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Week of November 21, 2021 |
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Practice What You Preach!
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Practice what you preach! Christ as the master teacher (John 3:2) taught his disciples not only by word but by example (John 13:15). He demonstrated by His living how they should live before their heavenly Father. After washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:3-5), Christ explained to them the spiritual “benefits” of serving others (John 13:14-17). In fact, true happiness cannot be attained in any other way. What will bring true happiness in time will also bring it into eternity (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Tim. 6:17-19). The principle of helping those who are spiritually weak (Romans 14:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:14), of weeping with those that weep (Romans 12:15), of encouraging the lowly (Luke 6:20; Gal. 2:10) and encouraging the sinful to sin no more (John 8:11), is the essential and fundamental spirit of our Lord. To cultivate the spirit and practice of doing good to others (Matthew 5:44; Acts 10:38) is the work that fits mortals for that eternal heavenly home (Colossians 1:4-5; 1 Peter 1:4).
To understand the importance of learning to practice what you preach, British-born American writer Edgar A. Guest wrote the following words:
“I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day,
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely show the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear;
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;
And the best of all preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see the good in action is what everybody needs.
I can soon learn how to do it if you’ll let me see it done.
I can watch your hands in action, but
your tongue too fast may run.
And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true;
But I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you and the
high advice you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding how
you act and how you live.”
As the master teacher, Jesus not only “told” but provided the perfect example (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:21-22; 1 John 2:6) of how we as God’s children should live before our heavenly Father and fellow man. This same principle of “practice what you preach” was demonstrated in Paul’s and Peter’s life (2 Corinthians 5:15; Gal. 2:20; 1 Peter 4:1-2). Faithful Christians are to provide the proper spiritual “example” before men by the lives they lead (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:14-16; 1 Peter 2:12).
In our everyday living, what kind of spiritual “sermon” are we preaching before others?
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Elders
Leon Cort
Mark Craigwell
Martin Samuel
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Minister
Mark Craigwell
Assistant Minister
Denver Simmons
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Deacons
Raleigh Gallington
Anthony Johnson
Gregory Johnson
Carlfred Malcolm
Albert Martin, Jr.
Walter Maxwell
Richard Meuse
Barry Person
Jason Reid
James Wade, Sr.
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COVID Exposure: As previously announced, an attendee at the early (8:30 a.m.) service on Sunday, November 7th and Sunday, November 14th tested positive for COVID during the past week. Once we were notified of the exposure, we were required to upload the names and contact information of all attendees to Massachusetts Community Tracing Collaboration for contact tracing. We notified the congregation of the exposure via email and text blasts, and via telephone to those without access to email and text blasts. MA Community Tracing has been making individual phone calls to all who signed up for or attended worship in person on the relevant dates. If you were in attendance at the early service on 11/7 or 11/14 and you are experiencing symptoms or haven't been vaccinated, you should be tested for COVID ASAP, and quarantine if necessary.
Congregational Meeting: There will be a congregational meeting for all current members of the congregation on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at 5 p.m. at the church building. All members are encouraged to attend. Advance sign up is required, and COVID protocols will be observed, including masking and social distancing. Please sign up using the link below.
Monthly Community Outreach: Our regular monthly Community Outreach will take place on Saturday, November 27th beginning at 10 a.m. at the building to assemble and distribute 50 bags of groceries to families in the community. All are welcome to assist.
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Please use the link below to register to attend the congregational meeting. COVID protocols apply: Masks are required and social distancing will be observed. If you have difficulty signing up, please contact Sis. Gallington at 617-922-5987 or Sis. Craigwell at 617-980-7830 for assistance. Please note that the link below is for the congregational meeting ONLY.
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Learn to Skate: Registration for the 2022 LEARN TO SKATE season will open on December 1, using an online sign-up accessed through Friends of the Kelly Rink main website. https://friendsofthekellyrink.org/
A few details about this year:
- 30-minute lessons are offered Saturday mornings, January 8-March 26 (8 lessons total)
- $80 season cost – full scholarships available upon request.
- Skate rental during lessons included in cost – no additional equipment required
- US Figure Skating Association accredited program
- Online registration opens December 1
Last year's COVID restrictions have been eased, which will allow the program to accommodate more skaters, and bring back the Snowplow Sam introductory courses for the newest/youngest skaters (5+ no prior experience).
The lessons will be held at the Kelly Rink, located behind Stony Brook MBTA orange line station on Marbury Terrace in Jamaica Plain.
