Two Boats
“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.
Two Boats
Devotional By: Elijah Bell
In Luke 5, we find Jesus in a crowd along the shore of a a lake, all eager to hear what He has to say. He sees two boats along the shore, the fishermen ashore washing their nets. From these two vessels, Jesus chooses Simon’s boat to get into and put out from the shore to address the crowds. He chooses one over the other. The boat that Jesus chose seems to be an insignificant detail, but it makes me wonder if I had been there, with a boat of my own, would Jesus have been welcome to use my vessel to share His message?
This thought leads me to another sobering realization: we, like those boats, are vessels. We are instruments, fashioned for a purpose, capable of being used for either good, or for evil, for the purposes of God, or the schemes of the enemy. The all-important question then becomes, “are we allowing Jesus to enter our lives, to take the helm and steer us toward His divine purpose? Do we allow Jesus into our lives in order to make us a vessel for His Word? Or, are we, through our own choices and misplaced priorities, unavailable or unsuitable for Jesus’ use?
I often wonder why Jesus chose one boat over another. Was one boat too full? To dirty? Or perhaps, just not ready for use? How about our lives? Are we ready to allow Jesus to step in and use our lives as a vessel for His ministry?
Just like in this account in scripture, people are still just as hungry for the truth of God’s Word. People are still searching, their hearts longing for meaning and for a connection with their Creator. As we navigate through this life as one of His followers, we must all ask ourselves, “am I surrendering my life to Jesus, allowing Him to use me for His Kingdom? Am I willing to be His hands and feet, His voice and His heart in a world that desperately needs His love? Or, am I, through my own actions or inactions, forcing Jesus to seek another vessel? Am I so consumed by my own ambitions, my own desires, my own fears, that I leave no room for Him to work in and through me?”
Like those two boats by the lake, we each have a choice. We can choose to be a vessel of honor, ready and willing to be used by the Master for His glorious purposes. Or we can choose to remain idle, unavailable, ultimately forfeiting the joy and fulfillment that comes from being a part of something infinitely greater than ourselves.
Let us not underestimate the power of a single surrendered life. Like Simon's boat, which facilitated the preaching of Jesus’ Word to thousands, we may be astonished at the extraordinary things Jesus can accomplish when we offer ourselves to Him without reservation. Let us be vessels of hope, vessels of love, vessels of grace, carrying the light of Christ into the darkness of this world. The choice is ours, and the time is now. Will you welcome Jesus to use your boat?
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
PRAYERS FOR EMMIE (Photo provided above from Logan Forrest)
Last week when I asked you all to pray for Emmie’s surgery. I asked you to post where you were praying from just to mix things up. Wow! #TeamEmmie was represented across 26 #States 🇺🇸and 8 #Countries 🌎 in prayer! And there is no doubt God is listening! Taylor and I can’t say it enough. Thank you all for your support and prayers. This community is a blessing! 🤟 Let’s keep praying 🙏and praising 🙌 y’all!
An Update On Emmie Forrest
We just got word from case management who has been in contact with the rehab center that we will be staying in Knoxville at least one more week.
Because of everything this weekend, Emmie is on antibiotics just to make sure if there is anything going on, it will be covered (even though all cultures so far say “no growth”, we still have to take measures to be SURE). You always have to finish the round of antibiotics once you start, so we have to finish them before rehab will accept her! No big deal at all, we just hang out for another week.
Although this isn’t what we hoped/planned for this week, God is in control of her situation and we trust in His timing. So, we pray that this week will be smooth sailing, no other issues or concerns arise, and by next Monday Emmie will be all cleared to go to rehab!
An Update On Polly Deaton
I called for her room number and because of security, they could not give it to me. If we send cards to the Manor, they will be sure that she gets them. As for visiting, she is a special case, and one would have to make arrangements to see her. Sound like that is possible. Visiting hours are anytime other than mealtimes. Call ahead to visit.
Information for newer members at Holly Hill.
