|
Is God the Potter of Your Life? (Part 2 of 3)
By Mike Riley
| |
We Can Acknowledge God’s Work in Us
Paul declared that God is “able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20) God has a great advantage over man in the work of molding lives for the better. God knows what is best for us because He truly knows our every need (Philippians 4:19). Sometimes we need just the opposite of what we seek (thank God for unanswered prayers!).
God Can Remake Us
What happens when we choose to resist God and we are not what God wants us to be? Is there hope for us beyond sin? The prophet, Jeremiah, thought there was when he said:
“Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the LORD. “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!” (Jeremiah 18:3-6).
Israel had constantly resisted God’s work in them. But He was not willing to throw them away. Though they were marred, and could not be what they once could have been, God could remake the vessel into another vessel, that would glorify Him. God accomplished this in Saul of Tarsus.
Saul was a marred vessel as long as he resisted the power of apostolic preaching and “kicked against the goads” (Acts 9:5), but when he fell before Jesus and asked, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” (Acts 9:6), God remade him into a vessel of honor, “useful to the master….” ( 2 Timothy 2:21 ESV).
We are all marred vessels, but it matters not how we marred our life, or how long it has been malformed. The Great Potter can remold us if we are willing to trust and obey (Romans 9:18-33).
Continued next week.
| |  | |
Elders
Leon Cort
Mark Craigwell
Raleigh Gallington
Carlfred Malcolm
|
Minister
Mark Craigwell
Assistant Minister
Denver Simmons
| |
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.
| | | | |
Sermon for Sunday, July 20, 2025
Title: The Footsteps of Faith
Text: Romans 4:19-22
Reading: Hebrews 11:8-10
Speaker: Bro. Mark A. Craigwell
| | |
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
| | |
UPDATED TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURES
Effective immediately, members who wish to request van transportation for Sunday morning services must sign up at least 24 hours prior to requested pick up time via a link that will be provided each week. If you are unable to sign up using the link to the sign-up form, please contact Bro. or Sis. Reid to sign up.
Link for Sunday, July 20, 2025
| | Thank you to all who attended the informational presentation by Rogerson House on Saturday, July 19th. Keisha, the Rogerson House representative, left several information packets with us for those who may be interested in learning more about Rogerson House programs for seniors. Or, scan the QR code above for more information. | | Employment Opportunities with SMS Cruises | | |
SMS International Shore Operations has openings for Greeters at Logan Airport and Pier Check-in Agents in Boston. Pay is $20 per hour. Click the link below to apply. Select Boston if you want to work as a pier check-in agent, or East Boston if you want to be a Greeter at Logan Airport. Once you have submitted your application online, please let Sis. Sheree Holmes, who is currently serving as a Pier Check-in Agent with SMS, know.
Click here to apply. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the "Apply Now" button for the position for which you want to apply.
| | Calling All Teachers (& Those Who Want to Be) | | |
All current Bible Class teachers and those who would like to teach are asked to attend a meeting of the Education Ministry on Tuesday, July 22nd at 6:00 p.m. at the church building. Current teachers please bring your current class lists and be prepared to let us know which students will be promoted in September. We are in need of teachers, so if you are not currently teaching and would like to do so, please join us for this meeting.
| | Ark of Cherubs Summer Camp | | |
Ark of Cherubs Summer Camp is back for three weeks this summer, from July 21st through August 8th. The cost per week is $160.00 per camper.
If you are interested in having your child attend, please click here to download the application, which is due as soon as possible to Arkofcherubs98@outlook.com.
| | |
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
Youth & Family Ministry Carwash: Saturday, July 26th, 10am-1pm in the church parking lot. Come get your car washed and make a donation to support this year's youth rally. Details in News & Notes section.
2025 National Christian Singles' Seminar: August 28th - September 1st in Marlborough, Massachusetts. See Singles' Ministry section below for details.
Whom Do You Serve? 2025 Roxbury Youth Rally: September 12-14. Keynote speaker: Bro. Sebastian Davis. Details above.
2025 Ganderbrook Ladies' Retreat: September 11-13 at Gander Brook Christian Camp in Main. Details in Women's Ministry section below.
2025 Bedford Street CoC Teachers' Workshop: Friday, September 12 - Saturday, September 13th. See Upcoming Events section below for details.
2025 Martha's Vineyard Ladies' Retreat: September 12-14 on Martha's Vineyard.
2025 Pennsylvania Dutch Country Excursion: September 18-19. Details in Mature in Heart section below. This year's performance is "Noah." All payments due by July 31st.
