Walking, Leaping, And Praising God
“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.
Walking, Leaping, and Praising God
Devotional by: Elijah Bell
“Please help me! I haven’t eaten in three days! Anything you can give will help!” Can you imagine yourself calling these words out at the top of your lungs in the streets of an ancient city while you sit and beg for money? In first century Jerusalem, having any kind of physical malady was a sentence to a life of misery, pain, suffering, and loneliness. Imagine if this were you. You are lame, and you never have been able to get a job, and you have been left to fend for yourself in the streets, begging for mercy from passersby. This was the sad reality of countless men and women in Bible times.
In Acts 3, we see a lame man, for whom this was an every-day reality. He would sit at the temple and beg for alms daily, probably all day long. This would have been a miserable existence. The brightest spot in his day would be to receive enough money to eat and survive for just one more day. Can you imagine his exhilaration when Peter and John asked for his attention? He was sure that they were about to give him some money so he could eat that day. But then, what disappointment he must have felt when Peter said that he did not have any money to give. Little did he know that he was about to receive something far more valuable than silver or gold. “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!” As soon as Peter pulled him to his feet, his whole world changed.
The man began to immediately walk, leap, and praise God! He had recognized his great blessing of full health and mobility was a gift of Jesus. He could not keep it to himself! Can you imagine seeing hundreds, or even thousands of people walk past you every day, taking it totally for granted, while you had never been able to take a single step? And now, for that malady to be removed was such a weight off his shoulders that he could not help but literally leap for joy!
Whether you know it or not, those of us who are in the church were once like this lame man. We led a miserable life of despair, when along came Jesus of Nazareth to heal us of our debilitating condition known as sin. Look how excited this man was to receive something as trivial as physical health from Jesus. How much more should we rejoice based on our spiritual healing! We were once in a pitiable state of debilitating sin, doomed to a terrible existence in hell, and we have been cured of that. Just as this lame man was given a whole new way of life, so have we! Are we like the lame man who was healed? Are we constantly walking, leaping, and praising God for our spiritual health, our free gift from Jesus Christ of Nazareth?
Missions
These are the challenges that the congregation is actively working on this month.
Our Missions For September
Equip — Equip another church member with an opportunity to love and serve by asking them for prayers over something in your life.
Teach — Share God’s love with the world by telling someone else about how God has loved you.
Serve — Pray to God to open your eyes to an opportunity to serve others, and follow through when you see it.
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
Missionary Report (July-August): Guines, Cuba
Dear Holly Hill church Family,
The report linked at the bottom is from Daniel and Janet. Remember this is the family we support who is working with a congregation in Guines, Cuba. Please be praying for them and if you get a chance sending them a kind encouraging email would be great. Daniel's email is ydanielcruz1980@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Robert Roach
Honduras Men's Mission Trip Announcement
SAVE THE DATE: February 16th - February 23rd, 2024.
Thank you,
Robert Roach
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 call or text Tom Owens (502-545-5296). Thanks!
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
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 (9/24) — 72
Worship Attendance (9/24) — 116
Contribution (9/24) — $3,365.00
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Michael Morris
The Justin Brooking & Boucher Families
Bob Windsor
Jerry Mayes
Bernice Westfall
Phillip Bartley
Roger Caudill
Ongoing Prayers For: Family of Jesse Lee Penn, Mark McPherson, Pat Robertson (Melissa Trent’s mother), Charlotte & Tanner Henderson (Elijah’s sister and brother-in-law, who lost a child), Fern Perkins (Matthew Woodyard’s aunt), Steve Small, Larry & Renita Clarke, Wilton Hudson, family of Austin Case, family of Claude Tackett, Scarlet Stumbo (aunt of Val Clark), Andrew Ibershoff & family (son of Larry & Robin Ibershoff), the Stone family, James Robert (Val Clark’s uncle), Monica Hardesty (sister of Brenda Stone’s co-worker), family of Jane Colvin (Joyce Best’s aunt), Janis Friend, Pam Smith (foster parent of Robin Mayes niece, Lexi), family of Graham Heustis, 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), 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 & Julie Widener’s niece), Bertha Young’s Family, Dorothy Trent, Polly Deaton, Rita Tackett (Alyson Woodyard’s aunt), Sandra Haden (Tiffany Quarles’ mother), Valentine family, David Fair (prayers for his marriage & family situation), Phil & Suzanne Wilkins, 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.
Wedding Shower for April Blanton & Matthew Franklin — Sunday Afternoon, October 1st from 4-5:30pm
A Wedding Shower for April Blanton and Matthew Franklin will be held on Sunday, October 1st at Holly Hill from 4-5:30p. They are registered at Amazon and Wal-Mart. Kids are welcome. If you have a questions please contact Sonia Roach.
Elders, Ministers, & Deacons Meeting — Sunday Afternoon, October 1st at 4pm
Elders, Ministers, & Deacons will meet on the 1st Sunday of each month, from 4-6pm.
Mission Control — Sunday Night, October 1st 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.
Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast — Saturday Morning, October 7th 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!
Study Groups — Sunday Night, October 8th 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!
Fall Festival — Saturday Night, October 14th from 4-8pm (UPDATED)
Fall Festival at the Bowman Farm on October 14 from 4-8pm.
4pm - Games & Crafts
5pm - Hayride (Due to the New Moon (no moon) the Hayride will be earlier than normal. We want to make sure we’re all back in the daylight.)
6pm - Eat (We’ll eat as soon as the Hayride concludes)
Bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share and your chairs. This is always a fun event to enjoy the season and each other's company, so make plans to attend and invite your friends! Contact Ray or Stephenia Bowman with any questions.
Singing Service — Sunday Night, October 15th 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!
Wedding of April Blanton & Matthew Franklin — Saturday Night, October 21st at 5pm
Wedding Invitation to April Blanton and Matthew Franklin’s wedding ceremony at Holly Hill Church of Christ, Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 5:00pm.
The reception will be located at: Chandler Ridge, 9771 Vigo Road, Bagdad, Ky. 40003.
Gift Registry: See invitation on bulletin board.
Contact Michele Blanton (502-321-0760) for any questions.
Small Groups — Sunday Night, October 22nd 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:
Westridge Elementary Backpack Program
The backpack program with Westridge Elementary School starts for Holly Hill in October. Please see below for items needed to pack snack bags for the WES students. If you have any questions please see Carly Gill. Listed below are items that you can donate for the backpack program:
Ramen Noodle Packages
Nutri Grain Bars
Easy Mac
Chef Boyardee Ravioli
Vienna Sausages
Granola Bars
Fruit Cups
Fruit Snacks
Individual Applesauce Cups
Oatmeal Packets
Individual Cookie Packs
Beanie Weenies
Canned Tuna
Canned Soups
Cheese and Cracker Individual Packs
Pudding Cups
Individual Cereal
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 September, we need:
Green Beans
Saltine Crackers
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.
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. If you know of someone the church should send a card, please give the name(s) and address to Joyce Best. We have “get-well” cards, “thinking of you” cards, “praying for you” cards, and sympathy cards. You can also text the information to (502) 593-5865.
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 — 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