PASTOR’S WEEKLY UPDATE MAY 20, 2022
Hello Friendship Family!
Today is Friday, May 20th which is Friendship’s actual birthday. So happy birthday, Friendship. On this day, 58 years ago, Friendship officially became a church. On Wednesday evening, the Charter members met at Sister Eunice Bryant’s home to charter a church recognized by the Providence Baptist Association. Rev. K.D Friend moderated the meeting, and the body named Rev. James Donald Carrington as their new pastor.
The small body of believers was faithful and determined to be all God calls them to be. They were faithful and diligent. They met in homes, then moved to various buildings, some rented and some borrowed.
Location number five was on property they had purchased with a building given to them on Lemon Street in Fullerton. There Friendship grew and flourished. God was gracious to Friendship, and it soon became apparent that Friendship would need a larger facility. The body of believers decided that they would build a new facility in Yorba Linda. While building that facility, the Friendship members worshiped at the Pacific Christian College in Fullerton (now known as Hope University). Friendship moved into the Yorba Linda Campus on January 4th, 1987. Yes, we have been at 17145 Bastanchury Road for 35 years. To God be the Glory! So Happy Birthday, Friendship.
Thank you to all those who gave the church a $58 birthday gift above your tithe and offering. There is still time and opportunity to give, and we invite you to do so. You can use the regular church envelope when you are at church on Sunday or give it online via the church website and church app today, right after viewing this week’s update. To give online, go HERE. I appreciate your support!
Well, here are this week’s announcements for you…
WOMEN’S MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
Ladies, don’t forget that tonight is the next Women’s Virtual Monthly Fellowship at 7:00pm. Come and hear two of our spirit-filled and biblically sharp ministry members, Sisters Angella Gardener and Brietta Looney, speak on Bring Your Nothing. These two women love the Lord and are FAITHFUL to ministry here at Friendship! I invite you to come to learn, be encouraged, and be encouraging! Register today HERE. It’s not too late to register.
VETERANS MINISTRY
Armed Forces Day is coming tomorrow, Saturday, May 21st. The Friendship Veterans Ministry will commemorate this day by having its first in-person workshop from 11am to 1pm in the Multi-Purpose Bldg at Friendship. This event will feature great information for Veterans on VA Home Mortgage Loans and Veteran’s Benefits Administration Los Angeles (VBALAX), specifically how veterans can file claims. In addition, presenters will answer critical concerns you may be having with the VA. Dependents, caretakers, and supporters of Veterans are also welcome to attend. Water and light snacks will be provided, along with a complimentary gift. Our presenters need to know how many people will attend so they can send the appropriate number of subject matter experts. Please RSVP to Mark Saunders via email HERE.
2022 VOTING INFORMATION SESSION
Friendship will offer a Voting Information Session on Monday, May 23rd, at 7pm via Zoom. Yes, this is a virtual event hosted by the Rhema Men’s Ministry and led by Deacon James P. Shirley. He will address critical issues facing us as American people; the impact of the Primaries and Mid-Term elections on prescription drugs, social security, Medicare, caregiving, and long-term care. He will also discuss the John Lewis Bill and much more. Gain more information HERE.
COMEDY NIGHT AT THE SHIP XII ~ SAVE THE DATE
RHEMA Men’s Ministry is planning and presenting Comedy Night at the Ship XII. This event will take place on Saturday, May 28th at 5pm. Tickets will cost $20. This comedy show will be a live, in-person event that takes place at Friendship. It will not stream. We will not have food service, and we will not have childcare available. To purchase tickets and to gain more information, please go HERE.
MEN’S DAY 2022:
Brothers, Men’s Day 2022 is coming, and we are excited! Men’s Day 2022 takes place on Sunday, May 29th, at both our 8am and 11:30am services. The Wrecking Crew will be in the house under the direction of our guest director, Brother Greg Jones. Brother Jones will also lead in Praise & Worship on that Sunday! So Wrecking Crew, it’s time to come together and sing! Rehearsals are Saturday, May 21st, at 10am, and Wednesday, May 25th, at 6pm. We also need the Men Doorkeepers on the floor and serving with our Hospitality Team. Additionally, our speaker for Men’s Day will be Bishop Jawane Hilton of Brister Baptist Church in Compton, CA.
ATTENTION CLASS OF 2022
Attention Class of 2022! We are collecting the names of all Friendship Members who are graduating from high school or college this year. So, if you are a member of Friendship and are graduating from high school or college or know a student connected to Friendship and that student is graduating from high school or college this year, please let us know by adding their name to the list HERE.
