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A Little Thought
"30 Seconds"
Thirty seconds can be both costly and unforgettable. This will certainly be true this coming Sunday when the New England Patriots will be taking on the Philadelphia Eagles in Minneapolis. To be honest, I am more interested in the commercials. I am always intrigued with the stories that can be told in just thirty seconds.
I recently received an email from a friend with some fun facts about NFL football. A few years ago, there was a team watching the NFL Playoffs with stopwatches. They had been commissioned by the Wall Street Journal to “dissect the game clocks.” All driven by the question, where did the time go? Here are their findings:
- Average broadcast length | 185 minutes
- Average time in commercials | 60 minutes
- Huddles or stand-around time | 75 minutes
- Replays for the TV audience | 17 minutes
- Cut-aways to refs or coaches wearing headsets | 13 minutes
- Actual playing time | 11 minutes
The email went on to say that the average salary in the NFL last season was $2.1 million. If a team goes to the Super Bowl, they play 24 games in the season. Therefore, 24 games at 11 minutes per game equals 264 minutes of playing time. $2.1 million average annual pay divided by 264 minutes equals $7, 954 per minute of playing time! (Bob Shank, The Master’s Program).
We may not make that much money per minute, but we have all been richly blessed. Therefore, I want to ask you to consider this: What will be the story that you tell this Sunday?
This Sunday at Grace Presbyterian Church will undoubtedly be a “super” Sunday. It is Commitment Sunday—an opportunity for you to RESPOND. Certainly, it will be costly, but I also believe your response will be unforgettable. How can we put a price on impacting another person’s life with our generosity? Generosity is costly, but it is also priceless. My hope is that we will not underestimate the stories that will be written by the Lord, simply by each of us taking thirty seconds to fill out our pledge cards as an act of worship and commitment to the Lord.
In preparation for Sunday, I want to encourage you to spend time in prayer, asking the Lord for clarity on how He would have you respond. But also, pray for Him to give you the courage TO respond. Together, we will make this Sunday and countless other days in 2018—Super.
Malachi 3:10 says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
In advance, thank you for your faithfulness. I am so thankful to be on the Grace team.
Peace,
Trey
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Artist Series-The Concordia Choir
Friday, March 2, 7:30 p.m.
Grace once again hosts the world-renowned Concordia Choir from Moorehead, Minnesota under the direction of Dr. René Clausen. This is a ticketed event. $20/adults; $5/students. Tickets are available ONLINE, at the door, or in the music office.
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Ash Wednesday Worship and Lunch
Wednesday, February 14,
Noon, Sanctuary
Invite co-workers and friends for a 30-minute service to mark the beginning of Lent in worship with the imposition of ashes. Lunch will be served in Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall following the service for $7. Child care will be available; please request by February 7 by contacting Debbie Kay (dkay@gpch.org; 713-267-5084).
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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 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! Groups begin this month! Stop by the table in the Filling Station or 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 to register. For more information, contact Becca Lehde (blehde@gpch.org; 713-267-5013).
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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. For more information, contact Lindsey McDonald (lmcdonald@gpch.org; 713-267-5067).
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Save The Date!
Vacation Bible School '18
June 11-14; Online Registration opens April 6
Livin’ Loud Lab…
Where God’s Love
Ignites a Chain Reaction
that Changes the World!
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Parents' Night Out
Saturday, February 10, 5-9 p.m.,
$10 per child
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 time together. Ages are 3 months to 5th grade. The next PNO will be Saturday, February 10, from 5–9 p.m. The cost is $10 per child. Your child will enjoy pizza, games, and a movie. Our February movie feature is Trolls.
Due to the overwhelming response to our upcoming Parents Night Out we have had to close our registration. If you would like to be put on our waiting list please email Monica Cvejanovich mcvejanovich@gpch.org) with your child’s name and age.
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Here's What We're Learning In The Treehouse
February 4
Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Key Question: Who does Jesus love?
Bottom Line: Jesus loves everyone!
Memory Verse: “Love each other as
I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
Bible Story Focus: Jesus loves everyone. Woman at the Well
John 4:1-30
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Here's What We're Learning In The Backyard
February 4
Bible Story: Amazing Grace (Kindness principle) Titus 3:4-7
Bottom Line: Be kind to others because God is kind to you.
Memory Verse: “Do to others as you want them to do to you.” Luke 6:31, NIrV
Life App: Kindness—showing others they are valuable by how you treat them
Basic Truth: I should treat others the way I want to be treated.
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The Sisterhood Dinner
February 11, 5 p.m., Finck's Home
(8710 Cedarspur)
All high school girls are invited to the monthly dinner. We’ll enjoy a delicious meal together, play a few games, and hear a testimony from our very own Kelly Haas. Register HERE!
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High School
Spring Break Trip
March 10-17
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.
For more information, contact Angie Williamson (awilliamson@gpch.org;
713-267-5083).
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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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Confirmation 2018
Sundays, January 7-May 6, 5-6:30 p.m., Massey-Tucker Hall 207
Confirmation 2018 has begun! This class is designed for 8th grade students who are ready to claim their faith as their own. If your student would still like to participate in this class, please contact Monica Cvejanovich (mcvejanovich@gpch.org;
713-267-5011).
