May Flowers
“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.
May Flowers Devotional by: Elijah Bell
Your mind is a garden, your thoughts are seeds...You can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds. As the beauty of May unfolds and the flowers around us come to life, let us reflect on the garden of our minds and the seeds we choose to plant. Like a carefully tended garden, our thoughts can cultivate blossoms of virtue and righteousness or weeds of discord and negativity.
Philippians 4:8 reminds us to sow seeds of positivity and virtue within our minds: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." By nurturing these seeds, we allow the flowers of love, compassion, and grace to bloom within our hearts.
In the same way that a healthy tree bears good fruit, we must tend to our spiritual gardens to ensure that our lives reflect God's love and wisdom. Luke 6:43-45 teaches us: "For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."
While the world around us may encourage us to plant and tend to the seeds of our fleshly desires, these lead to the growth of weeds that will choke the vibrant flowers of our spiritual gardens. Pursuing temporary pleasures will result in feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction. Romans 1:28-32 warns us of the consequences of neglecting God's wisdom and allowing these weeds to take root: "And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them."
To put this message into practice today, we can start by taking a few moments each morning to meditate on a Scripture passage that reflects God's love and wisdom. We can also commit to acts of kindness and service throughout the day, nurturing the seeds of compassion within our hearts. Lastly, we can engage in regular self-reflection, identifying and pruning any weeds of negativity that may be taking root in our minds. Through these daily practices, we can actively cultivate our spiritual gardens and foster a life of virtue and righteousness.
As gardeners of our souls, let us diligently tend to the gardens of our minds, planting seeds of virtue, and carefully pruning away the weeds of negativity and selfishness. By cultivating a vibrant spiritual garden, we will experience the deep fulfillment and joy that comes from living a life rooted in God's love and grace.
Remember, your mind is a garden, your thoughts are seeds...You can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds.
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.
“The Greatest King” VBS Registration
Join us for Vacation Bible School at Holly Hill as we learn about The Greatest King! There will be classes and activities for all ages, June 11th-14th from 6-8pm. A free nightly dinner will be offered each night, beginning at 5:30pm. VBS will be FREE, but we do ask that you register head of time. Pre-registration is encouraged to save time at check-in —All children are required to be registered, checked in, and given a security badge. Adults are not required to register or be checked-in but are encouraged to attend! Register now at the following link:
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 BellSteve England Has Passed Away
At 9:29pm on Monday night, Steve England passed away at U of L Hospital in Shelbyville, Ky. He had double pneumonia and was septic, among other issues. Remember to keep Inez Ramsey and his family in your prayers.
Cuba Missionary Needs
On May 19th, Robert Roach will be traveling to Cuba. One of the missionaries has sent a list of items that are needed for their various ministries. Robert plans to take as many of these items as possible when he travels. A sign-up to provide specific items will be posted in the foyer on Sunday.Monetary donations are also needed to provide some of the items that must be ordered for their benevolent missions, especially mosquito netting. Dengue, a disease carried by mosquitoes, is a serious problem for the community and the church in Cuba would like to provide as much mosquito netting as possible to their congregation and community.
Please be praying for the church’s efforts in Guines and for the missionary family we support - Daniel Cruz and his wife Janet and their two children. Pray that the supplies we bring are helpful in spreading the kingdom and that we are able to be used by God as a source of encouragement.
Purchased items need to be placed in the Cuba Missions box by Wednesday, May 17th. Monetary donations can be given to Robert or Carol by May 17th as well. Thank you for your continued support!
Meal Train For Joyce Best
If you wish to sign up for the Meal Train for Joyce Best, do so at the following link:
Children’s Bible Class Teachers/Helpers Needed
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!
Operation 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
Contribution — $18,330.00 (7May2023)
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’s Family & Inez Ramsey
Larry & Renita Clarke
Ongoing Prayers For: Mike & Patricia Robertson (Melissa Trent’s parents), The Horn Family, Butch Elliott (friend of Robin Mayes), Brenda Perkins, 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.
Ashli Mayes Moving Day — Saturday, May 13th at 3:30pm
If you want to assist Ashli Mayes with her move, meet at her new apartment building (address is in the daily announcements). If you have any questions, contact Robin Mayes at (502) 330-3361.
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!
“Complete” (Week 9), Mid-week Adult Bible Study — Wednesday Night, May 17th 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, Week 8.
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.
Men’s Bible Study Breakfast — Saturday Morning, June 3rd 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!
Elders/Ministers/Deacons Meeting — Sunday Afternoon, June 4th at 4pm
Elders/Ministers/Deacons will meet on the 1st Sunday of each month, from 4-6pm.
Mission Control — Sunday Night, June 4th at 6pm
Everyone meets in small groups in the fellowship hall. Material is provided for group discussion of each question. Responses on how to better meet the month's challenges are shared with all groups. Attendance at the previous mission control meetings is not required.
“The Greatest King” Vacation Bible School — June 11-14 from 6-8pm (Nightly Dinner at 5:30pm)
Join us for Vacation Bible School at Holly Hill as we learn about The Greatest King! There will be classes and activities for all ages, June 11th-14th from 6-8pm. A free nightly dinner will be offered each night, beginning at 5:30pm. VBS will be FREE, but we do ask that you register head of time. Pre-registration is encouraged to save time at check-in —All children are required to be registered, checked in, and given a security badge. Adults are not required to register or be checked-in but are encouraged to attend! Register now at “The Greatest King” VBS Registration.
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