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Protecting Hope
I recently read an interesting insight on hope: “There are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless about them” (Clare Boothe Luce).
Do we believe that? Are there hopeless situations or could an infusion of hope still transform any situation? Where in your life do you need to be protected by hope?
It seems to me that, by and large, we are grasping for hope rather than claiming it. When asked by a friend, “How are you doing?” our response is often, “I am hanging in there.” Perhaps I shouldn’t assume that is your response but if I were honest, that is sometimes my response. Quite frankly, as a follower of Jesus Christ, that is a disappointing answer.
Too often, we live our lives under our circumstances, trapped by the things that happen to us and perhaps even things that we think will happen to us. We allow our circumstances to determine whether we will be joy-filled or joy-less. When circumstances turn against us, we tend to turn from hope.
Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Protecting our hope has its foundation in pursuing Jesus with all we are, regardless of our circumstances!
As one author puts it: “If you give the part of your soul that is meant for God to lesser things, they will break your heart because they cannot possibly come through for you the way God can. Only he will never leave you or forsake you.” He goes on to say, “Keeping God as our first love, we are not destroyed when others fail to love us well; we are able to weather criticism, loneliness, and rejection…hope shows your heart is still alive” (John Eldredge, All Things New, pg. 44-45).
How will you allow hope to be a source of life for you today?
Peace,
Trey
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Brookwood is Blooming at Grace
April 22
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!
Also, on April 22, the courtyard will be blossoming with opportunies to learn more about Grace Tables, to visit with the Mukha family (our missionaries from France), to enjoy special refreshments, and more.
 Grace Tables
Grace Tables is a ministry initiative that encourages us to create and cultivate authentic community where we live… in our neighborhoods. We are just crazy enough to believe Jesus really meant that we should love our neighbors, and we believe that Grace Tables help us do that. If you are interested in hosting a Grace Table in your yard, please come to the courtyard on Sunday, April 22, and sign up to have a table delivered to your home. For more information, please visit www.gpch.org/gracetables or contact Chris French (cfrench@gpch.org; 713-267-5039).
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Organ and Voice Concert
April 29, 5 p.m., Sanctuary
Grace organist James Roman and his wife, soprano Grace Roman, will present a concert of music for voice and organ. The concert will feature a variety of music including pieces that depict stories of Circe from Greek mythology, settings of quirky middle English texts about chickens and bad husbands, settings of familiar hymn tunes, and more. |
Starting Point Class
Sunday, April 29, 6-8 p.m.,
Massey Tucker Hall 103
Want to get connected? Find a CORE Community? Learn about our beliefs and ministry? Join the church family? Where do you begin? At the start.
During the Starting Point Class, we’ll enjoy a meal and have great conversation together. 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 our church family, including 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! Child care is available by contacting Debbie Kay (dkay@gpch.org; 713-267-5084). To RSVP or for more information, contact Beth Craig (bcraig@gpch.org; 713-267-5012).
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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: You can always watch or listen to the sermons on our homepage or you can watch us live on our Facebook page.
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Officer Nominations
Now Being Accepted
Nominations for deacons, elders, and trustees to serve a three-year term beginning January 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 15. |
"In His Steps"
Tour of Israel with Trey
December 28 - January 6
A trip to the Holy Land is a bucket list adventure. To walk where Jesus walked is a life-giving opportunity, which will shape your faith journey. Trey would love for you to join him for what is sure to be a memorable trip to Israel. It will include a visit to sites such as the Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Sea of Galilee, and Capernaum. For more information and to register, please visit: gpch.org/inhissteps. You may also discuss the details of the trip with the trip leader, Mike Fanning, by phone or email (mike@mikefanning.com; 210-710-6234).
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Encore Day Trip
The Lone Star Flight Museum
Tuesday, May 15, 9 a.m.-2:15 p.m.
The Lone Star Flight Museum, located next to Ellington Airport, is an aerospace museum that displays more than 40 historically significant aircraft and many hundreds of artifacts related to the history of flight. The museum's collection is rare because most of the aircraft are flyable. Please join us as we explore the history of flight! Price of the tour is $14: lunch is on your own at Cracker Barrel. Please be at Grace by 9 a.m. Departure is at 9:20 a.m., and we will return by 2:15 p.m. Payment is due by Sunday, May 6. Seating is limited. If you have questions, please contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
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Here's What We're Learning In The Backyard
April 22
Bible Story: Watch for Livestock (Golden Calf) • Exodus 32:1-35
Bottom Line: When you think you can’t wait, think about what’s true.
Memory Verse: “Wait for the Lord. Be strong and don’t lose hope. Wait for the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14, NIrV
Life App: Patience—Waiting until later for what you want now.
Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what. |
Middle School
Spring Retreat
April 27-29
All Middle School students and their friends are invited on the Spring Retreat as we head back to Camp Cho-Yeh this year. Come join us as we hang out with friends and make new ones. We will eat WAY too many snacks, play games, have awesome worship, and dive into God’s Word together. This year’s theme is "Forgotten God.” We will be walking through who and what the Holy Spirit is and how that impacts our lives. The cost for this retreat is only $100. There are 15 spots available! Click HERE for more information and to register. Questions? E-mail Reed Brentlinger (rbrentlinger@gpch.org; 713-267-5076).
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Project Home:
World Water Day 5K
MAY 5, 7:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
In partnership with Living Water International’s World Water Day, all Middle School and High School students are invited to walk, run, or cheer with us for a chance to win free Chick-fil-A for a year. We’ll be supporting an incredible organization seeking to bring clean water to people around the world in Jesus’ Name. Registration cost is $35. For more information and to register, please click HERE.
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Donate Supplies for VBS
Every year, Vacation Bible School at Grace is blessed by very generous donations from our congregation! Pick up a list of supplies that Children’s Ministries needed for VBS next time you’re in the Narthex or at the reception desk in the Welcome Center. Your donation of any item will be GREATLY appreciated and help make Jesus visible to everyone this summer. You can drop donations off in the Welcome Center or in the Children’s Ministries offices on the second floor of Massey-Tucker Hall.
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Here's What We're Learning In The Treehouse
April 22
Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever!
Key Question: Who can tell others about Jesus?
Bottom Line: I can tell others about Jesus.
Memory Verse: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Matthew 28:19
Bible Story Focus: I can tell others about Jesus even when it’s hard.
Paul and Silas • Acts 16:16-34 |
D3-Every Wednesday
7-8:30 p.m.,
Massey-Tucker 207
All High School students are invited to join us every Wednesday night for our weekly Bible study. D3 begins with dinner and games. We end with an amazing Bible study!
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High School
Spring Retreat
April 27-29
All High School students and their friends are invited to our annual Spring Retreat. We’re heading back to the Frazelles’ lake house in New Braunfels for a weekend of relaxing, boating, tubing, volleyball, fishing, s’mores, delicious food, worship, and more. We’ll even make a pitstop at Buc-ee’s! The cost for this retreat is only $75. Click HERE for more information and to register. Questions? Contact Angie Williamson (awilliamson@gpch.org; 713-267-5083).
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Senior Mission Trip:
The Bahamas
July 14-21
All graduating High School seniors and college students are invited to join us on this year’s Senior Mission Trip. We will be heading to the Bahamas to serve the local people as well as the displaced Haitian refugee community. We’ll work with Praying Pelican Missions, a short-term international missions organization that partners with and serves indigenous churches, pastors, and communities around the world. To find out more about Praying Pelican Missions, go to their webpage. The cost of the trip is $1,200. This includes airfare, lodging, meals, and ministry supplies. For more information and registration, click HERE.
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Save The Date!
Vacation Bible School 2018
Livin’ Loud Lab…
Where God’s Love
Ignites a Chain Reaction
that Changes the World!
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Blood Drive
Sunday, April 29,
Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall C
Share “The Gift of Life” and help Grace maintain the Life Plan II Blood Program through the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. For more information, contact Judy Dewey at judydewey@att.net or go to the website gpch.org/blooddrive.
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Common Ground
Do you assist a family member or friend with daily caregiving tasks? If you answered YES, we offer a caregiver’s support group to share and help called “Common Ground.” It meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in the Molly Ann Smith building. This opportunity can help you take care of yourself. For more information, please contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
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Harvey Support Group
As care continues for those who have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey, we are offering a counselor-facilitated support group for ages 14 and above. We will meet on the third Monday of each month beginning Monday, April 16, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the McKechnie Dining Room. This group will provide support, share resources and help in processing the many losses related to all aspects of Hurricane Harvey, as well as asking for God's amazing presence through prayer in all of these areas. To ensure adequate space is available for all who plan to attend, please register through Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091). |
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