Out Of The Heart
“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.
Out Of The Heart
Article By: Elijah Bell
When you squeeze an orange, you don’t get apple juice. You get orange juice. What is on the inside is what comes out under pressure. That shows the true state of our heart. It's not about what's on the outside. Those things follow after what is on the inside.
In Mark 7:1-23, the scribes and Pharisees condemn Jesus’ disciples for eating with unwashed hands, thus breaking the traditions of men, not God’s law. They perceived holiness to be external, something to be regulated and policed. We sometimes see holiness as the same: External markers that we use to judge if we, or others, are “holy" or "defiled." We look at the outside, not the inside.
Jesus turns this notion upside down and says the exact opposite. It’s not about the externals; it’s about the contents of the heart. “And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man.” (Mark 7:20, LSB)
This Sunday we will look at the two perspectives on what makes someone holy or defiled. One perspective, the incorrect one the Pharisees had, is that external rule-keeping is that which makes one holy or justified, while Jesus presents another perspective: It’s about what’s on the inside. We will examine each of these perspectives, noticing several observations about each to help us understand which we will choose, and what we should do in order to have the correct mindset, because it all comes “out of the heart.”
News
This Section Is For Any Special Announcements That Are Not Upcoming Events Or Prayer Requests.
VBS26: Developing Faith Warriors
Join us for an exciting week of Vacation Bible School, Sunday, June 7 - Wednesday, June 10 from 6:30–8:00 PM!
This year’s theme is “Developing Faith Warriors,” centered on the life of Moses. Our main focus is helping kids grow more confident in their faith - learning that God can use them, even when they don’t feel qualified.
Each night will highlight a powerful truth:
Night 1 - “God Chooses Me”
Through the story of the Burning Bush, kids will learn how God chose Moses - even when he felt unqualified.
Night 2 - “God Equips Me”
As we explore Pharaoh and the Ten Plagues, kids will see how God equipped Moses to carry out His plan.
Night 3 - “God Uses Me”
With the Parting of the Red Sea, kids will discover how God used Moses to bless others and lead His people to freedom.
On the final night, we will also have a free meal for everyone - so don’t miss it!
Important: Parents must register their children in advance. Registration is available on our website.
We can’t wait for your kids to join us for this fun, meaningful, and faith-building experience!
Holly Hill High School Graduates
If you know of a 2026 high school graduate in the congregation, please let Gala Catron or Larisa Gregory know.
Church Workday
We will have an inside/outside workday on Saturday, April 18, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Everyone is encouraged to come out and help. If you have questions or other needs, please call/text Brad Gregory.
The following is a list of things we would like to accomplish:
Outside
Trim Bushes
Mulch (Being Delivered)
Spray Roundup
Clean Out Outbuilding
Build A Ramp To The Outbuilding
Stabilize Outbuilding Foundation
Blow Around Doors & Sidewalks
Inside
Hang Mirrors & Coat Rack In Baptistry
Clean Baptistry Dressing Rooms
Adjust Baptistry Door Striker Plates
Straighten Pew Chairs
Dust Pew Chair Legs/Shelves
Sort & Redistribute Bibles & Hymnals
Wipe Down Walls, Door Facings, Baseboards, & Chair Rails
Apr 19 | Worship Duty Roster
C2W: Bruce Blanton
Songs: Bradley Richardson
Prayer: David Richardson
Lord’s Supper: Ricky Drawbaugh Jr
Scripture: Brad Proctor
Apr 12 | Attendance & Contribution
Worship Attendance: 149
Contribution: $6,084.10
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
Charlotte Reynold
Bruce & Helen Hall
Dorothy Lyons
Emmie Forrest
Robert Roach Jr.
David Gaddie
Jackie Hensley
Ongoing Prayers For: The Drake Family; The Hayes & Bird Family; Pat Jones; 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; 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.
Apr 16 | R.E.A.L. Ladies Devo
Join us on Thursday, April 17 at 6:00 PM for the R.E.A.L. Ladies Devo, which will be held in the church basement. This month’s devo will be hosted by Joyce Best and Donna Watts.
Please bring your favorite hors d'oeuvres to share as we enjoy an evening of fellowship and encouragement together.
We’re excited to get things going again! To help keep this special time going, we encourage everyone to sign up to host a future devo—the sign-up sheet is available in the church lobby.
We hope to see you there!
Apr 17 | Ladies Who Lunch
Ladies Who Lunch will be 11:30 AM Friday, April 17 at Bluegrass Sabor (1010 Chico Dr, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342). If anyone needs a ride, please let Mary or Cora know.
Apr 18 | Church Workday
We will have an inside/outside workday on Saturday, April 18 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Everyone is encouraged to come out and help. If you have questions or other needs, please call/text Brad Gregory.
