PASTOR'S UPDATE JANUARY 6, 2024
Hello, Friendship family! Welcome to 2025!
I pray this new year is already filling you with excitement, hope, and anticipation for all that God will do in your life and in our church.
Yesterday's message, "You're Invited", was an invitation to deepen our connection with God through passionate worship, personal experience, and persistent faith. I truly hope it was helpful and impactful as we launched into the year with joy and purpose.
I also pray you’re enjoying the changes to our worship service!
This year, we’re bringing back a hymn or congregational selection every Sunday to keep us grounded in the rich legacy of our faith.
Additionally, the altar is now open again during prayer time, giving us the opportunity to come forward and lay our burdens before the Lord.
Now, I know it’s different to get an update from me on a Monday, but I wanted to ensure you’re ready for something special. Today, we begin our 21 Days of Fasting! This spiritual journey runs from January 6th through January 27th.
This fast is entirely your choice—seek God through prayer to decide what type of fast you will observe. For those whose health and doctors allow, I encourage you to consider the Daniel Fast, inspired by Daniel 1. This fast includes fruits, vegetables, and water, abstaining from meat and rich foods.
You may also opt for a Soul Fast, which focuses on abstaining from distractions like social media, entertainment, or other indulgences. Whatever fast you choose, let it draw you closer to God and deepen your spiritual walk.
To assist you, a Fasting Guide is available on our website, and we’ve prepared a 21-Day Devotional to accompany your journey. You can download it from our site or pick up a physical copy at the church office.
Each day at 12 noon, we’ll meet for prayer on our Google Meet prayer line. I’ll kick things off today at 12 noon, and I hope you’ll join me. The schedule of prayer leaders and details are included in the written update, so be sure to check that out.
Now, let's look at the upcoming announcements:
I pray this new year is already filling you with excitement, hope, and anticipation for all that God will do in your life and in our church.
Yesterday's message, "You're Invited", was an invitation to deepen our connection with God through passionate worship, personal experience, and persistent faith. I truly hope it was helpful and impactful as we launched into the year with joy and purpose.
I also pray you’re enjoying the changes to our worship service!
This year, we’re bringing back a hymn or congregational selection every Sunday to keep us grounded in the rich legacy of our faith.
Additionally, the altar is now open again during prayer time, giving us the opportunity to come forward and lay our burdens before the Lord.
Now, I know it’s different to get an update from me on a Monday, but I wanted to ensure you’re ready for something special. Today, we begin our 21 Days of Fasting! This spiritual journey runs from January 6th through January 27th.
This fast is entirely your choice—seek God through prayer to decide what type of fast you will observe. For those whose health and doctors allow, I encourage you to consider the Daniel Fast, inspired by Daniel 1. This fast includes fruits, vegetables, and water, abstaining from meat and rich foods.
You may also opt for a Soul Fast, which focuses on abstaining from distractions like social media, entertainment, or other indulgences. Whatever fast you choose, let it draw you closer to God and deepen your spiritual walk.
To assist you, a Fasting Guide is available on our website, and we’ve prepared a 21-Day Devotional to accompany your journey. You can download it from our site or pick up a physical copy at the church office.
Each day at 12 noon, we’ll meet for prayer on our Google Meet prayer line. I’ll kick things off today at 12 noon, and I hope you’ll join me. The schedule of prayer leaders and details are included in the written update, so be sure to check that out.
Now, let's look at the upcoming announcements:
21-DAY FAST
As mentioned above, our time of prayer and fasting for 2024 begins Monday, January 6th, and goes through Monday, January 27th. This is a 21-Day Fast of your choosing where you decide what type of fast you will do through prayer and commitment. Ultimately, you must govern your fast to grow closer to God. There is a FASTING GUIDE HERE that defines the various types of fasts. Additionally, to aid us in our 21-Day Fast, we have produced 21-Day Devotional that is available HERE , and physical copies will be available Sunday, January 5th. As with previous years, we will have a daily prayer line available. So, we invite you to join us each day for prayer at 12 noon beginning today via our regular prayer line on Google Meet HERE.
As mentioned above, our time of prayer and fasting for 2024 begins Monday, January 6th, and goes through Monday, January 27th. This is a 21-Day Fast of your choosing where you decide what type of fast you will do through prayer and commitment. Ultimately, you must govern your fast to grow closer to God. There is a FASTING GUIDE HERE that defines the various types of fasts. Additionally, to aid us in our 21-Day Fast, we have produced 21-Day Devotional that is available HERE , and physical copies will be available Sunday, January 5th. As with previous years, we will have a daily prayer line available. So, we invite you to join us each day for prayer at 12 noon beginning today via our regular prayer line on Google Meet HERE.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COUPLES MINISTRY
A new Bible study begins next Friday, January 10th. To register, go HERE.
