Persecution
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, ESV)
Mini Devotional
A mini message to take with you this week to help you in your devotion to God.
Persecution
Devotional by: Elijah Bell
I have sat in many church assemblies, and I have not been able to help but notice a common theme in many of the prayers led each Sunday. That common theme is persecution. The prayers often go something like this: “Dear Lord, thank you for us being able to meet today without fear of persecution from the outside world,” or “Father, please keep us from persecution this week,” or even, “Thank you God that we never have to worry about being persecuted in this country for what we believe.” Do these types of prayers sound familiar?
Why are we always asking God to keep us from persecution? I’m not at all suggesting that I desire to be ridiculed for what I believe, or that I would want us to face torture or the death penalty for believing in Christ; no one wants that. But looking back at the history of the early church given to us in the book of Acts, we see how some well-placed persecution, by what I believe to be the providence of God, caused the church to spread like wildfire!
In Acts 4:24, we see how Peter and John were arrested for preaching Jesus, and after being threatened and released, they went out to tell all the others what had happened. If the brethren in Acts were anything like the men leading those prayers on Sunday mornings I mentioned earlier, we might find the first-century followers of Christ becoming discouraged, and giving up preaching the gospel because they received some opposition. But that is not what happened, is it? In verse 24, we see them glorifying and praising God for all that had happened. It goes on to tell us that they went out and preached the gospel with even more boldness (v. 31).
In Acts 5:40-41, the apostles were arrested and flogged for preaching Christ, and were threatened to not speak the name of Jesus again. Did they leave that place moping, hanging their heads in sorrow, giving up preaching the gospel forever? No! They went on their way “rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name” (v. 41). If we are praying for no persecution to come to us, doesn't that mean we are not willing to suffer shame for His name?
In Acts 8:1-4, a great persecution came upon the church in Jerusalem, and the brethren were forced to scatter throughout the region, “preaching the word.” Sometimes, although we don’t like it, persecution is just what the church needs. Are you worried about how people will treat you if they know you are a Christian? The early disciples didn’t let it stop them, and as a result, it was a time of explosive growth for the church. If we want more of that type of growth in the church today, then instead of thanking God for comfort in times of stagnation, we need to be asking for boldness in times of persecution.
We love you all,
Elijah Bell
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
Please Remember To Sign Up For Small Groups, Starting This Sunday
Dear Holly Hill Family,
The Holly Hill leadership team is hosting and facilitating small groups for the Winter/Spring 2024 season, officially beginning this Sunday. Please remember to sign up on the bulletin board for one of the groups below. Additionally, please get in touch the host of the group you are planning to attend to let them know you want to participate!
The groups for the Winter/Spring season are as follows:
Elijah and Katie Bell are hosting in their apartment. Their group will meet at 2pm.
Todd Best and Tom Roach are co-hosting a group that will alternate meeting at Todd's house in Waddy and at Joyce's house in Shelbyville.
Ray and Stephenia Bowman are hosting a group in Rm 12 downstairs at the building.
Nick and Carly Gill are hosting a group at their house at 2pm (at least for the first meeting - we will discuss and see what time works best for the group)
Kurt and Emily Montooth are hosting a group at their house at 4:30pm.
Sunday Evening Schedule (Beginning February 4th)
On Sunday the elders discussed the positive takeawys from the Sunday Evening Survey and announced the upcoming schedule for Sunday night’s, begininning February 4th:
First Sunday: Small Group-Mission Control (TBD)
Second Sunday: Traditional Service (4PM)
Third Sunday: Small Group (TBD)
Fourth Sunday: Traditional Service (4PM)
Fifth Sunday: Song Service (immediately following Fellowship Potluck Meal)
Honduras Trip Announcement
It is time for Robert and I to take our annual trip to Honduras. As in the past we would like to take money for food, kids school costs, etc. Our congregation has been very generous in the past. If you can and find in your heart to give, please put a memo of Honduras food on your check and cash be given to me to take. We are leaving on February 16th so the deadline for checks will be February 11th. Thanking you in advance for your help.
Westridge Elementary Backpack Program
The backpack program with Westridge Elementary School starts for Holly Hill on Wednesday, January 31st. Please see below for items needed to pack snack bags for the WES students. If you have any questions please see Carly Gill. Listed below are items that you can donate for the backpack program:
Ramen Noodle Packages
Nutri Grain Bars
Easy Mac
Chef Boyardee Ravioli
Vienna Sausages
Granola Bars
Fruit Cups
Fruit Snacks
Individual Applesauce Cups
Oatmeal Packets
Individual Cookie Packs
Beanie Weenies
Canned Tuna
Canned Soups
Cheese & Cracker (Individual Packs)
Pudding Cups
Individual Cereal
Church Records - Sunday, January 28th
Bible Class Attendance - 71
Worship Attendance - 113
Contribution - $5,342.00
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
John Widener Jr.
