PASTOR'S UPDATE JANUARY 31, 2025
Hello Friendship Family!
I pray that you are doing well and that your week is off to a great start. I want to salute each of your for your perseverance during our 21 day Fast! It is not important to me WHAT type of fast you observed, what is important is your desire to grow closer to God by whatever means possible for you! So, I salute you in growing closer to God! May I encourage you? Do not stop here. Continue. That was our last sermon point Sunday, God Christ is magnified in our CONTINUATION!
Speaking of Sunday, this past Sunday, we launched our Who Are We? We Are Friendship Church series by looking at Romans 12, where we were reminded of the importance of presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice (consecration), being transformed by the renewing of our minds, and living in genuine love as the body of Christ (congregation). I hope you were encouraged and challenged to live out (continuation) your faith in a way that reflects God’s will and purpose for your life.
This Sunday, we continue our series as we focus on what it means to be a Bible-Based Church! We’ll be in 2 Timothy 3, where we will be reminded of the power, authority, and sufficiency of God’s Word in our lives and in our church. You don’t want to miss this powerful time in God’s Word, so I encourage you to join us and invite someone to come with you!
Now, let’s move to this week’s announcements.
I pray that you are doing well and that your week is off to a great start. I want to salute each of your for your perseverance during our 21 day Fast! It is not important to me WHAT type of fast you observed, what is important is your desire to grow closer to God by whatever means possible for you! So, I salute you in growing closer to God! May I encourage you? Do not stop here. Continue. That was our last sermon point Sunday, God Christ is magnified in our CONTINUATION!
Speaking of Sunday, this past Sunday, we launched our Who Are We? We Are Friendship Church series by looking at Romans 12, where we were reminded of the importance of presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice (consecration), being transformed by the renewing of our minds, and living in genuine love as the body of Christ (congregation). I hope you were encouraged and challenged to live out (continuation) your faith in a way that reflects God’s will and purpose for your life.
This Sunday, we continue our series as we focus on what it means to be a Bible-Based Church! We’ll be in 2 Timothy 3, where we will be reminded of the power, authority, and sufficiency of God’s Word in our lives and in our church. You don’t want to miss this powerful time in God’s Word, so I encourage you to join us and invite someone to come with you!
Now, let’s move to this week’s announcements.
MONTHLY FAMILY PRAYER
Join us for Friendship Family Prayer this TONIGHT, Friday, January 31, at 7:30pm. Our prayer focus for February is “Walking in the Love of God’s Glory.” Let’s gather online as a church family to seek God together and lift up our petitions and prayers before Him.
Join us for Friendship Family Prayer this TONIGHT, Friday, January 31, at 7:30pm. Our prayer focus for February is “Walking in the Love of God’s Glory.” Let’s gather online as a church family to seek God together and lift up our petitions and prayers before Him.
KINGDOM WIVES CLASS
The Kingdom Wives class resumes Saturday, February 1st online from 9:00-10:30am. This discipleship group will explore the importance of wives influencing their husbands based on biblical principles of covenant, communication, and connection. Please register for the class to receive the class link, resources and reminders HERE.
The Kingdom Wives class resumes Saturday, February 1st online from 9:00-10:30am. This discipleship group will explore the importance of wives influencing their husbands based on biblical principles of covenant, communication, and connection. Please register for the class to receive the class link, resources and reminders HERE.
SCOUTING MINISTRIES IN THE PARADE
Come out and support our Scouting Ministries (Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts) as they march and participate in the Orange County Black History Parade Saturday, February 1st. The parade begins at 10:00 am. More information may be found HERE.
Come out and support our Scouting Ministries (Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts) as they march and participate in the Orange County Black History Parade Saturday, February 1st. The parade begins at 10:00 am. More information may be found HERE.
FIRST SUNDAY COMMUNION SERVICE
As stated earlier, Sunday is 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.
As stated earlier, Sunday is 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.
FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH!
During Black History Month, we encourage everyone to wear their African prints and apparel each Sunday in February. Each Sunday has a specific/special focus! Also there is a Black History Contest for your young people sponsored by the Silver Eagles. Read below for more information.
SILVER EAGLE'S BLACK HISTORY CONTEST
The Silver Eagles ministry is now launching the annual Black History Contest for all First through 12th Grade students. This year the focus is "African Americans and Business & Finance." This contest requires students to chose a black person from the past or present who is using or has used his or her special gifts in the ARTS to serve others, and to influence history, our culture, and you. Then you will need to research and make a video presentation. Entries must be submitted by February 16th. For more info, go HERE.
During Black History Month, we encourage everyone to wear their African prints and apparel each Sunday in February. Each Sunday has a specific/special focus! Also there is a Black History Contest for your young people sponsored by the Silver Eagles. Read below for more information.
SILVER EAGLE'S BLACK HISTORY CONTEST
The Silver Eagles ministry is now launching the annual Black History Contest for all First through 12th Grade students. This year the focus is "African Americans and Business & Finance." This contest requires students to chose a black person from the past or present who is using or has used his or her special gifts in the ARTS to serve others, and to influence history, our culture, and you. Then you will need to research and make a video presentation. Entries must be submitted by February 16th. For more info, go HERE.
GEORGE LIELE SUNDAY
As we begin Black History Month, one of the most significant figures in the history of Christian missions is a freed Georgia slave named George Liele. Even though William Carey may be called the father of the modern missionary movement, George Liele left America and planted the gospel in Jamaica a full ten years before Carey left England.
Go HERE to learn more about George Liele from the International Mission Board (IMB).
Go HERE to download an activity worksheet.
As we begin Black History Month, one of the most significant figures in the history of Christian missions is a freed Georgia slave named George Liele. Even though William Carey may be called the father of the modern missionary movement, George Liele left America and planted the gospel in Jamaica a full ten years before Carey left England.
Go HERE to learn more about George Liele from the International Mission Board (IMB).
Go HERE to download an activity worksheet.
DISNEYLAND CELEBRATE GOSPEL
Our Mass Choir will be singing at Disneyland’s Celebrate Gospel on Saturday, February 8, as part of their Black History Month celebration. Let’s support our choir as they lift up the name of Jesus in this special event.
Our Mass Choir will be singing at Disneyland’s Celebrate Gospel on Saturday, February 8, as part of their Black History Month celebration. Let’s support our choir as they lift up the name of Jesus in this special event.
FRIENDSHIP DAY, FEBRUARY 9
We are ONE church, and on Sunday, February 9, we will celebrate that truth with ONE service at 10:00 AM for Friendship Day!
After service, enjoy some fellowship with light grab-and-go snacks, a cake walk, kid zone, raffles, music, ministry tables, and fun before heading out to watch Super Bowl LIX.
Wear your favorite sports team gear, college apparel, or Christian shirts, and let’s enjoy a great time of worship and fellowship together!
We are ONE church, and on Sunday, February 9, we will celebrate that truth with ONE service at 10:00 AM for Friendship Day!
After service, enjoy some fellowship with light grab-and-go snacks, a cake walk, kid zone, raffles, music, ministry tables, and fun before heading out to watch Super Bowl LIX.
Wear your favorite sports team gear, college apparel, or Christian shirts, and let’s enjoy a great time of worship and fellowship together!
ROSA PARKS DAY
Sunday, February 16, is Rosa Parks Day, and we will honor her legacy as we worship together. Also, please stop by the Welcome Center in the Carrington Building and see the display their that recognizes sacrifice and her relationship to Friendship Baptist Church.
FRIENDSHIP LOVE CHILDREN & YOUTH VALENTINE'S PARTY
On Friday, February 14th we're hosting a Valentine's Party for children (Pre-K-5th grade) and youth (6-12th grade) from 5:00–9:00 PM. We'll have music, games, crafts, food, and all kinds of fun. Parents, this is your opportunity to enjoy a few hours out on Valentine's Day! This night is about Friendship Love, so we also invite adults of all ages to join the fun and volunteer to make this event a blast! You must register, HERE.
On Friday, February 14th we're hosting a Valentine's Party for children (Pre-K-5th grade) and youth (6-12th grade) from 5:00–9:00 PM. We'll have music, games, crafts, food, and all kinds of fun. Parents, this is your opportunity to enjoy a few hours out on Valentine's Day! This night is about Friendship Love, so we also invite adults of all ages to join the fun and volunteer to make this event a blast! You must register, HERE.
2025 CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
Friendship, it’s time for a new pictorial directory! Our last one was in 2017, and we want to update it so our church family can stay connected.
