Hope, Courage, & The Cross
“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.
Hope, Courage, & The Cross
Devotional by: Nick Gill
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1,2).
How do we think of the cross? With all of our present-day associations with the cross — an object of Christian identification and adoration — it is almost impossible to see the cross for what it actually was. And when we fail to understand the cross, we fail to properly understand what our Lord suffered on our behalf: shame. Jesus despised the cross. To even speak of crosses and crucifixion in his time was disgusting. It was a punishment reserved for the worst of Rome’s criminals. It was designed to bring about the utmost torture to lawbreakers.
So to say that Jesus “endured the cross, scorning its shame,” is not to say, “oh, poor Jesus!” It is to say that Jesus loved us so much and was so submitted to the Father that he not only endured torment, but also public humiliation. And when it was over, he was exalted to the highest place of dignity and honor in the universe.
EVERY DAY THAT WE LIVE IN THIS WORLD, WE ARE TESTED. We are faced with choices that test our character. Deep down inside, what kind of people are we? When the right thing and the easy thing are not the same, we must choose between them. Do we have the character to do what we know is best, and to do that reliably and consistently? Are we made of strong stuff or not?
Most of us could use a little more self-discipline and a little more will power. We need the benefit of having trained our bodies to carry out the dictates of our conscience. Paul said, “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection” (1 Corinthians 9:27). But how do we do that? Where does self-discipline come from? Self-discipline comes from having a hope that means enough to us that we refuse to give it up. We find the strength to say “No” only when we have a powerful “Yes” burning within us. Like Jesus, who “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,” we must endure our own crosses. The “joy set before us” is the key.
Actually, self-discipline is a form of courage — and courage is always born of hope. When we can see the light that comes from a lighthouse, the fear of darkness is lessened and we find the strength to make for the harbor. So John wrote, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:2,3).
If we are to grow strong in our character, therefore, and if we are to acquire godly integrity in our conduct, we must focus more on God. His glory must mean enough to us that our desire for Him to be glorified is a powerful force constantly calling us to higher ground. It’s true that if God is to be glorified, there are some things that we must give up. But the question is really one of gaining things — greater things that we should refuse to give up!
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
Sunday Evening Schedule (Beginning February 4th)
On Sunday the elders discussed the positive takeawys from the Sunday Evening Survey and announced the upcoming schedule for Sunday night’s, begininning February 4th:
First Sunday: Small Group-Mission Control (6PM)
Second Sunday: Traditional Service (4PM)
Third Sunday: Small Group (TBD)
Fourth Sunday: Traditional Service (4PM)
Fifth Sunday: Song Service (immediately following Fellowship Potluck Meal)
Honduras Trip Announcement
It is time for Robert and I to take our annual trip to Honduras. As in the past we would like to take money for food, kids school costs, etc. Our congregation has been very generous in the past. If you can and find in your heart to give, please put a memo of Honduras food on your check and cash be given to me to take. We are leaving on February 16th so the deadline for checks will be February 11th. Thanking you in advance for your help.
Westridge Elementary Backpack Program
The backpack program with Westridge Elementary School starts for Holly Hill on Wednesday, January 31st. 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 & Cracker (Individual Packs)
Pudding Cups
Individual Cereal
“Feasting for Fellowship” Announcement
Remember to keep putting Acts 2:42-47 into action by planning times to eat, pray, and praise together with church members outside your family. The host/facilitator of each get-together (anything from a simple coffee break to dinner out together to a potluck at someone's house) should drop a pom-pom ball into one of the three cylinders on the Mission Control table. Our goal is 100 get-togethers in the month of January.
January’s Sunday PM Services Will Be Canceled
Just a friendly reminder that our regularly scheduled Sunday PM services (Mission Control, Study Groups, Singing Service, & Small Groups) will be canceled, due to our monthly focus on “Feasting for Fellowship”.
Church Records - Sunday, January 21st
Bible Class Attendance - 52
Worship Attendance - 91
Contribution - $4,332.92
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Zack Mays (Jack & Glenna Goins grandson)
Honduras Mission Trip
Feasting For Fellowship
Steve Small
Ongoing Prayers For: The Tropoulos Family, The family of Carolyn Collins (Friend of Brenda Perkins), Rita Tackett (Alyson Woodyard’s aunt), Cynthia Whitehead (friend of the Blanton’s), Patsy Cable (Bruce Blanton’s aunt), the Raymond Thomas Peak Family, Daniel & Janet Cruz (Missionary Family in Guines, Cuba), Osman, Jasmine, Cristal, & Ana Melgar (Missionary Family in Potrerillos, Honduras), Alejandro & Analis Panza (Missionary Family in Potrerillos, Honduras), Ann Pittman, Larry & Renita Clarke, Mark McPherson, Janis Friend, Rhoda Jones, Betty Blanton, Helen Hall, Penny Harland (Katie Bell’s mother), Alyssa Deaton, Polly Deaton, David Fair (prayers for his marriage & family situation), & Phil & Suzanne Wilkins.
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.
Favorite Things Party — Monday Night, January 29th (6PM)
Ladies, I am hosting my annual “Favorite Things” Party on January 29th at 6PM in the church fellowship hall. This event is towards Feasting for Fellowship in the month of January, so the theme for our potluck styled meal will be “dips” and sides (Thank you, Emily Montooth for the food theme idea). For the party, please bring three items (all three of the items being the same thing) of something that is your favorite. It can be anything, kitchen utensils, makeup, notebook, lotion, book, ect. And we will go around and tell each other why that item is one of our favorites. The price limit is a max of $30 for all three items combined. After the party is done you will go around and take three different items home with you of your choosing out of something someone else brought! This is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow sisters in Christ better while having fun! Please sign up in the foyer if you plan to attend, so I can plan for how many are coming! Hope to see you all there! And contact me with any questions.
Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast — Saturday Morning, February 3rd (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, February 4th (4PM)
Elders, Ministers, & Deacons will meet on the 1st Sunday of each month, from 4-6PM.
Mission Control — Sunday Night, February 4th (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.
Traditional Evening Service — Sunday Afternoon, February 11th (4PM)
On the 2nd Sunday of each month we will have a traditional service at 4PM.
Small Groups — Sunday Night, February 18th (TBD)
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.
Traditional Evening Service — Sunday Afternoon, February 25th (4PM)
On the 4th Sunday of each month we will have a traditional service at 4PM.
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:
Westridge Elementary Backpack Program
The backpack program with Westridge Elementary School starts for Holly Hill on Wednesday, January 31st. 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 & Cracker (Individual Packs)
Pudding Cups
Individual Cereal
“Feasting For Fellowship” Meals (Signup Sheet In Lobby)
The goal is simple: Each day in January 2024, members of Holly Hill will assemble and at least (2) of our members (from different households) will meet and eat. We will be posting a signup sheet where members can choose a date to share a meal. We need folks to sign up on the bulletin board, agreeing to be responsible for a certain meal/date. This will be an amazing opportunity for our congregation!
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 January, we need:
Cereal
Pancake Mix
Pancake Syrup
Long-Term Opportunities:
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