Worshipping God, or god?
“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.
Worshipping God, or god?
Devotional By: Elijah Bell
Worship. This is a word that most people relate with hymnals, uncomfortable pews, and long, dry sermons. They have to “go to church” every once in a while to make grandma happy, or to soothe their conscience. But are they really worshiping? Quite often those who have this view of church services are the ones who are not worshiping, because they left their god at home, at the office, in the garage, or on the golf course.
We live in a world that loves to worship! They worship anything and everything, except the true God of the Bible. This is reminiscent of the men of Athens in Acts 17, who had built altars to all the gods they could think of, but failed to have an alter to the true God. So often, our society builds “altars” to everything: hobbies, money, cars, family, jobs, traveling, sports, and the list goes on and on. But society fails to see the true God that we ought to be worshiping! Why? Partly because of ignorance. In Acts 17:30, Paul tells the men at Athens that God, in the past, allowed ignorance to be an excuse, but no longer. He was in essence saying these men were ignorant of God, and would be held accountable, thus Paul preached the truth to them.
But ignorance is not the number one reason why men chose to worship everything but the one true God. In verse 32, many of them “sneer” at Paul for telling the truth. It is certainly true that many people “sneer” at the gospel today as well. You and I have the obligation to preach the truth to people, and instead of giving up their gods, they scoff at what you have to say. This is nothing new, and mankind sadly will never change. But there is hope.
In verse 34. it says that “some believed,” although it seems reasonable to conclude that it was a very small number. But we must not give up hope, since even in Athens, with all of its idols, there were some who were open-minded and honest enough to realize that there is something greater to worship than all the gods they had bowed down to previously. We need to keep the attitude that even though we are surrounded by idolatry today, there is still hope, and you and I are the deliverers of that hope.
Paul declared the unknown God to the men at Athens in verses 23-24, giving them a better option than all the various gods they had been worshipping. You and I, as Christians have the opportunity to carry the gospel to those who, just like the men of Athens, have many gods. While they may not admit to it, or realize it for what it is, most are practicing some kind of idolatry today. It is our job, like Paul, to deliver the message that this world needs God, rather than god.
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
Hope & Equip’s 3rd Annual Franklin Fundraiser
We are excited to invite you to a special event on October 17th in Franklin, TN, where you can witness firsthand the meaningful work being done through Hope & Equip — a foundation led by people you know and trust.
At Hope & Equip we look for opportunities both here and abroad where we can make a significant impact. We partner with local visionaries who live in the communities we serve — people with the connections, commitment, and accountability to truly make a difference. Our role is to equip them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed in ways they couldn’t on their own.
Every contribution to Hope & Equip, 100%, goes directly into these works. We intentionally bypass aid agencies and government entities to ensure that your support reaches those who need it most, without delay or dilution. But our commitment doesn’t end there — we stay connected with our partners, providing ongoing support and maintaining accountability.
This event is more than just an opportunity to learn — it’s a chance to be part of something transformative. Whether you’ve been looking for a way to give back, to get involved, or to make a difference, this is your moment.
For more information on the Franklin Fundraiser, read the letter linked from Robert Roach.
Attend the Event: Join us in person at Franklin Estates on October 17th. Please RSVP to confirm your attendance. Dinner will be provided. You should have received an electronic invite and if you have not you can go to https://hopeandequip-bloom.kindful.com/e/2024-franklin-fundraiser. If you prefer to RSVP another way, just email me at clefford@aol.com or call or text 502-545-2965.
Join the Livestream: If you can’t make it in person, we’d love to have you join us virtually. Join through Hope and Equip’s Facebook page.
Contribute: If this is something you think you can get behind, please consider making a financial contribution. 100% of contributions go directly into work like Juntos. If you wish you can mail the contribution to 12445 Bellingham Rd, Caledonia, IL 61011 or you can go to our website hopeandequip.org and donate.
Pray: We need your prayers for the event, and that we can continue strengthen and advance the kingdom of God.
October’s Pack-The-Pulpit Event For The Westridge Elementary Backpack Program
It's 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. Our Pack-The-Pulpit date for this month will be Sunday, October 27th, but we will be making weekly trips to Westridge Elementary, in order to drop off packed backpacks.
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 For This Week:
(4) boxes of Hot Chocolate
(25) Tuna or Chicken Salad Kits
(50) Individual Veggies w/ Pop & Peel Top
(50) Jello Cups
Church Records: Sunday, September 29th
Bible Class Attendance - N/A
Worship Attendance - N/A
Contribution - $5917.00
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Sandy Meade Scrimager (Perforated Bowel & Septic Shock)
Tony Moore (Brain Aneurysm)
Charlie Caldwell (Fractured Shoulder)
Ongoing Prayers For: Robin Ibershoff; Inez Chatham; 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.
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.
Life Groups (Jeff Jones & David Jones) - Sunday, October 6th (1 PM)
The Jeff Jones & David Jones Life Group will host its first meeting on Sunday, October 6th at 1 PM. Please contact the church office (office@hollyhillcoc.org) for directions or the address. This Life Group will meet every 1st & 3rd Sunday from October 2024 to May 2025.
Life Groups (Lee Wise & Scott Trent) - Sunday, October 6th (2:30 PM)
The Lee Wise & Scott Trent Life Group will host its first meeting on Sunday, October 6th at 2:30 PM hosted by Mark McPherson. Please contact the church office (office@hollyhillcoc.org) for directions or the address. This Life Group will meet every 1st & 3rd Sunday from October 2024 to May 2025.
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.
Life Groups (Mike Mayes & Tom Owens) - Sunday, October 13th (2 PM)
The Mike Mayes & Tom Owens Life Group will host its first meeting on Sunday, October 13th at 2 PM. The meeting will be hosted by Dennis & Jackye Stockton at their home. Please contact the church office (office@hollyhillcoc.org) for directions or the address. This Life Group will meet every 2nd & 4th Sunday from October 2024 to May 2025.
Life Groups (Elijah Bell) - Sunday, October 13th (6 PM)
The Elijah Bell Life Group will host its first meeting on Sunday, October 13th at 6 PM. This Life Group will meet in the lobby of the church building every 2nd & 4th Sunday from October 2024 to May 2025.
The 3rd Annual Hope & Equip Franklin Fundraiser - Thursday, October 17th
We are excited to invite you to a special event on October 17th in Franklin, TN, where you can witness firsthand the meaningful work being done through Hope & Equip — a foundation led by people you know and trust.
At Hope & Equip we look for opportunities both here and abroad where we can make a significant impact. We partner with local visionaries who live in the communities we serve — people with the connections, commitment, and accountability to truly make a difference. Our role is to equip them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed in ways they couldn’t on their own.
Every contribution to Hope & Equip, 100%, goes directly into these works. We intentionally bypass aid agencies and government entities to ensure that your support reaches those who need it most, without delay or dilution. But our commitment doesn’t end there — we stay connected with our partners, providing ongoing support and maintaining accountability.
This event is more than just an opportunity to learn — it’s a chance to be part of something transformative. Whether you’ve been looking for a way to give back, to get involved, or to make a difference, this is your moment.
For more information on the Franklin Fundraiser, read the letter linked from Robert Roach.
We would love for you to be part of this endeavor in one or more of the following ways:
Attend the Event: Join us in person at Franklin Estates on October 17th. Please RSVP to confirm your attendance. Dinner will be provided. You should have received an electronic invite and if you have not you can go to https://hopeandequip-bloom.kindful.com/e/2024-franklin-fundraiser. If you prefer to RSVP another way, just email me at clefford@aol.com or call or text 502-545-2965.
Join the Livestream: If you can’t make it in person, we’d love to have you join us virtually. Join through Hope and Equip’s Facebook page.
Contribute: If this is something you think you can get behind, please consider making a financial contribution. 100% of contributions go directly into work like Juntos. If you wish you can mail the contribution to 12445 Bellingham Rd, Caledonia, IL 61011 or you can go to our website hopeandequip.org and donate.
Pray: We need your prayers for the event, and that we can continue strengthen and advance the kingdom of God.
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.
Life Groups (Jeff Jones & David Jones) - Sunday, October 20th (1 PM)
The Jeff Jones & David Jones Life Group will meet on Sunday, October 20th at 1 PM. Please contact the church office (office@hollyhillcoc.org) for directions or the address. This Life Group will meet every 1st & 3rd Sunday from October 2024 to May 2025.
Life Groups (Lee Wise & Scott Trent) - Sunday, October 20th (2:30 PM)
The Lee Wise & Scott Trent Life Group will meet on Sunday, October 20th at 2:30 PM at the church building, downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. This Life Group will meet every 1st & 3rd Sunday from October 2024 to May 2025.
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.
Pack-The-Pulpit For Westridge Elementary's Backpack Program - Sunday, October 27th
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. October’s Pack-The-Pulpit event this month will take place on Sunday, October 27th, but feel free to drop-off items throughout the month. For more information, contact Jenny Jones.
Life Groups (Mike Mayes & Tom Owens) - Sunday, October 27th (2 PM)
The Mike Mayes & Tom Owens Life Group will host its first meeting on Sunday, October 13th at 2 PM. The meeting will be hosted by Dennis & Jackye Stockton at their home. Please contact the church office (office@hollyhillcoc.org) for directions or the address. This Life Group will meet every 2nd & 4th Sunday from October 2024 to May 2025.
Life Groups (Elijah Bell) - Sunday, October 27th (6 PM)
The Elijah Bell Life Group will host its first meeting on Sunday, October 13th at 6 PM. This Life Group will meet in the lobby of the church building every 2nd & 4th Sunday from October 2024 to May 2025.
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 October, we need:
Pancake Mix
Syrup
Beef Stew
Mayonnaise
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