIAL EDUCATION CLASS FOR YOUTH PRESENTED BY ONE OF OUR YOUTH:
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
Psalm 62:1-2; Psalm 91:1; Psalm 116:7; Jeremiah 6:16; Psalms 23:1-2; Matt. 11:28-30; Heb. 4:9-11
✔ 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)
Thank you again for your continued prayers and support.
Let’s keep moving forward in faith, encouraging one another, and living out the mission God has given us.
Have a blessed week, and I’ll see you soon!
Remember God Loves you and So do I!
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
- AUGUST PRAYER FOCUS:
Psalm 62:1-2; Psalm 91:1; Psalm 116:7; Jeremiah 6:16; Psalms 23:1-2; Matt. 11:28-30; Heb. 4:9-11
- BIBLE READING
We invite everyone to consider reading God’s Word this year! As of today, you have 137 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.
Thank you again for your continued prayers and support.
Let’s keep moving forward in faith, encouraging one another, and living out the mission God has given us.
Have a blessed week, and I’ll see you soon!
Remember God Loves you and So do I!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
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