August 15, 2019

Under Construction

If you have been around the Grace campus in recent weeks, then surely you have witnessed the transformation underway. The vision of our READY campaign is in full swing toward becoming a reality. This is such an exciting time in the life of Grace!

This can also be a frustrating season. Before we can fully appreciate new restrooms, or a warm and inviting Welcome Center, or updates to our Sanctuary and Chapel, or any of the rest of the plans, we first have to endure the construction process. We have to trust the blueprints that the architects have provided and realize that it will take several months for everything to be completed. We also must remember that along the way there will be some adjustments that will need to be made. However, each and every day during the construction process there will be a sense of excitement, hope and anticipation because we know what is coming.

Hebrews 11:1 reminds us: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Or, as a pastor friend likes to say, “Faith is believing in advance what you will only know in reverse.”

When it comes to our lives, we are all continuously under construction. Our faith is what propels us to embrace and enjoy each day. Not a single one of us is a finished product. In other words, God is not finished with us yet. He promises not only to use all of our life circumstances for His good and His glory but also to continue to shape us and build us into the people He has created us to be. He is committed to constructing a mighty body of believers who will live in partnership with Him.

Remember that God is not done forgiving. He is not done healing. He is not done providing. He is not done surprising. He is not done equipping. He is not done loving. He is not done sending. He is not done repairing broken hearts. We are all under construction — BUT GOD is the master builder.

Perhaps you remember “PBPGIFWMY.” Please Be Patient, God Isn’t Finished With Me Yet.

I want to thank you for your patience during our construction process here at Grace. I am convinced the completed product will be well worth the wait.

But also, thank you for your patience with me — and I commit to be patient with you. God isn’t done with US yet and that is great news!

It’s a privilege to be your pastor. I hope to see you in the “construction zone” on Sunday.

Peace,

Trey


Ready Update!

We are so grateful for your continued patience and understanding as our Grace campus is being READIED to be a welcoming place, a relevant space, and to extend Grace! We hope you share our excitement and anticipation as we see the various construction projects in progress! The latest tranformations include:

  • The Founders’ Chapel: Did you know that the carpet in the chapel was 43 years old? It was time for an update! The new chapel carpet installation has been completed and it looks fantastic! The replacement of the pew cushions will begin soon.
  • Parking Lot: New sealcoat has been completed on our “Blacktop” parking lot. The back corner of the South parking lot has been demolished and while parking will be affected, there will be drive lanes that will allow accessibility through the gate that exits toward Westheimer. There is a new dumpster that is placed outside the Music Suite offices, but the driveway is still accessible (you will see cones that form a driving path around this dumpster.)The entrance by the Music Suite is now the most easily accessed path to the Sanctuary from the South Parking lot. The Richmond Building entrance from the South parking lot is unaffected by construction.
  • New South Porte-Cochere: Work begins this weekend on our new porte-cochere. Important to note that the sidewalk between the Music Suite and the Learning Center will be demolished and access will be limited to a fenced walkway. We recommend if you need handicapped accessibility, please park on the North side of campus or by the Molly Ann Smith building.
  • Music Suite:Lots of construction and renovation is happening here! The tile flooring work began this week and will continue for another week. We are anticipating this being completed just in time for Grace School to start next week. If you are looking for Andi, Stephanie, Mi Ou, Heather, or the choir… you’ll find them temporarily in the Church Library.
  • Restrooms:Renovations will continue until approximately end of August. Look for signs to direct you to the available restrooms. The family restroom on first floor of Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall is now open!
  • Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall, First floor: Flooring is being completed this week in the Massey-Tucker Lobby, first floor hallway. The McKechnie Room floor will begin later this month. 
  • Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall Room C: A new wall is being built between Massey-Tucker Room C and the Church Kitchen. This will enable Massey-Tucker C to be used more effectively as a meeting space and classroom.
  • Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall, Third floor: Renovations on carpeting and paint continue and will be completed by early September.
  • Roofing:All roofing is substantially complete. 
  • Drinking Fountains: New drinking fountains will be installed mid-late August in Massey-Tucker Hall and the Music Suite. The newfountains will have cool, filtered water and they will have the special water bottle fillers attached.

Serve on the Ready Construction Hospitality Team

We have a wonderful opportunity for you to serve the Grace family and our guests on Sunday! The good news is that it is a brief time commitment, a limited duration, requires very little training, and is a way to contribute to making your Grace a welcoming place. It's an easy – and especially important – way to invest in the life and ministry of Grace.

You are invited to help smooth the worshippers’ path on Sunday morning by volunteering for the READY Construction Hospitality team. We need 8 volunteers for each of the Sunday morning worship hours, beginning August 11 through December 8. Find more information by clicking HERE.
gather
Gather


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.


Save the Date! Grace at 50

Sunday, December 8

Mark your calendars! Join us as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of this amazing Grace campus and God’s impact through Grace on the west side of Houston… from Downtown to the Beltway and Beyond. You’ll want to be here for this one-service Sunday and lunch!


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.

Save These Dates!

ONE Worship Service Sundays

  • September 1
  • October 6, World Communion Sunday
  • December 8, Grace at 50!
  • December 15, GKM and Grace for the City Habitat Build
  • December 29

Grace Worship Night: An Evening in the Pslams

Sunday, September 15, 5:30 p.m., The Founders’ Chapel

Please join us for our first Worship Night as we explore the Psalms through reading, prayer, song, and meditation. Childcare is available; please email dkay@gpch.org by Sept. 9 with your child's name and age to reserve a place.
Connect
Connect

Understand, Discover
& Use Your Spiritual Gifts

Sunday mornings, through Sept. 22
10:15-11:10 a.m.
Massey-Tucker Hall, Room 102

We are thrilled that Grace elder, Deb Castillo will be leading a six-week class to help us discover our spiritual gifts and our unique strengths. We will explore how combining our gifts and our strengths will help us maximize our Kingdom impact. To reserve your spot in this class, please contact Denise Phelps (dphelps@gpch.org; 713-267-5063).

Here's What We're
Learning In The TreeHouse

August 18

Basic Truth: God made me. God loves me. Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Key Question: What is better than gold?
Bottom Line:  The Bible is better than gold! 
Memory Verse: “Your teachings are more important to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.” • Psalm 119:72
Bible Story Focus: The Bible teaches us how to live.
(House on a Rock) • Matthew 7:24-27

Here's What We're
Learning In The Backyard

August 18

Bible Story: Rain (Noah) • Genesis 6-8
Bottom Line: Trust and obey even when others don’t.
Key Question: What is the hardest thing about following someone?
Memory Verse: "The way we show our love is to obey God’s commands. He commands you to lead a life of love. That’s what you have heard from the beginning." • 2 John 6, NIrV
Life App: Obedience—Trusting those who lead you by doing what you’re asked to do
Basic Truth: I need to make the wise choice.

Do you have the "Faith Factor"? Children’s Ministries Needs Small Group Leaders

The new Sunday School year has begun, and our children need YOU. We have amazing teams in place but need one more friendly face for our Second-Third grade group and a few people willing to substitute once a month when leaders are out of town. Children’s Ministries provides the curriculum and all supplies — you supply the Faith Factor! Please consider being a part of our kids’ lives as we meet in The Backyard and small groups each week. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015).


Minute to Win it Cereal Sunday!

Sunday, August 18, 10:15 - 11 a.m., in both Middle School (MT 201) and High School (MT 207) classes 

You don’t want to miss the chance to play these hilarious games with your friends all while eating your favorite cereals! There will be prizes. Come hungry and ready to win!

Scavenger Hunt Mania!

Sunday, August 25, 10:15 - 11 a.m. 

High school and middle school students will be separated and placed on teams. They will then go on a hunt around the church campus looking for a specific list of things to find or activities to complete.  The first team to complete the list and get back without too much running, screaming or hollering, will win a special prize.

Parent Education Event
with Dr. Steven Argue

Sunday, August 25, 2-4 p.m.

Join us to hear Dr. Steven Argue, Associate Professor of Youth, Family and Culture from Fuller Theological Seminary, discuss how he, along with co-author Kara Powell, built on 10,000 hours of research and more than 1,300 interviews and focus groups to tackle the ever-evolving challenges and the unique opportunities parents of 13-to 29-year olds face.

September Encore Trip:
Holocaust Museum

September 29, 1:30-6 p.m.

Join us for a self-guided tour of the the nation's fourth largest Holocaust museum right here in Houston. The museum recently re-opened in June 2019 with a powerful message of “darkness to light." The museum is dedicated to educating people about the Holocaust, remembering the six million Jews and millions of other innocent victims and honoring the survivors' legacy. The cost for this trip is $12, and payment is due by August 15. Dinner will be on your own at the  Cleburne Cafeteria. To register, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091) or you can sign up on the Encore book at the receptionist desk on every Sunday.

Inspire! Fall Bible Studies -
Registration is Now Open!

Sign up and register now for the Fall Bible Studies with Inspire! Women’s Ministry. Take advantage of these great opportunities to grow deeper in your relationship with God and with others. To register and to find more information regarding days, times, and studies, visit the website and click on the Learn More button.


Help Feed Our Student Ministry on Sundays

Thank you to those of you who provided food for Grace Student Ministries over the summer on Sunday mornings! We are continuing a new Sunday morning experience for middle and high school students throughout the fall semester and we invite the Grace family to help continue to support the student ministry. Everyone knows that students love to eat, so can you help feed them to make the time together on Sunday mornings extra sweet? Please click on this Sign Up Genius to contribute. Thank you in advance for you help and for your support in making Sunday mornings an awesome time for our students!

Student Ministries Dates to Remember

August 18

  • Middle school will begin meeting in MT 201 from 10:15-11 a.m.
  • High school will begin meeting in MT 207 from 10:15-11 a.m.
  • MS/HS Small Group Leader training: 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Dorothy Hobbs’ home (email dhobbs@gpch.org for address).

August 25

  • MS/HS Sunday School Leader training: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in MT 201

September 8

  • Small groups begin in homes 6-8 p.m. Watch for more information!

Rec Sports Soccer Registration is Now Open

Rec sports is a ministry of Grace Presbyterian Church and open to all children PreK 4 through 5th grade as part of the West Houston Christian Sports Association. Every year we offer boys and girls soccer, basketball and softball/baseball. Parents are required to volunteer in the capacity of team parent, assistant coach or coach. No late registrations will be accepted. Note: Team Placement will be in order of date of registration. If a second team needs to be formed, registration alone does not guarantee placement. Enough players for a full team will be necessary or a refund will be offered. For more information, contact Grace Recreational Sports Coordinator Wendy Wray (wwray@gpch.org; 713-248-2670).

Soccer Online Registration is open now through August 25.  Click HERE to register.

  • Girls and Boys PreK 4 to 5th (Players MUST be in PreK 4 at the time of registration)
  • Practice is once a week at Grace (after 5 p.m. either Monday, Wednesday, or Friday)  beginning September 3.
  • Games on Saturdays (September 21-November 9); Location TBD
  • Team Game Schedule will be available on September 17
  • Fee $125 (includes: Jersey, hat/visor, trophy, individual & team picture)
  • Player is responsible for providing own: cleats, shorts/pants, batting helmet w/chin strap, bat, glove.

Weekday Volunteer Teams Needed for Fun, Friends & Faith

Children's Ministries invites you to participate in our F3 ministry at the Belmont Apartments beginning Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. "Fun, Friends & Faith" will provide an afterschool church camp experience for preK-5th grade students of Walnut Bend Elementary School. Children's Ministries staff members will lead the Monday and Wednesday camps, but we need YOU to show up and show off for God. Volunteer once or twice a month on the day that works best for your schedule. Hear more about this exciting program in this week's Story of Grace during all three worship services on Sunday. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015).

Calling All College Parents!

We look forward to connecting and ministering to our Grace college students throughout the school year. Bridges Sunday School Class sends encouraging notes, birthday cards, and care packages to Grace college students, but we need their updated school addresses. Please text your student’s name, address, email and cell number to Carey Dow at 713-822-3981, and we will add them to our list!!
Bless
Bless

Support Our Upcoming Kenya Mission Trip

You can support our September mission experience in Kenya by making a donation using one of our Amazon Wish List links! It’s easy, fast, and orders will be shipped directly to the church. Click HERE to see the Wish List for eyeglasses and other trip supplies.

Samburu Mission Trip
to North Central Kenya

Saturday, September 28 to Friday, October 11

Learn about the traditions of the Samburu tribe. Experience their daily struggles. Spend four nights in the bush, building a church for the growing evangelical Gates of Zion congregation. Enjoy some Safari R&R in the Samburu National Park. Scholarships are available. The deadline to sign up is September 1. For more information, contact Margaret Ellis, Friends of Samburu, Kenya (silleme@swbell.net; 713-501-5140.)

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 (dphelps@gpch.org; 713-267-5063) or Susan Jernigan (susan.jernigan@sbcglobal.net; 713-582-3332).

Looking Ahead in 2019… SAVE the DATE!

August 18, MS/HS Small Group Leader training
August 25, MS/HS Sunday School Leader training
August 25, Parent Education Event with Dr. Steven Argue
September 1, ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
September 14, Children's Ministries: Parents' Night Out
September 18-30, Kenya Mission Trip
September 15, Worship Night: An Evening in the Psalms
September 20, Children's Ministries: Preschool Family Experience
September 22, Phases: Parent Conversations
September 27, Children's Ministries: Kids' Worship Night
September 29, Children's Ministries: Sacraments & Sundaes
September 29, Encore trip to the Holocaust Museum
October 6, World Communion Sunday, ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
October 18, Children's Ministries: Preteen Event
October 27, Trunk or Treat
November 4, Grace Golf Tournament at Pine Forest Country Club
November 9, Children's Ministries: Parents' Night Out
November 13, Men's Night at Grace with Jonathan Evans
November 27, Operation Turkey Tailgate
November 28, Operation Turkey
December 1, Phases: Parent Conversations
December 7, Children's Ministries: Drop & Shop
December 8, Grace at 50 Anniversary Celebration, ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
December 8, Christmas in the Courtyard
December 15, Christmas in the Courtyard
December 15, Grace Kids Musical & Christmas for the City Habitat Build -
                       ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
December 22, Christmas in the Courtyard
December 24, Christmas Eve Services:
  • 3 p.m. Traditional worship with Communion in The Founders’ Chapel
  • 3 p.m. Kids' Christmas Celebration Service in the Sanctuary
  • 5 p.m. Contemporary worship in the Sanctuary
  • 7 p.m. Traditional worship in the Sanctuary
  • 7 p.m. Grace en Español worship in The Founders’ Chapel
December 29, ONE worship service at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary