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January 23, 2020

State of Mind

What is your state of mind?

Perhaps that’s not the question you expected to be asked. Actually, it may not be a question you often ponder. However, how we answer that question will certainly impact our actions, attitudes and outcomes.

I was stirred to ponder the question this past Saturday when I had the unenviable privilege of preaching at the funeral service of a long-time friend, Lesley. Of her 50 years on this earth, I knew her for more than 30 of them. She was a source of joy in my life as well as in the lives of many others. I was reminded of the fragility and preciousness of life.

James reminds us: “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

Many of you have heard me mention the Blue Dot Club, a group of friends I meet up with in December each year. Lesley was the TRUE QUEEN of the Blue Dot Club. What you may not know is that we have a theme song. We play this song over and over again when we are together. It is a song that, from the first note, brings joyful smiles while at the same time evokes many memories for each of us. The song is by Clint Black and is called “State of Mind.” The chorus goes like this: “Ain’t it funny how a melody can bring back a memory, take you to another place in time, completely change your state of mind. It can make a right from a wrong, it can make you fall in love, it can get you singin’ along, chase the clouds away and make the sun shine above.”

Today, remember you are loved, wanted and desired.
Today, remember you have hope through faith in Jesus Christ.
Today, remember God has mighty plans for your life.
Today, remember God’s grace is sufficient for your shortcomings.
Today, remember He is God and you are not.
Today, remember to tell someone you are thankful for them.

You see, when we remember, there is something about a memory that can completely change your state of mind. In fact, it can make a right from a wrong; it can make you fall in love.

Friends, I am so thankful for you, and I love you. My prayer for us in 2020 is that we will fully embrace His grace for us and obediently follow Him in all we do. When we remember to do so, I am convinced that it will chase the clouds away and make the SON shine above.

You see, it is more than a state of mind; it is the condition of the heart.

Peace,
Trey

Student Mission Sunday

Join us as we Tee Up for Student Mission Sunday on March 29! Registration is officially open and we are now accepting donations for our Silent Auction! Do you have tickets, vacation homes, hunting opportunities, or creative works that you can donate? Find the donation form on our registration page and bring your donations to the Welcome Center. All proceeds benefit this summer's student mission trips equipping our students to make Jesus visible. Questions? Please contact Lisa Schwartz.
gather
Gather

 

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.

 

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. 3 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.

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.
Connect
Connect

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 demonstrating and share the recipes. Visit her website HERE. You may sign up to reserve your spot in our Welcome Center on Sunday, January 26 and February 2.

New Sunday School Class

Beginning January 12, 10:15-11 a.m., Massey-Tucker Hall, Room A

A new Sunday School class has started with elder Jerry Hanlon facilitating a discussion of Dallas Willard’s book, Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God. For 47 years, Dr. Willard was a Professor of Philosophy and Theology at the University of Southern California. In Hearing God, Dr. Willard explains how we might discern the will of God in and for our lives. The book’s original title, In Search of Guidance is a good four-word summary of the book’s purpose. For more information, please contact Denise Phelps (dphelps@gpch.org; 713-267-5063).

Student Ministries Crowded House

Sunday, January 26, 6-7:30 p.m.

Crowded House small groups are in new locations this month! Check the list below to find out where to meet:

Middle School Girls
Dinner & Small Group:
The Prices, 10014 Steeple Farms Dr, 77080

Middle School Guys
Dinner and Small Group:
The Gunsolleys, 14511 Broadgreen Dr, 77079

9th-10th Grade Girls & Guys Dinner: The McElroys, 431 W Gaywood, 77079

9th-10th Grade Guys Small Group:
The McElroys, 431 W Gaywood, 77079

9th-10th Grade Girls Small Group:
The Webers, 345 W Gaywood, 77079

11th-12th Grade Girls & Guys Dinner: The Frazelles, 14539 Bramblewood Dr, 77079

11th-12th Grade Girls Small Group: The Frazelles, 14539 Bramblewood Dr, 77079

11th -12th Grade Guys Small Group: The Bushes, 14538 Bramblewood Dr, 77079

Registration For Inspire Spring Bible Studies
Now Open

Join us in the 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 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).

 

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 help and 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 by Sunday, January 26.
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. for a 9:30 a.m. departure. We will return to Grace around 3:30 p.m. Cost is $17, and payment is due by Sunday, March 1. For more information, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091). 

Parents' Night Out

Saturday, February 15, 5-9 p.m.

You CAN celebrate Valentine’s Day with a date night, just one day later! Bring the kids to us for Parents' Night Out. Kindergarten through fifth graders will have Triumph Sports activities and pizza/snacks. That registration is $20. Our Pre-K Fours and younger will have our traditional PNO night with pizza and snacks and plenty of play time. That registration is $10. Register HERE. For more information about PNO, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015).

Here's What We're Learning in TreeHouse

January 26

Bible Story Focus: Jesus can do what is impossible. (Walking on Water) • Matthew 14:22-33
Memory Verse: With God all things are possible. • Matthew 19:26, NIV
Key Question: Who can do anything?
Bottom Line: Jesus can do anything.
Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever. 

Here's What We're Learning in The Backyard

January 26

Bible Story Focus: I’m Still Standing (Jesus Is Tempted in the Desert) • Luke 4:1-13 (Supporting: Matthew 4:1-11)
Bottom Line: Discovering what's in the Bible can help you make the wise choice.
Memory Verse: The Lord gives wisdom. Knowledge and understanding come from his mouth. • Proverbs 2:6 (NIrV)
Life App: Knowledge—Learning something new so you can be better at whatever you do
Basic Truth: I need to make the wise choice

Confirmation 2020

Sundays through May 10,
10:15-11:05 a.m., LC-206

Confirmation is open to all students in 8th grade and above who are interested in going through the confirmation process. The class 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.

Confirmation will meet on Sunday mornings through May 3 in LC 206 from 10:15-11:05 a.m. with a mandatory retreat the weekend of April 24-26. Confirmation Sunday will be held on Sunday, May 10. Students will be recognized at both the contemporary (9 a.m.) and traditional (11:15 a.m.) services. Cost is $50. Each student will receive a journaling Bible and Confirmation packet. For details and registration, click HERE. For more information, contact Phil Warman (pwarman@gpch.org; 713-267-8704).

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 in April.

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).
Bless
Bless

Houston Food Bank

Saturday, January 25 from 8 a.m.-noon, Portwall Warehouse

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).

Souper Bowl of Caring

Sunday, January 26 and February 2

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 26 and February 2. Please drop off donations in the Welcome Center donation bins. Cash and check donations for WHAM will also be collected at the Welcome Center Desk. Last year, we exceeded our goal and collected 1,505 pounds of food. This year, our goal is to donate 2,000 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

Hearts Beading for Kenya Resumes on Wednesdays

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).

Feeling Down?
Stephen Ministry Can Help

Stephen Ministers aren’t just there for “big” crises. They are also available for the little ones, because many times the little things can really add up, especially at this time of year. So don’t wait until you have a really big crisis. Consider Stephen Ministry if the little things have you feeling down. 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.

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.

Looking Ahead in 2020… SAVE the DATE!

January 25, Grace Day at Houston Food Bank
January 26, Souper Bowl of Caring
January 26, Preschool FX Beach Party
February 2, Souper Bowl of Caring
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