f Grace Newsletter
January 3, 2019

Sustaining the Newness

So, are you over Christmas yet?

I am always amazed at how much time, effort and anxiety goes into preparing for Christmas and then how quickly we move on. In a matter of hours, we spill hot sauce on the new shirt we received. We get mud on the new shoes we unwrapped. We lose the dice of the new game we played once. We put all of the pieces of the new Lego set together, now what? We spent the money! We ate the candy cane! The “newness” that comes Christmas morning so quickly fades.

But hey, it’s a new year — Christmas is only 357 days away!

In this new year, how will you sustain the “newness?” In other words, how can we continue to enjoy the gifts we received? I suppose one way would be to never use them. But then again, where is the fun in that? After all, gifts were made to be enjoyed.

Paul reminds us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

As we step into a New Year, I encourage you to embrace the fresh start you have from being united with Jesus. You are like the present that is still in the box. You are like the candy cane that is still in the wrapper. Regardless of the day or time of year, there is a “newness” about you!

So then, how do we sustain the “newness?”

First, I think we show it off. Like that favorite Christmas gift, show off your new identity to the people around you every day. Let them see how excited you are to be in a relationship with Jesus. Show it off in such a way that people can’t help but ask, “Where did you get that?”

Second, I think we need to stick together. We are the Body of Christ — we belong together. We become like the group of children who were sitting on a curb, crying. An adult came along and asked, “What’s the matter? Why are you crying?” Through her tears, one of the little girls replied, “We have a pain in Billy’s stomach.” One had an ache, but they all felt it. One has a joy, and we all celebrate it. We are not alone.

Finally, I think we must run and play. We must live with a sense of urgency for our mission. Much like Christmas, we gather and scatter. Consider what Christmas morning looked like, five minutes spent ripping through wrapping paper and then scatter and run and play with the new gifts. As new creations in Christ, we gather together on Sunday mornings to worship and celebrate the Lord and then we scatter to be part of God’s redemptive mission in the world. Where we run and play, we do so for the Kingdom.

Friends, may we never get over the Gift of Jesus!

I look forward to a wonderful 2019 together. May the Lord continue to richly bless you.

Peace,

Trey

All-City Worship and Prayer Service

Sunday, January 6, 5-6:30 p.m., Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church
(11612 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77024)

Don’t miss this wonderful evening of worship and prayer. We are joining together with our sister ECO congregations Memorial Drive Presbyterian and First Presbyterian for an evening of worship and prayer for our congregations and our city as we begin the New Year.
gather
Gather

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.


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.
Connect
Connect

Save the Date! VBS 2019

June 10-13, 2019

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!

Preschool Family Experience: The Market

Friday, January 11, 2019, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Children’s Ministries invites all preschoolers and their families to "The Market” on Friday, January 11, 2019. Come to this special night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Massey-Tucker Hall and The TreeHouse to hear a great story, participate in fun, hands-on activities, shop with “Ollie Dollars” and MORE all while learning about how everyone needs Jesus. Register HERE.

Inspire! Spring Bible Study

Registration Open Now

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 beginning the third week of January.

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 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.

This group meets Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. in the Church Library. Register HERE.

Inspire! School Moms

Typical meetings include a video session followed by group discussion. 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 Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall, Room 208, beginning Jan. 16. Register HERE.

Note: Child care is not provided for this group.

Inspire! Moms

Typical meetings include a video session followed by group discussion. 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. beginning Jan. 15
  • Tuesday evenings meeting bi-weekly (Want more info? Contact Abby Meade) 
  • Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. beginning Jan. 16

Note: There are TWO separate registration forms, one for the bible study and one for childcare:

  • Bible Study Registration: HERE, and
Childcare Registration (only complete if you need care for your kiddos): HERE.

Project Home: Living Water International & The Houston Marathon

Sunday, January 20, 7 a.m.-Noon

For the second year in a row, Grace’s Student Ministries will partner with Living Water International for a special Project Home at the Houston Chevron Marathon! We will host a Cheering and Hoopla Station to cheer on the estimated 27,000 runners and walkers in this year's event. Specifically, we will be cheering on Team Living Water, runners who have committed to raise funds to dig water wells in regions of the world that lack access to clean water. This is an opportunity to support them, and the entire city of Houston as it puts on one of its marquee events. This is one of the most fun and loud events we put on all year. You do not want your student to miss out. Register HERE.

Confirmation 2019

January 6-May 12, 2019
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Learning Center, Room 206

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 ministries events throughout the year.  If you have a college-aged child, 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.

High School
Spring Break Ski Trip

March 9-15, 2019

Grab your mittens and beanie, dust off your snow boots, and wash your long-johns because we are going skiing! We are excited to announce that Grace’s High School Ministry is headed to Monarch Mountain in beautiful Colorado for Spring Break. For more detailed information, please click HERE. A $200 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration. Registration closes January 15, 2019. For more information, please contact Matt Davis (mdavis@gpch.org; 713-267-8704).

Student Ministries
Summer Mission Trip
Parent Information Meeting

Sunday, January 13, 2019, 12:15-1 p.m.,
Massey-Tucker Rm. 207

All middle school and high school parents are invited to hear about this year's Student Ministries mission trip. We will announce the location, as well as discuss accommodations, type of work and activities, cost and funding, and other important information. Whether you are certain your student will attend the mission trip or not, you do not want to miss this important meeting! 

Encore Day Trip: Rediscover Texas 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.  
Bless
Bless

California Wildfire Response: Donate Gift Cards

Extended to January 20

Please donate gift cards (Target, Walmart or general VISA gift card) to the people of California. Let us join together to offer hope and encouragement to those navigating the destruction and loss from the recent California wildfires covering more than 150,000 acres. Grace Presbyterian will make sure donated cards are distributed by a local church to people in the impacted areas. Please drop off gift cards on Sunday mornings at the Welcome Center in the Sanctuary foyer or at the receptionist desk during the week. For questions, please contact Karen Anderson (karenanderson10@aol.com; 281-989-3812).

WHAM Food Drive

Sunday, January 6

Help collect food and other necessity items for WHAM (West Houston Assistance Ministry). Collection bins will be located inside the Chapel and Sanctuary entrances, and in the Massey-Tucker Hall Lobby. Focus items will be peanut butter and jelly, canned pasta and canned fruit, soups and crackers.

Mission Trip Opportunity: Haiti with Living Water International

Grace is excited to send two teams to Northern Haiti in 2019. Team One will travel February 10-16 and Team Two will go March 24-30. Each team will drill a clean water well, lead hygiene and sanitation classes and share the gospel with the local community. For more information, answers to commonly asked questions, and to watch a video about the need for clean water in Haiti, please click HERE.


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.

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! Will you begin the new year by cleaning out closets? Consider donating an outfit (or two or 10!) 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).

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).

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).

Looking Ahead in 2019… SAVE the DATE!

January 6, Confirmation begins
January 6, WHAM Food Drive
January 11, Preschool Family Experience: The Market
January 13, Student Ministries Summer Mission Trip Parent Info Meeting
January 20, Student Ministries Project Home Event
January 26, Grace Day at Houston Food Bank
January 27, Starting Point Class
March 9-15, High School Spring Break Ski Trip
June 10-13, Vacation Bible School