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This Sunday, October 1, there will be no Sunday School. Childcare will be available for Kindergarten and under.
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A Little Thought
The Table
Have you ever spent time looking around your home and found yourself feeling sorry for certain pieces of furniture? I know that is a crazy question, but do you ever wonder if some furniture is just under-appreciated or perhaps even under-utilized? Well, in recent weeks I have had these thoughts, particularly when I consider my dining room table.
I have fond memories of my dining room table. Sitting around the table with my family and/or friends, sharing a few laughs and typically a wonderful meal. In fact, my table is quite the centerpiece in my dining room and is one of the first pieces of furniture to catch the eye upon entering my home. It is steady, strong and large enough for several people to sit around to enjoy a nice meal. However, it is rarely used anymore. Instead, it is more often used as a resting spot for boxes, occasionally a plate of apples, or perhaps even some laundry waiting to be carried to the cleaners. I kind of feel sorry for the table.
This Sunday is World Communion Sunday—a time in the year that Christians, literally around the world, will come to The Table. We will gather around The Lord’s Table and celebrate the Sacrament of Communion. It is a day set aside in the life of the Church to remember the incredible sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is an opportunity to have a visual reminder of the truth that He gave His all so that we might live an abundant life in communion with Him.
There is tremendous depth in pondering the significance of Christ’s body given for us and His blood shed for us—but so, too, there is amazing beauty in the reality that He did so for Christians around the world. Eucharist by definition means, “thankfulness.” When we gather around The Table, our focus is thankfulness—giving thanks to Christ for His sacrifice—His body, blood and grace. As followers of Jesus Christ, there should never be a time when The Table is under-appreciated or under-utilized.
Jack Miller, a noted Presbyterian pastor and author in Philadelphia, often summed up the Gospel this way: “Cheer up; you’re a lot worse off than you think you are, but in Jesus you’re far more loved than you ever could have imagined” (Tullian Tchividjian, Surprised by Grace).
Perhaps you have felt like your faith has kind of been resting like an empty box. You have been overwhelmed with grief and sorrow or burdened with stress and anxiousness, and you are just spiritually tapped. Or perhaps you have felt more like a plate of apples—you look good on the outside but may be a little bruised on the inside. Or you may even feel like a bag of dirty laundry that is in need of a good cleaning. Wherever you find yourself this week, know that you are loved by Jesus, and He invites you to His Table.
I hope you will join us this Sunday at Grace for worship at 10 a.m. Also, just a reminder that there will be a brief congregational meeting after worship, and then we will gather in Massey-Tucker Hall for a lunch that will literally be “world” class.
I am thankful to be part of the Grace family and humbled to be invited to The Table.
Peace,
Trey
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Harvey Relief Weekly Update
We remain committed to walking alongside individuals and families through their long recovery process. As the needs continue to shift, Grace will continue to work the plan and serve as a resource to bless and support them. As we move into the long-term relief process, we will be connecting and communicating with ministry partners in the greater Houston area, and will share those resources with our Grace family.
Here’s how you can respond in the coming week:
- Utilize Relief List. Relief List is a tool to facilitate a way for people to list needs they have and for people to meet those needs. Please visit the Grace website to connect to the Relief List page or www.relieflist.com/gpch. You may also visit the Relief List table during lunch on Sunday in Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall.
- Connect with the HARVEY MEAL TRAIN.
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 for you to meet your dietary preferences. Please contact Debbie Kaplan, debbiekaplan@att.net
- Keep Praying. Keep Encouraging. Keep Supporting. As we begin to fall into our new Post-Harvey “normal,” it’s important for us to continue to stay alert to families in our church and community who need friends and neighbors to offer an encouraging word, a fervent prayer, a homemade meal, a thoughtful card. Let’s keep living intentionally to make Jesus visible to those in need.
