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Gone Fishin'
There is an old saying, “Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught!”
This past weekend I had the great privilege of joining several guys from the church on a fishing trip. We had a great time getting to know one another better; we enjoyed a nice dinner together; shared some laughs and, of course, attempted to CATCH fish. Therein lies the reality—fishing does not always include catching—however, I am pretty sure you will never catch if you don’t fish.
We were fortunate to have fishing guides on our trip—Garrett was the name of the guide on my particular boat. Garrett is a 25-year-old who grew up fishing the waters we were navigating. He has traveled those waters countless times; he knew where to go to provide us the best opportunity to catch fish. What was especially interesting was that when he would pull up to a spot and stop the boat—we all would get out of the boat and begin to fish. We didn’t question if he had chosen the correct location but instead trusted him and proceeded to do what we came to do—fish. And the great news was, at the end of the day, Garrett cleaned all the fish we caught!
Mathew 4: 18-20 says, “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.”
In the original language, “Follow me,” literally means, “Here, behind me.” As disciples of Jesus Christ, we must position ourselves behind our Guide. The One who calls us also leads us. He knows where He wants us to be; He knows the spots in our daily lives where the “fishing” will be most productive. You see, in order to truly follow Jesus, we must realize that it is no longer our interests which guide us, but instead it is the hand of Jesus that grabs hold of our hearts and leads us.
So, I wonder, when was the last time you went “fishing”? Perhaps your response is, “I am not really a fisherman—I am not very good at it.” Allow me to remind you, Jesus said, “I WILL MAKE YOU…” He will make us “fishers of men” when we give our lives to Him. He has called us to fish for people for the Kingdom of God. We tell others about the Good News of the Gospel and trust that Jesus will clean them.
 Friends, whatever you have in store for the rest of the summer, make sure you include “fishing.” You see, we have each been given an opportunity to tell the greatest fishing story ever told. My hope and prayer are that we will get excited about fishing. That we will be intentional when it comes to telling people about the Lord but also in inviting people to be part of what He is up to in and through Grace. Why not cast a few lines out—you never know when you might get a bite.
Picture a sign hanging on your door that simply read, “Gone Fishin’!”
In case you were wondering if we caught anything, check out this picture!
Peace,
Trey
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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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"In His Steps" Tour of Israel has been Postponed
Watch for details of a rescheduled trip to take place in 2020. A trip to the Holy Land is a bucket list adventure. To walk where Jesus walked is a life-giving opportunity, which will shape your faith journey. Though we are disappointed that the December 2018 trip has been rescheduled, we look forward to this exciting opportunity in 2020!
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Here's What We're Learning
in The Backyard
July 22
Bible Story: He Won’t Back Down (Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin) • Acts 4:1-22 (Supporting: Acts 3)
Bottom Line: When Jesus is with you, you can face anything.
Memory Verse: "God began a good work in you. And I am sure that he will carry it on until it is completed. That will be on the day Christ Jesus returns.”Philippians 1:6, NIrV
Life App: Confidence—Living like you believe what God says is true
Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what. |
Middle School Trip
to Typhoon Texas
August 1
Join us for some all day fun in the sun at Typhoon Texas! The cost is $40 and includes admission and a delicious lunch. Bring extra money for snacks, lockers, souvenirs! There are only 20 spots available, so register ASAP. Students can be dropped off at the Welcome Center at Grace Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m. sharp. We will arrive back at Grace at 3 p.m. All students must have a 2018-2019 Grace Waiver Form on file. Students should bring: Towel, sandals, sunscreen, and swimsuit (one pieces for girls and no Speedos for guys!). Questions? Contact Reed Brentlinger (rbrentlinger@gpch.org; 713-267-5076). Register HERE. |
Inspire! Summer Bible Studies
June 19 - July 31
This summer we are excited about our two new studies: Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer and Church of the Small Things by Melanie Shankle. We look forward to having you there. For more information and registration, please click HERE. |
Encore Day Trip in July
Alley Theater
Saturday, July 21, 1:30 p.m.-5:45 p.m.
Join us for a trip to the Alley Theater. Holmes and Watson is a riveting new adventure from award-winning writer Jeffrey Hatcher. Three years after the mysterious death of beloved detective Sherlock Holmes off Reichenbach Falls, Dr. John H. Watson receives a telegram that suggests his old friend may still be alive. The mysterious wire was sent from a doctor who states that three patients in his asylum’s care have each claimed to be the late Sherlock Holmes. Watson embarks on a journey to disprove these claims. Could Sherlock Holmes really be alive after all this time?
