Eating With Jesus
“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.
Eating With Jesus
By: Elijah Bell
In February at Holly Hill, we will begin Feasting For Fellowship 2026. The goal of FFF is for at least one church family or individual to share a meal with another church family or individual every day for the month of February. In other words, we’re aiming to share 28 meals (or more) among one another in the month of February.
This is perfect timing to align with our arrival in our sermon series on the topic of breaking bread, that is, sharing a meal together as a way to show unity and fellowship. This is another one of the “kingdom keys” the early church used together as a way to live out their proclamation of Jesus as both “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36-37; 2:42-47).
There is something very powerful about sharing a meal together. In Bible times, eating a meal together meant something much more than it does today. In the Old Testament, a covenant was often not complete until the parties sat down to eat together. This acted as a legal and spiritual "seal" on the agreement. For example, in Genesis 26:30-31, after resolving a dispute over water rights, Isaac and Abimelech made a treaty. "So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. In the morning they rose early and exchanged oaths." The same concept is seen in Genesis 31:54, in Exodus 24:11, and in Exodus 12 with the Passover meal.
It makes sense, then, why Jesus used this same language during the last supper, which signified the agreement between Him and the church: “And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood’” (Luke 22:20). Jesus recognized the Lord’s Supper as a covenant meal, and so should we.
Meals in the Bible represent fellowship, communion, and covenant. This makes the meals the early church shared together that much more powerful. Those meals represented a shared agreement and covenant with Jesus and each other. It is as if Jesus Himself were sitting at their table with them. Jesus said in Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” That idea of eating with Jesus is not a simple meal, it’s a partnership that is entered into upon the acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord and Christ. The first church in Jerusalem in Acts 2 submitted to King Jesus, and we see them immediately devoting themselves to breaking bread together (Acts 2:42). They were joining into a covenant with Jesus, and with each other, united upon the Lordship of King Jesus.
Leading up to, and during, Feasting For Fellowship in February we will branch off and have a mini-series on six meals that Jesus shared with people in the gospels, and what amazing things happen when you welcome Jesus to your table. We will start with the meal at the wedding of Cana in John 2:1-11. Please be there every Sunday and sign up using the calendar in the lobby to invite someone out for a meal. Because now you know that a meal with brethren is much more than just that. It’s a partnership. A sharing with each other, and with Christ! Let’s be DEVOTED to breaking bread together in 2026!
News
This Section Is For Any Special Announcements That Are Not Upcoming Events Or Prayer Requests.
Missionary Spotlight: Nancy Roach (Cuba)
I urge you to watch the video of Nancy Roach reporting on the congregation we support in Cuba & other congregations in Cuba. In light of a changing world in the Western Hemisphere this could be an even more pivotal mission work.
Nancy Roach - Cuba Mission Video Link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BYWfmai2KG2iXO8por-oK6_KSxI5a2In/view
Women's Ministry | Q3 Report
Check out the Kingdom work being performed by the ladies of Holly Hill! Linked below is the Women's Ministry Program 2025 3rd Quarter Report (July - September).
Q3 Report (Jul-Sep) Link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vWHNjRC-eyQbQzbFxB7ngZXr8v_-jrvc/view
Jan 18 | Worship Duty Roster
Call To Worship: Bradley Richardson
Song Leader: Tom Owens
Prayer: Joe Richardson
Lord’s Supper: Mark Johnson
Scripture Reading: Brad Proctor
Jan 25 | Worship Duty Roster
Call To Worship: Lee Wise
Song Leader: Scott Trent
Prayer: Richard Dailey
Lord’s Supper: Mike Mayes
Scripture Reading: Brad Proctor
Jan 11 | Attendance & Contribution
Bible Class Attendance: 66
Worship Attendance: 126
Contribution: $4,953.61
Prayers
Here Are Some Individuals That Especially Need Our Prayers This Week. Please Keep Them In Mind Every Time You Pray.
New Prayer Requests:
Bob Presley
Brenda Stone
Family of Ashley Anglin
Stone & Freeman Family
Nanette Conway
Scott Mitchell & Family
Jackie Hensley
Ongoing Prayers For: Ashli Mayes; Bob Dabney; The Sharp Family; The Chatham-Hood Family; Brenda Perkins; The Irvin Family; Ezra Caldwell; Harding Risk; Jeff Jones; Ernie & Judy Casey; Joyce Best; Barbara Sudduth; Jackye Stockton; The Jones Family; Jim & 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 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).
Feb 1 | Feasting For Fellowship
In February at Holly Hill, we will begin Feasting For Fellowship 2026. The goal of FFF is for at least one church family or individual to share a meal with another church family or individual every day for the month of February. In other words, we’re aiming to share 28 meals (or more) among one another in the month of February. Sign up using the calendar in the lobby to invite someone out for a meal. Because now you know that a meal with brethren is much more than just that. It’s a partnership. A sharing with each other, and with Christ! Let’s be DEVOTED to breaking bread together in 2026!
Feb 1 | 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).
Feb 7 | 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, Feb 7 at 8:00 AM.
Feb 15 | 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).
Mar 1 | 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).
Mar 7 | 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. We’ll meet on Saturday, Mar 7 at 8:00 AM.
Mar 15 | 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:
January Food Pantry Donations
For the month of January, the food pantry is collecting the following items:
Canned Green Beans
Canned Corn
Canned Carrots
Westridge Elementary Backpack Program
For the month of January, we will be providing backpack meals for students at Westridge Elementary School. The first two weeks have already been covered. If you have any questions, please contact Steve or Jenny Jones. If you would like to help with this ministry, you can find the needed items listed below. Printed copies of the list can be found on the Happening on the Hill information wall in the foyer. When purchasing items, keep in mind that these are for young children, so the containers need to be easy to open (pull/peel top), ready to eat, or easily microwaveable. If you would prefer to place a monetary donation in the offering plate, please be sure to list the WES Backpack Program on the memo line.
The WES Backpack Program needs the following items:
Capri-Suns
Kool-Aid Packets
Ramen Noodles (Packs/Bowls)
Oatmeal Packets
Nutri-Grain Bars
Protein Bars
Granola Bars
Easy Mac Microwavable Cups (Pull/Peel Top)
Chef Boyardee Microwavable Cups (Peel/Pull Top)
Vienna Sausages (Pull Top Can)
Beanie Weenies (Pull Top Can)
Fruit Cups (Pull/Peel Top)
Applesauce (Pull/Peel Top)
Veggie Cups (Pull or Peel Top)
Cracker/Pretzel Cheese Dippers
Peanut Butter or Cheese Filled Crackers (Individual Packs)
Pop-Tarts
Pudding/Jello Cups
Fruit Rollups
Fruit Gummies
Soup Cups
Pretzels
Chips
Cereal Cups
Cookies (Individual Packs)
Tuna/Chicken Salad Kits
Rice Krispy Treats
Raisins (Individual Boxes)
Meat Sticks (Slim Jim, Beef Jerky, etc.)
Long-Term Opportunities:
Mission Ministry
Check out the Kingdom work being done by the congregation we support in Güines, Cuba! Read the Mission Report for September & October at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sWo-E7dbbnd1FsFWGbGmKEI3Hh8DxhcS/view.
In addition, watch Nancy Roach’s video to learn more about the Güines congregation, as well as others throughout Cuba at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BYWfmai2KG2iXO8por-oK6_KSxI5a2In/view.
Women’s Ministry
Check out the Kingdom work being performed by the ladies of Holly Hill! Read the 3rd Quarter Report (Jul-Sep) at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vWHNjRC-eyQbQzbFxB7ngZXr8v_-jrvc/view.
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
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.