Is Your Faith Vain?
“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.
Is Your Faith Vain?
Article By: Elijah Bell
Katie, my wife, knows this phrase of mine well, and she hates it every time I say it:. "Nothing makes me angrier than wasted time." For Katie, life is a meandering adventure; we should enjoy it and smell the flowers along the way. For me, right or wrong, I'm on a mission to get something done, and anything that gers in the way of that becomes a distraction. I'm working on it, ok, Katie?
But have you ever been in a situation where you did something that felt like a total waste of time? Like it was all in vain? Once, we waited in line for 20 minutes to order at Chick-Fil-A, only to get up to the window and realize they didn't have any Chick-Fil-A sauce! I was scandalized! The wait was all in vain! We drove off without purchasing our food! For me, it's all about the sauce! Maybe as a kid you waited in a long amusement park line only to find out you weren't tall enough. Maybe once you drove all the way to the store only to forget your shopping list. Maybe you've driven to the airport at 3am and waited in a long TSA line only to find out you had forgotten your passport or driver’s license. It was all in vain!
In a way, the apostle Paul addresses a similar, but infinitely more important, question with the church in Corinth. They were struggling with the idea of the resurrection, and Paul wanted them to understand that without it, everything they believed and practiced was pointless.
This Sunday, we will explore this very idea in 1 Corinthians chapter 15. If we don't believe in the resurrection, and LIVE like we believe it, then everything is pointless! The sermon will look at the truth of the resurrection, not just as a historical event, but as the foundation of our salvation. Paul starts by reminding us of the Gospel: the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. He provides proof through the many witnesses who saw the risen Christ.
From there, we will consider the theology of the resurrection. Paul asks, what if it wasn't true? He explains that if Christ was not raised, our faith is worthless, we are still in our sins, and we are people to be pitied. But then he shows us the glorious reality: because Christ was raised, he is the first of a great harvest, and we too will be made alive in him. It’s the event that proves God’s ultimate victory over death.
Finally, we’ll look at the application for our lives today. If the resurrection is true, how should we live? Paul encourages us to live with purpose, to be mindful of who influences us, and to wake up from spiritual sleep. The resurrection is more than something to believe, it also MUST be a truth that changes everything about how we live each day, otherwise, it's all in vain!
We hope you will join us this Sunday, May 24, 2026. Come for Bible class at 10:00 a.m. and stay for our worship service at 11:00 a.m. to hear the full message.
News
This Section Is For Any Special Announcements That Are Not Upcoming Events Or Prayer Requests.
VBS26 Registration
Please note that all children attending VBS must be registered in advance by a parent or guardian. To complete your child’s registration, please use the following link:
Donation Boxes For Holly Hill Graduates
We will have donation boxes in the foyer for Holly Hill’s graduates on May 24 & May 31.
Our graduates this year include:
Regan Gregory (Master’s Degree)
Savannah Stratton (Bachelor’s Degree)
Godswill Ujah (Master’s Degree)
Abbi Collins (High School Graduate)
Please take a moment to congratulate these graduates and encourage them as they celebrate this important accomplishment.
PTP 2026
The Sevierville Early Bird Deadline Is Less than Two Weeks Away!
Over the next couple of weeks, we will highlight some of the series you will be able to enjoy at this year’s Sevierville PTP. They are part of what makes PTP the week of spiritual growth that so many have enjoyed for several years.
To start: Studies in First Samuel - The textual lessons are a favorite part of the week for many at PTP, and it doesn’t get much better than Cliff Goodwin’s studies on books of the Bible. This year’s sessions on First Samuel will take a deep, careful look at the text, tracing the rise of Israel’s monarchy and the spiritual lessons woven throughout the narrative. With clarity and strong application, Cliff walks through the lives, decisions, and turning points that shape the book, helping listeners see both the big picture and the details that are often missed.
It is time to confirm plans for PTP Sevierville! Register by May 18 to receive the early-bird discount.
Any questions? Send us a message or call us at 877-338-3397.
