Two Criminals
“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.
Two Criminals
By: Elijah Bell
Back when I was a kid, my grandma from Texas would always send each of us kids $100 for our birthdays. Same gift, different responses. I was one of five siblings for most of my childhood (my younger brother came much later), and we all reacted differently to the gift. None of us deserved it, but some appreciated and savored it more than others. I was always the one who had a tendency to blow it all on some big, expensive gadget that I would forget about or break shortly afterward. Same thing at Christmas time. She would often bring or send us clothes. Again, same gift, but not appreciated as much by everyone.
The same thing can be seen in the church. How many people come to God in worship week after week after week and seem to be unaffected by God’s amazing grace? We all have observed—or perhaps have been—the people who have not appreciated God’s gift of forgiveness and have not allowed it to transform us or humble us. We all approach God together and are offered the same gift, but what response will we have?
In Luke 23:33-49, at the scene of the crucifixion, we see Jesus in the center, with two criminals on either side of Him. Both criminals were guilty and deserving of punishment and Jesus died for both. But their two reactions to Jesus were representative of the two responses that we all can have to the cross of Christ, which we see exhibited from those who witnessed those events that day. One criminal represents the blasphemers, who tested Jesus and scoffed at His abilities, took advantage of Him, and offered Him sour wine. The other criminal represented those who recognize their guilt, acknowledge the innocence and Kingship of Jesus, and appeal to Him for salvation. Note that both criminals were guilty. Both deserved the cross, and Jesus died for both, but only one turned to Jesus for forgiveness.
This Sunday, we’ll look at these two criminals and their two responses to the cross of Christ, and we’ll ask ourselves, which one are we? We look forward to seeing you this Sunday, August 23rd at 10:00 AM for Bible class and 11:00 AM for worship!
News
This Section Is For Any Special Announcements That Are Not Upcoming Events Or Prayer Requests.
Donations Needed For A Family In Need
Jacob and Madeline Luster have a family friend whose home was destroyed by fire early Sunday morning, leaving the family with very little. We have an opportunity to come alongside them during this difficult time by helping provide some of their immediate needs.
Current Needs:
Homeschool Supplies: Supplies for their two sons
Boys’ Clothing: Shirts (4T-6 or Small); Pants (Small or 4T-6); Shoes (10-12)
Women’s Clothing: Shirts (S–L); Pants (S-M); Shoes (Size 7.5)
Men’s Clothing: Shirts (L-XL); Pants (33×34); Shoes (10.5)
If you are able to help, please bring your donations to Holly Hill Church of Christ by Sunday, August 23. All donated items will be collected and delivered to the family in the days following.
Thank you for helping us show Christ’s love and support to this family during their time of need.
Help Us Celebrate Helen Hall
We invite the Holly Hill family to help make Helen Hall’s birthday extra special by showering her with birthday cards and words of encouragement!
Helen will celebrate her birthday on Thursday, August 20. Please consider taking a moment to send her a card and let her know that her church family is thinking of her and celebrating with her.
Thank you for helping us surround Helen with love and encouragement as we wish her a very Happy Birthday!
Cards may be mailed to:
Helen Hall
Signature HealthCARE at Heritage Hall Rehab & Wellness Center
331 S Main Street,
Lawrenceburg, KY 40342
Aug 23 | Worship Duty Roster
C2W: Ricky Drawbaugh Sr
Songs: Sam Travis
Prayer: Tom Roach
Lord's Supper: Mark Johnson
Scripture: Scott Trent
Aug 16 | Attendance & Contribution
Bible Class Attendance: 83
Worship Attendance: 153
Contribution: $5,026.00
Prayers
Here Are Some Individuals That Especially Need Our Prayers This Week. Please Keep Them In Mind Every Time You Pray.
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:
Judy Casey
Brenda Perkins
David Sorrell
Pearl Burdette
Rick Hanks
Frank Staley
Raina Wise
Caleb Baker
Amanda Friend
ONGOING PRAYERS FOR: Addison Darnell; Larry & Mary Mundt; Verlin Dossett; Dan Volpe; Heather Strickland; Teresa Cole; Gary Wilkins; The Clark & Roberts Family; Winfred & Fern Perkins; Samantha Stone; Mike & Kimberly Mundt; Susan Kennon; Jerry Mayes; Helen Hall; Michael Warner; The Sudduth & Proctor Family; Robert Widener; Teresa Presley; The White Family; Adam Ripperdan; Dorothy Lyons; Charlotte Reynold; Jackie Hensley; David Gaddie; Robert Roach (Father); Emmie Forrest; The Drake Family; Pat Jones; Brenda Stone; Ashli Mayes; Bob Dabney; Ezra Caldwell; 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
All Of The Upcoming Events That You Need To Make Space On Your Calendar For.
Aug 20 | REAL Ladies Bible Study
Ladies, we invite you to join us for our next REAL Ladies Bible Study on Thursday, August 20, at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall (Downstairs).
