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Man's Information or God's Wisdom?
By Mike Riley
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With today’s amazing technology, the amount of knowledge we can acquire is seemingly limitless. Using the marvel of the Internet, we are able to tap into incredible sources of information.
Bill Gates believes that mankind is at the threshold of far greater wonders. In his book, “The Road Ahead,” Mr. Gates makes the following prediction:
“When tomorrow’s powerful information machines are connected on the highway …. you’ll be able to stay in touch with anyone, anywhere, who wants to stay in touch with you; to browse through any of thousands of libraries day or night.”
Even though we are grateful for the technology that makes available such remarkable means of obtaining information, a mere accumulation of facts doesn’t add up to insight and understanding.
For example, all of the philosophers and scientists in the world can’t provide us with information regarding God’s will (Romans 12:3), His grace (Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11), or the good news regarding salvation from sin (Acts 13:14-38). To gain that knowledge, requires us to open the Bible — God’s inspired information source (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
Dear reader, let us not squander our time in merely acquiring information provided by man, but let us study the truth that God has given us in His Word (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 2:15 ASV), remembering that only “The Lord gives wisdom” (Proverbs 2:6; James 1:5).
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Elders
Leon Cort
Mark Craigwell
Raleigh Gallington
Carlfred Malcolm
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Minister
Mark Craigwell
Assistant Minister
Denver Simmons
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Deacons
Anthony Johnson
Gregory Johnson
Albert Martin, Jr.
Walter Maxwell
Richard Meuse
Barry Person
Jason Reid
In Memoriam
Gone, but never forgotten, our beloved brother,
James W. Wade, Sr.
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Sermon for Sunday, December 8, 2024
Title: Walking in Light
Text: Ephesians 5:8-14
Scripture Reading: 1 John 1:5-7
Speaker: Bro. Denver Simmons
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HERE WE GROW AGAIN! WELCOME KIESHA HOLLIS | |
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Kiesha Hollis was baptized on Sunday, December 1, 2024, during the 11:00 a.m. service. Kiesha is the cousin of Sis. Cora Morrison. Let us welcome our new sister in Christ!
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Close to Him Ministry is an inspiring organization that welcomes both curious seekers and devoted Christians.
They embark on a journey to ignite your faith and bring you closer to God. Whether you’re already on a path of belief or just starting to explore, they offer a warm space to delve into the richness of the Christian faith.
Close to Him Ministry was founded by Bro. Frank Addae. Its mission is to spread the Word of God, provide evidence of His existence, and guide both Christians and non-Christians towards a deeper more meaningful relationship with Him. For more information or to subscribe to Close to Him Ministry, follow this link:
https://www.youtube.com/@ClosetoHimMinistry
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Don't Miss Out! Please scroll through the entire e-bulletin each week to be certain not to miss any important announcements or links. Many items are repeated each week, but there are also new announcements that you'll miss if you don't scroll through the entire bulletin.
Current and Upcoming Events
Chain of Change Book Group at BPL Roxbury Branch: Facilitated by Sis. Tchad Cort, 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 21st, Saturday, January 18th, and Saturday, February 8th. Details below.
New Year's Eve Celebration: Tuesday, December 31st, 6-10 p.m. at the church building. Details below.
Save the Date: Save Saturday, March 8, 2025, for our Annual Ladies' Day at the Tirrell Room in Quincy, MA, with keynote Speaker Sis. Jamila Lyiscott of the Manchester, CT, congregation. Details to come.
Ministry Meetings and Events
The Singles’ Ministry meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the church building.
The Couples’ Ministry will resume meeting the 2nd and 3rd Friday of the month via Zoom. beginning January 10, 2025. See Couples' Ministry section below for connection information.
Young Adult Ministry Bi-Weekly Devotional: Every other Monday at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. See Young Adult Ministry section below for connection information.
Tech Day: 3rd Saturday of the month, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the church building. Bring your cell phones, tablets, and laptops for help with your tech issues. See Bro. Javier Jackson, Jr., or Bro. Jerard Samuel for details. Sign-up sheets will be posted monthly.
