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A Journey
I have a favor to ask of you. Please pull up your favorite calendar in your mind. Next, look at that calendar and take note of how many places you are going between now and the end of April. My calendar reveals a couple of trips out of town, both work-related and pleasure, between now and then. But also, on the days when I am not out of town, I have various meetings scheduled around Houston each week. The point is, before the end of April, I will be going places. I am sure you will be, too. Going is part of who we are as people.
I believe that Jesus desires for His disciples to go places. I certainly don’t think Jesus intended His followers to sit in the temple all day. Think about it. If we did that, we would no longer be “followers” but “sitters” instead. No, we are called to GO. However, I often wonder if we are always going where we should. In other words, is a life of “going” always best for our souls?
Therein lies the tension. Pull that calendar back up in your mind and consider how many times your day is blocked to go with Jesus.
Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Lenten season, a season when we are invited to GO with Jesus on His journey to the cross. The Lenten season calls us to proclaim, remember, and respond to the atoning death of Christ. And during this season we will spend our time in Psalm 23 exploring a life lived with holy expectation.
Dallas Willard says: “You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life -- hurry is the great enemy of souls in our day… it’s being preoccupied with myself and what myself has to do that I am no longer able to be fully present with God and others. There is no way a soul can thrive when it is hurried. And nobody will come along and un-hurry your soul for you.”
During this Lenten season, will you strive to eliminate hurry from your life? Will you carve out time to rest in the Lord through solitude, prayer, and study? Will you make time to go to the feet of Jesus and allow Him to clean your soul in order that His grace can freely flow in and through you?
One last thing, given the season we have entered into, I do want to invite you to GO with Niki and me on a journey. We will lead a trip to the Holy Land, January 4-13, 2021. Not only will we see breathtaking views, but we will also have the opportunity to walk where Jesus walked. Undoubtedly, this trip will shape your faith journey in ways you may have never imagined. Space is limited, so please visit https://gpch.org/inhissteps/ to find more information and to sign up. Also, know that we will have informational meetings about the trip in the coming months. We would love for you to join us!
As you go during this Lenten season, my hope is that you will not leave your soul behind.
Peace,
Trey
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Stewardship 2020
Recently, we celebrated our Stewardship Commitment Sunday! If you have not turned in your pledge card, it’s not too late! You may mail it to the church office, bring it to worship on Sunday, or pledge online at www.gpch.org/theresmore. God’s grace is powerfully at work here. There are new members, new conversions, new ministry opportunities all rising up from God’s grace at work in and through people like you. What a privilege it is to be able to respond! Thank you for committing your time, talents and treasures to the mission and ministry at Grace.
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Starting Point
Sunday, March 1
Interested in joining the Grace church family? Meet the Session elders at the front of the Sanctuary after services.You’ll find out more about Grace, complete some simple paperwork, be received into membership of this amazing church by the elders and learn about next steps. For more information, contact Beth Craig (bcraig@gpch.org, 713-267-5012).
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Holy Week and Easter Schedule
Maundy Thursday, April 9
7 p.m., Sanctuary (Child care is available by reservation; contact dkay@gpch.org before the April 1 deadline.)
Good Friday, April 10
7 p.m., Sanctuary (Child care is available by reservation; contact dkay@gpch.org before the April 1 deadline.)
Easter Sunday, April 12:
6:30 a.m. Sunrise worship, the Courtyard
9 a.m. Contemporary worship, Sanctuary
7:30-11 a.m. Easter Breakfast Bites in The Connection Center
11:15 a.m. Traditional worship, Sanctuary
11:15 a.m. Grace en Español, The Founders’ Chapel
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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 through April 5. The cost is $10. You may purchase a lily online at: gpch.org/lily.
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Watch Our Stories
of Grace
The past four weeks in worship, we have heard powerful Stories of Grace from Grace members. If you missed them, watch them here:
Week 1 with Terry Looper and Jenny Gottschalk -- Click HERE (Start at 50 min mark).
Week 2 with Liz Mayberry -- Click HERE (Start at 30 min mark).
Week 3 with David and Cathy Finck -- Click HERE (Start at 17:30 min mark).
Week 4 with Ramon Gahono -- Click HERE (Start at 17 min mark).
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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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"In His Steps" Tour
of Israel with Senior Pastor Trey and Niki Little
January 4-13, 2021
A trip to the Holy Land is a bucket list adventure. To walk where Jesus walked is a life-giving opportunity, which will shape your faith journey. Trey and Niki would love for you to join them for what is sure to be a memorable trip to Israel. It will include a visit to sites such as the Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Sea of Galilee, and Capernaum. For more information and to register, please visit: gpch.org/inhissteps. You may also discuss the details of the trip with the trip leader, Mike Fanning, by email or phone (mike@mikefanning.com; 210-710-6234).
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Sacred Heart Coffee
at Grace - New Expanded Hours of Operation
The Sacred Heart Coffee café is open full time! After a successful “soft launch” over the past two months, Sacred Heart Coffee now offers expanded hours for the Grace and Westchase community: Monday–Friday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Please stop by for a delicious coffee drink and say hello to the wonderful staff: Savannah, Brian, and Geiser!
Sacred Heart Coffee will host a Grand Opening event for the community on Saturday, March 7. Come for the coffee and stay for the food trucks and family-friendly activities from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
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Calling Dramatic Readers of All Ages!
If you have a heart for scripture and a voice that is willing to read expressively and publicly, we would love to have you serve in worship. People of all ages, stages and abilities are welcome. If you are interested, please email Heather Kaemingk.
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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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MS/HS Sunday School Schedule
We will have a regular Sunday schedule this week:
- Middle School will meet in MT-201,
- High School will meet in MT-207, and
- Confirmation will meet in LC-206.
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MS/HS Parent Meeting
Sunday, March 1, 10:15-11 a.m., MT-103
Student Ministries invites all parents of Middle and High School students to a continuation of the “Teens and Technology” meeting with speaker Darren Price, principal of Houston Christian High School. For more information, contact Phil Warman (pwarman@gpch.org).
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Student Ministries Crowded House
Sunday, March 1, 6-7:30 p.m.
Click HERE for locations.
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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.
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Student Mission Sunday
Join Student Ministries as they Tee Up for Student Mission Sunday! There are many ways to get in on the fun:
- Donate tickets, vacation homes, hunting opportunities, or creative works to our Silent Auction.
- Purchase golf balls in the Welcome Center for a chance to win $1,000 at the Ball Drop!
- Register a team or just register yourself for some fun and friendly competition at Top Golf.
- Try your hand for a Hole in One at the event for a chance to win $10,000.
Do you just wonder what Student Mission Sunday is all about? Ask students and organizers in the Welcome Center on Sundays. All proceeds from the day's events benefit this summer's student mission trips equipping our students to make Jesus visible. For more information, please click HERE or contact Phil Warman (pwarman@gpch.org; 713-267-8704).
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Middle School Retreat
April 24-26
Join us for our Middle School Spring Retreat to Camp Cho-Yeh! Over this weekend, students will make amazing memories at camp playing on a high ropes course and giant treehouse, create lasting friendships with other students and our leaders, plus get challenged in their faith journey! Space is limited so sign up today! The cost is $160, and scholarships are available. For more information, contact Amber Sheffield (Asheffield@gpch.org; 713-614-2192).Register HERE.
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Middle School/High School Summer Mission Trips
Middle School: June 21-26,
High School: July 19-24
Grace Middle and High School Ministries will partner with Blueprint Ministries in San Antonio this summer. Blueprint Ministries is a non-profit organization in urban San Antonio providing servant leadership training for youth and adults while restoring homes for elderly, disabled and low-income residents. Register HERE. For more information, contact Phil Warman (pwarman@gpch.org; 713-267-8704).
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Graduating Seniors Mission Trip
June 20-27
Grace Student Ministries’ Graduating Seniors will partner with Yucatan Peninsula Ministries (YPM) in Leona Vicario, Quintana Roo, Mexico (35 mins. SW of Cancun). Register HERE. For more information, contact Phil Warman (pwarman@gpch.org; 713-267-8704).
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Here's What We're Learning in The TreeHouse
March 1
Bible Story Focus: John told people that Jesus is special. (John the Baptist) • Matthew 3:3-4, 11, 13-17
Memory Verse: "Come and follow me," Jesus said. • Matthew 4:19, NIrV
Key Question: Who can you follow?
Bottom Line: I can follow Jesus.
Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
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Here's What We're Learning in The Backyard
March 1
Bible Story Focus: Mercy Mercy Me (The Unmerciful Servant) • Matthew 18:21-35
Bottom Line: Forgive others because God forgives you.
Memory Verse: Put up with one another. Forgive one another if you are holding something against someone. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you. • Colossians 3:13 (NIrV)
Life App: Forgiveness—Deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn't have to pay
Basic Truth: I should treat others the way I want to be treated.
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Elementary Kids Invited
to Sing in the Sanctuary
Sunday, March 22, 9 a.m., Sanctuary
Elementary School students are invited to sing during the 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship service on March 22. We have begun rehearsing during Sunday school in The Backyard. If your child would like to join us, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org).
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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 on April 1.
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Encore Day Trip
to Houston Livestock Show & Fairgrounds
March 16, 9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Grab your boots and hats as we travel to the Houston Livestock Show and Fairgrounds. Please be at the church at 9:15 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. departure. We will return to Grace around 3:30 p.m. Cost is $17, and payment is due by Sunday, March 1. For more information, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
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Mission Opportunity - Blessing People
Around the World
June 1 -14
Come travel with Friends of Samburu to north central Kenya and experience the people and culture of the Samburu tribe. On this trip you will spend three nights in the bush, working alongside the Kitobor community. Last September, the charity built an evangelical church. On this trip, a kitchen will be built for this church. We will also visit several rural schools and love on the children. The trip has a capacity of 10 travelers and only 4 spots remain available. The deadline to sign up is March 15. For more information, please contact Margaret Ellis (713-501-5140) or drop by the Connection Center (Welcome Center breezeway).
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Hearts Beading for Kenya
Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.
Massey-Tucker Hall Rm.102
Hearts Beading for Kenya is back! Join us Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. New beaders are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Come for fun and fellowship. We meet in Massey Tucker, Rm. 102. For more information, contact Margaret Ellis (713-501-5140).
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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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School Market Food Pantry at Revere Middle School
Friends of Westchase and The Houston Food Bank have partnered to bring a mobile School Market food pantry to Paul Revere Middle School on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The market is open to anyone in the community and provides fresh and frozen food as well as shelf stable and personal items. The market is run by students but adult volunteers are needed to help with client intake and general assistance. A brief training is required for volunteers. Please contact Ellen Gonzalez (ellen.stitzer@gmail.com) if you are interested in volunteering!
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WHAM Food Drive
Sunday, March 1
Help collect food and other necessity items for WHAM (West Houston Assistance Ministry). Collection bins will be located inside the Connection Center (Welcome Center Breezeway). Focus items will be peanut butter and jelly, canned pasta and canned fruit, soups and crackers.
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English as a Second Language at Walnut Bend Elementary
Friends of Westchase is starting an English as a Second Language (ESL) class at Walnut Bend Elementary School for members of our community who wish to learn or improve their English. Volunteers are needed to help provide teaching support and assistance with the weekly classes which are held at WBE from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesdays. No teaching experience is necessary. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Nancy Bailey (nancy@friendsofwestchase.org).
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Feeling Down?
Stephen Ministry Can Help
Stephen Ministers: The After People
People often ask, “What exactly is a Stephen Minister?” One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the After People.
Stephen Ministers are there:
…after the phone call you hoped you’d never get.
…after the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you.
…after the doctor says, “I’m sorry, but there is nothing more we can do.”
…after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new home.”
…after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away -- and the house seems suddenly empty.
…after the gavel comes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away.
…after the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever dreamed possible.
…after you find a pink slip with your final paycheck.
…after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.
Stephen Ministers are the After People. They are ready to come alongside you --or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives -- and provide comfort and support for as long after as needed.
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!
March 16, Encore Day Trip
March 29, Student Mission Sunday
June 8-11, VBS
June 20-27, Graduating Seniors Mission Trip
June 21-26, Middle School Mission Trip
July 19-24, High School Mission Trip
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