A new Bible study begins next Friday, January 10th. To register, go HERE.
2025 HOLY CONVOCATION
Convocation is coming on January 14-16 at 7:30 pm nightly. Convocation is a time for our church family to gather together in worship and receive teaching that helps us fulfill God's purpose for our lives. This year's convocation will be an uplifting experience, designed to fortify and equip our minds, hearts, and spirits for the journey ahead. Our Convocation speaker will be Rev. Dr. Robert C. Scott of St. Paul Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC. Let's come together to be refreshed, equipped, and united in Christ!
Convocation is coming on January 14-16 at 7:30 pm nightly. Convocation is a time for our church family to gather together in worship and receive teaching that helps us fulfill God's purpose for our lives. This year's convocation will be an uplifting experience, designed to fortify and equip our minds, hearts, and spirits for the journey ahead. Our Convocation speaker will be Rev. Dr. Robert C. Scott of St. Paul Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC. Let's come together to be refreshed, equipped, and united in Christ!
LEADERSHIP MEETING -SPEED OF TRUST JANUARY 18TH - 9:00am - 2:00pm
During this special edition of our Leadership meeting Lady Karima will lead us through a Friendship version of Speed of Trust. Based on the book by Stephen Covey, Lady Karima will help us discover that trust is the most crucial factor for success in personal, church and professional relationships, emphasizing how building and maintaining trust significantly improves communication, collaboration, and productivity, essentially acting as a key driver for high-performing teams, ministries and churches.
During this special edition of our Leadership meeting Lady Karima will lead us through a Friendship version of Speed of Trust. Based on the book by Stephen Covey, Lady Karima will help us discover that trust is the most crucial factor for success in personal, church and professional relationships, emphasizing how building and maintaining trust significantly improves communication, collaboration, and productivity, essentially acting as a key driver for high-performing teams, ministries and churches.
STATE OF THE CHURCH ADDRESS
Our senior pastor, Kenneth C. Curry, Jr., will present our annual State of the Church address at each of our services on Sunday, January 19th.
NEW MEMBERS RECEPTION
We'll also host a New Members Reception on Sunday, January 19th, at 10:15 am This reception allows all new members to meet Pastor Curry and Lady Karima, members of the Pastoral Staff, and learn of our church's history and vision. We'll gather in Room 207 of the Carrington Building (2nd floor). We pray you’re able to join us! To register, go HERE.
OFFICE CLOSED - MLK HOLIDAY
Please note the church offices will be closed on Monday, January 20th to celebrate and observe the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.
Our senior pastor, Kenneth C. Curry, Jr., will present our annual State of the Church address at each of our services on Sunday, January 19th.
NEW MEMBERS RECEPTION
We'll also host a New Members Reception on Sunday, January 19th, at 10:15 am This reception allows all new members to meet Pastor Curry and Lady Karima, members of the Pastoral Staff, and learn of our church's history and vision. We'll gather in Room 207 of the Carrington Building (2nd floor). We pray you’re able to join us! To register, go HERE.
OFFICE CLOSED - MLK HOLIDAY
Please note the church offices will be closed on Monday, January 20th to celebrate and observe the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.
GRIEFSHARE
1 Thessalonians 4:13 says, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” The fact is, however, we do grieve. Many of us are grieving the losses of loved ones, and we want to encourage you to participate in GriefShare, a 13-week small group support session. These meetings are designed to help you process your loss and begin healing. GriefShare sessions will run every Tuesday evening from January 21st to April 15th, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM in Room 217 of the Carrington Building. Registration is now open on the GriefShare website HERE.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 says, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” The fact is, however, we do grieve. Many of us are grieving the losses of loved ones, and we want to encourage you to participate in GriefShare, a 13-week small group support session. These meetings are designed to help you process your loss and begin healing. GriefShare sessions will run every Tuesday evening from January 21st to April 15th, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM in Room 217 of the Carrington Building. Registration is now open on the GriefShare website HERE.
RESUME WRITING WORKSHOP (VIRTUAL)
This is being offered by one of Friendship's community partners. The African Heritage Forum (AHF), one of the employee resource groups at Edwards Lifesciences in Irvine, invites you to join them in a virtual resume workshop on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025, from 2-5 pm PST. We wish to provide students with an opportunity to connect with professionals who span fields in medicine, engineering, strategy, clinical affairs, project management, and more! Spanning the range from entry-level to senior leadership. Come learn more about how to craft an effective technical resume as recruiting season continues through 2025.
Again, this is brought to you by one of Friendship's community partners. Go HERE to register.
Again, this is brought to you by one of Friendship's community partners. Go HERE to register.
NEW WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Begins on Wednesday, January 22 @ 7:00pm. Grow in Your Relationship with Jesus! To register for this class, go HERE.