Register today! https://polishingthepulpit.com/register/
May 24 | Worship Duty Roster
C2W: Lee Wise
Songs: Scott Trent
Prayer: Joe Richardson
Lord’s Supper: Jeff Jones
Scripture: Stefan Rudic
May 17 | Attendance & Contribution
Bible Class Attendance: 78
Worship Attendance: 148
Contribution: $9,992.00
Prayers
Here Are Some Individuals That Especially Need Our Prayers This Week. Please Keep Them In Mind Every Time You Pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Wanda Justice
Teresa Presley
Helen Hall
The Sudduth & Proctor Family
Winfred Perkins
The Presley & White Family
Michael Warner
Jerry Mayes
Robert Widener
Ongoing Prayers For: Adam Ripperdan; Alyson Woodyard; Dorothy Lyons; Charlotte Reynold; Jackie Hensley; David Gaddie; Robert Roach (Father); Emmie Forrest; The Drake Family; Pat Jones; Nanette Conway; Brenda Stone; Ashli Mayes; Bob Dabney; Ezra Caldwell; Ernie & Judy Casey; Jackye Stockton; Jim & Valerie Clark; Lee Isleman; Jim Norrick; Phil & Suzanne Wilkins; Joue Manglicmot; Betty Blanton; Cora Owens; Geneva Hammons; Cathy Steele; Janis Friend; Tammy Radcliff; Jeannie LeBeau; Sonia Roach; Kim Tillett; Carl Stoner; 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.
May 21 | REAL Ladies Bible Study
Join us for the REAL Ladies Bible Study on Thursday, May 21 at 6:30 PM at Holly Hill Church of Christ, downstairs in the fellowship hall.
Ladies are encouraged to bring their favorite salad and dessert as we enjoy a wonderful evening of Bible study, fellowship, and encouragement together.
We hope to see you there!
May 30 | Life Group Wrap-Up
Join us on Saturday, May 30 at 2:00 PM for our Life Group Wrap-Up at Jeff & Kellie Jones’s house! Whether you’ve been actively involved in a Life Group or simply want to learn more about what Life Groups are all about, we invite you to come enjoy a wonderful afternoon of food, fellowship, and meaningful conversation.
BBQ, hot dogs, baked beans, a veggie tray, fruit tray, tea, and lemonade will be provided. Guests are encouraged to bring a side dish or dessert to share.
We hope you’ll make plans to join us for this special time together!
Jun 6 | Men’s Bible Class & 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, June 6 at 8:00 AM.
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!
Parents must register their children in advance. Register today at https://go.kidcheck.com/webforms/eventregistration.aspx?eventid=28152&valid=bf49d9b95c4323471f62fe8c58922658&customerid=12018
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:
Avenues For Women Baby Bottle Blessings
We are excited to participate in the Baby Bottle Blessings Fundraiser for Avenues Clinic from Mother’s Day through Father’s Day. Bottles are available to fill with coins, cash, or checks to help support the ministry of Avenues Clinic. Filled bottles may be returned on Father’s Day.
Avenues Clinic is a local pro-life pregnancy resource clinic that provides medical services, shares God’s hope, and offers support to those facing unexpected pregnancies. They also provide post-abortion support for individuals who have been affected by abortion in the past. All services are offered at no cost thanks to the generosity of supporters.
Thank you for partnering with Avenues for LIFE and helping support this important ministry.
Food Pantry Donations
For the month of May, the food pantry is collecting the following items:
Canned Chicken
Canned Tuna
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. If you are able to help by donating items, your generosity is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact Steve & Jenny Jones. The immediate needs are listed below.
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 currently 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. Whether you have prior experience or are completely new to the process, we would love for you to consider helping with this important ministry.
If you are interested or would like more information, please see David Jones, Brad Gregory, or Brad Proctor.
Meal Train & Potluck Ministry
The Holly Hill Meal Train & Potluck Ministry is available for those who would like to assist families in need by providing meals or contributing dishes for potluck gatherings. If you are interested in participating in this ministry, please contact Robin Mayes for additional information.
Youth Ministry
Holly Hill is beginning the process of searching for a Children and Youth Minister. The Evangelistic Committee — Scott Trent, David Jones, Tom Owens, Jeff Jones, and Robert Roach — would greatly appreciate your suggestions, recommendations, and input as we begin this important work.
Please keep this position, our congregation, and the search committee that will be formed in the coming days in your prayers. We ask for God’s guidance and wisdom throughout this process as we seek the right individual to serve and help lead our children and youth ministries.
Children’s Ministry
We’re looking for heroes within our congregation to step up and serve in our Children’s Bible Class ministry! Whether you’re interested in teaching or simply helping out, this is a wonderful opportunity to make a lasting impact at Holly Hill. If you feel called to be part of this important work, please speak with Mike Mayes, Scott Trent, or Robert Roach. We’d love to have you join the team!
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.