Moving Through Grief
“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.
Moving Through Grief
Devotional by: Kurt Montooth
To be human is to grieve. Loss is an inevitable part of life. In many ways the pain of losing a loved one is the price we pay for love. The shortness of life should create a desire to savor it. As Christians we have great hope because of the resurrection, but before the resurrection many of us will face the sting of death for ourselves and our loved ones. We must face our own death and the death of our loved ones. Dr. Diane Kübler-Ross who is often credited with originating the hospice movement developed a model of facing grief in the 1960’s based on her experience with dying patients and their families and her research. Her research on grief demonstrated that there are five stages of the grieving process: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages are not linear, and individuals may experience them in different orders or even revisit stages multiple times. I believe that her observations are in line with scripture and to help our members I would like to write a short article explaining these stages with some accompanying scripture.
In the face of loss and suffering, denial is a natural response. We may try to deny the reality of what has happened, or even blame ourselves or others for the loss. Jesus' words in John 14:1 offer hope and comfort in this stage: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me." Jesus then goes on in this chapter to teach his followers about the resurrection and our eternal life in his father’s house. We must embrace the permeance of death, but we should also look forward to eternal life in our fathers house.
Anger is another common stage of grief, as we may feel a sense of injustice or betrayal in the face of loss. The book of Psalms is full of expressions of anger and frustration directed towards God, but it also reminds us that it is okay to express our anger and that God can handle it. Psalm 13:2 says, "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" You can approach God with your anger and resolve it through conversation with him through prayer and scripture reading. Allow him to speak to you in that angry place. You’d be following in the footsteps of David, Job, Elijah, and Moses. Some of my most profound moments of spiritual growth have come from taking my anger to God.
Bargaining is a stage in which we may try to make deals with God or others in an attempt to reverse or change the circumstances of our loss. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:34 not to worry about tomorrow and to trust in God's plan for our lives. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Depression is a stage that can be difficult to overcome. We may feel overwhelmed by sadness and a sense of hopelessness. The book of Isaiah offers comfort and reassurance in this stage with verses such as Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Acceptance is the final stage of grief, in which we are able to come to terms with the loss and move forward in our lives. The book of Romans reminds us that God works or better translated repurposed everything together for the good of those who love Him. God doesn’t cause evil to happen, our own sin created the world where that happens, but our God turns evil into good. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."’
The New Testament teaches us that in times of loss and suffering, we can turn to God for comfort, hope, and strength. As we work through the stages of grief, we can find solace in the scripture. By trusting in Him and relying on His love and grace, we can find peace and acceptance in the midst of our grief and suffering.
Missions
These are the challenges that the congregation is actively working on this month.
Our Missions For January
Equip — Sign up to host a meal for “Feasting for Fellowship 2023,” and if you already have, encourage another church member to sign up, too.
Kids’ Challenge — The next time you sit down to eat with your family, ask everyone to say something they are thankful for.
Teach — Identify the 3 people (either non-Christians or fellow disciples, excluding immediate family) in your life that you are in the best position to help transform with messages from God’s Word.
Kids’ Challenge — Who are the people you’d call your close friends? What Bible verse would you like to share with them?
Serve — Identify one non-Christian who is struggling in life and do something unexpectedly kind for them.
Kids’ Challenge — Practice kindness for a whole day. Do only kind and caring things and say nice things to people. Give it a try!
*Be on the lookout for weekly training videos on our Facebook and YouTube pages, published each Sunday, to help you complete the challenges.
*As you complete each challenge, drop one of the pom-pom balls into the corresponding jar at the Mission Control Center in the lobby so we can see how many people are completing each challenge. One completion per person, per challenge, per month.
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
“Feasting for Fellowship” Has Officially Begun!
What better way to kick off the new year than to share a meal with your family! That’s exactly what we’re doing this month at Holly Hill with “Feasting for Fellowship,” sharing a meal with our church family. The early church met daily and, according to Acts 2:42-47, prayed, thanked God, and ate meals together. In that spirit for each day this January, in faithfulness to Scripture, we’d like at least (2) non-family Holly Hill members to meet in fellowship and share a meal. Sign-up for your “Feasting for Fellowship” day at the following link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TRl9jVyH4Rx2NO9VmZLxlQ_bumPRDpSXkvPGgPNWyJM/edit?usp=sharing.
Select your day and place your name by the “X”. This month has the power to build the type of community that the Holy Spirit can use to transform our community. I pray that you will consider signing up for one of the dates.
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. For the month of JANUARY, we need:
-SYRUP
-PANCAKE MIX
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!!
Thanks,
Robin Mayes
Honduras Men’s Mission Trip Contributions
Please contribute to the Honduras Men’s Trip. Your donation could go toward food for the hungry, education for the uneducated, health care for the sick, and other humanitarian needs. We have to see what the humanitarians’ needs are when we get there. We will do our best to be good stewards.
Mission Report — Cuba
Holly Hill Church Family,
Attached is the report (https://drive.google.com/file/d/19RULq68-ZSAFzRyVQJTOJpgXfPL0dDD5/view?usp=drivesdk) from Daniel, the missionary we support in Cuba. This is one of the times where I am sending the entire report. It is very strong, and I hope you are encouraged about how he is spreading the Gospel and strengthening the churches in Cuba. Have a great day.
-Robert
“Good morning brother. Here is the work report for the month of December. We are working to make a summary of the food project and send a report only on this topic. A hug and a lot of blessings.”
-Yuliesky Daniel Cruz Cárdenas
Cards
If you know someone that needs to receive a card in the mail from the church, please send a note to office@hollyhillcoc.org with “Cards” in the subject line. We will get that information to Sonia to prepare a card for the church to sign.Church Records (1/22/23)
Bible Class Attendance (Sun AM) - 69
Worship Attendance (Sun AM) — 120
Contribution — $4,918.15
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Brenda Stone’s daughter, Samantha, has covid
Tanya Phipps (Brenda Stone’s Niece) has been admitted to St. Joe’s East Hospital with seizures. She will be in the hospital for a few days, while tests continue to be run
Rusty Bell (Friend of Robin Mayes) is at UK Hospital after suffering a small brain bleed, broken vertebrae in his neck, and several broken ribs from a fall down the concrete steps at his home
Bill Marion (father of Robin Mayes’ childhood friends) is in Central Baptist with pneumonia (was on a ventilator, but has been taken off) and issues with his kidneys
Blake Ramsay (Inez’s Grandson) was in a motorcycle accident, forcing his leg to be amputated
Ongoing Prayers For: Pete Tropoulos, Phil Wilkins, Butch Elliott (Robin Mayes friend), Penny Harland (Katie Bell’s mother), Gail Keith (Michele Blanton’s mother), Nikki Fenney (Johnny and Julie Widener’s niece), Bertha Young’s family, Pete and Lisa Vogel (Brenda Stone’s brother-in-law and sister), Dorothy Trent, Polly Deaton, Jane Dempsey, Larry Clarke and family, The Horn and Bell family, The Stone family, The Minturn and Montooth family (mourning the loss of Kurt’s grandmother, Ginny), The Catron family (mourning the loss of Paige’s cousin), The Mundt family (as they mourn the loss of Kim’s uncle), Rita Tackett (Alyson Woodyard’s aunt), Inez Ramsey, Sandra Haden (Tiffany Quarles’ mother), Gayle Walker (Anna Marston’s son-in-law), The Allen family (mourning the loss of 7-year-old Andrew Allen), Tammy Dotson Riddle’s mother, The Valentine Family, Family of Bob Tankersley, David Fair (Asks for prayers for marriage and family situation), Steve Small, Phil and Suzanne Wilkins, Janis Friend, Jim Clark (Continued Prayers), God’s will for the Tom Roach family and Hudson, Prayers for Mission Control Challenges, Glenda Mitchum, Lisa & Pete Vogel.
* 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.
Saturday, January 28th from 5-9pm — "Feasting for Fellowship” Game Night
On Saturday, January 28th from 5-9pm, Tom & Sonia Rach will be hosting a “Feasting for Fellowship” Game Night! The event will be at the church building, downstairs in the fellowship area. Bring your favorite finger foods and desserts. Drinks will be provided. We look forward to spending time with you.
January 30th, Monday at 6pm — Ladies Favorite Things Party
On Monday, January 30th, at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall there will be a “Favorite Things Party” hosted by Katie Bell. Please buy 3 items of something that is one of your favorite things (it could be a favorite book, snack, eyeliner, socks, lotion, etc.), then we will each go around and tell why it is one of our favorite things. The price limit for all gifts combined is $30. At the end of the party everyone will go around and take home 3 new items from the different ladies to take home. Please also bring one of your favorite dishes to make, this could be a favorite side, dessert, or main dish! It will be a night full of fellowship and getting to know the other ladies that come! Contact Katie Bell with any questions.
February 5th, Sunday Afternoon at 3pm — Holly Hill Children's Bible Class Teachers/Helpers Meeting
We will be discussing the new children’s Bible class curriculum (Our Spiritual Heritage), which we plan to begin using next quarter (March). We would like ALL current children’s teachers and helpers to attend, so that you may learn how to best use the new material.
February 5th, Sunday Afternoon at 4pm — Elders/Ministers/Deacons Meeting
The elders/ministers/deacons will meet on the 1st Sunday of each month, from 4-6pm. The meeting will take place downstairs, in Room 12.
“Finding Happily Forever After” Marriage Seminar — Friday, February 17th from 6-8pm & Saturday, February 18th from 9am-12pm
We hope you’ll join us for “Finding Happily Forever After: A His Shoes/Her Shoes Marriage Seminar,” taught by Wayne and Tammy Roberts. The seminar will begin Friday evening, February 17th from 6-8pm. We’ll conclude Saturday morning, February 18th from 9am-12pm. Holly Hill will host the seminar at the church building and childcare will be provided. Save the date. Bring your mate.
How You Can Serve
There are a lot of ways you can get involved and do the work of God in our community!
For more information or for help signing up for any of these ministries, please call the church office at: (502) 227-7796.
Limited-Time Opportunities:
Contribute To The Honduras Men’s Mission Trip
Please contribute to the Honduras Men’s Trip. Your donation could go toward food for the hungry, education for the uneducated, health care for the sick, and other humanitarian needs. We have to see what the humanitarians’ needs are when we get there. We will do our best to be good stewards.
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. For the month of JANUARY, we need:
-SYRUP
-PANCAKE MIX
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!!
January Mission Control Challenges
We have 3 new challenges for the month of January that we need your help on. Please see the section above entitled “Missions” for more information.
Long-Term Opportunities:
Mission Launch Team
We are needing individuals to sign up for the Mission Launch Team. People on this team commit to working on the Mission Control challenges each month, and they also commit to encouraging at least one other person to work on the missions as well. We need you to sign up for this ministry so we can grow the Mission Control program organically from person to person. Sign up for the Mission Launch Team at the Mission Control Center in the lobby.
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 Nick, David, or Brad.
Greeter Ministry — We’re looking for people who are friendly and outgoing to welcome our guests and members each Sunday morning. If you are interested, contact Tom Owens.
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.
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 of fruit and vegetables. Crackers, or 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 — Our next quarter begins in March, so we will be needing to staff our Children’s Bible Classes. If you’d be willing to teach, sub, or help, please see Matthew Woodyard. We have a wonderful opportunity to teach God’s Word to our children. Let’s make sure they get our very best! Thank you!
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:
Sunday Bible Class: 10am
Sunday Morning Worship, 11am
Sunday Evening Worship, 6pm
Wednesday Evening Bible class: 6:30pm