OUR MINISTRIES
Sunday School
Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You…Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path…Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy, and teach me Your statutes…The entrance of Your words give light; It gives understanding to the simple…Direct my steps in Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me…Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts(Psalm 119:11,105,124, 130, 133, 173).
Without knowledge, we are defenseless and vulnerable. Knowing God’s truth–by study and by application–enables us to say no to sin and yes to righteousness. Anyone who puts his faith in Jesus Christ but does not keep God’s Word constantly at the forefront of his mind will find himself or herself entrapped in sin again and again.
Participation in regular Bible study promotes learning among God’s people and a response of personal obedience to the Scriptures. If our physical diet is not well balanced, or if our digestive systems are not functioning properly, our bodies will decline in health. Similarly, if we do not or cannot take in the full value of the diet offered to us in the Scriptures, we will become spiritually disabled (1 Corinthians 3:1, 2) To us, studying the Bible is vital because it not only instructs us intellectually, but also guides us spiritually. We believe the Bible and accept it as God’s Word to man, a Book that is alive and relevant to life today.
Friendship Church has twelve (12) Sunday School Classes embracing age groups preschool through adult.
The Superintendent of the Sunday School is Reverend Anthony Griffin, Sr. The Assistant Superintendent is Reverend Billy Thomas. The Administrative Assistant to the Sunday School Superintendent is: Deaconess Carletha Griffin. The Sunday School Secretary is: Sister Eeshawnna Matthews.
Our Sunday School Teachers include: Sister Marsha Curry and Deaconess Susie Teal (Preschool); Sisters Jennetta Crum and Scarlette Barber (Kindergarten); Sisters Sayoneria Seawright and Jacquelyn Thomas (Primary); Sisters Yvonne Powe, Florence Swain and Brother Esmond Lewis (Juniors); Deacon J.A. Middlebrooks, Jr. and Sister Ruby Hendley (Junior High); Deaconess Carletha Griffin, Reverend Anthony Griffin and Deacon Davide Kerr (Senior High); Minister Willie Cutts, Sister Monica Broughton, and Dr. Aldith Lewis (Adult Bible Class 1); Deacon Errol Kirlew and Sister Gloria Rice (Adult Bible Class 2). Sister Rose E. Govan, Brother and Sister Keith and Daphne Fernander (Adult Bible Class 3); Deacons Hubert Toney and Lemuel Teal (Adult Men 1); Reverend and Mrs. Kenneth (Shirley) Burns, and Deaconess Brenda Bacon
The Deacon Ministry
But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. Those who spoke Greek complained against those who spoke Hebrew, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. We apostles should spend our time preaching and teaching the Word of God, not administering a food program, they said. Now look around among yourselves, brothers, and select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. We will put them in charge of this business (the food program). Then we can spend our time in prayer and preaching and teaching the Word (Acts 6:1-4, NLT, used here for its clarity).
The members of Friendship Church look to the Pastor for giving overall leadership and administration to the Church and its Ministry. The Church, therefore, expects the Deacons to respect the office of the Pastor, and to welcome the unique opportunity to learn from and serve with the Pastor. As a Deacon functions in the practical ministry of the Church, the Pastor is freed to give attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.
The primary duties of the Deacons of Friendship Church are:
To assist the Pastor in his work of ministry to the Church and Community; to care for church members,especially the sick, hospitalized, and shut-in members; to visit and offer emotional and spiritual support to grieving members.
To serve as Care Group Leaders as requested or assigned and to report special needs of members to the Pastor, the Congregational Care Pastor or Leader, the Benevolence Ministry Team or other appropriate persons.
To regularly attend all stated meeting of the Church including weeknight Prayer and Bible Study.
To meet with the Pastor regularly and to assist, as requested, in the development and administration of the Benevolence Ministry, Mission Outreach program and activities.
To consider with the Pastor, all applicants for church membership and termination and to assist the Pastor in New Member Orientation.
In cooperation with the Deaconesses, to provide for and assist the Pastor in the administration of the New Testament ordinances of Baptism and The Lord’s Supper.
When requested by the Pastor, to assist in matters of church discipline being guided especially by Matthew 18:15-20.
When requested, serve as a Council of advice and conference with the Pastor in matters pertaining to the welfare of the Church, such as: the Ministry of Education, Evangelistic and Missionary Outreach to the local community and abroad.
To serve as a General Pulpit Committee. In case of absence or inability of the Pastor, subject to advice and conference with him, provide for pulpit supply.
