Choose Kindness
“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.
Choose Kindness
Devotional by: Nick Gill
"And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting their opponents with gentleness." 2 Tim 2:24-25a.
Kindness is a choice. We need to choose to be kind. Our natural tendency might often be to argue instead of being kind, but this doesn’t make it okay. In every encounter we have throughout the day, we have a choice: We can be kind or we can be unkind. We can choose to make peace or we can choose to pick a fight. God wants us to choose kindness. What about when people are unkind to us? What about those times when people are quarrelsome? Even in those instances, we are to choose kindness. We can endure meanness without returning it. Kindness is always an option.
In Corinth, false apostles had been trying to persuade them that Paul doesn’t really love them. In response, Paul invites the Corinthians to open their hearts as wide as he has opened his. He expresses the intensity with which he loves them, hoping that they will love him in return. He reminds the believers that God defeated sin and death for their sake. They have been called out of the kingdom of darkness, called to be different for God. So there is no need to link themselves to people who are living in the ways of death. The Macedonian churches are giving money to help the struggling Christians in Jerusalem, and Paul urges the Corinthians to give too so they can experience the grace that comes with the kindness of generous giving.
God didn’t need the believers in Corinth to give money. He could multiply money like he multiplies bread. He wanted the Corinthians to give money to kingdom work — and he wants us to do the same — because when we act out of kindness, He gives something to us. God changes us when we give. He enlarges our hearts and makes us kinder and more generous. He loosens our heart’s grip on the idea that everything is ours, and He helps us realize that everything actually belongs to Him. Paul says that through this process we will be “enriched in every way” (2 Corinthians 9:11). Not only does God promise to provide for our needs, he will “enlarge the harvest of [our] righteousness” (2 Corinthians 9:10). When we give, when we act with kindness towards others, God multiplies the kingdom work He does through us. He is looking for cheerful givers who want to join him in advancing his kingdom.
On that horrifying morning, we call Good Friday, Jesus is bloodied and tortured both physically and emotionally. His friends have mostly abandoned him to face alone the physical agony of crucifixion, the emotional anguish of a jeering crowd and the spiritual horror of separation from God the Father. Yet Jesus responds over and over on that day with kindness. He pauses to console a group of grief-stricken women. He uses what little breath he is able to catch to pray for those who have been so cruel to him. He demonstrates compassion and forgiveness to a rebel dying at his side. And he takes pains to see that his grief-stricken mother is cared for by a friend. This is the model of kindness and generous giving set before us. And because his Spirit lives in us, we also have the capacity to use our circumstances, whatever they are, as an opportunity to encourage others with kindness and generosity.
"Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience," (Col 3:12)
Missions
These are the challenges that the congregation is actively working on this month.
Our Missions For August
Equip — Encourage someone who has not been coming to worship to beginning attending regularly again.
Teach — Share an encouraging Bible thought with someone who is struggling in life right now.
Serve — Encourage a fellow church member by asking how you can serve 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.
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 August, we need:
Muffin Mix
Brownie Mix
Relay For Life Announcement
Relay For Life is September 9th and will be here before we know it! It will be held outside(weather permitting) at Capital City Christian Church from 5-10pm. If you would like to join our team or donate to the event please click the link below! Or feel free to reach out to Janis Friend or Sarah Jones. We would love for as many of you that are able to join us this year to support those fighting, to honor our survivors and remember those we have lost to cancer.
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!
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 (August 6th, 2023)
Bible Class (Sun AM) - 75
Worship (Sun AM) - 140
Contribution (Sun AM) — $9,268.00
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 Stone Family
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)
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, Pam Smith (foster parent of Robin Mayes niece, Lexi), Family of Graham Heustis, 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.
Study Groups (Sunday Evening Service) — Sunday Night, August 16th 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!
Singing Night (Sunday Evening Service) — Sunday Night, August 23rd 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!
Small Groups (Sunday Evening Service) — Sunday Night, August 30th 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.
Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast — Saturday Morning, September 2nd at 8am
Join us on the 1st 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, September 3rd at 4pm
Elders, Ministers, & Deacons will meet on the 1st Sunday of each month, from 4-6pm.
Mission Control (Sunday Evening Service) — Sunday Night, September 3rd 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 August, we need:
Muffin Mix
Brownie Mix
August Mission Control Challenges
We have 3 new challenges for the month of August 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.
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 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