Filling Our Minds With The Gospel
“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.
Filling Our Minds With The Gospel
Devotional by: Nick Gill
“Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth: Set up Your kingdom in our midst. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God: Have mercy on me, a sinner. Holy Spirit, breath of the living God: Renew us, and all Your world.”
We live in challenging times.
The human mind is designed by its Creator to fill itself from moment to moment with whatever comes along. Most humans, most of the time, have comparatively empty minds so vague memories, odd words and phrases, catchy bars of songs get stuck in there. It can be a thorough nuisance to have such a tune stuck in your head and not be able to get rid of it. Once upon a time, we’d pick up a book, go to a show, or watch a movie to help fill our minds with art or entertainment. But there’s a new business in town now, and it is booming! Consider the movie business:
Disney is a state of crisis where everything is shrinking except the CEO’s paycheck,
Paramount let 800 employees go and wants to find a new owner,
Universal is now releasing movies to streaming after just 3 weeks in theaters,
Warner Bros actually makes more money canceling films than releasing them.
Entertainment used to be a way to strike it rich, but now, entertainment is losing to something else. DISTRACTION. The fastest growing sector of the culture economy is distraction. Whether we call it scrolling, swiping, or just wasting time – it’s not art and it’s not entertainment, because those require mental engagement. Distraction is just ceaseless activity. Unending input. The key is that each stimulus only lasts a few seconds, and must be repeated. It’s a huge business, and will soon be larger than arts and entertainment combined. Everything is getting turned into TikTok – what a perfect name for a business based on stimuli that must be repeated after only a few ticks of the clock.
Our brain rewards these brief bursts of distraction. The neurochemical dopamine is released, and this makes us feel good—so we want to repeat the stimulus. The reward cycle looks like this:
Social media platforms are all shifting to this model if they aren’t already there, and the algorithm punishes any content – a news story, an outside link – that might break us out of that loop. And the next step is Virtual Reality headsets so our perceptions are almost literally smothered by the stimuli that drive the addiction. Tech CEOs know this is harmful to our health – whistleblowers have released internal documents showing how social media platforms, by their very design, lead to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. It even has a name – “doomscrolling” – that acknowledges how depressing it is to just scroll and scroll and scroll. And if it’s harmful to our mental and emotional health, what is it doing to our spiritual health? What can we do?
The prayer at the beginning of the article or prayers like it can be simple but powerful tools to fill our minds with the noble and virtuous thoughts Paul describes in Philippians 4:8, to carry out the instruction he gives in Ephesians 6:18, in Colossians 4:2, and most pointedly in 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.” The angels constantly sing, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD God almighty!” Jesus warns in the Sermon on the Mount against vain repetitions: people saying the same things over and over either to sound impressive or to try and manipulate the divine by reciting prayers like magic formulas.
There is no reason at all why Christians should not repeat words about our glorious God. The use of prayers like this can, in fact, take advantage of that human trait of getting tunes or phrases stuck in our heads. It takes this facet of our humanness, this way of our mind to be constantly saying or thinking or worrying at some thought or other, and woos it with the gospel. It takes responsibility for the times when the mind is ‘in neutral’ and replace the casual, irrelevant, involuntary mental chatter with a quiet, glad repetition of words whose content is incalculably challenging and at the same time unimaginably consoling. This particular prayer does at least three things for us:
It begins by echoing the Lord’s Prayer and Ephesians 1 to help us whenever we face a situation that cries out for God to come and reign as King, pledges our allegiance to the Lord Jesus, and seeks to bring God’s kingdom to bear on the world around us;
It faces us, every time we pray it – in every moment – with the deep realization of our own inadequacy in ourselves with a frank, no-nonsense confession of sin to hold ourselves in daily, hourly dependence on the free mercy and love of God; and
Once we’ve confessed our idolatries and the distortions of our sin, this prayer lifts our eyes to the world around us and lets us see the work God invites us into – His own restoration movement that cries out like Ezekiel for the wind that will come and make these dry bones live!
We’re praying that we ourselves may be healed and renewed, that others may come to abandon their idolatries and find the truth about the world and its Creator, and that the whole creation, non-human as well as human, may find the full rejuvenated Romans 8:20-21 life for which it was made. If the love of God is our message, the love of God must also be our breath of life. Prayer like this can become a means to that end, allowing Christ to equip His church to face the tasks and temptations of the days ahead.
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
Women Of The Word - A NEW Women’s Diving Deeper Bible Study Group
Taught By: Katie Bell
Where: In the Church fellowship hall
When: Every other week (2nd & 4th weeks of the month) two sessions offered:
Monday (2nd and 4th week) from 10:00-11:00am - starting on 3/25
Tuesday (2nd and 4th week) from 6:00-7:00pm - starting on 3/26
Please Note: Sessions will be casual and food will not be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you are coming straight from work.
Are you ready to unlock a richer understanding of the Bible? Join our new how to study your bible group designed especially for women! I will be teaching exegetical principles of Bible study that I learned while in school at Bear Valley Bible Institute. Then each class as a group we will study different passages using these principles to gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word! Contact Katie Bell with any questions.
In this group we will learn:
Tools and principles for effective Bible study.
