PASTOR'S UPDATE MAY 2, 2025
Greetings, Friendship Family!
I send this message form the Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport!
My team and I are just returning from IC3, the Issachar Church Community Collaboration Conference in Houston, Texas. We had a great week there and have many ideas, dreams and tools that we are excited to put into practice, and we are looking forward to being back with you on this Sunday, which is the first Sunday of May, May 4th. See more information below!
This Sunday, we will be concluding the "Joy in the Journey" preaching series and we will be in Philippians chapter 4. I pray you will join us for communion and the WORD!
Now remember tonight we will NOT have our monthly prayer session because we had it last night, Thursday May 1st. I am grateful for Melanie Porter, the Prayer Posse' and all those that came out on Thursday night for the combined National Day of Prayer/Monthly Family Prayer Service.
I am excited to announce that I will be graduating on Saturday, May 10th and I just wanted to let everyone know that unfortunately it is not an open graduation, but a ticketed one, and so while I would love to have everyone there, I cannot have everyone there. However, I do look forward to celebrating with you on Sunday, May 11th.
While I'm speaking about graduations, I am excited to announce that Lady Karima will be graduating on May 24th. Her graduation is also a closed event. We just want to let you know that we just cannot invite everyone, but we will have opportunity to celebrate her as well.
Sunday, May 11th is also MOTHER'S DAY! We want to invite all the mothers to be in church on Sunday, May 11th because we have a special gift for you! We look forward to showing love and appreciation for our mothers.
Beloved, please take time to read through the announcements:
I send this message form the Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport!
My team and I are just returning from IC3, the Issachar Church Community Collaboration Conference in Houston, Texas. We had a great week there and have many ideas, dreams and tools that we are excited to put into practice, and we are looking forward to being back with you on this Sunday, which is the first Sunday of May, May 4th. See more information below!
This Sunday, we will be concluding the "Joy in the Journey" preaching series and we will be in Philippians chapter 4. I pray you will join us for communion and the WORD!
Now remember tonight we will NOT have our monthly prayer session because we had it last night, Thursday May 1st. I am grateful for Melanie Porter, the Prayer Posse' and all those that came out on Thursday night for the combined National Day of Prayer/Monthly Family Prayer Service.
I am excited to announce that I will be graduating on Saturday, May 10th and I just wanted to let everyone know that unfortunately it is not an open graduation, but a ticketed one, and so while I would love to have everyone there, I cannot have everyone there. However, I do look forward to celebrating with you on Sunday, May 11th.
While I'm speaking about graduations, I am excited to announce that Lady Karima will be graduating on May 24th. Her graduation is also a closed event. We just want to let you know that we just cannot invite everyone, but we will have opportunity to celebrate her as well.
Sunday, May 11th is also MOTHER'S DAY! We want to invite all the mothers to be in church on Sunday, May 11th because we have a special gift for you! We look forward to showing love and appreciation for our mothers.
Beloved, please take time to read through the announcements:
Youth Glow-in-the-Dark Lock-In is tonight, May 2nd at 7:00 PM.
Youth “Glow-In-the-Dark” Lock-In - Matthew 5:14
Youth, 6th Grade - 12th Grade, don’t miss this fun night with your friends! The event starts tonight, May 2nd @ 7 PM and ends on May 3rd @ 7 AM. We’ll be up for 12 hours straight of non-stop, high-energy games, food, prizes,, snacks and more. The cost is $5. Register below for one the funnest nights of the year!
Parents, we need your help to pull this off! To sign up for your student to attend or to volunteer as a parent , go HERE.
Youth “Glow-In-the-Dark” Lock-In - Matthew 5:14
Youth, 6th Grade - 12th Grade, don’t miss this fun night with your friends! The event starts tonight, May 2nd @ 7 PM and ends on May 3rd @ 7 AM. We’ll be up for 12 hours straight of non-stop, high-energy games, food, prizes,, snacks and more. The cost is $5. Register below for one the funnest nights of the year!
Parents, we need your help to pull this off! To sign up for your student to attend or to volunteer as a parent , go HERE.
KINGDOM WIVES CLASS - Next Classes are Saturday, May 3rd
Married and Engaged Ladies don't miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and your marriage! The community of Kingdom Wives invites you to join them ONLINE this month on 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings from 9:00-10:30 AM. Currently the study is based on the book Loving Him Well! Please note the class will not meet on May 17th to support the Water Walk.
April is sure to bring forth a new season filled with new possibilities as the Kingdom Wives ask God to see their husbands with fresh eyes! New participants must register to receive the class link, resources, and reminders. Please check the written update for details and registration information! HERE.
Married and Engaged Ladies don't miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and your marriage! The community of Kingdom Wives invites you to join them ONLINE this month on 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings from 9:00-10:30 AM. Currently the study is based on the book Loving Him Well! Please note the class will not meet on May 17th to support the Water Walk.
