Remove The Stone
“I Am The Vine; You Are The Branches. Whoever Abides In Me & I In Him, He It Is That Bears Much Fruit, For Apart From Me You Can Do Nothing.” John 15:5, ESV
Sermon
Preview
A Short Message To Get You Excited For Sunday’s Worship Service.
Remove The Stone
Article By: Elijah Bell
There are many today who are willing to stand nearby and watch what God is doing, but far fewer who are willing to step in and get their hands messy for Jesus. It’s easy to admire transformation or Kingdom work from a distance. It’s harder to take part in the uncomfortable, inconvenient work that often comes before it. Jesus doesn’t call His people to be spectators! He invites us to be participants!
In John 11:38-44, Jesus arrives at the tomb of Lazarus. The moment is powerful, Jesus is poised to do the impossible in raising a man from the dead! Jesus is fully capable of doing everything Himself, of course. Yet in verse 39, He gives a command to those standing by: “Remove the stone.” Jesus deliberately chooses to involve His friends in the work He is about to do. He didn’t need their help, but He wanted their participation.
Martha hesitates. “Lord, by this time he smells, for he has been dead four days.” She’s not wrong. This could get messy, uncomfortable, and unpleasant. That hesitation still exists today. We often hold back from being fully involved in ministry and in people’s lives because it requires sacrifice, service, and submission beyond what we are comfortable giving. Getting involved in people’s lives can be inconvenient. It can be difficult. It can feel overwhelming. But Jesus responds in verse 40, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” He reframes it. It’s no longer about our comfort, but about God’s glory!
When they obey and remove the stone, everything changes. In verses 41-44, Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb, and a dead man walks out alive! But notice that the miracle comes AFTER the stone was removed. AFTER the moment of messy, uncomfortable faith was demonstrated. Jesus did what only He could do, but only AFTER they did what they were commanded to do.
The same principle applies to us. There are people all around us who are spiritually dead, bound, and in need of life that only Christ can give. Jesus is still raising the dead, and He calls His people to remove the stones. He calls us into ministry. He calls us to step into the work.
This Sunday, March 29th, we have an opportunity to to begin that exact work through our Ministry Fair. Every member is encouraged to find a place to serve, to sacrifice, and to submit to the work of Christ. When you take up the work of Christ in this world through service and sacrificial ministry, you are being used by Jesus to remove stones so that Jesus can restore life, remove the bindings, and set people free.
We hope to see you THIS upcoming Sunday, March 29th for our Potluck and Ministry Fair, as we begin to “remove the stone.”
News
This Section Is For Any Special Announcements That Are Not Upcoming Events Or Prayer Requests.
Outside Workday
We will have an outside workday on Saturday, April 18, at 8:00 AM. Everyone is encouraged to come out and help.
If you have any questions, please contact Brad Gregory, Joe Richardson, or Bradley Richardson.
Area-Wide Singing
We’ve been asked to help spread the word that the area-wide singing will be held this Sunday at 6:00 PM at the Versailles Church of Christ. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a time of worship and fellowship.
Gift Card Collection For Joe & Baileigh Richardson
I am collecting contributions for a gift card for Joe & Baileigh Richardson in celebration of their baby girl, who is due on May 7. The deadline to contribute is Sunday, Apr 12.
Avenues For Women: 30-Day Building Campaign
Avenues Clinic is preparing to begin the construction on the new facility, and we are gathering the support needed to complete the project.
Do you have construction skills, trade services, or access to materials that you would be willing to donate? Do you have connections with others who do and may have a heart for this ministry?
We would love to connect you with our contractor. Please contact our office at (502) 695-0512 or office@chooseavenues.com.
We would also welcome financial donations to help offset costs. Please be in prayer alongside us as we begin this next phase of His work for LIFE.
Mar 29 | Worship Duty Roster
C2W: Robert Roach
Songs: Tom Owens
Prayer: Tom Roach
Lord's Supper: Jeff Jones
Scripture: Scott Trent
Mar 22 | Attendance & Contribution
Bible Class Attendance: 68
Worship Attendance: 160
Contribution: $5,356.00
Prayers
Here Are Some Individuals That Especially Need Our Prayers This Week. Please Keep Them In Mind Every Time You Pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Robert Widener
Dorothy Lyons
Emmie Forrest
Robert Roach Jr.
Shelley Pappas
David Gaddie
Scott Mitchell & Family
Jackie Hensley
Ongoing Prayers For: Pat Jones; The Hedden Family; Bob Presley; Nanette Conway; Brenda Stone; Ashli Mayes; Bob Dabney; The Sharp Family; The Irvin Family; Ezra Caldwell; Jeff Jones; Ernie & Judy Casey; Jackye Stockton; Jim & Valerie Clark; Lee Isleman; Jim Norrick; Phil & Suzanne Wilkins; Joue Manglicmot; Betty Blanton; Cora Owens; Dylan Smith; Geneva Hammons; Cathy Steele; Janis Friend; Tammy Radcliff; Jeannie LeBeau; Sonia Roach; Jerry Mayes; Kim Tillett; Carl Stoner; Melissa Farmer; Robin Ibershoff; Helen Hall; Charlene Ramsey; Inez Chatham; Jessie Tropoulos; Janice Coffelt; Polly Deaton; Janice Gregory; Penny Harland; Alyssa Deaton.