Apr 18 | Ladies Day At Florence COC
All ladies are invited to attend Ladies Day at the Florence Church of Christ, located at 1141 Boone Aire Rd, Florence, KY 41042, on Saturday, April 18. For additional information, please contact Donna Watts or Joyce Best.
Apr 19 | Life Groups
Life Group information is available on the wall in the foyer, including details about each group and their schedules.
Life Groups meet on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, running from September through May.
We encourage everyone to get involved and be a part of a Life Group!
Apr 26 | Men's Business Meeting
There will be a Men’s Business Meeting on Sunday, April 26 at 4:00 PM, downstairs in the fellowship hall. All male members of the congregation are invited and encouraged to attend.
Apr 26 | Women's Ministry Program Meeting
The Women’s Ministry Program will hold their quarterly meeting on Sunday, April 26 at 4:00 PM. The meeting will take place upstairs in the auditorium. All ladies are encouraged to attend as we gather for planning, encouragement, and fellowship.
May 2 | 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, May 2 at 8:00 AM.
May 3 | Great Day In May
We are excited to begin sharing information about our upcoming Great Day in May (GDIM26) and encourage everyone to mark their calendars and begin inviting others to join us for this special occasion.
As a congregation, we have set a financial goal of $20,000 and an attendance goal of 225 for this year’s Great Day in May. We ask for your prayers, participation, and support as we work together to reach these goals.
This year, the contribution collected on GDIM26 will be divided to support two important efforts. Half of the offering will benefit the William Joseph Crisis Nursery, which provides emergency shelter and compassionate care for children ages 0–5 during family crisis situations, including those involving domestic violence. The remaining half will be directed toward capital improvements for our church building, helping address needs such as new carpet, sealing and striping the parking lot, and pressure washing the building.
Please begin spreading the word, inviting friends and family, and prayerfully considering how you can contribute to making this Great Day in May a meaningful and impactful success.
Jun 7-10 | VBS26: “Developing Faith Warriors”
Join us for an exciting week of Vacation Bible School, Sunday, June 7 - Wednesday, June 10 from 6:30–8:00 PM!
This year’s theme is “Developing Faith Warriors,” centered on the life of Moses. Our main focus is helping kids grow more confident in their faith - learning that God can use them, even when they don’t feel qualified.
Each night will highlight a powerful truth:
Night 1 - “God Chooses Me”
Through the story of the Burning Bush, kids will learn how God chose Moses - even when he felt unqualified.
Night 2 - “God Equips Me”
As we explore Pharaoh and the Ten Plagues, kids will see how God equipped Moses to carry out His plan.
Night 3 - “God Uses Me”
With the Parting of the Red Sea, kids will discover how God used Moses to bless others and lead His people to freedom.
On the final night, we will also have a free meal for everyone - so don’t miss it!
On the final night, we will also have a free meal for everyone - so don’t miss it!
Important: Parents must register their children in advance. Registration is available on our website.
We can’t wait for your kids to join us for this fun, meaningful, and faith-building experience!
Get Involved
There Are A Lot Of Ways You Can Get Involved & Do The Work Of God In Our Community!
Limited-Time Opportunities:
Church Workday
We will have an inside/outside workday on Saturday, April 18, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Everyone is encouraged to come out and help. If you have questions or other needs, please call/text Brad Gregory.
The following is a list of things we would like to accomplish:
Outside
Trim Bushes
Mulch (Being Delivered)
Spray Roundup
Clean Out Outbuilding
Build A Ramp To The Outbuilding
Stabilize Outbuilding Foundation
Blow Around Doors & Sidewalks
Inside
Hang Mirrors & Coat Rack In Baptistry
Clean Baptistry Dressing Rooms
Adjust Baptistry Door Striker Plates
Straighten Pew Chairs
Dust Pew Chair Legs/Shelves
Sort & Redistribute Bibles & Hymnals
Wipe Down Walls, Door Facings, Baseboards, & Chair Rails
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 during the month of May. This is a great opportunity to serve and support those in need in our community.
The immediate needs are listed below. If you are able to help by donating items, your generosity is greatly appreciated.
If you have any questions, please contact Steve or Jenny Jones.
Immediate Needs:
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! Follow the link below to read the Mission Report for January & February: 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 for October through December: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dGzjMXATX2ND9wKpFv7B21Jeeay5sX8D/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=117830364706998726684&rtpof=true&sd=true
Tech Team Support
The Holly Hill Tech Team is in need of additional help! We are looking for a few more volunteers who would be willing to be trained to assist with setting up livestreams and audio equipment. This is a fairly simple task, and you will receive thorough training before ever serving on your own.
If you are interested in helping, please see David Jones, Brad Gregory, or Brad Proctor for more information.
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.