July 16, 2020

Mindset

We have so many wonderful opportunities to make Jesus visible!
Please scroll down to see all of our announcements and highlights
in the Gather, Connect, and Bless sections of Grace Weekly.
gather
Gather

Regathering ReVision

Our focus remains on Jesus and His command to love God and love our neighbors. Our unwavering commitment to act out of deep compassionate love for each other means our response to the current spike of COVID-19 cases in Houston is to simply press pause on regathering on the Grace campus for worship.

The Session voted unanimously on June 23 to press pause on our plan to regather for in-person worship. The Session will be meeting later this month to continue the evaluative process for regathering.

It does not mean we press pause on our mission to be disciples who make disciples.

We long to regather as a Grace Family. We hunger to be together as the body of Christ. But, no one predicted we would be facing such uncertain and everchanging times. Yet, this season has reminded us that the Church is so much more than a building. The Church has always been and will continue to be a body of believers called, equipped, gifted, and sent. We must continue to move forth in that mission together.

Click HERE for a detailed look at our phased plan for regathering.

Virtual Sunday Worship and House Worship Liturgy Guide

We continue to have one worship service in English at 10 a.m. each Sunday. The link to watch on Vimeo, YouTube, or Facebook will be posted each week on our website and social media.

We also have a House Worship Liturgy guide that you can use during our time together. You can download it HERE.

Moments of Grace
Online Tool

Moments of Grace is an online tool to share where you see good things happening and God at work. It’s a safe place to “snapshot” a short story, a great picture, a praise, some kindness—wherever you see Jesus visible. Just click on the link HERE to write a short description of your moment and upload a picture (optional). We would love for our Grace family and beyond to see how God is moving through the moments of our congregation.

The Power of Prayer

We would love to pray for you! Click HERE to submit your prayer needs.
 

Grateful for Your Continued Support

Please know that your faithful giving to Grace’s annual budget will continue to empower us to make Jesus visible in very tangible ways.

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 HERE. Follow the prompts to create or login to your giving profile, and in just a few clicks, your contribution is made. As always, you also can mail your check to Grace (10221 Ella Lee Lane, Houston, TX 77042).
Connect
Connect

Conversations

Sunday mornings, 11:15 a.m.

This is a time when we long to be connected to the body of Christ. One of the ways we can connect together is through the new opportunity on Sunday called Conversations.

Conversationswill follow the sermon series by asking three questions that reflect on how our lives and the Word of God come together or how they could come together when we put thought and determination in our actions. The pastor preaching on the passage will have a short video to answer all the deep questions. The goal of Conversations is a discussion, more of how we live out our walk with Jesus and being honest with one another in the struggle. These Conversations will last approximately 30-45 minutes. 

Here’s how to get involved in these new Conversations:

  • If you would like to serve as a host in your neighborhood or small group, please click HERE.
  • If you would like to join on Zoom following the sermon Sundays at 11 a.m., please click HERE.
 

VBS CDs Available Online

The VBS CD is available on all music streaming platforms. It includes all seven of Ivy Castle Simpson's songs, including "Lord's Prayer” and “Love Story” from our recent Sunday worship services.

Small Groups July 19

We WILL have Small Groups this Sunday. Visit the Children's Ministries Resources page HERE for the links for your child's group.

  • Preschool at 11:15 a.m.
  • Elementary (K-3rd) at 11:30 a.m.
  • Preteens (4-5th) at 11:45 a.m.

Videos & Activities
for TreeHouse & Backyard Kids

Find all our Children's Ministries Resources HERE. Use the Parent Guides, activity pages, and our personalized Bible Story videos to share God's love with your family.

Bible Study for Preteens: Rising 5th and 6th Graders

Wednesdays, Starting July 22, 11 a.m.

If your rising Fifth or Sixth Grader is looking for something fun to do this summer, we have another opportunity for them to grow in their faith beginning Wednesday, July 22, at 11 a.m. and running through Wednesday, August 12. These Bible studies are being co-led by Children’s Ministries staff and volunteers and our Student Ministries staff and will happen over Zoom. This will a unique opportunity for your preteens to get to know the Student Ministries staff (Daniel, Phil, and Amber), especially since our rising Sixth Graders will join Student Ministries in the fall.

Preteen Girls

Children’s Ministries Associate Lisa Ann Henkel and Student Ministries Associate Amber Sheffield will lead our girls in “Treasured” to learn how they are treasured by Jesus. Moms and mother figures are welcome to join in on the call and girls will be given some questions to talk about with their moms between sessions. Register now HERE.

Preteen Guys

Student Ministries Associate Daniel Baudin and his dad and Children’s Ministries volunteer, Earl Baudin, will lead our boys in learning more about how Jesus’ love helps us “Level Up!” Dads are welcome to join in on the call and guys will be given some questions to talk about with the dads between sessions. Register now HERE.

Inspire! Summer Bible Study Now Open

Tuesdays at 10 a.m. or 7:15 p.m.
via Zoom

Just because we have to physically distance doesn’t mean we have to socially do so. Sign up to join the summer small groups for five stand-alone Bible studies by Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, Lisa Harper, Kelly Minter, and Jennifer Rothschild. To register please, click HERE.

Ponder Farm-to-Table
Class is Online

Sunday mornings, 11:15 a.m.

Want to experience the freshness of God’s fruit of the Spirit? Join the Farm to Table class on Zoom at 11:15 a.m. on Sundays to Ponder a verse or two that relates to the Sunday Sermon. No preparation is necessary, but you will want your Bible and a pen and paper. Click HERE to join the Zoom.

Student Ministries
Leads by Example

Until further notice we are pausing our IN-PERSON events, but we are staying connected with technology!

Summer Nights
Bible Studies

Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Middle School: July 16, 30
High School: July 23

Our Summer Nights Bible studies are happening on Zoom from 7-8 p.m. Use the links below to join us:

  • Boys — Link HERE
    • Meeting ID: 868 9263 5714
    • Password: 8A$Dqm2+
  • Girls — Link HERE
    • Meeting ID: 781 867 1202
    • Password: girlsRul3!

Virtual Game Nights

Tuesdays, 7 p.m.

Middle School: July 21
High School: July 28

Every Tuesday we are gathering for a virtual game night! See our weekly emails for the zoom links!

Sunday Devo

Sundays, 11 a.m.

Instagram:

grace.middleschool & grace.highschool

Amber Sheffield will give a weekly lesson on the Middle School Instagram page, and Daniel Baudin will do the same thing on the High School Instagram page. As always, if you missed past lessons, or if you want to go back and watch them again, we post them on our YouTube channel as well HERE.

Student Ministries
Mission Experiences

We have cancelled both high school and middle school mission experiences. We will be updating you throughout the summer and beyond on opportunities to serve others as Jesus has commanded us to do.

This time of social-distancing cannot be a time of social isolation. In the midst of COVID-19 we are not closed! We are still gathering virtually and still attempting to see one another in face to face interactions that are extremely small, socially distanced and fun all at the same time! Pease check our weekly email and social media accounts to see all that we are doing to continue to make Jesus visible in our daily lives!

Virtual VBS Wrap Up and Thanks!

What a week! We have loved seeing so many of our families and new friends experience Virtual VBS these last four days! God gave us a unique time to FOCUS and Take a Closer Look at His love for us!

Thank you to all our volunteers who helped us pack more than 400 supply boxes and bags! Thank you to all the families who participated and who met the mission challenges to help provide food to WHAM and decorate/fill lunch bags for Kids’ Meals Inc.

If you missed our Virtual VBS this week, you can get caught up with our videos! We also have a few craft supply kits available if you’d like the WHOLE experience. Register at gpch.org/vbs.
Bless
Bless

Stephen Ministers Care

When was the last time someone listened, really listened, to you? We’re talking about that undistracted, full-attention kind of listening, the kind of listening that is always confidential. That is one of the ways Stephen Ministers care for others. Grace needs more Stephen Ministers to care for those who are making that long journey through the valley of a life crisis, which could be a death, a divorce, loss of a job, a new baby, COVID 19, many things that could cause a major disruption in life. A new training class of Stephen Ministers will start soon. Will you consider serving in this way? For more information, contact Denise Phelps at dphelps@gpch.org or Susan Jernigan (713-582-3332).

Blood Drive With Free COVID Antibody Test

Friday, July 24, 12:30-4:30 p.m., Saturday, July 25, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Massey-Tucker Hall

Once again, we are thrilled to partner with our friends at the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Did you know that you can save three lives with one blood donation? Due to social distancing, appointments are required. Register for an appointment HERE. When registering, please use code #1403. All donors will receive a free COVID-19 Antibody test! For more information, contact Denise Phelps (dphelps@gpch.org; 713 267-5063).

Love Your Neighbors

As much as you are able, within the suggested guidelines with care and compassion, reach out to your neighbors and the vulnerable to see how you can help make Jesus visible to them. The simple gesture of being connected and in community will provide great comfort to those who feel most isolated.

Social Isolation:
The Risks, Consequences and How you can Help

July 29, 12-1 p.m.

Did you know that one in five older adults suffer from social isolation? Social isolation can lead to adverse health effects including heart disease, high blood pressure, and earlier onset of dementia. There are also risk factors that lead to social isolation. During COVID-19, social isolation is becoming even more prevalent. Amazing Place’s Faith Care Connection team is presenting a Zoom presentation on July 29. If you are concerned about an older adult in your family or an older adult friend, and want to learn more about how to help, please register HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

West Houston Assistance Ministries - West Houston Resource Center

Grace and Friends of Westchase are strengthening our partnership with WHAM. Here are three ways to partner with them:

  1. VOLUNTEER: Please serve at their food distribution. Sign up HERE.
  2. ONLINE: Donate much needed supplies by making a purchase on WHAM’s Amazon wish list. Items will be directly delivered to WHAM.  If you give online to WHAM, please type Grace Campaign in the comment section of the donation page.
  3. IN PERSON: Donations can be be dropped off at the food pantry from
  4. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday-Friday at 10501 Meadowglen Lane, Houston, TX 77042. For an updated list of needed items, please click HERE.
  5. DAILY PRAYER: Check out their Facebook page and then pray specifically.

Community Resources

If you need help with supplies, counseling, safety situations or anything else, please reach out to us or to the following resources:

  • WHAM for West Houston: (713) 780-2727
  • NAM for Northwest Houston: (281) 885-4555
  • Mental Health Services: (713) 871-1004 (offered by Hope and Healing Institute)
  • Family Violence 24-Hour Hotline: (281) 885-4673
  • Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

How can we Pray for and Help You?

Please know that we are praying for you and want to help in any way if we can. Are you able to get out of your home and get groceries/gas/other supplies? Do you have face masks or need any? Can we pray for you in a specific way or add you to our prayer team list? Do you just need to talk out all that you’re feeling at the moment? Reach out to us HERE.