OFFICE CLOSED
Please note the Church office is closed Monday, May 30th, for Memorial Day.
VOLUNTEERS NEED ~ CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & DISCIPLESHIP
Christian Education and Discipleship is preparing to bring back children and youth Ex-Hour in September of this year! We are also preparing for the children and youth Discipleship Bootcamp and need volunteers for both areas. If you are ready to see our children back in their age-appropriate bible study groups and are willing to help with teaching, classroom assistance, and administration, please email us here at [email protected]. It takes a village to bring our children back, and we need your help!
GOSPEL VOICES OF OC: A JUNETEETH EVENT
The Chapman University College of Performing Arts, in collaboration with the Arts & Learning Conservatory, is happy to announce A Juneteeth Event entitled the Gospel Voices of OC. The event takes place on Sunday, June 19th. It is a staged concert event that chronicles African-American lives and artistry through choral works, dance, orchestra, band, theatre, and spoken word. With more than 100 performers, Gospel Voices of OC spans June 19, 1865, to contemporary times. It’s a joyous Juneteeth celebration of Freedom and excellence to inspire people of all ages. Our very own Sonya Griffin will be the vocal soloist for the event.
For more information, view the event advertisement, and purchase tickets, please go HERE. There is also a video announcement HERE. Also, HERE is a link to a video regarding the event by our very own Mark Saunders! Check it out!
NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN FELLOWSHIP OF THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION:
The Southern Baptist Convention will hold its 2022 Annual Meetin in Anaheim, CA, at the Anaheim Convention Center from June 12th through the 15th.
On June 11th, we will host a Crossover Event here at Friendship. A Crossover Event is an evangelistic outreach event designed to share the hope of the gospel with the community. In addition, we will host a block party event, and you are invited to attend and bring your unsaved and unchurched friends. More information will come next week.
Additionally, we will host the National African American Fellowship (NAAF) of the Southern Baptist Convention here at Friendship on Sunday, June 12th. The National President, Pastor Frank Williams, will speak at the 8am, and 11:30am services.
There will also be a 6:30 evening worship that we will host for the National African American Fellowship (NAAF). The guest speaker will be Dr. Tony Evans of the Oakcliff Bible Fellowship Church in Dallas, Texas. We will also have a combined choir that will consist of local area African American Churches, including Friendship, The View Church, St. Stephens, and others. More information is in the update’s written portion, and services are open to the public. I have also provided information and links. I will update you more in the weeks ahead.
For more information, view the flyer HERE. Also, you can visit the NAAF website HERE and the SBC Annual Meeting website HERE.
Here are a few church office updates…
JOBS AT FRIENDSHIP
We invite you to visit the church website and see the jobs we have posted. We invite qualified candidates to apply. Go HERE to see the job postings.
General Church things to remember:
⚫ IN-PERSON EX-HOUR: In-person Ex-Hour meets each Sunday from 10am to 11am in the Multipurpose Building. We invite you to stay after the first service or come earlier for the second service to attend Ex Hour in person.
Well, that’s all I have!
Continue to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Stay Connected!
God loves you, and so do I!
In His Service,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
Today is Friday, May 20th which is Friendship’s actual birthday. So happy birthday, Friendship. On this day, 58 years ago, Friendship officially became a church. On Wednesday evening, the Charter members met at Sister Eunice Bryant’s home to charter a church recognized by the Providence Baptist Association. Rev. K.D Friend moderated the meeting, and the body named Rev. James Donald Carrington as their new pastor.
The small body of believers was faithful and determined to be all God calls them to be. They were faithful and diligent. They met in homes, then moved to various buildings, some rented and some borrowed.
Location number five was on property they had purchased with a building given to them on Lemon Street in Fullerton. There Friendship grew and flourished. God was gracious to Friendship, and it soon became apparent that Friendship would need a larger facility. The body of believers decided that they would build a new facility in Yorba Linda. While building that facility, the Friendship members worshiped at the Pacific Christian College in Fullerton (now known as Hope University). Friendship moved into the Yorba Linda Campus on January 4th, 1987. Yes, we have been at 17145 Bastanchury Road for 35 years. To God be the Glory! So Happy Birthday, Friendship.
