The Broadcaster Online
Week of February 28, 2021
LOOKING THE PART, WITHOUT THE HEART!
There is a famous idiom that says, “don’t judge a book by its cover" which, as Wikipedia explains; is a metaphorical phrase that means one shouldn't prejudge the worth or value of something (or someone) by outward appearance alone. In essence, don't let appearance alone be your deciding factor when it comes to making a judgment about someone.  The point is not to be easily persuaded either way (good or bad) only by what you see or hear coming from an individual.
 
When it comes to the Christian community, it behooves all of us to take serious consideration and heed to the aforementioned idiom. Just because someone “looks” like a Christian, “talks” like a Christian, and “acts” like a Christian, does not mean they are Christian. They may look the part but fail to have the heart of a Christian.  A heart after God and not their desire.
 
Jesus said “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. So you too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are fill of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matt. 23: 27 - 28) 
 
Jesus spoke a great deal about the heart. The heart is a metaphor for the inner life. 
 
God is concerned, primarily, about your heart. He wants you to have a healthy heart. He said to Samuel, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). 
 
The real motivations of a man lie within his heart, and only God knows the true heart of every man. That being said, judging whether or not someone is genuine in their Christian walk is the fruit of their labor and service for God’s kingdom. Jesus warned “beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” (Matt. 7: 15 - 16) Beware of those who are good at talking the talk but do not walk (live) the walk! 
 
This pandemic has really tested the hearts of us as a community. It has revealed and exposed much about us and our hearts desires, especially when it comes to being faithful, patient, and committed to the work of service in the church. It has challenged us not to lose focus regarding the work at hand in our congregation, concerning our theme, spiritual goals and ministries. It has challenged us not to get distracted or off course by “outsiders” who have no part, interest or investment in our vision. In truth every congregation should have their own spiritual goals based on their needs. 
 
It's a matter of the heart! It comes down to whether or not your heart is truly invested and loyal to all of the spiritual charges that our congregation has before us. It is one thing to look the part or appear to be a part of the work, but it's another to have a committed heart.
 
In love,
Bro Craigwell

Elders
Leon Cort
Mark Craigwell
Martin Samuel
Minister
Mark Craigwell

Assistant Minister
Denver Simmons
Deacons
Raleigh Gallington
Anthony Johnson
Gregory Johnson
Carlfred Malcolm
Albert Martin, Jr.
Walter Maxwell
Richard Meuse
Barry Person
Jason Reid
James Wade, Sr.
News & Notes
Wedding Video (ceremony begins at 1:15)
Sympathy: We extend our sympathy to Bro. Otis Ellerbee in the passing of his brother Tony Ellerbee, on February 20 2021. Please keep Bro. Ellerbee and family in prayer for comfort and strength in their bereavement, and please keep Bro. Ellerbee in prayer for traveling grace as he travels to Pittsburgh, PA for the funeral.

Education Ministry Meeting: Monday, March 1st at 7 p.m. via Zoom.
Connection info: Click here to connect. Connection has also been sent to members of the Education Ministry.

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.

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 below for new/updated announcements.
  • Latest on COVID-19 - Vaccine available for Phase 1 and those 65 & older
  • Current and Upcoming Events -
  • Housing Lottery for first-time homebuyers
  • Eversource Job Opportunities
  • Community Outreach (3/27/21)
  • Ladies Take Note
  • Link for Ladies' Class February 28, 2021
  • Ladies' Day Update - Please make refund requests by February 28, 2021
  • Youth & Family Ministry
  • College search info for high school students
  • Sigma Gamma Rho Youth Symposium, March 13, 2021
Important Links
Midweek Bible Study
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
The Fragrance of Our Ministry
Part 1 - Ministers of a New Covenant
(2 Corinthians 3:1-18)
via freeconferencecall.com
(See remote class schedule below for connection info and link)
Worship Service Schedule

Our Sunday Worship will be by livestream only, Sundays at 11 a.m., until further notice


PLEASE NOTE: WE HAVE TRANSITIONED OUR SUNDAY 11 AM WORSHIP LIVESTREAM TO YOUTUBE.

Only the media team and those brothers on the order of service will be onsite at the church building for worship service each Sunday. All others are encouraged to join us at 11 a.m. for the livestream on our YouTube channel (link below)

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. 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. 
Latest on COVID-19
COVID-19: Although COVID numbers are going down in Massachusetts, please continue to exercise vigilance in observing recommended safety protocols, e.g., wash your hands frequently, wear a mask whenever you are around people who are not part of your immediate household, in both public and private settings, do not travel unless absolutely necessary, keep your distance, and self-quarantine for the recommended amount of time if you contract or are exposed to COVID-19. Although there is light at the end of the tunnel with the roll out of multiple vaccines, for now, the pandemic rages on, and it is not time to relax our vigilance in limiting its spread.
Reminder: Please remember that cloth face masks or coverings are required in all public places, including for outdoor activities. Please also remember to launder your cloth facemasks and/or coverings regularly, wash your hands frequently, and practice social distancing.
Remote Class Schedule
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.
Prayer Requests
Please note that some of the ministries listed below are meeting via Zoom or freeconferencecall.com during the state of emergency. Check with your ministry coordinator(s) for remote meeting schedules. The ministries will resume their regular schedules once the state of emergency has been lifted. 
Current & Upcoming Events
Click here for more information
Click here for application
Click here to donate funds via the congregation's e-giving link. To earmark your donation for Community Outreach, please let Bro. Gallington know via email at mrcg13@hotmail.com so that he can properly allocate the funds to Community Outreach.
Couples Ministry
No announcements at this time.
Ladies Take Note
Click anywhere in the announcement above to join the conference call online. Feel free to turn on your camera if you want to be seen by others on the call. You will also be able to see those who have turned on their cameras.
Click here or anywhere in the announcement above to assist us in processing your refund request. Please make all refund requests by February 28, 2021.
Mature in Heart Ministry
Men Take Note
No announcements at this time.
New England Lectureship
The 2021 New England Lectureship has been cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. We hope to be able to hold it in 2022.
Retention Ministry
The next Retention Ministry meeting will be via Zoom. Date and time TBA.
Support Groups
Young Adult Ministry (YAM)
Youth & Family Ministry
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority will host their annual National Youth Symposium on Saturday, March 13, 2021 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. CST (9 a.m. - 1 p.m. EST) The program is for youth ages 8-18 and will include workshops on STEM, Health/Wellness, Social Justice, Money Matters and The Culture. The event is free, but registration is required. Thank you to Sis. Nagarajah for bringing this event to our attention. Click anywhere in the image above for more information and to register.
Calendar: February 2021
Special Events
2/28 - Congregational Address, 6 p.m. via Zoom and YouTub
Ministry Meetings - Please contact your ministry coordinator for remote meeting schedules.
Weekly Events - ALL SERVICES, CLASSES, & MEETINGS NORMALLY HELD AT THE CHURCH BUILDING ARE SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, except as noted below:
  • Sunday Bible Class (all ages) See above for connection info and times for individual classes.
  • Sunday Worship Service 11:00 am. via livestream on Facebook. See above for details.
  • Evening Worship Service, 5pm (1st Sunday of the month)
  • Spiritual Development Class 5pm (2nd Sunday of the month)
  • Men's/Women's Classes, 5pm (4th Sunday of the month)
  • Young Adult Ministry (2nd Sunday of the month at 6pm) VIA ZOOM
  • 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)
  • Congregational Song Practice, 3rd Wed. 6:30pm
  • Mature in Heart Quilting (Thursdays 10:30-12)
  • Healing Hearts (Thursdays @6:15pm) VIA ZOOM
  • Choral Group Rehearsal (Thursdays @ 7pm)
  • 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) VIA ZOOM
  • Women's Saturday Bible Study (4th Saturday @ 10:30am)

Please note that there are no evening services or classes on the 3rd or 5th Sundays of the month.
Plan of Salvation
Church of Christ in Roxbury
81 Walnut Avenue
Roxbury, MA 02119
617-442-5826