Grief
“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.
Grief
Devotional by: Kurt Montooth
To be human is to grieve. Loss is an inevitable part of life. In many ways the pain of losing a loved one is the price we pay for love. The shortness of life should create a desire to savor it. As Christians we have great hope because of the resurrection, but before the resurrection many of us will face the sting of death for ourselves and our loved ones. We must face our own death and the death of our loved ones. Dr. Diane Kübler-Ross who is often credited with originating the hospice movement developed a model of facing grief in the 1960’s based on her experience with dying patients and their families and her research. Her research on grief demonstrated that there are five stages of the grieving process: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages are not linear, and individuals may experience them in different orders or even revisit stages multiple times. I believe that her observations are in line with scripture and to help our members I would like to write a short article explaining these stages with some accompanying scripture.
In the face of loss and suffering, denial is a natural response. We may try to deny the reality of what has happened, or even blame ourselves or others for the loss. Jesus' words in John 14:1 offer hope and comfort in this stage: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me." Jesus then goes on in this chapter to teach his followers about the resurrection and our eternal life in his father’s house. We must embrace the permeance of death, but we should also look forward to eternal life in our fathers house.
Anger is another common stage of grief, as we may feel a sense of injustice or betrayal in the face of loss. The book of Psalms is full of expressions of anger and frustration directed towards God, but it also reminds us that it is okay to express our anger and that God can handle it. Psalm 13:2 says, "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" You can approach God with your anger and resolve it through conversation with him through prayer and scripture reading. Allow him to speak to you in that angry place. You’d be following in the footsteps of David, Job, Elijah, and Moses. Some of my most profound moments of spiritual growth have come from taking my anger to God.
Bargaining is a stage in which we may try to make deals with God or others in an attempt to reverse or change the circumstances of our loss. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:34 not to worry about tomorrow and to trust in God's plan for our lives. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Depression is a stage that can be difficult to overcome. We may feel overwhelmed by sadness and a sense of hopelessness. The book of Isaiah offers comfort and reassurance in this stage with verses such as Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Acceptance is the final stage of grief, in which we are able to come to terms with the loss and move forward in our lives. The book of Romans reminds us that God works or better translated repurposed everything together for the good of those who love Him. God doesn’t cause evil to happen, our own sin created the world where that happens, but our God turns evil into good. Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."’
The New Testament teaches us that in times of loss and suffering, we can turn to God for comfort, hope, and strength. As we work through the stages of grief, we can find solace in the scripture. By trusting in Him and relying on His love and grace, we can find peace and acceptance in the midst of our grief and suffering.
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
Meal Train Sign-Up Sheet For Area Wide Fellowship Event
Robin Mayes will be sending out a sign-up sheet for “finger foods” via the Meal Train for the Area Wide service this Sunday at 3pm. If you are not on the mailing list for the Meal Train, please let Robin know.
What is Meal Train? There are times in our lives when friends and family ask, "What can I do to help out?" The answer is usually to help them with a meal. When many friends provide support through a meal, Meal Train keeps everyone organized. MealTrain.com is a free meal calendar tool that makes planning meals among a wide group easy and less stressful.
Food Needed:
Chicken Salad Sandwiches (Cut into quarters)
Pimento Cheese Sandwiches (Cut into quarters)
Chips & Dip
Meatballs
Sausage Balls
Vegetable Tray
Fruit Tray
Desserts
(Please let Robin know what you’re bringing so she can update the sign-up sheet online.)
We also need volunteers to make tea/lemonade following our worship service this Sunday, as well as volunteers to help set-up and/or clean-up. Anyone wishing to volunteer, please contact Mary Johnson as soon as possible. Thank you!
Robin Mayes (call/text at 502-330-3361)
Mary Johnson (call/text at 502-229-9561)
Great Day In May Announcement
Following consultation with the deacons, trustees, and ministers, the elders have decided that 100% of the Great Day In May contribution will go towards the mortgage. In addition, we plan to use three of the four “fifth” Sunday contributions towards the mortgage.
Donations For Cuba
Holly Hill Family,
Please check-out the list on the bulletin board for items to bring for Cuba. Sign-up and bring your items. Money is also appreciated.
Robert Roach
Gift Card For Jeremiah & Heather Steele
Barbara Sudduth is collecting money to go toward a gift card for Jeremiah and Heather Steele, due to the passing of Steve Small. If you’d like to contribute, be sure to contact Barbara.
Church Records - Sunday, March 17th
Bible Class Attendance - 73
Worship Attendance - 114
Contribution - $6,316.00
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Clay Smith (Dorothy’s brother) fell & broke his arm.
George Poulter (Angela Best’s father) has taken a turn for the worse.
Ongoing Prayers For: The White & McIver Family, The Steele Family, Robin Ibershoff, The Bates Family, Roger Caudill, Mark & Mary Johnson, Judy Casey, Inez Chatham, John Widener Jr., The Tropoulos Family, Rita Tackett (Alyson Woodyard’s aunt), Cynthia Whitehead (friend of the Blanton’s), Patsy Cable (Bruce Blanton’s aunt), 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, March 21st (6pm)
The next REAL Ladies Bible Study will be Thursday, March 21st at 6pm. Alyson Woodyard will be hosting this in the fellowship hall of the church building and dinner will be provided. Please sign up if you plan to attend so we can have enough food.
“Large Group/Area Wide” Service - Sunday, March 24th (3pm)
On March 24th we’ll be hosting a Large Group/Area Wide Service at 3pm. We will have refreshments following the service, downstairs in the fellowship hall.
“Women Of The Word” Bible Study Group - Monday, March 25th (10am)
Are you ready to unlock a richer understanding of the Bible? Join our new how to study your bible group designed especially for women! I will be teaching exegetical principles of Bible study that I learned while in school at Bear Valley Bible Institute. Then each class as a group we will study different passages using these principles to gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word! Contact Katie Bell with any questions.
In this group we will learn: Tools and principles for effective Bible study; Confidence to study and understand on your own; How to find the true context of the text; Deeper friendships found with all of the ladies who attend; & Become Women Of The Word by being women who are IN the Word!
What to Bring to the Group: A journaling Bible that you don’t mind writing in or bringing post-it notes for placing inside your regular Bible. The text that we study each week will be provided on a printed paper, so don’t feel pressured to write in your own Bible until you are comfortable with it. Bible safe highlighters, pens, and colored pencils will be needed. Also bring a friend, this will be a easy starter class no matter what level of Bible study or knowledge that you have. I plan for this class to turn into one that we all can dive into the text together every week after everyone has learned the basic tools that we need for looking at the text.
“Women Of The Word” Bible Study Group - Tuesday, March 26th (6pm)
Are you ready to unlock a richer understanding of the Bible? Join our new how to study your bible group designed especially for women! I will be teaching exegetical principles of Bible study that I learned while in school at Bear Valley Bible Institute. Then each class as a group we will study different passages using these principles to gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word! Contact Katie Bell with any questions.
In this group we will learn: Tools and principles for effective Bible study; Confidence to study and understand on your own; How to find the true context of the text; Deeper friendships found with all of the ladies who attend; & Become Women Of The Word by being women who are IN the Word!
What to Bring to the Group: A journaling Bible that you don’t mind writing in or bringing post-it notes for placing inside your regular Bible. The text that we study each week will be provided on a printed paper, so don’t feel pressured to write in your own Bible until you are comfortable with it. Bible safe highlighters, pens, and colored pencils will be needed. Also bring a friend, this will be a easy starter class no matter what level of Bible study or knowledge that you have. I plan for this class to turn into one that we all can dive into the text together every week after everyone has learned the basic tools that we need for looking at the text.
Fifth Sunday Fellowship Meal & Afternoon Song Service - Sunday, March 31st (CANCELED)
Following consultation with the deacons and ministers, the elders have decided to forego this month’s fifth Sunday (March 31st) fellowship meal and afternoon song service for three primary reasons:
We’re hosting the area-wide service and fellowship on March 24th.
March 31st is Easter.
March 31st is also the beginning of spring break with several families with school age children planning to be out of town.
Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast - Saturday, April 6th (8am)
The Men's Bible Study & Breakfast is a monthly event, held on the first Saturday of each month. The Bible study takes place at the church building, downstairs in the fellowship hall.
Small Groups/Mission Control - Sunday, April 7th (TBD)
The Holly Hill leadership team is hosting and facilitating small groups for the Spring 2024 season. 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 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.
Elder, Deacon, Minister Meeting - Sunday, April 14th (2pm)
Our monthly Elder, Deacon, & Minister Meeting will be Sunday, March 10th at 2pm. We'll meet at the church building, downstairs in the fellowship hall.
“Large Group” Evening Worship Service - Sunday, April 14th (4pm)
On the 2nd Sunday of each month, we will have a traditional service at 4pm.
Small Groups - Sunday, April 21st (TBD)
The Holly Hill leadership team is hosting and facilitating small groups for the Spring 2024 season. 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 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.
“Large Group” Evening Worship Service - Sunday, April 28th (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:
Area Wide Fellowship Event Meal Train Sign-Up Sheet
Robin Mayes will be sending out a sign-up sheet for “finger foods” via the Meal Train for the Area Wide service this Sunday at 3pm. Please let Robin know what you’re bringing so she can update the sign-up sheet online.
Food Needed: Chicken Salad Sandwiches (Cut into quarters), Pimento Cheese Sandwiches (Cut into quarters), Chips & Dip, Meatballs, Sausage Balls, Vegetable Tray, Fruit Tray, & Desserts.
We also need volunteers to make tea/lemonade following our worship service this Sunday, as well as volunteers to help set-up and/or clean-up. Anyone wishing to volunteer, please contact Mary Johnson as soon as possible. Thank you!
Donations For Cuba
Please check-out the list on the bulletin board for items to bring for Cuba. Sign-up and bring your items. Money is also appreciated.
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 March, we need:
Canned Green Beans
Canned Corn
Canned Carrots
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