Treasure In Jars Of Clay
“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.
Treasurer In Jars Of Clay
Article By: Elijah Bell
When Katie and I lived in Colorado to attend Bear Valley Bible Institute, we had the pleasure of visiting the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. These are ancient manuscripts of the Old Testament (written between 300 BC-100 AD) that were discovered in 1947 in clay jars inside caves beside a body of water called—you guessed it—the Dead Sea.
The way these priceless ancient scrolls were found is what is so interesting. They were in high caves along the side of a cliff, and it is said that in 1947 a young Bedouin shepherd boy was searching for a stray sheep when coming across one of these caves, and threw a stone inside. He heard the sound of breaking pottery, entered the cave, and found the clay jars containing these precious ancient manuscripts. The contents of these jars are considered to be perhaps the greatest archeological discovery of the 20th century. What a find!
While at the museum, Katie and I saw some of the actual jars that had contained the scrolls. Many of them were cracked, shattered, and decaying. They were nothing pretty to look at, simply vessels for the precious contents, fragile and susceptible to breaking. But then I realized, this was the point. Had the jars been indestructible, they would not have broken, and the precious manuscripts inside would never have been discovered. It was the very fact that the jars were weak and fragile that allowed the glorious message of God to be revealed inside! What a lesson!
The apostle Paul uses a similar picture in 1 Corinthians 4. He talks about us, as Christians, being like ordinary clay jars. We aren't perfect or powerful on our own, in fact, we’re fragile and weak. But we have been given something amazing to hold within us: the light and knowledge of Jesus Christ, which shines best through our cracks and breaks.
This Sunday, we will explore this beautiful idea from 2 Corinthians 4. The sermon, "Treasure in Clay Jars," will look at what it means to carry this divine treasure in our everyday, fragile lives. We will see how having Jesus as the treasure within us will yield three amazing results: We’ll have the strength to endure life’s difficulties, the courage to speak up for our faith, and the hope to look forward to what God has promised. It’s a message that reminds us that our strength doesn’t come from ourselves, but from the glorious light of Christ shining through us, and it is only because of our fragility, that Paul can say, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7, ESV)
We would love for you to join us as we open God’s word together. Come to Bible class this Sunday, June 1st, at 10:00 AM, followed by our Worship service at 11:00 AM to hear this encouraging 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.
May 31 | Worship Duty Roster
C2W: Bradley Richardson
Songs: David Jones
Prayer: Richard Dailey
Lord’s Supper: Ricky Drawbaugh Jr
Scripture: Scott Trent
May 24 | Attendance & Contribution
Bible Class Attendance: 93
Worship Attendance: 159
Contribution: $4,992.28
Prayers
Here Are Some Individuals That Especially Need Our Prayers This Week. Please Keep Them In Mind Every Time You Pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Susan Kennon
Helen Hall
The Sudduth & Proctor Family
Winfred Perkins
Michael Warner
Jerry Mayes
Robert Widener
Ongoing Prayers For: Teresa Presley; The White Family; 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 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 (4800W Leestown Rd, Midway, KY)! 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! Please RSVP by calling or texting Kellie Jones at (859) 351-8746.
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!
Jun 14 | Ladies Retreat Intrest Meeting
We will have an interest meeting on Sunday, June 14, immediately following worship. Our retreat is scheduled for September 24–27. If you have ideas for a possible retreat theme, please bring them to the meeting. The meeting will only take 5–10 minutes, but it is very important that anyone interested in attending be present.
Get Involved
There Are A Lot Of Ways You Can Get Involved & Do The Work Of God In Our Community!
Limited-Time Opportunities:
Cookie Donations For VBS
We are asking for cookie donations for VBS! If you would like to help, cookies may be brought this Sunday (5/31) or next Wednesday (6/3).
Please remember that we do have food allergies to consider, including nut allergies, so we kindly ask that all donated cookies be nut-free.
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 June, the food pantry is collecting the following items:
Muffin Mix
Instant Potatoes
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! We’re thankful for the opportunity to partner in sharing Christ’s love and advancing His Kingdom through this ministry.
Follow the link below to read the Mission Report for January & February and see how God is working through the efforts in Güines. Thank you for your continued prayers and support for this important mission work!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O4ATUq5X5MucfrDguD-6tKTO9tg7a347/view?usp=drivesdk
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.