Very Dry Bones
“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.
VERY DRY BONES
Devotional by: Elijah Bell
In Ezekiel 37, God shows the prophet a valley of very dry bones, which represent the nation of Israel who have been taken captive into Babylon — they were as good as dead because they were not in their homeland, and from their worldly perspective, skewed by the surrounding nations who viewed their gods as localized to certain geographical areas, Israel’s God could not help them all the way here in Babylon. Or so they thought.
It certainly doesn’t seem to be a problem for God, who tells Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones to restore life into them, and then to the breath to enter into the bodies and animate them. God works by His power after Ezekiel prophesies to them, and brings bones and sinew and muscle together and breathes life into them. This imagery takes us back to the Garden of Eden when God breathed life into the nostrils of Adam and he became a living being.
The text specifically draws attention to the fact that after all is said and done, there is an “exceedingly great army” standing before Ezekiel, all living and breathing, whereas moments ago they were nothing but dry, lifeless bones (v. 10).
The point? God is God no matter how far we’ve strayed or been dragged off by the enemy. No matter how dead we may be spiritually. No matter how absurd it seems that life can be restored to our lifeless spiritual corpses. God can do it!
Missions
These are the challenges that the congregation is actively working on this month.
Our Missions For September
Equip (3 completions) — Ask a church member to hold you accountable to the Mission Control challenges going forward.
Teach (0 completions) — Make a list of non-church members that you know, then share with one of them something Jesus has done for you.
Serve (5 completions) — Consider your gifts, and use them to perform an unexpected kindness for someone you don’t know very well.
*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.
R.E.A.L. Ladies postponed by one week due to conflicting dates
The R.E.A.L. Ladies group was supposed to meet on Monday, September 19th, but that’s going to be the night for the area wide youth event, so the R.E.A.L. Ladies will meet the following Monday night, Monday, September 26th instead. Please remember to sign-up in the lobby. Check the “Upcoming Events” section below for details on the event.
New Mission Control Challenges This Month
Please review the Missions for the month of September above, and stop by the Mission Control center in the lobby to pick up a mission pamphlet. We’re also asking that you sign up for the Mission Launch Team (please check the section on ways you can serve below for more information).
Please send Sonia Roach the address of your College Student
If they are going to college local please send me their name. Please include what year they are in. We like to send cards and care packages. They need to know they are prayed for, missed and loved. If you have any questions or ideas please reach out to me.
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
Bob Tankersly
David Fair (Asks for prayers for marriage and family situation)
Larry Clarke
Inez Chatham
Samantha Horn
Janis Friend
God’s will for the the Tom Roach family
Upcoming Events
Here are some events that are coming up that you need to make space on your calendar for.
This Sunday, September 18th, 6pm — Singing Night
We will meet in the fellowship hall downstairs and sit in a circle and sing to and with each other to encourage each other and glorify God. Please be there if you can.
Monday, September 19th, 7pm — Area-Wide Youth Event
September 19th (Monday) Holly Hill will host the Area Wide Youth Rally starting at 7:00pm. We will provide a meal after the singing and devo for about 60-75 people, so please check out the sign up sheet on the bulletin board. If you have any questions, Joue or Bruce will be your point of contact.
Monday, September 26th at 6pm — R.E.A.L. Ladies Devo And Fellowship
Will be in the fellowship hall at the church building
Theme: Tea Party
Please feel free to dress up if you like
Please bring your favorite finger food
Robin Mayes teaching
Please sign-up in the lobby, or let Katie Bell know that you’re coming
Friday, September 30th at 7pm — Trivia Night
From Robert: Carol and I are excited to host a Trivia Night for the congregation. The event will be on September 30th, from approximately 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. It will be held in the auditorium. Some of the key things to know are below:1. Team size is up to 6 people.
2. Sign-up online or on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.
3. There will be 8 rounds. Two of the rounds will be Bible and one round each of geography, entertainment, history, art and literature, science and nature, and sports and leisure.
4. 10 Questions per round, 30 seconds per question, no repeats, intermission after four sessions, dessert and drinks served in the basement.
5. Each team may purchase mulligans. They can buy up to 16 at $5 per mulligan. Mulligan money goes toward Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Fund.
6. After each category answers are collected.
7. You cannot use phones or any other devices.
If you plan to attend the Trivia Night, please use the sign-up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F49A4AC2CA1FD0-holly
Thursday, October 6th — Potters Pick-Up
The folks from Potters will be here on this date to pick up the items the church has donated for the Tuesday’s Treasures thrift store. Please have all donations in by this day, and feel free to stop by to help load the truck. They usually arrive around 10am, but call to make sure.
Saturday, October 8th — Hay Ride & Fall Festival
Games, activities, food, 4pm to 6pm. Hay ride at 6pm. The event will be held at the Bowman residence. Check Facebook for your invitation. If you are not on Facebook, please let Bowmans know if you are planning to come.
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:
September Mission Control Challenges
We have 3 new challenges for the month of September that we need your help on. Please see the section above entitled “Missions” for more information.
Donate To Potters Home, Tuesday’s Treasures Thrift Shop (By Oct. 6th)
To support the Potters Children’s Home, the church is gathering items to donate to their thrift store, Tuesday’s Treasures, in Bowling Green. We’re looking for gently used household items, clothing, toys, furniture, etc. This is not an opportunity to get rid of broken junk, but to generously donate to help a good cause. Please donate items that are in a condition that you would want to use. Items can be dropped off at the church building.
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 Caseys 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.
Holly Hill Church of Christ
1020 Holly Hill Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601
Web: www.hollyhillcoc.org
Phone: (502) 227-7796
Email: hollyhillcoc@gmail.com
Service Times:
Sunday Bible Class: 10am
Sunday Morning Worship, 11am
Sunday Evening Worship, 6pm
Wednesday Evening Bible class: 6:30pm