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Money Days
Last week I had the privilege of playing a round of golf with a couple of friends as well as a potential new friend. I say “potential new friend” because I am not sure if or when our paths will cross again, but we had an enjoyable walk around the golf course. There were fun stories shared and life-giving laughter. In case you were wondering, I did not play my best round of golf!
One thing I failed to mention is the fact that this “potential new friend” happened to be a professional golfer. Actually, he no longer plays on the PGA Tour, but he enjoyed a successful career. It was both entertaining and humbling to watch him hit the golf ball. But one of the things I took away from the day is something he said to me during the round.
He was talking about his time on the PGA Tour and how it was his goal to play on the weekends. You see, a pro playing on a weekend means that they made the cut that week and would be getting a paycheck of some amount, depending on their finish. He said, “In my business, Sundays were money days.”
As we were leaving the course and exchanging our goodbyes he said, “Hey, I would like to come hear you preach one day.” I replied, “That would be great; know that you are always welcome. But just so you know, come prepared because Sundays are my money days as well.” With that, we shared one more laugh together and went our separate ways.
2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 says, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
One commentator put it this way: “Reluctant giving robs charity of its liveliness and joy.” Another said this: “What our hands do with our money shows what our hearts are doing with God. Or to get right at the heart of the matter: what we do with our money shows what we believe God is doing with us.”
The Greek word used for “reluctantly” can literally be translated “out of pain.” God loves a cheerful giver not a reluctant or complaining giver. Imagine if we were able to share a laugh together, even on “money days.” Imagine a scenario where we were not giving ‘til it hurts, but rather, we were giving ‘til it felt good. Seems to me, a culture built on generosity comes from an attitude of gratitude and our generosity should bring us joy, not steal it.
May we trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to continue to transform our hearts to be joyful when it comes to “money days.”
Peter Marshall had an interesting take on giving: “Give according to your income, lest God make your income according to your giving.”
I am grateful for my friends at Grace—and look forward to a lasting and enjoyable walk with you. Hope to see you Sunday.
Peace, Trey |
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Join the Choir Family
Make this your New Year’s resolution! Now is the perfect time to join the choir family. No experience necessary, and you’ll have the BEST seat in the house every Sunday! For more information, contact Stephanie Clarke (sclarke@gpch.org; 713-267-5031). |
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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Now You Can Give
On the Go!
In less time than it takes to write a check, you can now 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 are also 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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Here's What We're Learning in
The TreeHouse
February 3
Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Key Question: Who loves you?
Bottom Line: Jesus loves you.
Memory Verse: “How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.”
• Ephesians 3:18 NIV
Bible Story Focus: Jesus and the Children • Luke 18:15-16 |
Auction Donations Needed for Student Missions Sunday
March 31
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 Missions Sunday Silent Auction where donations will help raise funds for Student Ministries Missions and other student programs throughout the year. Donations and donation forms may be dropped off to Angie Williamson in the Student Ministries offices and are due by Sunday, March 17. For more information about Student Missions Sunday, please click HERE. |
Save the Date! VBS 2019
June 10-13, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
This year our theme is LEVEL UP!... How are YOU gonna play the game? Mark your calendars now for the best week of the summer! |
Cole Knight
Scholarship Fund
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 by January 31. |
Middle School Spring Retreat
April 5-7
We are excited to head back to one of our favorite spots in Texas with some of our favorite people, Camp Cho-Yeh! Come join us as we hang out with friends and make new ones. We will eat WAY too many snacks, play games, have awesome worship, and dive into God's Word together. Space is limited so sign up today! We will meet at Grace on Friday, April 5, at 5 p.m. We will eat Chick-Fil-A for dinner, load up the buses and head out to Cho-Yeh. We will return on Sunday, April 7 at noon. The cost is $100. For more information, contact Reed Brentlinger (rbrentlinger@gpch.org; 713-267-5076). Register HERE. |
Inspire! Spring Bible Study
Registration Still Open
The Inspire! Bible studies have begun, but it’s NOT too late to register! Join us this 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 three study opportunities for women of all ages and stages of life.
Women gather weekly to engage in in-depth Bible studies. Each week includes a large group experience of worship and lecture followed by community building in small groups that foster lasting bonds built on studying God’s Word, candid discussion, and prayer support. For more information about any of the following studies, please contact Gina Axtell (gaxtell@gpch.org; 713-267-5046).
