Kingdom Keys
“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.
Kingdon Keys
By: Elijah Bell
Here we are as a congregation, taking our first tentative steps into 2026. The new year brings new challenges, but also new possibilities. What will we do this new year to allow Jesus to continue to build up the church?
In Matthew 16:13-20, Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ. It is then that Jesus says “upon this rock I will build my church.” He then promises to give “the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” We can clearly see this happening in Acts 2, when Peter preaches a true gospel sermon to the thousands of Jews gathered for Pentecost, a Jewish festival. Peter says in verse 36, “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” The people then acted. Three thousand were baptized in response to the realization that Jesus is both Lord and Christ. Christ means “anointed one,” God’s chosen King. This is an obvious kingdom key moment.
As the people acknowledge Jesus as King, things begin to happen. More “keys” are used to open the door of God’s kingdom even wider as God adds to their number. In Acts 2:42-47, the people exhibit 10 clear signs that they are now living with the realization that Jesus is King, and the church flourishes as a result:
They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching. They devoted themselves to fellowship. They devoted themselves to breaking bread together. They devoted themselves to prayers. They supplied each other’s needs. They attended temple together. They had glad and generous hearts. They were praising God. They were having favor with all the people. They were being added to daily by God.
These are clear sings of Jesus supplying “kingdom keys” to the early church in Jerusalem when they acknowledged Jesus as Lord and Christ. He was fulfilling His promise that “upon this rock I will build my church.” The question I pose for Holly Hill is this: Are these “keys” ones that can apply today when we acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Christ? Can God still “add to our number” and build up His church when we treat Him as Lord in all these ways? The answer is of course, yes!
This Sunday, we will begin 2026 by launching out on a spiritual journey to examine each of these Kingdom Keys in turn, and see how the church grows when we treat Jesus as Lord and Christ in each of these specific ways. I look forward to seeing you Sunday 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.
Obituary For Donna Marie Sharp
Donna Marie Sharp, 66, wife of Darrel Calvin Sharp, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025. A native of Frankfort, she was born on September 7, 1960 to the late Donald and Edith Florian Mitchell. Marie was a secretary with the State of Kentucky where she retired.
In addition to her husband she is survived by her son, Bryan Sharp (Tammy Sharp); her brother Scotty Mitchell (Tina Mitchell) (nephew Keneth Mitchell): Sister-in-law Cathy Mitchell, nephew Robbie Mitchell; her grandchildren, Megan Brigner, Madison, and Mackinley Sharp; her great grandchildren, Freyja and Lyric Brigner.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Gene Mitchell.
Graveside Service will be held at 12:00pm on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Obituary For Shirley Chatham Hood
Shirley Chatham Hood, a devoted servant of God, beloved wife and cherished mother went to her eternal home with her Lord on December 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on January 29, 1937 to the late Emmett and Thelma Whitener Chatham, she lived a life that was defined by the grace and love she found in her faith. She was the cornerstone of her family. Shirley, known as MomMom, found her greatest joy in her roles of wife, mother and grandmother. She met her husband while a student at Baptist High School. For forty-five years she was the beloved wife of Kenneth Nigel Hood. Their marriage was a testament to partnership and enduring love built on a foundation of shared values. For many years Shirley was the familiar welcoming face at Shelby County High School where she was the secretary for twenty-five years. To the students she was a source of encouragement and love, to the faculty she was the glue that held the office together. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her children James Richard Whitis Jr. and Jamye Lynne Whitis, her brothers, Dr. Charles Chatham and Dr. Donald Chatham.
She was survived by her husband, Kenneth Nigel Hood; her daughters Donna Whitis and Leanne Whitis-Griffin; her grandchildren Katie (Michael) Ogden, Amye (Jordan) Stanley, Emma Griffin, Iris Griffin and Bennett Hood; her great-grandchildren, Jackson Peyton, Breyden Ogden, Brandon Ogden, Ava Stanley and Wyatt Stanley; her stepsons Rodney Hood and Scott Hood; her sister, Inez Ramsey Chatham; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A devout Christian, Shirley’s life was anchored in her relationship with Jesus Christ. Her faith was the compass for everything she did from her work at SCHS to her role as mother and grandmother. She leaves behind a legacy of integrity, hard work, and the unwavering belief in the power of prayer.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 P.M., on Saturday, the 27th day of December, 2025 at the Hall-Taylor Funeral Home of Shelbyville, with the Reverend Dr. Jim Cobban officiating. Interment will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery, in Shelbyville. Visitation will be from 3:00 P.M., until 7:00 P.M., on Friday, the 26th day of December, 2025 and from 10:00 A.M. until 12:45 P.M on Saturday, the 27th day of December, 2025 at the Hall-Taylor Funeral Home of Shelbyville. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hall-Taylor Funeral Home of Shelbyville, and online condolences may be expressed at www.halltaylorfuneralhomes.com.
What is a Blessing Bag?
During the Ladies Retreat in September, we put together Blessing Bags filled with useful items for people living on the streets. These bags include snacks, hand warmers, hats, gloves, lotion, hygiene products, & more.
You can find the Blessing Bags by the elevator, near the Food Pantry & WES Backpack Program collection containers.
