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A Little Thought
"Fortune Cookies"
It is no secret that Houston has an enormous number of options for dining out. On any given day, you can choose the type of food that interests you and find numerous restaurants to satisfy your appetite. However, even with a myriad of choices it seems we all have our go-to when it comes to certain cuisine. One of those for me is Yao’s. When I am hungry for Chinese food, I almost always go to Yao’s. The food is consistently good, and ordering is effortless because I get the same thing almost every time.
As much as I enjoy the meal at Yao’s, it is not complete without the fortune cookie. Granted, the cookies are more often stale than they are delectable delights, but the fortunes are always entertaining and telling at times. Case in point, I recently received one that said, “You will soon be singled out for a promotion.” This particular fortune proved to be prophetic because later that day I received some especially encouraging words from a friend that had a way of “promoting” my attitude and outlook. I was so thankful.
World Communion Sunday was October 1. We had a wonderful morning of worship here at Grace followed by a delightful lunch. Massey-Tucker Hall was a microcosm of the restaurant choices in the City of Houston including American, Ethiopian, Asian and Latin American foods. They all were delicious, and I was certainly full when I went home Sunday afternoon. Fortune cookies were one of the highlights at the Asian table.
A friend of mine shared his fortune with me after lunch saying, “Trey, you need to read this. I think it will preach!” Sure enough, he was correct. The fortune read, “In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends.” This has certainly rung true for me in recent months, and I trust this could be the case for you as well. In the midst of the adversity, my true friends have come alongside me – listening and sharing words of encouragement as I have navigated this season in my life.
Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
Undoubtedly, adversity will be present in all of our lives. I hope this week you will recognize how fortunate you are to have friends who love you. Likewise, I hope you will consider the great fortune associated with being a friend. Make some time this week to extend a tangible expression of your love to a friend. Who knows, perhaps you will take them to Yao’s and have fun reading your fortunes.
I am grateful for the Grace family, and I look forward to seeing you Sunday. Have a terrific Thursday!
Peace,
Trey
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Harvey Relief Weekly Update
We remain committed to walking alongside individuals and families through their long recovery process.
Here's how you can respond in the coming week:
- Utilize Relief List:
Relief List is a website to facilitate a way for people to list needs they have and for people to meet the needs that exist. Please visit our Grace website to connect to the Relief List page or relieflist.com/gpch.
- Connect with our HARVEY MEAL TRAIN:
If you love to cook and would like to join the Harvey Meal Train team to provide dinner for a family, please visit: www.gpch.org/meals. If you’re in need of homemade meals, we have an amazing team who would like to feed YOU! They will even coordinate and customize with you to meet dietary preferences. Again, please contact Debbie Kaplan debbiekaplan@att.net.
- Keep Praying. Keep Encouraging. Keep Supporting:
This week, we encourage you to pray for families making tough decisions about rebuilding, relocating, or restoring. The gift of an encouraging word, a fervent prayer, a homemade meal, a thoughtful card can make the world of difference to our friends in the midst of this long-term recovery process. Let's keep living intentionally to make Jesus visible to those in need.
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Sing For Six Begins Wednesday, November 1
We invite you to participate in our annual Christmas Festival Concert with choir, bells, and full orchestra on Monday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m. Join us for our weekly Wednesday night rehearsals starting November 1 for six weeks. No Sunday morning singing is expected during this time. This opportunity is open to adults of all ages as well as high school students. For more information and a complete schedule, contact Jim Roman in the music office at jroman@gpch.org or 713-267-5031.
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TOCCATAS AND TERRORS! Organ Concert, featuring James Roman, Organist
October 29, 5 p.m., Sanctuary
Here is a treat for you! It’s the perfect time of year to hear a few sinister strains from the world of classical music. Grace Presbyterian Church Organist, Jim Roman, will present some frightfully fun music including goosebump-inducing favorites such as Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, so bring the family for this free event! Please, no boo-ing!
