LIFE GROUPS 101
“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.
Life Groups 101
Devotional By: Mark Johnson
Leadership has requested and I have accepted the role of Chairman of our Life Groups Committee. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Holly Hill church of Christ in this capacity.
What Is A Life Group?
Please note the name. Life Groups. We do not call them small groups, because size can vary. We do not call them cell groups because that sounds like a terrorist organization. They are called Life Groups because as Christians, we should be striving to live life together.
A Life Group consists of 4 to 20 people, and ideally, gather in a leader’s or member’s home. Twelve is an ideal size but not an ironclad rule. When necessary, a room at the church building can suffice.
What Is The Purpose?
Life Groups exist to accomplish certain key goals of the Kingdom. The main goal is to edify believers by connecting them on a more intimate level and helping them to become more like Jesus Christ. Another goal is to evangelize by offering another venue, besides that of the regular Sunday church service, that may be initially less intimidating to seekers, newcomers, and those interested in finding out more about God and Jesus. At their core, Life Groups are small Christian communities. Evangelism and discipleship are most effective when they are interwoven into personal relationships.
What Happens In A Life Group?
When you attend a Life Group meeting you can expect a time of fellowship, Bible study, and prayer. Food is always an option. Life Groups are open to all Christians and those seeking or investigating Jesus Christ and His message. Long-term trust and relationships are nurtured, and loving support and accountability as followers of Jesus Christ are cultivated on an ongoing basis.
The lesson may include a time to get to know each other, Bible study and application and an evangelistic or service focus. As a natural byproduct of all this, people in these groups can experience true community and a snapshot of what the original Church in the book of Acts looked like. Again, each group’s goal is to encourage and challenge each other to live the life that God has planned for each of us.
What Do Life Groups Study?
Each Life Group may have a structured study that revolves around God’s Word. Examples of a structured study are things such as:
A chapter-by-chapter study of one book of the Bible
A one-year Bible study
Sermons or sermon series by respected preachers or teachers
A Bible-based Christian book
DVD series
The study material is usually decided upon by the leader/group consensus. All the above are acceptable and, in fact, groups are encouraged to experience a variety of Christ-based learning opportunities.
2024-2025 Holly Hill Life Groups
Life Groups will begin Sunday, October 6, 2024, and end in May, 2025. The initial plan is for Life Groups to meet a minimum of twice each month. Each group can meet more often if they choose. Below is a listing of groups from which to select. Leaders/Co-Leaders are included. Sign-up sheets have been posted in the foyer.
Jeff Jones/David Jones – Meeting hosted by Jeff Jones family
Scott Trent/Lee Wise – Meeting early afternoon
Mike Mayes/Tom Owens – Meeting at the home of Dennis & Jackye Stockton in the early afternoon
Elijah Bell – Meeting at church building at 6 PM
If you have any questions, please ask one of the Life Group Leaders or me. Additional information and updates will appear in the Vine.
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
(Picture taken from the Team Emmie Facebook page)
Big prayers 🤟 for our Emmie girl this morning as she has a big surgery! She will be having some skull reconstruction.
An Update On Emmie
Sunday, September 15th
We’ve got one week of rehab under our belt, and Emmie is already showing great progress! She is moving around a lot better, feeling more confident in the things she does, and I think she is feeling and acting more like herself every day.
As I’ve mentioned, eating and speech are our two biggest concerns/things to work on. With the consistency of therapies and the routine we have been able to get into, she is doing more and more each day! Shes allowing things into and around her mouth which is a huge improvement, and taking small bits of water into her mouth with a spoon! I truly believe that once she figures out how to move her facial muscles again, then it will all come back easily for her 💖
I am just so proud of this girl! She is strong, brave, and so happy and content all the time. She isn’t getting easily frustrated, and she keeps working when things get too hard! I know she will be just fine 🥰
Praise God for all her progress, and to Him be all the glory!
Tuesday, September 10th
We made it to Frazier safe and sound around 2pm yesterday! We’ve got a nice, big room, and had a day full of therapy evals!
They are saying they expect us to be here about 3 weeks, but that can change depending on how good she’s doing or if they think she might benefit with more time. It will be cutting it close to her birthday!! So we might be celebrating her big 4th birthday here at Rehab on OCT 1st, but whatever we’ve got to do for her we will!!
We’ll be doing therapies most of the day, but visitors are allowed when we aren’t in therapy. If you would like to visit PLEASE coordinate with me prior to coming! Evenings and weekends might be the best. Also know we will be home soon, and would love visitors there even better!
Please pray with us as we begin this next chapter! Pray that she is able to gain even more of herself back over the next few weeks, especially speech and eating!
Potter Children’s Home Day of Prayer & Giving
Sunday September 29th is the Potter Children’s Home Day of Prayer & Giving. For those who may not know, the Mission of Potter is to support the deliverance of God’s justice and mercy to children & families in need. Please be in prayer about your offering, as we will be giving 25% of the collection on September 29th.
Pack The Pulpit For Westridge Elementary's Backpack Program: October
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 in: October, December, February and April. We need individual servings of food (listed under Missions tab) that can be microwaved and easy to open pull top tabs.