Please take several to keep in your car & hand out to those you see in need, such as individuals holding signs asking for help. For any questions, please contact Robin Mayes.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” Matthew 25:35-36 ESV
Upcoming Schedule For Life Groups
Holly Hill Life Groups meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month (Sep-May). If you require a church member’s contact information, home address, or require directions to a specific Life Group, please contact the church office at office@hollyhillcoc.org.
January 4th
January 18th
February 1st
February 15th
Jan 4 | Worship Duty Roster
C2W: Mike Mayes
Song Leader: Bradley Richardson
Prayer: Steven Jaeger
Lord’s Supper: Ricky Drawbaugh Sr
Scripture: Joe Richardson
Dec 28 | Attendance & Contribution
Bible Class Attendance: 62
Worship Attendance: 125
Contribution: $11,051.00
Prayers
Here Are Some Individuals That Especially Need Our Prayers This Week. Please Keep Them In Mind Every Time You Pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Family of Shirley Chatham Hood
Family of Donna Marie Sharp
Ashli Mayes
Bob Dabney
Jackie Hensley
Susan Kennon
Brenda Perkins
Ongoing Prayers For: Family of Euletta Joyce Irvin; Jim Clark; Ezra Caldwell; Harding Risk; Jeff Jones; Ernie & Judy Casey; Joyce Best; Barbara Sudduth; Jackye Stockton; The Jones Family; Valerie Clark; Molly Littlefield-Lane; Lee Isleman; Emmie Forrest; Jim Norrick; Phil & Suzanne Wilkins; Joue Manglicmot; The Pittman Family; Betty Blanton; Cora Owens; The Clarke Family; James & Rita Tackett; Dylan Smith; Geneva Hammons; Cathy Steele; Janis Friend; Tammy Radcliff; Jeannie LeBeau; Sonia Roach; Jerry Mayes; Kim Tillett; Carl Stoner; Melissa Farmer; Robin Ibershoff; Helen Hall; Charlene Ramsey; Inez Chatham; Ethan Jones; Jessie Tropoulos; Janice Coffelt; Polly Deaton; Robert Roach Sr; Janice Gregory; Penny Harland; Alyssa Deaton.
Upcoming Events
The Upcoming Events That You Need To Make Space On Your Calendar For.
Jan 3 | 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. This month’s study will be on Saturday, Jan 3rd at 8:00 AM.
Jan 4 | Life Groups
Life Group information is on the wall in the foyer, including group specifics & schedules. Life Groups meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month (Sep-May).
Jan 11 | Men’s Business Meeting
The men will have a Business Meeting at 4:00 PM on Sunday, January 11, downstairs in the fellowship hall. All male members of the congregation are encouraged to attend.
Jan 11 | Women’s Ministry Program Meeting
The ladies will have a Women’s Ministry Program meeting at 4:00 PM on Sunday, January 11, upstairs in the auditorium. All program committee leaders are encouraged to attend.
Jan 18 | Life Groups
Life Group information is on the wall in the foyer, including group specifics & schedules. Life Groups meet on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month (Sep-May).
Get Involved
There Are A Lot Of Ways You Can Get Involved & Do The Work Of God In Our Community!
Limited-Time Opportunities:
WES Backpack Program
We will once again be taking part in the Westridge Elementary School’s Backpack Program. We have listed some of the needed items below. If you prefer to make a monetary contribution, you can donate via check. Please make sure you add “Backpack Program” to the memo line. If you have any questions, please see Steve or Jenny Jones.
Items Needed:
Hot Chocolate
Ramen Noodles
Oatmeal
Easy Mac Cups
Nutri-Grain Bars
Chef Boyardee,
Vienna Sausages
Granola Bars
Fruit Cups
Cheese Dippers
Peas & Carrots
Pop-Tarts
Applesauce Cups
Pudding Cups
Fruit Rollups
Soup Cups
Green Beans
Corn
Pretzels
Pork-N-Beans
Cereal Cups
Beanie Weenies
Cookie Packs
Fruit Gummies
Cheez-its
Cheese & Crackers
Tuna Kits
Rice Krispy Treats
Raisins
Slim Jims
Protein Bars
Long-Term Opportunities:
Mission Ministry
Check out the Kingdom work being done by the congregation in Güines, Cuba! Linked below is the Mission Report for September & October.
Women’s Ministry
The Women's Ministry Program wants to make sure those unable to attend church are receiving visits! If you are not a member of the visitation committee but have visited someone recently, please let Cora Owens know. The visitation committee is creating a complete list of members to visit and wants to be sure no one is left out! Thanks in advance!
Tech Team Support
The Holly Hill Tech Team needs help. We would love to have a few more people trained and available to set up the livestreams and audio equipment. It’s a fairly simple task and you’ll be well trained before being thrown into the seat alone. If you’re interested, see David Jones, Brad Gregory, or Brad Proctor.
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.
Building Security
We are in need of volunteers to make sure the building is locked following the conclusion of our Sunday & Mid-Week services. A sign-up sheet that runs through the remainder of the year has been place in the foyer. If you have any questions, please contact Scott Trent.
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 Newsletter
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 Weekly Vine newsletter in your inbox.