Wake Up!
“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.
WAKE UP!
Devotional by: Nick Gill
There's nothing worse than being awakened abruptly by a loud noise, especially when you're having a nice dream. You jump out of bed, your heart racing, your eyes wide open, and you wonder what the heck is going on. Is it a fire alarm? A burglar? A nuclear war? No, it's just your neighbor's car alarm going off. You try to go back to sleep, but it's too late. The adrenaline has kicked in and you're wide awake. You check the clock and see that it's 4am. Great, just great. You have to get up in an hour anyway. You might as well get up now and make some coffee. Maybe you can catch up on some work or watch some TV. Anything to distract you from the fact that you've been robbed of your precious sleep by a stupid car alarm.
Mark's Gospel works like that car alarm. Mark writes with a powerful and energetic literary style, full of drama, mystery, and color, and his purpose is to WAKE UP a world that wants to stay comfortable and asleep. Many Jews in the early first century were looking forward to "the kingdom" - but the kingdom they anticipated was one where the Romans and Greeks would be cast down and Israel raised up - comforting and comfortable dreams for a people asleep to God's real desires.
That's why the Holy Spirit inspires Mark to quote three different passages from the Hebrew Scriptures in his introduction:
2 "As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way' - 3 'a voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the LORD, make straight paths for him!''" (Mark 1:2-3)
Verse 2 captures phrases from Exodus 23:20 and Malachi 3:1, while verse 3 quotes Isaiah 40:3. In the Exodus passage, God tells Israel that he's sending his angel ahead of them to bring them into the promised land safe and sound. The Malachi passage depicts how God's shocking appearance at the great day of Israel's judgment and salvation will be preceded by a messenger who will 'prepare the way.' Isaiah 40:3 introduces the long section of Isaiah that focuses on God's mission of restoration. At crucial turning points in the story of Israel, God sent a messenger to remind them that God shows up, God carries out HIS plan and disrupts everyone's expectations.
1st Century Israel needed to wake up to God's plan. Maybe we who belong to His church in the 21st century need to be awakened by the midnight car alarm of the Gospel message, too - that the kingdom of God does not exist to make us comfortable and serve our agendas, but to glorify Him and to spread his upside -down kingdom everywhere. In Jesus' kingdom, the last are first, the weak are strong, the poor are rich, and the humble are exalted. This is contrary to the way that most human societies operate, where power, wealth, and status are valued and pursued. If the church is to show the world a different way to live and relate to one another, the way of love, this kingdom must not just be a future reality, but a present one that is inaugurated by Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Jesus' actions and teachings reveal what God's reign looks like, and how it transforms the world when His people embody its values and practices of justice, mercy, forgiveness, and love.
It is easy for us to be lulled into a comfortable nap when the society around us serves our needs and gives us power, wealth, and status.
"Awaken, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you!" (Ephesians 5:14)
Read Mark's Gospel this week and be awakened again to the beauty and power of the message of the kingdom of God!
Missions
These are the challenges that the congregation is actively working on this month.
Our Missions For October
Equip — Invite a church member or family to do something with you outside of the worship assembly.
Teach — Share something with another church member that stood out to you from a recent Bible study.
Serve — Ask a deacon, ministry leader, elder, or minister how you can help, and serve in the way they direct you.
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
Gift Card Collection for Aundreya Rich (Deadline October 29th)
Kim & Mike Mundt’s daughter Aundreya Rich and her roommate Holly Collins unfortunately had a house fire this weekend in Georgetown and lost everything. Barbara Sudduth will be collecting funds for a Gift Card. If you wish to contribute and help these ladies out, see Barbara no later than October 29th. Thank you in advance for your help.
Prayer Request for Hope & Equip
During our Mission Moment yesterday, Tom Owens discussed all the work being done by the folks at Hope & Equip. Please be praying for Hope & Equip and for God's guidance regarding a possible gift toward their mission. There will be a fundraiser on October 26th, in Franklin, Tennessee. All donations are tax deductible. Ways to contribute to the Kingdom work being done:
Go to the website (hopeandequip.org) and click the donate button.
Write a check to Hope & Equip and give it to Robert or mail it to: Robert Roach, 986 Inverness Road, Frankfort, KY 40601
Give Robert cash.
Thank you!
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 (10/8) — n/a
Worship Attendance (10/8) — n/a
Contribution (10/8) — $4,097.00
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Ann Pittman
Aundreya Rich
Holly Collins
The Trent & Robertson Family
Hope & Equip
Ongoing Prayers For: Jerry Mayes, Roger Caudill, Phillip Bartley, Bob Windsor, Michael Morris, Family of Jesse Lee Penn, Mark McPherson, 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), James Robert (Val Clark’s uncle), Janis Friend, Pam Smith (foster parent of Robin Mayes niece, Lexi), Horn family, Butch Elliott (friend of Robin Mayes), Rhoda Jones, Betty Blanton, Bill & Mary Jo Marion (friends of Robin Mayes), Helen Hall, Penny Harland (Katie Bell’s mother), Alyssa Deaton, 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.
* 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.
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!
R.E.A.L Ladies Bible Study — Thursday Night, October 19th at 5:30pm
The R.E.A.L Ladies monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, October 19th at the church building (Fellowship Hall). Potluck style meal beginning at 5:30pm, so please bring a soup or salad to share with all attending. Dessert will be provided by the host. Jeannie LeBeau will be giving the lesson. If anyone has any questions, please contact Sonia Roach.
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.
Hope & Equip Fundraiser — Thursday, October 26th in Franklin, TN
Please be praying for Hope & Equip and for God's guidance regarding a possible gift toward their mission. There will be a fundraiser on October 26th, in Franklin, Tennessee. For more info regarding this event, contact Robert Roach.
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
Mission Control Challenges
We have 3 new challenges for the month of October that we need your help on. Please see the section above entitled “Missions” for more information.Operation Re-stock the Food Pantry (October)
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:
Bisquick
Canned Corn
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.
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