April 4, 2019

Shuffle Play

Are you familiar with Spotify? My hunch is that most of you know what it is about, even if you don’t use it.  However, just in case - Spotify makes it easy to find the right music for every moment - on your phone, your computer or your tablet. There are millions of tracks at your fingertips. You can choose an artist or a genre - and if you are like me and unsure of either of those, you can just type in a few words of a song to find your interest.

My kids introduced me to Spotify. The truth is, I am still a novice, but I am a huge fan. Just a few months ago I had a significant technological breakthrough - my kids showed me how to create “Trey’s Faves.” One of the things I love about having my very own playlist is that, typically speaking, there isn’t a song I don’t like on my list; after all, they are my “faves.” So, I can just hit “Shuffle Play” and Spotify surprises me.

What is the soundtrack for your life? In other words, what or who do you listen to on a regular basis? I want to encourage you to tap into the divine music for your soul.

Remember the words from the song found in Psalm 20: “Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.”

Spotify claims to have “Music for Everyone.”

That may be true, but “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.”

Recently a dear friend sent me an encouraging word just when I needed it: “God’s hand is on you. He has already fixed it. He has worked that thing out. Now you’re about to see what God has been up to all along. Type and declare by faith, ‘It’s already done!’”

“It’s already done!” I hope that makes you want to dance.

In fact, may you have a Shuffle Play of the rhythms of grace. In other words, allow God to surprise you today.

I hope to see you Sunday.

Peace,

Trey

P.S.

Speaking of the rhythms of Grace, we’re shuffling into an exciting season as teams are hard at work finalizing plans and updating renderings. Soon our campus will be a more welcoming place, a more relevant space, and we will be better positioned to extend grace outside our walls through missional partnerships.

In the weeks and months to come, we’ll be sharing photos, drawings, and sneak peaks to keep you updated and informed! We hope it will be music to your ears….
gather
Gather

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.

Starting Point Class

April 7, 6 p.m., Massey-Tucker Hall, Room 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 starting point.

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 (dkay@gpch.org). To RSVP or for more information, contact Beth Craig (bcraig@gpch.org).

Officer Nominations Now Being Accepted

Nominations for deacons, elders, and trustees to serve a three-year term beginning   ???  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.

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
Traditional 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
7:15-11 a.m. Continental breakfast, Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall
9 a.m. Contemporary worship, Sanctuary
10:15-11 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt for Children, Grace Athletic Fields
11:15 a.m.Traditional worship, Sanctuary
11:15 a.m. Grace en Español, The Founders’ Chapel


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.
Connect
Connect

Here's What We're Learning In The Backyard

April 7

Bible Story: You Raise Me Up (Lazarus Raised) • John 11:1-45
Bottom Line: Whatever happens, remember how powerful God is.
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 Registration Opens April 5

We’re ready to LEVEL UP! at VBS June 10-13. “How are YOU gonna play the game?” will be our challenge to more than 500 kids and 300 volunteers as they travel through the video game themed stations. Through crafts, snacks, games, and Backyard Adventures, we’ll learn from Daniel and his friends how to play 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 HERE.

Did we mention that more than 300 teen and adult volunteers are needed to make VBS possible? Want in on all the game action? We need energetic and loving volunteers in all our stations and to lead crews of kids throughout the campus. We know God will be working through our children during June 10-13 at VBS. How will He work through you?

  • Is He calling you to be a Crew Leader and guide a group of 7-8 kids through VBS?
  • Does He want you to take a leadership role?
  • Perhaps He's nudging you to start with one or two free mornings and be a substitute for Children’s Ministries.

No matter where you spend those four days, please pray for that week to be a sweet, special time on campus. We'll pray that you answer His call!

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).

Parents' Night Out

April 27, 5-9 p.m.

For more information and to register for the Wait List, please click HERE. Have more questions? Contact Lisa Ann Henkel at (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 Trip
to Dewberry Farm

April 14, 11:45 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Hey Middle School and High School gals! We are heading to Dewberry Farm on April 14 to meet the newest baby animals that have “hatched” this spring, eat delicious food, hang out on the train, climb the rock wall, and more. There are 42 spots available. Tickets cost $19. Bring extra money for lunch, souvenirs, and extra activities. Meet in Massey-Tucker 207 at 11:45 a.m. Transportation is provided and we’ll be back at 4 p.m. Adult volunteers go for FREE! All students will need to have a Grace Medical Waiver on file in order to attend this trip. Register HERE.

Here's What We're Learning In The Treehouse

April 7

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: Jesus is a good friend.
Washing Feet  • John 13:3-7

Easter Candy Donations

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 anytime in the next two weeks. 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, and NO peanut butter
  • Individually wrapped candy (no big bags of loose jelly beans, for example)

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 be helping to create 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 number of families). Pick up and drop off at WHAM, located at 10501 Meadowglen Ln. 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.

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.

Bless
Bless

WHAM Food Drive This Sunday

Sunday, April 7

Help collect food and other necessity items for WHAM (West Houston Assistance Ministry). Collection bins will be located inside the Chapel and Sanctuary entrances, and in the Massey-Tucker Hall Lobby. Focus items will be peanut butter and jelly, canned pasta and canned fruit, soups and crackers.

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).

Powerful Tools
for Caregivers

Beginning April 30, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Are you or someone you know a caregiver for a loved one? Powerful Tools helps caregivers develop skills and confidence to better care for themselves while caring for others. It is a six-week series led by trained facilitators using a standardized curriculum. The weekly topics range from reducing your stress to communicating in challenging situations and mastering caregiving decisions. Caregivers learn the skills needed to reduce stress, communicate more effectively, practice self-care, reduce guilt, anger and depression, make tough decisions, and much more. The workshop begins April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon for six weeks. There is no charge for the course, but there is a charge of $25 for the workbook (scholarships are available). To register, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).

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.  

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.

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, please contact Paul Mancillas (paulmancillas@gmail.com; 832-260-8329).

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.

Become a Mentor & Impact the Life of a Middle School Student Forever!

Beginning April 30, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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 . 

Friends of Westchase Vision Dinner

Monday, April 8, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

You are invited to hear about a new ministry initiative called Friends of Westchase. This is a “vision night” dinner to gather ministry-minded and passionate people from Grace. The purpose is to engage the wisdom, experience, and passion of Grace to share a strategic, intentional plan to launch Friends of Westchase to literally bless others across the street. We look forward to sharing the concept and ministry design behind Friends of Westchase, provide an understanding of the structure, function, and potential outcomes, and share about the alignment of current local ministries, efforts, and partnership. Dinner will be provided. RSVP by emailing Gina Enriquez by Monday, March 25.

Looking Ahead in 2019… SAVE the DATE!

April 5-7, Middle School Retreat
April 7, Starting Point Class
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
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