Fruition
“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.
Fruition
Devotional by: Matthew Woodyard
Ask anyone who knows me and they'll tell you that I’m a film geek. John Ford’s “The Searchers,” starring John Wayne, is one of my all-time favorite films. It’s essentially a revenge/redemption story set during the Texas-Native Americans War, where the Duke's family is murdered. Debbie (played by Natalie Wood), Ethan Edwards (played by John Wayne) youngest niece, is taken by the Native Americans and spirited away. Edwards, along with his adopted nephew Martin, strike out in pursuit and spend years searching for the abducted child. Edwards is driven by anger, guilt, and revenge for much of the film, but... (SPOILER ALERT) concludes with Edwards letting go of the anger that's filled his heart and allowing love to take its place.
"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21 ESV
Our day-to-day lives may not contain the same excitement or circumstance featured in big budget Hollywood productions, yet we’re nonetheless tempted by the same fleshly works listed in Galatians 5. Anger, bitterness, and dissension are, to name a few, common stumbling blocks that hinder many in their Christian walk. I know they're a struggle for me. I'm guessing they are for you as well. Have you recently been disgusted by any or all the content featured on your tablet or tv? Did you watch it anyway? Ever been annoyed by a fellow co-worker so much so, that you never once considered inviting them to join you for worship? Have you struggled to truly forgive someone, someone who may have truly hurt you in a deep and meaningful way? I know I said yes to all three. Did you? As a grateful believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I know where to seek the spiritual nourishment needed to fuel the fight against worldly desire. If you're reading this, I hope you do as well. Does your neighbor? Does your co-worker? The beggar outside your local grocery store? What about the atheist teaching at your child's school? Have you offered to tell them? It would be easy to follow the worldly path taken by Jonah, attempting to hide ourselves from God, refusing to share His Word with the world (Jonah 1:1-3 ESV). We couldn’t possibly relate to Jonah’s struggle, could we? Where can one find soulful nourishment and protection against desires of the flesh?
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
I’m sure you’re familiar with the age-old adage, you are what you eat? Take care of your body and it'll take care of you. Take care of your car in the garage and your car will take care of you on the road. I'm sure there are hundreds more similar quotes, essentially all making the same point. What you put in; you get out. What's filling your heart? Is it the decaying works of flesh or God's blessed fruits? Filling yourself with fleshly works, such as hate, envy, pride, and bitterness, well... I'm sure you can guess the outcome. Don't embrace the trappings of this world, instead reach for that which is far greater. It's not hard to find and it’s so easy to share, pilgrim.
Missions
These are the challenges that the congregation is actively working on this month.
Our Missions For November
Equip — To be announced this Sunday.
Teach — To be announced this Sunday.
Serve — To be announced this Sunday.
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
FALL BACK This Sunday, November 5th (Friendly Reminder)
This is a friendly reminder to everyone that Daylight Saving Time will end this Sunday, November 5th. Be sure to TURN BACK YOUR CLOCKS ONE HOUR! What will you do with your extra hour of time this Sunday?
Food Pantry Items for Thanksgiving Boxes (November)
Any of the following food items are needed, since we’ll be packing Thanksgiving Boxes for the month of November. We need more of the following items:
Applesauce (In a Jar)
Brownie or Muffin Mix
Saltine Crackers
Canned Tuna
Canned Chicken
Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
Steve Small Update
I visited with Steve Small earlier this week and he is very sick, however he would really enjoy some company. I understand from Heather Steele, that there is no diagnosis as to the cause of the internal bleeding. Steve has an oxygen/feeding tube that he is not happy enduring. I personally think the nurses and doctors are taking good care of him. If anyone has the time and has NO SIGNS OF FLU OR COLD, please take a few minutes to stop by and visit. I don’t recommend a long stay, but Steve really needs to feel the loving support from his Holly Hill family. Steve’s in Lexington, at The UK Good Samaritan Hospital (Room 303).
Main Street Church of Christ (Pikeville) Ladies Day — Saturday Morning, November 4th at 8:30am
Pikeville Main Street Church of Christ will host a ladies day on Saturday, November 4th. Registration begins at 8:30am with the program beginning at 9am. They will serve lunch. The theme is My Cup Overflows and the guest speaker is Vicky Yocum of Louisville.
Address: 198 Main Street, Pikeville, KY
Church Records
Bible Class Attendance (10/29) — 66
Worship Attendance (10/29) — 127
Contribution (10/29) — $4099.00
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.
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Abe Martha (Brenda Stone’s nephew-in-law)
Steve Small
Larry & Renita Clarke
Ongoing Prayers For: Rita Tackett (Alyson Woodyard’s aunt), The Stone & Morris Family, The Kerman & Chatham Family, The Parrott Family, Aundreya Rich & Holly Collins, Ann Pittman, Jerry Mayes, Phillip Bartley, Michael Morris, Mark McPherson, Charlotte & Tanner Henderson (Elijah’s sister and brother-in-law, who lost a child), Wilton Hudson, 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, Rusty Bell (friend of Robin Mayes), Gail Keith (Michele Blanton’s mother), Nikki Fenney (Johnny & Julie Widener’s niece), Bertha Young’s Family, Dorothy Trent, Polly Deaton, 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.
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.
Study Groups — Sunday Night, November 12th 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!
Singing Service — Sunday Night, November 19th 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!
Small Group Sunday — Sunday, November 26th
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:
Mission Control Challenges
We have 3 new challenges for the month of November that we need your help on. Please see the section above entitled “Missions” for more information.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 November (Thanksgiving Boxes), we need:
Applesauce (In a Jar)
Brownie or Muffin Mix
Saltine Crackers
Canned Tuna
Canned Chicken
Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
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