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The Day After
Think back to a time when you hosted a gathering in your home. You likely sent out invitations of some sort. You probably spent hours preparing your home, making sure everything was clean and in its proper place. You may have set the table and prepared a meal in anticipation of your expected guests. Your excitement had been building for days, and the day finally came for your hospitality to be put on display. The fellowship was wonderful, and the guests all seemed to enjoy themselves. And then, as each guest made their exit, you heard them joyfully say, “Thank you so much, that was really fun. Let’s do it again soon.”
You were exhausted after the last guest left. You couldn’t wait to go to bed. As you lay there in bed, you replayed the entire evening in your mind, remembering those things that went well but also those things that you would do differently in the future. You couldn’t help but smile as you thought about some of the conversations that were shared, the laughter still echoing in your mind. With a smile on your face and joy in your heart, you drifted off to sleep.
But then, the day after came. You walked into the kitchen and it was a disaster—dirty dishes everywhere. The dining room table was still sprinkled with empty glasses and dirty napkins. The guests were gone, and there was an eerie silence in the house. You realized that what made the night before so memorable were the people—not the party, or the dishes, or the glasses.
As I drove into the parking lot and walked into the church on Tuesday morning – I had similar emotions. The banner inviting guests to join us for Easter Sunday was still hanging on the fence in the south parking lot. As I made my way by the Sanctuary, I peered in and saw the Easter lilies just as they were on Easter Sunday. When I made my way up to my office, there were Sunday bulletins sprinkled around as well as some of the sandwich-board signs that had been used to provide direction on Easter Sunday. The day after came!
You see, what made Easter Sunday so special was the people. People like you who gathered to worship and celebrate the Risen Lord! People like you who walked around this campus with smiles on your faces, filled with joy. People like you who couldn’t wait to be with your family at church and take pictures together. What made Easter Sunday at Grace so memorable was YOU, the people of Grace.
I simply want to say “Thank you so much! That was really fun!”
But I also want to say this, Jesus is STILL risen.
So, what do you say – let’s do it again this Sunday. I hope to see you!
Peace,
Trey
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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, May 6, 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 available (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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"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 8
Bible Story: The Easter Story (John 18:12 to 20:23)
Bottom Line: Jesus is Alive!
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.
All Preschool and Elementary Sunday School activities will take place in the classrooms to allow parents to attend the Phases event. |
"Phases:
Parent Conversations"
Sunday, April 8, 10:15-11:30 a.m.,
The Backyard
Family Ministries is excited to announce the next “Phases: Parent Conversations" event on April 8. The topic for this meeting will be "A Conversation in Real Life about our Conversations in the Digital World."
The Bible speaks about our tendency to use our mouths as both a weapon and a tool – in our modern technological age, that truth applies also to our keystrokes. Together, we will consider the ways in which disciples of Jesus can and should Make Jesus Visible in the digital world.
Then, in September, our Phases conversation will delve into this topic more specifically and discuss important questions that every parent wrestles with, like: “Which social media platforms are appropriate for my child?” and “When is it ok for my kids to have a cell phone?”
Once a quarter, the Family Ministries Team hosts parents of children and students during the Sunday school hour for a topical, research based presentation followed by an open discussion. Mark your calendars for the other dates this fall: September 23, December 2.
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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 it impacts our lives. The cost for this retreat is only $100. There are 80 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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Here's What We're Learning In The Treehouse
April 8
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 that Jesus is alive!
Easter • Matthew 26:20-30; 27:1-2;
28:1-7
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The Sisterhood Dinner
April 8, 5 p.m.
All High School girls and their friends are invited to our monthly dinner. We're heading over to Cathy Finck's house for delicious food and great conversation. Register HERE!
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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 both 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
June 11-14
Online Registration opens
tomorrow, April 6!
Livin’ Loud Lab…
Where God’s Love
Ignites a Chain Reaction
that Changes the World!
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WHAM Food Drive Thanks
Thank you for helping to make Jesus visible to our friends at West Houston Assistance Ministries! Last Sunday, we collected 149 lbs of food and other necessities!
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Students Need You!
There are still Paul Revere Middle School students who need mentors. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders request a mentor from the school’s social worker every week. Will you please give an hour of your time each Friday morning to meet with a student who needs your influence? Play games; encourage students; listen to them. The time is up before you know it, and you will be looking forward to seeing your student again the following week! Contact Becca Lehde (blehde@gpch.org; 713-267-5013).
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Grace Day
at the Houston Food Bank
April 7, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
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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POP Lay Chaplaincy Training
April 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
We need you! And, you will love this ministry! Training as a POP Lay Chaplain will prepare you for visiting patients and their loved ones in hospitals. You will join a ministry that is more than 44 years old! This is a group of folks who have a heart for listening and a love for God’s people when they are lonely, sick and waiting for answers as they move through the coping and healing process of healthcare treatments. The training, your lunch, and materials will all be provided. To register, please visit the POP website. |
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Brookwood will be 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! |
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Prayers for Guatemala Mission Trip
April 7-14
Please include our Guatemala Mission Team in your prayers! Join us in praying for: Wayne Basler, Ron Collins, Margaret Ellis, Randy Fannin, Jan Knight, Brian Mees, Debbie Reitsema, and Larry Reitsema. |
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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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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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