Pass the Pain Please
By Terry Francis
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Children hate eating their vegetables—especially the green leafy variety. Any child given the choice of eating chocolate cake or broccoli is going to choose the cake. The words, “Pass the broccoli, please” would be shocking to the ears of a parent. We all like cake better. But broccoli is better for us. It has a greater nutritional value. We may like the cake, but we need the broccoli.
Life can often be categorized in two ways: pleasure and pain. All of us like pleasure more. We want times of joy and laughter. We want to feel good about life. We don’t want the pain and agony of suffering. The pleasure is the cake. Pain is the broccoli. We need pain. It is vital to our spiritual development.
The statement “we need pain” seems odd. In fact, it seems downright insane. The wise writer said, “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth” (Eccl. 7:2–4). Mourning is better than feasting? Sorrow is better than laughter? Absolutely. We need pain. We should all consider the benefits of pain.
Pain is a good gift.
We don’t think of pain in that way. But if God allows pain to occur, it must be good for us. Jesus asked the question, “…which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:9–11). Everything God gives us is good. It works out to be good for us (Rom. 8:28). Often we think God is giving us a serpent when He is actually handing us fish. The pain helps us grow and mature. It is good for us.
Pain serves as the evidence of our ability to feel.
Gerald Sittser wrote, “Pain…is the flipside of pleasure. The nerve that tells us of one also tells us of the other” (A Grace Disquised, p. 45). Without pain, we could never experience joy. Without tears, we would never laugh. Perhaps that’s why Paul told the Roman brethren to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:5). It is impossible to cry with people you can’t laugh with. The preacher wrote there was a “time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Eccl. 3:4). The emotions of joy and pain are forever connected. One serves as proof that the other is alive and well. Without pain, we could never rejoice. It is indeed a blessing to us all.
Pain serves as a reminder that we need God.
Paul prayed three times for the thorn in the flesh to be removed (2 Cor. 12:7–10). Three times God’s reply was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Whatever Paul’s thorn was, it is quite clear it served as a source of pain—a “…messenger of Satan to harass…” But God allowed the painful thorn to continue to harass Paul. The thorn served as a reminder to Paul that without God he would be nothing. Paul’s weakness was an opportunity for God’s power to be seen. Paul knew that he needed God. We need to be reminded of that fact: “I need God.” Pain shows us that we are weak. God’s grace makes us strong even in times of weakness.
Pain helps us long for heaven.
Perhaps the best benefit of a healthy serving of pain is the motivation it gives us to strive for eternal life. The pain of this life should motivate us for a home in heaven. A place where there is no suffering, no night, no pain, no agony, no crying, etc. (Rev. 21:3–4). Pain reminds us there is a better place than this. This world is truly not our home. And we don’t want it to be! We want a home that is filled with the richness and goodness of heaven—not the pain of earth.
Perhaps a sign of maturity is asking for more broccoli. Adults recognize the nutritional value of broccoli. Some even grow to like the taste. We don’t have to find pleasure in pain but we do need to see it as a healthy part of spiritual growth. It helps us become who we need to be. God’s grace is sufficient for us, too! In weakness we are made strong. Perhaps we should say, “Pass the pain please.
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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
James Wade, Sr.
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We extend our sympathy to Bro. and Sis. Holmes in the passing of Sis. Holmes’s sister, Angela McClain, who passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, and to the Gallington family in the passing of Sis. Gallington’s aunt, Vera DeBerry, who passed away on Friday, October 7, 2022. Please keep both families in prayer for comfort and strength in their bereavement. |
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The Good Life
2022 Fall Gospel Meeting
October 15-19, 2022
Roxbury Fall Gospel Meeting
with Bro. Eric Owens
Minister for
the West Side Church of Christ
in Round Rock, Texas
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
(click the links in red below to register for the sessions you plan to attend.)
Saturday, October 15th
Sunday, October 16th
Monday, October 17th
Tuesday, October 18th
Wednesday, October 19th
Registration required for all sessions.
MASKS ARE REQUIRED OF ALL ATTENDEES
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Sojourner House Partnership with BMC
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic
Friday, October 14th
1pm-5pm
Sojourner House
85 Rockland St, Roxbury, MA
Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available
Individuals 6 months+ are eligible to get vaccinated. Information and consent form for minors can be found here:
All are welcome regardless of insurance or immigration status.
The COVID-19 vaccine is free.
Pfizer, Moderna & Jansen Boosters are available!
Pediatric Vaccines/Boosters ages 6mon - AVAILABLE
~FLU VACCINE AVAILABLE!!~
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Sermon for Sunday, October 9, 2022
Be Not Ashamed
1 Peter 4:12-19
Speaker: Mark A. Craigwell
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DON'T FORGET YOUR MASK!