Honduras Mission Trip
Ongoing Prayers For: Zack Mays, Steve Small, The Tropoulos Family, Rita Tackett (Alyson Woodyard’s aunt), Cynthia Whitehead (friend of the Blanton’s), Patsy Cable (Bruce Blanton’s aunt), the Raymond Thomas Peak Family, Daniel & Janet Cruz (Missionary Family in Guines, Cuba), Osman, Jasmine, Cristal, & Ana Melgar (Missionary Family in Potrerillos, Honduras), Alejandro & Analis Panza (Missionary Family in Potrerillos, Honduras), Ann Pittman, Larry & Renita Clarke, Mark McPherson, Janis Friend, Rhoda Jones, Betty Blanton, Helen Hall, Penny Harland (Katie Bell’s mother), Alyssa Deaton, Polly Deaton, David Fair (prayers for his marriage & family situation), & Phil & Suzanne Wilkins.
Please submit your prayer requests for inclusion at office@hollyhillcoc.org
Upcoming Events
Here are some events that are coming up that you need to make space on your calendar for.
Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast — Saturday Morning, February 3rd (8AM)
Join us on the 1st Saturday morning of each month, for the Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast. We will meet downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. See you there!
Small Groups/Mission Control — Sunday Night, February 4th (See Sign-Up Sheet)
The Holly Hill leadership team is hosting and facilitating small groups for the Winter/Spring 2024 season, officially beginning this Sunday. Please remember to sign up on the bulletin board for one of the groups below. Additionally, please get in touch the host of the group you are planning to attend to let them know you want to participate!
The groups for the Winter/Spring season are as follows:
Elijah and Katie Bell are hosting in their apartment. Their group will meet at 2pm.
Todd Best and Tom Roach are co-hosting a group that will alternate meeting at Todd's house in Waddy and at Joyce's house in Shelbyville.
Ray and Stephenia Bowman are hosting a group in Rm 12 downstairs at the building.
Nick and Carly Gill are hosting a group at their house at 2pm (at least for the first meeting - we will discuss and see what time works best for the group)
Kurt and Emily Montooth are hosting a group at their house at 4:30pm.
Traditional Evening Service — Sunday Afternoon, February 11th (4PM)
On the 2nd Sunday of each month we will have a traditional service at 4PM.
Small Groups — Sunday Night, February 18th (TBD)
In order to build relationships with our church family, instead of meeting at the church building, we will meet in each other's homes for a short devotional, guided discussion, prayer, and fellowship. More information on locations will be coming soon.
Traditional Evening Service — Sunday Afternoon, February 25th (4PM)
On the 4th Sunday of each month we will have a traditional service at 4PM.
How You Can Serve
There are a lot of ways you can get involved and do the work of God in our community!
Limited-Time Opportunities:
Westridge Elementary Backpack Program
The backpack program with Westridge Elementary School starts for Holly Hill on Wednesday, January 31st. Please see below for items needed to pack snack bags for the WES students. If you have any questions please see Carly Gill. Listed below are items that you can donate for the backpack program:
Ramen Noodle Packages
Nutri Grain Bars
Easy Mac
Chef Boyardee Ravioli
Vienna Sausages
Granola Bars
Fruit Cups
Fruit Snacks
Individual Applesauce Cups
Oatmeal Packets
Individual Cookie Packs
Beanie Weenies
Canned Tuna
Canned Soups
Cheese & Cracker (Individual Packs)
Pudding Cups
Individual Cereal
Operation Re-Stock the Food Pantry
The Food Pantry needs to be re-stocked. During the upcoming months we will be asking for specific food donations. There will be a box in the foyer for you to place your food donations. Thank you so much and let’s make Operation re-stock a success!! For the month of January, we need:
Cereal
Pancake Mix
Pancake Syrup
Long-Term Opportunities:
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 Nick, David, or Brad.
Card Ministry
Every Sunday there are cards spread out on a table in the lobby that 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 of someone the church should send a card, please give the name(s) and address to Joyce Best. We have “get-well” cards, “thinking of you” cards, “praying for you” cards, and sympathy cards. You can also text the information to (502) 593-5865.
Casey Blessing Box
The Casey’s are collecting items to give away to those in need in their Blessing Box. Currently, they are accepting donations of: Can goods of fruit and vegetables. Crackers, or cereal.
Shriners Children’s Hospital
Donna White is collecting soda can tabs to donate to the children’s hospital. Please leave your donations in the lobby.
Children’s Bible Class Teachers & Helpers
If you’d be willing to teach, sub, or help, please see Matthew Woodyard. We have a wonderful opportunity to teach God’s Word to our children. Let’s make sure they get our very best! Thank you!
For more information or for help signing up for any of these ministries, please call the church office at: (502) 227-7796
Holly Hill Church of Christ
1020 Holly Hill Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601
Web - www.hollyhillcoc.org
Phone - (502) 227-7796
Email - office@hollyhillcoc.org
Service Times
Sunday Bible Class - 10am
Sunday Morning Worship - 11am
Sunday Evening Worship - 6pm
Wednesday Evening Bible Study - 6:30pm