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A Little Thought
"Money Matters"
Each day I hear a myriad of comments from people. Some are positive and encouraging while others are constructive and convicting. However, there is one comment that I rarely hear: “Trey, I sure hope you spend more time this year talking about money. I really like it when you ask me to give.” Does that statement resonate with you?
Why are we so sensitive when it comes to “money matters” in the life of a church? I like to think of myself as a practical man, and there is nothing more practical than the fact that the church needs money to operate. But also, much of our annual budget provides for a positive “Grace Experience” when you come on the Grace campus. Whether that be uplifting music in worship; heat on a cold Sunday morning; warm coffee for you to sip on; pastoral support in your time of need; or resources available to help equip and deploy you to be people of blessing. As a pastor, I can’t help but talk about money because people matter to me.
Henry Ford once asked an associate about his life goals. The man replied that his goal was to make a million dollars. A few days later Ford gave the man a pair of glasses made out of two silver dollars. He told the man to put them on and asked what he could see. The man replied, “Nothing, the dollars are in the way.”
Are the dollars in your way? Are you reluctant to give because the dollars you once saw are no longer as visible? It is no secret that we have been through some difficult times in Houston in recent months. For many, whether the result of an economic downturn or a storm named Harvey—there is no doubt we have felt the sting. It is human nature to think that when times get tough we need to tighten up the purse strings—after all, we have responsibilities—we have bills to pay; we have kids who need clothes and school supplies and educations; we have retirement to think about—I mean, come on, we have to eat—who knows when it is going to get better.
Corrie Ten Boom provides an interesting take: “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
Is your giving sacrificial or comfortable? Is it calculated or recklessly spendthrift? Is it from your heart or from your abundance? Friends, when it comes to money matters—never take the Lord out of the equation. How will you take a faith-filled risk this stewardship season?
Friends, there is Kingdom work to be done. There are people to reach. There are blessings to be given. There are lives to be transformed. There are random acts of kindness to be shared. But you know what, there are also bills to be paid; ministries to be funded; and visions to become realities! And we need to be a part of it—all of us.
So here is your challenge—spend some time praying about what you are CURRENTLY giving. Then, I want you to pray about what you SHOULD be giving. Then I want you to pray about what you COULD be giving. Money matters—how will you respond?
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 or 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
PNO provides a safe, fun, Christian environment for children while parents enjoy some much-needed time together. We’ll eat pizza, make crafts, play games, and watch the movie Trolls. Ages are three months to 5th grade. Space is limited to registrants only. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept walk-in registrants. For more information visit: gpch.org/childrenspecial-events
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Here's What We're Learning In The Treehouse
January 28
Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my
friend forever.
Key Question: Who can do anything?
Bottom Line: Jesus can do anything!
Memory Verse: “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
Bible Story Focus: Jesus can do anything. Water to Wine (John 2:1-11)
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Here's What We're Learning In The Backyard
January 28
Bible Story: Pennies from Heaven, The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12:41-44)
Bottom Line: Practice living for God.
Memory Verse: “Training the body has some value. But being godly has value in every way. It promises help for the life you are now living and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8, NIrV)
Life App: Commitment — Making a plan and putting it into practice
Basic Truth: I can trust God no
matter what.
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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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Encore Day Trip
February 7
We’ll be traveling to the Funeral Museum and enjoying lunch at Potato Patch. The cost is $10 for the tour, lunch is on your own. Space is limited. Payment is due by Sunday, January 21. For more information and to sign up, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org;
713-267-5091).
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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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Student Mission
Trip Information Meeting
January 28, Massey-Tucker Hall 207
5:30-6 p.m. Middle School Trip
(current 6th and 7th grade students)
6:15-6:45 p.m. High School Trip
(current 8th-12th grade students)
7-7:30 p.m. Senior Trip
(current 12th grade students)
All students and parents are invited to the informational meeting when we’ll discuss transportation, housing, work projects, cost, registration, and much more.
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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 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 Mission 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 Clay's Tournament
2:30 - 7 p.m.
Join us for the Sporting Clay 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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February Project Home
February 4, 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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Pray For Haiti Living
Water Team
Sunday, January 28 – Saturday,
February 3
Please pray for this team as they travel to Haiti to work with Grace mission partner, Living Water. While in the country they will drill a clean water well, teach hygiene practices and share the Gospel that Jesus is the Living Water. Team members: Jeannie Able, Angela Collins, Andy Frazelle, Amy French, Tim Lathrop, Trey Little, Mike Mantel, Stephanie Mixon, Kerry Moore, Stephanie Parker, Lottie Purdue, Noelle Shea-han, Jack Vaughn, Annette Zuanich.
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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 Superbowl 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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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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Cole Knight Scholarship
The Cole Knight Missions Scholarship Fund was created as a tangible way to carry on Cole’s mission - to help pave the way for individuals who display that same servant heart and passion for serving God through serving others. Each year the scholarship fund helps recipients cover the cost of their participation in Grace Student Ministries mission trips.
If you would like to nominate a student for this scholarship, please complete the FORM and return it to Monica Cvejanovich in the Family Ministries department by January 15.
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Grace Day At The Houston Food Bank
January 27, 8 a.m-12 p.m.
Bless our neighbors across Houston while in fellowship with Grace at the Houston Food Bank. For more information and to register, please
contact Paul Mancillas (pmancillas@sbcglobal.net;
832-260-8329).
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Paul Revere Event
Tuesday, January 30, 6 p.m., Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall
Be blessed by the students of Paul Revere Middle School! They will dance, sing, act, and play instruments for us in a beautiful performance. They have learned quite a lot in a short time since Hurricane Harvey temporarily closed their school this fall.
Be a blessing by cheering on these students as many will not have any family in the audience due to evening work shifts and other conflicts. These talented kids perform their best, and these teachers draw out their creativity -- all without the financial or moral support of a Parent-Teacher Organization. We have a remarkable relationship with Paul Revere Middle School because of your generous gifts of time and treasures. Celebrate their performing arts and receive their expression of gratitude for all Grace Presbyterian Church means
to them!
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Students Need You!
With the approaching spring semester, 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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