This month's study will be hosted by Michele Blanton and will provide a wonderful opportunity to grow together through God's Word while enjoying Christian fellowship and encouragement.
Please bring your favorite appetizer to share as we spend the evening studying the Bible, building meaningful relationships, and encouraging one another in our walk with Christ.
We hope you'll make plans to attend and invite a friend to join you for this uplifting evening of faith and fellowship!
Aug 21 | Ladies Who Lunch
Ladies, you are warmly invited to join us for our next Ladies Who Lunch gathering on Friday, August 21, at 11:30 AM at Office Pub & Deli (614 Comanche Trail, Frankfort, KY)
Come enjoy a delicious meal, great conversation, and a wonderful time of fellowship with the ladies of Holly Hill. We hope you’ll make plans to join us!
Aug 22 | William Joseph Crisis Center
Volunteers are needed to help organize donated baby and children’s clothing for the William Joseph Crisis Nursery on Saturday, August 22, beginning at 10:00 AM. We anticipate helping for a few hours as we sort and organize these generous donations.
If you are available to lend a hand, or if you have any questions, please contact Jackye Stockton.
Thank you for helping support the William Joseph Crisis Nursery and the children and families they serve!
Aug 23 | Morning Pointe Senior Living Of Frankfort
We invite everyone to join us on Sunday, August 23, at 2:00 PM as we gather at Morning Pointe Senior Living for an afternoon of singing and fellowship.
This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage and uplift the residents by sharing Christian fellowship, offering words of encouragement, and praising God together through song. Your presence can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who call Morning Pointe home.
We hope you will make plans to attend and help us bring joy, encouragement, and the love of Christ to the residents during this special afternoon.
Sep 5 | Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast
The Men's Bible Study & Breakfast is a monthly event, held on the 1st Saturday of each month at 8:00 AM. This Bible study takes place at the church building, downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.
Get Involved
There Are A Lot Of Ways You Can Get Involved & Do The Work Of God In Our Community!
LIMITED-TIME OPPORTUNITIES:
Life Group Leaders Needed
Life Groups will be starting back soon, and we are currently looking for men who are willing to serve as group leaders. Life Groups provide a wonderful opportunity to build meaningful relationships, encourage one another in our faith, and strengthen our church family.
If you have any interest in leading a Life Group or would simply like to learn more about what is involved, we encourage you to contact David Jones (davidcj23@gmail.com) no later than Sunday, August 16.
Please prayerfully consider whether God may be leading you to serve in this important ministry. Your willingness to lead can make a lasting impact on the lives of others.
REAL Ladies Host Needed
The REAL Ladies Bible Study is looking for volunteers to host our September gathering. Hosting is a wonderful opportunity to open your home or help coordinate an evening of fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual growth as we study God's Word together.
If you are willing to serve as a host for either month or would like more information about what hosting involves, please let one of the REAL Ladies coordinators know. Your willingness to serve helps make this ministry possible and provides a welcoming environment where women can grow together in faith.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to encourage and strengthen your sisters in Christ. We appreciate your prayerful consideration and look forward to another season of meaningful Bible study and fellowship.
Food Pantry Donations
Throughout the month of August, we will be collecting Saltine Crackers and Cereal for our Food Pantry Ministry. Your donations help provide essential food items to individuals and families in our community. Thank you for your continued generosity and support of this important ministry.
Saltine Crackers
Cereal
WES Backpack Program
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 Pouches
Kool-Aid Pouches
Rice Krispies Treats
Individual Cookie Packs
Vienna Sausages
Mac-n-Cheese Microwavable Cups
Easy Open Veggie Packs
Fruit Cups
Jello Cups
Pudding Cups
Applesauce Cups
Microwave Popcorn
Spaghetti O’s (w/ Meat)
Shelf Sustainable Milk
LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITIES:
Ministry Wall
Help us bring the Ministry Wall in our lobby to life! We invite all ministry leaders to share what their group has been up to and how the congregation can get involved.
If you'd like to get your ministry posted on the Ministry Wall in the lobby, please send answers to the following questions to the church office (office@hollyhillcoc.org) by the third Sunday of the month:
What has your ministry been up to since the last report?
What are your plans going forward?
How can the congregation get involved and help out?
Please also send in a picture or two if you have them. Matthew will get everything printed and posted by the first Sunday of the following month.
This is a wonderful, but not mandatory, opportunity to share your ministry's story with the congregation. Thank you all!
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 May & June 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/1feg6WV7ITp3EeaRJVoqFYRyawj90A5ZQ/view
Women’s Ministry Program
The ladies of Holly Hill have been hard at work serving others, strengthening relationships, and advancing God's Kingdom. From acts of service and outreach opportunities to encouragement and fellowship, their impact continues to make a difference both within our congregation and throughout the community.
Take a few moments to read the Women’s Ministry Program Q2 Report (Apr–Jun) and discover the many ways God is working through the ladies of Holly Hill. Read the report at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fi2vHTBCDzDfPt2QCKTtSixo3g-a5zWD/view.
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.