April is sure to bring forth a new season filled with new possibilities as the Kingdom Wives ask God to see their husbands with fresh eyes! New participants must register to receive the class link, resources, and reminders. Please check the written update for details and registration information! HERE.
FIRST SUNDAY COMMUNION SERVICE
Also, this Sunday, May 4th is the First Sunday! As stated we will wrap up our Philippians Preaching Series, Joy on the Journey, and we will gather at the Lord’s Table and celebrate Communion together. Also, we will celebrate our May birthdays and anniversaries.
For those of you joining us on line, check out the communion instructions so you can observe communion virtually HERE.
And remember: Communion is for believers. If you have not yet placed your trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, we ask that you refrain from partaking—this is a biblical instruction.
Also, this Sunday, May 4th is the First Sunday! As stated we will wrap up our Philippians Preaching Series, Joy on the Journey, and we will gather at the Lord’s Table and celebrate Communion together. Also, we will celebrate our May birthdays and anniversaries.
For those of you joining us on line, check out the communion instructions so you can observe communion virtually HERE.
And remember: Communion is for believers. If you have not yet placed your trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, we ask that you refrain from partaking—this is a biblical instruction.
MENS MONTHLY GATHERING
Brothers, you were born for more… abundantly more! You were born to be a 10X Better Man. Not just better, but 10X better in every aspect of your life. This month we focus on how we can be 10X better physically.
We look forward to seeing you on Monday, MAY 12th at 7:00 PM for a fun time of food and fellowship.
Brothers, you were born for more… abundantly more! You were born to be a 10X Better Man. Not just better, but 10X better in every aspect of your life. This month we focus on how we can be 10X better physically.
We look forward to seeing you on Monday, MAY 12th at 7:00 PM for a fun time of food and fellowship.
5 WAYS IN 90 DAYS
Is it your goal to complete a Bible Reading Plan in 2025? If so, you're encouraged to join the 5 Ways in 90 Days Bible Class! The class started on Tuesday, April 22nd but, you can still partner with others by choosing to read the Bible in one (or more) of 5 ways:
Is it your goal to complete a Bible Reading Plan in 2025? If so, you're encouraged to join the 5 Ways in 90 Days Bible Class! The class started on Tuesday, April 22nd but, you can still partner with others by choosing to read the Bible in one (or more) of 5 ways:
- The Entire Bible (Reading dates: 4/23-7/21)
- The Pentateuch (Genesis - Deuteronomy) Reading dates: 4/23-5/6
- The Old Testament (Reading dates: 4/23-6/30)
- The New Testament (Reading dates: 6/30-7/19)
- The Gospels (Reading dates (6/30-7/7)
WOMEN'S VIRTUAL FELLOWSHIP
Kingdom Women – Join us for our Virtual Women’s Ministry Monthly Fellowship on Friday, May 16th at 7:00 PM. Our guest, Sis. Lanida Green, will teach about how Chaos Produces Character based upon the book Now and Not Yet: Pressing in When You’re Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More by Ruth Chou Simons. Ruth writes,
"Why can’t everything just be . . . uncomplicated? If restlessness is a desire for more, perhaps trying to control everything is a longing for less. Less noise, less pressure, less uncertainty, less pain. We imagine that if we could just get on top of our lists, figure out our unknowns, decrease our stressors, and calm our chaos, we would somehow feel at peace. We’re tempted to believe that if we can create some sense of certainty in our lives and understand the plan, then we will experience peace instead of chaos. With this perspective, it’s no wonder we struggle with so much fear and anxiety! Our best-laid plans are but an attempt to secure the confidence, predictability, and settledness we long for in a chaotic world. But what if the uncertainty and chaos we’re constantly trying to eliminate are purposeful, even if it drives us crazy?"
Ladies, let's get together and learn how Chaos Produces Character!
Don't Delay – Register Today and Invite A Friend...or 2
Invite a friend or two—it’s going to be rich. To sign up, go HERE.
Kingdom Women – Join us for our Virtual Women’s Ministry Monthly Fellowship on Friday, May 16th at 7:00 PM. Our guest, Sis. Lanida Green, will teach about how Chaos Produces Character based upon the book Now and Not Yet: Pressing in When You’re Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More by Ruth Chou Simons. Ruth writes,
"Why can’t everything just be . . . uncomplicated? If restlessness is a desire for more, perhaps trying to control everything is a longing for less. Less noise, less pressure, less uncertainty, less pain. We imagine that if we could just get on top of our lists, figure out our unknowns, decrease our stressors, and calm our chaos, we would somehow feel at peace. We’re tempted to believe that if we can create some sense of certainty in our lives and understand the plan, then we will experience peace instead of chaos. With this perspective, it’s no wonder we struggle with so much fear and anxiety! Our best-laid plans are but an attempt to secure the confidence, predictability, and settledness we long for in a chaotic world. But what if the uncertainty and chaos we’re constantly trying to eliminate are purposeful, even if it drives us crazy?"
Ladies, let's get together and learn how Chaos Produces Character!
Don't Delay – Register Today and Invite A Friend...or 2
Invite a friend or two—it’s going to be rich. To sign up, go HERE.
6K WALK FOR WATER
Pastor Curry is excited to share that he's leading a team for World Vision’s Global 6K for Water, and would love for you to join him! Every $50 registration helps provide clean water to one more person in need. And for participants 18 years old and under, the registration is only $25!
This is a great opportunity to walk, run, or roll together for a powerful cause. We’ll gather and walk as a church family on Saturday, May 17th at 9:00 AM.
Let’s show up strong! Join our Friendship Team today and invite your friends, family, coworkers—everyone is welcome. Let’s walk with purpose and help empower children with the gift of clean water!
To sign up to be on our team, go HERE.
Pastor Curry is excited to share that he's leading a team for World Vision’s Global 6K for Water, and would love for you to join him! Every $50 registration helps provide clean water to one more person in need. And for participants 18 years old and under, the registration is only $25!
This is a great opportunity to walk, run, or roll together for a powerful cause. We’ll gather and walk as a church family on Saturday, May 17th at 9:00 AM.
Let’s show up strong! Join our Friendship Team today and invite your friends, family, coworkers—everyone is welcome. Let’s walk with purpose and help empower children with the gift of clean water!
To sign up to be on our team, go HERE.
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY
On Sunday, May 18, we will celebrate our 51st Church Anniversary. To God be the Glory! We will not have a big celebration this year, however, Pastor Curry will be giving a special impactful message that will challenge us to what God wants from us in this next season for Friendship. Pastor Curry will also be giving an update on the building project - where we are and a timeline as we move forward.
On Sunday, May 18, we will celebrate our 51st Church Anniversary. To God be the Glory! We will not have a big celebration this year, however, Pastor Curry will be giving a special impactful message that will challenge us to what God wants from us in this next season for Friendship. Pastor Curry will also be giving an update on the building project - where we are and a timeline as we move forward.
SINGLES BIBLE STUDY
All Singles are invited to join us for our Spring Bible Study in the book of Hebrews! This 8-week class will be held online on Thursdays at 7:30 PM starting April 24th. Hebrews teaches us how to live for Jesus in every season of life and shows us that Jesus is better than anything the world can offer. We simply need to answer, "Am I willing to trust Him above everything else?" To join the class: CLICK HERE
All Singles are invited to join us for our Spring Bible Study in the book of Hebrews! This 8-week class will be held online on Thursdays at 7:30 PM starting April 24th. Hebrews teaches us how to live for Jesus in every season of life and shows us that Jesus is better than anything the world can offer. We simply need to answer, "Am I willing to trust Him above everything else?" To join the class: CLICK HERE
MINISTERS & TEACHERS CONFERENCE
The 2025 Ministers & Teachers Conference is Coming! All Friendship Ministers, Teachers, and LEAD Graduates are invited and encouraged to join us on Saturday, May 1st for this year's Ministers & Teachers Conference. To register, CLICK HERE.
The 2025 Ministers & Teachers Conference is Coming! All Friendship Ministers, Teachers, and LEAD Graduates are invited and encouraged to join us on Saturday, May 1st for this year's Ministers & Teachers Conference. To register, CLICK 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, 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
James 1:2-3; Romans 15:13; 1 Peter 1:8-9; Psalm 16:11; Nehemiah 8:10
✔ 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)
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, 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
- MAY PRAYER FOCUS:
James 1:2-3; Romans 15:13; 1 Peter 1:8-9; Psalm 16:11; Nehemiah 8:10
- BIBLE READING
We invite everyone to consider reading God’s Word this year! As of today, you have 243 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.
Whew! That was a lot of announcements!
I look forward to seeing YOU this Sunday! Not just for Communion, but for community! I love seeing your faces, worshiping together, and being in the house of the Lord with you.
Oh! And don’t forget—we are concluding the preaching series this Sunday titled “Joy on the Journey”—a study through Philippians. Prayerfully this series has encouraged, challenged, and been a blessing to us all, and I hope you’ll be there to finish the journey through Philippians with us!
Remember Friendship, God loves you, and so do I. Have a great day and an amazing weekend—and I’ll see you Sunday!
Blessings!
Rev. Dr. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
I look forward to seeing YOU this Sunday! Not just for Communion, but for community! I love seeing your faces, worshiping together, and being in the house of the Lord with you.
Oh! And don’t forget—we are concluding the preaching series this Sunday titled “Joy on the Journey”—a study through Philippians. Prayerfully this series has encouraged, challenged, and been a blessing to us all, and I hope you’ll be there to finish the journey through Philippians with us!
Remember Friendship, God loves you, and so do I. Have a great day and an amazing weekend—and I’ll see you Sunday!
Blessings!
Rev. Dr. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
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