2025 Men's Retreat: October 9-11, Rumney, NH. Details in Upcoming Events section below.
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 has resumed meeting the 2nd and 3rd Friday of the month via Zoom. See Couples' Ministry section below for connection information. Meetings will resume in OCTOBER. Enjoy the summer!
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, July 26th at 9:30 a.m. at the church building. All are welcome to participate.
| | |
Boston Arts Academy Main Stage Theatre Directed by Boston Arts Academy’s John Oluwole ADEkoje
The Boston Arts Academy and Wheelock Family Theatre are excited to continue the sweeping nine-play Ufot Family Cycle with the world premiere of, Kufre n’ Quay, at the Boston Arts Academy this summer. The play is written by Emmy-nominated playwright Mfoniso Udofia and will be directed by BAA’s award-winning Nigerian filmmaker, actor, and playwright John Oluwole ADEkoje (Street Soldiers; Hype Man), who is also a faculty member at BAA. Kufre n’ Quay runs Thursday, July 10 – Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Boston Arts Academy Main Stage Theatre (174 Ipswich St. Boston, MA 02215).
In her fifth installment of the Ufot Family Cycle, Kufre n’ Quay, playwright Mfoniso Udofia tells the coming of age story of a 12-year-old African boy who arrives in New York’s Little Senegal and joins a youth center. Set in Harlem in 2019, Kufre, son of Iniabiasi and grandson of Abasiama, forms a friendship with an African American girl. The play explores the ways in which we navigate the contrast between African and Black American culture.
*Please note that the play contains strong language*
| | All are invited and welcome to attend the musical, anniversary program, and all classes and services. If you would like to attend the luncheon on Sunday, August 17th, you must RSVP no later than July 23rd. A sign-up sheet will be posted on the bulletin board shortly. The per person cost for the Anniversary Banquet on Friday August 22nd is $30. | | Our next monthly community outreach grocery distribution will take place on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at the church building. All are welcome to participate. Distribution begins at 11:00 a.m. | | |
Remote & In-Person
Class/Meeting Schedule
| |
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#
| | 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 will resume meeting the second and third Fridays of the month at 7:00 p.m. in OCTOBER. Enjoy the summer! | |
|
Our next Women's Class will take place on Sunday, July 27th 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
The book we will be reading for 2025 is Consider One Another by Aubrey Johnson. It is available from Amazon.com for $13.99 plus tax.
Please read chapter 3 prior to our next class.
Sis. Pamela Alexander will facilitate the discussion.
| | |
2025 Mature in Heart Pennsylvania Dutch Country Excursion: Thursday, September 18 - Friday, September 19
Single Hotel -- $574
Double Hotel -- $441
Triple Hotel -- $402
Quad Hotel -- $383
Couple King -- $915
$125 Deposit ASAP to secure a spot
Must be paid in full by July 31st
| | |
Next men's class is Sunday, July 27th at 5 p.m. at the church building.
| | |
Scan the QR code above to register. If you have questions, please see Sis. Juanita Tabb. To place an ad in the NCSS Souvenir Booklet, click the NCSS logo at right. All ads are due by 8/1/25.
| | The Singles' Ministry 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.
| | |
Meetings & Events
7/6 - Youth & Family Ministry Meeting, 2pm @church building.
7/7 - Ministers'/Elders'/Deacons' Meeting, 7pm
7/7 - Singles' Ministry Meeting, 6:30pm @church building.
7/13 - Deacons' Meeting
7/13 - Spiritual Development Class, 4:45 p.m. @church building
7/20 - Retention Ministry Meeting after 11:00 a.m. service.
7/21 - Singles' Ministry Meeting, 6:30pm @church building.
7/26 - Community Outreach, 9:30am @church building.
7/26 - Youth & Family Ministry Car Wash, 10am - 1 p.m., church parking lot
7/27 - Men's/Women's Classes, 4:45 p.m. @church building
| |
Ministry Meetings - Please contact your ministry coordinator for remote meeting schedules.
| |
- 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 unless otherwise noted.
- Youth & Family Ministry (1st Sunday of the month at 2pm)
-
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
-
Healing Hearts (Thursdays @6:15pm) VIA ZOOM
- Couple's Ministry (2nd & 3rd Fridays @ 7 pm) RESUMES IN OCTOBER
- Retention Ministry (3rd Sunday following 11:00 service)
- Women's Prayer (Saturdays 9:30am) VIA TELECONFERENCE (Connection info above)
| |
|
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
| |
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.
| | |
Church of Christ in Roxbury
81 Walnut Avenue
Roxbury, MA 02119
617-442-5826
Email
| | | | | |