To be of moral and prayer support to the Pastor, and to accompany him, when possible, on outside church fellowship and preaching engagements.
To zealously guard the unity of the Church, seeking always to promote harmony and peace among the Members of the Congregation (see Acts 6:1-7; 9:10-31; Romans 14:19; Galatians 6:1-5; Ephesians 4:1-6; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Timothy 5:17-20; Hebrews 12:14-15).
To make regular reports pertaining to work assignments to the Pastor, Church, and Chairman of Deacons.
Those presently serving in Deacon Ministry includes: Davide Kerr Sr., Errol Kirlew, J.A. Middlebrooks Jr., Lemuel Teal Sr., and Hubert Toney.
The Deaconess Ministry
I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cebchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also (Romans 16:1-2)NKJV).
I want this letter to introduce to you Phoebe, our sister, a deaconess of the Church at Cenchrea….(Romans 16:1 J.B. Phillips).
The idea of deaconesses in the local church is not new. There were deaconesses in the first century New Testament church, in the churches of the forst several centuries, and there are deaconesses in today’s churches. But there are questions concerning the place of the deaconess in the work of the church, and which, are answered in different ways. Is a deaconess a feminine deacon? Does she have the same duties as those of a deacons? Is she to be prohibited from exercising any of the duties commonly performed by deacons? Is she charged with special responsibilities that are outside the province of the deacon? Should there be a separate board of deaconesses?
The Music Ministry
Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord (Psalm 150).
Music has always been identified with worship. From the earliest biblical times to present, the singing and playing of instruments by God’s people has been a dynamic part of their religious experience. Through the making of music human beings may offer witness to God’s love, power, grace, and salvation. We may express our adoration, praise, thanksgiving, devotion, and commitment to, God, our Creator, and Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.
The purpose of Music Ministry at Friendship Church is to glorify Jesus Christ by allowing Him to use the choir and musicians as a means to prepare the hearts of the congregation for the preaching of the Word of God; to bless the congregation and choir alike through the singing of anthems, hymns, traditional and contemporary music; to lead the congregation in singing; and to provide an avenue of service to members of the church.
Our Music Staff includes:Rose Eady Govan (Music Director and Pianist), Rasheed Golden (Assistant Music Director, Organ & Keyboard), Shuntavious Smith (percussionists), Tommy Salters (percussionists), and Esmond Lewis
The Band of Brothers (Men’s Ministry)
But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience…Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you (Titus 2:1, 6-8).
The purpose of the Band of Brothers is to enlist and coordinate the manpower of the church in the performance of essential Christian and civic activities; to promote fellowship among men, and to cultivate the Christian life of men and boys through Bible study, worship, and volunteer service.
On a practical level, God never intended for any of us to exist as an island. We were designed for connection with other men who can help us to become the real men, the godly men, God intended for us to become. Too often, as men, we avoid situations of dependence and instead try to fight our own battles in our own strength.
Here at Friendship Church, the true purpose of the Band of Brothers Ministry is to help men become healthy, authentic, followers of Jesus Christ. We seek to accomplish this through weekly gatherings for Bible study (sometimes to include supper) in a relaxed atmosphere with the Bible being taught by our Pastor or his Delegate, in a a context understood by men. Our group is made up of regular guys just like you who are going in the same direction, have similar needs, and who desire to grow in their faith.
And because we know that men are action people, we enjoy sharing educational and recreational events (air shows, basketball and football games, reading and library,health clinics) with other men and young people. On occasion we attend governmental meetings and host civic forums. We also seek special opportunities to honor the women of the church, and support activities in which they are involved. And, we’re working hard on becoming a credible and reliable security provider for church functions.
Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) says: As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. There is a mental sharpness that comes from being around good people. And a meeting of minds can help one see their ideas with new clarity, refine them, and shape them into brilliant insights. This requires partners who can challenge each other and stimulate thought; people who focus on the idea without involving their egos in the discussion; people who know how to attack the thought and not the thinker. Two friends who bring their ideas together can help each other become sharper.
Our Band of Brothers Leader is Brother Samuel Craft
Ushers’ Ministry
Ushers are to assist the pastor, church leaders and worship participants before, during, and following worship and special congregational services. The abbreviated duties of the ushers are listed below:
Greet and seat persons appropriately at worship and other congregational services.
Provide information and assistance to persons attending the worship services as needed.
Work closely with the pastor to assist as needed.
Make certain that the auditorium or sanctuary is orderly before and after the service in order to enhance the spirit of worship
Assist in receiving the offering as required.
