ABOUT US
Friendship Church Profile
Early in the development of Sun City, a retired minister, Ed Reitz, and his wife became residents. He saw a desire and need for a Christian Bible Study and Fellowship Group. He invited a few to gather each week in their living room to study together. When the group became too large for his home the Bible Study moved to the Main Clubhouse. Even though the numbers were still small, the Christian fellowship was strong and out of those humble beginnings Friendship Church was born in October, 1998.
In 2002, a second clubhouse opened and Friendship Church moved its worship services to Speaker’s Hall, a wonderful auditorium with seating for 250. Today we still worship there every Sunday at 8:30 and 10 am, with attendance ranging from 300 to 500, depending on the time of year.
In January, 2004, Pastor Reitz accepted another opportunity. Reverend Denny Davis, recently retired to this area, agreed to fill in for three Sundays. That led to a twelve year tenure as the second Senior Pastor of Friendship Church. Under his leadership the Church continued to grow dramatically in attendance and giving.
Renting needed space from Sun City, the Church’s operating expenses were and continue to be very low compared with other churches. That means that Friendship Church has been able to give generously to many local, national, and international missions. Today a large portion of our tithes and offerings go to mission giving.
“Friendship Church’s goal is to be a warm, friendly place for fellowship and worship; instilling faith, hope, and joy through Bible teaching and preaching; encouraging those who attend to grow spiritually while serving God; and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.”
In 2012 Pastor Denny invited HB London to become Associate Pastor to assist in various capacities in our growing church. In the summer of 2015 Pastor Denny advised the Elders of his intention to retire by the end of January, 2016. On January 1, 2016 HB London assumed the role of Senior Pastor. Under his leadership the Church continued to grow, and now has a permanent church office and a staff of five.
Friendship Church’s motto is “To Know Christ and To Make Him Known”. We endeavor to accomplish this through our Sunday Services, Men’s, Women’s, and Couples’ Bible Studies and Fellowship, and support of Missions, which is a priority at Friendship Church.
A Delightful Area to Live, Work and Play
Sun City Palm Desert (SCPD) is a beautiful active adult community located in sunny southern California’s Coachella Valley surrounded by breathtaking mountains, towering palm trees and gorgeously landscaped grounds. Located just fifteen miles from Palm Springs, built by Del Webb between 1992 and completed in 2003, this 55+ community has nearly 5,000 homes with 50 different models. With its immaculately maintained mature landscaping, this gated community tops the list of valley scenic residential sites.
Within a two hour drive, Sun City Palm Desert residents can reach big Bear Lake Ski Resorts, Orange County beaches, and San Diego. With the Palm Springs International Airport less than a half an hour away, getting to any destination is easy.
Minutes away residents can enjoy theater, dining, art galleries, and all the many festivals of the Coachella Valley. Nearby El Paseo Drive (Coachella Valley’s version of Beverly HIills’ Rodeo Drive) and Westfield Shopping Center has over 150 name brand and boutique stores plus dining and entertainment venues.