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Commitment
I recently read an interesting quote: “Me and God have this little arrangement. If He wakes me up to see another day, I promise to try and be better than I was yesterday. Can I hear an ‘Amen?’”
As you consider your faith journey, is it more of an “arrangement” or a “privilege?”
Most counselors would tell you that if you really want to get to the depths of someone, you have to ask questions. Not just any old question will do, however. You need to ask questions that make them think. Ask questions that have no right or wrong answers but instead push an individual to search for a well-articulated response.
Questions like, “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?” Or, “When it is all said and done, will you have said more than you have done?” Or, “If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?” Or, “If you get to where you are going, will you be where you want to be?” These are life questions -- they compel us to examine the direction of our life, our priorities, what we think will make us happy, what it is we are really doing with life.
In John 1:35-39, Jesus asks a big question: “The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?’ They said, ‘Rabbi, where are you staying?’ Jesus replied, ‘Come and you will see.’”
Jesus took the first step. He took the initiative to reach out to them by asking, “What do you want?”
It seems to me that when Jesus turned around and asked the question, He wanted their answer to come from the depths of their souls. Why? Because He knew there was potential for change. Jesus knew that their lives would be significantly changed by what they “wanted” or “what they were looking for.”
Jesus knew that on the journey they would begin to see, and in the seeing they would begin to fathom the true meaning and depth of what was happening to them. They would begin to truly discern what they deeply wanted -- they would begin to see with clarity what they had been looking for. It was Jesus, the Lamb of God. And he would give them security, purpose, peace, and hope -- all the things we want, too. Time with Jesus would change everything.
This Sunday at Grace will be Commitment Sunday. You will be invited to respond to Jesus’ invitation in a very tangible way by making your pledge to Grace’s annual operating budget. In preparation for this, please prayerfully consider your response and come prepared to make one.
Could it be that Jesus’ question, “What do you want?” is a faith question? Could it be that our response should be a wondrous collection of the many blessings that have already found us? Is it any wonder that Jesus would long to hear us faithfully say, “I shall not be in want” because all I need I have found in You!
Will your response on Sunday be an “arrangement” or a “privilege” for you?
Peace,
Trey
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This Sunday, we are excited to gather together in our 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Sanctuary worship services as we conclude our sermon series, “But Wait, There’s More.” This series has highlighted incredibly powerful Stories of Grace each week, and we believe it blesses the body of Christ to experience the power of these testimonies together. Our 9 a.m. Traditional Chapel service resumes on Sunday, March 1.
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Watch Our Stories
of Grace
The past three 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).
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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 the service that morning.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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"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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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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Ash Wednesday Worship and Lunch
February 26, noon
The Founders' Chapel
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 the MT Fellowship Hall following the service for a suggested donation of $7.
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Sacred Heart Coffee
at Grace - New Expanded Hours of Operation
The Sacred Heart Coffee café is now open full time! After a successful “soft launch” over the past two months, Sacred Heart Coffee will now offer 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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Registration Deadline
for Rec Sports
Baseball/T-Ball/Softball
Registration closes today, February 20, for Spring baseball, T-ball, and softball. Click HERE for more information and registration.
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Here's What We're Learning in The TreeHouse
February 23
Bible Story Focus: We can love like Jesus. (Love Others) • John 15:12
Memory Verse: Love each other as I have loved you. • John 15:12, NIV
Key Question: Who does Jesus love?
Bottom Line: Jesus loves everyone.
Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
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Here's What We're Learning in The Backyard
February 23
Bible Story Focus: All for Love (A Woman Pours Perfume on Jesus at Bethany) • Mark 14:1-9 (Supporting: John 12:1-8)
Bottom Line: Love others because they matter to God.
Memory Verse: Here is what love is. It is not that we loved God. It is that he loved us and sent his Son to give his life to pay for our sins. • 1 John 4:10 (NIrV)
Life App: Choosing to treat others the way you want to be treated
Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what.
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MS/HS Sunday School This Week
February 23
We will have our regular MS/HS Sunday school schedule. Middle School will meet in the gym, and High School will meet in MT 207. The Confirmation Class will meet in LC-206.
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Student Ministries Crowded House
Sunday, February 23, 6-7:30 p.m.
Click HERE for locations.
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Mandatory Meeting
for Confirmation Class Parents
Sunday, February 23, 10:15-11:05 a.m. Middle School Room, MT-201
Darren Price, principal of Houston Christian High School, will speak on “Teens and Technology.” Parents of middle school and high school students are also invited to join the discussion. For more information, contact Phil Warman (pwarman@gpch.org) or Dorothy Hobbs (dhobbs@gpch.org).
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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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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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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 at the Welcome Desk 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 Phil Warman (pwarman@gpch.org; 713-267-8704). 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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Guatemala Mission Trip Meeting
Sunday, February 23, 10:15-11:05 a.m. MT Fellowship Hall B
Do you want to be part of an incredible mission that will impact the lives of hundreds of Guatemalan children? Come to this information meeting to hear about the progress on building a school, a financial revenue update, and how to join the mission trip team. The trip is planned for April 18–25, just one week after Easter — a perfect time to live out the great commission.
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Mission Opportunity - Blessing People
Around the World
June 1 -14, 2020
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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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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Welcome Home
Jasmina, Igor, and
Mila Claire Mukha!
Mission partners Jasmina and Igor Mukha along with their daughter Mila Claire, will be in Houston to visit with their Grace family through March 3. When you see them, please welcome them and find time to hear ministry updates. Jazzie (from Serbia) and Igor (from Ukraine) serve withYWAM (Youth With a Mission) and have been in France since 2008.Their ministry includes building relationships with people in their community through evangelism, small groups, Bible studies, programs like VBS bilingual camp for children and Christmas concerts.Their desire is to see God’s kingdom come in Europe with many lives changed and transformed by the power of Gospel! If you would like to connect with them while they are in Houston, contact Chris French (cfrench@gpch.org; 713-267-5039).
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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!
February 23, Confirmation Parent Meeting
February 23, Guatemala Mission Trip Meeting
February 26, Ash Wednesday Service and Lunch
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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