Inspire! Women
This spring we will have two studies. Our first weekly study will be Battle Plan for Prayer by Stephen and Alex Kendrick. Through this study you will be guided scripturally through the fundamentals of how effective prayer works, inspired towards a closer, more intimate relationship with God, and shown how to develop specific prayer strategies for each area of life. Our second study, during Lent, will be Path to the Cross by Ray Vander Laan.
The day group meets Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. in the Church Library. The evening group meets Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m. in MTH 201. Register HERE.
Inspire! School Moms
This spring, our study will be Gideon by Priscilla Shirer. This study will encourage you to recognize your weakness as the key that the Lord gives you to unlock the full experience of His strength in your life. Instead of ignoring, neglecting, or trying to escape your weaknesses, learn to see them as the gifts given specifically and strategically by God. If you've ever felt insufficient, ill-equipped, incompetent, or outnumbered, this study is for you.
This group meets Wednesdays from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in MTH 208. Register HERE.
Note: Child care is not provided for this group.
Inspire! Moms
This spring, we will study Entrusted: A Study of 2 Timothy by Beth Moore. In this study, Beth will encourage you to guard what God has entrusted to you, further His kingdom by sharing Christ with others, and pour into future generations just as Paul once mentored Timothy. Because in this journey of joy and hardship, we need each other to stay the course and live a life of faithfulness.
This group offers three meeting options:
- Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday evenings meeting bi-weekly (Want more info? Contact Abby Meade)
- Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Note: There are TWO separate registration forms, one for the bible study and one for childcare:
- Bible Study Registration: HERE.
- Childcare Registration (only complete if you need care for your kiddos): HERE.
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Here's What We're Learning in
The Backyard
February 3
Bible Story: Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
Bottom Line: Serve others because of what Jesus did for us.
Memory Verse: “Jesus sat down and called for the 12 disciples to come to him. Then he said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last. They must be the servant of everyone.”
• Mark 9:35 (NIrV)
Life App: Service – Lending a hand to help someone else
Basic Truth: I should treat others the way I want to be treated. |
World Water Day 5K & Open House
Saturday, March 23, 2019, 7:30 a.m., Living Water International
Grace Student Ministries will partner for the 3rd year in a row with Living Water International for the World Water Day 5K. This year the race will raise money to share safe water with the people of Plaine du Nord, Haiti, the same place our church will be sending a team with Living Water in both February and March.
The 5K Run/Walk: Meet us at 7:30 a.m. at Living Water International. The race starts at 8 a.m. This will be a chip-timed race with awards for the top three participants in each age group (14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over). Stay after your run/walk to enjoy the Open House and tour the Living Water International office, meet the staff, and hear the stories of thirsty people whose lives you’ve forever changed! This activity will be fun for the whole family. Guests are welcome to stop by anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Details and registration can be found HERE. Contact Lindsey McDonald (lmcdonald@gpch.org; 713-267-5067) to let us know you are participating or with any questions/comments. |
Confirmation 2019
Sundays through May 12
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Learning Center, Room 206
It’s not too late to sign up! We 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. Each student will come to understand the scope of the narrative of Scripture, write a personal Story of Faith, and answer the 40 Questions of Faith from their Catechism journal. The class will be led by The Rev. Chad Erb and the Student Ministries staff: Lindsey McDonald, Reed Brentlinger, Angie Williamson, and Matt Davis. Upon successful completion of the class, your student will become a full member of Grace Presbyterian Church. For more information and registration, please click HERE. |
College Ministry
The Bridges Sunday School class is now coordinating our college ministry events throughout the year. If you have college-aged children, please contact Carey Dow (careydow@me.com; 713-822-3981) to make sure that we have their contact information so that we can let them know when events are planned. |
Preteen SuperStart!
