Why I Am A Christian
“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.
Why I Am a Christian Devotional by: Todd Best
There are many reasons I am a Christian. I believe the Bible is God’s spoken word. I believe God gave his only son to live as a human on this earth to be an example for us and to give his life on the cross for our sins. In three days he conquered death and rose from the grave. I have his church to be a part of and fellowship for strength and comfort. By Gods grace my sins are forgiven and I can live with him in heaven for eternity. I thank the Lord every day for his blessings and the promise of a home in heaven when I die.
As a human on this earth, I am not perfect and sin every day. There is nothing I can do on my own to correct this. I have to remember that I have God’s word to show me the right things to do and can pray for his help, strength, and wisdom. We are studying the book of James at the Men’s breakfast each month and had a very great discussion at our last meeting on some verses in the first chapter.
(James 1:12-15) “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trials, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those that love him. 13 let no one say when he is tempted, ”I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
These verses tell us that God is good and does not tempt us but it is our own desires and weakness that cause us to sin. If that sin is left to fester, it will lead us to death. As a Christian I also know that James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
We must always remember that we can not do it our self. We must, as best we can. give it to God. But when we do this, we must remember that we don’t just sit on the side lines and see what happens. We still have to do the work of the Lord. There are many things someone can be a part of and participate in at our church. Get involved in something. Be a part of a group of people that are a good influence on everyone and get to know new people and new things. You only get out of something what ever you put into it.
We all know we will have trials and problems in our life and we are told to count it all joy. Our church here at Holly Hill is and has and will be here for any and all that are weak and heavy laden.
Missions
These are the challenges that the congregation is actively working on this month.
Our Missions For March
Equip — Admit one of your struggles or trials to a fellow church member and ask them for prayers.
Kids’ Challenge — Ask someone from church to pray for you. They will be happy that you thought of them as someone you could count on.
Teach — If your life were a sermon this month, list the lessons on selflessness you’d hope someone would learn from it, and every morning, pray over the list, and ask God that you may be that living sermon that day.
Kids’ Challenge — Talk to your parents about what other kids could learn from the example you set. Do you demonstrate selflessness?
Serve — Identify someone who may be marginalized or on the “fringe” of Holly Hill and do something for them to show they are loved.
Kids’ Challenge — Think of someone at church who might need cheering up. Do something to encourage them.
*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.
Important Announcement Regarding Mail
To counter the recent instances of mail theft, we rented a post office post to secure the delivery of mail. For at least the next three months, please send all correspondence, especially checks, to the following address:
Holly Hill Church of Christ P.O. Box 4001 Frankfort, KY 40604
VBS 2023
Dear Holly Hill VBS Volunteers,
I hope this email finds you all well. As previously discussed, our next meeting is scheduled for March 19th at 4:00pm. I can hardly believe it's already March, which means it's time to get down to business and work hard to make this year's VBS even more successful than before.
Last year, we had over 100 child participants and almost 70 visitors. This year, we're aiming to accommodate 150 participants, and with God's help, we can make it happen. Let's all do our part by planning and preparing for an amazing event and planting the seeds, leaving the rest to God to provide the fruit.
Just a quick reminder of our previous meeting and your assigned homework:
Theme: The Greatest King Dates: June 11th-14th
We made some significant changes to the schedule, including:
5:00 pm: Serving food starts 5:30-6:15 pm: Dinner 6:30-6:45 pm: Upstairs 6:45-7:45 pm: Classes 7:45-8:00 pm: Conclusion
We decided to cut snacks or include them at the end of the classes to maximize classroom time. Additionally, we agreed to have crafts during the class, allowing the craft leaders to coordinate with teachers.
Classes:
Sunday: Jesus’ birth- A King is Born
Monday: Jesus lives- The Life of a King
Tuesday: Jesus’ death- The King’s Sacrifice
Wednesday: Jesus Return- The King’s RETURN
Roles:
Carly Gill - Assistant Director
Brad - Filming and creating video advertisements
Mike - Set design and construction with Kimberly Mundt and Carly Gill
Miki - Head Teacher
Sandra - Assisting with food and crafts
David and Sarah - Head of the food committee
Michelle - Teacher
Bruce - Organizational support
Elijah - Advertisement, Registration, and Follow-up
As you can see, we still need more volunteers. Therefore, we need to step up our recruitment efforts and fill our volunteer roster.
The goal of our upcoming meeting is to clarify next steps and deadlines, as well as to discuss how we can do a better job of reaching out to our visitors this year.
God can make this a great success, let's work hard for the Kingdom.
Kurt
Mission Report (January 2023)
Holly Hill Family,
Attached is the January Report for Guines, Cuba. To access the information, simply click the provided link. God is moving.
Robert Roach
“Complete” Mid-Week Bible Study Series — Wednesday Nights, Beginning March 15th (Updated)
Dear Holly Hill Church Family,
From an early age I have always felt that the ground was shifting. Sometimes the shift was so pronounced I wondered and still wonder if I live on an alien planet. I believe all of us feel this at some time or another and often for different reasons. What has kept me grounded is my belief in God, the message of the Gospel and my membership in the kingdom of God. The last 5 years I have to a much greater degree figured out that I need to spend less time on this shift and more time on being COMPLETE and using the time left that the Lord has given me to assist others in being more COMPLETE. I just spent about 7 months taking a slight detour from this in my new job and it was painful until I realized that I should do the same thing there. This is what our class will be about, how each of you can be more COMPLETE and how you can be used by God to assist others in being more COMPLETE.
Colossians 2:6-15 “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”
Starting March 8th, I will be teaching on Wednesday night for three months being complete in Christ and helping others be more complete. I ask that you do several things:
Do everything possible to attend on Wednesday night, if you cannot attend watch online.
Bring guests.
Start praying now for the class.
Start studying.
What a blessing each of you are to this congregation. Let’s bless each other through this class.
Robert Roach
Update: Robert will be out of town for a couple days next week, so this class will begin the week after (March 15th).
Gift Card For The Monthooth’s
Barbara Sudduth will be collecting money until April 2nd, to go toward a (Baby) Gift Card for the Montooth’s.
Holly Hill’s Youth Bible Class Ministry Needs Your Help
Holly Hill Members,
We are requesting your help with the launch of our new Spiritual Heritage Bible Class curriculum for K-6.
The teachers are tasked to create a God-made wall. This wall is a focal point in the classroom and will provide an opportunity to speak of the magnificence and wisdom of God. To ensure successful implementation of the program in our K-6 classes, the Bible class teachers need photos of any kind showing the greatness of God. These photos could be any type including nature, scenery, seasons, animals, people, etc. Use your imagination!
Also included in the curriculum are specific lessons directed at certain topics. We need photos of these items also.
God Planned Animal Houses
God Made Desert Animals That Can Survive on Little Water
God Made Camels, Snakes, Great Eyes, Protective Coverings, Beautiful Animals, Mosquitoes, Giraffes, Animal Hands (Claws, Wings, Paws), Big Cats
God Made Animal Hides, Perfect Animals (even though they look silly to us), Porpoises, Animal Ears, Micro-Organisms, Animal Cooperation
Great sources for these needed photos are magazines, outdated calendars, and old books. Size of the photo does not matter. Our first Sunday class with the new curriculum will be March 5th. We will be accepting and using these photos throughout the next 26 weeks. Please turn them in as you find them.
All we ask is that you cut out the photos and place them in the box located in the foyer labeled, Spiritual Heritage. Let's support these dedicated teachers and help ensure our Holly Hill kids know that our God is very great!
“Thank You!” From Steve Small
THANK YOU FOR THE CARDS (COLLECTIVELY AND INDIVIDUALLY), TEXTS AND EMAILS, PHONE CALLS, TRANSPORTATION, AND CONTINUING PRAYERS. ALL YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED.
Operation Re-Stock The Food Pantry (March)
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 February, we need:
Canned Chicken (Large cans, if possible)
Canned Tuna (Large cans, if possible)
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.Friendly Reminder Regarding Church Announcements
Just a friendly reminder to everyone regarding church announcements: If you wish to make an announcement or have a prayer request, please contact Matthew Woodyard via email (office@hollyhillcoc.org). Announcements will be included in our daily email (5pm), our weekly Vine (Thursdays at 10am), and posted to Holly Hill’s Facebook page. If you wish something to be shared, please submit your announcement by 4pm. Emergency prayer requests can be submitted at any time and will be shared as soon as possible. If you’re not receiving our daily emails, weekly Vine Newsletter, or text messages, or if you have any questions about this process, don't hesitate to contact Matthew.
Church Records
Bible Class Attendance (Sun AM) — 78 (5Mar2023)
Worship Attendance (Sun AM) — 118 (5Mar2023)
Contribution — $10,727.98 (5Mar2023)
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Penny Harland (Katie Bell’s Mother) cardiac issues
Alyssa Deaton came forward a couple weeks ago and needs continued prayers
Robert Lewis (Sharon Lewis’ Son) needs your continued prayers
Ongoing Prayers For: Wanda Justice (Alyson Woodyard’s Grandmother), Dylan Jones (Donald’s Son), Helen Hall, Pete & Jessie Tropoulos, Codie Rich (Michael & Kimberly Mundt’s Son-In-Law), Emma Collins, Mary Johnson, Larry Clarke and family, Jerry Mayes, Blake Ramsay (Inez’s Grandson), Bill Marion (Father of Robin Mayes Childhood Friends), Rusty Bell (Friend of Robin Mayes), Tanya Phipps (Brenda Stone’s Niece), Samantha Stone (Brenda’s daughter), Butch Elliott (Robin Mayes friend), Gail Keith (Michele Blanton’s mother), Nikki Fenney (Johnny and Julie Widener’s niece), Bertha Young’s family, Dorothy Trent, Polly Deaton, Jane Dempsey, The Horn and Bell family, The Stone family, Rita Tackett (Alyson Woodyard’s aunt), Inez Ramsey, Sandra Haden (Tiffany Quarles’ mother), Gayle Walker (Anna Marston’s son-in-law), 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.
Study Groups — March 12th, Sunday Night at 6pm
On this Sunday night, the men will meet in the auditorium for a group session, and the women will meet in room 12 downstairs. Some of the men will teach the children in a separate classroom downstairs in order to allow the mothers to participate in the women's study group. All are welcome! Please bring your family!
“Complete” A New Mid-Week Bible Study Series Beginning Soon — March 15th, Wednesday Nights at 6:30pm
“Complete” is a new mid-week Bible Study Series, taught by Robert Roach, that will begin soon! The first class will be March 15th, Wednesday night at 6:30pm. Hope you’ll join us!
Celebrate Steve Small’s 80th Birthday — March 18th, Saturday From 2-4pm
This is a Special Invite to Celebrating Steve Small's 80th Birthday. Heather and Jeremy Steele have organized a STOP BY AND SAY HI, COME AND GO to celebrate Steve's 80th birthday. It will be Saturday, March 18th from 2-4pm. Small refreshments will be served. The address is 502 Pawnee Drive, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342. We hope you will make plans to attend.
Thanks, Heather & Jeremy Steele
VBS Meeting — March 19th, Sunday Afternoon at 4pm
We'll be having a meeting regarding Holly Hill's 2023 VBS next Sunday, March 19th at 4pm. If you're interested in volunteering or assisting with this year’s VBS in any way, we'd like to invite you to attend this meeting. Hope to see you there.
Singing Service — March 19th, Sunday Night at 6pm
We will meet downstairs in the fellowship area to sing together in worship to God, and to encourage each other. The chairs will be arranged in a circle to intentionally draw attention to the fact that we are a family and are singing to build each other up. For many, these singing events are very moving and powerful. We want you to be there!
“Teaching Tabithas,” A New Ladies Group — March 23rd, Thursday at 6pm
A new monthly ladies group is starting. It’ll be held the 4th Thursday of every month. The group is called “Teaching Tabithas” ladies ministry. It’s a group where each month, a different woman will teach a different life skill. The first meeting will be Thursday the 23rd at 6pm at the church building. Feel free to bring your own food and eat at the building.
This month’s session will be taught by Katie Bell and she’ll be teaching how to make and bind a mini traveler’s notebook. The supplies will be provided for you.
Ladies wishing to attend MUST sign-up, and the cut off for registration is Tuesday the 21st to ensure enough supplies will be available to everyone.
The sign-up will be in the lobby, and there will also be a sign-up for future teaching opportunities.
This ministry will be coordinated my Michele Blanton and Katie Bell. Contact them with any questions or ideas.
Small Group Sunday — March 26th, Sunday Evening at 6pm
In order to build relationships with our church family, instead of meeting at the church building, we will meet in each other's homes for a short devotional, guided discussion, prayer, and fellowship. More information on locations will be coming soon.
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:
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 March, we need:
Canned Chicken (Large cans, if possible)
Canned Tuna (Large cans, if possible)
March Mission Control Challenges
We have 3 new challenges for the month of March 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’s Children’s Bible Class Ministry Needs Your Help With Materials
We are requesting your help with the launch of our new Spiritual Heritage Bible Class curriculum for K-6.
The teachers are tasked to create a God-made wall. This wall is a focal point in the classroom and will provide an opportunity to speak of the magnificence and wisdom of God. To ensure successful implementation of the program in our K-6 classes, the Bible class teachers need photos of any kind showing the greatness of God. These photos could be any type including nature, scenery, seasons, animals, people, etc. Use your imagination!
Also included in the curriculum are specific lessons directed at certain topics. We need photos of these items also.
God Planned Animal Houses
God Made Desert Animals That Can Survive On Little Water
God Made Camels, Snakes, Great Eyes, Protective Coverings, Beautiful Animals, Mosquitoes, Giraffes, Animal Hands (Claws, Wings, Paws), Big Cats
God Made Animal Hides, Perfect Animals (even though they look silly to us), Porpoises, Animal Ears, Micro-Organisms, Animal Cooperation
Great sources for these needed photos are magazines, outdated calendars, and old books. Size of the photo does not matter. Our first Sunday class with the new curriculum will be March 5th. We will be accepting and using these photos throughout the next 26 weeks. Please turn them in as you find them.
All we ask is that you cut out the photos and place them in the box located in the foyer labeled, Spiritual Heritage. Let's support these dedicated teachers and help ensure our Holly Hill kids know that our God is very great!
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