Tears
“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.
Tears
Devotional by: Ray Bowman
“Jesus wept.” John 11:35
It’s likely the first sound you ever made was a cry. From birth, children cry to communicate a range of emotions. Pain, fear, and hunger are the most common. As the child develops and begins to learn verbal communication, crying becomes an emotional expression, often demonstrated when mere words fail.
I’ve always been somewhat emotional, prompting my mother to sometimes opine that I “wore my heart of my sleeve.” As I explained in my contribution to the book “Rest in Green Pastures” (2015, Start2Finish books), “I cry at funerals. And births. And Weddings. It’s not that I want to cry; it just seems like something I have little control over. The emotion builds up and before I know it, it’s running out my eyes.”
Stoicism, especially at these emotional times, is considered a guy thing, and there‘s certainly nothing wrong with controlling your feelings - if you can. I hope there’s nothing wrong with being unable to, either. I’ve known men who took great pride in boasting that “nothing bothers me!” As a Christian, I hope you’ve never made such a pronouncement.
As you stand beside a casket with your arm around a grieving brother or allow a bereaved sister to weep out her blinding tears on your shoulder, I pray that you are filled to overflowing with love and compassion. Remember, at least once that we’re told about, Jesus cried at a funeral, too.
“When Jesus saw her (Mary) weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”” John 11:33-36
This account is just one of many times we see our Lord filled with compassion. It’s only reasonable to think of the man who was willing to carry the weight of the world’s sin on his shoulders as being affected by physical and emotional suffering and sorrow.
”As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”” Luke 41-44
Compassion is defined as “a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.” Doesn’t that sound a lot like Jesus? Shouldn’t it sound a lot like us?
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
George Poulter's Obituary
George E. Poulter, 87, died Sunday, March 24, 2024 at his home in Shelbyville. He worked many years as an electrician and owned Poulter Electric. He was an U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. George came to faith in Christ at an early age growing up as a member at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. During his middle-age, he attended Simpsonville Baptist Church, and in recent years he was a member at Shelbyville First Baptist Church. Besides being an electrician, George also farmed, was a lineman with Kentucky Utilities, worked as a Shelby County Deputy Sheriff, was employed as a Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officer with the Kentucky Department of Transportation, as well as faithfully working as a part-time employee at the Shannon Funeral Service. George also enjoyed woodworking and watching University of Kentucky basketball and the Cincinnati Reds. For many years he enjoyed using his CB radio and his handle was, appropriately named, “Trouble-Shooter.” When it was open, George was known to be often found at Jerry’s Restaurant. George was known and loved by everyone.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Geraldine “Geri” Poulter of Shelbyville; his sons, Al Poulter (Patti) and Dale Poulter (Wanda), both of Shelbyville; his daughters, Shelia Reese (Garry) of Simpsonville, Angela Best (Todd) of Waddy, and Faith Hendrix (Sean) of Spring Hill, TN; his sisters, Juanita Poulter Howe Canen (Paul) of Georgia, Jeanette “Ginger” Yount of Shelbyville, and Cora Ellen “Kay” Bell of Elizabethtown; his grandchildren, Katie Ogden (Michael), Daniel Poulter, Caleb Poulter, Lane Reese, Taylor Forrest (Logan), Lyndsay White (Mason), Andrew Best (Bethany), Cameron Hendrix, Caley Hendrix, and Britanie Hunter (Jordan); his great grandchildren, Jackson Peyton, Breyden Ogden, Parker Forrest, Emmie Forrest, DeAndre Hunter, Jayce Hunter, Brixton Hunter, Dallas Thompson, Cysalie Thompson, and Britain Thomas.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 30, 2024 at the Shannon Funeral Home with the Rev. Bill Taylor officiating. Visitation will be 1:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, March 29, 2024 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hosparus, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Children’s Ministry, or Shelbyville First Baptist Church.
Meal Train Sign-Up Sheet For Wilkins
Phil only wanted meals provided from Tuesday-Saturday. If the slots are taken and you still want to furnish a meal, please contact Phil and set the meal up through him. Thank you!!!
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.
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 April, we need:
Spaghetti
Spaghetti Sauce
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 24th
Bible Class Attendance - 76
Worship Attendance - 117
Contribution - $4,365.00
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
The Poulter & Best Families
Charlotte Chowning (Joyce Best's Sister, who has an infected gallbladder)
Phil Wilkins (GI Bleed)
Clay Smith (Dorothy’s brother) fell & broke his arm.
Ongoing Prayers For: The White & McIver Family, The Steele Family, Robin Ibershoff, The Bates Family, Roger Caudill, 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,.
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.
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:
Meal Train Sign-Up Sheet For Wilkins
Phil only wanted meals provided from Tuesday-Saturday. If the slots are taken and you still want to furnish a meal, please contact Phil and set the meal up through him. 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.
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.
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 April, we need:
Spaghetti
Spaghetti Sauce
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