Loving Perculiar People
“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.
Loving Perculiar People
Devotional by: Nick Gill
Elijah is teaching Philippians on Wednesday nights, and it is one of the favorite letters of Paul for many Christians, not least because of its crisp ideas and special terms like joy and fellowship (a common life with others) and unity. Then too, it has some of our favorite passages, like the poem of Philippians 2:6–11, and favorite verses, not least 4:13’s “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Paul founded a church in Philippi, a Roman colony nestled between Thessalonica and today’s Istanbul. This beautiful city, proud of its Roman connection, became the backdrop for a community of believers. Lydia, the purple-dyed merchant, was among the first converts. Her house, now a sanctuary, echoed with prayers and laughter.
But the church in Philippi wasn’t a utopian haven. It was a messy mix of personalities, backgrounds, and quirks. The Philippian believers were peculiar—each one a unique brushstroke in God’s grand canvas.
Peculiar is a funny word: it whispers of uniqueness. It points to the odd-shaped pebble on a beach of sameness. Peculiar pulls on mismatched socks and winks at convention. It’s the cat that prefers cardboard boxes over plush beds. Like an ancient bookshop tucked down an alley, it invites us to explore, to draw closer and learn more. 1 Peter 2:9 in the King James Version calls the called-out family of God “a peculiar people,” pointing to our chosenness, our heritage woven with both glory and frailty. Perhaps in our peculiarities, we glimpse the fingerprints of the Divine Wonder who created us.
But that’s not how it usually goes, is it? We often speak of loving God, of communing with the Divine. But how can we say we love and commune with God if we cannot embrace those who share our pews, our potlucks, and our prayers? The mystery lies not only in our vertical connection to God but also in our horizontal connection to one another.
Paul, writing from prison—perhaps in Rome or Ephesus—penned his letter to the Philippians. His words resonate across time, inviting us into this peculiar fellowship. “Common life” or “fellowship” (koinonia) threads through Philippians. It’s more than coffee hour chitchat or potluck casseroles. It’s the symphony of shared lives—the notes of generosity, encouragement, and vulnerability. The Philippians partnered in ministry with the Apostle and with one another, their gifts like fragrant incense rising to God. Their love for Paul was inseparable from their love for God.
So, here’s the challenge: Can we love and commune with God if we cannot love and commune with the particular and peculiar brothers and sisters that God has given us in our local church? The Apostle John might have an answer to that question – but we might not like his answer. Church is not merely a social club or a spiritual gym or a forgiveness emporium. Church is the training ground for love. Here, we learn to forgive the cantankerous sister, to listen to the rambling testimonies, and to embrace the awkward brother.
When we love the peculiar, particular brothers and sisters God has given us through His Spirit and the blood of Christ, we mirror God’s love for us—flawed, quirky, and infinitely precious.
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
New Song For “Great Day In May”
We would like to learn a new song for our Great Day in May service. Below is a YouTube link to the song. Please watch and sing along. We will practice the song after morning services on 4-21 and 4-28.
Praise Update
Khylen Ace Stone-Shipley was born Thursday, April 4th, weighing 7 lbs 6 oz. and is absolutely beautiful! Him and Mommy (Brynlee Stone) are doing great.
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.
Mission Report: Guines, Cuba (January - February)
Holly Hill,
Please review the latest report from Guines, Cuba. I fly to visit them on April 11th and return April 15th. It is not too late to purchase Bible school supplies or give money for this work. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Robert Roach
Church Records - Sunday, April 7th
Bible Class Attendance - 59
Worship Attendance - 110
Contribution - $11,963.98
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Barbara Sudduth
The Franklin Family (Matthew, April, & Anna Marie)
Larry & Renita Clarke
Phil & Suzanne Wilkins
Ongoing Prayers For: Tany Phipps (Brenda Stone’s niece), Valerie Clark, The Poulter & Best 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, 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.
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.
Packing Backpacks For The Westridge Elementary Backpack Program - Wednesday, April 17th (5:30pm)
On Wednesday nights before Bible Study, we’ll be packing 75 backpack meals for the Westridge Elementary Backpack Program at 5:30pm.
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.
“Women Of The Word” Bible Study Group - Monday, April 22nd (10am)
A Bible study group for ladies who want to learn Bible study tools for a deeper relationship with God, hosted and taught by Katie Bell.
“Women Of The Word” Bible Study Group - Tuesday, April 23rd (6pm)
A Bible study group for ladies who want to learn Bible study tools for a deeper relationship with God, hosted and taught by Katie Bell.
Packing Backpacks For The Westridge Elementary Backpack Program - Wednesday, April 24th (5:30pm)
On Wednesday nights before Bible Study, we’ll be packing 75 backpack meals for the Westridge Elementary Backpack Program at 5:30pm.
“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:
Westridge Elementary Backpack Program
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
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 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