The following persons serve Friendship Church in Usher Ministry:
Brothers: Wilson Anfield, Robert Barksdale Sr., Robert Barksdale III, Michael Brown, Larry Davis, J.A. Middlebrooks Jr., Amos Salter, Ronald, Salters, Eric Riley, Michael Scott, Emanuel Seawright Sr., Angelo Thomas
Sisters: Charlene Bryan, Paulette Barksdale, Caroline Barnes, Mildred Bryson, Joyce Davis, Shavon Donnell, Mary Flagg Rose, Patricia Gant, Betty Hood, Gwendolyn Kemp, Jacqueline Davis, Michelle McCarter, Lutricia Smith, Marilyn Thurman, Jeredine Ware, Regina Woodard, Hazel Williford
The D.I.V.A.S Ministry
The purpose of D.I.V.A.S (Divinely Inspired Victoriously Anointed Sisters is to reach and equip young women (ages 18-49) to know God and to glorify Him in the home, church, community, and the world, and to join with other women in church ministry to implement our vision through Bible study, prayer. outreach evangelism, and social fellowship. Members of the D.I.V.A.S Ministry include:
Yvette Scurry (President), Delretta Addison (Vice-President).Michelle McCarter(Secretary), Monica Broughton (Asst. Secretary), Dionne Dishmon(Parliamentarian)Laqundia Tatum, Patricia Dennison, Charlene Jones-David, Brenda Bacon, Florence Swain, Danielle Cooper, Jasmine Caldwell, Antonette Anderson, Yvonne Powe, Eeshawnna Matthews, Tiffany Salters.
Faith Seekers Youth Ministry
The purpose of the Faith SeekersYouth Ministry is to train our youth to walk in truth and obedience to the Bible, to teach them to worship and honor Christ in all aspects of their lives, and for them to demonstrate a willingness and attitude for work in the ministry of Christ.
Youth Council members include:
Minister Willie Cutts (Ministry Leader)Sisters Bernadine Carter, Tiffani Magee, Eeshawnna Matthews, Lisa Smith, Jeredine Ware.
Culinary Ministry
The Culinary Committee is responsible for all food service at Friendship Church. This Ministry has the responsibility to oversee the operation, use, cleanliness, and maintenance and its equipment.
The general duties of the Culinary Ministry is as follows:
Consult with the pastor and other church leaders and church organizations to determine the food needs of the church.
Recommend to the pastor and church applicable services to be provided.
Plan meals in accordance with good dietary procedure. Order appropriate provisions, materials, and supplies for special fellowship meals, youth ministries and outreach ministries, various church-wide functions, potluck meals, funerals and social events as requested and required.
Maintain high standards of sanitation in cleanliness of cooking utensils, dishes, glasses, silverware, food handling, preparation, service, and storage in accordance with Health Department Regulations set forth by the State of Florida Department of Health 64E-11, Florida Administrative Code.
Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all kitchen equipment, food supplies, and physical assets.
Develop and recommend to the Finance Committee a budget for the operation of the kitchen and for the acquisition of needed equipment and supplies.
In consultation with the pastor, recommend policies and procedures related to the church’s food service ministry.
Work with the custodian, hospitality chairperson, and church and community organizations on table and room arrangements for pastor/church approved meals and social functions.
Inspect the facilities following events to ensure all policies and procedures have been followed and the kitchen and fellowship rooms have been left in satisfactory conditions.
Exemplify a gracious, cooperative spirit with the pastor, God’s people, and the Culinary Ministry chairperson so that everyone participating in food service activities will be spiritually enriched and grow in Christian love and unity (see Ephesians 4:11-16).
The Culinary Ministry currently consists of the following members: Mary Wiggins(chairperson), Ann Ferguson, Mary Cooper, Harriet Myers, Carl & Beverly Carvalho, Rev. Kenneth Burns, Brenda Cuff, Juana Hoare, Shirley Felton, Zoe Jiles, Montra “Tracey” Smith, Wilson Anfield, Jerry Griffin, Emanuel Seawright Sr.
Flower/Floral Ministry
Media Ministry
Prayer Ministry
Stewardship Ministry
Spiritual Environment Ministry
Worship Arts Ministry
So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants. Now it happened as they were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments (1 Samuel 18:5-6).
The purpose of the Worship Ministry is to provide a creative dance ministry that honors God and inspires our congregation and community to seek their own personal relationship with God.
The mission of the Friendship Church’s Creative Dance Ministry is to share the Word of God and the love of God with our audiences through the art of dance.
The vision