August 8, 2019

The Marriage Box

Ever since Niki and I announced our engagement back in May, people consistently ask, “So, have you set a date yet?” Likewise, our consistent answer has been, “No, not yet.” I don’t think that is the answer enquiring minds want to hear, but it is the truth — we just haven’t figured out all of the timing yet. However, one thing I know for sure: Niki and I are filled with great excitement in anticipation of our impending marriage.

On that note, Niki shared the following with me this week. It is called Marriage Box.

“Most people get married believing a myth that marriage is a beautiful box full of all the things they have longed for: companionship, intimacy, friendship etc. The truth is that marriage at the start is an empty box. You must put something in before you can take anything out. There is no love in marriage. Love is in people. And people put love in marriage. There is no romance in marriage. You must infuse it into your marriage. A couple must learn the art and form the habit of giving, loving, serving, praising, of keeping the box full. If you take out more than you put in, the box will be empty.”

As I pondered those words, I couldn’t help but think about our lives as disciples. I wonder if we don’t, at times, think being a follower of Christ is all about receiving. Or being a member of the Grace family is about getting what we want. It seems to me that we, as recipients of God’s amazing love and grace, should form the habit of giving, loving, serving, and praising Him.

Are you taking out more than you are putting in?

Jesus said, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15: 4-5).

Is your box empty or full?

You see, this is not really about marriage. It is about keeping the box full.

So, I ask you: Have you set a time today to spend with Jesus?

I hope to see you Sunday.

Peace,

Trey

Lemonade on the Lawn

Sunday, August 11, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Grace Courtyard

As summer is winding down, a brand new school year and all the fall activities are about to be in full swing! So, join us as we “squeeze” a little bit more out of the summer with Lemonade on the Lawn on Sunday morning, August 11. In addition to some yummy treats, we’ll have lots of lemonade (made by friends at Boys and Girls Country, Cottage #4) to share!

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:

  • Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall: 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.
  • The Founders’ Chapel: Some minor sheetrock work has begun. The new chapel carpet installation will begin next week and the project should be completed by Sunday, August 18. The replacement of the pew cushions will begin mid-late August.
  • Roofing: All roofing is complete except the walkways over the south side of the courtyard. There is a new dumpster that was placed this week between the Learning Center and the Sanctuary, but the walkway is still accessible.
  • Music Suite: Lots of construction and renovation is happening here! The tile flooring work began this week and will continue for another 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 mid-August. Look for signs to direct you to the available restrooms.
  • Interior Lighting: We have brand new LED lighting installed on the third floor of Massey-Tucker Hall.
  • Drinking Fountains: New drinking fountains will be installed mid-August in Massey-Tucker Hall and the Music Suite. The new fountains will have cool, filtered water, and they will have the special water bottle fillers attached.
  • Parking Lot: New sealcoat is being done on our “Blacktop” parking lot, so you can drive through, but not park. Next week the end of the South Parking lot will be sealed and closed during the week, but available on Sundays.
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 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 30


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 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!
Connect
Connect

Understand, Discover
& Use Your Spiritual Gifts

Sunday mornings, starting August 11
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 11

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 me that God loves me so much He gave me Jesus to be my friend forever. (God loves us so much) • John 3:16

Here's What We're
Learning In The Backyard

August 11

Bible Story: This Used to Be My Playground (The Fall) • Genesis 3:1-24
Key Question: What is at stake if you don’t obey?
Bottom Line: Trust and obey even when you think your way is better.
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 who is in charge by doing what you’re asked to do
Basic Truth: I need to make the wise choice.

Student Ministries Town Hall Parent Meeting

Sunday, August 11, 5 p.m.
Massey-Tucker, Room 207

We invite parents of rising 6th-12th graders to a Town Hall meeting during which we will share updates regarding our Student Ministries staff and programs.

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.

Children’s Ministries Needs Leaders
with the “Faith Factor”

The new Sunday School year is here, and our children need YOU. We have amazing teams in place but need a few more friendly faces for our Kindergarten-First grade group. 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).

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.

Come Celebrate
Preschool Promotion
& Kindergarten Kick-Off!

August 11, 10:10-11 a.m.
Learning Center

Join us for a sweet time as we celebrate our Preschool Promotion and Kindergarten Kick-Off on August 11. Children’s Ministries will move the rising preschoolers and kindergarteners into their new small groups during Sunday School on that day. (The older elementary students moved up to their new grades after VBS.) For more information about preschool programming, contact Gianna Tiedemann (gtiedemann@gpch.org; 713-267-5096). For more information about elementary programming, including kindergarten, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015).

Student Ministries
Kickball Kick-Off!

August 11, 10:15-11 a.m.
Massey-Tucker, Room 207

Join us this Sunday morning for a game of "Kickball to Kick Off” the new school year! Middle and High School students should wear shorts and tennis shoes for some exciting games of kickball!

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.
Bless
Bless

Thank you for Supporting the WHAM Food Drive

Sunday, August 4

Last Sunday, we collected 275 pounds of food for West Houston Assistance Ministries! Thank you for making Jesus visible to our neighbors in need!

Back-to-School
Supply Drive

As the Back-to-School season approaches, we will again partner with Walnut Bend Elementary to help students start the year with the supplies they need. You can be a blessing and help brighten up the school year for kids and families by donating items from the list below or a monetary donation which will be used to purchase supplies. Donations will be collected through Sunday, August 11 in labeled bins outside the Grace library. Monetary donations for the “School Supply Drive” can be made to Grace Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning or dropped off at the reception desk during the week. Our Amazon Wish List can be viewed by clicking HERE. For questions or more information, contact Nancy Bailey (nbailey@gpch.org; 713-267-5035).

School Supply Drive Items Needed

  • Construction Paper pack, Assorted Colors, 12x18 inches
  • Composition Book Wide Ruled, 100 count
  • Pencils
  • Pens
  • Kleenex Facial Tissues
  • Antibacterial Wipes, Pop-up Canister (for use on skin)
  • Crayola Crayons, 24 count
  • Crayola Washable Markers Conical/Broad Tip, Classic Colors, 8 count

Volunteers Needed
for Immunization Clinic

August 14, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Walnut Bend Elementary

We are seeking volunteers to welcome people and help entertain kids while they wait for immunizations. There are two-hour shifts available from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. What a great way to make Jesus visible to our friends and neighbors! For more information, contact Nancy Bailey (nbailey@gpch.org; 713-267-5035).

Operation Turkey 2019

We are 114 days away from Thanksgiving Day. Starting to think about your holiday plans? Make sure this year you include Operation Turkey as part of your holiday traditions. Once again this year, Grace will be hosting Operation Turkey. The goal this year is 75,000 meals delivered. At Grace we will prepare around 7,000 of those meals. To learn more and to register go to www.operationturkey.com.

Ice Cream Social
with Women of Grace

August 12, 12-3 p.m.
Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall

Join us for a "Texas State Fair" benefitting Boys and Girls Country, Cottage #4. We'll have ice cream, corn dogs, popcorn, vendors, games, raffles, and more! Don't miss this amazing afternoon of FUN!

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.)

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.

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 11, Lemonade on the Lawn
August 11, Preschool Promotion & Kindergarten Kick-Off
August 11, Student Ministries Town Hall Meeting
August 11, Encore trip to Alley Theatre
August 12, Women of Grace Texas State Fair-themed Ice Cream Social
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 20, Children's Ministries: Preschool Family Experience
September 22, Phases: Parent Conversations
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