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What is Truly Important
What is truly important? This question is not a new one. In fact, I would venture to say that it is ever present in our minds as we begin this new year. It seems that with each new year, our tendency is to hit life’s reset button, striving to embrace actions and relationships that will truly make a difference in our lives.
Yet another reality is that this newfound resolve often begins to fade after a month or so when we find ourselves, once again, caught in the vortex of life. School is back in session, calendars are full, responsibilities are looming, parties and celebrations are sporadic, and we seemingly lose the proper perspective. This is precisely why I would like to remind you of a powerfully transformative word: GRATITUDE.
Someone once said, “Ungrateful people complain about the one thing you haven’t done for them instead of being thankful for the thousands you have done for them.”
When God’s grace is powerfully at work in our lives, it results in an attitude of gratitude. When gratitude permeates our hearts and minds, we are free to focus our attention on what is truly important. When we focus on what is truly important, relationships flourish, and productivity thrives.
John Ortberg says it well: “Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift. It opens us up to wonder, delight, and humility. It makes our hearts generous. It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation” (When the Game is Over It All Goes Back Into the Box, p. 149).
Friends, the past few weeks have been such joy for me and my family. We had an extraordinary Christmas together, we celebrated Niki and me joining our lives together on December 28, we rang in the New Year, and we were showered with love by our Grace family on January 5 at the wonderful reception you prepared for us. Words are inadequate to properly convey how much all of this has meant to us—but I can tell you this, GRATITUDE is overflowing.
However, the challenge for us going forward is this: will we continue to draw from the well of GRATITUDE? Perhaps that is true for you too.
My prayer for all of us is that 2020 will be a year when our lives are propelled by gratitude. Our generosity will be a response to our gratitude for God’s grace in our lives. Our words of encouragement to others will be grafted from our gratitude. Our hospitality to our neighbors will be the result of our gratitude. Hopefully you SEE the potential for 2020!
Niki and I remain optimistic about our future here at Grace, and “what is truly important” to us is to faithfully follow Jesus, embrace His love for us and relentlessly share His love with all of you. Thank you for the privilege.
We hope to see you Sunday at Grace.
Peace,
Trey
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Student Mission Sunday
Join us as we Tee Up for Student Mission Sunday on March 29, 2020! This year will include one service as a Grace family, lunch and the silent auction to follow as in years past. To swing things up, we will head to Top Golf that afternoon for team competition and games. In addition we will have some added fun with a Ball Drop that Sunday after church! Sign up for a Top Golf Team, donate tickets, vacation houses, or beautiful things to the silent auction, and purchase your golf balls in the Welcome Center in the weeks leading up to this amazing day. Together we can help form (or should we say FORE!m) the hearts of our students and equip them to make Jesus Visible in their own lives. For questions or donations, please contact Lisa Schwartz.
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An Evening of Hymns
with Jason Hoard
Sunday, January 12, 5 p.m.,
The Sanctuary
Grace is proud to host acclaimed singer/musician Jason Hoard for “An Evening of Hymns — Bluegrass Style.” Jason has been a part of the Grace family for many years producing music and co-writing songs for our VBS CDs.
He also will sing during both the 9 a.m. Contemporary service and the 10:15 a.m. Traditional service in the sanctuary. After each service and the concert, he will be available to talk with guests. Copies of his CDs will be available for $10 each.
Jason has been a producer and studio musician for the last 20 years, while also touring with the bands of Third Day, Crowder, Natalie Grant, and many others. He grew up in the south and began playing with his family's bluegrass band when he was 7. Recently, he has focused on his own music and released a series of records featuring hymns which are bluegrass in style. We can’t wait to share his talents and his love for Christ with the entire church!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Reception Honoring Lindsey McDonald
Sunday, January 12, 12:30 p.m.,
MT-207
Student Ministries will celebrate Lindsey McDonald and her servant heart during Sunday school. Parents are invited to join their students to thank Lindsey for her dedication to middle and high school ministries and to wish her well in her new married life in Dallas. For more information, contact Phil Warman (pwarman@gpch.org; 713-267-8704).
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New Sunday School Class for January 2020
Beginning January 12, 10:15-11 a.m., Massey-Tucker Hall, Room A
A new Sunday School class will launch 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).
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Student Ministries
Mission Trip
Information Meeting
Sunday, January 12, 12:30 p.m.,
MT-207
There is a mandatory parent meeting for all students considering the summer mission trips. For more information, contact Phil Warman (pwarman@gpch.org; 713-267-8704).
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Student Ministries Crowded House Resumes
January 12
Crowded house kicks off this Sunday night Jan. 12! Middle School will be at Bowlmor on Bunker Hill Road from 5:45-7 p.m. and High School will be at Fuddruckers on Town and Country Way from 6-7:15 p.m.
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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 beginning the week of January 14. 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!
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Here's What We're Learning in TreeHouse
January 12
Bible Story Focus: Jesus can do things we can’t. (Catching Fish) • Luke 5:1-7
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.
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Here's What We're Learning in The Backyard
January 12
Bible Story Focus: The Boy Is Back in Town (The Boy Jesus at the Temple) • Luke 2:41-52
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 can trust God no matter what.
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Confirmation 2020
Sundays, January 19 - May 10
Confirmation is open to all students 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 starting January 19 through May 3 in LC 206 from 10:15-11:15 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).
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PreSchool FX: Beach Party
Sunday, January 26, 4:30-6 p.m.,
Massey-Tucker Hall and The TreeHouse
Join Children’s Ministries for a special afternoon just for Preschoolers and their families! We’ll have a TreeHouse show, fun activity stations -- maybe even a little sand -- and more, all helping us learn that Jesus can do ANYTHING! No Sunscreen required! Register HERE. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015).
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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.
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Manna from Grace
Saturday, January 12 from 10 a.m.-noon,
at the home of Linda Bell
(713) 213-6227
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).
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Cole Knight Missions Scholarship Nomination Form
Due January 12
The Cole Knight Missions Scholarship Fund helps pave the way for individuals in 8th-12th grade who display a servant heart and passion for serving God through serving others. Did you have an awesome teen helper at VBS? Have you seen students serving in the worship service or in other ministries at Grace or outside of Grace? Now is your chance to encourage them by nominating them for this scholarship. More information and the nomination form can be found HERE. Nominees must be in 8th-12th grade. Forms are due January 12.
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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).
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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.
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WHAM Food Drive Results
We appreciate your support for our January Food Drive by donating 237 lbs of food! Also, the Kids’ Christmas Celebration Service added 131 lbs of food.Thank you for making Jesus visible to our neighbors in need!
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Hearts Beading for Kenya Resumes on Wednesdays
Hearts Beading for Kenya is back in 2020! Join on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m.; lunch is provided. 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).
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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.
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Looking Ahead in 2020… SAVE the DATE!
January 12, Reception Honoring Lindsey McDonald
Student Ministries Mission Trip Information Meeting
An Evening of Hymns with Jason Hoard
January 19, Confirmation Begins
January 25, Grace Day at Houston Food Bank
January 26, Preschool FX Beach Party
February 15, Parents' Night Out
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