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Wisdom from Nantz
As a sports enthusiast, this is my favorite time of year! Major League Baseball season is underway. Yet again, our hopes are high for our Houston Astros to dominate. The college basketball season has come to a close, and we almost had a Texas sweep. The Baylor Bears are National Champions on the women’s side and the Texas Tech Red Raiders fought a good fight against the Virginia Cavaliers, coming up just a little short. The Houston Rockets are poised to make a legitimate run to win it all in the NBA postseason. Seriously, does it get any better than this time of year?
There is something else I love about this time of year: I love hearing the voice of CBS Sports announcer, Jim Nantz. His voice will be echoing through my house throughout this first full week of April. It began Monday night as he called the NCAA National Championship game and will continue through Augusta National. After all, this is the week of The Masters!
What wisdom can we take from Jim Nantz? There are two nuggets I want you to ponder.
The first was on Monday night during the second half of the NCAA National Championship. The game was close, and there were just a few minutes left. In classic Nantz form, just prior to a commercial break, he asked, “Who wants it more?”. My initial response was, “Really Nantz? Do you not think that every player on the court ‘wants’ to win the game?” But we know what he really meant: who is going to press on, with all they have, to achieve victory?
The second will come later this week when he will certainly say, “Hello friends, and welcome to the Masters, a tradition unlike any other!” I must admit, hearing those words stirs an excitement in me that is irresistible! I can’t wait to watch all of the shots, listen to all of the commentary, see the beauty of Augusta and hear the roars from the crowd on the back nine Sunday.
Nantz’s wisdom applies to us as well. This Sunday marks the beginning of The Master’s week in the life of a Christian. Beginning with Palm Sunday, His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when the shouts from the crowd were echoing down the dusty roads and culminating with His ultimate victory on Easter Sunday. However, in between, there would be adversity, betrayal, pain and even death. This time of year is undoubtedly a tradition unlike any other accomplished by the One who wanted it most!
As we continue our Lenten journey, I invite you to join us at Grace over the next several days. In fact, I want you to bring some friends with you.
This Sunday we will hear Jesus’ words from the cross, “It is finished,” and explore their significance for our lives. But also, I hope you will make plans to join us during Holy Week:
- Monday, April 15
- Thursday, April 18
- Good Friday, April 19
- Easter Sunday, April 21
- Find all the details in the box following this message. You might call it the “highlight reel” of the week.
And finally, I want to encourage you to worship with us at Grace on Easter Sunday where we will hear “The Final Word.” We will have three morning services: 6:30 a.m., 9 a.m., and 11:15 a.m.
Friends, as Jesus enthusiasts, my prayer for us all is that we will fully engage and embrace the reality of how “major” this season is for our present and our future.
Peace, Trey |
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Holy Week and Easter Schedule
Monday, April 15,
7:30 p.m., Sanctuary
Houston Masterworks Chorus presents REQUIEM by John Rutter
Maundy Thursday, April 18
7 p.m., Sanctuary
Contemporary Worship
(Child care is available by reservation; contact dkay@gpch.org before the April 12 deadline.)
Good Friday, April 19
7 p.m., Sanctuary
Traditional Worship
7 p.m., The Founders’ Chapel
Grace en Español Worship
(Child care is available by reservation; contact dkay@gpch.org before the April 12 deadline.)
Easter Sunday, April 21:
6:30 a.m. Sunrise worship, the Courtyard
9 a.m. Contemporary worship, Sanctuary
11:15 a.m.Traditional worship, Sanctuary
11:15 a.m. Grace en Español, The Founders’ Chapel
7:15-11 a.m. Continental breakfast, Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall
10:15-11 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt for Children, Grace Athletic Fields
On Easter Sunday, we invite you to bring flowers for our Easter cross in the courtyard. Sunday school classes will NOT meet on Easter Sunday, but will resume on April 28. Child care for children Kindergarten and under will be available beginning at 6:15 a.m. |
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Ready Update Q&A
What are the first updates we will see happening on campus?
Beginning this Spring, we will begin the process of replacing the roof on the Sanctuary and Education Building, our parking lots will be getting new light poles, and the McKechnie Dining room will be renovated and have a whole new updated “look.”
When will we see updates in the Sanctuary lobby and new Welcome Center?
We anticipate the work beginning late June after VBS! Our teams have been hard at work finalizing design decisions. You will love the refreshed look… lighter, brighter… more open spaces! And, just wait until you see the new Coffee Bar renderings!
What is going to happen in the Sanctuary?
You will love our new LED screen, updated tile and carpet, updated pew cushions, and more.
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Lily Dedications
Every Easter the Grace Sanctuary is filled with lilies given in honor or in memory of someone. Dedications may be made through April 14. The cost is $10. You may purchase a lily online at: gpch.org/lily. |
Now You Can Give
On the Go!
In less time than it takes to write a check, you can now make contributions using your smartphone at church or anytime. Mobile giving is a quick, easy, and convenient way to support the ministries and missions of Grace.