Friday, February 8, 5-10:30 p.m., and Saturday, February 9, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
SuperStart! is a two-day program designed specifically for preteens. At this high-energy weekend event, our fifth graders will hear the call of Christ on their lives to be Kingdom workers while growing in relationships with friends, leaders, and most importantly, God. We only have 15 spots available. Register HERE. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015). |
Student Ministries
Summer Mission Trips
Registration is now open for all of our Student Ministries summer mission trips. Information and registration links may be found HERE. |
Encore Day Trip: Rediscover Houston Tour
Wednesday, February 6
9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
In the warmth and comfort of our county bus, Richard Cook of Texana Tours will be our host to show us the best of both historic and modern Houston. Cost of the tour is $12. Lunch is on your own at St. Arnold’s Beer Garden. Payment and reservations are due by January 27. Please be at the church by 9:15 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. departure. For more information, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091). |
Encore Day Trip:
84th Annual River Oaks
Garden Club Azalea Trail
Friday, March 1
9:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Join us for a beautiful way to celebrate Spring! Following the trail tour, we will enjoy lunch at Black Walnut Cafe. The cost for the tour is $25. Payment and reservations are due by February 17. Please be at the church by 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m. departure. For more information, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091). |
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Souper Bowl of Caring
Sunday, January 27 and February 3
Feed the hungry in west Houston and participate in the annual Souper Bowl of Caring by bringing canned goods and dry foods to church on Sunday, January 27 and February 3. Please drop off donations in the church library. Cash and check donations for WHAM will also be collected in the library. Our goal is to donate 1,000 pounds of food items to West Houston Assistance Ministries’ Food Pantry.
WHAM provides groceries for families to prepare nutritous meals, as well as daypacks of nonperishable foods to homeless clients. Here are some suggestions of items that help the hungry:
- 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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Post-Harvey
Home Blessings
As they move back into their restored homes or relocate to different permanent homes, flooded families may request a team of Grace members to offer prayers of blessing. We have created a "walk-through" prayer pamphlet that the blessing team uses from the front door throughout the home to pray a hedge of protection and God's glorification in this journey.
You may request a home blessing by completing this form. Denise Phelps will contact you to schedule a blessing time and put together a team.
If you would like to be a part of a home blessing prayer team, you can volunteer by completing this form. It offers options for the days, times of day, and zip code where you might be a blessing to our flooded families. We will be in touch with you when an opportunity arises that meets with your availability.
We remain committed to walk alongside families still recovering from the aftermath of Harvey. Prayers continue to be lifted for continued healing, restoration, and rebuilding.
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Kenya Mission Trip Opportunity - Interest Meetings
Sundays, Feb. 3, 10, and 17, 10-11 a.m., Church Library
It truly is an opportunity of a lifetime to make Jesus visible. Please stop by the church library and learn more about the trip. On Feb. 10, Stu Ross will be present. We are excited that Grace is sending a team to partner with Stu Ross, Grace missionary, to build a church and classrooms for Grace Girls School. The trip will take place on September 18 to 30. For more information, please contact Chris French (cfrench@gpch.org; 713-267-5039.)
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Support Dress for
Success Houston
Women of Grace will host representatives from Dress for Success Houston at our February 11 luncheon, and we need your help! Have you begun the new year by cleaning out closets? Consider donating an outfit (or two or more) to Dress for Success, which helps low-income, job-ready women prepare for interviews with coaching and clothing.
Your donations of gently used professional attire (including suits, separates, blouses, shoes, handbags, and jewelry) will make a difference in a woman's life as she takes steps to self-sufficiency. Bring your items to the Filling Station on January 27 or February 3. For more information, contact Denise Phelps (dphelps@gpch.org; 713-267-5063).
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Stephen Ministry:
Get in on the Action
Would you like to be part of a ministry that makes a real difference in others’ lives when they need it most? Consider becoming a Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who provide one-on-one caring ministry to people experiencing grief, divorce, loneliness, job loss, hospitalization and many other life difficulties. Stephen Minister training equips you to do an excellent job as a Stephen Minister as well as to improve the quality of all your own relationships. Once equipped, Stephen Ministers are prayerfully matched with people going through a stressful time or life difficulty. A Stephen Minister meets with this person once a week for about an hour to listen, care, encourage and pray. If you want to learn more about how to become a Stephen Minister, call Susan Jernigan at 713-582-3332 or Denise Phelps (dphelps@gpch.org; 713-267-5063).
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Looking Ahead in 2019… SAVE the DATE!
February 2, Parents' Night Out
February 3, Souper Bowl of Caring
February 6, Encore Day Trip
February 8-9, Preteen SuperStart!
February 10, Stewardship Commitment Sunday
February 10, Phases: Parent Conversations
March 1, Encore Day Trip
March 23, World Water Day 5K and Living Water Open
March 31, Student Missions Sunday
April 5-7, Middle School Retreat
June 10-13, Vacation Bible School
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