Upcoming Events
The Upcoming Events That You Need To Make Space On Your Calendar For.
Mar 29 | 5th Sunday Potluck
You're invited to join us for 5th Sunday Potluck Meal on Sunday, March 29, immediately following the conclusion of our worship service. We will meet downstairs in the fellowship hall. Please make sure that all desserts are cut ahead of time before they're dropped off. We look forward to seeing you there!
Mar 29 | Ministry Fair
Join us during our 5th Sunday Potluck on March 29th for the first annual Ministry Fair! There will be tables set up to showcase the various ministries, and all the ways YOU can get involved! Enjoy a good meal and sign up for a ministry. We aim for everyone at Holly Hill to be involved in serving others! We hope to see you there!
If you are a ministry leader, get with Elijah about the details for setting up your table. You should have already received a text to start this process.
Mar 29 | Area-Wide Singing At Versailles Church of Christ
We’ve been asked to help spread the word that the area-wide singing will be held this Sunday at 6:00 PM at the Versailles Church of Christ. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a time of worship and fellowship.
Apr 4 | Men’s Bible Study
The Men's Bible Study & Breakfast takes place on the first Saturday of each month at the church building, downstairs in the fellowship hall. We’ll meet on Saturday, Apr 4 at 8:00 AM.
Apr 5 | Easter Egg Hunt
There will be an Easter Egg Hunt following our worship service on Sunday, April 5. The Jones/Bell Life Group will be organizing this event. We are asking everyone to please bring prefilled Easter eggs to help make the hunt a success. Please avoid candy with peanuts or peanut butter. If you have candy to contribute, please bring it to Katie and she and her boys will fill eggs with it.
Apr 5 | Life Groups
Life Group information is on the wall in the foyer, including group specifics & schedules. Life Groups meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month (Sep-May).
Apr 18 | Outside Workday
We will have an outside workday on Saturday, April 18, at 8:00 AM. Everyone is encouraged to come out and help.
If you have any questions, please contact Brad Gregory, Joe Richardson, or Bradley Richardson.
Apr 19 | Life Groups
Life Group information is on the wall in the foyer, including group specifics & schedules. Life Groups meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month (Sep-May).
Get Involved
There Are A Lot Of Ways You Can Get Involved & Do The Work Of God In Our Community!
Limited-Time Opportunities:
Food Pantry Donations
For the month of April, the food pantry is collecting the following items:
Peanut Butter
Jelly
WES Backpack Program
Holly Hill will be packing backpacks each week in March & again in May. The immediate needs for the first week of March are listed below. If you have any questions, you can call Steve or Jenny Jones.
Capri Sun or Kool-Aid Pouches
Rice Krispies Treats
Individual Cookie Packs
Vienna Sausages
Microwave Mac-n-Cheese Cups
Individual Serving/Easy Open Veggie Packs
Individual Fruit Cups
Jello Cups
Pudding Cups
Individual Applesauce Cups
Microwave Popcorn Packs
Cans of Spaghetti O’s w/ Meat
Shelf Sustainable Milk
Long-Term Opportunities:
Mission Ministry
Check out the Kingdom work being done by the congregation we support in Güines, Cuba! Read the Mission Report for January & February at
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cr5qsr4uvgKP7Xg4d58YTSiffCur-eEh/view?usp=drive_link
Women’s Ministry
Check out the Kingdom work being performed by the ladies of Holly Hill! Read the Q4 Report (Oct-Dec) at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dGzjMXATX2ND9wKpFv7B21Jeeay5sX8D/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=117830364706998726684&rtpof=true&sd=true
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 David Jones, Brad Gregory, or Brad Proctor.
Meal Train & Potluck Ministry
If you’d like to help a family in need of a meal or sign up to bring a dish to a potluck, please contact Robin Mayes.
Youth Ministry
Holly Hill is beginning a search for a Children and Youth Minister. The Evangelistic Committee (Scott Trent, David Jones, Tom Owens, Jeff Jones, or Robert Roach) need your suggestions and input. Please pray for this position and for our congregation and for the search committee that will be formed in the coming days.
Children’s Ministry
If you’d be willing to teach, sub, or help, please see Scott Trent. We have a wonderful opportunity to teach God’s Word to our children. Let’s make sure they get our very best! Thank you!
Greeting Card Ministry
Every Sunday there are cards spread out on a table in the auditorium, right in front of the nursery window, which 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. If you know someone who would benefit from receiving a card from the church, please provide the name and address to Joyce Best. We will have “Get Well” cards, “Thinking of You” cards, “Praying For You” cards, and “Sympathy” cards.
Shriners Children’s Hospital
Donna White is collecting soda can tabs to donate to the Shriners Children’s Hospital. Please leave your donations in the lobby.
Subscribe To The Weekly Vine
The Weekly Vine is the newsletter of Holly Hill Church of Christ! If you would like to subscribe to The Weekly Vine, follow the link & sign up with your email address to receive the newsletter in your inbox.