The Lord Has Need Of Them
“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.
The Lord Has Need Of Them
Article By: Elijah Bell
Have you ever felt tied up, waiting for something more? Maybe you feel like you are in one place, and you know you are meant for something else, but you aren't sure how to get there. It’s a common feeling, like being stuck in a routine or waiting for a purpose to become clear. In the Bible, we often see God using unexpected people and things to accomplish his plan. We might feel ordinary, but God has a special purpose for each of us, right where we are.
This Sunday night, June 7th, 2026, kicks off our Vacation Bible School at Holly Hill, and we're diving into the story of Moses to learn about developing faith warriors. The theme is: God chooses me, God equips me, and God uses me.
When we think about being useful, it's funny, but there are few animals in the Bible that fit the bill better than a donkey. In the ancient world, donkeys were paradoxical. They were humble work animals, but also a sign of royal status and wealth. It’s interesting, too, that a lot of donkeys have a dark cross-shaped marking on their backs, a line down the spine and another across the shoulders. Maybe it’s a coincidence, maybe not, but Jesus did tell us in Mark 8:34 to "deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him." Are we like donkeys?
Donkeys show up around 140 times in Scripture, often at major turning points in God’s plan. Abraham saddles his donkey on the way to offer Isaac, a turning point in which he chose faith. Balaam's life is saved by his talking donkey, turning a curse into a blessing.
This Sunday morning, we're going to look at another one of those turning points: Jesus riding a donkey's colt into Jerusalem in Matthew 21:1-11. We’re going to notice how that little colt was chosen and used by Jesus to accomplish God’s plan, and we'll compare ourselves to that donkey.
Jesus had a plan for that colt, even when it was tied up. He knew exactly where it was. God has a plan for us, too. He knows exactly where we are. The colt was set untied only by the authority and command of Jesus. The same is true for us. Jesus expected opposition when his disciples went to untie it. We should expect opposition when we are untied from the world to follow Him. The answer to the opposition was simple: "The Lord has need of them." And ultimately, the donkey's colt was covered by Jesus, and its whole purpose was to bring glory to Him as He entered the heart of the Israelite nation, Jerusalem.
We’ll explore these lessons and more this Sunday as we ask ourselves, "How can I humble myself like this donkey's colt and be useful to Jesus?” How can we truly live out the words, "God chooses me. God equips me. And God uses me"?
We look forward to seeing you this upcoming Sunday, June 7th for Bible class at 10 a.m. and our worship service and this lesson at 11 a.m!
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:
Franklin County High School Hall of Fame
Franklin County High School (FCHS) announced the induction of five distinguished individuals into the FCHS Hall of Fame. This year's inductees include Dr. Stephen Grugin (Class of 1975), Dr. Jennifer Grisham (Class of 1979), Robert Roach (Class of 1981), Dr. Emily Clay Eastman (Class of 2006), and Chuck Fletcher (Contributor).
The FCHS Hall of Fame began in 1992 and has inducted 148 alumni and contributors. Contributors are individuals who have had significant impacts on FCHS. Each year, a committee receives nominations and selects a group of alumni and FCHS contributors to the Hall of Fame.
It's an honor for us to recognize and celebrate our alumni who have had significant accomplishments, are leaders in their respective fields, and are making a difference in their communities. This year's inductees are so deserving, and we are proud to welcome them into the FCHS Hall of Fame," said Chris Tracy, Former Franklin County High School Principal.
“Our inductees have done great things in the community, in the state, and even across the country and internationally,” said Terry Johnson, FCHS Teacher and Hall of Fame Committee Member. “Our inductees tell us they got their start by being educated and receiving great experiences and great teaching at Franklin County High School.”
