PASTOR'S UPDATE NOVEMBER 1, 2024

Greetings, Friendship Family!

As we step into the last two months of the year, let’s take a moment to celebrate our journey. We’ve just completed our series through Acts, which began on January 7th, spending nearly ten months exploring how God birthed, grew, and continues to use His church. To God be the glory! Through this series, we learned that God’s work didn’t end with the apostles; it continues through us today.

Friendship, our story is "To be continued!"

My hope is that this series encourages you to press on with faith, knowing that God is writing His story through each of us, and we’re all part of His unfolding plan.

As we look ahead, November will be our Stewardship Series, focusing on “Faith, Finances, and Freedom,” helping us manage resources in a way that honors God.

Then in December, we’ll enter the Advent season, celebrating the wonder of Christ’s birth using a devotional from Christianity Today and call the series “Celebrate the Wonder of Christmas: Worship Christ in Advent.” I’m excited about what God has in store for us as we prepare our hearts and minds.


Now let's look at the announcements for this week/month:

FAMILY PRAYER SERVICE (VIRTUAL)
This is a friendly reminder that we will have Corporate Prayer  online Friday November 1, 2024 at 7:30 pm. Join Pastor Curry and our Prayer Ministry this evening on the prayer line. Our November theme is Expressing Our Gratitude. This season of Thanksgiving is a special time to unite as a body in gratitude, and I eagerly anticipate being with you all.  To join in at 7:30 pm, CLICK HERE.

S.A.L.T. HOLIDAY CANNING CLASS:
A reminder for those that have already signed up -  YES WE CAN – Preserving Fall Fruits is tomorrow, November 2nd from 9:00 am until Noon. Our very own  Sis. Sybella, along with volunteers from the Orange County Master Food Preservers, will show us how to “can” two tasty fall recipes:  apple preserves and cranberry orange chutney.  Again, this session is closed, so please only attend if you’ve signed up.

HERMENEUTICS BIBLE STUDY
This class started last week, but you can still join in! Do you want to enhance your ability to interpret the Bible? If so, you're encouraged to join the Hermeneutics class this tomorrow at 11:00 am. Hermeneutics is the method of interpreting the meaning of Biblical text or Scriptures. This 12-week course will be held virtually. All adults are welcome to join us, even if you did not participate in part one of the class. Facilitator: Rev. Patrick Christian. To register: CLICK HERE

COMMUNION SUNDAY
This Sunday, November 3rd, we’ll celebrate communion together. For those joining online, check the written announcements for tips on preparing elements at home. And don’t forget, it’s Daylight Savings Time, so remember to set your clocks back one hour before bed Saturday night!

If you will worship from home, check out the communion instructions so you can observe communion virtually CLICK HERE.

STEWARDSHIP PREACHING SERIES SMALL GROUPS:
Speaking of the Stewardship Series, we invite you to join us starting this Wednesday, November 6th, as we dig deeper into the topic of Stewardship. Over 3 sessions we'll focus on stewarding with faith, in our finances, and with freedom. These discussions are designed to complement this month's stewardship series taught on Sundays. We'll gather in-person at 7 p.m. in Room 217 of the Carrington Building. To attend, please register CLICK HERE.

ANGEL TREE 2024
John 3:16 is all about Reconciliation! Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree Ministry Program
creates a pathway to reconciliation between incarcerated parents and their children and families. Connection usually begins through “Angel Tree Christmas” giving incarcerated parents a way to provide gifts with personal messages to their children, delivered by caring, local volunteers. Once again, the Friendship Family has again we have the opportunity and are encouraged to include these families in our community and outreach efforts throughout the year through this amazing ministry program. We’ve already been assigned 13 children to serve, and we expect more in the coming weeks. If you are interested in participating this year please register via planning center. Sign-ups have begun.  To sign up, GO HERE.

SPIRIT OF THE HEART HEALTH FAIR & SYMPOSIUM 2024
Friendship Family, we are excited to announce our Annual Health Fair coming up on Saturday, November 16th! In the spirit of wholeness and healthy living, we’re coming together for a day dedicated to taking care of our temples. It’s going to be a great day filled with information, inspiration, and involvement as we learn, move, and grow together.