Remember that masks are required at all of our in-person events, including services, classes, and meetings. Please also remember to bring your mask with you. We have a limited supply of masks available for those who do not have them.
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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 9:30 a.m.; the second service begins at 11:00 a.m. The auditorium is sanitized between services. The weekly 10:30 a.m. devotional/adult Bible class 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 livestream the 11:00 service on our YouTube channel, and we encourage members to utilize e-giving, even when attending in person.
PLEASE NOTE: THE LINK BELOW IS FOR NEXT WEEK'S SERVICE
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE NO 8:30 SERVICE
ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16TH.
In-Person Worship Sign-up
Please also note that there is a new registration link each week.
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
- Sympathy to the Holmes and Gallington Families
- October 15-19, 2022, Roxbury Fall Gospel Meeting with Bro. Eric Owens
- 2022 Thanksgiving Outreach
- COVID Vaccine Clinic at Sojourner House, 10/14
- Worship & Class Schedule - Links to Services & Classes; link to worship attendance registration form for next week.
- Latest on COVID-19
- Vaccine available for ages 6 months and up. Booster shots available for J&J, Moderna, and Pfizer. Walk in appointments available at many clinics.
- Current and Upcoming Events
- Community Outreach Monthly Grocery Distribution, Saturday, October 22nd at Warren Gardens
- Ladies Take Note
- 4th Sunday Ladies' Class, 10/23/22 @5pm at the church building.
- Kittery CoC Ladies' Day, 10/29/22 in Kittery, Maine
- Mature in Heart
- 2022 Pennsylvania Dutch Country Excursion, October 28-29
- Men Take Note
- 4th Sunday Men's Class, 10/23/22 @5pm at the church building.
- Men's Retreat Details
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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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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Current & Upcoming Events |
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Our October monthly grocery distribution outreach will take place on Saturday, October 22nd, beginning at 10 a.m. for bag assembly at the building. Masks required. This month's distribution area will be Warren Gardens.
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The Department of Public Health continues to urge all who are eligible to be vaccinated and/or boosted to do so, as vaccination is currently the best medical defense against the potentially deadly effects of COVID and its variants.
All Massachusetts residents ages 6-months 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 & In-Person
Class/Meeting Schedule
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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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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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Meetings will resume in October
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Ladies' Day
The Kittery congregation invites ladies to join them for a day of study and fellowship on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at their church building located at 48 Love Lane, Kittery, Maine
Theme: Dust to Diamonds - A Journey to Perfect Submission
Speakers
Edith Hios - Our Journey to Submission through our Lives -
Titus 2:3-5
Alana Purdy - It's not about me - Submitting in all things - James 4:1-10
Registration starts at 8:45 a.m. with breakfast at 9.
Please RSVP by 10/22/22 to (207) 439-0720, on Facebook, or the Kittery congregation's website.
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4th Sunday Ladies Class
Sunday, October 23rd at 5 p.m.
Presenter: Sis. Miranda ADEkoje
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Details, Details...: Our 2022 Mature in Heart Pennsylvania Dutch Country Excursion, scheduled for October 28-29, is fast approaching. We ask that all participants be at the church building by 3:30 a.m. on Friday, October 29th so that we can load the bus and depart by 4:00 a.m. Remember that we will go to the theater before we check into the hotel, so whatever you wear on the bus is what you will wear to the show. Casual attire is fine. Also remember to that masking is required on the bus and all participants are expected to follow whatever COVID protocols are in place at all venues we visit. Detailed itinerary will be available shortly.
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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, October 23, 2022, 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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Date of next meeting will be announced. |
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Monthly Ministry Meeting
1st Sunday of each month at 2:00 p.m.
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Meetings & Events
10/2 - Youth Ministry Meeting, 2:00 p.m.
10/3 - Ministers/Elders/Deacons Meeting
10/3-7 - Daily Lunch Distribution 1:30-2pm @church building
10/-8 - Roxbury Men's Retreat in New Hampshire (details above)
10/9 - Deacons' Meeting, following 11am service @church building
10/14 - COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic, 1-5pm (details above)
10/15-19 - Roxbury Fall Gospel Meeting with Bro. Eric Owens (See above for schedule)
10/22 - Community Outreach, 10am @ church building
10/23 - Roxbury 4th Sunday Ladies' Class 5:00pm
10/23- Roxbury 4th Sunday Men's Class, 5:00pm @church building
10/28-29 - Mature in Heart Trip to Sight and Sound Theater (details above)
10/29 - Kittery CoC Ladies Day in Kittery, Maine (details above)
Masks are required for all in-person events
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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 10:30am @church building
- Sunday Adult Devotional/Bible Study, 10:30am @church building
- 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); Men @church building; Women via Zoom (details above)
- 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) 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 (1st & 2nd 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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