YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR SPOTS
“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.
“YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR SPOTS”
A Devotional By: Robert Roach
It was my first day as a teacher at Franklin County High School. I was taking part in what is the first love for all teachers, in-service or for those of you that like jazzier terms, professional development. Seated next to me was Steve Schenck, my former teacher, who was one of the finest mentors I could have had. After a particularly enlightening session I was complaining to Schenck about students, I do not remember the nature of the complaint, but I will never forget his response. “Robert you will have to change, the students will not.” This phrase has in some ways haunted me ever since. It is a particularly critical reminder for Christians because what a lifetime of study, interaction, fellowship, followship, and leadership has taught me is that Christian people are often so, so unwilling to change.
How can we who that are in Christ follow the two greatest commandments without a willingness to change. Do we not believe that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit? Do we not believe that we can do all things through Christ? An unwillingness to change makes a mockery of our faith and testimony. I am going to give each of you a challenge and I need it more than anyone else. I ask that you each focus on an aspect of one of the fundamental issues that Christians face, something somewhat pointed out earlier – an incessant worrying about everyone else’s incompleteness in Christ. Focus on how you are going to change. Let me let you in on a little secret we all know, when we change those around us do as well. You can change your spots and be a much more powerful instrument of strengthening and advancing the kingdom of God.
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
Team Emmie Update
Monday, October 14th
Emmie Girl has been home about a week and a half- and she is doing SO well! We have had evaluations for all of her physical, occupational, and speech therapies last week, and will start sessions with each of those this week.
Physically, Emmie is excelling! She is running around the house, chasing big brother Parker and getting back into playing with friends. She went back to church for the first time last Sunday, and went to her first Kids Worship yesterday!
We still haven’t made many improvements in the speech/eating areas yet, but also haven’t jumped into therapy yet either. I do believe that those things will be fully restored in her, we just trust in the Lord’s timing and work on her little brain!
I can really tell that she is so happy to be home and in her own, comfortable environment. We are seeing little changes in her already, and as therapies start more and continue, I really count on seeing things improve dramatically over the next few months!
Please continue to pray over her, and our whole family as we still navigate this new normal and get used to our new schedules. As well as specific prayer over her speech and eating to return soon. We are SO very grateful to be home, and so thankful for all of your continued love and support over us through this journey 💖 -Taylor Forrest
Thursday, October 3rd
56 days in PICU. 13 days on the surgical floor. Total of 69 days in Knoxville at East Tennessee Childrens Hospital. 25 days at Frazier Rehab Institute in Louisville.
94 days total in the hospital setting. Exactly 3 months to the day today (July 3-Oct3).
And Emerson has finally made it HOME 🏡
Wow. This journey has been nothing short of life changing (obviously). But not in ways that you would really think. Yes, we have a new life now to adapt to with Emmie at home- tube feeds and round the clock meds, therapies and doctors appointments that we wouldn’t have otherwise needed. But those things are small, easy changes we can adapt to as a family in the grand scheme of things!
More than anything else God has changed our hearts and our perspective.
Life is short, we all know that. But actually having near death experiences really opens your eyes to everything that surrounds you. You cannot look at our story, this whole situation, and not see God’s hand at work. He was- and still is- everywhere! In every moment. Without Him, and the amazing people He had set in place throughout this journey, my husband and our daughter would not still be here with us. He has provided so many ways for us to get through this- with the support of the incredible people that surround us!
When going through anything in life, I truly believe that your perspective and attitude about the situation will to determine what outcomes you experience. Your attitude sets the tone for the whole circumstance, and how difficult things might or might not end up being. Anyone can (and will) look at our lives over this last year and question how we have gotten through and not gone insane.
#1 the answer is we fully and wholly leaned on and trusted in the work of the Lord. We have no control over any situation, all we can do is trust Him and wait. (Exodus 14:14)
#2 Keeping a positive outlook, instead of dwelling on the negatives, really goes a long way. Now sometimes you really need a minute to just cry and be upset and grieve- that’s okay! And it’s very necessary! But it’s not healthy to stay there. Have hope and trust, even in the worst situations that things will be okay. Romans 8:28 has always been my favorite Bible verse, and now I feel like it’s the theme verse of my life. It has rung so true throughout this season.
Mark 5:41 has also been a prayer verse since the beginning for our family:
“Talitha Koum” - get up and walk -SHE DID!! Thank you Jesus ♥️
A big chapter of this story is closing finally, as we settle into home life again with the 4 of us all together under one roof. Emerson Kate is an absolute rockstar. She has worked so hard to get stronger and better, and she’s not done yet!
This story is definitely far from over. We still have a long road of recovery ahead of us! But for now, we are so happy. Taking a big sigh of relief and resting, in the comforts of our home, and in the arms of our Father
❤️ -Taylor Forrest
Güines, Cuba Mission Report (July - August 2024)
Please see the message from Daniel Cruz in Güines Cuba and read the attachment of the work you are helping support.
“God Bless You Brothers!!!” - Yuliesky Daniel Cruz Cárdenas
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, Oct 13th
Bible Class Attendance - 65
Worship Attendance - 105
Contribution - $4,204.00
Special Contribution (Hurricane Relief) - $2,918.00
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 Cruz Family (Daniel & Janet Cruz are missionaries in Güines, Cuba, their two children have dengue fever)
Iris Griffin (Inez Chatham’s niece, currently in New York hospital awaiting the results of several biopsies)
Jerry Mayes (Mike Mayes’ Brother, diagnosed w/ cancer & undergoing treatment)
Charlie Caldwell (Fractured Shoulder)
Ongoing Prayers For: Charlie Caldwell (Fractured Shoulder), Tony Moore; Sandy Meade Scrimmager; 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.
The Hope & Equip Franklin Fundraiser - Tonight, 10/17
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, 10/19 at 4 PM
The Fall Festival will begin this Saturday at 4 PM. Plans are underway for activities (Trunk-or-Treat) for kids, adults, and families, followed by a chili supper at 5:30 PM. Volunteers are needed to oversee the activities and set up/clean up the chili supper. Please sign up on the bulletin board if you are able to help and use the Sign-up Genius to bring food! An attendance sign-up is also posted so we can plan for the materials for the activities and prizes! Contact Carol Roach if you have any questions!
When: October 19th at 4 PM (Activities & Trunk-or-Treat); Chili Supper begins at 5:30 PM
Where: Holly Hill Church of Christ, 1020 Holly Hill Dr., Frankfort, KY
Costumes: Optional (Nothing Scary!)
Life Groups - Sunday, 10/20 at 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 - Sunday, 10/20 at 2 PM
The Lee Wise & Scott Trent Life Group will meet on Sunday, October 20th at 2 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.
Pack-The-Pulpit For Westridge Elementary's Backpack Program - Sunday, 10/27
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 - Sunday, 10/27 at 2 PM
The Mike Mayes & Tom Owens Life Group will meet 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 - Sunday, 10/27 at 6 PM
The Elijah Bell Life Group will meet 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.
REAL Ladies Bible Study - Monday, 10/28 at 6 PM
The REAL Ladies will meet Monday, October 28th at 6 PM at the church. We will have sandwiches and finger foods. A sign-up sheet will be on the bulletin board this Sunday. Please bring cute Halloween or Fall cards for us to sign and send! See Gala for questions.
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