Finding Rest In Balance
“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.
Finding Rest In Balance: Jesus’ Example Of Self-Care In The Wilderness
Devotional by: Kurt Montooth
I was blessed to facilitate an amazing small group Sunday. It was the church highlight of the year for me personally. As a part of the discussion, we came up with a group challenge to this month, “Find Rest in Balance,” or FRIB as I love a good acronym. This is so important because we live in a world that often pushes us toward the brink of exhaustion and burnout, the concept of "Find Rest in Balance" (FRIB) emerges as a critical reminder of the need for self-care and equilibrium. Jesus’ is the original master of practicing FRIB. We often wrongly assume that Jesus went from town to town constantly working in his earthy ministry. We assume Jesus never took breaks with his short ministry of less than four years. If Jesus never rested and stopped working, we should never rest and stop working. We assume incorrectly to our detriment. Jesus practiced the Sabbath and deliberated retreat into the wilderness serves as a powerful example of how to integrate FRIB into our lives, showing us the importance of seeking solitude and rest amidst life's demands.
The Gospels provide several instances where Jesus exemplified FRIB by seeking solitude for prayer, reflection, and connection with God, away from the crowds and his daily tasks. One of the most poignant examples is found in the Gospel of Luke, where it is stated, "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Luke 5:16, NIV). This practice of withdrawing to pray not only highlights Jesus’ need for personal space and quiet but also underscores the importance of finding a balanced rhythm between work and rest, engagement, and solitude.
Jesus' retreat into the wilderness for forty days and nights (Matthew 4:1-2) is a profound illustration of FRIB. During this time, he fasted and prayed, facing temptations, and emerging spiritually strengthened and ready for his public ministry. This period of solitude and self-care was not about avoidance but about preparation and finding strength in balance. It was a time for Jesus to align his will with God’s, to gain clarity and to recharge in the presence of his Father, away from the distractions of the world.
In Mark’s Gospel, after a busy day of teaching and healing, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile” (Mark 6:31, NLT). Here, Jesus teaches the value of recognizing when we need to step away and recharge, an essential component of FRIB. He knew that for him and his disciples to continue their work effectively, they needed to find rest and balance.
These scriptural examples serve as potent reminders that even amid serving others and fulfilling our purposes, taking time for self-care is not only beneficial but necessary. Jesus’ example encourages us to prioritize moments of solitude, reflection, and connection with God as integral to our well-being. By doing so, we can better navigate the challenges of life, sustain our energy and passion for our work, and maintain our physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Incorporating FRIB into our lives, as Jesus did, means actively seeking periods of rest and solitude, understanding our limits, and maintaining a healthy balance between our responsibilities and our need for renewal. By following his example, we can find strength, clarity, and peace, ensuring we are well-equipped to face life’s demands with grace and resilience.
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
Polishing The Pulpit Group Outing
We are trying to organize a group outing to Polishing The Pulpit. Our outing will be August 16,17,18. If you wish to participate in this group outing please notify Barry Leake or Donna Henshaw no later than Sunday February 26. Sorry for the short notice but bookings are already being taking for the Seveirville, TN. venue. If we wait any later the lodging will likely be filled. For more info please check the posting on the foyer bulletin board or ask Barry or Donna. Of course you can book for yourself anytime if you do not wish to participate in the group outing.
Please Remember To Sign Up For Small Groups
Dear Holly Hill Family,
The Holly Hill leadership team is hosting and facilitating small groups for the Winter/Spring 2024 season, officially beginning this Sunday. Please remember to sign up on the bulletin board for one of the groups below. Additionally, please get in touch the host of the group you are planning to attend to let them know you want to participate!
The groups for the Winter/Spring season are as follows:
Elijah and Katie Bell are hosting in their apartment. Their group will meet at 2pm.
Todd Best and Tom Roach are co-hosting a group that will alternate meeting at Todd's house in Waddy and at Joyce's house in Shelbyville.
Ray and Stephenia Bowman are hosting a group in Rm 12 downstairs at the building.
Nick and Carly Gill are hosting a group at their house at 2pm (at least for the first meeting - we will discuss and see what time works best for the group)
Kurt and Emily Montooth are hosting a group at their house at 4:30pm.
Sunday Evening Schedule
First Sunday: Small Group-Mission Control (TBD)
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.
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 February, we need:
Canned Tuna
Canned Chicken
Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
Church Records - Sunday, February 4th
Bible Class Attendance - 75
Worship Attendance - 125
Contribution - $8,906.00
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Inez Chatham
Danny Hughes
Fern Perkins (Matthew Woodyard’s aunt)
Honduras Mission Trip
Ongoing Prayers For: John Widener Jr., Steve Small, The Tropoulos Family, 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, & 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.
REAL Ladies Bible Study - Tonight, February 8th (6PM)
The REAL Ladies Bible Study will be hosted at the church building by Kathie Anderson on Thursday, February 8th at 6:00 p.m. Please use the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board to assist her in preparations. If you have any questions, call Kathie at (502) 320-6590.
Elder, Minister, & Deacon Meeting — Sunday Afternoon, February 11th (2PM)
The Elders, Ministers, & Deacons will meet on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 2PM.
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
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 February, we need:
Canned Tuna
Canned Chicken
Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
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