Selflessness
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, ESV)
Mini Devotional
A mini message to take with you this week to help you in your devotion to God.
Selflessness & Self-Care
Devotional by: Kurt Montooth
At Holly Hill we have four values: Selflessness, Spirit-Led, Unity in Love, and Faithfulness.
I want to take some time to write about selflessness. With a promise to write more about the others in the future.
We often get selflessness wrong.
As a therapist who works with mostly Christians and a minister. I have been blessed to walk with many wounded servants of Christ. I have personally had to wrestle with burnout as a result of unbiblical and unhealthy selflessness. My hope for this article is to clearly lay a foundation that Christian selflessness begins with self-care. These two principles are not in opposition but are instead intertwined.
Selflessness as a value deeply embedded in Scripture and exemplified by Jesus Himself. However, selflessness does not mean neglecting our own needs or suffering in silence. The Bible teaches us that while we are to put others first, we must also care for ourselves, enabling us to serve God and others effectively.
The essence of selflessness is captured in Philippians 2:3-4, where Paul instructs, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage highlights a dual focus—not only to serve others but to acknowledge our own interests, suggesting a balance between self-care and caring for others. Paul is quite clear, don’t look out ONLY for your own needs. How often do we try and ignore our own needs in the name of selflessness? Paul instead wants us to focus on other’s needs, but also the interests of others. The goal is to nurture others, not neglect the self.
Jesus Himself, though the epitome of selflessness, also demonstrated the importance of self-care. Throughout the Gospels, we see moments when He withdrew from the crowds to pray and rest, such as in Mark 1:35, where it is written, "And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed." These moments of solitude and connection with the Father were crucial for Jesus to continue His ministry. Jesus took time away from healing and teaching for prayer, rest, and self-care. If our Lord needs those things, so do we.
Moreover, Galatians 6:2 teaches us to "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." This directive to support each other is a cornerstone of Christian community life. Yet, the very next verse, Galatians 6:5, states, "For each will have to bear his own load." This reminds us that while we help others, we also have personal responsibilities and needs that cannot be ignored.
Selflessness is not about self-neglect but about the wise stewardship of our own resources and capacities. It is about finding the harmony that builds a community of mutual love and support. We need to care for others in a way that allows us to be of service without becoming depleted. When we neglect our well-being, we may find ourselves less able to serve effectively. Therefore, it is not only permissible but necessary to ask for help and to take time for rest and rejuvenation.
In embracing both self-care and selflessness, we follow Christ’s example and His teachings. We serve not from a depleted reservoir but from a well-nourished spirit, better equipped to bear the burdens of others and to stand strong in our faith.
Let us remember, as we walk in faith and fellowship, that caring for ourselves is integral to caring for the body of Christ. In doing so, we honor the God who cares for us all.
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
Obituary For David Hodge Paris, Jr. (Jessica Shoemaker’s Father)
David Hodge Paris, Jr. of Hixson, Tennessee, passed away on April 20, 2024 at the age of 74. Born on February 3, 1950, and known to many who knew him best as “Bunchie,” a childhood nickname, David grew up in Chattanooga and lived most of his adult life as a resident of Bridgeport, Alabama.
A graduate of McCallie School in Chattanooga (1968), the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill (1972), as a Morehead Scholar, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (1998), he was a lover of learning and knowledge. His favorite topics of study over the years were farming, East Asian studies, and educational instruction. He was able to tour China, Japan, and South Korea, among other places.
At UNC he played rugby, which spawned a life long passion for the game. Last summer he played in his last match at the UNC alumni game, where, at least 30 years older than anyone else in the game, he was voted unanimously to be the captain and made the first play.
As a jack of all trades and always eager to learn, he had a variety of careers in his life, including iron worker, restauranteur with his beloved mother Betty, pig farmer, and teacher, his longest venture. He eagerly passed on what he knew to his students (and any other captive audience) until his retirement in 2022 after 24 years of teaching. In his retirement, he was finding joy at a local community garden, growing vegetables and spending time with his beloved dogs.
He is preceded in death by his parents David Hodge Paris, Sr. and Betty Jo Griffin Paris. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Mitts, his daughters Jessica (George) Shoemaker, Kate (Gilbert) Kerrigan, and Emily (Austin) Bivens, their mother Elaine Shelton Paris, six grandchildren Mamie & Georgia Shoemaker; Cole, Beau & Jules Kerrigan; and Cooper Bivens; his sister, Kim Paris (Gary) Coates, and a host of cherished friends and extended family.
A private service will be held at a later date, where David will be laid to rest in his favorite place, Black Mountain, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, we request donations be made to the McKamey Animal Center or the Tennessee Youth Rugby Foundation.
“Great Day In May” Schedule
Our annual “Great Day In May” event will take place on Sunday, May 5th. Please be sure to invite people you may have a relationship with who have not been attending very much over the last few years, someone who used to attend regularly but no longer attends, and friends and acquaintances who have never been to Holly Hill. Our schedule will be as follows:
Bible Class (10am - 10:45am)
Break (10:40am - 11am)
Worship & Lesson (11am - 12pm)
Potluck Lunch (12pm - 1:30pm)
Afternoon Devo (1:30pm - 2pm)
Great Day In May Announcement
Following consultation with the deacons, trustees, and ministers, the elders have decided that 100% of the Great Day In May contribution will go towards the mortgage. In addition, we plan to use three of the four “fifth” Sunday contributions towards the mortgage.
