Sweeter Than Honey
“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.
Sweeter Than Honey Devotional by: Nick Gill
On the first day of class the 1st century rabbi would take honey and would cover their slate where they would write. Honey was a sign of God’s favor. You may recall the image of the Promised Land as one “flowing with milk and honey.” As he rubbed the honey all over their slate he would say, “Now class, lick the honey off your slate and off your fingers.” And as they did this the rabbi would say, “May the words of God be sweet to your taste, sweeter than honey to your mouth” (Psalm 119:103). May the words of God be the most pleasurable, the most enjoyable thing you could even comprehend.
All children of all ages like "sweets" and for thousands of years, HONEY was the sweetest substance known and a little taste of honey to people for millennia was their candy. Throughout the Word of God, the WORDS of God are compared to honey (Ps 19:7-10; Ps 119:103; Ezekiel 3:3; Rev 10:9-10). Time and time again, God will insist that if we walk the right path, He will feed us with honey. Look at how it's stated here in Psalm 81:13–16:
“If my people would only listen to me,
if Israel would only follow my ways,
how quickly I would subdue their enemies
and turn my hand against their foes!
Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him,
and their punishment would last forever.
But you would be fed with the finest of wheat;
with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”
There are a lot of rocks in the desert. Like honey, the rock is an image that is found all over the Scriptures and we usually miss its significance. Rocks are the image of the desert — they are everywhere. And one of the most striking images of the rocks of the wilderness is what Jewish teaching refers to as “stones of stumbling.”
In the desert there are many stones that cause stumbling. Some of them are quite small, rocks you could hold in your hand. These are the simple annoyances of life. These annoyances can often pile up and affect our mood, but at the end of the day, these stones don't do major damage. A few nicks and bruises, but nothing to really worry about in terms of survival or significant pain.
But then there are bigger rocks, rocks that a strong man would lift up, grunting, with both hands. These rocks can cause some harm. It's easy to twist your ankle on these rocks in the wilderness. If you dropped it on a toe, you would need medical attention. There are moments in our deserts that hurt and cause some serious, yet temporary, pain.
Then, there are rocks that no man could lift. Large boulders that could easily put a person out of commission. Stumble into (or off of) one of these rocks and you’re talking surgery and the lost job. The family member that moves away and the broken relationship. These are stones that will hurt for some time and leave some serious scars.
And then, there are the huge cliffs — the bedrock. Rocks that you can't climb over, you can't pass through, and you're never going to move. They're rocks that change the course of your life. It's the death of a loved one. The diagnosis. The things in life that you have no control over.
These are the rocks of the wilderness. In the words of Ray Vander Laan, “I wish I could tell you that if you prayed hard enough, God would take the rocks away. But He doesn't. Sometimes he gives us a smooth path for a season — praise Him — but walking the path of God is hard. And there are rocks.”
God’s people need to learn early in our education that God and the words of God taste like honey. If we would walk the right path and trust in the right voice, God promises to feed us with honey from the rock. It isn't that He promises to take the rocks away. But He does promise that if we'll follow His voice, there will be just enough of His presence – His sweetness – in every rock we face today and every day until the Lord Jesus returns.
Missions
These are the challenges that the congregation is actively working on this month.
Our Missions For May
Equip — Watch the video on how to greet and interact with guests, familiarize yourself with a quick conversation starter guide, and attend our training night.
Kids’ Challenge — Invite one of your friends to come to VBS and see how many people you can get to come and join you this year!
Teach — Share VBS with a community member and invite them to “come and see”.
Kids’ Challenge — Invite one of your friends to come to VBS and see how many people you can get to come and join you this year!
Serve — Get involved with VBS by signing up as a volunteer.
Kids’ Challenge — Ask your parents how you can help get ready for VBS. There are a lot of jobs to do and you can help to make it a success!
*Be on the lookout for weekly training videos on our Facebook and YouTube pages, published each Sunday, to help you complete the challenges.
*As you complete each challenge, drop one of the pom-pom balls into the corresponding jar at the Mission Control Center in the lobby so we can see how many people are completing each challenge. One completion per person, per challenge, per month.