COST: $25. Registration and payment deadline is July 21. Be at the church by 1:30 p.m. We will return to Grace by 5:30 p.m. Seating is limited. If you have questions, please contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gphc.org; 713-267-5091). |
Here's What We're Learning in the Treehouse
July 22
Basic Truth: God made me. God loves me. Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Key Question: What is with you wherever you go?
Bottom Line: God’s word is with me wherever I go.
Memory Verse: “I have hidden your word in my heart.” (Psalm 119:11)
Bible Story Focus: The Bible tells me I can be a part of God’s family.
I Can Be a Part of God’s Family. • Hebrews 10:24-25
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Middle School
Sno Cone Sundays
Every Sunday in July, 2-4 p.m.,
Bahama Bucks (11300 Katy Fwy.)
Hey Middle School students! Cool down from the summer heat at Bahama Bucks. Bring your friends and come join us Sunday afternoons.
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High School Event
at Speedy's Face Track
July 26, 7-9 p.m.
Speedy’s Fast Track: 11440 Hempstead Rd. Houston, TX 77092
High School Ministries is heading to Speedy's Fast Track for an awesome adventure. For just $20, we’ll have access to unlimited go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf, and arcade games. Snacks and drinks are provided. Please make sure you have a 2018-2019 Grace Waiver Form on file. Meet us at Speedy’s Fast Track at 7 p.m. Register HERE.
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Bridge at Grace
Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, 11:30 a.m. (lunch - $5 optional) and 12-3 p.m. (bridge).
Come enjoy an afternoon of social bridge at Grace with church friends or make new friends! No partner required but reservations are required for lunch and bridge. Contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091). For more information, call Toni or Harry Watson at 713-468-6006. |
New Combined Adult Class this Summer:
Paul and the Law
Sundays, July 22, July 29,
August 5, August 12
Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall
We are thrilled to offer a combined Adult Sunday school class taught by Paul Sloan. The class, Paul and the Law, will focus on Atonement, Works, and the Final Judgement. Discussions will help answer “How does God’s grace relate to His expectation for obedience." Paul is Assistant Professor of Theology at HBU, where he teaches hermeneutics, Jewish history, the Gospels, and Paul’s letters. In addition to teaching, his research largely focuses on Paul, the atonement, and Paul’s understanding of the Law. He’s married to Meg, and they’re expecting their first child in December.
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July Blood Drive
Sunday, July 29, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Massey-Tucker Hall, Room 102 and 103
Be a hero this summer, and donate blood to help give the gift of life. Sign up at giveblood.org.
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Helping Friends When They're Hurt
Is a friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative going through a difficult time? Help them receive the care and support they need. Tell them about Stephen Ministry! Stephen Ministers have received 50 hours of training to provide high-quality, confidential, one-to-one, Christian care to hurting people. Stephen Ministers meet weekly with their care receivers to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. (Men are matched with men, and women are matched with women.) The caring relationship lasts for as long as the person needs care. It’s free, and it’s a powerful way you can help a hurting friend.
We celebrate two new Stephen Leaders: Karen Rains and Susan Jernigan have just returned from the Stephen Series Leader’s Training Course in Dallas. We will soon begin benefiting from the skills and knowledge they have gained during the past seven days. Soon, we will begin training members to be Stephen Ministers for our congregation. If you are interested in being a Stephen Minister or to learn how to connect someone you know with a Stephen Minister, contact Denise Phelps (dphelps@gpch.org; 713-267-5063).
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Dessert with Mission Partner from Kenya,
Stu Ross
Wednesday, July 25, 6 p.m.,
Church Library
Please join us for a wonderful evening with our Mission partner, Stu Ross. We'll enjoy coffee, dessert and engaging conversation with Stu. He will share about current ministry projects and details about a potential Grace mission trip for the summer of 2019.
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Back to School
Backpack Drive
It is never too early to think about the upcoming Back to School season for our partnership with Walnut Bend Elementary. This summer, we will be collecting school supplies and backpacks. You can drop off supplies and backpacks in the Filling Station (the church library) now through Sunday, August 5. Be a blessing and brighten up the school year for kids and families. Please shop for the following items:
- glue sticks
- blunt tip scissors
- box of #2 pencils
- box of 24 Crayola crayons
- mesh style backpack from Academy
- thick washable markers
- thin washable markers
- box of tissues
- pack of multi-colored highlighters
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Looking Ahead in 2018… SAVE the DATE!
August 26, Harvey Remembrance - ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
September 23, Phases: Parent Conversations at 10:15 a.m.
October 7, World Communion Sunday - ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
October 12-14, Together Forever
October 26, Trunk or Treat
November 5, Wood Memorial Golf Tournament
December 2, Phases: Parent Conversations at 10:15 a.m.
December 16, Grace Kids Musical & Christmas 4 the City Habitat Build – ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
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