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Student Missions
Sunday 2018
February 25
Join us in supporting Student Missions with a silent auction, churchwide lunch, and Sporting Clays Tournament. Throughout the day, you’ll see students serving as greeters and ushers, assisting in worship, playing in the band, and so much more. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear what God is doing in Student Ministries and the exciting plans for our mission opportunities in 2018. For more information, please visit, gpch.org/ministries/students/students-missions/studentmissionssunday
Silent Auction
9 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Do you have tickets to the Astros? Do you own a fabulous vacation home? Do you have great taste in jewelry? Donate to our Student Missions Sunday Auction where donations will help raise funds for Student Ministries Missions throughout the year. Please contact Angie Williamson (awilliamson@gpch.org; 713-267-5083) to send donations. Donations and donation forms may be dropped off to Angie in the Student Ministries offices (second floor of Massey-Tucker). All donations are due by Sunday, February 11. Click HERE to download the
donation form.
Church-Wide Lunch
11:15 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Lunch will be served in Massey-Tucker Hall. This is a great time for families, students, and friends to fellowship and hear stories about how missions has impacted so many people. The cost is $7/person or $20/family.
Sporting Clays Tournament
2:30 - 7 p.m.
Join us for the Sporting Clays Tournament at a NEW LOCATION, the Westside Sporting Grounds (10120 Pattison Rd.) for an afternoon of fun. Registration begins at 2:30 p.m. and includes a T-shirt, golf cart, and eye and ear protection. The cost for this event is $175/shooter or $650 for a team of 4. The day will conclude with an awards ceremony and dinner. The deadline to register is Thursday, February 22. Click HERE to register for the tournament.
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Grace Recreational Baseball/Softball/T-Ball Registration Open
February 1-16
Grace Recreational Sports League participates in the WHCSA-West Houston Christian Sports Association. This league was created to provide the opportunity for the youth in our community to participate in team sports within a positive Christian environment. Coaches are volunteers and will promote self-esteem, fun and friendship while teaching the fundamentals of the sport. The league does not keep standings or have playoffs. Teams are open to girls and boys PreK4 through 5th grade. Practices are once a week beginning March 19 with games on Saturdays (March 24-May 19). Team game schedules will be available on March 20. The fee of $125 includes: Jersey, hat/visor, trophy, individual & team picture. Players are responsible for providing their own: pants, batting helmet w/chin strap, bat, glove & cleats. To register, please visit: gpch.org/recsports.
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Women of Grace are Brookwood Bound
February 12, 10 a.m., The Brookwood Community
Please join Women of Grace as we visit our friends at The Brookwood Community in Brookshire for a tour of their amazing horticulture center. Following that, we will enjoy lunch at their lovely Cafe on campus. Carpooling is encouraged. Please plan to arrive by 10 a.m. for the start of our tour.
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February Project Home
February 10, 8:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall
All Middle School and High School students are invited to our monthly Project Home. We are partnering with Urban Harvest during their "Dig it Day" at Gregory Lincoln Education Center. We will be gardening, weeding, composting, and mulching. Register HERE!
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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 (blehde@gpch.org; 713-267-5013).
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Let's Tackle Hunger On Super Bowl Sunday!
Sunday, February 4
Let’s score a victory against hunger! Feed the hungry in West Houston and participate in the annual Souper Bowl of Caring by bringing canned goods and dry foods to church. The Food Pantry at West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM) provides a significant supply of groceries for families to prepare nutritional meals, as well as daypacks of non-perishable foods to help homeless clients with dignity and respect. Last year Grace Presbyterian provided over 2,000 pounds of food! Following are suggestions of items that help the hungry:
- Canned meats, Canned or dried beans, Canned chili, soups and stews
- Peanut butter, Rice or pasta, Oatmeal
- Diced tomatoes, Tomato sauce, Canned vegetables
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Students Need You!
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 (blehde@gpch.org;
713-267-5013). |
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McKechnie Scholarships
The Trustees of the Grace Presbyterian Church (GPC) Endowment Committee are pleased to announce that funds are available for the GPC McKechnie Scholarships to be awarded in May 2018. These scholarships were established in honor of Dr. David McKechnie, upon his 25th anniversary as a pastor of Grace. Applications will be available online from the church web-site on February 15, and the application deadline is March 30.
Scholarship requirements: Parent, guardian or student must be active in the life of GPC, Houston, Texas. Student must be enrolled or accepted into an accredited primary or secondary school or college or university for which scholarship application is submitted. Applicants will need to demonstrate satisfactory academic standing which includes a minimum 2.5 GPA (on a four-point scale) or equivalent and successful class completion rate. A short essay is part of the application.
Please click HERE to download the application. Save your answers and email to Monica Cvejanovich (mcvejanovich@gpch.org).
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Share the Gospel and
Build a School!
First Presbyterian Church San Antonio,
February 14-20
San Antonio invites us once again to join the Yucatan Peninsula Ministry mission trip. Depart Hobby on February 14 to work and worship in community. Work involves physical labor and concrete. Return on February 20 with stories on your heart! For more information, contact Matthew Lightfoot (hmsmattl@netscape.net; 832-526-0494).
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