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2020
Next week I will be making my annual visit to the eye doctor. I anticipate the usual. I will be asked to answer several questions like, “better 1 or better 2?” and “better 3 or better 4?” But also, they will likely put drops in my eyes that make it very difficult for me to see. The combination of these two common practices makes me wonder why I go. Then again, I realize that I must make the journey to get the proper prescription for my contacts which in turn provide me a much better chance of 20/20 vision.
Well, here we are on the cusp of another annual occurrence — the dawning of a new year — 2020!
As I look ahead to 2020 and our vision for Grace, I must say I am genuinely excited. I am convinced God has mighty plans in store for us in the new year. I look forward to continuing to embrace God’s call on our lives to be a READY CHURCH and READY PEOPLE who are disciples making disciples. I think our vibrant vision flows out of our mission of equipping people to make Jesus visible in their daily lives. As I look ahead to 2020, I do so more with a passion for REVOLUTION rather than another RESOLUTION. In other words, I have 20/20 vision when it comes to who Jesus has called us to be: we are to be His witnesses where we live, work and play. “As we go” we are to make disciples. Therefore, in 2020, we will continue to faithfully follow His calling on our lives.
“Our life’s work is not so much to bring people to Jesus as it is to bring Jesus to people” (Workplace Grace, p. 60).
My hope for the new year is that all of us who call Grace our church will remember and embrace that we are Jesus’ number one assets for changing the world.
As Dallas Willard puts it, “The greatest issue facing the world today, with all its heart-breaking needs, is whether those who, by profession or culture, are identified as ‘Christians’ will become disciples—students, apprentices, practitioners—of Jesus Christ, steadily learning from him how to live the life of the kingdom of the Heavens into every corner of human existence. Will they break out of churches to be His Church?” (The Great Omission)
I ask you to join me in praying for Grace. Pray that we will be propelled by God’s amazing grace to be disciples who make disciples. This will take boldness and courage, but I believe our best days are on the other side of our obedience. Because when we embrace His mission for our lives, our vision becomes crystal clear.
Perhaps you recall the story of a man, who like many of us, was a regular attendee of his local church. Although he was ever-present, he very seldom spoke. So, when he stood up and said, “I’d like to tell you why I love this church and why I keep coming here,” everyone listened. Then he said this: “It is a strange thing, and I know it, but I get the feeling, like nowhere else, that something is about to happen.”
I love Jesus and I love this, His church—and I see 2020 with open eyes and an open heart to what He will do in and through us this coming year. I am thankful to be on this journey with you.
Happy New Year!
Trey
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SOMETHING IS BREWING AT GRACE!
We are thrilled to announce the soft opening of Sacred Heart Coffee in our newly renovated Welcome Center.
Sacred Heart Coffee is a social enterprise of our mission partner, Attack Poverty. They produce premium hand-roasted coffee while providing needed employment, skill development, and connections for the under and unemployed of the Houston community. Our unique partnership with Sacred Heart Coffee enables us to make Jesus visible right here on campus as well as throughout the city.
The coffee bar will feature regular and decaf coffee and espresso drinks, teas, seasonal beverages, and occasional pastries and treats. Prices will range from $2-5, and they will accept cash or debit/credit cards.
Sacred Heart Coffee will be open each Sunday morning and will expand additional hours in the new year.
Please note, Grace will continue to offer complimentary coffee, water, lemonade, and cookies on Sunday mornings.
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January 5 Worship - One service at 10 a.m.
Join us for one combined worship service on Sunday, January 5 at 10 a.m. Following worship, please join us in Massey-Tucker Hall for a reception honoring the marriage of Rev. Dr. Trey Little and Niki Smith. Note: Sunday School classes will not meet this day. Child care is available for children ages newborn through kindergarten.
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An Evening of Hymns
with Jason Hoard
Sunday, January 12, 5 p.m.,
The Sanctuary
Grace is proud to host acclaimed musician Jason Hoard for “An Evening of Hymns — Bluegrass Style.” Jason has been a part of the Grace family for many years producing music and co-writing songs for our VBS CDs. He also will sing during both the 9 a.m. Contemporary service and the 10:15 a.m. Traditional service in the sanctuary January 12.
Jason has been a producer and studio musician for the last 20 years, while also touring with the bands of Third Day, Crowder, Natalie Grant, and many others. He grew up in the south and began playing with his family's bluegrass band when he was 7. Recently, he has focused on his own music and released a series of records featuring hymns which are bluegrass in style. We can’t wait to share his talents and his love for Christ with the entire church!
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Now You Can Give
On the Go!
In less time than it takes to write a check, you can 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 also are 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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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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Reception Honoring Lindsey McDonald
Sunday, January 12, 12:30 p.m.,
MT-207
Student Ministries will celebrate Lindsey McDonald and her servant heart during Sunday school. Parents are invited to join their students to thank Lindsey for her dedication to middle and high school ministries and to wish her well in her new married life in Dallas. For more information, contact Phil Warman (pwarman@gpch.org; 713-267-8704).
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New Sunday School Class for January 2020
Beginning January 12, 10:15-11 a.m. Massey-Tucker Hall, Room A
A new Sunday School class will launch with elder Jerry Hanlon facilitating a discussion of Dallas Willard’s book, Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God. For 47 years, Dr. Willard was a Professor of Philosophy and Theology at the University of Southern California. In Hearing God, Dr. Willard explains how we might discern the will of God in and for our lives. The book’s original title, In Search of Guidance is a good four-word summary of the book’s purpose. For more information, please contact Denise Phelps (dphelps@gpch.org; 713-267-5063).
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Confirmation 2020
Sundays, January 19 - May 10, 2020
Confirmation is open to all students 8th grade and above who are interested in going through the confirmation process. The class will utilize Scripture and the Church Creeds to guide students through the story of God and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and a member of His Church.
Confirmation will meet on Sunday mornings starting January 19 through May 3 in LC 206 from 10:15-11:15 a.m. with a mandatory retreat the weekend of April 24-26. Confirmation Sunday will be held on Sunday, May 10. Students will be recognized at both the contemporary (9 a.m.) and traditional (11:15 a.m.) services. Cost is $50. Each student will receive a journaling Bible and Confirmation packet. For details and registration, click HERE. For more information, contact Phil Warman (pwarman@gpch.org; 713-267-8704).
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PreSchool FX: Beach Party
Sunday, January 26, 4:30-6 p.m.,
Massey-Tucker Hall and The TreeHouse
Join Children’s Ministries for a special afternoon just for Preschoolers and their families! We’ll have a TreeHouse show, fun activity stations, maybe even a little sand, and more all helping us learn that Jesus can do ANYTHING! No Sunscreen required! Registration will open January 2. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015).
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Sunday School Schedule
1/5 - No Sunday school — One Service with a reception to celebrate the marriage of Rev. Trey Little and Niki Smith
1/12 - Sunday school
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Sweet Thanks
From Children's Ministries
More than 125 people came to decorate gingerbread houses this season! Thank you to Grace Kitchen’s Ana Aguilar and volunteers from Manna who came and built 88 houses and cottages so everyone else could show up and decorate to their hearts’ content. Check out all the photos on our Facebook pages: www.facebook.com/gpchelementary/ and https://www.facebook.com/gpchpreschool/.
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VBS Save the Date
Are you ready for VBS 2020? It’s almost time to “Focus: Take a Closer Look” at God’s love for us. Plan to join us June 8-11. Registration for volunteers and kids will open in April.
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Registration For Inspire Spring Bible Studies
Now Open
Join us in the Spring as we connect with one another in authentic community. Our goal is not just fellowship but to equip ourselves for living to make Jesus visible! We have weekly study opportunities for women of all ages and stages of life beginning the week of January 14. To register, please click HERE. For more information, contact Gina Enriquez (genriquez@gpch.org; 713-267-5046).
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Help Feed
Our Student Ministry
on Sundays
Everyone knows that students love to eat, so can you help feed them to make their Sunday mornings extra sweet? Please click on this Sign Up Genius to contribute. Thank you in advance for your help and for your support in making Sunday mornings an awesome time for our students!
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Houston Food Bank
Saturday, January 25 from 8 a.m.-noon. Portwall Warehouse
Bless our neighbors across Houston while in fellowship with Grace at the Houston Food Bank. For more information and to register, please contact Paul Mancillas (paulmancillas@gmail.com; 832-260-8329).
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Cole Knight Missions Scholarship Nomination Form
Due January 12
The Cole Knight Missions Scholarship Fund helps pave the way for individuals in 8th-12th grade who display a servant heart and passion for serving God through serving others. Did you have an awesome teen helper at VBS? Have you seen students serving in the worship service or in other ministries at Grace or outside of Grace? Now is your chance to encourage them by nominating them for this scholarship. More information and the nomination form can be found HERE. Nominees must be in 8th-12th grade. Forms are due January 12.
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Christian-Based
Counseling Available
at Grace
Thursdays, 1-5 p.m.
Christian-based counseling sessions are available through a Licensed Professional Counselor at Grace Presbyterian Church on Thursdays from 1-5 p.m. for a nominal fee. For more information/appointments call 281-881-8512 or email donnasullivan6697@gmail.com.
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WHAM Food Drive
Help collect food and other necessity items for WHAM (West Houston Assistance Ministries). Collection bins will be located inside the Chapel and Sanctuary entrances, and in the Massey-Tucker Hall Lobby. Focus items will be peanut butter and jelly, canned pasta and canned fruit, soups and crackers.
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Hearts Beading for Kenya Resumes on January 8
Hearts Beading for Kenya will start back up in 2020. Our first meeting is on Wednesday, January 8 at 11:30 a.m., and lunch is provided. New beaders are welcome; no experience is necessary. Come for fun and fellowship. We will meet in Massey Tucker Hall, Room 104 (McKechnie Dining Room). For more information, contact Margaret Ellis (713-501-5140).
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Feeling Down?
Stephen Ministry Can Help
Stephen Ministers aren’t just there for “big” crises. They are also available for the little ones, because many times the little things can really add up, especially at this time of year. So don’t wait until you have a really big crisis. Consider Stephen Ministry if the little things have you feeling down. If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, contact Denise Phelps at dphelps@gpch.org or Susan Jernigan at 713-582-3332.
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Looking Ahead in 2020… SAVE the DATE!
January 5, ONE worship service at 10 a.m.
Reception Honoring the marriage of Rev. Dr. Trey Little and Niki Smith
WHAM Food Drive
January 12, Reception Honoring Lindsey McDonald
Student Ministries Mission Trip Information Meeting
An Evening of Hymns with Jason Hoard
January 19, Confirmation Begins
January 25, Grace Day at Houston Food Bank
January 26, Preschool FX Beach Party
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