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The Wave
I love attending sporting events of any kind. There is just something about being in the atmosphere of it all that is intriguing to me. This past Saturday I had the privilege of attending the Astros game with a friend. Despite the fact that the Astros lost, we still had a great time. But then it occurred to me, how is it that when you go to a sporting event where your team loses, you can still have a great time?
Well, I suppose one reason could be that you enjoy the people with whom you have gone to the game. In other words, oftentimes the sporting event is simply a component of the outing—win or lose you enjoy the company. Another reason, at least for me, is that it is fun to “people watch” at sporting events. It is worth the price of admission to watch the people in the stands—those sitting near you or on the big screen. But what is so interesting to me is the fact that, even when the home team is losing, everyone always appears to be having so much fun. They are smiling, dancing, kissing, laughing—it is astonishing to me how this can be the case.
It is also true that at any sporting event, there are emotional swings. If the home team or favorite athlete is doing well, the crowd is on fire—cheering, high-fiving the stranger nearby—it is great fun to be there when the crowd goes wild. Saturday night—the Astros were down 3-2 and the entire place was doing “the wave” (more on that in a moment).
However, have you ever noticed how quickly people’s cheers can change to jeers? There we are, sitting in the stands watching “our” team and one of “our” batters strikes out, makes an error, or gives up a home run—and we instantly become both expert coach and hall of fame player. The shouts are, “Come on! Are you kidding me? Hit the ball for crying out loud!” We can’t help ourselves.
Which brings me back to “the wave.” Saturday night at the game, we did the wave—or perhaps some did the wave. I think I did more like a ripple. Sure, I threw my hands up at the appropriate time, but I didn’t stand up and scream. Why? Was I just not feeling it? Was I one of those fans who would only stand up and scream with enthusiasm when my team was winning? I know, I am putting too much thought into this!
Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
When was the last time you did “the wave” for Jesus? I think it would be a game changer for us personally as well as for Grace Presbyterian Church if we cheered for Jesus more often. However, all too often we get bitter when things aren’t going well, or we get discouraged and seemingly lose our desire to stand up and shout for joy. I remind you, “the wave” typically starts with one person.
Will you be that one person who will start “the wave” for Jesus today? Perhaps you will shout for joy in the midst of your adversity, and your attitude will be the spark that ignites another person’s heart for the Lord. Perhaps you will shout of His greatness, and of His power to mend broken hearts and lives, and you will be the catalyst for hope to a co-worker. Who knows, you may even high-five a person in worship this Sunday.
Friends, we have been saved by grace through faith—how can we not start “the wave” everyday?
I hope to see you this Sunday!
Peace,
Trey
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Two-Service Sundays
in September
These are exciting days in the life and ministry of Grace with the launch of a capital campaign on the horizon. To ensure that the entire Grace family has the opportunity to hear directly from our Senior Pastor, we are making a temporary change in the Worship schedule from Sept 9 – Sept 30. There will be two services only at 9 a.m. (Contemporary) and 11:15 a.m. (Traditional) – as well as the Grace en Español service. The hope is that those who normally worship in the Chapel will instead attend one of the services in the Sanctuary. By offering just the two services, we can be certain that the Grace family all has the opportunity to hear the same message from the same voice as united we ready ourselves for a bright future. |
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 who 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 contact with a warm greeting, friendly presence and 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. |
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! |
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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Here's What We're Learning
in The Backyard
August 19
Bible Story: Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Rehoboam Listens to Fools) • 2 Chronicles 10 (Supporting: Proverbs 13:20)
Bottom Line: If you want to be wise, hang out with wise people.
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 should treat others the way I want to be treated. |
Starting Point Class
September 23, 6 p.m.,
Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall,
Room 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 starting point.
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 is available (dkay@gpch.org). To RSVP or for more information, contact Beth Craig (bcraig@gpch.org).
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An Evening with
Melanie Shankle
September 16, 6:30-8 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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The Backyard
Got a Make-over!
Children’s Ministries invites our Grace family to come see the changes made in The Backyard and Learning Center! We’ve put the drop cloths, paint brushes, and ladders away — for the moment! — and can’t wait for you to see the fresh new look created for our preschool and elementary children. Stop by Sunday to see how the outside reflects the heart of our program: partnering with parents to create a place where kids gather for fun, friends, and faith.
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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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New Classes
Begin August 19
In Children’s Ministries
This Sunday our preschool classes and rising Kindergarteners will begin their new classes in Sunday School. Check out the schedule HERE for all the room listings.
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Here's What We're Learning in the TreeHouse
August 19
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: Josiah (Young King)
I can help others go God’s way. • 2 Chronicles 34
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Bethel Bible Course Beginning September 9
The 2018-2019 Bethel Bible Course will begin on Sunday, September 9. 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 ($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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Preschool Needs
Small Group Leaders
Love Jesus? Love preschoolers? Then Children’s Ministries has the perfect place for you to share your faith — in our youngest Sunday School classes! We provide the lessons and the materials and the preschoolers, you provide a familiar, loving face who helps our 2, 3, and 4 year olds understand God’s plans for them. For more information, contact Gianna Tiedemann in Children’s Ministries (gtiedemann@gpch.org; 832-647-6645).
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Parents' Night OutSeptember 8, 5-9 p.m.
Parents' Night Out (PNO) is a program offered by Grace Church to church, school, and community families that provides a safe, fun, Christian environment for children while parents enjoy some much needed free time. Ages are 3 months to 5th grade. The next PNO will be Saturday, September 8, from 5–9 p.m. The cost is $10 per child. Your child will enjoy pizza, games, and a movie. The deadline for registration is noon on September 5 or until we reach our childcare capacity. Cancellations for a refund are accepted if received by this deadline. Space is limited to registrants only. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept walk-in registrants. Register HERE.
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New Ministry Opportunity:
Friends of Westchase
Saturday, September 1, 8 a.m. -12 p.m.
We will gather to build relationships and rapport with our neighbors in Westchase. Teams will be prepared and given assignments to conduct interviews to assess the needs and assets in the community. We start at Grace for a brief time of preparation, coffee, and pastries at 8 a.m. Then, we will go to the Monte Carlo apartment complex to conduct assessments. We will finish up back at Grace no later than noon. Please consider joining the team and receive your very own Friends of Westchase shirt. For questions, please contact Chris French (cfrench@gpch.org; 713-267-5039).
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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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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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Save the Date!
Flu Shots Available
September 16
More Details Coming Soon!
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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 8, Children’s Ministries Parents Night Out 5-9 p.m..
September 9, 16, 23, 30, Two Service Sundays in the Sanctuary (9 a.m. Contemporary and 11:15 a.m. Traditional)
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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