Confidence to study and understand on your own!
How to find the true context of the text.
Deeper friendships found with all of the ladies who attend.
Become Women Of The Word by being women who are IN the Word!
What to Bring to the Group: A journaling Bible that you don’t mind writing in or bringing post-it notes for placing inside your regular Bible. The text that we study each week will be provided on a printed paper, so don’t feel pressured to write in your own Bible until you are comfortable with it. Bible safe highlighters, pens, and colored pencils will be needed. Also bring a friend, this will be a easy starter class no matter what level of Bible study or knowledge that you have. I plan for this class to turn into one that we all can dive into the text together every week after everyone has learned the basic tools that we need for looking at the text.
Obituary For Stephen Lance Small
Stephen Lance Small, also known as Stevo, Smalley, and Coach, 80, of Lawrenceburg, passed away Monday, March 4, 2024 at Signature Healthcare at Heritage Hall.
He was born on March 22, 1943 in Hobbs, NM. He was a member at Holly Hill Church of Christ in Frankfort, KY; graduated from Oklahoma Christian University with a Bachelor Degree in Business and later obtained his Doctorate in Business. He was a Business Teacher for over 40 years at Oklahoma Christian University and also taught in York, Nebraska. Mr. Small coached baseball, basketball, softball and tennis at Oklahoma Christian University. He was also a Future Business Leaders of America Advisor for 22 years. He was an avid Kentucky Wildcat Fan and enjoyed spending his free time attending UK sporting events.
Stephen is survived by his son, Jeremiah (Heather) Steele, of Lawrenceburg; five grandchildren, Jaydan (Karli Bevins) Steele, of Frankfort; Emerie (Ronald Ellison) Steele, Addisyn (Jayden Cherry) Steele, Raydan Steele and Makenzie Steele, all of Lawrenceburg; special friend, Boro Rudric, of Frankfort and Jase Campbell, of MS; and a host of past students, players, and co-workers.
Cremation was chosen and no services have been scheduled at this time. Noon & Son Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with final care.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to the Kentucky FBLA, York College Baseball Team, or Holly Hill Church of Christ College Scholarship Fund.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen Lance Small, please visit our floral store.
Gift Card For Jeremiah & Heather Steele
Barbara Sudduth is collecting money to go toward a gift card for Jeremiah and Heather Steele, due to the passing of Steve Small. If you’d like to contribute, be sure to contact Barbara.
Daylight Saving Time Starts This Weekend - Sunday, March 10th
Daylight Saving Time Begins this weekend, so don’t forget to set your clocks one hour ahead.
Church Records - Sunday, March 3rd
Bible Class Attendance - 82
Worship Attendance - 134
Contribution - $12,039.00
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
The Steele Family
The White & McIver Family
Robin Ibershoff
Ongoing Prayers For: The Bates Family, Roger Caudill, Mark & Mary Johnson, Judy Casey, Inez Chatham, John Widener Jr., The Tropoulos Family, Rita Tackett (Alyson Woodyard’s aunt), Cynthia Whitehead (friend of the Blanton’s), Patsy Cable (Bruce Blanton’s aunt), 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, & 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.
Elder, Deacon, & Minister Meeting - Sunday, March 10th (2pm)
Our monthly Elder, Deacon, & Minister Meeting will be Sunday, March 10th at 2pm. We'll meet at the church building, downstairs in the fellowship hall.
“Large Group” Evening Service — Sunday, March 10th (4pm)
On the 2nd Sunday of each month, we will have a traditional service at 4pm.
Holly Hill Ladies Breakfast - Saturday, March 16th (9am)
Breakfast for all the Holly Hill ladies on March 16th at 9am in the Holly Hill Fellowship Hall. The Esther’s are providing the breakfast so don’t worry about bringing anything. We are looking forward to spending time together, singing, a short devotional, and building friendships. If you have any questions, ask Jeannie LeBeau or Sonia Roach. We will have a sign-up sheet so we can plan the food adequately. We hope to see you there!
Small Groups - Sunday, March 17th (TBD)
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.
REAL Ladies Bible Study - Thursday, March 21st (6pm)
The next REAL Ladies Bible Study will be Thursday, March 21st at 6pm. Alyson Woodyard will be hosting this in the fellowship hall of the church building and dinner will be provided. Please sign up if you plan to attend so we can have enough food.
“Large Group/Area Wide” Service — Sunday, March 24th (3pm)
On March 24th we’ll be hosting an Large Group/Area Wide Service at 3pm. We will have refreshments following the service, downstairs in the fellowship hall.
5th Sunday Potluck Meal - Sunday, March 31st (Immediately Following Worship)
Our “5th Sunday” service will follow our normal Sunday morning schedule, Bible Classes at 10am & Worship at 11am. We hope you’ll stick around following worship and join us for a potluck meal, downstairs in the fellowship hall. We look forward to seeing you there!
5th Sunday Singing Service - Sunday, March 31st (Immediately Following Potluck Meal)
On the 5th Sunday of each month immediately following our potluck meal, we will gather together and sing in worship to God.
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 March, we need:
Canned Green Beans
Canned Corn
Canned Carrots
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