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We now offer two Sunday morning worship services to accommodate in-person attendees
We now offer two Sunday morning worship services each week to accommodate those who would like to attend worship in person. The first service begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs until approximately 9:30 a.m.; the second service begins at 11:00 a.m. The auditorium is sanitized between services. The weekly 10:30 a.m. devotional will continue as scheduled. The usual sign-up rules and COVID protocols remain in effect. When you access the online sign up form, you will be required to specify which service you would like to attend. Once capacity has been reached for a particular time slot, the form will no longer accept new registrations for that time slot. We will continue to live stream the 11:00 service on our YouTube channel.
In-Person Worship Sign-up
Please note that there is a new registration link each week.
Links from previous weeks will not work.
E-giving link
Livestream link
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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.
See the following sections for new/updated announcements.
- News & Notes
- Congregational Meeting, Sun., 11/21/21, 5-6:30p.m. In-person only; advance sign up required (details above)
- Fresh Truck fresh produce distribution, Wed., 11/24/21 5:30-7p.m. (details above)
- Worship & Class Schedule - Links to Services & Classes; link to worship attendance registration form
- Latest on COVID-19
- Vaccine available for ages 5 and up. Walk in appointments available at many clinics
- Current and Upcoming Events -
- Monday-Friday Meal Distribution, 1:30 p.m. daily (no meal distribution on Thanksgiving Day)
- Monthly Community Outreach, Saturday, 11/27 @10am
- Ladies Take Note
- 4th Sunday Ladies' Class, 11/28 @5pm in person @church building
- Ladies' Bible Class Survey - please complete by December 1, 2021 (details below)
- Men Take Note
- 4th Sunday Men's Class, 11/28 @5pm in person @church building
TextAlertz: If you are signed up to receive church text blasts via textalertz, but have stopped receiving the blasts, please email Sis. Gallington at ggallington@gmail.com so she can troubleshoot the issue.
Please keep us updated: Please keep us apprised of any changes to your address, phone number and email address so that we can maintain an accurate database of member information. Please notify Sis Nagarajah at enagarajah@gmail.com or Sis Gallington at ggallington@gmail.com of any changes to your contact information.
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2021 Thanksgiving Outreach |
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Midweek Bible Study
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
via freeconferencecall.com
(Click image at left to join the class online, or see remote class schedule below for dial-in info)
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COVID Safety Protocols continue
As noted above, we now conduct two worship services on Sunday mornings to accommodate all who would like to attend worship in person. The first service begins at 8:30 a.m.; the second service begins at 11:00 a.m.
The usual sign-up rules and COVID protocols remain in effect to to provide as safe a worship experience as we can and to facilitate the notification process in the event of possible COVID exposure.
NEW: When you access the online sign up form, you will be required to specify which service you would like to attend. Once capacity has been reached for a particular time slot, the form will no longer accept new registrations for that time slot.
We continue to require that all attendees at our in-person worship services and classes comply with the following:
- sign up to attend in advance to facilitate seating and contact tracing (link below);
- wear masks (covering nose and mouth, NO VENTED MASKS);
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maintain social distance (6ft); and
- submit to temperature scans (fever free) to enter the building.
We are aware that not all members have been vaccinated and this requires that we continue the same safety protocols to keep ALL members safe – vaccinated and unvaccinated. Thank you for your continued cooperation.
We will continue to livestream the worship service on Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. on our YouTube channel for those who are unable to attend in person. See below for link to our YouTube channel.
If you will be attending the 11:00 a.m. service, please arrive at the building by 10:30 a.m. We ask that all attendees be seated by 10:45 a.m. so that the livestream can begin promptly at 11:00.
Please spread the word to those who do not have internet access to complete the form online that they can contact Sis. Craigwell at 617-980-7830 or Sis. Gallington at 617-922-5987. By signing up to attend worship in person, you are agreeing to follow all COVID protocols that have been put in place for the safety of all. All attendees will have their temperatures scanned (touchless) upon entry into the building. Facemasks covering the nose and mouth must be worn by all attendees while on church property, both inside and outside. Vented masks are not allowed. All attendees must sanitize hands before entering the auditorium.
To assist us with conducting the service in a decent, orderly and safe manner, we ask that you please not come to the building if you have not been added to the list of attendees. If you have been added to the list and find that you cannot attend, please let Sis. Craigwell or Sis. Gallington know right away so that your spot can be given to someone who can attend. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience.
Use this link to sign up to attend in-person on Sunday, November 28, 2021
Giving: We encourage members to continue using e-giving via the Paypal link on the church website, or to mail their offerings to the church building. There will be a one-week delay in processing offerings brought to in-person worship services. Use the following link to access e-giving:
Use the link below to join us for our worship livestream on Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m.