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Congregational Meeting
The Annual Congregational Meeting of Grace will be held on Sunday, October 1 immediately following the worship service in the Sanctuary. The following matters will be considered:
- Election of Ruling Elder Class of 2020
- Election of Deacon Class of 2020
- Election of at-large members of the Church Officer Nominating Committee
- Election of Grace Presbyterian Endowment Fund Trustee Class of 2020
- Approval of call for Chad Erb as Associate Pastor
- Any other matter that may properly come before the meeting
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TOCCATAS AND TERROR! 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 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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Return to regular schedule next Sunday, October 8
Beginning next Sunday, we will return to the regular worship schedule:
- 9 a.m.
Contemporary Worship in the Sanctuary
- 9 a.m.
Traditional Worship in the Founders’ Chapel
- 10:15 a.m.
Sunday School for Adults, Students, and Children
- 11:15 a.m.
Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
- 11:15 a.m.
Grace en Español in the Founders’ Chapel
- Childcare is available during worship for children in kindergarten and younger.
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5th Annual Dads of Grace Campout
Saturday, October 21
Dads, come celebrate fatherhood with fellow Dads of Grace. Kids from Pre-K to high school are invited. Tents up at 5 p.m. on the Grace athletic fields. We will enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill followed by games, dodgeball, 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
Beginning Sunday, October 8
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. We will kick-off on Sunday, October 8th with a study of the book "Parenting Beyond Your Capacity" by Reggie Joiner and Cary Nieuwhof. This class will meet in LC 207.
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High School Laser Tag at Battlefield Houston
Monday, October 9, 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Come experience the largest indoor tactical battlefield in the United States. This place has the most advanced laser tag equipment. Cool, huh? It's just like stepping into a live video game! And yes, there will be food.
Please meet at 11 a.m. sharp in the Welcome Center at Grace Presbyterian Church. Please be picked up promptly at 2:30 p.m. The cost is $20. This includes lunch and all laser tag games! Questions? E-mail Matt mdavis@gpch.org
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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 Chick-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:mcdonald@gpch.org
To register, please visit gpch.org/ministries/students/high-school/high-school-project-home.
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Inspire! Women's Bible Studies
It's not too late to participate!
In light of the profound impacts of Harvey on all of us, more than ever we need to spend time in God's Word and to be part of a group that loves, supports and prays for one another. Inspire is hoping women of all ages and stages of life will consider joining one of the weekly Bible studies and inviting a neighbor, friend, or anyone who needs encouragement from God's Word and a community of caring women. No registeration required! Day and evening study options available; newly updated information can be found at gpch.org/inspire.
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Women of Grace Think Pink Luncheon
Monday, October 16 at 11:00 a.m. (10:45 a.m. sign in), Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall
Think Pink! A luncheon and program on breast cancer awareness and a celebration of cancer survivors. Featuring special guest speaker, Chris Noble, from The Rose.
Make your reservations by Monday, October 9. You may register with your circle, at The Filling Station on Sunday mornings or online at gpch.org/thinkpinkluncheon. Cost of the luncheon is $8. Email dkay@gpch.org by Monday, October 9 for free childcare.
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Join The Children's Ministries Team!
Children’s Ministries needs volunteers——3 preschool leaders and 4 elementary leaders! 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 Henkel for elementary (713-267-5015, lhenkel@gpch.org).
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Grace Kids Music
Begins October 8, 1-3 p.m.
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., starting October 8 through our final performance on December 3. To register, please visit pch.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. Visit http://gpch.org/trunk/. to sign up to decorate your trunk or purchase a meal.
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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 also Harvey 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 Denise Phelps 713-267-5063 or dphelps@gpch.org. or visit www.gpch.org/postdisastersupportgroups
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WHAM Food Drive
Sunday, October 1
Help collect food and other necessities for WHAM (West Houston Assistance Ministry) the first Sunday of every month. Collection bins will be located inside the Chapel and Sanctuary entrances and in the Massey-Tucker Hall Lobby. Focus items will be canned fruit and soups, crackers, peanut butter and jelly, and pasta.
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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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