Begins on Wednesday, January 22 @ 7:00pm. Grow in Your Relationship with Jesus! To register for this class, go HERE.
NEW YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY
The image of power is prevalent in the Bible as well as in daily life. This Bible Study for Young Adults will center on both the use and abuse of power in and toward oneself, others, God, and the church. It defines power in human experience and Biblical witness and explores powerlessness and vulnerability, the power of the Divine, the power of evil, the work of the Holy Spirit, the power of the Church, and what it means to give God power over our lives. To register, GO HERE.
The image of power is prevalent in the Bible as well as in daily life. This Bible Study for Young Adults will center on both the use and abuse of power in and toward oneself, others, God, and the church. It defines power in human experience and Biblical witness and explores powerlessness and vulnerability, the power of the Divine, the power of evil, the work of the Holy Spirit, the power of the Church, and what it means to give God power over our lives. To register, GO HERE.
GATEWAY BIBLE TEACHING CONFERENCE
Bible Teachers, LEAD Graduates, and Christian Education Ministry Volunteers are invited! Join us for this one-day conference at Gateway Seminary in Ontario on January 25th from 9:00am - 2:00pm, designed to provide encouragement and training. To register, go HERE.
Bible Teachers, LEAD Graduates, and Christian Education Ministry Volunteers are invited! Join us for this one-day conference at Gateway Seminary in Ontario on January 25th from 9:00am - 2:00pm, designed to provide encouragement and training. To register, go HERE.
LIVE READY EVANGELISM COURSE
Live Ready: Sharing Jesus as You Go is a six-week evangelism course designed to help you share the gospel in our current culture.
This course will expand your confidence, experience, and skills as you learn to share Jesus through empathetic listening, gospel principles, and personal stories. Sessions will occur on Thursday evenings from January 30th to March 6th, 2025, from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM in Room 217 of the Carrington Building. Registration is now open, and you can sign up HERE.
Live Ready: Sharing Jesus as You Go is a six-week evangelism course designed to help you share the gospel in our current culture.
This course will expand your confidence, experience, and skills as you learn to share Jesus through empathetic listening, gospel principles, and personal stories. Sessions will occur on Thursday evenings from January 30th to March 6th, 2025, from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM in Room 217 of the Carrington Building. Registration is now open, and you can sign up HERE.
CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
We are creating a new pictorial directory and want YOU to be a part of it—it won't be complete without you! Starting Sunday, January 12, 2025, through Sunday, February 16, 2025, members can begin scheduling their appointments. All appointments are made online. Members can schedule their appointments using a smartphone, computer, tablet, or any device with internet access. Alternatively, you can visit the Membership Directory table in the quad for assistance or to schedule your appointment. Participating families will receive a FREE directory and a FREE 8x10 photo. Registration details are coming soon. Should you have any questions, please call the church office.
We are creating a new pictorial directory and want YOU to be a part of it—it won't be complete without you! Starting Sunday, January 12, 2025, through Sunday, February 16, 2025, members can begin scheduling their appointments. All appointments are made online. Members can schedule their appointments using a smartphone, computer, tablet, or any device with internet access. Alternatively, you can visit the Membership Directory table in the quad for assistance or to schedule your appointment. Participating families will receive a FREE directory and a FREE 8x10 photo. Registration details are coming soon. Should you have any questions, please call the church office.
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. Friendship Family, as we start a new year, your faithful support is vital. God has blessed us with growth and new opportunities to reach people with His love, both online and in person. Let’s start strong! Please continue supporting our mission and our building project. Let’s keep giving to make Friendship a productive church! You may give HERE.
General Church things to remember:
Fortifying the Faithful - Equipping the Elect
Ephesians 4:11-14 ESV
Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 26:3; Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 41:13; Philippians 1:6
✔ 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)
If you have questions, our capable church staff is here to help. Friendship family, remember, God loves you, and I do too.
Let’s start 2025 strong, seeking Him together.
Have an amazing week, and I’ll see you at noon for prayer!
Blessings!
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. Friendship Family, as we start a new year, your faithful support is vital. God has blessed us with growth and new opportunities to reach people with His love, both online and in person. Let’s start strong! Please continue supporting our mission and our building project. Let’s keep giving to make Friendship a productive church! You may give HERE.
General Church things to remember:
- 2025 CHURCH THEME:
Fortifying the Faithful - Equipping the Elect
Ephesians 4:11-14 ESV
- JANUARY PRAYER FOCUS:
Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 26:3; Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 41:13; Philippians 1:6
- BIBLE READING
We invite everyone to consider reading God’s Word this year! As of today, you have 359 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 ADULT 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.
If you have questions, our capable church staff is here to help. Friendship family, remember, God loves you, and I do too.
Let’s start 2025 strong, seeking Him together.
Have an amazing week, and I’ll see you at noon for prayer!
Blessings!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
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