Under the Juniper Tree
“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.
Encountering God Under the Juniper Tree: Lessons from Elijah’s Experience
Devotional by: Kurt Montooth
In the tapestry of the Old Testament, few figures shine as brightly as the prophet Elijah. His faithfulness, his confrontations with false prophets, and his remarkable encounters with God have inspired believers for generations. One such encounter, where Elijah met God under the juniper tree, holds valuable lessons for us in our pursuit of encountering the divine in our lives today.
The juniper tree episode is found in 1 Kings 19:1-18. Following a triumphant showdown with the prophets of Baal, where God manifested His power by sending fire from heaven, Elijah's joy was quickly overshadowed by a threat from the wicked Queen Jezebel. Fleeing into the wilderness, Elijah found himself weary, fearful, and seeking refuge under a solitary juniper tree. It was here, in his moment of vulnerability and despair, that he encountered God in a profound way.
This encounter teaches us several important principles that can guide our own journey of encountering God:
1. God meets us in our moments of vulnerability: Just as God met Elijah in his weariness, God is not distant during our weakest moments. When we are burdened by fear, anxiety, or despair, He is near to provide comfort and strength. Our vulnerabilities become opportunities for God to reveal His presence in unexpected ways.
2. God's presence isn't always in the extraordinary: In the juniper tree encounter, God wasn't in the wind, earthquake, or fire. Instead, He revealed Himself in a gentle whisper. Similarly, we often seek God in the grandiose and extraordinary, yet His voice is often heard in the stillness of our hearts and the simplicity of everyday life. We must cultivate a heart attuned to His quiet promptings.
3. Encounters with God require intentional solitude: Elijah intentionally sought solitude under the juniper tree. In our fast-paced world, finding time to be alone with God is essential. It's in these moments of quietness that we can hear His voice most clearly and allow Him to speak into our lives.
4. God provides sustenance for the journey: As Elijah rested under the juniper tree, an angel brought him food and water. This physical provision mirrored God's care for Elijah's spiritual well-being. When we encounter God, He not only speaks to our souls but also provides the nourishment we need for our spiritual journey.
5. Encounters with God transform us: Elijah emerged from his juniper tree encounter with renewed purpose and direction. He went on to anoint Elisha as his successor and continued his prophetic ministry with zeal. Likewise, encountering God transforms us from the inside out, igniting our passion for His kingdom and motivating us to impact the world around us.
In our pursuit of encountering God today, the story of Elijah under the juniper tree serves as an inspiring roadmap. It reminds us that God is not confined to majestic displays of power but can be found in the ordinary and quiet moments of life. It encourages us to seek intentional solitude, to listen for His gentle whisper, and to be vulnerable in His presence.
Let us remember that just as God met Elijah in his weariness and provided for his needs, He stands ready to meet us in our moments of weakness and uncertainty. When we feel burdened by the challenges of life, let us take refuge under our own symbolic juniper tree, knowing that God is present, His voice is near, and His transformative encounter awaits us.
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.
Action Needed: New Church Directory
Dear Holly Hill Family,
It’s time for a new church directory, but we need your help!
Having been much requested, and being such a need for many of our members, the elders have approved the production of a new photo church directory! We will be producing it entirely in-house (which we believe will allow us to have more control over the quality and features, as well as providing more cost-effectiveness), and we will be able to have it done very quickly as soon as we receive what we need from you all.
We have information on file for most of you, but a lot of it is still fragmented and missing crucial details. Before we can finish compiling the directory, here’s what we need from each family/household:
Please reply to this email with the following information:
The full names and dates of birth of everyone in the household (those under 18 years of age will have their birth year posted along with their birthday, while those over 18 will only have their birthday, not the year).
The phone numbers and email addresses of each adult in the household.
Your current household address.
If you are married, the date of your anniversary.
A current photo of everyone in your household, together (We prefer just one photo of everyone together, but if that is not possible for one reason or another, we can accept individual photos of each person as well).
Please note that if we do not receive an email from you with these details, we will print whatever information we have available, which may be out of date, and we will not be able include a photo of you, which will be counter to the entire point of the directory, which is to allow members to better connect with each other and help people put faces to names. Please help us out by getting the needed information to us so we can get the directory printed soon.
The deadline for getting pictures and information to us is September 12th.
Please be aware that this directory will NOT be made available to the public, and will only be in printed form to be distributed to the church members. However, if you wish to have any information withheld from the directory, please reply to this email stating that.
If you have any further questions, or need any clarification, you may call me (Elijah) directly. My cell number is listed in the announcements.
We love you all,
Elijah Bell
Community Minister
Relay For Life T-Shirt Order Form
Hi all! We have decided to make a t-shirt this year to raise money for our team. They will be $18. If you would like to order, please see Sarah Jones or complete the form below. Also, the form has been updated to include the design.
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.
Welcome Desk Volunteers Needed
For various reasons, 5 helpers have dropped out in the past few months. We would like to have at least that many or more to volunteer to help out. If you would like to help out please contact me. 502-545-5296 text or call. Thanks!
Children's Bible Class Announcement - Teachers Needed
"Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. [14] But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." [15] After laying His hands on them, He departed from there." Matthew 19:13-15 NASB
We desperately need volunteers to teach our Sunday morning and Wednesday evening Bible Classes. Our students need to be in the appropriate classes, where they receive age-appropriate instruction. We owe it to our kids to make sure they have everything they need and right now they need volunteers to teach their classes.
Alyson and I have both had recent health issues and we'll both be taking a much needed break from teaching (effective immediately). I'll continue to serve as deacon and will still be available to help in any way I can. We both love our roles as teachers and plan to continue down the road, but our recent health issues require insant attention and some much needed rest. We would greatly appreciate your help, so that we could have the time needed to rest and also keep all of the classes up and running.
The following classes need teachers for this current quarter (remainder of August): 18-36 month olds (Wednesday PM) & 3rd-5th grade (Wednesday PM). If you'd be willing to help out, please get in touch with me. We've got a great group of kids and they deserve the best! Thank you and God bless you all!
Holly Hill Library Announcement
The library is needing a lot of work. Please no donations until further notice. Study and reading is still important. Technology has taken those ideals over. But the library will come back to being useful after some consideration & clean up. Thank you.
-Jeannie Lebeau
Thank You Note
I am still at Heritage Hall rehabilitation unit room, C3. not sure yet how much longer I will be here. I have already won two appeals to stay longer. Thanks to all the calls cards and prayers. Thanks to all the calls cards emails texts and prayers.
-Steve Small
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
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 13th, 2023)
Bible Class (Sun AM) - 85
Worship (Sun AM) - 140
Contribution (Sun AM) — $5,483.50
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Pat Robertson (Mother of Melissa Trent)
Andrew Ibershoff & Family (Son of Larry & Robin Ibershoff)
Scarlet Stumbo (Aunt of Val Clark)
Family of Austin Case (Members from Main Street in Pikeville, KY)
Family of Claude Tackett (Friend of Val Clark & Alyson Woodyard)
Wilton Hudson (Friend of Johnny & Julie Widener)
Charlotte and Tanner Henderson (Elijah’s sister and brother-in-law, lost a child)
Larry & Renita Clarke
Victims of the Hawaii Fires
Ongoing Prayers For: Steve Small, Jerry Mayes (brother to Mike Mayes), Mark McPherson, The Stone Family, 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, Pam Smith (foster parent of Robin Mayes niece, Lexi), Family of Graham Heustis, 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.
Singing Night (Sunday Evening Service) — Sunday Night, August 20th 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!
R.E.A.L. Ladies Bible Study - Tuesday Night, August 22nd at 6:30pm
Jenny Jones is facilitating
Place: Holly Hill Fellowship Area
Food: Italian Dinner - a sign-up sheet will be posted
Small Groups (Sunday Evening Service) — Sunday Night, August 27th 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.
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