PASTOR'S UPDATE SEPTEMBER 15, 2023
Hey there Friendship Family!
I greet you and bless you in the AWESOME NAME of Jesus!
I firmly believe in the community and fellowship of the believers.
Our ability to maintain FELLOWSHIP is paramount to our ongoing spiritual development and our personal spiritual growth. The fellowship that exist between Christians is the gift of God. It is a true means of His grace. As spiritual people, who have been called OUT of darkness into His marvelous light, it is easy to become discouraged in this world, with all of its shifting values!
God, however, gives us HOPE in one another! We have opportunity to enjoy fellowship with one another! Our fellowship with each other, like-minded believers, is marvelously therapeutic and sweet.
Fellowship exists between believers because we have these principal things in common: the experience of saving grace, our separation from the world, the expectation of His coming glory, a thirst for God, grateful love for Christ, and acceptance and reliance on the Word of God!
This week I call us to remember the fellowship! Remember the community. Especially as we talk about Back to Church Sunday in a few moments.
We must encourage one another, strengthen one another, pray for one another, and love one another. Do not forget about your fellow brothers and sisters. We are ALL going through so much. Perhaps this weekend you will take the time to reach out to someone in our church you have not seen in a while, but have thought about.
Send them a text or give them a call. Let them know you are thinking about them. Perhaps have a word of prayer with them. Invite them to JOIN you for church this Sunday! Small things have a huge impact!
Let us remember the one another’s of scripture…
I will give you just a few today…
These are but a few scriptures that remind us we need one another.
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
What a great revival we had this week! Before I give the announcements let me say thank you for the birthday celebration this past Sunday. THANK YOU so much for your many expressions of love for my 50th birthday! All I can say is WOW! So many calls, texts, emails, cards, and Facebook posts. In fact, I am still reading the cards that you have sent me! Again, WOW, and THANK YOU. You are so kind.
Thank you to Lady Karima for making my birthday memorable and THANK YOU to the staff and volunteers who assisted her!
You are certainly appreciated, and we want you to know how grateful we are for you.
I am looking forward to the fourth Sunday, September 24th, when we will celebrate my 10th Pastoral Anniversary serving here at Friendship. It is not my anniversary alone. It is OUR anniversary as Pastor & People! Remember our speakers are Pastor Gregory Perkins of the View Church at 8am and Pastor Welton Pleasant of Christ Second Baptist of Long Beach at 11:30am We will have a refreshments after each service. Ex-Hour will be canceled on that Sunday for both in-person and online classes.
Let me get us going and give you these few announcements!
I greet you and bless you in the AWESOME NAME of Jesus!
I firmly believe in the community and fellowship of the believers.
Our ability to maintain FELLOWSHIP is paramount to our ongoing spiritual development and our personal spiritual growth. The fellowship that exist between Christians is the gift of God. It is a true means of His grace. As spiritual people, who have been called OUT of darkness into His marvelous light, it is easy to become discouraged in this world, with all of its shifting values!
God, however, gives us HOPE in one another! We have opportunity to enjoy fellowship with one another! Our fellowship with each other, like-minded believers, is marvelously therapeutic and sweet.
Fellowship exists between believers because we have these principal things in common: the experience of saving grace, our separation from the world, the expectation of His coming glory, a thirst for God, grateful love for Christ, and acceptance and reliance on the Word of God!
This week I call us to remember the fellowship! Remember the community. Especially as we talk about Back to Church Sunday in a few moments.
We must encourage one another, strengthen one another, pray for one another, and love one another. Do not forget about your fellow brothers and sisters. We are ALL going through so much. Perhaps this weekend you will take the time to reach out to someone in our church you have not seen in a while, but have thought about.
Send them a text or give them a call. Let them know you are thinking about them. Perhaps have a word of prayer with them. Invite them to JOIN you for church this Sunday! Small things have a huge impact!
Let us remember the one another’s of scripture…
I will give you just a few today…
- John 13:34 states that we should LOVE ONE ANOTHER, this command occurs 16 times in scripture.
- Romans 12:10 tells us to be devoted to one another in love and to honor one another.
- Romans 12:16 tells to live in harmony with one another.
These are but a few scriptures that remind us we need one another.
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!
What a great revival we had this week! Before I give the announcements let me say thank you for the birthday celebration this past Sunday. THANK YOU so much for your many expressions of love for my 50th birthday! All I can say is WOW! So many calls, texts, emails, cards, and Facebook posts. In fact, I am still reading the cards that you have sent me! Again, WOW, and THANK YOU. You are so kind.