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Current & Upcoming Events |
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Massachusetts has lifted most COVID restrictions regarding masking, social distancing, and occupancy limits for most indoor and outdoor activities. The CDC recommends that those who have not been vaccinated continue to mask and adhere to social distancing recommendations. Businesses and organizations can, however still require COVID protocols at their venues, and the protocols are still in place on public and private transportation and in all medical facilities.
Click here for the most recent advisory from the Department of Public Health regarding face coverings and cloth masks.
All Massachusetts residents ages 5 and up are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and many facilities have walk-in hours. Booster shots are available for the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines at many pharmacies and health care facilities. Use the link below if you need assistance scheduling an appointment or locating a facility.
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Click here or anywhere in the announcement above for more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). |
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Remote Class/Meeting Schedule |
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Tender Lambs & Pure in Heart Sunday Morning Bible Class
Sundays 10-10:30 a.m. via Zoom
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Children's Sunday Morning Bible Classes
Sundays 10 -10:45 a.mm. via Zoom
Meeting ID: 861 5908 0656
Passcode: 733792
If you prefer to dial in, use one of the numbers below:
+13017158592,,86159080656# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,86159080656# US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 861 5908 0656
NOTE: The Peacemakers class, taught by Sis. Pam Alexander and Sis. Caroline Myers meets at the building at 10 a.m. on Sundays, and the Mustard Seeds class, taught by Sis. Surrie Alexander and Sis. Marilyn Stout, meets at the building at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays.
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Wednesday Night Dial-In Bible Study
Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
Dial in number: 978-990-5000
Access Code: 261232#
Or join the class online at
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Mid-Week Youth Bible Study
Wednesdays 7-7:30 p.m. via Zoom
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Women's Saturday Prayer Meeting
Join us for prayer on Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m. via freeconferencecall.com
Dial-in: 701-802-5069; Access code 3730930#
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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. |
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No announcements at this time. |
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4th Sunday Ladies Class, Sunday, November 28th at 5 p.m. at the church building.
Presenter: Sis. Carol Johnson. Topic: Surviving the Pandemic. If you cannot attend in person, please join us via Free Conference Call.
Dial in number: 978-990-5000
Access Code: 261232#
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Planning for Ladies' Class 2022
Attention Ladies: We need your input as we move forward with plans for our Ladies' Class sessions for the coming year. You can help by completing a brief survey to tell us the topics that are important to you. Please also let us know if you'd like to facilitate a discussion or present a class. We look forward to receiving your input on or before December 1, 2021.
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Sunday Morning Devotional: Brothers, please see Bro. Phillip Morrison if you would like to present a Sunday morning devotional at 10:30 a.m., prior to our Sunday morning worship service.
4th Sunday Men's Class Sunday, November 28th at 5:00 p.m. at the church building.
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No announcements at this time. |
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Young Adult Ministry (YAM) |
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No announcements at this time. |
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No announcements at this time. |
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Meetings & Events
11/15-19 - Daily Lunch Distribution 1:30-2 p.m. @church building
11/19 - Community Outreach - Thanksgiving Dinner for Five
- Donation drop off/begin box assembly/packing
11/20 - Community Outreach - Thanksgiving Dinner for Five
- 10:00 a.m. - Box assembly and packing
- 12:00 noon - Distribution
11/21 - Congregational Meeting, 5pm @church building
11/22-26 - Daily Lunch Distribution 1:30-2pm @church building (no distribution on Thanksgiving Day)
11/24 - Fresh Truck Fresh Produce Giveaway, 5:30-7pm @church building
11/27 - Monthly Community Outreach, 10am @church building
11/28 - Roxbury 4th Sunday Ladies' & Men's Classes, 5:00pm @church building
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Ministry Meetings - Please contact your ministry coordinator for remote meeting schedules.
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Weekly Events - ALL SERVICES, CLASSES, & MEETINGS NORMALLY HELD AT THE CHURCH BUILDING ARE SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, except as noted below:
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- Sunday Bible Class (children) See above for connection info and times for individual classes.
- Sunday Worship Service 8:30 and 11:00 am in person and 11:00 a.m. via livestream on YouTube. See above for details.
- Men's/Women's Classes, 5pm (4th Sunday of the month)
- Young Adult Ministry (2nd Sunday of the month at 6pm) VIA ZOOM
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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) VIA TELECONFERENCE (connection info above)
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Healing Hearts (Thursdays @6:15pm) VIA ZOOM
- Couple's Ministry (Fridays @ 7 pm)
- Women's Prayer (Saturdays 9:30am) VIA TELECONFERENCE (Connection info above)
- Ministers/Elders/Deacons Wives Meeting, (3rd Saturday @10 am) @church building
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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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