If you have any questions, please see Jenny Jones or Sonia Roach.
Men’s Willingness To Serve Survey
We would like to encourage the men of the congregation to take 5 minutes and complete the survey linked below, to let us know who’s willing to serve and in what areas of ministry.
The link copied below will need to be printed and then submitted back to the church email account (office@hollyhillcoc.org) or just given back to Matthew Woodyard. If you’re unable to print, please let us know and Matthew will make sure you receive a paper copy.
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey and most importantly, thank you for your service to God’s church!
Church Records: Sunday, September 15th
Bible Class Attendance - 66
Worship Attendance - 96
Contribution - $4,617.00
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Griffin Farabee (Inez Chatham’s Nephew; Recovering From A Successful Surgery)
Inez Chatham (Covid)
Polly Deaton (Returned to Hometown Manor Senior Living Facility)
Charlie Caldwell (Fractured Shoulder)
Ongoing Prayers For: Katie Bell, Robert Roach Sr. (Robert Roach’s father), Roger Caudill (Robin Mayes’ brother-in-law; fighting cancer), Brian Stapleton (friend of Jim & Val Clark), Emmie Forrest, Rita Tackett (Alyson Woodyard’s aunt), David Bird, Phil & Suzanne Wilkins, Mike Lay, Sharon Smither (Adam Owens’ mother-in-law), Brenda Perkins, Larry & Renita Clarke, Libby Smith, Lori Armstrong (friend of April Deaton), Jerry Roberts (member of the Clark family), Thelma Spears (member of the Clark family), Jessie Tropoulos, Kyle Cordial (Val Clark’s friend), 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, Judy Casey, Inez Chatham, John Widener Jr., 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.
Sunday Morning Service - Sunday, September 22nd (10 AM - 12 PM)
Bible classes for all ages begin at 10 AM. Our adult class meets in the auditorium, our young adult class meets downstairs in Rm. 12, and the children’s classes meet in the downstairs classrooms. Bible Classes end at 10:45 AM and our worship service begins at 11 AM, upstairs in the auditorium.
Sunday Evening Worship - Sunday, September 22nd (6 PM)
A traditional worship service each Sunday night at 6 PM. Our Sunday evening services continue until the start of Life Groups.
Women In The Word Bible Study - Tuesday, September 24th (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, September 25th (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.
REAL Ladies Bible Study - Thursday, September 26th (6:30 PM)
The REAL Ladies Bible Study will be Thursday, September 26th at 6:30 PM at the church building, downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. Food will be provided, but dessert/beverages welcome.
Sunday Morning Service - Sunday, September 29th (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.
Sunday September 29th is the Potter Children’s Home Day of Prayer & Giving. For those who may not know, the Mission of Potter is to support the deliverance of God’s justice and mercy to children & families in need. Please be in prayer about your offering, as we will be giving 25% of the collection on September 29th.
Potluck Meal - Sunday, September 29th (12 PM)
Our 5th Sunday Potluck meal is Sunday, September 29th immediately following worship downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. Our theme for this month’s potluck is Italian. For further information, contact Robin Mayes.
Devo & Dessert - Sunday, September 29th (Following Potluck)
On Sunday, September 29th, immediately following our potluck meal, we’re going to have a short devo as we eat our dessert. We will not be having a Sun PM Service.
Mid-Week Service - Wednesday, October 2nd (6:30 PM)
Bible classes for all ages. Adults meet in the auditorium and kids meet downstairs.
Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast - Saturday, October 5th (8 AM)
The Men's Bible Study & Breakfast is a monthly event, held on the 1st Saturday of each month at 8 AM. This Bible study takes place at the church building, downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. Our next Bible study will be Saturday, October 5th at 8 AM.
Sunday Morning Service - Sunday, October 6th (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.
Life Groups - Sunday, October 6th (See Sign-Up Sheet For Group Meeting Time)
In order to build closer relationships with our church family we will begin meeting together with our Life Group in October for a short devotional, guided discussion, prayer, and fellowship.
We've posted sign-up sheets in the foyer for the following groups:
Jeff Jones & David Jones Life Group (Early Afternoon)
Lee Wise & Scott Trent Life Group (Early Afternoon)
Mike Mayes/Tom Owens Life Group (Meeting at Dennis & Jackye Stockton's Residence @ Early Afternoon)
Elijah Bell Life Group (Meeting at Church Building @ 6 PM)
Women In The Word Bible Study - Tuesday, October 8th (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 2nd Tuesday (6 PM) of each month downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.
Mid-Week Service - Wednesday, October 9th (6:30 PM)
Bible classes for all ages. Adults meet in the auditorium and kids meet downstairs.
Sunday Morning Service - Sunday, October 13th (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.
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 in: October, December, February and April. We need individual servings of food that can be microwaved and easy to open pull top tabs.
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
Pop Tarts
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 September, we need:
Kool-Aid (Individual Packs)
5 lbs. Bag of Sugar
Long-Term Opportunities:
Meal Train & Potlucks
If you would like to sign-up for either the Meal Train or the Potluck and haven’t received an email from Robin Mayes, please contact her by phone (502-330-3361) or email (rdmbears@yahoo.com).
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! 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