Turn The Other Cheek
“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.
Turn the Other Cheek
Devotional by: Ray Bowman
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:38-40 (ESV)
In Matthew 5 through Matthew 7 we find the most famous sermon ever preached, most often referred to as the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus’ audience no doubt marveled at the amazing things this young rabbi was advocating, but one of the most head-turning statements occurs in Matthew 5:39 when He advocates what seems to be a passive response to a violent, insulting act.
Perhaps instead of wrongly interpreting this recommendation as a sign of submission, weakness or cowardice, it should be viewed as, I think, Jesus intended - as a demonstration of courage, humility, forbearance and resolve.
In his epistle to the Romans, Paul sheds yet a little more light on the subject.
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” Romans 12:17-19 (ESV)
Whether the attack is physical or verbal, it appears that both Jesus and Paul agree that in-kind retribution is something a Christian should not even contemplate.
Peter was somewhat of a firebrand. Who can forget that, as the mob came for Jesus, it was he who stepped up and whacked off Malchus’s ear (which Jesus restored in an act that embodies the message Of Matthew 5). Obviously, the apostle had mellowed considerably when he wrote;
”Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV)
No doubt you will be subjected to all manner of “slaps in the face” from a culture that either does not know God or chooses to ignore him. Reflect on the guidance Jesus also provides in the Sermon on the Plain;
“If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:32-36 (ESV)
Missions
These are the challenges that the congregation is actively working on this month.
Our Missions For July
Equip — Write down your story of how you came to follow Jesus using the sheets at the Mission Control Center, and ask another disciple to share their story with you as well.
Kids’ Challenge — Write down all the things you love about going to church and to Bible class. The teachers, the singing, the fun with friends, etc.
Teach — Share in some way your story which you wrote down as the Equip challenge with a fellow disciple, and for bonus points, with a non-Christian also.
Kids’ Challenge — Share with your friends the things you like most about church, Bible class, and the Holly Hill congregation, and invite them to come.
Serve — Do a kind deed for a non-believer, and make sure they know you’re doing it in the name of Jesus and the Holly Hill congregation.
Kids’ Challenge — Think of something you can do for someone who needs encouragement. Do that thing for them, and tell them it’s because of Jesus.
*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.
Pot-Luck This Sunday, And Afternoon Devo (No Evening Service)
We will have a guest speaker for Bible class and worship (Ralph Brewer, from Potter’s), we will then have a pot-luck mean together directly afterward, and then following the mean we will have an afternoon devotional. There will be no evening services this Sunday.
Potter Children's Home Day of Prayer & Giving - Sunday, July 30th
Sunday, July 30th will be the annual Potter Children’s Home Day of Prayer and Giving. As we have in years past, we plan to dedicate the day’s contribution (a 5th Sunday) to Potter. We wanted to remind you of this now so that you may plan accordingly. Ralph Brewer, Potter’s Executive Director and elder at the Alvaton Church of Christ in Warren County will be joining us to lead our Bible class and deliver the morning’s sermon. A potluck will follow the morning service. We hope you will be looking forward to this very special day.
The Elders
Book for Ladies' Sunday Night Class
We have been studying the book "Thought Garden" by Laura Jenkins. Below is the link you can order from, either will work. If you order now, you should have plenty of time for it to get here by next month!
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 July, we need:
Apple Sauce
Macaroni & Cheese
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.
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Jerry Mayes (Mike’s brother, recovering from surgery)
Mark McPherson (Diagnosed with ALS)
Charlotte and Tanner Henderson (Elijah’s sister and brother-in-law, lost a child)
Family of Betty Robertson (Melissa Trent’s Grandmother)
Jody, Brenda, and & Danny James Hughes (Donna White’s son, daughter-in-law, and new grandson)
Larry & Renita Clarke
Ongoing Prayers For: James Robert (Valerie Clark’s uncle), Monica Hardesty (Sister of Brenda Stone’s co-worker), The family of Jane Colvin (Joyce Best’s aunt), Steve White, Janis Friend, Steve Small, The family of Edith Martin, Robin Iberschoff, Jerry Mayes (Mike Mayes’ brother), Pam Smith (foster parent of Robin Mayes niece, Lexi), Family of Steve England & Inez Ramsey, Family of Graham Heustis, Family of Renaee Diffee (Robin Iberschoff), Mike & Patricia Robertson (Melissa Trent’s parents), The Horn Family, Butch Elliott (friend of Robin Mayes), Montooth Family, Rhoda Jones, Betty Blanton, Bill & Mary Jo Marion (friends of Robin Mayes), Helen Hall, Penny Harland (Katie Bell’s mother), The Parnell Family, Alyssa Deaton, Robert Lewis (Sharon Lewis’ son), Pete & Jessie Tropoulos, Codie Rich (Michael & Kimberly Mundt’s son-in-law), Emma Collins, Rusty Bell (friend of Robin Mayes), Tanya Phipps (Brenda Stone’s niece), Gail Keith (Michele Blanton’s mother), Nikki Fenney (Johnny and Julie Widener’s niece), Bertha Young’s Family, Dorothy Trent, Polly Deaton, Jane Dempsey, Rita Tackett (Alyson Woodyard’s aunt), Sandra Haden (Tiffany Quarles’ mother), The Valentine Family, David Fair (prayers for his marriage and family situation), Phil and Suzanne Wilkins, Jim Clark (Continued Prayers), Prayers for Mission Control Challenges, Glenda Mitchum, Lisa & Pete Vogel (family of Brenda Stone).
* 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.
Potluck (5th Sunday) — Sunday Afternoon, July 30th at 12pm
Our “5th Sunday” service will follow our normal Sunday morning schedule, Bible Classes at 10am & Worship at 11am. We hope you’ll stick around following worship and join us for a potluck meal, downstairs in the fellowship hall. We look forward to seeing you there!
Potter Children's Home Day of Prayer & Giving - Sunday, July 30th
Sunday, July 30th will be the annual Potter Children’s Home Day of Prayer and Giving. As we have in years past, we plan to dedicate the day’s contribution (a 5th Sunday) to Potter. We wanted to remind you of this now so that you may plan accordingly. Ralph Brewer, Potter’s Executive Director and elder at the Alvaton Church of Christ in Warren County will be joining us to lead our Bible class and deliver the morning’s sermon. A potluck will follow the morning service (see below). We hope you will be looking forward to this very special day.
The Elders
Men’s Bible Study Breakfast — Saturday Morning, August 5th at 8am
Join us on the first Saturday morning of each month, for the Men’s Bible Study Breakfast. We will meet downstairs in the Fellowship Hall and be studying from the book of James. See you there!
Elders/Ministers/Deacons Meeting — Sunday Afternoon, August 6th at 4pm
Elders/Ministers/Deacons will meet on the 1st Sunday of each month, from 4-6pm.
Mission Control — Sunday Night, August 6th at 6pm
Everyone meets in small groups in the fellowship hall. Material is provided for group discussion of each question. Responses on how to better meet the month's challenges are shared with all groups. Attendance at the previous mission control meetings is not required.
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 July, we need:
Apple Sauce
Macaroni & Cheese
July Mission Control Challenges
We have 3 new challenges for the month of July that we need your help on. Please see the section above entitled “Missions” for more information.
Cuba Missionary Needs
Please check-out the list on the bulletin board for items to bring for Cuba. Sign-up and bring your items. Money is also appreciated. Thank you for all that you do for the kingdom.
Potter Children's Home Tuesday's Treasures Resale Shop - Pickup on Thursday, July 27th (ALL Donations Due by Tuesday, July 25th)
Some of you have asked when the truck from Potter Children's Home Tuesday's Treasures Resale Shop will be back, so we've made arrangements for a pickup on Thursday, July 27th. Please have your donation items in the fellowship hall by July 25th. Donations can include household items, clothing, shoes, furniture, toys, etc. All in good shape, please. Clothing may need to be laundered, please NO musty-smelling items. If it is broken, throw it away. Thanks so much for your kind contributions.
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 September, 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 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