This year, we’ve got something for everyone—health education, screenings, a health walk, cooking demos, and fun activities for the kids. And yes, participants will enjoy free lunch, free health screenings, and even a free participant t-shirt.

This is an opportunity for us to invest in our health, so I want to personally encourage each of you to come out and be a part of it. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors! Let’s share the love and make this a day of community, care, and connection. To register, CLICK HERE.

Volunteers for Spirit of the Heart:
As announced above, Spirit of the Heart (Association of Black Cardiologist) and Friendship Baptist Church are hosting a Health Symposium and Community Walk on Saturday, November 16, 2024, here at Friendship. We need your help! We need Volunteers to help with food set-up in the morning through lunchtime from 8-12 pm, check-in, and in the Kid’s Zone from 9-3 pm. If you are available to serve, please call the church office to sign up.

ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR
We will have a Christian Estate Planning Seminar on Sunday, November 17th, from 1:30 to 3:00 pm, we’ll host a seminar covering comprehensive estate planning and leaving a legacy that honors God. Lady Karima and I will participate and we hope you will too especially if you do not have your estate plan in place. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP HERE

The seminar includes instruction on a comprehensive estate plan (trust/will and related documents) and the opportunity to partner with the California Baptist Foundation and Friendship in planning a legacy for the benefit of the family and the Kingdom.

Go HERE to watch a PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

WEEKEND TO REMEMBER
You are invited to join Lady Karima and me for Weekend-to-Remember, a couples getaway with a purpose: oneness. Great marriages don't just happen, they take work. This retreat is designed to help couples grow together and avoid drifting apart.  This event takes place in San Diego, CA on November 22-24th and includes special rates and sessions for military couples. Family Life also provides married and engaged couples of Friendship a special discount on registration. Please use the code: wearefriendship at registration. For more information and to register, go HERE.

THANKSGIVING TURKEY GIVEAWAY 2024: 
Yes, It’s that time again. Friendship will be having our holiday Turkey Giveaway 2024. The
date is November 23, 2024 beginning at 11:00 am until 1:00 pm or to our supply runs out. As has been our policy in previous years the distribution is on a first come first serve basis, so be sure to spread the word to those who might benefit.

Let’s come together and bless our community during this holiday season, as we continue to live out our mission of love and generosity. Mark your calendars, and we look forward to serving alongside you on November 23rd!

TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON
To express our gratitude and heartfelt thanks, Friendship Bible teachers are invited to an appreciation luncheon being held on Sunday, November 24th at 1:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose building. If you are an active Bible teacher, teaching assistant, or actively serve in Christian Education Ministry in any capacity, we invite you to attend. This luncheon is our way of honoring you for your service and celebrating the work God is doing through you. We kindly ask that you please RSVP no later than Wednesday, November 20th, so we can plan and prepare accordingly. For further information or if you have questions, please reach out to Le Shon Archer, Minister of Christian Education. To RSVP, CLICK HERE

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. 

THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE
Enter into Thanksgiving with Praise! Come worship with us on Wednesday, November 27th at 7:30 pm.  

NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS Orange County (NAMIOC)
Friendship is partnering with NAMI Orange County. NAMI Orange County is dedicated to improving the lives of the people of our community affected by mental illness. They strive to create a better tomorrow—a tomorrow where all people affected by mental illness can experience hope, recovery and wellness in a world free of stigma. Please see the flier above and us the QR Code to acess more information. We belive this can be a powerful resource to our worship community. Be encouraged!

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

• NOVEMBER PRAYER FOCUS:

     Expressing  Our Gratitude
     Duet 20:4; 1 Cor 15:57; Prov. 21:31; I John 5:4

• BIBLE READING

✔ 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 

• IN-PERSON EX-HOUR: 

• 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.  

As a reminder, voting is a civic responsibility. We can’t tell you who to vote for, but we encourage everyone to register to hear your voice."

Friendship Family, as we near the year’s end, your faithful support has been vital. God has blessed us with growth and new opportunities to reach people with His love, both online and in person. Let’s finish strong! Please consider a year-end gift to continue supporting our mission and our building project.

As always, there’s so much happening in our church and community, and I’m thrilled to see how God will use each of these moments to bring us closer to Him. For more information on any of these announcements, refer to the written version of this update.

Thank you, Friendship, and may God bless you richly!


Thank you, Friendship, and God bless you!

Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor