These Things Do
By Mike Riley
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As Christians, we understand that God’s word is essential to our salvation. In fact, the Scriptures tell us that the word of God is able to save our souls (Romans 1:16; James 1:21). We don’t always realize, however, the many ways the word of God can influence us. The apostle Paul advised Christians, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9 – NKJV). In this single verse, Paul mentions four avenues by which we gain knowledge of God’s word.
1) The things which you “learned” — We learn through study – the diligent pursuit and application of knowledge (2 Timothy 2:15 – NKJV). Learning never comes easily. The person who desires to learn the practice of medicine or law, knows that he or she faces many years of training just to gain a minimum of proficiency. Once this level is reached, one must devote oneself to ongoing study in the latest techniques or legislation to remain competent. For the Christian, the learning phase continues through life. We will always need to mine the Scriptures for the knowledge that enables “life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).
2) The things which you “received“ — Learning is more than simply the intake of information. The term, “receive” suggests the idea “embracing” something or “making a thing one’s own.” This idea takes us beyond a mere understanding of God’s word, to an implanting of it in our hearts (James 1:21). During my college years, I learned many things, but I didn’t “receive” everything I learned, as evidenced by the fact that since those years, I’ve forgotten a great deal of the material that was presented. Those things I truly received – that is, the information I impressed into my mind and put to good use in later years – I still remember to this day. When Simon Peter preached his great sermon on Pentecost, “those who gladly received his word were baptized” (Acts 2:41). Clearly, these not only learned the lesson of the sermon, but took it to heart and obeyed its precepts and commands (cf. Acts 10:48).
3) “The things which you “heard“ — Some of what we learn and receive we gain through our own individual study. But many things we have learned because we heard them from sound teachers who instructed us in the word. Those who are taught inherit a responsibility to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2). Hearing God’s word taught by godly teachers is invaluable. We could never in a lifetime learn by ourselves all there is to learn. When we hear the instruction of others, we benefit from their study and gain the advantage of their wisdom and insights into the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:14-15). We must be careful, though, to examine in the light of the Bible everything we hear (Acts 17:11), because not every teacher speaks the truth (Gal. 1:6-9; 1 John 4:1).
4) The things which you “saw“ — One vital outcome of our association with mature Christians is their example. Paul not only taught people what God wanted them to do – he demonstrated it (1 Thessalonians 2:8-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9; 1 Corinthians 11:1). We can glean much by following the path of those who have walked in faith before us (Hebrews 13:7). By imitating the example of righteous men and women, we avoid many of the errors and pitfalls we would otherwise have to experience on our own (Hebrews 6:12). We just need to take care that we imitate what is good and not what is worldly (3 John 1:11).
By whatever means we learn of God’s word – either through personal study, instruction by others, or a godly example – “these things do.” All the learning in the world is of no avail to the one who fails to act as he knows he should (James 4:17). As David taught his son Solomon, so God in Scripture says to us, “Let your heart retain My words; Keep My commands, and live” (Proverbs 4:4 – NKJV).
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Elders
Leon Cort
Mark Craigwell
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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
In Memoriam
Gone, but never forgotten, our beloved brother,
James W. Wade, Sr.
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Sermon for Sunday, October 1, 2023
Title: One Life to Live
Text: 2 Peter 2:1-4
Speaker: Bro. Mark A. Craigwell
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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.
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Community Outreach monthly grocery distribution will resume in January 2024.
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Roxbury Fall Gospel Meeting, October 14-18, with Bro. Gregory Dismuke. Details below.
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Retention Ministry Books are in. See Sis. Pam Alexander to pick up and pay for your book if you have not already done so.
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Tech Day: Saturday, October 21st, 11-1 @church building. See Upcoming Events section below for details.
- See Men Take Note below for information on the following
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2023 Men's Retreat: October 5-7, Rumney, New Hampshire
- 4th Sunday Men's Class, Sunday, October 22nd @5pm @church building
- See Women's Ministry section below for information regarding the following:
- 4th Sunday Women's Class, Sunday, October 22nd, 5 p.m. @church building.
- Sisters in Service, October 2023.
- New Haven Coc Ladies' Day, Saturday, October 7th.
- Kittery CoC Ladies' Day, Saturday, October 28th.
- Kings CoC Ladies' Day, Saturday, October 28th.
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2024 Mature in Heart Pennsylvania Dutch Country Excursion: We are now accepting registrations for next year's excursion to see a live performance of "Daniel" and the Sight & Sound Theater. See Mature in Heart Ministry section below for details and link to registration form. Registration form and deposits due by 12/31/23.
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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.
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Electronic donations may be made via the E-Giving option at ChurchofChristinRoxbury.org/e-giving, followed up with a text or email to Bro. Gallington [(617) 922-4598, [email protected]].
Click here to complete the pledge form electronically.
