Ready to Suffer
“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.
Ready to Suffer Devotional by: Ray Bowman
”Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 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 16:32-33
Last Sunday, my call to worship was about suffering. I thought I’d take this opportunity to amplify and possibly clarify those thoughts somewhat.
Suffering is necessary to strengthen us in anything we do. Attitude makes suffering bearable. This attitude relies heavily on one of the Core Values the elders here at Holly Hill have embraced - Selflessness.
There will be times we suffer due to our own mistakes, but quite often we suffer because we’re doing the right thing. (See my article from the January 4 Vine, “Do Good.”)
In the above scripture from John’s Gospel, Jesus is preparing his apostles for the time after his death when they will be persecuted for doing what he has been preparing them to do - go into all the world and make disciples.
A similar admonition is presented in what has come to be called the Sermon on the Mount.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12
We trust and believe Jesus is, through the scriptures, giving us the same message today. If, as Christians, we act according to that message, we can expect things to not always go smoothly. That’s when we go to these words and approach the Heavenly Father in prayer to ask for the strength and comfort Jesus promises.
When you face difficulties, have faith in a God that can provide that solace and adopt the attitude that the brother of Jesus urges you to have.
“Count it all joy, my brothers,[b] when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2
God Bless!
Missions
These are the challenges that the congregation is actively working on this month.
Our Missions For June
Equip — Commit to being present every night for VBS, and making genuine connections with people.
Kids’ Challenge — Come to Vacation Bible School each night, and make sure to say “hi” to the people you’ve met. Make them feel welcome!
Teach — Take one of the lessons from VBS, study it on your own at home, and share what you discover about Jesus with someone else.
Kids’ Challenge — Share with your regular Bible class something you learned at Vacation Bible School!
Serve — Sign up for the VBS follow-up team to help make our guests feel welcome and valued.
Kids’ Challenge — Make a card saying “Thank you for coming to VBS!”, and have your parents ask Elijah for the address of one of our guests.
*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.
VBS Food Donation Sign-up
VBS is quickly approaching and we have an opportunity for you to help! We will be having a meal prior to the start of the program as well as a cookout on Sunday evening.
Sunday - Cookout
Monday - Pasta
Tuesday - Tacos
Wednesday - Pizza
To donate food items needed each night of VBS please sign up at the link below:
If you have any questions, please reach out to David Jones (502-320-3520) or Sarah Jones (502-526-2336) (sarahrenae717@gmail.com). Have a blessed day!
Sarah Jones
VBS Volunteers Needed
We need one more helper for VBS. You can choose between 2nd/3rd grade (Michele Blanton teaching) or 4th/5th grade (Miki teaching). We have a someone willing to assist wherever so if you can help, you can choose! Please let Kurt know as soon as possible!
Also, if you can only be there some nights and would be willing to help when you are here, let me know that too and we could split this job up between nights if we have enough people to cover them all.
“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:
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 (June 4th, 2023)
Bible Class (Sun AM) - 63
Worship (Sun AM) - 131
Contribution — $5,504.00
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Janis Friend
Family of Edith Martin
Alyson Woodyard
Brenda Perkins
Larry & Renita Clarke
Ongoing Prayers For: Steffan Widener (Johnny & Julie Widener’s daughter-in-law), Robin Iberschoff, Jerry Mayes (Mike Mayes’ brother), Pam Smith (foster parent of Robin Mayes niece, Lexi), Family of Steve England & Inez Ramsey, Family of Graham Heustis, Family of Renaee Diffee (Robin Iberschoff), Mike & Patricia Robertson (Melissa Trent’s parents), The Horn Family, Butch Elliott (friend of Robin Mayes), Montooth Family, Rhoda Jones, Betty Blanton, Bill & Mary Jo Marion (friends of Robin Mayes), Helen Hall, 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, 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, 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.
VBS Decorating — Thursday (June 8th) through Saturday (June 10th)
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.
Singing Service — Sunday Night, June 18th at 6pm
We will meet downstairs in the fellowship area to sing together in worship to God, and to encourage each other. The chairs will be arranged in a circle to intentionally draw attention to the fact that we are a family and are singing to build each other up. For many, these singing events are very moving and powerful. We want you to be there!
Small Groups — Sunday Night, June 25th 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.
R.E.A.L. Ladies Meeting — Monday Night, June 26th at 6pm
The R.E.A.L. Ladies group will meet Monday, June 26 at 6 P.M. at the home of Joyce Best. The meal will be furnished. There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer to help determine how much food to fix.
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 June, we need:
Chicken Noodle Soup
Tomato Soup
June Mission Control Challenges
We have 3 new challenges for the month of June 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!
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 September, 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