|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Little Thought
"Renovate"
Someone once said: “What the new year brings us will depend a great deal on what we bring to the new year.”
As you step into 2018, have you considered what you will bring into the new year? In other words, what choices will you make in order to ensure each day is outstanding? The truth is, we can’t control what others choose to do and how they choose to treat us, but we can be intentional with our own lives. We can choose to spend time looking for the good in others. We can bring joy into every meeting or encounter with others. We can choose to encourage others. We can choose our attitudes. We can choose to be bitter or better in 2018. Our choice!
There is another choice you can make in the coming weeks. Here in Houston, January 23-25, Grace will serve as one of the host churches for the ECO National Gathering. The gathering will be held downtown at the Hilton Americas Hotel and will include moving worship, insightful breakout sessions, and inspiring speakers including Ed Stetzer, Condoleezza Rice and Kyle Strobel. Explore the website to learn more: http://econationalgathering.org/ I hope that you will choose to attend the gathering.
The theme for this year’s gathering is “Renovate.” How appropriate for the new year—recognizing that when we renovate, we make something new again. Renovation often includes updates and upgrades. Perhaps this is a year of renovations in the life of Grace Church? Perhaps 2018 will be a year in which you allow the Lord to update and upgrade your heart? This may even be a year for you to renovate your passion for Jesus.
Here is where I need your assistance. As one of the host churches, we need volunteers to assist with various responsibilities. You can sign up using the following link: signup.com/renovate or contact Hardie Morgan at, hmorgan@gpch.org or 713-267-5028. We have an incredible opportunity to bring the “Grace Experience” to thousands of our ECO brothers and sisters who will be attending the gathering. I hope you will choose to volunteer.
I am convinced 2018 will be an amazing year. Exciting opportunities are before us in the life and ministry of Grace. I hope you will continue to pray for Grace and for us to have the courage to “be sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Join me in praying for the Lord to renovate us individually and corporately in order that we will be better equipped to bring the Gospel into the new year.
Finally, I want to thank you for your continued love and support. I am honored to be part of the Grace family.
Peace,
Trey
|
|
|
|
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. To sign up to
help, click here. Should you have questions, you may contact Hardie Morgan at hmorgan@gpch.org
or 713-267-5028.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Starting Point—
A New Class
Sunday, January 14, 6-8 pm,
Massey-Tucker Hall 103
Want to get connected? Find a CORE Community? Learn about our beliefs and ministry? Join the church family? Where do you begin? At the start.
During the Starting Point class, we’ll enjoy a meal and have great conversation together. You’ll learn more about who we are as a church, how to grow in your faith, and the many life-giving ways you can be a part of our church family, including the opportunity to make this your home church through membership. Join us for a casual dinner and conversation—it’s a great place to start! Child care available dkay@gpch.org. To RSVP or for more information contact Beth Craig bcraig@gpch.org; or 713-267-5012.
|
Inspire! Spring Bible Study Registration Now Open
A brand new year is coming and it’s time to get INSPIRED! Registration is now 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 our table in the Filling Station or visit: gpch.org/inspire.
|
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 register. For more information contact Becca Lehde at blehde@gpch.org or 713-267-5013.
|
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 at lmcdonald@gpch.org or 713-267-5067.
|
Save The Date!
Vacation Bible School '18
June 11-14, 2018
Livin’ Loud Lab…
Where God’s Love
Ignites a Chain Reaction
that Changes the World!
|
Confirmation Starts Sunday, January 7
Sundays, January 7-May 6, 5-6:30 p.m., Massey-Tucker Hall 207
Registration for Confirmation 2018 is now open! This class is designed for 8th grade students who are ready to claim their faith as their own. Register here: gpch.org/ministries/students/confirmation. For more information, contact Monica Cvejanovich at mcvejanovich@gpch.org or 713-267-5011.
|
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: gpch.org/hsspringbreaktrip2018. For more information, contact Angie Williamson at awilliamson@gpch.org or 713-267-5083.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Phases Conversations
For Parents
January 21
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 (given in one of five simultaneous, age/stage-based sessions) 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?” Mark your calendars for other 2018 dates: April 8, September 23, December 2.
|
Middle School Jumpstreet Indoor Trampoline Park
January 12, 8-10 p.m.
Meet at: Jumpstreet, 5000 Katy Mills Cir Ste 743, Katy, TX 77494.
We are heading to Jumpstreet for 2 hours of unlimited access to trampoline courts, dodgeball courts, and more. The cost is only $10. Only 30 spots available. Register here. For more information, contact Lindsey McDonald at lmcdonald@gpch.org or 713-267-5067.
|
|
|
|
|
Give Blood, Get a Hoodie
Sunday, January 7,
Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall C
Blood donations decline during the holidays but the need does not. Our partner, the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, is offering a Hoodie to those who give blood on Sunday, January 7. By donating, you are helping ensure an adequate blood supply for patients along the Texas Gulf Coast. You are giving the gift of life! Contact Judy Dewey at judydewey@att.net for more information.
|
|
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 at blehde@gpch.org or
713-267-5013. |
|
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 at blehde@gpch.org or 713-267-5013.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
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 at pmancillas@sbcglobal.net
or 832-260-8329.
|
|
|
|
|
|