Polly goes back to the early times at Boone Plaza. Her granddaughter which she raised was murdered during the Pandemic. I think she has two daughters. I met her a long time ago when Boone Plaza and Louisville Rd had VBS together. We worked as a team to teach classes. She wrote a book "A Pocket Full of Frogs." These are short stories about her granddaughter Tara. There is a copy in the church library. She loves cats and has a great number of them. Please pray for this sweet lady and her girls.
Address: Hometown Manor, Assisted Living, 74 Mack Walters Rd., Shelbyville, KY 40065
Phone: 502-437-0814 (Hometown Manor)
Life Groups: Coming Soon
School’s started back, summer’s winding down, and we’re entering into one of our favorite seasons here at Holly Hill. No, I’m not talking about Fall. It’s Life Group season and we need volunteers!
If you’re interested in hosting, facilitating, or both, please make sure you sign up on the sign-up sheet posted to the bulletin board in the foyer.
Bridal Shower Luncheon For Sydney Janes & Andrew Roach
The ladies of the congregation are invited to a bridal luncheon for Sydney Janes and Andrew Roach. The luncheon will take place at Holly Hill on August 24th at 12 PM. Details and a sign-up sheet will be posted on the bulletin board.
Holly Hill’s Service Committees & Committee Leaders
In order to efficiently conduct worship and to serve the needs of the congregation, the men’s leadership team have decided upon the following committees and committee leaders. Please contact any of these men with any questions you may have.
EVANGELISTIC COMMITTEE
Leader(s): Robert Roach & Jeff Jones
Spiritual Matters of the Church; Minister(s); Adult Bible Classes; & Leadership Development.
WORSHIP COMMITTEE
Leader: Scott Trent
Planning/Executing Worship Services; Worship Technology; & Scheduling Men to Lead Worship.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Leader(s): OPEN
Sun AM Bible Class; Wed PM Bible Class; Scheduling Teachers & Helpers; Curriculum; & Substitute Teaching.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Leader: Tom Owens
Budget; Bills & Expenses; Credit Cards & Bank Accounts; Mortgage; & Contribution.
BUILDING & GROUNDS COMMITTEE
Leader: Brad Gregory
Building Maintenance; Parking Lot & Grounds; Building Security; & Scheduling Building Use.
COMMUNICATION & OUTREACH COMMITTEE
Leader(s): David Jones, Mike Mayes, & Matthew Woodyard
Announcements; Emails & Newsletter; Food Pantry, Backpack Program, VBS, Meal Train, Card Program, & Outreach Ministries; Social Media; & Guest Center, Gift Bags, & Connection Cards.
YOUTH ACTIVITY PLANNING COMMITTEE
Leader: Bruce Blanton
Youth Activity Planning Team; & Planning Youth Activities.
Church Records: Sunday, August 18th
Bible Class Attendance - 66
Worship Attendance - 107
Contribution - $3,774.50
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Polly Deaton
Emmie Forrest
Phil & Suzanne Wilkins
Johnny Widener (Biopsy came back negative; NO CANCER!)
Mike Lay (Stage 4 Cancer)
David Bird (Back Surgery)
Ongoing Prayers For: Casey Maddox & Family (Friend of Susan Kennon), Sharon Smither (Adam Owens’ mother-in-law), Brenda Perkins (Multiple Sclerosis), Larry & Renita Clarke, Libby Smith, Lori Armstrong (friend of April Deaton, battling cancer), Cecelia Bryant (Jim Clark’s sister, recovering from surgery due to an aneurism), The Best & Drury Family, Jerry Roberts (member of the Clark family, who’s suffered a brain bleed), Thelma Spears (member of the Clark family, who’s recovering from a heart attack), Iris Griffin (Inez Chatham’s niece), Jessie Tropoulos, Kyle Cordial (Val Clark’s friend), The Stone & Sanders Family, Karen Durham (Val Clark’s friend), Britney Bartley (Val Clark’s friend), Jim & Val Clark, Amber Collins, Janice Gregory, Missy Farmer (friend of Dorothy Trent), Tim Lilly, Tanya Phipps (Brenda Stone’s niece), Robin Ibershoff, Roger Caudill, Judy Casey, Inez Chatham, John Widener Jr., Rita Tackett (Alyson Woodyard’s aunt), Cynthia Whitehead (friend of the Blanton’s), Ann Pittman, Mark McPherson, Janis Friend, Betty Blanton, Helen Hall, Penny Harland (Katie Bell’s mother), & Alyssa 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.
