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Secrets
Have you ever asked someone if they could keep a secret? Perhaps it was in elementary school when you had a crush on someone in your class, and you asked your friend not to tell anyone. It may have been a time when you confided in someone about a difficult situation or season you were navigating. There also may have been times you have kept your own secrets. You held on tightly to something you didn’t want anyone else to know — perhaps something you had done or said when no one was around.
Secret keeping can be burdensome. It can weigh us down when we live trying to “hide” things. Likewise, we can be tempted to boast about knowing a secret, breaking a person’s confidence by saying, “He asked me not to say anything, but….” The bottom line is this: we long to be in relationships with people we can trust, but too often that kind of trust is hard to find. Consequently, we often avoid being vulnerable in our relationships for fear of exposing ourselves.
In His Sermon on the Mount, when talking about prayer, Jesus said, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Friends, I hope you will remember that your Father in heaven can always be trusted and that He longs to hear the secrets of your heart.
As Socrates once said, “The secret to change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
It is no secret that we will be kicking off our Stewardship season this Sunday. This is the time of year when we, as the Grace family, are afforded the privilege of once again making our commitment to support the annual operating budget of Grace. This year’s focus will be “Grace, Gratitude, and Grit: the Truth about Generosity.” For the next three Sundays, we will focus our attention on what this looked like in the lives of the disciples and how that impacts our lives today.
One of our values here at Grace is “Contributing not Consuming.” We believe we are called to be people of blessing. Therefore, “in view of God’s mercy,” our generosity is a response not an entitlement. We desire for generosity to be a way of living not simply a form of giving.
Together, may we focus all of our energy around praying for the Lord to not only continue to give us His Kingdom vision but also to instill in us the courage to participate in building the “new” Grace.
I am so grateful for you all. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
Peace, Trey |
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Starting Point Class
January 27, 6 p.m.
Massey-Tucker Hall, Room 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 starting point.
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 is available (dkay@gpch.org). To RSVP or for more information, contact Beth Craig (bcraig@gpch.org; 713-267-5012). |
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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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). |
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
January 27
Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Key Question: Who do you need?
Bottom Line: I need Jesus.
Memory Verse: “You are everything I need.” • Psalm 119:57
Bible Story Focus: I need Jesus when I’m scared. Calming the Storm • Matthew 8:23-27 |
Sisterhood Dinner
January 27, 5-7 p.m.
Home of Cathy Finck
(8710 Cedarspur Drive)
All High School girls and their friends are invited to our monthly dinner. We’re heading over to Cathy Finck’s house for delicious food and great conversation. Don’t miss your chance to hear Jennifer Burgess’ testimony and be inspired by her story of being faithful to God’s call. Register HERE. For more information, please contact Angie Williamson (awilliamson@gpch.org; 713-703-5083). |
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! |
Student Missions Sunday
March 31
Join us to support Student Missions with a silent auction, church-wide lunch, and Sporting Clays Tournament. Throughout the day, you’ll see students serving as greeters and ushers, assisting in worship, playing in the band, and so much more. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear all about what God is doing in Student Ministries and our exciting plans for our mission opportunities in 2019. Click HERE for more information. |
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
January 27
Bible Story: Too Much (Too Much of a Good Thing) • Proverbs 25:16
Bottom Line: Know when to stop.
Memory Verse: “God’s power has given us everything we need to lead a godly life.” • 2 Peter 1:3a (NIrV)
Life App: Self-control—Choosing to do what you should even when you don't want to
Basic Truth: I need to make the wise choice. |
Parents' Night Out
February 2, 5-9 p.m.
Our next incredible Parents' Night Out will be Saturday, February 2, from 5-9 p.m. Drop your children off with Children's Ministries staff and volunteers and enjoy four full hours to yourselves! We'll watch the movie Incredibles 2, eat pizza, play games and make some crafts. Register HERE. The nursery waitlist has begun, but there are still spaces available for four year olds through fifth graders. |
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. |
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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Houston Food Bank
Saturday, January 26, 8 a.m.-noon
Bless our neighbors across Houston while in fellowship with Grace at the Houston Food Bank. For more information, contact Paul Mancillas (paulmancillas@gmail.com; 832-260-8329).
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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!
January 26, Grace Day at Houston Food Bank
January 27, Souper Bowl of Caring
January 27, Starting Point Dinner
January 27, High School Sisterhood Dinner
February 2, Parents' Night Out
February 3, Souper Bowl of Caring
February 6, Encore Day Trip
February 8-9, Preteen SuperStart!
February 10, Phases: Parent Conversations
March 1, Encore Day Trip
March 9-15, High School Spring Break Ski Trip
March 31, Student Missions Sunday
June 10-13, Vacation Bible School
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