Online giving is easy to set up, and you can make a one-time gift or automatic recurring contributions with your designated bank account or credit card. You are also able to view your complete giving history.
Using your smartphone’s camera or code reader app, you can scan this QR code to go straight to the secure Grace online giving webpage. Follow the prompts to create or login to your giving profile, and in just a few clicks, your contribution is made. |
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Officer Nominations Now Being Accepted
Nominations for deacons and elders to serve a three-year term beginning late fall 2019 are now being accepted. Please complete nomination forms online at gpch.org/officer. Forms are also available in the Narthex and may be turned in at the Welcome Center by May 7. |
Out Of Town This Sunday? Watch Us On Facebook Live Each Week!
We love gathering together each Sunday as a Grace family! But, if you are unable to join us for worship, there are two ways to join us online: on our homepage or live on our Facebook page. |
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Here's What We're Learning In The Backyard
April 14
Bible Story: This I Promise You (Palm Sunday) • John 12:9-16
Bottom Line: Whatever happens, remember God keeps His promises.
Memory Verse: “In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world.” • John 16:33b, NIrV
Life App: Hope—Believing that something good can come out of something bad
Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what. |
VBS 2019
Registration Open
June 10-13, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
We're ready to LEVEL UP! "How are YOU gonna play the game?" will be our challenge to more than 500 kids and 300 volunteers as they travel through video game-themed stations. Through crafts, snacks, games, and Backyard Bible Adventures, we'll study how Daniel and his friends played for the Kingdom of God. And each morning will begin and end in the ultimate power-up: worshiping in the Sanctuary. For more information and to register a child or to volunteer, visit gpch.org/vbs/. |
Volunteers Needed
Did we mention that more than 300 teen and adult volunteers are needed to make VBS possible? Want in on all the game action? For more information about volunteer opportunities, visit gpch.org/vbs/. |
Preteen Movie Night
We will host a Preteen Movie Night for fourth and fifth graders on Friday, May 3, in the Middle School and High School rooms in Massey Tucker. The cost will be $10 per student for pizza and snacks. Registration will open this Friday. Please click HERE to register. |
Summer Sports Camps Job Opportunity
Triumph Sports is looking for high school and college students who love Jesus, love working with kids, and love having fun to work at its summer sports camps. Applicants must be 16 or older. High school students earn $10/hour, and college students earn $12/hour as coaches. College graduates can be head coaches and earn $20/hour. Apply online at www.TriumphSports.com. Triumph will offer a camp after each morning of VBS in June as well as operate the PNO event in April. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015). |
Phases: Parent Conversations April 28, 10:15 a.m. in Foundations and Home Improvement Classes
Join Family Ministries staff as we tackle the parenting issues you’re facing right now and share ways to keep your family focused on God’s love. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015). |
College Ministry
The Bridges Sunday School class coordinates our college ministry events throughout the year. If you have college-aged children, please contact Carey Dow (careydow@me.com; 713-822-3981) to make sure that we have their contact information so that we can let them know when events are planned. |
Student Ministries Summer Mission Trips
Registration is open for all of our Student Ministries summer mission trips. Information and registration links may be found HERE. |
Here's What We're Learning In The TreeHouse
April 14
Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Key Question: Who is your friend?
Bottom Line: Jesus is my friend.
Memory Verse: “A friend loves at all times.” • Proverbs 17:17
Bible Story Focus: We can praise Jesus.
Palm Sunday • Matthew 21:1-16
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Easter Candy
Donations Needed
Children's Ministries needs candy to get ready for the Easter Egg Hunt on April 21. Please bring a bag of individually wrapped candy to Grace by Tuesday, April 16. We have donation baskets behind the receptionist desk in the Welcome Center during the week and in the Narthex on Sundays. Remember these two simple guidelines:
- NO peanuts, NO nuts of any kind, NO peanut butter
- Individually wrapped candy only (no big bags of loose jelly beans, for example)
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Easter Egg Hunt
April 21, 10:15 a.m.
Grace Athletic Field
Children's Ministries invites all children Fifth Grade and younger to our Egg Hunt on Easter morning at 10:15 a.m. on the Grace Athletic Field. We will have three areas sectioned off: Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Elementary Age Students. We will stagger the hunt times so you can enjoy each age group. Bring your own basket to collect eggs in or we will provide an egg carton. Afterwards, each child will trade in their eggs for a bag of Easter treats. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org;713-267-5015). |
May Encore Trip: Butler Longhorn Museum and Kemah Boardwalk Tour
May 8, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Think of Texas, and you think of Longhorns: ponderous cattle with horns as wide as a man is tall. From the western art of Charles M. Russell to the University of Texas mascot, the Longhorn is synonymous with Texas and its long ranching history. Yet few Texans or visitors to this state realize that at the beginning of the 20th century, Longhorns were on the verge of extinction. Today, the Longhorn is alive and well thanks to the efforts of six pioneer breeders and a few far-sighted federal employees, who refused to allow these animals to become extinct. The Butler Longhorn Museum tells the story of this amazing comeback, and in doing so, tells a compelling chapter in the story of the American West. Following the museum tour, we will enjoy lunch at a place of your choosing and then enjoy shopping on the famous Kemah Boardwalk until 3 p.m. The cost of the museum tour is $10. To register, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091). |
June Encore Trip: Alley Theatre, Ken Ludwig's
"The Three Musketeers"
June 30, 1:30 - 5 p.m.