Thank you to all those who gave the church a $58 birthday gift above your tithe and offering. There is still time and opportunity to give, and we invite you to do so. You can use the regular church envelope when you are at church on Sunday or give it online via the church website and church app today, right after viewing this week’s update. To give online, go HERE. I appreciate your support!
Well, here are this week’s announcements for you…
WOMEN’S MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
Ladies, don’t forget that tonight is the next Women’s Virtual Monthly Fellowship at 7:00pm. Come and hear two of our spirit-filled and biblically sharp ministry members, Sisters Angella Gardener and Brietta Looney, speak on Bring Your Nothing. These two women love the Lord and are FAITHFUL to ministry here at Friendship! I invite you to come to learn, be encouraged, and be encouraging! Register today HERE. It’s not too late to register.
VETERANS MINISTRY
Armed Forces Day is coming tomorrow, Saturday, May 21st. The Friendship Veterans Ministry will commemorate this day by having its first in-person workshop from 11am to 1pm in the Multi-Purpose Bldg at Friendship. This event will feature great information for Veterans on VA Home Mortgage Loans and Veteran’s Benefits Administration Los Angeles (VBALAX), specifically how veterans can file claims. In addition, presenters will answer critical concerns you may be having with the VA. Dependents, caretakers, and supporters of Veterans are also welcome to attend. Water and light snacks will be provided, along with a complimentary gift. Our presenters need to know how many people will attend so they can send the appropriate number of subject matter experts. Please RSVP to Mark Saunders via email HERE.
2022 VOTING INFORMATION SESSION
Friendship will offer a Voting Information Session on Monday, May 23rd, at 7pm via Zoom. Yes, this is a virtual event hosted by the Rhema Men’s Ministry and led by Deacon James P. Shirley. He will address critical issues facing us as American people; the impact of the Primaries and Mid-Term elections on prescription drugs, social security, Medicare, caregiving, and long-term care. He will also discuss the John Lewis Bill and much more. Gain more information HERE.
COMEDY NIGHT AT THE SHIP XII ~ SAVE THE DATE
RHEMA Men’s Ministry is planning and presenting Comedy Night at the Ship XII. This event will take place on Saturday, May 28th at 5pm. Tickets will cost $20. This comedy show will be a live, in-person event that takes place at Friendship. It will not stream. We will not have food service, and we will not have childcare available. To purchase tickets and to gain more information, please go HERE.
MEN’S DAY 2022:
Brothers, Men’s Day 2022 is coming, and we are excited! Men’s Day 2022 takes place on Sunday, May 29th, at both our 8am and 11:30am services. The Wrecking Crew will be in the house under the direction of our guest director, Brother Greg Jones. Brother Jones will also lead in Praise & Worship on that Sunday! So Wrecking Crew, it’s time to come together and sing! Rehearsals are Saturday, May 21st, at 10am, and Wednesday, May 25th, at 6pm. We also need the Men Doorkeepers on the floor and serving with our Hospitality Team. Additionally, our speaker for Men’s Day will be Bishop Jawane Hilton of Brister Baptist Church in Compton, CA.
ATTENTION CLASS OF 2022
Attention Class of 2022! We are collecting the names of all Friendship Members who are graduating from high school or college this year. So, if you are a member of Friendship and are graduating from high school or college or know a student connected to Friendship and that student is graduating from high school or college this year, please let us know by adding their name to the list HERE.
OFFICE CLOSED
Please note the Church office is closed Monday, May 30th, for Memorial Day.
VOLUNTEERS NEED ~ CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & DISCIPLESHIP
Christian Education and Discipleship is preparing to bring back children and youth Ex-Hour in September of this year! We are also preparing for the children and youth Discipleship Bootcamp and need volunteers for both areas. If you are ready to see our children back in their age-appropriate bible study groups and are willing to help with teaching, classroom assistance, and administration, please email us here at [email protected]. It takes a village to bring our children back, and we need your help!
GOSPEL VOICES OF OC: A JUNETEETH EVENT
The Chapman University College of Performing Arts, in collaboration with the Arts & Learning Conservatory, is happy to announce A Juneteeth Event entitled the Gospel Voices of OC. The event takes place on Sunday, June 19th. It is a staged concert event that chronicles African-American lives and artistry through choral works, dance, orchestra, band, theatre, and spoken word. With more than 100 performers, Gospel Voices of OC spans June 19, 1865, to contemporary times. It’s a joyous Juneteeth celebration of Freedom and excellence to inspire people of all ages. Our very own Sonya Griffin will be the vocal soloist for the event.
