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Seasons
Seasons have a way of impacting our routines. Consider the fact that we are now in the month of August, which means that the end of the summer season is nearing. Of course, in Houston, we don’t have the luxury of truly experiencing four seasons—it is more often two—hot and hotter. However, summer tends to usher in time away with friends and family, vacations and perhaps more opportunities to sleep late. Summer is a season when the faces of children are sun-kissed, and parents’ faces often reflect exhaustion.
In a few short weeks students will be back in school, perhaps with a bit of anxiety about what the new year will bring and a hint of grumbling as a result of the summer ending. Whereas parents will likely exhale and perhaps quietly rejoice given the fact that the routine of the school year will soon replace the chaos of summer. And from my perspective, I am excited to return to the pulpit this Sunday and to enthusiastically welcome many of you back to Grace Presbyterian Church to worship.
Recently I read a sign that is worth remembering:
MAKE TODAY SO AWESOME YESTERDAY GETS JEALOUS.
What if you awoke every morning with that mindset? What can you do today to make yesterday jealous?
The reality for each of us is that we will have to navigate various seasons in our lives. There will be seasons of transition in employment as well as unemployment. There will be seasons of both joy and sorrow. There will be seasons of loneliness and companionship. There will even be seasons when we are stagnant or declining and others when we are growing and thriving. Seasons are inevitable—our attitudes during them are a choice.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Friends, when we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, there is never a time when we can’t rejoice. I am thrilled to say that after a difficult season in my personal life I am now in a wonderful new season. I have experienced incredible healing and restoration over the past couple of months, and I am truly filled with great joy. I am excited to share more about this with you this Sunday when I return to the pulpit.
For now, please accept my sincerest thanks for your patience, prayers and encouragement during my difficult season. But also, please know that I am convinced, more than ever before, that our future is bright.
Make today awesome and know that you remain in my prayers.
I hope to see you this Sunday.
Peace,
Trey
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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. |
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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"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! |
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Here's What We're Learning
in The Backyard
August 5
Bible Story: Walk This Way (Jesus Grows in Wisdom) • Luke 2:41-52
Bottom Line: If you want to be wise, search for wisdom.
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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Here's What We're Learning in the Treehouse
August 5
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: Jonah
I should go God’s way. • Jonah 1:1-3:10
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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. |
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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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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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Feeling Down?
Our Stephen Ministry can help. Stephen Ministers aren’t just there for “big” crises. They’re also available for the little ones, because many times the little things can really add up. Don’t wait until you have a really big crisis; consider Stephen Ministry if the little things get you down. For more information, contact Denise Phelps (dphelps@gpch.org; 713-267-5063).
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WHAM Food Drive
Sunday, August 5
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 cereal, canned pasta, canned fruit, and vegetables.
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Looking Ahead in 2018… SAVE the DATE!
August 26, Harvey Remembrance - ONE Worship Service at 10 a.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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