Where Is God When You Need Him?
“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.
Where Is God When You Need Him? Devotional by: Elijah Bell
God may seem far away, a distant figment of the imagination of theologians from eons past. But where is God now? How do you feel God at work in your life? How do you experience God in the here and now of the modern frenzy of overbooked calendars, long work hours, and stressful family situations? Where is God when you need Him? Here are four ways you can experience God in your everyday life:
1. You Can Experience God Through Nature
The world is an amazing place. In fact, the whole universe simply baffles the minds of even the best of us. This is because the universe, our Milky Way, the Solar System, and the very planet on which we live, all scream out something utterly remarkable: THERE IS A DESIGNER! From the perfect design of the eye of a trilobite, to the intricate complexities of the body’s thermoregulatory system, design is seen everywhere. The interesting fact of the matter is that these systems could not have evolved, because they do not serve a function until they are completely developed, meaning natural selection would supposedly have eliminated them long before they were completely formed. The Bible speaks clearly that nature is one of the ways that we experience God. In Romans 1:20 it says, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” The Bible claims that those who observe nature are without excuse if they don’t connect the dots and come face-to-face with our almighty Designer.
2. We Can Experience God Through Prayer
In Acts 10, there is a man who was not a Christian, and his name was Cornelius. The passage tells us that he “feared God” and that he “prayed continually” (Acts 10:2). God heard his prayers, because in verse 4, he is told by an angel that his “prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God.” Cornelius experienced God that day because of his prayers, and he became the first Gentile (non Jew) convert to Christianity. No matter who you are, and what your religion, if you are a truth seeker who looks to please the Creator, God hears your prayers. In fact, Jesus Himself promised us this in Matthew 7:7-8 when He said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” Jesus promised that if we seek with all our hearts, and if we have an open mind toward the truth, we will experience God in our lives.
3. We Can Experience God Through The Bible
One might ask why God does not speak to us today like He did in ancient times. But the reality is that He speaks much more to us today than He did to those of centuries past. The people of old only got a glimpse into God’s eternal plan, and wanted to know more about that plan than what God revealed to them (1 Peter 1:10). But now, through the writings of the Bible, we can know God’s complete plan, something even angels did not know long ago (1 Peter 1:12). 2 Peter 1:3 tells us that God has now granted us everything we need for life and godliness. Romans 1:16 says that we have the “power of God” available to us in the Bible. As we read, we connect with God on a far more personal and intimate level than even did the renowned prophets of ancient times such as Moses, Elijah, and Isaiah.
4. We Can Experience God Through The Church
God’s church is one of the most obvious ways to experience God in your everyday life, since, in the church, you can literally interact with God’s people, feel God’s love, and see God’s eternal plan at work in the lives of mankind. The church is described in the scriptures as being the “body of Christ” (Colossians 1:18). When we interact with the church, we are interacting with individuals who make up different parts of God’s body, and who serve different functions, but all are intended to serve, and build up the body (Ephesians 4:16). You find your ultimate experience with God as part of this body, the church. Until you become a part of this wonderful body of Christ, you can only experience God on a superficial level. The thing is, the body has a place for you. You can fit in wonderfully when you become a part of this body, and you find a purpose in God’s eternal plan. This is the ultimate way to experience God in your life.
Missions
These are the challenges that the congregation is actively working on this month.
Our Missions For July
Equip — Write down your story of how you came to follow Jesus using the sheets at the Mission Control Center, and ask another disciple to share their story with you as well.
Kids’ Challenge — Write down all the things you love about going to church and to Bible class. The teachers, the singing, the fun with friends, etc.
Teach — Share in some way your story which you wrote down as the Equip challenge with a fellow disciple, and for bonus points, with a non-Christian also.
Kids’ Challenge — Share with your friends the things you like most about church, Bible class, and the Holly Hill congregation, and invite them to come.
Serve — Do a kind deed for a non-believer, and make sure they know you’re doing it in the name of Jesus and the Holly Hill congregation.
Kids’ Challenge — Think of something you can do for someone who needs encouragement. Do that thing for them, and tell them it’s because of Jesus.
*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.
Book for Ladies' Sunday Night Class
We have been studying the book "Thought Garden" by Laura Jenkins. Below is the link you can order from, either will work. If you order now, you should have plenty of time for it to get here by next month!
Potter Children's Home Tuesday's Treasures Resale Shop - Pickup on Thursday, July 27th
Some of you have asked when the truck from Potter Children's Home Tuesday's Treasures Resale Shop will be back, so we've made arrangements for a pickup on Thursday, July 27th. Please have your donation items in the fellowship hall by July 25th. Donations can include household items, clothing, shoes, furniture, toys, etc. All in good shape, please. Clothing may need to be laundered, please NO musty-smelling items. If it is broken, throw it away. Thanks so much for your kind contributions.
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:
Apple Sauce
Macaroni & Cheese
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 (July 9th, 2023)
Bible Class (Sun AM) - 83
Worship (Sun AM) - 136
Contribution (Sun AM) — $13,811.00
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Family of Jane Colvin (Aunt of Joyce Best)
Monica Hardesty (Sister of Brenda Stone’s Co-Worker)
James Robert (Uncle of Valerie Clark)
Larry & Renita Clarke
Carrie Horn
Ongoing Prayers For: Steve White, Janis Friend, Steve Small, The family of Edith Martin, 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), 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), 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.
Singing Night (Sunday Evening Service) — Sunday Night, July 16th 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 Evening Service) — Sunday Night, July 23rd 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.
Potter Children's Home Tuesday's Treasures Resale Shop - Pickup on Thursday, July 27th
Some of you have asked when the truck from Potter Children's Home Tuesday's Treasures Resale Shop will be back, so we've made arrangements for a pickup on Thursday, July 27th. Please have your donation items in the fellowship hall by July 25th. Donations can include household items, clothing, shoes, furniture, toys, etc. All in good shape, please. Clothing may need to be laundered, please NO musty-smelling items. If it is broken, throw it away. Thanks so much for your kind contributions.
Potluck (5th Sunday) — Sunday Afternoon, July 30th at 12pm
Our “5th Sunday” 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!
Men’s Bible Study Breakfast — Saturday Morning, August 5th 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, August 6th at 4pm
Elders/Ministers/Deacons will meet on the 1st Sunday of each month, from 4-6pm.
Mission Control — Sunday Night, August 6th 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.
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 July, we need:
Apple Sauce
Macaroni & Cheese
July Mission Control Challenges
We have 3 new challenges for the month of July that we need your help on. Please see the section above entitled “Missions” for more information.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.Potter Children's Home Tuesday's Treasures Resale Shop - Pickup on Thursday, July 27th
Some of you have asked when the truck from Potter Children's Home Tuesday's Treasures Resale Shop will be back, so we've made arrangements for a pickup on Thursday, July 27th. Please have your donation items in the fellowship hall by July 25th. Donations can include household items, clothing, shoes, furniture, toys, etc. All in good shape, please. Clothing may need to be laundered, please NO musty-smelling items. If it is broken, throw it away. Thanks so much for your kind contributions.
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