We need you to make an appointment for you and your family to be in the 2025 pictorial directory! We have appointments for photography sessions beginning Monday, February 17, through Saturday, March 1.
If you haven’t signed up yet, you can do so on our website, in the church app, or in person on Sundays in the quad. Every individual or family photographed will receive a complimentary (FREE!) copy of the directory and an 8x10 portrait, with the option to purchase additional portraits.
For more information, please contact Leigha Carrington in the church office. To make your appointment go HERE.
Friendship, it’s time for a new pictorial directory! Our last one was in 2017, and we want to update it so our church family can stay connected.
We need you to make an appointment for you and your family to be in the 2025 pictorial directory! We have appointments for photography sessions beginning Monday, February 17, through Saturday, March 1.
If you haven’t signed up yet, you can do so on our website, in the church app, or in person on Sundays in the quad. Every individual or family photographed will receive a complimentary (FREE!) copy of the directory and an 8x10 portrait, with the option to purchase additional portraits.
For more information, please contact Leigha Carrington in the church office. To make your appointment go HERE.
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 are currently running and you can STILL join. GriefShare began on Tueday, January 21st meets on every Tuesday evening until 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 are currently running and you can STILL join. GriefShare began on Tueday, January 21st meets on every Tuesday evening until 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.
WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY
A new Women's Bible Study began on Wednesday, January 22 @ 7:00pm. It's NOT too late to join this ONLINE class. Grow in Your Relationship with Jesus! To register for this class, go HERE.
A new Women's Bible Study began on Wednesday, January 22 @ 7:00pm. It's NOT too late to join this ONLINE class. Grow in Your Relationship with Jesus! To register for this class, go HERE.
YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY
A new young adult Bible study began on Thursday, January 23rd. Its NOT too late to join this IN PERSON class "POWER" that meets on Thursdays at 7:30pm. 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.
A new young adult Bible study began on Thursday, January 23rd. Its NOT too late to join this IN PERSON class "POWER" that meets on Thursdays at 7:30pm. 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.
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 February 20th to March 20th, 2025, from 7:00 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 February 20th to March 20th, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Room 217 of the Carrington Building. Registration is now open, and you can sign up HERE.
WOMEN'S PRAYER CONFERENCE
Kingdom Women, the Friendship Baptist Church Women's Ministry, invites you to the 2025 Prayer Conference—a time of praise, worship, and most importantly, prayer!
The Prayer conference takes place on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 9:00 AM here at Friendship Baptist Church. Ladies come experience The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer.
This FREE conference is a wonderful opportunity for women of faith to gather, pray, and grow in their walk with God. For more details and to register, go HERE.
Kingdom Women, the Friendship Baptist Church Women's Ministry, invites you to the 2025 Prayer Conference—a time of praise, worship, and most importantly, prayer!
The Prayer conference takes place on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 9:00 AM here at Friendship Baptist Church. Ladies come experience The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer.
This FREE conference is a wonderful opportunity for women of faith to gather, pray, and grow in their walk with God. For more details and to register, 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. 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
1 Cor 13:4-8; John 13:34; Gal 5:14; Matt 22:37-39
✔ 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)
Well, beloved, that’s all for this week’s announcements!
Remember to check out the written version for more details and links to all our upcoming events. If you have questions, our capable church staff is here to help.
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we continue our series, Who Are We? We Are Friendship Church, focusing on being a Bible-Based Church in 2 Timothy 3.
And always remember: God loves you, and so do I!
Be blessed, and have a great rest of your week!
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
- FEBRUARY PRAYER FOCUS:
1 Cor 13:4-8; John 13:34; Gal 5:14; Matt 22:37-39
- BIBLE READING
We invite everyone to consider reading God’s Word this year! As of today, you have 334 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.
Well, beloved, that’s all for this week’s announcements!
Remember to check out the written version for more details and links to all our upcoming events. If you have questions, our capable church staff is here to help.
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we continue our series, Who Are We? We Are Friendship Church, focusing on being a Bible-Based Church in 2 Timothy 3.
And always remember: God loves you, and so do I!
Be blessed, and have a great rest of your week!
Blessings!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
Posted in Pastor\\\'s Update
1 Comment
Hello Rev. Curry,
nI truly love and appreciate your updates. They are personable, engaging and very informative. ??