Church Records - Sunday, April 21st
Bible Class Attendance - 78
Worship Attendance - 115
Contribution - $4,293.00
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
The Shoemaker & Paris Family (Jessica’s Father Passed Away)
Brenda Perkins
A Honduras Boy’s Home Employee (Motorcycle Accident)
Charlotte Chowning
Larry & Renita Clarke
Ongoing Prayers For: Phil & Suzanne Wilkins, Barbara Sudduth, Tim Lilly (The Trent’s neighbor), The Franklin Family (Matthew, April, & Anna Marie), Tany Phipps (Brenda Stone’s niece), Valerie Clark, The Poulter & Best Family, The Steele Family, Robin Ibershoff, The Bates Family, Roger Caudill, Judy Casey, Inez Chatham, John Widener Jr., The Tropoulos Family, Rita Tackett (Alyson Woodyard’s aunt), Cynthia Whitehead (friend of the Blanton’s), Patsy Cable (Bruce Blanton’s aunt), Ann Pittman, Mark McPherson, Janis Friend, Rhoda Jones, Betty Blanton, Helen Hall, Penny Harland (Katie Bell’s mother), Alyssa Deaton, & Polly Deaton.
Please submit your prayer requests for inclusion at office@hollyhillcoc.org
Upcoming Events
Here are some events that are coming up that you need to make space on your calendar for.
Practicing New Song For “Great Day In May” - Sunday, April 28th (Immediately Following Worship)
We would like to learn a new song for our “Great Day in May” service. We've included a link (YouTube) to the song below. Please watch the video and sing along. We will practice singing together this Sunday, April 28th, immediately following our worship service.
“Large Group” Evening Worship Service - Sunday, April 28th (4pm)
On the 4th Sunday of each month, we will have a traditional service at 4pm.
Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast - Saturday, May 4th (8am)
The Men's Bible Study & Breakfast is a monthly event, held on the first Saturday of each month. The Bible study takes place at the church building, downstairs in the fellowship hall.
“Great Day In May” - Sunday, May 5th (10am)
Our annual “Great Day In May” event will take place on Sunday, May 5th. Please be sure to invite people you may have a relationship with who have not been attending very much over the last few years, someone who used to attend regularly but no longer attends, and friends and acquaintances who have never been to Holly Hill. Our schedule will be as follows:
Bible Class (10am - 10:45am)
Break (10:40am - 11am)
Worship & Lesson (11am - 12pm)
Potluck Lunch (12pm - 1:30pm)
Afternoon Devo (1:30pm - 2pm)
“Women Of The Word” Bible Study Group - Monday, May 6th (CANCELED)
“Women In The Word” will not be meeting this week because it is our anniversary and Gabriel’s birthday. We will meet again on May 20th at 10am and May 21st at 6pm.
In Christian love,
Katie Bell
“Women Of The Word” Bible Study Group - Tuesday, May 7th (CANCELED)
“Women In The Word” will not be meeting this week because it is our anniversary and Gabriel’s birthday. We will meet again on May 20th at 10am and May 21st at 6pm.
In Christian love,
Katie Bell
Elder, Deacon, Minister Meeting - Sunday, May 19th (2pm)
Our monthly Elder, Deacon, & Minister Meeting will be Sunday, May 19th at 2pm. We'll meet at the church building, downstairs in the fellowship hall.
“Women Of The Word” Bible Study Group - Monday, May 20th (10am)
A Bible study group for ladies who want to learn Bible study tools for a deeper relationship with God, hosted and taught by Katie Bell.
“Women Of The Word” Bible Study Group - Tuesday, May 21st (6pm)
A Bible study group for ladies who want to learn Bible study tools for a deeper relationship with God, hosted and taught by Katie Bell.
How You Can Serve
There are a lot of ways you can get involved and do the work of God in our community!
Limited-Time Opportunities:
Operation Re-Stock the Food Pantry
The Food Pantry needs to be re-stocked. During the upcoming months we will be asking for specific food donations. There will be a box in the foyer for you to place your food donations. Thank you so much and let’s make Operation re-stock a success!! For the month of April, we need:
Spaghetti
Spaghetti Sauce
Long-Term Opportunities:
Tech Team Support
The Holly Hill Tech Team needs help. We would love to have a few more people trained and available to set up the livestreams and audio equipment. It’s a fairly simple task and you’ll be well trained before being thrown into the seat alone. If you’re interested, see Nick, David, or Brad.
Card Ministry
Every Sunday there are cards spread out on a table in the lobby that will be sent out to various church members and guests who need encouragement. You can help serve and encourage by making sure to sign these cards each week. If you know of someone the church should send a card, please give the name(s) and address to Joyce Best. We have “get-well” cards, “thinking of you” cards, “praying for you” cards, and sympathy cards. You can also text the information to (502) 593-5865.
Casey Blessing Box
The Casey’s are collecting items to give away to those in need in their Blessing Box. Currently, they are accepting donations of: Can goods of fruit and vegetables. Crackers, or cereal.
Shriners Children’s Hospital
Donna White is collecting soda can tabs to donate to the children’s hospital. Please leave your donations in the lobby.
Children’s Bible Class Teachers & Helpers
If you’d be willing to teach, sub, or help, please see Matthew Woodyard. We have a wonderful opportunity to teach God’s Word to our children. Let’s make sure they get our very best! Thank you!
For more information or for help signing up for any of these ministries, please call the church office at: (502) 227-7796
Holly Hill Church of Christ
1020 Holly Hill Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601
Web - www.hollyhillcoc.org
Phone - (502) 227-7796
Email - office@hollyhillcoc.org
Service Times
Sunday Bible Class - 10am
Sunday Morning Worship - 11am
Sunday Evening Worship - 6pm
Wednesday Evening Bible Study - 6:30pm