Bridal Shower Luncheon For Andrew Roach & Sydney Janes - Saturday, August 24th (12 PM)
The ladies of the congregation are invited to a bridal luncheon for Sydney Janes and Andrew Roach. The luncheon will take place at Holly Hill on August 24th at 12 PM.
Details and a sign-up sheet will be posted on the bulletin board.
Pack The Pulpit For Westridge Elementary's Backpack Program - Sunday, August 25th
It is that time of year again! Our service project for the year at Westridge Elementary School Backpack Program. We are going to pack the pulpit on August 25, 2024 please put all items on the stage steps. We need individual servings of food that can be microwaved and easy to open pull top tabs. We will have October, December, February and April months. If you have any questions please see Jenny Jones or Sonia Roach.
Sunday Morning Service - Sunday, August 25th (10 AM - 12 PM)
Bible classes for all ages begin at 10 AM. Our adult class will meet in the auditorium and the children’s classes meet downstairs. Bible Classes end at 10:45 AM and our worship service begins at 11 AM, upstairs in the auditorium.
Youth Activities Planning Commitee Meeting - Sunday, August 25th (Immediately Following Worship)
Are you looking for a ministry to get involved with at Holly Hill & still consider yourself to be young at heart? Look no further! The Youth Activities Planning Committee will meet this Sunday, August 25th, immediately following our worship service. For further information, contact Bruce Blanton.
Sunday Evening Worship - Sunday, August 25th (6 PM)
A traditional worship service each Sunday night at 6 PM. Our Sunday evening services continue through the end of August.
Women In The Word - Tuesday, August 27th (6 PM)
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. This class will meet on the 4th Tuesday (6 PM) of each month downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.
Mid-Week Service - Wednesday, August 28th (6:30 PM)
Bible classes for all ages. Adults meet in the auditorium and kids meet downstairs. The adult class for the summer quarter is “Bee in The Word,” taught by Elijah 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:
Pack The Pulpit For Westridge Elementary's Backpack Program
It is that time of year again! Our service project for the year at Westridge Elementary School Backpack Program. We are going to pack the pulpit on August 25, 2024 please put all items on the stage steps.
We need individual servings of food that can be microwaved and easy to open pull top tabs. We will have October, December, February and April months.
If you have any questions, please see Jenny Jones or Sonia Roach.
Items needed:
Ramen Noodles (Beef, Chicken & Shrimp)
Oatmeal Packets
Nutri-Grain Bars
Easy Mac
Chef Boyardee Cups
Vienna Sausages
Granola Bars
Fruit Cups
Fruit Gummy Snacks
Applesauce Cups
Cheez-its
Hot Chocolate
Protein Bars
Slim Jims
Raisins
Corn
Green Beans
Peas & Carrots
Cheese Dippers
Individual Cookie Packs
Beanie Weenies
Tuna Kits
Soup Cups
Cheese & Crackers
Pudding Cups
Cereal Cups
Poptarts
Fruit Rollups
Rice Krispies Treats
Pork-N-Beans
Pretzels
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 August, we need:
Instant Potatoes
Instant Rice
Long-Term Opportunities:
Youth Activities Planning Commitee
Are you looking for a ministry to get involved with at Holly Hill & still consider yourself to be young at heart? Look no further! The Youth Activities Planning Committee will meet this Sunday, August 25th, immediately following our worship service. For further information, contact Bruce Blanton.
Women’s Ministry
Are you interested in learning more about Holly Hill’s Women’s Ministry? Want to get involved? Contact Vickie Wise today and find out everything you’ll need to know to get started!
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 David Jones, Brad Gregory, or Brad Proctor.
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 (Fruit & Vegetables)
Crackers
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 a member of church leadership. 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
Sun AM Bible Study - 10am
Sun AM Worship - 11am
Sun PM Worship - 6pm
Wed PM Bible Study - 6:30pm