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
Getting Ready For Greeting Guests At VBS
Dear Holly Hill Family,
VBS is quickly approaching, and we want to be as welcoming as possible, and make sure that everyone feels included and valued. Here are a few things we can do to get ready for VBS:
Please watch the video on guest interactions here: https://youtu.be/qBnmWoXdbrQ
Read the Conversation Starter Guide here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6176aedee2ed452372ce310e/t/64525b8bb212365633aeb694/1683118987211/Guest+Interactions+Guide.pdf
Plan to attend the training night, Sunday, May 21st in place of our normal singing night.
Also, remember that these items are part of our monthly Mission Control challenges. If you have any questions, please reach out! We’re looking forward to working together to make this VBS a great success!
Your fellow servant,
Elijah BellOperation Re-Stock the Food Pantry (May)
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 May, we need:
Cereal
Mayonnaise/Miracle Whip
Cards
If you know someone that needs to receive a card in the mail from the church, please send a note to office@hollyhillcoc.org with “Cards” in the subject line. We will get that information to Sonia to prepare a card for the church to sign.Important Announcement Regarding Mail
To counter the recent instances of mail theft, we rented a post office post to secure the delivery of mail. For at least the next three months, please send all correspondence, especially checks, to the following address:
Holly Hill Church of Christ P.O. Box 4001 Frankfort, KY 40604
Friendly Reminder Regarding Church Announcements
Just a friendly reminder to everyone regarding church announcements: If you wish to make an announcement or have a prayer request, please contact Matthew Woodyard via email (office@hollyhillcoc.org). Announcements will be included in our daily email (5pm), our weekly Vine (Thursdays at 10am), and posted to Holly Hill’s Facebook page. If you wish something to be shared, please submit your announcement by 4pm. Emergency prayer requests can be submitted at any time and will be shared as soon as possible. If you’re not receiving our daily emails, weekly Vine Newsletter, or text messages, or if you have any questions about this process, don't hesitate to contact Matthew.
Church Records
Bible Class Attendance (Sun AM) — 73 (29APR2023)
Worship Attendance (Sun AM) — 142 (29APR2023)
Contribution — $5,435.00 (29APR2023)
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Renaee Diffee & Family (Robin Iberschoff’s friend)
Steve England & Inez Ramsey
Mike & Patricia Robertson (Melissa Trent’s parents)
Ongoing Prayers For: The Horn Family, Butch Elliott (friend of Robin Mayes), Brenda Perkins, Larry & Renita Clarke, Montooth Family, Rhoda Jones, James Tutt Jr. (Donna White’s friend) & victims of the Louisville shooting, Wanda Justice (Alyson Woodyard’s grandmother), Betty Blanton, Janis Friend, Bill & Mary Jo Marion (friends of Robin Mayes), Helen Hall, The Family of Daniel Rowlette (Alyson Woodyard's cousin), Robin Iberschoff, Penny Harland (Katie Bell’s mother), The Parnell Family, Alyssa Deaton, Robert Lewis (Sharon Lewis’ son), Pete & Jessie Tropoulos, Codie Rich (Michael & Kimberly Mundt’s son-in-law), Emma Collins, Jerry Mayes (Mike Mayes’ brother), Blake Ramsay (Inez’s grandson), Bill Marion (father of Robin Mayes childhood friends), Rusty Bell (friend of Robin Mayes), Tanya Phipps (Brenda Stone’s niece), Samantha Stone (Brenda’s daughter), Gail Keith (Michele Blanton’s mother), Nikki Fenney (Johnny and Julie Widener’s niece), Bertha Young’s Family, Dorothy Trent, Polly Deaton, Jane Dempsey, Rita Tackett (Alyson Woodyard’s aunt), Sandra Haden (Tiffany Quarles’ mother), The Valentine Family, The Family of Bob Tankersley, David Fair (prayers for his marriage and family situation), Steve Small, Phil and Suzanne Wilkins, Jim Clark (Continued Prayers), Prayers for Mission Control Challenges, Glenda Mitchum, Lisa & Pete Vogel (family of Brenda Stone).
* 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.
