Let Me Recover My Sight
“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.
Let Me Recover My Sight
Article By: Elijah Bell
In Mark 10:32-52, Jesus tells his apostles what is about to happen to Him. He’s going to go to Jerusalem and be flogged and killed and after three days, rise again. This is right after He had taught them that the last shall be first, and the first, last (Mark 10:31).
But even right after telling them how He, the son of man, is going to be humble Himself to the point of death, James and John ask something from Jesus, to which he replies, “what do you want Me to do for you?” (36). This is the first of two times in this passage Jesus asks this question. They then immediately show they didn’t understand the importance of humility and service by asking for positions of honor at table with Jesus in His glory (37).
Soon after this, they come to Jericho, and find a blind man, Bartimaeus. He calls out to Jesus, and Jesus asks him the SAME question He had asked the apostles, “what do you want Me to do for you?” (51). The beggar, though he has nothing, does not ask for fame, status, or wealth. He simply asks to be able to see. In the context, the sight is that which would allow him to open his eyes and look upon Jesus.
Although we are walking right along with Jesus, like the apostles, we are often blind to who He truly is: a sacrificial servant who loves unconditionally. Even while we are actively benefiting from His sacrifice, we come to Him out of motives for wealth, comfort, or status, the opposite of what Jesus is calling believers to be.
He is a humble, sacrificial servant who is willing to go to any lengths necessary to lower His position for the good of others, even though He is the only one truly WORTHY of receiving honor in the first place. He leads us in the way of sacrifice, service, and submission, and can heal our eyes so we can truly SEE the way He is placing in front of us.
When we come to Jesus, through Bible study, prayer, and worship, we should ask of Him, not for comfort, wealth, or status. We should ask Him that we may truly SEE who He is, what His mission is, and as an extension of His mission, what OUR mission is. Look for ways to humble ourselves today, and follow Jesus, just as Bartimaeus did once he received his sight.
This Sunday, we will choose what we want to ask for when Jesus says to us, “what do you want me to do for you?”
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 Welcomes A Guest Speaker
We’re excited to welcome Tracy Waldridge as our guest speaker on Sunday, May 10. Please note that Elijah and his family will be on vacation during this time.
We encourage everyone to be present and support Tracy as he shares with us!
Visiting A Friend
The Esther Sisterhood traveled to Lexington on Friday, April 10, to visit Nell Peak at Sayre Healthcare Center. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and encouragement as they spent time together lifting her spirits and sharing in Christian love.
Apr 26 | Worship Duty Roster
C2W: Bradley Richardson
Songs: Scott Trent
Prayer: Richard Dailey
Lord’s Supper: Lee Wise
Scripture: Sam Travis
Apr 19 | Attendance & Contribution
Bible Class Attendance: 92
Worship Attendance: 156
Contribution: $5,952.00
Prayers
Here Are Some Individuals That Especially Need Our Prayers This Week. Please Keep Them In Mind Every Time You Pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Adam Ripperdan
The Presley & White Family
Robert Widener
Charlotte Reynold
Bruce & Helen Hall
Dorothy Lyons
Robert Roach Jr.
David Gaddie
Jackie Hensley
Ongoing Prayers For: Emmie Forrest; The Drake Family; The Hayes & Bird Family; Pat Jones; 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 25 | Church Workday
We will have an inside/outside workday on Saturday, April 25 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 26 | Men's Business Meeting
There will be a Men’s Business Meeting on Sunday, April 26 at 2:00 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 2:00 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 & Breakfast
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 25, 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 Work
Trim Bushes
Mulch (Being Delivered)
Spray Roundup
Clean Out Outbuilding
Build A Ramp To The Outbuilding
Stabilize Outbuilding Foundation
Blow Around Doors & Sidewalks
Inside Work
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.