Thank you to Lady Karima for making my birthday memorable and THANK YOU to the staff and volunteers who assisted her!
You are certainly appreciated, and we want you to know how grateful we are for you.
I am looking forward to the fourth Sunday, September 24th, when we will celebrate my 10th Pastoral Anniversary serving here at Friendship. It is not my anniversary alone. It is OUR anniversary as Pastor & People! Remember our speakers are Pastor Gregory Perkins of the View Church at 8am and Pastor Welton Pleasant of Christ Second Baptist of Long Beach at 11:30am We will have a refreshments after each service. Ex-Hour will be canceled on that Sunday for both in-person and online classes.
Let me get us going and give you these few announcements!
WOMENS MINISTRY VIRTUAL MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP
Attention Women of Friendship! Tonight is the night! Join the Friendship Women’s Ministry tonight, Friday, September 15th at 7:00 pm for the FBC Women’s Ministry Virtual Monthly Fellowship.
The presenters, Lady Karima Curry and her mother, Evangelist Francie Jones 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. Click HERE to register.
TEACHER'S MEETING
Tomorrow, Saturday, September 16th our Christian Education Ministry will host its LAST Teacher's Meeting for 2023! We are asking ALL teachers and LEAD Graduates to make every effort to attend. Our agenda will include updates on Bible Classes and on the ministry as a whole. Light refreshments will be provided, so if you are unable to attend, please let us know so we can plan accordingly and ensure you receive pertinent information from the meeting.
Attention Women of Friendship! Tonight is the night! Join the Friendship Women’s Ministry tonight, Friday, September 15th at 7:00 pm for the FBC Women’s Ministry Virtual Monthly Fellowship.
The presenters, Lady Karima Curry and her mother, Evangelist Francie Jones 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. Click HERE to register.
TEACHER'S MEETING
Tomorrow, Saturday, September 16th our Christian Education Ministry will host its LAST Teacher's Meeting for 2023! We are asking ALL teachers and LEAD Graduates to make every effort to attend. Our agenda will include updates on Bible Classes and on the ministry as a whole. Light refreshments will be provided, so if you are unable to attend, please let us know so we can plan accordingly and ensure you receive pertinent information from the meeting.
BACK-TO-CHURCH SUNDAY
As I have alluded to earlier, this Sunday is Back to Church Sunday! Join us Sunday for worship as we celebrate and National Back to Church Sunday! Yes this Sunday, September 17th is Back to Church Sunday! Back to church Sunday is the day set aside 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 you can invite to church this Sunday!
While it can seem a little daunting to invite someone to church with you, please remember 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!
Let’s all come back to CHURCH!
As I have alluded to earlier, this Sunday is Back to Church Sunday! Join us Sunday for worship as we celebrate and National Back to Church Sunday! Yes this Sunday, September 17th is Back to Church Sunday! Back to church Sunday is the day set aside 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 you can invite to church this Sunday!
While it can seem a little daunting to invite someone to church with you, please remember 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!
Let’s all come back to CHURCH!
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. Go HERE to register.
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. Go HERE to register.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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FAITHFUL GIVING
Lastly, in the last several weeks, I have told the congregation we are in a $200,000 deficit. Our deficit continues, and my team and I are concerned. We need ALL members to continue to be faithful and generous, and we also need you to help encourage the others in our membership and fellowship to do so. We must try and close the gap and raise the budgeted amount by the end of the year. We must raise essentially $1.2M by December 31st. We have a tremendous amount of work to do. You may give HERE.
FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE
Also, please continue to pray for the Future NOW Initiative. God is up to something!
Also, please continue to pray for the Future NOW Initiative. God is up to something! Plan are being reviewed and we are making progress!
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.
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)
That is all I have!
BLESSINGS FRIENDSHIP FAMILY!!!
In His Service,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
Lastly, in the last several weeks, I have told the congregation we are in a $200,000 deficit. Our deficit continues, and my team and I are concerned. We need ALL members to continue to be faithful and generous, and we also need you to help encourage the others in our membership and fellowship to do so. We must try and close the gap and raise the budgeted amount by the end of the year. We must raise essentially $1.2M by December 31st. We have a tremendous amount of work to do. You may give HERE.
FUTURE NOW INITIATIVE
Also, please continue to pray for the Future NOW Initiative. God is up to something!
Also, please continue to pray for the Future NOW Initiative. God is up to something! Plan are being reviewed and we are making progress!
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.
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.
That is all I have!
BLESSINGS FRIENDSHIP FAMILY!!!
In His Service,
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor