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Hybrid
Are you more inclined to say, “Remember when?” or “What’s next?” In other words, do you tend to reminisce about the way things used to be or find energy from what could be? I am not suggesting that one is better than the other, I simply think that many of us tend to gravitate to one or the other.
Those who gravitate toward a “Remember when?” attitude tend to be sentimental and often wonder if things could ever be as good as they once were. Perhaps we can remember when life didn’t seem so busy, and we long for a less chaotic schedule. Some of us remember when there weren’t computers or smart phones, which conjures up conflicting emotions — we wonder how we made it without them and at the same time are frustrated that we seemingly can never “shut down.” We may remember when many businesses were closed on Sundays due to the “Blue Laws” in effect, seemingly providing more opportunities for rest and relaxation or time with family.
Those who tend to view life with a “What’s next?” attitude are more energized by potential. Perhaps we are enthusiastic about how we will close the next deal at work and therefore invest all of our time positioning ourselves for what’s next. Others are so intrigued by what’s next that they are willing to take calculated risks to make certain that opportunities aren’t missed. A “what’s next” approach can free us to try something new, energized by a willingness to fail rather than paralyzed by a commitment to maintain the mundane.
If we are honest, each of us is probably some hybrid between the two. Certainly, within each of us there is a fondness for remembering friends, situations, joys from the past—our memories are part and parcel of who we are. Likewise, those memories often serve as catalysts for what’s next. They can motivate us to want to grow; they can propel us to change; but they can also paralyze us with fear.
A friend of mine recently shared a great quote with me: “You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one.”
Friends, I do not know what the future holds, but I do know the One who holds the future. It seems to me that when we REMEMBER that God has mighty plans for us, we can’t help but be hopeful about WHAT’S NEXT in our own lives, as well as WHAT’S NEXT at Grace!
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3: 20-21).
I hope to see you this Sunday!
Peace,
Trey
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Volunteer for the Usher Team
Guest Services relies heavily upon volunteers. Quite simply, Sunday mornings could not happen without our amazing team of volunteers. Guest Services volunteers welcome all guests that enter the church. In addition to greeting people, volunteers answer questions and help guests find their way around the church. Guest Services volunteers are the very first impression our guests will have of our church. One of our Guest Services teams is our Usher Team. The Usher Ministry team exists to be “ministers of hospitality”. In this age of always connected-always on, a handshake and a bulletin are not enough to make the first-time guest feel welcome. Our Usher Teams serve our guests in the Sanctuary Lobby initiating with a warm greeting, friendly presence, offering worship bulletins or other informational materials and clear directions to a seat. We would love to enlarge our Usher Team. For more information and to sign-up, please click HERE. |
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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"In His Steps" Tour of Israel has been Postponed until December 2020
Watch for details of a rescheduled trip to take place in December 2020. 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. Though we are disappointed that the December 2018 trip has been rescheduled, we look forward to this exciting opportunity in 2020! |
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
August 12
Bible Story: Danger Zone (Wise People See Danger) • Proverbs 22:3
Bottom Line: If you want to be wise, look before you leap.
Memory Verse: “If any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He will give it to you.” James 1:5a, NIrV
Life App: Wisdom — Finding out what you should do and doing it
Basic Truth: I need to make the wise choice. |
New Combined Adult Class this Summer:
Paul and the Law
Sundays, August 5, August 12
Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall
We are thrilled to offer a combined Adult Sunday school class taught by Paul Sloan. The class, Paul and the Law, will focus on Atonement, Works, and the Final Judgement. Discussions will help answer “How does God’s grace relate to His expectation for obedience." Paul is Assistant Professor of Theology at HBU, where he teaches hermeneutics, Jewish history, the Gospels, and Paul’s letters. In addition to teaching, his research largely focuses on Paul, the atonement, and Paul’s understanding of the Law. He’s married to Meg, and they’re expecting their first child in December.
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An Evening with
Melanie Shankle
September 16, 6:30-8:00 p.m.,
Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall
Join us for a girls’ night at Grace with Melanie Shankle. We will enjoy food, fellowship and glean some words of wisdom from the author of Church of the Small Things. It’s sure to be a night of fun and a great way to kick off our fall season of women’s ministry! Register HERE.
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Encore September
Day Trip
Wednesday, September 19, 9:45 am
Last Spring, a wondrous local attraction was unveiled. It’s called the Cistern, and that’s just what it is: an underground concrete cistern the size of one and a half football fields – nearly two acres – that once held 15 million gallons of Houston drinking water. Join us for a tour of this remarkable Cistern. Following the tour, lunch will be on your own at the Cleburne Cafeteria. After lunch, we’ll continue with a tour of The Rienzi Museum, a MFAH house museum for European decorative arts, situated in the beautiful historic River Oaks neighborhood. COST: $12. Be at the church by 9:30 a.m. We will return to Grace by 3 p.m. Space is limited, and payment is due by September 9. For more information, please click HERE. If you have questions you can contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
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Rec Sports Soccer Registration 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. Scroll down for more information on the parent's volunteer positions and code of ethics. No late registrations will be accepted. For questions contact Wendy Wray, Grace Recreational Sports Coordinator, (wwray@gpch.org; 713-248-2670).
Soccer Online Registration is open August 1-25. 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 22-November 10); Location TBD
- Team Game Schedule will be available on September 18
- Fee $ 125 (includes: Jersey, hat/visor, trophy, individual & team picture)
- Player is responsible for providing their own: pants, batting helmet w/chin strap, bat, glove & cleats
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Here's What We're Learning in the Treehouse
August 12
Basic Truth: God loves me.
Key Question: Whose way is perfect?
Bottom Line: God’s way is perfect.
Memory Verse: “God’s way is perfect.” (2 Samuel 22:31)
Bible Story Focus: Naaman
I can do what God says even when it’s hard. • 2 Kings 5:1-14
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Bethel Bible Course Beginning September 9th
The 2018-2019 Bethel Bible Course will begin on Sunday, September 9th. Elder Jerry Hanlon will lead this forty-lesson course which covers the Bible with twenty Old Testament and twenty New Testament lessons. This popular and life-changing course is a must for those who have always wanted to read the Bible, seek greater Biblical literacy and find God’s unimaginable plan of redemption through Jesus Christ from Genesis to Revelation. Classes will be held at 10 a.m. on Sundays in Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall, Room A. The cost for the course materials is $100.00 ($50 for Old Testament, $50 for New Testament).Please register online HERE. |
Inspire! Women's Bible Studies
It’s time to get INSPIRED! The Fall women’s Bible studies will be starting up the week of September 10 with a great lineup of engaging and powerful studies. No matter the season of life, Inspire! has a group excited to encourage and equip women as they study and connect with one another. To register and to find out more information regarding the days, times, and studies, please click HERE. |
Bridge at Grace
Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, 11:30 a.m. (lunch - $5 optional) and 12-3 p.m. (bridge).
Come enjoy an afternoon of social bridge at Grace with church friends or make new friends! No partner required but reservations are required for lunch and bridge. Contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091). For more information, call Toni or Harry Watson at 713-468-6006. |
Women of Grace Hallelujah Ice Cream Social
August 20, 2-4 p.m.,
Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall
Join us for The Boardwalk at Ella Lee, featuring games, popcorn, ice cream, a sweet treats Bake Sale, inspirational, handmade, and vintage gift items and artwork for sale, gift certificate raffles, “Dinner on the Run” frozen meals to go, and more. Proceeds from items sold at the event will be donated to Boys and Girls Country, Cottage Four. This event is open to everyone – women, men, and children of all ages.
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Volunteers Needed at Walnut Bend Elementary
Monday, August 13, 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Join us to partner with Walnut Bend Elementary School. We need individuals to help kids at the craft table, to help hand out treats, and offer school supplies at our annual immunization clinic for the community. You may sign up for a two hour shift or for the whole time. To sign up, please contact Chris French.
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Post-Harvey Home Blessings
As they move back into their restored homes or relocate to different permanent homes, flooded families may request a team of Grace members to offer prayers of blessing. We have created a "walk-through" prayer pamphlet that the blessing team uses from the front door throughout the home to pray a hedge of protection and God's glorification in this journey.
You may request a home blessing by completing this form. Denise Phelps will contact you to schedule a blessing time and put together a team.
If you would like to be a part of a home blessing prayer team, you can volunteer by completing this form. It offers options for the days, times of day, and zip code where you might be a blessing to our flooded families. We will be in touch with you when an opportunity arises that meets with your availability.
We remain committed to walk alongside families still recovering from the aftermath of Harvey. Prayers continue to be lifted for continued healing, restoration, and rebuilding.
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Kenya Mission Trip Interest Meeting
Sunday, September 9 at 5 p.m., Church Library.
Join us as Stu Ross shares information about the trip itinerary, travel, projects, and ministry opportunities in Kenya. We will discuss the cost, the deadlines, and the trip dates for this exciting opportunity to continue our 20+ year partnership of building churches and schools with the Kenya Christians, Stu Ross, and the Outreach Foundation. Please RSVP to Gina Axtell. For questions, please contact Chris French (cfrench@gpch.org; 713-267-5039).
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Back to School
Backpack Drive
It is never too early to think about the upcoming Back to School season for our partnership with Walnut Bend Elementary. This summer, we will be collecting school supplies and backpacks. You can drop off supplies and backpacks in the Filling Station (the church library) now through Sunday, August 5. Be a blessing and brighten up the school year for kids and families. Please shop for the following items:
- glue sticks
- blunt tip scissors
- box of #2 pencils
- box of 24 Crayola crayons
- mesh style backpack from Academy
- thick washable markers
- thin washable markers
- box of tissues
- pack of multi-colored highlighters
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Do it All in Jesus’ Name -Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministers bring distinctively Christian care to those in need. They use both words and deeds to express Christ’s care for others—listening and comforting, calling on the training they have received and employing the tools of faith. If this job description fits your personal goals for ministry, consider becoming a Stephen Minister. A training class is starting soon. For more information, contact Denise Phelps (dphelps@gpch.org; 713-267-5063).
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MANNA From Grace
Saturday, August 11, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.,
at the home of Nelda Womack
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 more about Manna from Grace, volunteering or receiving meals, please contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
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Looking Ahead in 2018… SAVE the DATE!
August 26, Harvey Anniversary Worship- ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.and Congregational Lunch
September 16, An Evening with Melanie Shankle 6:30 p.m.
September 23, Phases: Parent Conversations at 10:15 a.m.
October 7, World Communion Sunday - ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
October 12-14, Together Forever
October 26, Trunk or Treat
November 5, Wood Memorial Golf Tournament
December 2, Phases: Parent Conversations at 10:15 a.m.
December 16, Grace Kids Musical & Christmas 4 the City Habitat Build – ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
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