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A Little Thought
"Unlimited"
“You can fall in love for a limited time only.” I recall hearing something like that in a Red Lobster commercial advertising a Valentine’s Day “shrimp lover’s special” that would end soon. But hurry! You can fall in love for a limited time only.
Sometimes I wonder if our lives reflect the same—we find ourselves loving for only a limited time. Husband and wife relationships are harmonious as long as they each are doing what the other wants. Children obey as long as there is an allowance or toy in it for them. Parents are smiling and happy as long as their kids are “doing and behaving right.” Is that really how a Christian household is to be—love for a limited time only? I certainly don’t think so!
However, we are a flawed people. We have real issues, struggles and blindsides where our commitments can be cracked and cause us to flee from our faithfulness. The result is an emptiness longing to be filled.
Where do you turn when you are desperate?
As one author puts it: “Grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us more—and there is nothing we can do to make God love us less. Grace means that God already loves us as much as an infinite God can possibly love” (Phillip Yancey).
Friends, during this Lenten season, I hope we will claim the UNENDING love of Jesus. I encourage you to join me on a journey that will remind us of who He is and how that changes who we are. You see, we are too dead to be the source of our salvation; we are too weak to be the maintainers of our salvation; we are too finite to be the eternal stewards of our salvation. The magnitude and magnificence of what our salvation involves indicates that it must be entirely a gift of God’s grace.
You probably know all of that but consider this: It is one thing to “KNOW” something; it is another thing to “CLAIM” something. This Lenten season, I hope you will claim love and grace that has already claimed you. In other words, I hope that you will allow your faith to cling to the outstretched love of God in Jesus Christ and allow Him to rescue you from yourself. Are you desperate enough?
I encourage you to claim VICTORY today not DEFEAT. Claim it for yourself, but also claim it for others. Pray the blessing of God’s grace over your family but also over the people who have hurt you. As we prepare to GATHER together this Sunday to worship and celebrate the Lord—may we consider both the depth of His love for us and our love for Him.
I look forward to seeing you Sunday.
Peace,
Trey
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Holy Week and Easter Schedule
Maundy Thursday, Thursday, March 29, 7 p.m., Sanctuary
Good Friday, Friday, March 30, 7 p.m., The Founders’ Chapel
Easter, Sunday, April 1:
9 a.m.
Traditional worship, The Founders’ Chapel
9 a.m.
Contemporary worship, Sanctuary
10:15-11 a.m.
Easter Egg Hunt for Children, Grace Athletic Fields
11:15 a.m.
Traditional worship, Sanctuary
11:15 a.m.
Grace en Español, The Founders’ Chapel
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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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Lily Dedications
Every Easter the Grace Sanctuary is filled with lilies given in honor or in memory of someone. Dedications may be made beginning February 19, and the deadline is March 19. The cost is $10. You may purchase a lily online at: gpch.org/lily.
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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: You can always watch or listen to the sermons on our homepage or you can watch us live on our Facebook page.
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Encore Day Trip
Wednesday, March 7, (Depart Grace at 9:15 a.m. and return around 3 p.m.)
Space Center Houston
Enjoy a rare tour of the historic Apollo 11. Cost: $17 for tour only (bring your own lunch) ~OR~ $27 for lunch and tour. Payment is due Sunday, February 25. For more information or to sign up, please contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
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Here's What We're Learning In The Backyard
February 18
Bible Story: All the Small Things (The Least of These) Matthew 25:35-40
Bottom Line: Be kind to people who are overlooked.
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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Here's What We're Learning In The Treehouse
February 18
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 us when no one else does. The Unloved Woman John 8:2-11
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Save The Date!
Vacation Bible School 2018
June 11-14, 2018; Online Registration opens April 6
Livin’ Loud Lab…
Where God’s Love
Ignites a Chain Reaction
that Changes the World!
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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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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.
For more information, contact Angie Williamson (awilliamson@gpch.org;
713-267-5083).
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Inspire! Spring Bible Study Registration Now Open
With the brand new year, 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. There are groups (day and evening) for women of all ages and stages of life! Stop by the table in the Filling Station on Sunday or visit: gpch.org/inspire.
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Student Missions Sunday & Annual Student Missions Clay Shoot
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 the 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). Click HERE to download the donation form.
Churchwide 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 have 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. Everyone is welcome at the Sporting Clay Tournament! Come on out and watch, enjoy some bean bag games and a bounce house for the kids. Let us know you are coming by registering for dinner and/or a golf cart rental. The deadline to register is Thursday, February 22. Click HERE to register for the tournament.
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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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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 cultivate a relationship with Christ and others. Please visit gpch.org/cc to register. For more information, contact Becca Lehde (blehde@gpch.org; 713-267-5013).
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Common Ground
Do you assist a family member or friend with daily caregiving tasks? If you answer YES, we offer a caregiver’s support group to share and help called “Common Ground.” It meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in Molly Ann Smith. Please contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091). This opportunity can help you take care of yourself.
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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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Mark Your Calendars
for the next Grace Day
at the Houston Food Bank
April 7 from 1-4 p.m.
Bless our neighbors across Houston while in fellowship with Grace at the Houston Food Bank. For more information and to register, contact Paul Mancillas (paulmancillas@gmail.com;
832-260-8329).
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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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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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