For more information, view the event advertisement, and purchase tickets, please go HERE. There is also a video announcement HERE. Also, HERE is a link to a video regarding the event by our very own Mark Saunders! Check it out!
NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN FELLOWSHIP OF THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION:
The Southern Baptist Convention will hold its 2022 Annual Meetin in Anaheim, CA, at the Anaheim Convention Center from June 12th through the 15th.
On June 11th, we will host a Crossover Event here at Friendship. A Crossover Event is an evangelistic outreach event designed to share the hope of the gospel with the community. In addition, we will host a block party event, and you are invited to attend and bring your unsaved and unchurched friends. More information will come next week.
Additionally, we will host the National African American Fellowship (NAAF) of the Southern Baptist Convention here at Friendship on Sunday, June 12th. The National President, Pastor Frank Williams, will speak at the 8am, and 11:30am services.
There will also be a 6:30 evening worship that we will host for the National African American Fellowship (NAAF). The guest speaker will be Dr. Tony Evans of the Oakcliff Bible Fellowship Church in Dallas, Texas. We will also have a combined choir that will consist of local area African American Churches, including Friendship, The View Church, St. Stephens, and others. More information is in the update’s written portion, and services are open to the public. I have also provided information and links. I will update you more in the weeks ahead.
For more information, view the flyer HERE. Also, you can visit the NAAF website HERE and the SBC Annual Meeting website HERE.
Here are a few church office updates…
JOBS AT FRIENDSHIP
We invite you to visit the church website and see the jobs we have posted. We invite qualified candidates to apply. Go HERE to see the job postings.
General Church things to remember:
⚫ 2022 CHURCH THEME:
United & Unashamed: God’s People United in Mission, Ministry, & Mandate
1 Corinthians 12:12-27 ESV; Romans 1:16-17 ESV
⚫ MAY PRAYER FOCUS:
Praying that Friendship Walks Freedom of God
Gal.5:1, II Cor 3:17, Gal 5:13, Eph 3:12
⚫ BIBLE READING
You have 225 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. These 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)
⚫ SOCIAL MEDIA
Make sure to follow us on our social media pages for upcoming content. For Facebook, that’s @FriendshipBaptistChurch. For Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, it’s @wearefriendshipchurch.
⚫ IN-PERSON EX-HOUR: In-person Ex-Hour meets each Sunday from 10am to 11am in the Multipurpose Building. We invite you to stay after the first service or come earlier for the second service to attend Ex Hour in person.
⚫ EX HOUR: Virtual Ex-Hour meets weekly on Sundays via ZOOM. Join us for class at 10am via this link HERE.
⚫ YOUTH EX HOUR: Our youth Ex Hour takes place during our designated EX Hour time via Google Meet and in-person. Yes, it’s a hybrid approach! Parents, please encourage your students to join youth teachers for this biblically fun opportunity to learn God’s Word, connect with others, and grow. To join Youth Ex-Hour, follow the link HERE.
⚫ CHILDREN’S MINISTRY VIDEO: There’s a weekly Children’s Ministry Worship Video designed to keep our children connected, encouraged, and worshipping! Rev. Jaron Singley works hard weekly to produce a Children’s worship video. It is available through our website HERE or the Friendship YouTube Channel HERE.
⚫ WEDNESDAY Prayer Day: Join us each Wednesday for Prayer. We pray at 6:30am, 12pm, and 6:30pm. To connect with our prayer services, please follow this link HERE or dial +1 (413) 418-4274 and use the PIN 287683504#.
⚫ FBC FOOD BANK OPEN: The FBC 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, 2:30pm-4:30pm.
⚫ COVID Recovery Kits: We still have Covid Recovery Kits through Providence Health and the Yorba Linda Rotary Club. These kits help individuals who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 and are recovering at home. Each kit includes a pulse oximeter to monitor breathing, a thermometer, a box of masks, and a package of sanitizing wipes in a small canvas bag. If you or someone in your family could benefit from one of these kits, please call the church office and arrange to get one.
⚫ COVID Membership Assistance Fund: We are STILL accepting COVID Membership Assistance Grant applications. If you are experiencing financial distress due to COVID19, we invite you to apply for one of our $500 assistance grants. The guidelines are available HERE, and the application is available HERE.
Well, that’s all I have!
Continue to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Stay Connected!
God loves you, and so do I!
In His Service,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor