PASTOR'S UPDATE SEPTEMBER 1, 2023
Hey y'all! Pastor Jaron here. I'm sending out this update as our Senior Pastor, Kenneth C. Curry, Jr. is away on vacation.
Didn’t we have a great day on this past Sunday? Yes, we had a wonderful day of worship and a great message from Pastor Victor Chayasirisobhon. Thanks to your faithful giving and our partnership with NAACP of OC we were able to bless over 300 children and youth with backpacks and school supplies. Praise God!
Whelp... That is it. The summer is over. School is back in session. Fall sports have started up. Business is picking up again.
If you feel a renewed sense of motivation in fall, you’re not alone. There’s mounting evidence that “September is the new January” when it comes to setting goals.
In fact, studies find that enrollment in weight loss programs rises in the Fall, along with online searches about career development.
It’s clear change is in the air, but why?
September is a popular time for reinvention and renewed motivation because of something behavioral economists have dubbed the “fresh start effect“. Put simply, this principle suggests that it’s easiest to adapt to habits at natural transition points. A new beginning may be signaled by an occasion like a birthday or a temporal landmark like the first of the month. Changing seasons can also provide a clean slate.
We use the start of a new week, month, or year as a marker to put past behavior behind us.
When we launch into a new project, we’re generally raring to go, ready to “move mountains” to make it happen. It’s a new challenge, and it’s exciting!
The challenge might be big, but no problem… you have “faith” and are feeling full of strength and energy to get it done. That’s fantastic! But… be sure to take the time to ask the Lord for His help and guidance.
Defer to God's will as you plan. You need to say, Lord, these are my plans, but I subject them to Your will because You are infinitely greater than I am. Since God's will for you is the expression of His infinitely perfect plan, you won't go wrong submitting your plans to Him. But if you leave God out, you may miss out on some blessing He wanted to send your way. You may also miss out on His protection from some danger if you are fixated on what you want.
Now on to this week's announcements...
Didn’t we have a great day on this past Sunday? Yes, we had a wonderful day of worship and a great message from Pastor Victor Chayasirisobhon. Thanks to your faithful giving and our partnership with NAACP of OC we were able to bless over 300 children and youth with backpacks and school supplies. Praise God!
Whelp... That is it. The summer is over. School is back in session. Fall sports have started up. Business is picking up again.
If you feel a renewed sense of motivation in fall, you’re not alone. There’s mounting evidence that “September is the new January” when it comes to setting goals.
In fact, studies find that enrollment in weight loss programs rises in the Fall, along with online searches about career development.
It’s clear change is in the air, but why?
September is a popular time for reinvention and renewed motivation because of something behavioral economists have dubbed the “fresh start effect“. Put simply, this principle suggests that it’s easiest to adapt to habits at natural transition points. A new beginning may be signaled by an occasion like a birthday or a temporal landmark like the first of the month. Changing seasons can also provide a clean slate.
We use the start of a new week, month, or year as a marker to put past behavior behind us.
When we launch into a new project, we’re generally raring to go, ready to “move mountains” to make it happen. It’s a new challenge, and it’s exciting!
The challenge might be big, but no problem… you have “faith” and are feeling full of strength and energy to get it done. That’s fantastic! But… be sure to take the time to ask the Lord for His help and guidance.
Defer to God's will as you plan. You need to say, Lord, these are my plans, but I subject them to Your will because You are infinitely greater than I am. Since God's will for you is the expression of His infinitely perfect plan, you won't go wrong submitting your plans to Him. But if you leave God out, you may miss out on some blessing He wanted to send your way. You may also miss out on His protection from some danger if you are fixated on what you want.
Now on to this week's announcements...
FAMILY PRAYER SERVICE
Today is September 1st and it is the Friday before the first Sunday and we would typically gather virtually for our Family prayer service. However, due to the holiday weekend we will not gather. We ask that you would pray in place - please set aside time to pray… The prayer focus for September is Building the Kingdom of God. So please pray that Friendship will continue to do the work to Build The Kingdom in every area of our church.
COMMUNION SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3RD
This Sunday, September 3rd, is the first Sunday so we will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper.
Pastor Curry has reminded us that Communion is fundamentally all about Jesus. Focusing on Jesus helps us avoid being distracted by side issues. Jesus instituted communion for his disciples to remember his death and sacrifice. At its core, communion is a celebration, remembrance, and proclamation of Christ’s death.
Communion is a time of blessing and giving thanks.
Communion is a symbol of the New Covenant.
Further, Communion is FAITH BUILDING. As we participate by faith in the Lord’s supper, God can move through the symbols of his presence to strengthen and encourage us by his grace.
Yes, Communion encourages us to Keep the Faith!
So please plan to join us this Sunday for Communion. If you can’t join us this Sunday, prepare your elements and join us virtually for worship and communion. HERE are the instructions for preparing your elements at home.
OFFICE CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH
Monday, September 4th is Labor Day and the church offices will be closed. I pray that you have a blessed and a safe holiday. Happy Labor Day to you!
CUB SCOUT CAR WASH
On Saturday, September 9th, our Cub Scouts will be having a Car Wash Fundraiser from 7:30 - 11:30 am here at Friendship. Come out and support our young cub scouts!
Today is September 1st and it is the Friday before the first Sunday and we would typically gather virtually for our Family prayer service. However, due to the holiday weekend we will not gather. We ask that you would pray in place - please set aside time to pray… The prayer focus for September is Building the Kingdom of God. So please pray that Friendship will continue to do the work to Build The Kingdom in every area of our church.
COMMUNION SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3RD
This Sunday, September 3rd, is the first Sunday so we will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper.
Pastor Curry has reminded us that Communion is fundamentally all about Jesus. Focusing on Jesus helps us avoid being distracted by side issues. Jesus instituted communion for his disciples to remember his death and sacrifice. At its core, communion is a celebration, remembrance, and proclamation of Christ’s death.
Communion is a time of blessing and giving thanks.
Communion is a symbol of the New Covenant.
Further, Communion is FAITH BUILDING. As we participate by faith in the Lord’s supper, God can move through the symbols of his presence to strengthen and encourage us by his grace.
Yes, Communion encourages us to Keep the Faith!
So please plan to join us this Sunday for Communion. If you can’t join us this Sunday, prepare your elements and join us virtually for worship and communion. HERE are the instructions for preparing your elements at home.
OFFICE CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH
Monday, September 4th is Labor Day and the church offices will be closed. I pray that you have a blessed and a safe holiday. Happy Labor Day to you!
CUB SCOUT CAR WASH
On Saturday, September 9th, our Cub Scouts will be having a Car Wash Fundraiser from 7:30 - 11:30 am here at Friendship. Come out and support our young cub scouts!
PASTOR'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Our Pastor’s Birthday is coming up! It is September on Tuesday, September 5th, and we will celebrate as a family on Sunday, September 10th. It is no secret - this is Pastor’s 50th birthday! What a blessing! come out and celebrate with us during and after each of the services - 8 am and 11:30 am.
Our Pastor’s Birthday is coming up! It is September on Tuesday, September 5th, and we will celebrate as a family on Sunday, September 10th. It is no secret - this is Pastor’s 50th birthday! What a blessing! come out and celebrate with us during and after each of the services - 8 am and 11:30 am.
2023 FALL REVIVAL
Revival 2023, to be held September 12th -14th. Services take place in person at 7:30 pm nightly here at Friendship. Our church theme for this year is Resilient Faith. We are using Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV as our reference point for this theme.
Our guest speaker is Pastor Kennedy Young of the East Gate Missionary Baptist Church of Dallas, TX come out to hear from him as well as lectures by our staff ministers Pastor Jaron Singley, Pastor Rodney Friend and Rev. Felton Christian. We are excited about all that God is going to do at this year’s Revival.
Revival 2023, to be held September 12th -14th. Services take place in person at 7:30 pm nightly here at Friendship. Our church theme for this year is Resilient Faith. We are using Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV as our reference point for this theme.
Our guest speaker is Pastor Kennedy Young of the East Gate Missionary Baptist Church of Dallas, TX come out to hear from him as well as lectures by our staff ministers Pastor Jaron Singley, Pastor Rodney Friend and Rev. Felton Christian. We are excited about all that God is going to do at this year’s Revival.
WOMENS VIRTUAL MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
Join us on Friday, September 15th at 7:00 pm for our FBC Women’s Ministry virtual monthly fellowship.
Our presenters, Lady Karima Curry and Evangelist Francie Jones (daughter & mother dynamo duo), will be speaking about “Saying Hello: Hello New Mission – Hello, Unknown” based upon the book So Long, Normal: Living And Loving The Free Fall Of Faith by Author Laura Story.
Laura writes:
Join us on Friday, September 15th at 7:00 pm for our FBC Women’s Ministry virtual monthly fellowship.
Our presenters, Lady Karima Curry and Evangelist Francie Jones (daughter & mother dynamo duo), will be speaking about “Saying Hello: Hello New Mission – Hello, Unknown” based upon the book So Long, Normal: Living And Loving The Free Fall Of Faith by Author Laura Story.
Laura writes:
“Whether God is telling us to stay where we are or to move into a new chapter that he may be writing in our lives, he is always at work. For those times when we step forward into new beginnings, here’s fair warning: when we yield to his will, on some level, God is calling us to leave the comfort of the familiar. It’s a call to step out, to leave behind earthly contentment for true fulfillment and a solidarity with God that only comes from the shaking of what can be shaken. God never shakes us to disorient us but to reorient us. His sovereign shaking of our lives is a sweet mercy, freeing us from our tendency to settle for lesser joys and cheaper treasures. God loves us too much to let us settle for normal. He rescued us from the domain of darkness not just to give us life but abundant life!”
Ladies, let's get together and get ready to SAY HELLO to the New and to the Unknown!
Don't Delay – Register Today click HERE.
Don't Delay – Register Today click HERE.
NATIONAL BACK-TO-CHURCH SUNDAY
National Back to Church Sunday is Sunday, September 17th. This day is set aside as a day for congregations to reach out and invite friends, neighbors and coworkers to come back to, or try church for the first time. It is a day set aside for churches across America to invite their community to a Bible-based church, whether for the first time or as a returning member.
So please think about who can you invite to church.
I know it can seem a little daunting to invite someone to church with you… It’s also easy to forget that we have God on our side and when we step out in faith with a simple invitation, He is already at work in the hearts of our friends. We are called to tell others about Jesus, and trust God to do the rest!
NEW WOMENS BIBLE STUDY
All ladies are encouraged and welcome to join us for a new study titled, When You Pray (Authors: McClellan, Perry, Minter, and more) . In this 13-week series, we will study six prayers in the Bible that will inspire and strengthen our prayer lives.
This new study starts Wednesday, September 20th at 7:30 p.m. and will be held virtually. Ladies, please order your own books via one of the following: Lifeway Christian Resources, Christianbook.com, or Amazon. Facilitators: Rev. Belinda Wright & Rev. Fredia Travis.
National Back to Church Sunday is Sunday, September 17th. This day is set aside as a day for congregations to reach out and invite friends, neighbors and coworkers to come back to, or try church for the first time. It is a day set aside for churches across America to invite their community to a Bible-based church, whether for the first time or as a returning member.
So please think about who can you invite to church.
I know it can seem a little daunting to invite someone to church with you… It’s also easy to forget that we have God on our side and when we step out in faith with a simple invitation, He is already at work in the hearts of our friends. We are called to tell others about Jesus, and trust God to do the rest!
NEW WOMENS BIBLE STUDY
All ladies are encouraged and welcome to join us for a new study titled, When You Pray (Authors: McClellan, Perry, Minter, and more) . In this 13-week series, we will study six prayers in the Bible that will inspire and strengthen our prayer lives.
This new study starts Wednesday, September 20th at 7:30 p.m. and will be held virtually. Ladies, please order your own books via one of the following: Lifeway Christian Resources, Christianbook.com, or Amazon. Facilitators: Rev. Belinda Wright & Rev. Fredia Travis.
SINGLES CHAT-N-CHEW
Join us for a virtual fellowship on September 23, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. Our guest speaker, Sis. Tonya Whiteside of The Whiteside Group, and a beloved member of Friendship Baptist Church, will share with us on how we can begin the journey to Embracing Spiritual Freedom in Christ!
Imagine a life where you are no longer held back by fears, doubts, or limiting beliefs – a life where you are free to accelerate toward your fullest potential and purpose in Christ. Just as a vehicle can't move forward with the brake engaged, our souls are hindered when we cling to resistance and hesitation. Releasing guides you toward greater fulfillment and alignment on your spiritual journey. It's time to Release the Brake Pedal and accelerate toward the abundant and joyous life in Christ which has been prepared especially for you! Go HERE to register.
Join us for a virtual fellowship on September 23, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. Our guest speaker, Sis. Tonya Whiteside of The Whiteside Group, and a beloved member of Friendship Baptist Church, will share with us on how we can begin the journey to Embracing Spiritual Freedom in Christ!
Imagine a life where you are no longer held back by fears, doubts, or limiting beliefs – a life where you are free to accelerate toward your fullest potential and purpose in Christ. Just as a vehicle can't move forward with the brake engaged, our souls are hindered when we cling to resistance and hesitation. Releasing guides you toward greater fulfillment and alignment on your spiritual journey. It's time to Release the Brake Pedal and accelerate toward the abundant and joyous life in Christ which has been prepared especially for you! Go HERE to register.
PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY
The Friendship Baptist Church, Yorba Linda, CA, is thrilled to announce the 10th Pastoral
Anniversary of our pastor, Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr. On Sunday, September 24th, 2023, during
the 8:00 am and 11:30 am worship services, we will celebrate 10 years of Pastor Curry’s faithful
service as Senior Pastor. 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.
Our theme for this milestone celebration is A Mission Minded Pastor Following the Master’s
Mandate inspired by John 4:34. During the services, we will honor our Pastor’s commitment to staying on mission with Christ in leading our church to be a holy offering that is Bible Based, Christ Centered, and Saved to Serve. After each service, we will host celebration receptions 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.
The Friendship Baptist Church, Yorba Linda, CA, is thrilled to announce the 10th Pastoral
Anniversary of our pastor, Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr. On Sunday, September 24th, 2023, during
the 8:00 am and 11:30 am worship services, we will celebrate 10 years of Pastor Curry’s faithful
service as Senior Pastor. 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.
Our theme for this milestone celebration is A Mission Minded Pastor Following the Master’s
Mandate inspired by John 4:34. During the services, we will honor our Pastor’s commitment to staying on mission with Christ in leading our church to be a holy offering that is Bible Based, Christ Centered, and Saved to Serve. After each service, we will host celebration receptions 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.
FAITHFUL GIVING
I want to say thank you for your giving and partnership. As I mentioned earlier, it is because of your giving that we were able to give out backpacks and school supplies to over 300 children and teenagers. We want to do more! We want to be more! I have more thoughts and plans for us to grow our outreach - prison ministry, homeless ministry, support for those who are grieving and so much more! Remember Friendship, we are not an institution, - we are a MOVEMENT! 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.
FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE
Also, please continue to pray for the Future NOW Initiative. God is up to something!
We also want to thank those who have already started to give for our FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE. We request that you submit your PLEDGE FORM and begin making your pledges.
On the pledge form, please indicate your planned pledge amount and your frequency of giving. Again, if you have the printed form, please put your total pledge amount on the KICK STARTER LINE. Then tell us, on that form, whether you will give your pledge over 12 months or 15 months. Lastly, please tell us the frequency of your giving, whether you will give weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly (as a one-time gift). Also, the form is available online HERE.
SCHOLARSHIP MINISTRY ANNOUNCEMENT
Parents and grandparents - Prayerfully your little ones are off to a great start in school this year. With the new academic year comes the start of a new year for our Scholarship ministry. The scholarship ministry is now taking open enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year for all First through Twelfth grade students. Please ENROLL HERE.
General Church things to remember:
Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
Hebrews 10:24-25; Rom 8:1-3; Heb 13:1-3; Jam1:7; Mark 2:17
✔️ 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)
BLESSINGS FRIENDSHIP FAMILY!!!
Joy,
Rev. Jaron Singley
Executive Pastor of Ministries
I want to say thank you for your giving and partnership. As I mentioned earlier, it is because of your giving that we were able to give out backpacks and school supplies to over 300 children and teenagers. We want to do more! We want to be more! I have more thoughts and plans for us to grow our outreach - prison ministry, homeless ministry, support for those who are grieving and so much more! Remember Friendship, we are not an institution, - we are a MOVEMENT! 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.
FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE
Also, please continue to pray for the Future NOW Initiative. God is up to something!
We also want to thank those who have already started to give for our FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE. We request that you submit your PLEDGE FORM and begin making your pledges.
On the pledge form, please indicate your planned pledge amount and your frequency of giving. Again, if you have the printed form, please put your total pledge amount on the KICK STARTER LINE. Then tell us, on that form, whether you will give your pledge over 12 months or 15 months. Lastly, please tell us the frequency of your giving, whether you will give weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly (as a one-time gift). Also, the form is available online HERE.
SCHOLARSHIP MINISTRY ANNOUNCEMENT
Parents and grandparents - Prayerfully your little ones are off to a great start in school this year. With the new academic year comes the start of a new year for our Scholarship ministry. The scholarship ministry is now taking open enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year for all First through Twelfth grade students. Please ENROLL HERE.
General Church things to remember:
- 2023 CHURCH THEME:
Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
- SEPTEMBER PRAYER FOCUS:
Hebrews 10:24-25; Rom 8:1-3; Heb 13:1-3; Jam1:7; Mark 2:17
- 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 Rev. Phil Yoder
- Young Adults Class (Carrington Building Rooms 207-208): This class is designed for those aged 18-35.
- 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#.
- 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, 2:30 pm-4:30 pm.
BLESSINGS FRIENDSHIP FAMILY!!!
Joy,
Rev. Jaron Singley
Executive Pastor of Ministries