Act In Haste
“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.
Act In Haste
Devotional by: Ray Bowman
“...For I have opened my mouth to the LORD, and I cannot take back my vow.” Judges 11:35
The Oxford dictionary defines the term aphorism as “a pithy observation that contains a general truth.” One of the more interesting aphorisms is “act in haste, repent in leisure.” The problem with that is, it just isn’t true.
Precipitous words and deeds generally have consequences, as we see demonstrated in the actions of Jephthah in Judges 11.
The Word tells us that Jephthah was the son of a prostitute and was expelled from his father’s house by his half brothers, the sons of his father’s wife. He was sought out from his exile in the land of Tob to lead the Israelites against the invading Ammonites. In exchange for his success, he became one of the Judges and lead Israel for a period of six years. But, that position came at a price.
The Bible says “the spirit of the Lord was upon Jephthah.”
“And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD and said, “If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the LORD's, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.” Judges 11:30-31
God gave success to Jeptha’s efforts, however upon returning home, his only daughter was the first out of the house to meet him.
Jephthah is exceedingly distraught and explains to his daughter what he has done, and the girl pledges to fulfill her father’s obligation.
“So she said to her father, “Let this thing be done for me: leave me alone two months, that I may go up and down on the mountains and weep for my virginity, I and my companions.”” Judges 11:37
After two months mourning, the girl returns to her father "who did with her according to his vow that he had made.”
Decisions should be well considered, not made without completely thinking - and praying - a thing through.
We’ve all made snap decisions, and sometimes, through the grace of God, they turn out acceptably. However, the Bible cautions us to seek the will of God, not to rely on our own feeble thinking.
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21
Seek God’s wisdom and give Him the glory in all things.
God Bless
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.
Urgent Need For Specific Items For The Westridge Elementary Backpack Program
Hello Everyone! I just wanted to put out an urgent call for a few backpack items. We have 63 bags that we are packing for the Westridge kiddos and we are in urgent need of breakfast items (individual cereal boxes, oatmeal etc.) lunches (snack crackers, tuna, Vienna sausages etc.) and Hot dinners (soups, beanie weenies, ramen noodles, individual mac and cheese, Spaghetti O's etc...). Any help is appreciated.
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 last month, 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 (10/15) — 80
Worship Attendance (10/15) — 125
Contribution (10/15) — $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:
Aundreya Rich
Holly Collins
Hope & Equip
Ongoing Prayers For: Ann Pittman, Jerry Mayes, Roger Caudill, Phillip Bartley, 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.
R.E.A.L Ladies Bible Study — Tonight, 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.
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.
Potluck (5th Sunday) — Sunday Afternoon, October 29th at 12pm
Our “5th Sunday” service will follow our normal Sunday morning schedule, Bible Classes at 10am & Worship at 11am. We hope you’ll stick around following worship and join us for a potluck meal, downstairs in the fellowship hall. We look forward to seeing you there!
Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast — Saturday Morning, November 4th 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. See you there!
Elders, Ministers, & Deacons Meeting — Sunday Afternoon, November 5th at 4pm
Elders, Ministers, & Deacons will meet on the 1st Sunday of each month, from 4-6pm.
Mission Control — Sunday Night, November 5th 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:
Westridge Elementary Backpack Program
Hello Everyone! I just wanted to put out an urgent call for a few backpack items. We have 63 bags that we are packing for the Westridge kiddos and we are in urgent need of breakfast items (individual cereal boxes, oatmeal etc.) lunches (snack crackers, tuna, Vienna sausages etc.) and Hot dinners (soups, beanie weenies, ramen noodles, individual mac and cheese, Spaghetti O's etc...). Any help is appreciated.
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 October, 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