Walk By Faith
“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.
Walk By Faith
Devotional By: Matthew Woodyard
If you were to ask me to briefly summarize the world in which we currently inhabit, well, I suppose I would quote the same ancient Chinese curse immortalized in a speech from the Right Honorable Joseph Chamberlain in 1898 and say, “I think you will all agree that we are living in interesting times.” Allow me to double down on the sentiment expressed by the reported crowd response and emphatically state, “Hear, Hear!!!”
Whether the phrase was his own or borrowed, Chamberlain knew something about interesting times, both privately (three separate marriages and 6 children, including a Nobel Peace Prize recipient and a Prime Minister of the UK) and professionally as a British Statesman (Radical Liberal to Liberal Unionist to Imperialist Conservative). We’re currently living in “interesting” times, to say the very least. Anxiety, stress, turmoil, or any other descriptive adjective you can think to use are as prevalent as ever, and perhaps even more so.
How can a person live in “times such as these” and not be overcome with fear and dread?
Has God lost control or fallen asleep at the wheel?
Surely, God knows our current state and doesn’t intend for it to continue?
Does God even care?
“And he said to them, 'Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?'" Matthew 8:26 ESV
What exactly is faith? Oxford defines faith as, “(1) complete trust or confidence in someone or something; (2) strong belief in God or doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.”
Voltaire defines faith as, “believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.”
In Matthew 17, despite just witnessing the Transfiguration, the disciples struggle to cast out a demon and receive a crash course in Faith 101.
“And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, said, 'Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.' And Jesus answered, 'O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.' And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, 'Why could we not cast it out?' He said to them, 'Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.'" Matthew 17:14-20 ESV
Faith is so powerful, that according to Jesus Christ, a mere mustard seeds worth would have us moving mountains.
Just how big are mustard seeds, Captain Obvious? Mustard seeds are very small, with most measuring about 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter. Surely our faith is bigger than that? Think what could be accomplished for God’s Kingdom with 3 to 4 millimeters of faith. How big is our faith? Do we have faith the size of a mustard seed?
Faith is so vital that we’re taught in 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” If we can’t muster a mustard seed’s worth of faith, where are we walking? Are we walking down a path guided by our sight or our faith in God’s?
I’d like to conclude by sharing a favorite quote of mine that just so happens to deal with faith. I discovered the works of Soren Kierkegaard when I was required to take a philosophy course in college.
Kierkegaard was a 19th-century Danish philosopher known as the “Father of Existentialism.” Existentialism is a “family of views and forms of philosophical inquiry that explores the human existence; exploring questions related to the meaning, purpose, and value of human life.”
Kierkegaard viewed faith as superior to knowledge and certainty. On faith, Kierkegaard stated that, “Faith is the highest passion in a human being. Many in every generation may not come that far, but none comes further.”
I want to walk in pursuit of that kind of faith and I sure hope you’ll join me.
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
A Note To The Congregation
I cried when I read my card with all the signatures and messages. All of you mean so much to me and I appreciate all the prayers, calls, cards, and concerns. My heart has settled back in afib and I’m back on my heart medicine. I should be at services on Sunday. I love all of my sisters and brothers at Holly Hill.
-Joyce Best
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.
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 22nd
Bible Class Attendance - N/A
Worship Attendance - N/A
Contribution - $5926.00
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Tony Moore (Brain Aneuryism)
Robin Ibershoff (Hospitalized With Chest Pains; Awaiting Test Results)
Inez Chatham (Covid)
Charlie Caldwell (Fractured Shoulder)
Ongoing Prayers For: Polly Deaton, 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), Judy Casey, 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.
REAL Ladies Bible Study - Tonight, September 26th (6:30 PM)
The REAL Ladies Bible Study will be tonight 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. We currently offer (2) adult classes: “Good News: The Life & Gospel of Luke” Adult Bible class (Auditorium) and “Building Godly Families” Young Adult Bible class (Downstairs - Rm. 12). All childrens 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 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.
“Italian” 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 (Downstairs - Immediately 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.
Life Groups Leadership Meeting - Sunday, September 29th (Immediately Following Devo & Dessert)
There will be a meeting of 2024-25 Life Group Leaders immediately following the potluck luncheon/devotional on Sunday, September 29th. The meeting will be held in the library or available classroom. The meeting should not last more than 30 minutes.
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. We currently offer (2) adult classes: “Good News: The Life & Gospel of Luke” Adult Bible class (Auditorium) and “Building Godly Families” Young Adult Bible class (Downstairs - Rm. 12). All childrens 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.
Life Groups - Sunday, October 6th (See Schedule)
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. We currently offer (2) adult classes: “Good News: The Life & Gospel of Luke” Adult Bible class (Auditorium) and “Building Godly Families” Young Adult Bible class (Downstairs - Rm. 12). All childrens 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.
Life Groups - Sunday, October 13th (See Schedule)
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)
Mid-Week Service - Wednesday, October 16th (6:30 PM)
Bible classes for all ages. Adults meet in the auditorium and kids meet downstairs.
Fall Festival - Saturday, October 19th (4 PM)
The Fall Festival will take place at the church building on October 19th. Games and activities will begin at 4 PM followed by a chili supper at 5:30 PM. Costumes (Not scary!) are optional. A sign-up sheet for volunteers and those planning to attend will be posted on the bulletin board and a sign-up sheet (via SignUpGenius) for the chili supper will be posted by October 5th.
Sunday Morning Service - Sunday, October 20th (10 AM - 12 PM)
Bible classes for all ages begin at 10 AM. We currently offer (2) adult classes: “Good News: The Life & Gospel of Luke” Adult Bible class (Auditorium) and “Building Godly Families” Young Adult Bible class (Downstairs - Rm. 12). All childrens 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.
Life Groups - Sunday, October 20th (See Schedule)
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 22nd (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, October 23rd (6:30 PM)
Bible classes for all ages. Adults meet in the auditorium and kids meet downstairs.
Sunday Morning Service - Sunday, October 27th (10 AM - 12 PM)
Bible classes for all ages begin at 10 AM. We currently offer (2) adult classes: “Good News: The Life & Gospel of Luke” Adult Bible class (Auditorium) and “Building Godly Families” Young Adult Bible class (Downstairs - Rm. 12). All childrens 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.
Life Groups - Sunday, October 27th (See Schedule)
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)
Mid-Week Service - Wednesday, October 30th (6:30 PM)
Bible classes for all ages. Adults meet in the auditorium and kids meet downstairs.
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.
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