Community Outreach: Our next monthly community outreach grocery distribution will take place on Saturday, December 28th at 9:30 a.m. at the church building. All are welcome to participate.
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The congregation is requesting member support of its Mission Fund as we provide an educational stipend to Bro. Phillip Morrison while he attends Sunset International Bible Institute full time for the next 18 months to train as a minister. We are asking members to commit/pledge at whatever amount your heart and ability can provide for this period of time. This is a commitment over and above your regular giving and we hope all members will participate to the level of their ability and heart for God. Our target is to provide $3,000 per month and all commitments, whether large or small, are helpful and appreciated.
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Please make checks and money orders payable to Church of Christ in Roxbury and write Mission Fund in the memo line.
Electronic donations may be made via the E-Giving option at ChurchofChristinRoxbury.org/e-giving. Specify Mission Fund in the comments section.
Click here to complete the pledge form electronically.
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Volunteers are needed to assist with our New Year's Eve celebration
in the following areas:
Media, Food, Program, Maintenance, Decorations.
Please reach out to Sis. Samantha Reid if you would like to volunteer or if you have any questions. 781.589.1081
Please use the link below to upload photos of church events and activities from the past 25 years to be included in the New Year's Eve movie project:
NYE 2024 Photo Album - Google Photos UPDATED LINK
Please upload your photos or give hard copies to Sis. Reid or Sis Nagarajah or Sis. ADEkoje for scanning ASAP
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Chain of Change: The Friends of the Roxbury Branch Library are hosting a book club for Mel King’s “Chain of Change: Struggles in Black Community Development”. This is a collaborative effort with the Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library, and the Mel King Institute’s statewide read initiative. Sis. Tchad Cort will be serving as the book club's moderator. All are welcome! Please join us!
Boston Public Library
Roxbury Branch (Learning Lab - 2nd Floor)
149 Dudley Street
Roxbury, MA 02119
The book will be discussed in 3 sessions.
Saturday, December 21, 2024 (parts 1 & 2)
Saturday, January 18, 2025 (part 3)
Saturday, February 8, 2025 (parts 4 & 5)
Each session will reflect the format below:
11:30-12:00 Social time & refreshments
12:00-12:30 Welcome/Goals/Intros/Warm-Up Question
12:30-2:30 Book Discussion
2:30-3:00 Closing Reflections
Updated Registration Link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLlHy-sfeyi24oU7YTHmw012uz80bLQxoZogAJAT8pCPmyHQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
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OUR CURRENT COVID PROTOCOLS | |
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Until further notice, we have suspended the requirement for attendees to sign up in advance to attend Sunday worship. We have also suspended attendance taking at our in-person services, classes, and events. Masking remains optional.
Remember that although COVID numbers are down, COVID has not gone away, and is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Please protect yourself and those around you by adhering to the guidelines below.
If you test positive for COVID after attending an in-person church event, please notify us by email at cocroxbury@gmail.com or by text to Sis. Gloria Gallington at 617-922-5987 so that notifications can be made as needed.
For up-to-date information regarding COVID in Massachusetts, click the link below:
COVID-19 Updates and Information | Mass.gov
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We will continue to offer two Sunday morning worship services to accommodate in-person attendees
The first service begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs until approximately 9:45 a.m.; the second service begins at 11:00 a.m. Our weekly Bible classes for all ages begin at 10:00 a.m. We will continue to livestream the 11:00 service on our YouTube channel, and we encourage members to utilize e-giving, even when attending in person. As noted under News & Notes, it is no longer necessary to sign up in advance to attend worship services in person.
E-giving link
https://churchofchristinroxbury.org/e-giving
Livestream link
Church of Christ in Roxbury - YouTube
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Our next monthly community outreach grocery distribution will take place on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at the church building. All are welcome to participate. Distribution begins at 11:00 a.m. | |
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Remote & In-Person
Class/Meeting Schedule
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Wednesday Night In-Person & Dial-In Bible Study
Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in-person and via freeconferencecall.com.
