Grace Newsletter

December 27, 2018

Countdown

A story is told of Tom Ervin, Professor of Music at the University of Arizona, who was attending a conference for music teachers in New York. While at the conference he purchased a talking metronome — a device for counting the beats in a song. Before Tom and his son boarded their flight home, Tom lifted his carry-on bag onto the security-check conveyor belt.

The security guard's eyes widened as he watched the monitor. Then the guard slowly pulled out of the bag this strange looking device, a six-by-three-inch black box covered with dials and switches. Other travelers, sensing trouble, vacated the area.

“It's a metronome," Tom replied, his son cringing in embarrassment. “Actually, it’s a talking metronome," Tom insisted. He said, “Look, I'll show you." He took the box and flipped a switch, and then “One . . . two . . . three . . . four," said the metronome in perfect time. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

As they gathered their belongings, Tom's son whispered, “Aren't you glad it didn't go 'four . . . three . . . two . . . one . . . '?" (From a sermon delivered by King Duncan)

This is the week that we begin the “countdown.” We start counting down the days of 2018 in great anticipation of a Happy New Year. However, have you ever wondered why we do this? Why do we view the end of the “old year” as such a catalyst for what is to come? Imagine if we had the same anticipation for every “new” day as we have for every approaching New Year.

Someone once said, “What the New Year brings us will depend a great deal on what we bring to the New Year.”

Therefore, as we close out 2018, I want to ask you to consider three things as you step into 2019:

First, be intentional with each day in 2019. Choose to look for the good in others. Choose to count your blessings rather than your challenges. Choose to give more than you strive to receive. Choose to set aside a portion of each day to be still and know that He is God.

Second, bring something into each new day. Bring a positive attitude. Bring an encouraging word to at least one person each day. Bring a helping hand to an unsuspecting recipient. Bring less of you and more of Him each day.

Finally, don’t wait until tomorrow. Don’t wait to tell your children you love them. Don’t wait to read your Bible. Don’t wait to pray for your friend. Don’t wait for the other person to apologize. Don’t wait to get help. Don’t wait to say, “Thank You.” Don’t wait to be selfish for your soul.

Friends, no doubt, the countdown is on — the question is, will this New Year be any different for you? Your choice!

Happy New Day!

Peace,

Trey

December 30 Worship - One Service at 10 a.m.

Our worship service on December 30 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.

Note: Grace en Español will worship on Sunday, December 30 at 11:15 a.m.

Stewardship Update

Although the official Stewardship season will commence January 27 through Commitment Sunday on February 10, please keep in mind that your generosity is important to Grace’s year-end giving.

Gather

Starting Point Class

January 27, 6 p.m.,
Massey-Tucker 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; 713-267-5012).

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.

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.

Connect

Save the Date! VBS 2019

June 10-13, 2019

This year our theme is LEVEL UP!... How are YOU gonna play the game? Mark your calendars now for the best week of the summer!

Preschool Family Experience: The Market

Friday, January 11, 2019, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Children’s Ministries invites all preschoolers and their families to "The Market” on Friday, January 11, 2019. Come to this special night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Massey-Tucker Hall and The TreeHouse to hear a great story, participate in fun, hands-on activities, shop with “Ollie Dollars” and MORE all while learning about how everyone needs Jesus. Register HERE.

Confirmation 2019

January 6-May 12, 2019
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Learning Center, Room 206

We 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. Each student will come to understand the scope of the narrative of Scripture, write a personal Story of Faith, and answer the 40 Questions of Faith from their Catechism journal. The class will be led by The Rev. Chad Erb and the Student Ministries staff: Lindsey McDonald, Reed Brentlinger, Angie Williamson, and Matt Davis. Upon successful completion of the class, your student will become a full member of Grace Presbyterian Church. For more information and registration, please click HERE.

Inspire! Spring Bible Study

Registration Open Now

Women’s Ministries members encourage you to mark your calendars and sign up HERE for our women’s bible studies that will start in January. Until then, our prayer is that the hope, love, joy and peace of Christ will surround you, and you will be the light that brings this Good News to those who need to hear it.

Project Home: Living Water International &
The Houston Marathon

Sunday, January 20, 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For the second year in a row Grace’s Student Ministries will partner with Living Water International for a special Project Home at the Houston Chevron Marathon! We will host a Cheering and Hoopla Station to cheer on the estimated 27,000 runners and walkers in this year's event. Specifically we will be cheering on Team Living Water runners who have committed to raise funds to dig water wells in regions of the world that lack access to clean water. This is an opportunity to support them, and the entire city of Houston, as it puts on one of its marquee events. This is one of the most fun and loud events we put on all year. You do not want your student to miss out. Register HERE.

