Emotions
“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.
Emotions
Devotional by: Kurt Montooth
When it comes to dealing with emotions, the western church is significantly more influenced by Marcus Aurelius and Stoic Philosophy than by Jesus and the Bible. We often have this idea that emotions should not be felt or listen to but controlled and ignored in pursuit of righteousness and holiness. This often represents a misunderstanding and ignores the richness God created in emotion. Not only does God have emotion, but God created us in his image with emotions. Emotions are God’s signal that something is wrong or needs to change. The emotional mind can be mis-calibrated and might need to be recalibrated therapeutically, but emotions when functioning properly are a signal from the body to change. Much like a check-engine light on a car dash. They can identify our needs relationally, physically, or spiritually.
This truth is taught throughout scripture. In Genesis 1:27, we are reminded that we are created in the image of God. Our emotional capacity reflects the divine nature of our Creator, who Himself experiences a range of emotions, from delight in His creation to righteous anger against injustice. One of the key teachings in the Bible is the command to love. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus declares that loving God and loving our neighbors are the greatest commandments. Love involves not only actions but also emotions. The Bible emphasizes the importance of feeling love for God and for others, as these emotions are the wellspring from which compassionate and selfless actions flow.
Additionally, the Bible encourages believers to rejoice and be glad in the Lord, Philippians 4:4. Joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a state of being rooted in our relationship with God. Feeling joy is an acknowledgment of the goodness and faithfulness of our Creator, fostering a sense of gratitude and contentment.
In times of sorrow, the Bible doesn't discourage the experience of grief. Jesus Himself wept at the death of Lazarus, John 11:35. Sorrow and mourning are part of the human condition, and the Bible assures us that God is near to the brokenhearted, Psalm 34:18. Feeling and expressing our grief allows us to bring our pain before God, finding solace and comfort in His presence.
In Ephesians 4:26, the Bible acknowledges the reality of anger but advises against letting it lead to sin. Feeling anger in the face of injustice can be a righteous response, prompting positive action and change. However, the Bible encourages believers to exercise self-control and forgiveness, ensuring that their emotions align with God's purposes.
In essence, the importance of feeling emotions from a biblical perspective lies in recognizing them as a divine gift and a crucial aspect of our humanity. Emotions, when anchored in a relationship with God, become a powerful tool for expressing love, finding joy, navigating sorrow with hope, and responding to injustice with righteous anger. By embracing our emotions with a biblical worldview, we engage in a deeper and more authentic relationship with our Creator and with those around us.
Missions
These are the challenges that the congregation is actively working on this month.
Our Missions For November
Equip - Encourage another church member to be thankful by inviting them to share in completing the thanksgiving themed Teach and Serve missions for the month.
Teach - Using the blank slips in the lobby, write out something you are thankful for, along with a Bible verse, and drop it in the thankfulness jar (put in at least 3). These will be shared with the congregation later.
Serve - Give notes of encouragement to 3 different church members, thanking them for something they do for the church.
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
Announcement From the Elders
Recently we have had a significant increase in spam and scam phone calls to the church’s office number. As a result, there is an increased likelihood the answering machine will pick up before one of the ministers. If this happens, please leave a message and someone will contact you as soon as possible. We expect this will subside after the Holidays and appreciate your patience.
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 December (Christmas Boxes), we need:
Green Beans
Chicken Noodle Soup
Saltine Crackers
Powdered Milk
Muffin Mix
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Sugar
Instant Potatoes
Applesauce in JARS
Children’s Bible Class Teachers & Helpers Needed - New Quarter Begins February 2024
Our next quarter will begin in February 2024, and we’ll be needing to staff ALL of our Children’s Bible Classes. In today’s world our children, at very young ages, are exposed to a wealth of worldly influences seeking to separate them from God. During these pivotal stages of developmental and spiritual growth, our children’s lives are forever shaped by all that they come in contact with. A foundation built with either, rock or sand. Only (2) possible paths of life to travel down, narrow or wide. God has graciously gifted us the opportunity to begin guiding our children down the only path worth taking. We’re called to be apart. Please take this opportunity to help our children stand apart. Show God’s love with your service and help teach our children His Word. Let’s make sure they get our very best! Please contact Matthew Woodyard if you wish to volunteer for any of the follow:
Current teachers wishing to continue for the upcoming Quarter (Feb-Apr).
Anyone willing to teach, co-teach, or help out with a class.
Anyone willing to be a substitute.
If you’re interested in learning more about our Children’s Ministry, please feel free to reach out by email (matthew.woodyard@yahoo.com) or call/text (502-234-8155). I will be placing a sign-up sheet in the lobby.
Thank you and God Bless,
Matthew Woodyard
Church Records - Sunday, November 26th
Bible Class Attendance - 73
Worship Attendance - 116
Contribution - $5,612.00
If you wish to make an announcement, please contact Matthew Woodyard via email (office@hollyhillcoc.org). Announcements submitted after 4pm will be included in the next day’s email. Emergency requests will be shared as soon as possible. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the church office at (502) 227-7796.
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Louise Roach
Ann Pittman
Ongoing Prayers For: Dwan McKnight & Family (friend of Matthew Woodyard, mourning the loss of a child), Steve Small, Larry & Renita Clarke, Candi Early (Mike & Robin Mayes’ sister-in-law's sister), Abe Martha (Brenda Stone’s nephew-in-law), Rita Tackett (Alyson Woodyard’s aunt), The Stone & Morris Family, The Kerman & Chatham Family, The Parrott Family, Aundreya Rich & Holly Collins, 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, December 2nd 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!
Elders, Ministers, & Deacons Meeting - Sunday Afternoon, December 3rd at 4pm
Elders, Ministers, & Deacons will meet on the 1st Sunday of each month at 4pm, downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.
Mission Control - Sunday Night, December 3rd 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.
REAL Ladies Meeting - Tuesday Night, December 5th at 5:30pm
REAL ladies for December will be hosted by Sandra Speer and Katie Bell on December 5th at 5:30pm in the church fellowship room. Please bring your favorite soup, side dish, or dessert. If you have any questions, please contact Sandra or Katie.
Children’s Holiday Party - Sunday Afternoon, December 10th (Immediately Following Worship)
Children’s holiday party will be Sunday Dec 10 immediately following AM services downstairs in the fellowship hall.
Study Groups - Sunday Night, December 10th 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, December 17th 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!
Christmas Eve Schedule - Sunday, December 24th (NO Evening Service)
Our Sunday schedule for Christmas Eve (12/24) will be as follows:
Bible Class (10am)
Worship (11am)
NO Evening Service
How You Can Serve
There are a lot of ways you can get involved and do the work of God in our community!
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 December (Christmas Boxes), we need:
Green Beans
Chicken Noodle Soup
Saltine Crackers
Powdered Milk
Muffin Mix
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Sugar
Instant Potatoes
Applesauce in JARS
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!
For more information or for help signing up for any of these ministries, please call the church office at: (502) 227-7796
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 Study - 6:30pm