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Glamour Shots
Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard wrote, “I went into church and sat on the velvet pew. I watched as the sun came shining through the stained-glass windows. The minister dressed in a velvet robe opened the golden gilded Bible, marked it with a silk bookmark and said, ‘If any man will be my disciple, said Jesus, let him deny himself, take up his cross, sell what he has, give it to the poor, and follow me’” (Soren Kierkagaard, And I Looked Around and Nobody Was Laughing).
The imagery that Kierkegaard evoked really struck me, primarily because I think we too often live to look good on the outside for the appearance that having the best of the best means we have it all together. However, an honest reflection would reveal that we do not. We are all in need of God’s grace in our lives, daily.
When it comes to our Christian walk, we prefer the glamour shots: we like to be seen going to church on Sundays and offering an occasional, “God bless you” to the cashier at the local store. We like the glamour of the gold and diamond cross we wear around our necks. We cover our walls with beautiful mosaic crosses. We have cross rings, T-shirts and screen savers. We like the perceived glamour that resulted from the cross, and we show the world we are benefactors of it.
Yet, being a disciple of Jesus Christ is so much more than what’s on the cover. Therefore, the question is, “Do we really want the cross?” You see, the truth is, there is not much glamour in the cross. Yet, for Jesus, He knew that was His destiny to fulfill. It wasn’t an option; it wasn’t something He was doing to impress others around Him; it wasn’t so others would feel sorry for Him; it wasn’t for a reward — Jesus went to the cross out of obedience to the Father. Jesus said He must suffer many things; He said He would be rejected; and He also said He must be killed.
The “must” made it clear that the cross was part and parcel of who Jesus is to the world. Jesus put aside selfish desires; He shouldered the cross for you and me in order that His Father’s will be done so that we would be forgiven and filled with Life. He had no other purpose on earth than to do what God sent Him to do. For Jesus, it was not for the glamour but for the glory of His Father.
Charles Spurgeon put it well when he said, “There are no crown-wearers in heaven who were not cross-bearers here below.”
Could it be that we want the glamour that comes from the cross but not the baggage? In other words, we want the benefits but not the obedience. Who would argue that it is more appealing to live than to die?
Remember, there may not be much glamour in giving all you are to the One who gave all of Himself, but there is nothing more rewarding than living for the Glory of God.
May the Lord continue to give us the courage and passion we need to follow Him.
Peace,
Trey
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Student Mission Sunday
Join us as we Tee Up for Student Mission Sunday on March 29! This year will include one service as a Grace family, lunch and the silent auction to follow as in years past. To swing things up, we will head to Top Golf that afternoon for team competition and games. In addition we will have some added fun with a Ball Drop that Sunday after church! Sign up for a Top Golf Team, donate tickets, vacation houses, or beautiful things to the silent auction, and purchase your golf balls in the Welcome Center in the weeks leading up to this amazing day. Together we can help form (or should we say FOREm) the hearts of our students and equip them to make Jesus visible in their own lives. For questions or donations, please contact Lisa Schwartz.
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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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Grace Worship Night:
An Examined Life
Sunday, February 9, 5:30 p.m.,
The Founders' Chapel
Join us as we explore our daily practices and seek to rediscover the still, small voice of God in the ordinary moments of our lives. Childcare is available; please email dkay@gpch.org by Feb. 3 with your child's name and age to reserve a place.
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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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Something is Brewing
at Grace!
We are thrilled to announce the opening of Sacred Heart Coffee in our newly renovated Welcome Center.
Sacred Heart Coffee is a social enterprise of our mission partner, Attack Poverty. They produce premium hand-roasted coffee while providing needed employment, skill development, and connections for the under and unemployed of the Houston community. Our unique partnership with Sacred Heart Coffee enables us to make Jesus visible right here on campus as well as throughout the city.
The coffee bar features regular and decaf coffee and espresso drinks, teas, seasonal beverages, and occasional pastries and treats. Prices range from $2-5, and they accept cash or debit/credit cards.
Sacred Heart Coffee will be open each Sunday morning and will expand hours during the week in the next few weeks.
Please note, Grace will continue to offer complimentary coffee, water, lemonade, and cookies on Sunday mornings.
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Grace School Admissions Open House
Wednesday, January 22, 9 a.m.
We invite the community of Grace Presbyterian Church to attend Grace School’s Admissions Open House for prospective families. A student led presentation will feature our premier curriculum and programs, and a school tour will include opportunities to interact with teachers, current students, and current families. Prospective families can click HERE to register for the event.
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New Sunday School Class for January
Beginning January 12, 10:15-11 a.m., Massey-Tucker Hall, Room A
A new Sunday School class has started with elder Jerry Hanlon facilitating a discussion of Dallas Willard’s book, Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God. For 47 years, Dr. Willard was a Professor of Philosophy and Theology at the University of Southern California. In Hearing God, Dr. Willard explains how we might discern the will of God in and for our lives. The book’s original title, In Search of Guidance is a good four-word summary of the book’s purpose. For more information, please contact Denise Phelps (dphelps@gpch.org; 713-267-5063).
