=
|
|
|
|
|
|
More or Less
I had the wonderful privilege of being richly blessed last week.
Reflecting on that privilege gives me pause for thought: Will I be richly blessed again this week or was that simply confined to last week? Is the “wonderful privilege” something I control or is closely correlated with my attitude? If I was more intentional on a daily basis to open my eyes to what is around me, what would I see?
As you may know, last week I joined a dozen or so amazing people on a mission trip to Haiti. We spent time both in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, with our primary “work” site located in Haiti. The trip was a continuation of our five-year partnership, really a discipleship pathway, with Living Water International to invest in the people of Northern Haiti. This holistic vision finds its heartbeat from developing lasting relationships through sharing the “living water” found in Jesus and providing clean water. It was a fantastic week, and I hope you will prayerfully consider going on one of these trips in the future.
No doubt, you have heard the phrase, “More or less.” It expresses vagueness or uncertainty. Synonyms are “approximately, roughly, nearly, almost.” It is a phrase that can imply incompleteness.
When we consider the truth of the gospel, there is absolutely zero evidence of incompleteness. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection did not “nearly” save us -- it set us free. Nor did “God so love the world” that He almost “gave His one and only Son” but rather His love for us was the conduit for our redemption.
Therefore, we have been given the wonderful privilege to live every day as people who are richly blessed. And yet, all too often, we forget to do so. We allow our circumstances, and, in many ways, our locations to determine how we live as people of blessing.
In this stewardship season, I encourage you to pause and ponder MORE not LESS. Make time each day to reflect on God’s consistent provision in your life. Be intentional about opening your eyes and heart to see more than you expect. Allow the world to be MORE in you rather than LESS.
While in Haiti, a phrase was shared during one of our evening devotionals that really struck me: “You will never minister effectively to anyone that you think less of.”
Today, who do you need to think MORE of in order that you may make Jesus visible to them?
What a privilege! Will you do it?
By the way, I am very thankful for you! I hope to see you Sunday.
Peace,
Trey
|
|
Our 9 a.m. Traditional Chapel service resumes on Sunday, March 1. For the month of February, we are excited to gather together in our 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Sanctuary worship services as we explore our new sermon series, “But Wait, There’s More.” This sermon series will highlight incredibly powerful Stories of Grace each week, and we believe it blesses the body of Christ to experience the power of these testimonies together.
|
|
|
|
Worship Services Need Dramatic Readers
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.
|
"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).
|
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.
|
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.
|
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. 6 with your child's name and age to reserve a place.
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Women of Grace Luncheon
February 10, 11 a.m., Massey-Tucker Hall
Women of Grace is excited about our upcoming luncheon on February 10. Our Guest Speaker will be Chef Molly Fowler, The Dining Diva. She will present a cooking demonstration and share the recipes. Visit her website HERE. You may sign up to reserve your spot in our Welcome Center on Sunday, February 9.
|
Student Ministries Crowded House
Sunday, February 9, 5:20-7:30 p.m., Founders' Chapel
All Middle and High School Crowded House groups will meet in the Founders’ Chapel for the Grace Worship Night service. Arrive by 5:20 p.m. to sit with your group. Dinner will be served afterwards, and groups will meet for discussion and prayer. Pick up is at 7:30 p.m. Parents are invited to the service, too!
|
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 support in making Sunday mornings an awesome time for our students!
|
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 now. Lunch is on your own at the MFA Café. For more information, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
|
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. with a 9:30 a.m. departure. We will return to Grace around 3:30 p.m. Cost is $17, and payment will be due by Sunday, March 1. For more information, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
|
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 $1000 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/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).
|
Rec Sports
Baseball/T-Ball/Softball
Registration Open Now
Registration is open now through February 20 for Spring baseball, T-ball, and softball. Click HERE for more information and registration.
|
Parents' Night Out
Saturday, February 15, 5-9 p.m.
There are only seven spots left available for kindergarteners-fifth graders! Register today HERE. Childcare for Pre-K and younger kids is full, but you can register for the Wait List. For more information about PNO, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015).
|
Here's What We're Learning in TreeHouse
February 9
Bible Story Focus: Jesus loves us even when we do something wrong. (Zacchaeus) • Luke 19:1-10
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.
|
Here's What We're Learning in The Backyard
February 9
Bible Story Focus: I’m Yours (Jesus at the Home of Martha and Mary) • Luke 10:38-42
Bottom Line: Love others with your time.
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 should treat others the way I want to be treated.
|
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.
|
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).
|
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).
|
Spring Bible Studies
for Inspire Groups
Join us 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). |
|
|
|
|
Manna From Grace
Saturday, February 8, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
at the home of Ann Gentle
(713-783-7008)
Twice a month folks gather to have fun and fellowship while they prepare food for those in the family of Grace who are going through a time of illness or trial. While some of the meals are delivered, many are put in the church freezer, located in our Welcome Center. These are for anyone to take when they know someone who could be blessed by one of these meals. If you would like to know about Manna from Grace – volunteering or receiving meals – please contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
|
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!
|
Books for Development Needs Volunteers
February 15, 1-3 p.m.
leaving Grace at 12:15 p.m.
Books for Development collects used books from the Houston area to give to kids in third world countries. The organization needs volunteers to sort and pack books for Stu Ross and other missionaries who provide them to primary and secondary students. A sign-up sheet is in the Connection Center (Welcome Center breezeway) for our first trip to the book warehouse on February 15 from 1-3 p.m. Our group will leave Grace at 12:15 p.m. For more information, contact Diana Peper (713-291-0325).
|
ESL Class Starting
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).
|
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.
|
Hearts Beading for Kenya
Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.
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).
|
Valentine's Day Collection for Local Teachers
Let’s show our local teachers some love this Valentine’s Day! Friends of Westchase hopes to collect 250 Valentine’s cards and $10 gift cards to any vendor to show our appreciation for the hardworking teachers at Paul Revere Middle School and Walnut Bend Elementary School. If you can help donate or organize a group to make cards, contact Nancy Bailey (nancy@friendsofwestchase.org).
|
Welcome Home Jazzie, Igor and Mila Claire!
Mission Partners, Jazzie and Igor Mukha along with their daughter Mila Claire, will be in Houston to visit with their Grace family February 14–March 3. When you see them, please welcome them and find time to hear ministry updates. Jazzie (from Serbia) and Igor (from Ukraine) serve with YWAM (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, please contact Chris French.
|
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.
|
|
Looking Ahead in 2020… SAVE the DATE!
February 8, Manna From Grace
February 9, Grace Worship Night
February 10, Women of Grace Luncheon
February 11, Encore Day Trip
February 15, Parents' Night Out
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
|
|
|
|