All for one and one for all! A swashbuckling romp of romance, danger, and comedy, perfectly suited for the whole family. Alexandre Dumas’ timeless tale springs to life as the young D’Artagnan, joined by his sister Sabine, discovers honor amid intrigue and high-stakes adventure when he meets the famous Three Musketeers. En garde for this action- and humor-packed summer hit. The cost is $25. Payment is due by Sunday June 9. To register, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091). |
Student Ministries
Project Home
May 11, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.,
Grace Student Ministries will partner with West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM) for their community Food Fair. We will help pack boxes of food from WHAM’s food pantry. Later that morning we will pass out the food boxes to families in need of assistance. We will meet at WHAM at 9 a.m. Food Fair will end no later than 2 p.m. (time varies depending on the number of families). Pick up and drop off at WHAM, located at 10501 Meadowglen Lane. Please make sure to eat a big breakfast before arriving at WHAM. Bring a sack lunch to eat and water bottle for during our time at WHAM. Wear closed toe shoes and long pants. Register HERE. |
Sisterhood Dinner
April 24, 5-7 p.m., home of Cathy Finck
All High School girls and their friends are invited to The Sisterhood Dinner at Cathy Finck’s house. We’ll eat some delicious food, play a super fun game, and listen to a testimony! For more information, please contact Angie Williamson (awilliamson@gpch.org; 713-703-5083). Register HERE. |
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Manna from Grace
Saturday April 13, 9 a.m.-12 p.m,
home of Ann Gentle (281-468-6489)
Twice a month folks gather to have fun and fellowship while they prepare food for those in the family of Grace who are going through a time of illness or trial. While some of the meals are delivered, many are put in the church freezer, located right inside the portico door. These are for anyone to take when they know someone who could be blessed by one of these meals. If you would like to know about Manna from Grace – volunteering or receiving meals – please contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
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Church-Wide Bake Sale
Sunday, May 5
Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall Lobby
Mark your calendars for a church-wide bake sale hosted by the Women of Grace on Sunday, May 5. This bake sale will fund scholarships for female students at Grace Girls’ High School in Kenya. Please donate homemade cakes, cookies, and pastries. All donations may be brought to the Heritage Room on Saturday, May 4, by 3 p.m. For more information, contact Diana Peper at 713-291-0325. |
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Why Stephen Ministry?
We have many needs for care in our congregation and community: people experiencing divorce, grief, a terminal illness, loss of a job, relocation, an empty nest, retirement, hospitalization, loneliness, and many other stresses or challenges. Often people with needs suffer silently or do not request or receive the level of care they really need. With a limited number of pastors for a congregation the size of Grace Presbyterian, you can quickly see why it would be impossible for our pastors to meet every need of every single person. Stephen Ministry expands the care Grace Presbyterian Church can offer by equipping and organizing members to provide Christian care. This gives us a larger pool of people with the gifts, skills, and calling to bring Christ’s love and care to those who most need it. And this one-on-one care is completely confidential. If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, contact Denise Phelps or Susan Jernigan at 713-582-3332.
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Houston Food Bank
April 13, 8 a.m.-noon
Portwall Warehouse
Bless our neighbors across Houston while in fellowship with Grace at the Houston Food Bank. For more information and to register, contact Paul Mancillas (paulmancillas@gmail.com; 832-260-8329). |
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Brookwood Will Be Blooming at Grace
Sunday, May 19
Join us in the courtyard to celebrate God’s work through the citizens of Brookwood! The Horticulture enterprise grows approximately 300,000 plants a year across 47 greenhouses, employing nearly 100 citizens every single day. Check out what’s new for spring and bring color and life to your yard! Plants will be available for purchase. |
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Become a Mentor & Impact the Life of a Middle School Student Forever!
For the past seven years, Grace Presbyterian Church has partnered with Paul Revere Middle School to provide adults the opportunity to mentor students. Mentoring, at its core, guarantees students that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with daily challenges, and reminds students that they matter. Research confirms that mentoring has a powerful positive effect on students personally, academically, and on their future dreams. Signing up involves three easy steps: filling out an application, completing a background check, and having a placement conversation. For more information or to speak to a member of the leadership team, please click HERE .
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Looking Ahead in 2019… SAVE the DATE!
April 13, Grace Day at Houston Food Bank
April 15, Houston Masterworks Class
April 18, Maundy Thursday Service
April 19, Good Friday Service
April 21, Easter Services
April 27, Parents' Night Out
April 28, Phases: Parent Conversations
May 3, Preteen Movie Night
May 5, Women of Grace Bake Sale
May 19, Brookwood Plant Sale at Grace
June 9, One Worship Service at 10 a.m.
June 10-13, Vacation Bible School
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