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OUR CURRENT COVID PROTOCOLS | |
Effective immediately, and 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 [email protected] 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:
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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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Click here to view full-size flier. | |
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Brothers Jerard Samuel and Javier Jackson, Jr.
invite you to join them for Tech Day
Bring your cell phones, tablets and laptops for technical assistance with email clean-up, storage, best practices, etc.
WHEN: Every third Saturday of the month, beginning Saturday, October 21, 2023
TIME: 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
PLACE: Church Building
Our first two sessions (October and November) will be specifically geared towards our Mature in Heart/Senior Citizens, but all are welcome to attend. A sign-up sheet has been posted on the bulletin board downstairs.
Coffee and donuts will be served.
Please contact Bro. Jerard or Bro. Javier with questions.
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Our monthly community outreach grocery distrubution will resume in JANUARY 2024. | |
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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. | |
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Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at the church building
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COUPLES' MINISTRY MEETINGS WILL RESUME ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14TH WITH OUR GOSPEL MEETING COUPLES' SESSION AND ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20TH AT 7:00 P.M. via Zoom, and thereafter the second and third Fridays of the month at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
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This month's Women's Class will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at the church building, and via Free Conference Call for those who cannot attend in person.
Dial in 978-990-5000
Access Code: 261232#
Or join the class online at
join.freeconferencecall.com/carl95fred
Presenter: Sandra Wade
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October 2023
Visitor Thank You Letters -
Visitor Gift Bags -
Baptistry - Sis. Rosamund Bloom
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The RSVP deadline has passed, and we have sent in our registrations to our sisters in New Haven. If you registered to attend and plan to ride the van, please make sure Sis. Pam Alexander has your name, and please be at the church building by 6:15 a.m. for 6:30 a.m. departure on Saturday, October 7th. | |
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The sisters of the Kittery Church of Christ will host their annual Ladies' Day on Saturday, October 28th in Kittery, Maine. Details to come.
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2024 Mature in Heart Pennsylvania Dutch Country Excursion:
We are accepting registrations for the 2024 trip to Lancaster County Pennsylvania to see the September 19th showing of "Daniel" at the Sight and Sound Theater. The bus will be scheduled to leave at 4am on the 19th and estimated to return between 9pm and 10pm on the 20th. A minimum initial deposit of $120 is required to secure a spot. This should be completed by December 31, 2023 to allow us to plan for the number to attend. The deposit (and subsequent payments) can be made by cash, check (payable to Church of Christ in Roxbury), or electronically via our e-giving link: churchofchristinroxbury.org/e-giving. If you make your deposit or any subsequent payments electronically, please follow up with an email to [email protected] with the subject line 2024 Pennsylvania Trip, and your name and payment amount in the body of the email.
The number of participants is limited by bus capacity. The overall cost of the charter bus, show ticket hotel and banquet has increased by $54 per person from 2023, however we have made some changes and restrictions to try to reduce the impact.
1. The minimum number for the event is increased from 24 to 30 (bus passengers). This will ensure that the bus cost per person is no more than $145.
2. The family-only restriction is removed for triple and quad hotel accommodations. However, we are requiring that all roommates be identified at the time of registration and the spots are not confirmed until all roommates have registered. There are also restrictions on refunds to make sure room costs are covered. More details are available upon request. Please see Bro. or Sis. Gallington, Sis. Keitrice Johnson, or Sis. Elizabeth Nagarajah with any questions.
Based on the changes described above, the following are the trip costs for 2024:
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Quad Occupancy hotel room, banquet seat, bus seat and theater seat -- $352
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Triple occupancy hotel room, banquet seat, bus seat and theater seat -- $371
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Double occupancy hotel room, banquet seat, bus seat and theater seat -- $408
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Single occupancy hotel room, banquet seat, bus seat and theater seat -- $535
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Grand king hotel room, two banquet seats, two bus seats and two theater seats -- $859
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Banquet seat and theater seat only -- $120
Please click here to access the online registration form.
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Our monthly Men's Class will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at the church building.
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Retention Ministry Books are Here!
"Consider One Another: God's Answer to Incivility," by Aubrey Johnson.
Please see Sis. Pam Alexander to pick up and pay for your book if you have not already done so. $10 each.
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Young Adult Ministry (YAM) | |
Date of next meeting will be announced. | |
Monthly Ministry Meeting
1st Sunday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
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Meetings & Events
10/2 - Ministers/Elders/Deacon's Meeting
10/5-7 - Roxbury Men's Retreat, Rumney, NH. Details above.
10/7 - New Haven CoC Ladies' Day in New Haven, CT, 9am-1pm. Details above.
10/8 - Deacons' Meeting following 11:00 service @church building.
10/14-18 - Roxbury Fall Gospel Meeting. Details above.
10/21 - Ministers/Elders/Deacons Wives' meeting, 9 a.m.
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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 @ 7pm) @church building
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Healing Hearts (Thursdays @6:15pm) VIA ZOOM
- Couple's Ministry (2nd & 3rd 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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