SERVICE: SUNDAYS AT 8:00AM & 11:30AM

PASTOR'S UPDATE SEPTEMBER 13, 2024

Greetings Friendship Family!

I pray this message finds each of you well and filled with grace, preach, and love. I will not do the entirety of the weekly update this week I have asked Pastor Jaron to do it for me. I did want to offer a word of encouragement as I see these updates as a way to pastor you away from the pulpit.

This past Thursday was National Encouragement Day—a timely reminder for us as a church. Just last month, I preached a message titled "Encouragement Matters," drawing from Acts 20, where the Apostle Paul showed us the vital importance of building one another up. Paul encouraged others, even while facing his own challenges, reminding us that encouragement is a ministry in itself.

I want to thank each of you for being such an encouragement to me and to one another. Your faithfulness, your love, and your support are living testimonies of God's work among us. Let's continue to be that source of strength, lifting each other up with words of affirmation and acts of kindness.

I was saddened to learn of the passing of one of our faithful members, Mother Ruby Stewart, who went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 10th. Mother Ruby was a pillar in our church community, known for her steadfast faith and love for others. Please keep her family in your prayers during this difficult time. We will provide more details regarding her homegoing service as soon as they are available.

A special thanks to everyone who joined us for Revival 2024! We were blessed by the powerful messages from Pastor Kennedy Young Jr. of East Gate Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. He took us deep into Ephesians Chapters 1-3, reminding us of our identity in Christ and the boundless grace He has given us. I pray the truths shared will continue to resonate in your hearts and spur you on in faith.

As we go into this week, let's hold onto the spirit of encouragement. Let's reach out to those who may need a kind word or a reminder that God is with them. Remember, encouragement is more than just nice words—it is a way to build up the Body of Christ.

I also look forward to seeing you this Sunday for Chosen Sunday with World Vision. It will be a special day of worship and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children around the world. Let’s come together with hearts ready to serve and be a part of what God is doing globally.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/lK6ri-mjKfB2sIhmcqg2Hi5NyudCSRNzgARr3Mf2K6eUJbquKsJKTjRH8bwIsoC_hqMxDcBGgvz_iM-bLMT8GRoG7ZyW8HAgJwXEgcNgXaSzgCXTwPnItGvBjZf7eqWKVIIalN7w
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor

Now let's look at the announcements.
BIBLE CLASSES RESUME THIS MONTH!
Tuesday
  • 10 a.m. online:  Precept Upon Precept. This class began on September 10th. Join in as we study the book of 1st Peter and focus on How to Stand Firm When Tested. To join the class: CLICK HERE
Wednesday
  • 7:30 p.m. online: Men’s Bible Study – NEW STUDY!  Men of all ages are welcome to join us as we start a new, 8-week study in the book of Revelation titled, The Overcomers, by Matt Chandler. We’ll discover how Revelation is not just about future events but has practical relevance for our lives right now. Class starts September 18th. To join the class: CLICK HERE
  • 7:30 p.m. online: Women’s Bible Study – NEW STUDY! Ladies, join us for a 10-week study on the book of Ephesians. We’ll examine the invaluable truths Paul’s letter holds for us today and along the way, understand the riches of our inheritance as daughters of our heavenly Father. Class starts September 18th. To join the class: CLICK HERE
  • 7:30 p.m., in person: Adult Bible Study – NEW STUDY! Adults of all ages are invited to join us in person as we journey through the books of Jeremiah and Daniel with an emphasis on, The God I Serve is Able. Class meets in Room 207 of the Carrington Building and starts September 18th. To join the class: CLICK HERE

Thursday
  • 10:30 a.m. in person: Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). Ladies, did you know BSF offers a weekly class here at Friendship? The Fall session starts September 12th and will study the book of Revelation. To learn more about BSF or to register, visit: Bible Study Fellowship
SIDE-BY-SIDE COUPLES MINISTRY - TONIGHT
Married, Engaged, and Seriously Dating couples are invited to join the Side-by-Side Couples Ministry for our monthly class on Friday, September 13th at 7 p.m. We will gather via Zoom and continue our current series titled, Building a Better Marriage by Pastor Earl McClellan and his wife, Oneka. The topic for September is Serve Each Other. To join the class: CLICK HERE
NATIONAL BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY
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.
CHOSEN - WORLD VISION
This Sunday, World Vision will be with us and we will partner with them to promote an opportunity for our ministry to go beyond our walls and impact the live of children in Tanzania in West Africa.  Poverty steals choices from kids. Give those choices back and empower a child to take hold of their future for $39 a month. You may sign up now to have a child choose you as their sponsor.
To sign up, go HERE.
KINGDOM WIVES
All married and engaged ladies are welcome and encouraged to join us at 9 am on Saturday, September 21st as we continue our journey in the book, A Wife After God's Own Heart, by Elizabeth George. Our focus for this session is Serving the Lord. Sisters, grab your coffee, tea, or morning beverage of choice and join us online for great discussion and teaching. To attend the class: CLICK HERE
VOTER EDUCATION SERIES
The first session will be on Monday, September 23.  We strive for these virtual sessions to be  non-partisan and  to not support or oppose candidates for political office or parties. Our goal is that these do provide the perfect opportunity to provide information on issues that are important to our faith community.
YOUR VOTE MATTERS
We will have Voter Registration tables available in the quad on Sunday, October 6, October 13 and October 20.  Also, be on the lookout for some virtual election information sessions that will be held later this month where 
our own Deacon James Shirley and others will help us explore some of the issues that will be on our ballots this year.