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Starting Point—
A New Class
Begins on October 15, 6-8 p.m., McKechnie Dining Room
Want to get connected? Learn about our beliefs and ministry? Join the church family? Begin at the “Starting Point.” During the Starting Point class, we’ll enjoy fellowship, community, and a meal. You’ll learn more about who we are as a church, how to grow in your faith, and the many life-giving ways you can be a part of the Grace Presbyterian Church family. This includes the opportunity to make this your home church through membership. Join us for a casual dinner and conversation—it’s a great place to start!
For more information and to RSVP, contact Beth Craig, bcraig@gpch.org or 713-267-5012. Child care is available by contacting Debbie Kay, dkay@gpch.org.
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Fifth Annual Dads of Grace Campout
Saturday, October 21, 5 p.m.
Dads, come celebrate fatherhood with fellow Dads of Grace. Kids from Pre-K to high school are invited.
Tent set-up begins at 5 p.m. on the Grace athletic fields. We will enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill followed by games, dodge ball, and s'mores. The fun continues Sunday morning with breakfast and worship together. For more information, please visit: www.gpch.org/dadsofgracecampout.
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Foundations Sunday School Class for Parents
10:15 a.m., LC 207
FOUNDATIONS is an exciting new Sunday School class for parents of young children seeking to impart practical, relevant, and biblical wisdom as they support each other on the journey of parenting and strive to build a strong foundation in their homes. As Matthew 7:25 states, "The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."
This class will offer a balanced curriculum, rotating between studies of God's Word and studies more focused on marriage, family, and parenting issues. This class is currently studying the book "Parenting Beyond Your Capacity" by Reggie Joiner and Cary Nieuwhof.
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Middle School and
High School Project Home
Saturday, October 14, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Bless our neighbors across Houston at the Houston Food Bank. It’s a super awesome CHURCH-WIDE event!
Please meet at 7 a.m. sharp in the Welcome Center at Grace Presbyterian Church. There are 25 STUDENT spots available. Students will be served a delicious Chik-fil-A lunch when we return to the church. Please be sure to be picked up promptly at 1 p.m. Questions? E-mail Lindsey McDonald: lmcdonald@gpch.org. To register, please visit gpch.org/ministries/students/high-school/high-school-project-home.
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THE SISTERHOOD at Grace Student Ministries
The Sisterhood is a place where High School girls can come as they are, be real and open with each other, have the opportunity to feel and know the love of Christ, and meet other young women who are trying to figure it all out too. Mark your calendars for our new October events: The Sisterhood serve event with Bayous City Blessings in a Backpack on October 19 and The Sisterhood Connection Dinner on Sunday, October 22. Please visit: gpch.org/ministries/students/high-school/the-sisterhood/.
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Middle School 2 for 2
October 21-22
Two days. Two people. An event where students invite one of their friends to spend the night and together they have the opportunity to compete in 12 challenges at home to win fantastic prizes! On Sunday, students and their friends come to The Forge Sunday School for a party and distribution of awards. Must be present that Sunday to win. Rules and Challenges will be posted on Facebook (Grace Presbyterian Church - Middle School) on Friday, October 21, at 5 p.m. For more information, contact Reed, rbrentlinger@gpch.org.
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Here's What We're Learning in Treehouse, October 15
October 15
Basic Truth:
God loves me.
Key Question:
Who can help you?
Bottom Line:
God can help me!
Memory Verse:
“We have the Lord our God to help us.”
2 Chronicles 32:8
Bible Story Focus:
God can help me do anything.
David is Strong in Battle (1 Samuel 18:7, 12-14)
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Inspire!
Women's Bible Studies
It's not too late to participate!
Ladies, come whenever you can! Studies have begun, but there is still a warm chair and a loving, supportive group of women waiting for you. In the midst of the post-Harvey world, there will be times when you just need to hit the pause button and get some spiritual refreshment. That is exactly what our Inspire groups offer! In an hour or so, you can spend time in God's Word, share joys and sorrows, and pray with other women of faith. We have groups (day and evening) for women of all ages and stages of life. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED! Newly updated information can be found at gpch.org/inspire.
