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A Little Thought
"The Invitation"
How do invitations affect your emotions? That may sound like a crazy question, but invitations undoubtedly impact each of us differently. For some, receiving an invitation causes stress. It creates concern about how the event may fit into an already busy schedule – and then there are the decisions about the gift to purchase or what we might otherwise bring. However, for others, receiving an invitation is energizing. It generates positive feelings of acceptance and inclusion. The event is quickly entered on the calendar, thoughts turn to what to wear, and we anticipate the fun. Regardless of how invitations stir your emotions, one thing is certain—with every invitation comes a responsibility to respond.
This Sunday marks the beginning of our Stewardship season here at Grace, and I want you to know that you are invited. The theme for this year is “RSVP.” You see, I believe Jesus invites us to respond to His goodness in our lives in very tangible ways. He has set us free in order that we can freely give. His promise to provide allows us the privilege to joyfully give. His ability to do more than we can imagine affords us an opportunit to dream big dreams that can only happen if He is involved. Part and parcel of being a disciple of Jesus Christ—is response.
Jim Jackson said this about generosity: “Generosity, it seems, has nothing to do with how much money we have. Generosity boils down to a very simple principle: Generous people have an abundance mentality, and ungenerous people have a scarcity mentality. People with a scarcity mentality cannot be generous because they view resources as being in short supply. Their lives are dominated by fear. They cannot give money away because they may need it if something goes wrong. People with an abundance mentality take the opposite perspective. They think, ‘There has always been enough. There will always be enough.’ Rather than seeing resources as limited, they see them as unlimited.”
I remain optimistic about our future here at Grace, in part because the Grace family has consistently shown a willingness and commitment to respond. We are “trailblazers” not “maintainers” here at Grace, and together we will continue to expect God to show up and show off. It is our great expectancy of what God will continue to do in and through Grace that compels us to respond.
Therefore, I want to invite you to begin to pray for the Lord to reveal to you how you will respond with your generosity. How will you step out in faith and trust the Lord will continue to provide? Ask Him to convince you that He will open the floodgates of heaven and pour out blessing upon blessing.
The invitation has been sent. The question remains, how will you respond?
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday. May the Lord continue to richly bless you!
Peace,
Trey
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National ECO Conference: Renovate 2018
Tues - Thurs, January 23-25 at
Hilton Americas Hotel
The ECO National Gathering is in Houston this year, so plan to join! Drawing on lessons from Nehemiah, featured speakers include Condoleeza Rice, Kyle Strobel, and Ed Stetzer. There are also opportunities to volunteer, as Grace is partnering with other local churches to support this event. Volunteers will receive a complimentary day pass to the event. Sign up to help. Should you have questions, contact Hardie Morgan (hmorgan@gpch.org; 713-267-5028).
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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. There are 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 at gpch.org/mslockin. For more information, contact Lindsey McDonald (lmcdonald@gpch.org; 713-267-5067).
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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 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 21
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: Nothing is too hard for Jesus. Feeding 5,000 • Mark 6:31-44
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Here's What We're Learning In The Backyard
January 21, Meet in student classrooms
Bible Story: Who Are You? (Who do you say that I am?) Matthew 16:13-20
Bottom Line: Practice talking about 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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Encore Day Trip
February 7
We’ll be traveling to the Funeral Museum and enjoying lunch at Potatoe Patch. The cost is $10 for 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, 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 at 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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Phases:
Parent Conversations
January 21, 10:15 a.m. in The Backyard
Family Ministries is excited to announce the arrival of “Phases: Parent Conversations" in 2018. Once per quarter, the Family Ministries team will host parents of children and students during the Sunday school hour for a topical, research-based presentation followed by an open discussion.
The first conversation will be held on January 21. The topic for this initial meeting will be "INFLUENCE: Who and what makes up my child’s community of influence?” Preschool and elementary students will meet in their classrooms and Middle and High School students will meet in Massey-Tucker 207 while parents attend the session.
Mark your calendars for other 2018 dates: April 8, September 23, December 2.
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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 at (mcvejanovich@gpch.org; 713-267-5011).
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Save The Date! Annual Student Missions Clay Shoot
Sunday, February 25th.
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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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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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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 (paulmancillas@gmail.com; 832-260-8329).
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Paul Revere Event—Be blessed and be a blessing!
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 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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