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A Little Thought
"Surprise Me"
My kids have been asking me what I want for Christmas, and my response has consistently been, “Don’t buy me a gift, we need to save our money. Besides, there is nothing I really need.” While both statements are true, it is not the answer my kids are looking for as you might imagine. In fact, they have said, “Well, we are going to get you something, Dad!” To which I simply reply, “Then, surprise me.”
I am not suggesting that I dislike receiving gifts nor am I suggesting that my kids’ wish to get me a Christmas gift is wrong. I tell you this because in recent weeks I have been especially convicted by the question: “What do you want for Christmas?” And the truth of the matter is—what I want for Christmas this year really can’t be bought.
I truly want people who are battling depression to know the love of the Father. I want families who are grieving the loss of a loved one this Christmas to be filled with the peace of Christ. I want there to be more laughter in my home and in homes everywhere. I want to say, “thank you” more than I need to say, “I’m sorry.” I want Grace Presbyterian Church to be FULL of people on Christmas Eve—not for the sake of numbers but instead for the sake of the Gospel. I want my heart to be prepared to receive the Gift God sent for me. I genuinely want to be SURPRISED this Christmas.
What do you want for Christmas?
Please join us on Christmas Eve as we continue to Expect the Unexpected. Our worship service times are listed below.
But also, I want to continue to be surprised by your generosity. Your financial support for the ministries of Grace is simply amazing, and I am sincerely grateful. However, please be reminded that December is a critical month for us financially. By year-end, we must raise $732,523. Therefore, as you consider year-end giving, please keep Grace in mind. All contributions that you wish to have credited in 2017 for tax purposes can be directed to Grace by December 31, 2017 or you can give online until midnight on December 31 at www.gpch.org/giving.
It truly is a privilege to be your pastor. My prayer for you this Christmas is that you will get MORE than you WANT!
I hope to see you on Christmas Eve.
Peace,
Trey
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Christmas Eve Times at Grace
3 p.m.
Children & Family Contemporary service and candle lighting in the Sanctuary
3 p.m.
Traditional service with Communion in the Founders’ Chapel
5 p.m.
Contemporary service with Communion and candle lighting in the Sanctuary
6 p.m.
Grace en Español service with Communion and candle lighting in the
Founders’ Chapel
7 p.m.
Traditional service with Communion and candle lighting in the Sanctuary
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Christmas Eve at Grace
Christmas Eve Worship, December 24
No regular Sunday morning worship services*
3 p.m.
Children & Family Contemporary service and candle lighting in the Sanctuary
3 p.m.
Traditional service with Communion in the Founders’ Chapel
5 p.m.
Contemporary service with Communion and candle lighting in the Sanctuary
6 p.m.
Grace en Español service with Communion and candle lighting in the Founders’ Chapel
7 p.m.
Traditional service with Communion and candle lighting in the Sanctuary
*With Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday this year, Grace will not have the usual morning worship services since there will be several opportunities to worship and celebrate the Lord beginning at 3 p.m. We encourage you to instead spend your morning celebrating the Savior’s birth with family and/or friends.
The hope is that together you will invest that time in making Jesus visible in extraordinary ways, perhaps by “surprising” someone with a blessing on Christmas Eve morning.
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National ECO Conference: Renovate 2018
Tues-Thurs, January 23-25 at Hilton Americas Hotel
The ECO National Gathering is in Houston this year, so plan to join! Drawing on lessons from Nehemiah, featured speakers include Condoleeza Rice, Kyle Strobel, and Ed Stetzer. There are also opportunities to volunteer, as Grace is partnering with other local churches to support this event. Volunteers will receive a complimentary day pass to the event. To sign up to
help, click here
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New Year's Eve Day Worship—One Service
at 10 a.m.
Our worship service on New Year’s Eve Day will feature Christmas carols led by the Chancel Choir accompanied by the group Jazz Sunday, a Houston-based jazz combo. Sunday school classes will not meet this day. Child care is available for children ages newborn through kindergarten.
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Stewardship
Although the official Stewardship season will commence January 21 through Commitment Sunday on February 4, please keep in mind that your generosity is important to Grace’s year-end giving.
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Starting Point—
A New Class
Sunday, January 14, 6-8 pm, Massey-Tucker Hall 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 start.
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 available dkay@gpch.org. To RSVP or for more information contact Beth Craig bcraig@gpch.org; or 713-267-5012.
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Inspire! Spring Bible Study Registration Now Open
A brand new year is coming and it’s time to get INSPIRED! Registration is now open for the new season of women’s Bible studies. Each week, you can spend time in God's Word, share joys and sorrows, and pray with other women of faith. We have groups (day and evening) for women of all ages and stages of life! INSPIRE! Groups begin in January! For more information and registration, please visit: gpch.org/inspire.
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Core Communities 2018 Registration Now Open
CORE Communities are the primary way we CONNECT with OTHERS in authentic gospel-centered community. These RELATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS are vital to living a life that makes Jesus visible daily. These small gatherings of people cultivate a relationship with Christ and others. Please visit gpch.org/cc to learn more and register.