Dial in number: 978-990-5000
Access Code: 261232#
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REMINDER: Please remember to mute your phone or computer when joining any of the above conference calls to avoid interrupting the class or service you are entering, particularly if you are joining the call after the event has started. | |
The Couples' Ministry meets the second and third Fridays of the month at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Meetings will resume ion Friday, January 10, 2025. | |
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Our next Women's Class will take place on Sunday, December 22nd at 5:00 p.m. at the church building and via Free Conference Call.
Dial in number: 978-990-5000
Access Code: 261232#
Or join the class online at join.freeconferencecall.com/carl95fred
Presenters:
Sis. Sharon Pettway & Sis. Wendy Craigwell
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December 2024
Visitor Thank You Letters: Sis. Tara Myers
Visitor Gift Bags: Sis. Abigail Malcolm
Baptistry: Sis. Jazmyn Malcolm/Sis. Samantha Reid
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2025 Mature in Heart Pennsylvania Dutch Country Excursion: Thursday, September 18 - Friday, September 19
Next year's Sight & Sound production will be "Noah." Stay tuned for detailed information regarding the date and cost in the near future.
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Next men's class is Sunday, December 22nd at 5 p.m. at the church building.
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Registration is now open. Scan the QR code above to register. | |
The Singles' Ministry now meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the building. | |
Young Adult Ministry (YAM) | |
Monthly Ministry Meeting
1st Sunday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
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Meetings & Events
12/1- Youth & Family Ministry Meeting, 2pm @church building.
12/3- Ministers'/Elders'/Deacons' Meeting, 7pm
12/3 Singles' Ministry Meeting, 6:30pm @church building.
12/10 - Deacons' Meeting
12/7 - Gingerbread Decorating Event, 12 noon - 3pm
12/15- Retention Ministry Meeting after 11:00 a.m. service.
12/16- Singles' Ministry Meeting, 6:30pm @church building.
12/28- Community Outreach, 9:30am @church building.
12/31 - New Year's Eve Celebration, 6-10pm
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Ministry Meetings - Please contact your ministry coordinator for remote meeting schedules.
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- Sunday New Converts' Class, 10:00am @church building
- Sunday Bible Class (children) Sundays at 10:00am @church building
- Sunday Adult Devotional/Bible Study, 10:00am @church building
- Sunday Worship Service 8:30 and 11:00am in person and 11:00am via livestream on YouTube. See above for details.
- Men's/Women's Classes, 5pm (4th Sunday of the month) @church building
- Youth & Family Ministry (1st Sunday of the month at 2pm)
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Mature in Heart Women's Prayer (Tuesdays @ 10:30am) VIA TELECONFERENCE (connection info above)
- Prayer Meeting (Tuesdays @ 7pm) VIA TELECONFERENCE (connection info above)
- Mid-Week Bible Study (Wednesdays @ 6:30pm) in person and VIA TELECONFERENCE (connection info above)
- Mid-Week New Converts' Class (Wednesdays @ 6:30pm) @church building
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Healing Hearts (Thursdays @6:15pm) VIA ZOOM
- Couple's Ministry (2nd & 3rd Fridays @ 7 pm)
- Retention Ministry (3rd Sunday following 11:00 service)
- Women's Prayer (Saturdays 9:30am) VIA TELECONFERENCE (Connection info above)
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Bro. John Kurpiel, minister for the Lawrence congregation, hosts an international radio program, “Soul Food,” on Mondays and Tuesdays from 11AM until 3PM. The program airs on Ignite Radio Broadcast via Mixlr, an interactive internet radio platform. Use the link below to tune in to listen, or to participate in the conversation. Always free to listen. https://mixlr.com/ignite-radio-broadcast.
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Church of Christ in Roxbury
81 Walnut Avenue
Roxbury, MA 02119
617-442-5826
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