Each inductee is honored during the FCHS Hall of Fame dinner and at the FCHS graduation ceremony. This year’s inductees include the following:
Dr. Stephen Grugin (Class of 1975) has dedicated nearly five decades to music education, performance, and community service in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. After earning degrees from The Ohio State University and Northwestern University and a PhD from Florida State University, Dr. Grugin spent 27 years as the Director of Bands at Northern Michigan University. His career also includes teaching at multiple universities and the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, arranging music for over 20 collegiate marching bands nationwide, serving as a founding member of the Marquette Symphony Orchestra, and conducting the Marquette City Band. Following his retirement from NMU in 2024, Dr. Grugin’s lifelong commitment to the arts was honored in February 2026 with the prestigious Carol V. Pellonpaa Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Jennifer Grisham (Class of 1979) has dedicated over four decades to special education and early childhood education. She began her career with Franklin County Schools, teaching children with disabilities and directing the PUSH Preschool Program. She then went on to earn her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the University of Kentucky. Dr. Grisham spent 25 years as the Faculty Director of the UK Early Childhood Lab and currently holds the title of Professor Emeritus at UK, where she was named a “Research Professor in 2025” and recognized as a “Teacher Who Made a Difference” four times. She has co-authored seven books, helped create a worldwide child development curriculum, and co-founded the Hope for Tomorrow children’s home and preschool in Guatemala City. Her legacy also includes serving as board chair for Franklin County Schools and traveling across Central/South America, Europe, and Asia to advocate for children with disabilities.
Robert Roach (Class of 1981) has been a dedicated educator, serving as the Headmaster of The Frankfort Christian Academy from 1998–2009 and overseeing its growth into a full K–12 institution. Later, he taught at both Western Hills and Franklin County High Schools, where he helped introduce multiple Advanced Placement courses. His commitment to Franklin County includes leading local youth and high school tennis programs, serving three terms on the City of Frankfort Board of Commissioners, and dedicating over three decades to leadership at Holly Hill Church of Christ. Roach has spent more than 35 years in real estate management, recently served as CEO of an internet and magazine publication, and sits on the board of Hope and Equip, Inc., an international outreach ministry.
Dr. Emily Clay Eastman (Class of 2006) is a nationally recognized leader in specialty pharmacy, rare disease innovation, and women’s health strategy. After graduating from Centre College, she earned her Doctor of Pharmacy (summa cum laude) and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Kentucky. Dr. Eastman currently serves as Associate Director of Centralized Specialty Pharmacy Services at UK HealthCare, where she led UK Specialty Pharmacy to become the first health-system pharmacy in the United States to earn the “Rare Disease Center of Excellence” designation. She also launched the UK Fertility (Baby Blue) program, which helps women nationwide access affordable fertility medications. Her work earned her the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy’s prestigious “Caregiver of the Year” award in 2025. In addition to being a highly sought-after speaker, she serves as an adjunct professor at the UK College of Pharmacy, is a member of the UK Healthcare Ethics Committee, and is the Assistant Residency Program Director for the Postgraduate Year One Community Based at Specialty Pharmacy Residency Program.
Chuck Fletcher (Contributor) has spent decades being a passionate educator, civic leader, and dedicated champion for Franklin County’s youth. He devoted 34 years to public education and administration in the Anderson County School System, earning induction into their Hall of Fame in 2025. He is in his ninth year on the Franklin County Board of Education, where he serves as Vice Chair and Immediate Past Chair. Fletcher advises school districts statewide as a Management Information Consultant for the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and serves on the Governor-appointed Kentucky School Curriculum, Assessment, and Accountability Council. His extensive civic footprint spans the Frankfort City Commission, the Frankfort/Franklin County Board of Adjustment, and the Frankfort NAACP, which honored him with the 2023 Presidential Award. He also holds global leadership experience as a Trustee for Kiwanis International and Counselor to Key Club International. He was previously inducted into the State YMCA of Kentucky Hall of Fame and received the KDE Lifetime Service Award.
Jun 7 | Worship Duty Roster
C2W: Mike Mayes
Songs: Bradley Richardson
Prayer: Bruce Blanton
Lord’s Supper: Ricky Drawbaugh Sr
Scripture: Stefan Rudic
May 31 | Attendance & Contribution
Bible Class Attendance: 79
Worship Attendance: 162
Contribution: $5,098.00
Prayers
Here Are Some Individuals That Especially Need Our Prayers This Week. Please Keep Them In Mind Every Time You Pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Heather Strickland
Teresa Cole
Gary Wilkins
Susan Kennon
Helen Hall
The Sudduth & Proctor Family
Winfred & Fern 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.
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.
Jun 28 | William Joseph Crisis Nursery Tour
On Sunday, June 28, right after the Sunday morning service, there will be a church tour of the William Joseph Crisis Nursery (911 Leawood Drive, Frankfort) starting at 12:00 PM. The sermon will be shorter to allow travel time. There may be multiple tour groups based on turnout. Please plan to join us that day to see for yourself what the nursery is all about, and what work they are doing there. If you have any questions see Robert Roach or Kellie Jones.
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 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 March & April 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.