God’s Blueprint
“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)
God’s Blueprint, and Satan’s Plan To Distort The Pattern Devotional by: Elijah Bell
As humans, we are designed to seek out patterns. Our brains are hardwired to find order within chaos, to make sense of the random and the unsorted. We search for patterns everywhere: in the stars, in the swirls in our coffee mugs, in the clouds, and even in the structure of our own lives. This intriguing propensity is not merely a human fascination, but is a fundamental principle of our existence. God intended it to be this way, because God is a God of patterns.
The Book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, provides us with the first glimpses into God’s divine pattern. It details the pattern that God set up at the beginning with Adam and Eve - a prototype of productivity and stewardship, intended to set the course for humanity. God commanded them to "be fruitful and multiply," and to "fill the earth and subdue it" (Genesis 1:28). This was not merely a directive for population expansion, but an invitation to partake in the divine work of maintaining order and nurturing creation. God placed them in the Garden of Eden, entrusting them with the responsibility to "tend and keep it" (Genesis 2:15). This was the pattern laid out for them - a pattern that was good, functional, and fulfilling.
The term "good," as used in Genesis 1:31, has profound implications. After the culmination of creation week, God surveyed His work and declared it "good." The original Hebrew word used here is "Tov," which signifies not just moral goodness, but also functional completeness and beneficial quality. It suggests that creation was perfectly designed, adhering to the divine pattern that God intended.
But this perfect pattern was not left unchallenged. Genesis 3 introduces the presence of evil that sought to subvert the divine plan. The serpent's deception led Adam and Eve to deviate from God's pattern, bringing about chaos, suffering, and separation from God. This is how we can understand all evil - a deviation from God’s divine pattern.
Consider all the many forms of evil in the world today, and the many cultural shifts that are happening as we speak. Each of them, homosexual marriage, transgenderism, abortion, etc., are specifically designed to destroy the pattern God has set in place.
But this distortion of God’s blueprint extends beyond physical life and reproduction, and overflows into the church. Jesus, in Matthew 28:19-20, what we often call “The Great Commission,” gave the church a simple but profound pattern: baptize, teach (or disciple), and repeat. This was meant to be a cycle of spiritual growth and evangelism, a way for the church to continually invite others into the Kingdom of God and nurture their spiritual development until they are able to go and baptize as well. A pattern had been established, similar to the pattern set in Genesis.
However, this pattern too is under attack. Satan seeks to disrupt this cycle, encouraging complacency and stagnation within the church. The danger here is subtle but significant. When we grow comfortable with our current state and lose sight of the call to continually baptize and disciple, we unwittingly participate in distorting God's pattern.
Satan is content with us going to church. Satan is even fine with us trying to live godly lives and abstaining from evil. As long as God’s pattern is broken with us, Satan does not care what we do. How many of us are unintentionally distorting God’s divine blueprint?
So how do we combat this distortion of the divine pattern? The answer lies in restoration. We must strive to return to the "good" of Genesis 1:31, to the functional, beneficial order that God originally intended. This involves recognizing the divine patterns in our own lives and in the world around us, resisting the temptations to deviate from them, and actively working to maintain and restore them.
Today, could God look at the Holly Hill congregation and say that it is “good” and “functional” like He said of creation in Genesis 1:31? Could God say that we are a functional and pattern-following congregation? And if not, what will we do about it? We must not let Satan win, but return to following God’s divine blueprint for our lives!
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.
VBS Volunteers Needed
Hey Holly Hill!
VBS will be here soon and we need YOUR help! The dates are June 11-14 from 6-8 pm with a meal at 5:30. I have a link to a sign up sheet below and will have a paper one up in the lobby on Wednesday. I have already filled in some spots based on people I have talked to, so check to see if your name is there before signing up again! If you have any questions, let me know!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4FAAAD28A5FC1-vbs2023
Thanks so much for your help!
Kurt
VBS Decorating
Decorating for VBS will begin Monday (June 5th) until Saturday (June 10th), 1-8pm each day. Please mark your calendars and schedule time to come and help set up for this year’s VBS. All help is welcomed, plenty for everyone to do, from cutting paper to gluing fabric, sponge painting bricks, making chandeliers out of cardboard, and building a castle. Then finalize all the details on Saturday!
Donations Request
1. Cardboard boxes, larger in size, moving, packing or appliance.
2. Toilet Paper & Paper Towel rolls
3. Blue tarps
4. White/ivory sheets (they will be returned to you, only used for “water” scene…
5. PVC scraps (at least a foot long)
6. Quick Crete (got any unused bags laying around?)
7. Used plastic soda or water bottles
8. Cricut users to make sign lettering and banners.
All donation items can be placed in large classroom off of fellowship hall.
Questions? Call Kimberly 308-202-0293
“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 BellCuba Missionary Needs
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. Thank you for all that you do for the kingdom.
Robert Roach
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
Bible Class (Sun AM) - 78 (14May2023)
Worship (Sun AM) - 126 (14May2023)
Contribution — $6,382.00 (14May2023)
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
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
REAL Ladies Meeting — Tuesday Night, May 23rd at 6pm
The next REAL Ladies meeting will be Tuesday, May 23rd at 6pm. This month’s meeting is being hosted by Cora Owens at her home (See Daily Announcements). Please bring your favorite snack/appetizer or dessert and join us for a Bible study and fellowship with one another. There is a sign-up sheet in the lobby at church or if you want to respond by text to let me know if you plan to attend that would be great! If you have any questions, contact Cora (See Daily Announcements). Hope you can make it!
“Complete” (Week 10), Mid-week Adult Bible Study — Wednesday Night, May 24th 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, Week 9.
Teaching Tabithas Meeting — Thursday Night, May 25th at 6pm
The next Teaching Tabithas monthly event will be on May 25th at 6pm. We will be meeting up at the church building to help the VBS decorating team to decorate around the church building. VBS is quickly approaching, and we need all hands-on deck to make sure this is the best one yet! This is not exclusive to just our group this month, everyone is welcome to come and help out! Please try to be there for this event if you can so we can all help finish decorating while having fun together! If you have any questions let us know.
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.
VBS Decorating — Monday (June 5th) to Saturday (June 10th) From 1-8pm (Each Day)
Decorating for VBS will begin Monday (June 5th) until Saturday (June 10th), 1-8pm each day. Please mark your calendars and schedule time to come and help set up for this year’s VBS. All help is welcomed, plenty for everyone to do, from cutting paper to gluing fabric, sponge painting bricks, making chandeliers out of cardboard, and building a castle. Then finalize all the details on Saturday!
“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.
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.VBS Volunteers Needed
VBS will be here soon, and we need YOUR help! The dates are June 11-14 from 6-8 pm with a meal at 5:30. I have a link to a sign-up sheet below and will have a paper one up in the lobby on Wednesday. I have already filled in some spots based on people I have talked to, so check to see if your name is there before signing up again! If you have any questions, let me know!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4FAAAD28A5FC1-vbs2023
Thanks so much for your help!
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!
Cuba Missionary Needs
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. Thank you for all that you do for the kingdom.
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