WOMEN'S MINISTRY MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
Kingdom Women – Join us for our Virtual Women’s Ministry Monthly Fellowship on Friday, September 27th at 7:00 p.m.  Our guest, Pastor Sonja R. Dawson, will teach about Esther - When Women Pray, They Gain Victory Over Injustice based upon the book When Women Pray - 10 Women Who Changed The World Through Prayer by Bishop T.D. Jakes.  Bishop Jakes writes,
I often wonder why so many Christians in the church today believe prayer to be a solo sport. Why do so many of us believe we can go it alone when we engage the enemy in battle? Do you envision yourself as a kind of spiritual howitzer that can mow down demons and rattle the gates of hell through your own power and poignancy in prayer? No! Prayer works best in community. Spiritual battle is most effective when you’ve got an army at your back. So when it comes time to roll up your sleeves and fight for the side of good through prayer, first pick up the phone and call your family. Call your friends. Call your neighbors. Call your church. Call your small group or your life group or whatever they call groups in your congregation. Join with others in fasting and prayer, as Esther did. And then prepare yourself to see the power of God at work, just as Esther saw.  

Ladies, don't miss your blessing and a time to learn that something powerful happens When Women Pray!
Don't Delay…Register Today HERE and Be Sure To Invite A Friend!
PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY
The Friendship Baptist Church, Yorba Linda, CA, is thrilled to announce the 11th Pastoral
Anniversary of our pastor, Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr. On Sunday, September 29th, 2023, during the 8:00 am and 11:30 am worship services, we will celebrate 11 years of Pastor Curry’s faithful service as Senior Pastor.  This year's theme is "A Pastor, Preacher, and Pacesetter: Leading Faithfully to the Glory of God!" based on 1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV): "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."

We are looking forward to your participation as we express gratitude for our diligent servant leader. There are many ways for you to participate on this special occasion: give a monetary gift, attend one of the celebration worship services, and/or partake in the celebration reception activities.

Between services, we will host a celebration reception to say “thank you” for dedicated service to the church, local communities, and Kingdom of God at large. You are invited to join us for food, fun, fellowship, and friendship in-person on the Friendship Baptist Church campus.

To give a monetary gift, you may give on the Friendship Baptist Church website in the Give category. Please select Pastor’s Anniversary in the “fund” drop-down menu to ensure your gift is properly credited. If you attend in-person there will be special Pastor’s Appreciation Day envelopes designated; you may also mail your gift to the church office at 17145 Bastanchury Rd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886.
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!
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. 
2024 CHRISTMAS GALA - DECEMBER 13
If you missed the last the last Christmas Gala Committee's $50 Gift Card
Raffle
, don't fret! You have another opportunity to enter and win because
starting, September 1st, is our second $50 Gift Card Raffle!!  All persons
who purchase a Christmas Gala ticket in September will be entered and
eligible to win. Use one of the following convenient ways to purchase your
ticket:
1. Stop by the Christmas Gala table in the quad after each service
2. Visit the church website at www.wearefriendship.church/events
3. Scan the QR Code in the bulletin
4. Or stop by the church office
Join us on December 13th at the Los Coyotes Country Club in Buena Park,
CA for an enchanting night of elegant dining and entertainment. The $75
ticket price is non-refundable but is transferable.
Installment payments are accepted. All tickets must be purchased and paid in
full by November 24th. We look forward to seeing you there making your red
carpet entrance!!
To purchase your tickets, please 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:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:
  • 2024 CHURCH THEME:
     Advancing and Expanding... for God's Glory Alone
     Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV

  • SEPTEMBER PRAYER FOCUS:
     Embracing the Eternal Salvation of God 
     Hebrews 10:24-25; Rom 8:1-3; Heb 13:1-3; Jam 1:7; Mark 2:17

  • BIBLE READING
We invite everyone to consider reading God’s Word this year! As of today, you have 109 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.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we launch CHOSEN on "Back To Church" Sunday!


That is all I have!

Joy,

Rev. Jaron Singley
Executive Pastor of Ministries

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