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Student Ministries Crowded House
Sunday, January 19, 6-7:30 p.m.
Crowded House small groups are in new locations this month! Check the list below to find out where to meet:
Middle School Girls
Dinner & Small Group:
The Prices, 10014 Steeple Farms Dr, 77080
Middle School Guys
Dinner and Small Group:
The Gunsolleys, 14511 Broadgreen Dr, 77079
9th-10th Grade Girls & Guys Dinner: The McElroys, 431 W Gaywood, 77079
9th-10th Grade Guys Small Group:
The McElroys, 431 W Gaywood, 77079
9th-10th Grade Girls Small Group:
The Webers, 345 W Gaywood, 77079
11th-12th Grade Girls & Guys Dinner: The Frazelles, 14539 Bramblewood Dr, 77079
11th-12th Grade Girls Small Group: The Frazelles, 14539 Bramblewood Dr, 77079
11th -12th Grade Guys Small Group: The Bushes, 14538 Bramblewood Dr, 77079
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Registration For Inspire Spring Bible Studies
Now Open
Join us in the Spring as we connect with one another in authentic community. Our goal is not just fellowship but to equip ourselves for living to make Jesus visible! We have weekly study opportunities for women of all ages and stages of life. To register, please click HERE. For more information, contact Gina Enriquez (genriquez@gpch.org; 713-267-5046). |
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. Thank you in advance for your help and for your support in making Sunday mornings an awesome time for our students!
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Encore Day Trip
to Museum of Fine Arts
February 11, 9:45 a.m.-3 p.m.
Join us as we travel to see the Norman Rockwell: American Freedom exhibit.
Please be at the church at 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m. departure. We will return to Grace around 3 p.m. Cost is $25, and payment is due by Sunday, January 26.
Lunch is on your own at the MFA Café. For more information, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
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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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Here's What We're Learning in TreeHouse
January 19
Bible Story Focus: Nothing is too hard for Jesus. (Feeding 5,000) • Mark 6:31-44
Memory Verse: With God all things are possible. • Matthew 19:26, NIV
Key Question: Who can do anything?
Bottom Line: Jesus can do anything.
Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
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Here's What We're Learning in The Backyard
January 19
Bible Story Focus: Take Me to the River (Jesus’ Baptism) • John 1:19-42; 3:22-36 (Supporting: Matthew 3)
Bottom Line: If you want to know God, start with Jesus.
Memory Verse: The Lord gives wisdom. Knowledge and understanding come from his mouth. • Proverbs 2:6 (NIrV)
Life App: Knowledge—Learning something new so you can be better at whatever you do
Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what.
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Confirmation 2020
Sundays, January 19 - May 10,
10:15-11:05 a.m., LC-206
Confirmation is open to all students 8th grade and above who are interested in going through the confirmation process. The class will utilize Scripture and the Church Creeds to guide students through the story of God and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and a member of His Church.
Confirmation will meet on Sunday mornings starting this weekend through May 3 in LC 206 from 10:15-11:05 a.m. with a mandatory retreat the weekend of April 24-26. Confirmation Sunday will be held on Sunday, May 10. Students will be recognized at both the contemporary (9 a.m.) and traditional (11:15 a.m.) services. Cost is $50. Each student will receive a journaling Bible and Confirmation packet. For details and registration, click HERE. For more information, contact Phil Warman (pwarman@gpch.org; 713-267-8704).
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PreSchool FX: Beach Party
Sunday, January 26, 4:30-6 p.m.,
Massey-Tucker Hall and The TreeHouse
Join Children’s Ministries for a special afternoon just for Preschoolers and their families! We’ll have a TreeHouse show, fun activity stations -- maybe even a little sand -- and more, all helping us learn that Jesus can do ANYTHING! No Sunscreen required! Register HERE. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015).
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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 in April.
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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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Hearts Beading for Kenya Resumes on Wednesdays
Wednesdays, Massey-Tucker Hall,
Room 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. 104. For more information, contact Margaret Ellis (713-501-5140).
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Feeling Down?
Stephen Ministry Can Help
Stephen Ministers aren’t just there for “big” crises. They are also available for the little ones, because many times the little things can really add up, especially at this time of year. So don’t wait until you have a really big crisis. Consider Stephen Ministry if the little things have you feeling down. 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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Houston Food Bank
Saturday, January 25 from 8 a.m.-noon, Portwall Warehouse
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 (paulmancillas@gmail.com; 832-260-8329).
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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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Looking Ahead in 2020… SAVE the DATE!
January 19, Confirmation Begins
January 25, Grace Day at Houston Food Bank
January 26, Preschool FX Beach Party
February 9, Grace Worship Night
February 15, Parents' Night Out
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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