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Parents’ Night Out
Saturday, November 4, 5-9 p.m.,
$10 per child
PNO provides a safe, fun, Christian environment for children while parents enjoy some much-needed time together. Ages are three months to 5th grade. Space is limited to registrants only. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept walk-in registrants. For more information visit: gpch.org/ministries/children/special-events.
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Join Children's Ministries!
Children’s Ministries needs 3 volunteer leaders (1 in preschool and 2 in elementary) on Sunday mornings! If you’re feeling God nudge you to share His love with these young disciples, please contact Gianna Tiedemann for preschool (713)-267-5096,
gtiedemann@gpch.org) or Lisa Ann Henkel for elementary (713-267-5015, lhenkel@gpch.org).
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Grace Kids Music
Sundays, 1-3 p.m., Grace Choir Room
Calling all Kindergarten through 5th graders! We want YOU to be a part of Grace Kids Music’s big Christmas musical! Grace Kids Music (GKM) is a super fun choir where kids get to act and sing, and last year we even designed and made our own set! Whether it’s your first time singing, or you’re a seasoned pro, this is a fantastic place for kids who want to have fun and show their love of Jesus during the Christmas season by putting on a great show about the biggest and best story ever.
GKM meets every Sunday in the Grace Choir Room by the Sanctuary, 1-3 p.m., now through our final performance on December 3. It's not too late to join us! To register, please visit gpch.org/gracekidsmusic. For more information please contact icastle@gpch.org.
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Trunk or Treat
Friday, October 27, 6-7:30 p.m.
Grace Athletic Field Parking Lot
Come to a night of FUN for the whole family! The parking lot will be full of decorated car trunks, loaded with candy, prizes, and lots of other fun treats. Chick-fil-A will be served for $5/meal. There will be prizes for best costumes and trunks. Register to decorate your trunk or for meals at:http://gpch.org/trunk.
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Here's What We're Learning In The Backyard, October 15
Bible Story:
So You Think You Can Use Your Time Wisely (Teach us to number our days) • Psalm 90:12, NIV
Bottom Line:
Use your time wisely.
Memory Verse:
“Suppose you can be trusted with something very little. Then you can also be trusted with something very large.” Luke 16:10a, NIrV
Life App:
Stewardship—taking care of what you have because it all belongs to God.
Basic Truth:
I need to make the wise choice.
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The First and Last Annual Harvey Mulligan Classic!
Monday, November 6, 11 a.m.
at Sugar Creek Country Club
Registration opens at 11 a.m., tee time noon, reception to follow.
The Grace Presbyterian Church golf tournament is coming back this fall as The First and Last Annual Harvey Mulligan Classic!
In 2016, we welcomed back our annual golf tournament in memory of Dolores and Allan Wood. Hurricane Harvey has inspired us to redefine this year’s golf tournament. Our goal for the tournament will shift from an annual fundraiser to a fun, fellowship gathering. We are asking the Grace family to extend an invitation to non-member friends, neighbors, co-workers and flooded individuals to join us for a round of golf and dinner, compliments of a generous donation.
For more details and registration, please visit gpch.org/golf.
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Grace Day
at the Houston Food Bank
October 14, 8 a.m-12 p.m.
Bless our neighbors across Houston while in fellowship with Grace at the Houston Food Bank. For more information and to register, please contact Paul Mancillas, 832-260-8329.
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Post-Disaster Support Groups
As hurricane relief efforts continue, we recognize the effects of Harvey are not only on our physical belongings, but Harvey also impacted us psychologically and spiritually. In response, we are offering free post-disaster support groups led by gifted counselors for adults and children. For more information, please contact Becky Morris 713-267-5091 or bmorris@gpch.org bmorris@gpch.org or visit www.gpch.org/postdisastersupportgroups.
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