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Middle School Lock-In
February 16-17, 10:30 p.m.-7 a.m., Meet in Massey-Tucker Hall 207
Join us for the annual lock-in at Main Event in Sugar Land. The cost is $75, which includes access to the entire facility, unlimited bowling, laser tag, gravity ropes, arcade games, late-night pizza snack, and donuts and juice for breakfast. The theme for this year is “camouflage.” Invite your friends and get all your camo gear ready! Register: gpch.org/mslockin
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Save The Date!
Vacation Bible School '18
June 11-14, 2018
Livin’ Loud Lab…
Where God’s Love
Ignites a Chain Reaction
that Changes the World!
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Confirmation Registration Now Open
Sundays, January 7-May 6, 5-6:30 p.m., Massey-Tucker Hall 207
Registration for Confirmation 2018 is now open! This class is designed for 8th grade students who are ready to claim their faith as their own. Register here: gpch.org/ministries/students/confirmation
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High School
Spring Break Trip
March 10-17, 2018
High School Ministries is taking a Spring Break road trip to Yosemite National Park in California! On the way, we'll stop off and see the Grand Canyon. There are only 19 student spots available, so register today. Register: gpch.org/hsspringbreaktrip2018.
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Mission Trip
Information Meeting
January 28, Massey-Tucker Hall 207
5:30-6 p.m. Middle School Trip
(current 6th and 7th grade students)
6:15-6:45 p.m. High School Trip
(current 8th-12th grade students)
7 -7:30 p.m. Senior Trip
(current 12th grade students)
All students and parents are invited to the informational meeting when we’ll discuss transportation, housing, work projects, cost, registration, and much more.
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Join The Strugglers Wednesday Bible Study
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 a.m., McKechnie Dining Room
Start the new year out with a blessing and visit the Strugglers Bible Study on Wednesday mornings! This Bible study group, under the leadership of Jerry Hanlon, recently started a study of Acts. Join us in 2018 for spiritual growth, fellowship, love and laughter!
Questions? Call Judy Dewey,
713-502-1945.
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Phases Conversations
For Parents
January 21
Family Ministries is excited to announce the arrival of “Phases: Parent Conversations" in 2018. Once per quarter, the Family Ministries team will host parents of children and students during the Sunday school hour for a topical, research-based presentation (given in one of five simultaneous, age/stage-based sessions) followed by an open discussion.
The first conversation will be held on January 21. The topic for this initial meeting will be "INFLUENCE: Who and what makes up my child’s community of influence?” Mark your calendars for other 2018 dates: April 8, September 23, December 2.
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No Sunday School for children, students and adults on December 24
& 31.
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Joy To The World
Gift Card Market
We love our mission partners and missionaries AND we love giving gifts to people at Christmas. This year we can do both at the same time at the first-ever Joy to the World Gift Card Market! You can purchase a gift card on the Grace website gpch.org/giftcard. Put the recipient of your generosity in the driver’s seat to redeem the gift card online with any of our 18 different missionaries and mission partners. Your unique gift enables the recipient to choose something they feel passionate about to receive the ultimate blessing! For more information, contact Becca Lehde blehde@gpch.org
or 713-267-5013.
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Give Blood, Get a Hoodie
Sunday, January 7, Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall C
Blood donations decline during the holidays but the need does not. Our partner, the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, is offering a hoodie to those who give blood on Sunday, January 7. By donating, you are helping ensure an adequate blood supply for patients along the Texas Gulf Coast. You are giving the gift of life! Contact Judy Dewey at judydewey@att.net for more information.
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Students Need You!
With the approaching spring semester, there are still middle school students who need mentors. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders request a mentor from the social worker at Paul Revere Middle School every week. Will you please give an hour of your time each Friday morning to meet with a student who needs your influence? Play games; encourage the student; listen to them. The time is up before you know it, and you will be looking forward to seeing the student again the following week! Contact Becca Lehde at, blehde@gpch.org or
713-267-5013.
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Post-Disaster
Support Groups
As hurricane relief efforts continue, we recognize the effects of Harvey are not only on our physical belongings, but Harvey also impacted us psychologically and spiritually. In response, we are offering free post-disaster support groups led by gifted counselors for adults and children. For more information, please contact Becky Morris, bmorris@gpch.org or 713-267-5091 or visit: gpch.org/postdisastersupportgroups.
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Cole Knight Scholarship
The Cole Knight Missions Scholarship Fund was created as a tangible way to carry on Cole’s mission - to help pave the way for individuals who display that same servant heart and passion for serving God through serving others. Each year the scholarship fund helps recipients cover the cost of their participation in Grace Student Ministries mission trips.
If you would like to nominate a student for this scholarship, please complete the FORM and return it to Monica Cvejanovich in the Family Ministries department by January 15, 2018.
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Share The Real Living Water in Guatemala
April 7-14, 2018
Join us in bringing Guatemala the gift of safe water and the grace of the Living Water that is Jesus! There are a few spots left on the team that will depart on April 7. Team members will utilize a drill rig under the direction of in-country drillers and will work alongside the health and hygiene team to teach proper sanitation techniques and share Bible stories. During the trip, you will make meaningful relationships, experience a slower pace of life, witness the faithfulness of God, and return home transformed. Contact Becca Lehde at, blehde@gpch.org or 713-267-5013.
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