Men’s Bible Study Breakfast — Saturday Morning, May 6th at 8am
Join us on the first Saturday morning of each month, for the Men’s Bible Study Breakfast. We will meet downstairs in the Fellowship Hall and be studying from the book of James. See you there!
Great Day in May — Sunday, May 7th (Potluck Meal at 12pm)
Our “Great Day in May” service will follow our normal Sunday morning schedule, Bible Classes at 10am & Worship at 11am. We hope you’ll stick around following worship and join us for a potluck meal, downstairs in the fellowship hall. We look forward to seeing you there!
“Complete” (Week 8), Mid-week Adult Bible Study — Wednesday Night, May 10th at 6:30pm
Our mid-week adult Bible study, “Complete,” continues, Wednesday nights at 6:30pm. Make sure to check your email this week for the lesson material. Previous week’s material can be found by selecting the following links: Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7.
Study Groups — Sunday Night, May 14th at 6pm
On this Sunday night, the men will meet in the auditorium for a group session, and the women will meet in room 12 downstairs. Some of the men will teach the children in a separate classroom downstairs in order to allow the mothers to participate in the women's study group. All are welcome! Please bring your family!
VBS Training Night — Sunday Night, May 21st at 6pm
VBS is quickly approaching, and we want to be as welcoming as possible, and make sure that everyone feels included and valued. Here are a few things we can do to get ready for VBS:
Please watch the video on guest interactions here: https://youtu.be/qBnmWoXdbrQ
Read the Conversation Starter Guide here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6176aedee2ed452372ce310e/t/64525b8bb212365633aeb694/1683118987211/Guest+Interactions+Guide.pdf
Small Group Sunday — Sunday Night, May 28th at 6pm
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.
How You Can Serve
There are a lot of ways you can get involved and do the work of God in our community!
For more information or for help signing up for any of these ministries, please call the church office at: (502) 227-7796.
Limited-Time Opportunities:
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 May, we need:
Cereal
Mayonnaise/Miracle Whip
May Mission Control Challenges
We have 3 new challenges for the month of May that we need your help on. Please see the section above entitled “Missions” for more information.
Long-Term Opportunities:
Mission Launch Team
We are needing individuals to sign up for the Mission Launch Team. People on this team commit to working on the Mission Control challenges each month, and they also commit to encouraging at least one other person to work on the missions as well. We need you to sign up for this ministry so we can grow the Mission Control program organically from person to person. Sign up for the Mission Launch Team at the Mission Control Center in the lobby.
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.
Greeter Ministry — We’re looking for people who are friendly and outgoing to welcome our guests and members each Sunday morning. If you are interested, contact Tom Owens.
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.
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 — Our next quarter begins in June, so we will be needing to staff our Children’s Bible Classes. 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!
Holly Hill’s Children’s Bible Class Ministry Needs Your Help With Materials
We are requesting your help with our new Spiritual Heritage Bible Class curriculum for K-6.
The teachers are tasked to create a God-made wall. This wall is a focal point in the classroom and will provide an opportunity to speak of the magnificence and wisdom of God. To ensure successful implementation of the program in our K-6 classes, the Bible class teachers need photos of any kind showing the greatness of God. These photos could be any type including nature, scenery, seasons, animals, people, etc. Use your imagination!
Also included in the curriculum are specific lessons directed at certain topics. We need photos of these items also.
God Planned Animal Houses
God Made Desert Animals That Can Survive On Little Water
God Made Camels, Snakes, Great Eyes, Protective Coverings, Beautiful Animals, Mosquitoes, Giraffes, Animal Hands (Claws, Wings, Paws), Big Cats
God Made Animal Hides, Perfect Animals (even though they look silly to us), Porpoises, Animal Ears, Micro-Organisms, Animal Cooperation
Great sources for these needed photos are magazines, outdated calendars, and old books. Size of the photo does not matter. Our first Sunday class with the new curriculum will be March 5th. We will be accepting and using these photos throughout the next 26 weeks. Please turn them in as you find them.
All we ask is that you cut out the photos and place them in the box located in the foyer labeled, Spiritual Heritage. Let's support these dedicated teachers and help ensure our Holly Hill kids know that our God is very great!
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 class: 6:30pm