Children's Ministries Events:

Dec. 30 – No Sunday school
Jan. 11 – Preschool Family Experience: The Market

College Ministry

The Bridges Sunday School class is now coordinating our college ministries events throughout the year. If you have college-aged children, please contact Carey Dow (careydow@me.com; 713-822-3981) to make sure that we have their contact information so that we can let them know when events are planned.

High School
Spring Break Ski Trip

March 9-15, 2019

Grab your mittens and beanie, dust off your snow boots, and wash your long-johns because we are going skiing! We are excited to announce that Grace’s High School Ministry is headed to Monarch Mountain in beautiful Colorado for Spring Break. For more detailed information, please click HERE. A $200 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration. Registration closes January 15, 2019. For more information, please contact Matt Davis (mdavis@gpch.org; 713-267-8704).

Student Ministries
Summer Mission Trip
Parent Information Meeting

Sunday, January 13, 2019, 12:15 -1 p.m.,
Massey-Tucker Rm. 207

All middle school and high school parents are invited to hear about this year's Student Ministries mission trip. We will announce the location, as well as discuss accommodations, type of work and activities, cost and funding, and other important information. Whether you are certain your student will attend the mission trip or not, you do not want to miss this important meeting!

Bless

California Wildfire Response:
Donate Gift Cards

Extended to January 20

Please donate gift cards (Target, Walmart or general VISA gift card) to the people of California. Let us join together to offer hope and encouragement to those navigating the destruction and loss from the recent California wildfires covering over 150,000 acres. Grace Presbyterian will make sure donated cards are distributed by a local church to people in the impacted areas. Please drop off gift cards on Sunday mornings at the Welcome Center in the Sanctuary foyer or at the receptionist desk during the week. For questions, please contact Karen Anderson (karenanderson10@aol.com; 281-989-3812).

Houston Food Bank

Saturday, January 26 from 8 a.m. - noon

Bless our neighbors across Houston while in fellowship with Grace at the Houston Food Bank. For more information, contact Paul Mancillas (paulmancillas@gmail.com; 832-260-8329).

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.

Stephen Ministry:
Get in on the Action

Would you like to be part of a ministry that makes a real difference in others’ lives when they need it most? Consider becoming a Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who provide one-on-one caring ministry to people experiencing grief, divorce, loneliness, job loss, hospitalization and many other life difficulties. Stephen Minister training equips you to do an excellent job as a Stephen Minister as well as to improve the quality of all your own relationships. Once equipped, Stephen Ministers are prayerfully matched with people going through a stressful time or life difficulty. A Stephen Minister meets with this person once a week for about an hour to listen, care, encourage and pray. If you want to learn more about how to become a Stephen Minister, call Susan Jernigan at 713-582-3332 or Denise Phelps (dphelps@gpch.org; 713-267-5063).

Support Dress for Success Houston

Women of Grace will host representatives from Dress for Success Houston at our February 11 luncheon, and we need your help! Will you begin the new year by cleaning out closets? Consider donating an outfit (or two or 10!) to Dress for Success, which helps low-income, job-ready women prepare for interviews with coaching and clothing.

Your donations of gently used professional attire (including suits, separates, blouses, shoes, handbags, and jewelry) will make a difference in a woman's life as she takes steps to self-sufficiency. Bring your items to the Filling Station on January 27 or February 3. For more information, contact Denise Phelps (dphelps@gpch.org; 713-267-5063).

Mission Trip Opportunity

Haiti with Living Water International

Grace is excited to send members to Northern Haiti in 2019. Each team that goes will drill a clean water well, lead hygiene and sanitation classes, and share the gospel with the local community. For more information, answers to commonly asked questions, and to watch a video about the need for clean water in Haiti, please click HERE.

Looking Ahead in 2019… SAVE the DATE!

December 30, ONE WORSHIP SERVICE at 10 a.m
January 6, Confirmation begins
January 11, Preschool Family Experience: The Market
January 13, Student Ministries Summer Mission Trip Parent Info Meeting
January 26, Grace Day at Houston Food Bank
January 27, Starting Point Class
March 9-15, High School Spring Break Ski Trip
June 10-13, Vacation Bible School