July 18, 2019

30 Seconds

Thirty seconds. It doesn’t seem like much, but a lot can happen in that short length of time.

Consider this, in 30 seconds you can: order a meal using DoorDash, assuming you know what you want. You can stretch your sore limbs. You can add a few songs to your Spotify playlist. You can be enticed by a television commercial or not. You can go to www.gpch.org and click on the “Give” link and make a donation. You can change your Facebook relationship status. You can text a friend. You can add/delete something on your to-do list. You can tell someone, “Thank you” or “I love you.” The point is, we should never underestimate the value of 30 seconds.

I read a funny quote this week: “Don’t bother walking in my shoes, that would be boring. Spend 30 seconds in my head, that’ll freak you right out.”

How do you organize your day? My hunch is you do not plan your day in 30-second intervals. However, I suggest we consider the value of every second in every day. We spend so much time planning, scheduling and running at a frantic pace that we often miss the beauty and opportunity of the moment. In recent months I have been keenly reminded of this truth — spending 30 seconds in my head freaks ME right out.

As part of my spiritual formation, I am attempting to be more “in the moment” each day. I am being more intentional about making the most of each moment, whether that means being more present with the people I am with at any given moment or being more intentional about how I am using my time to make a difference in another person’s life. But most of all, I am trying to remember that my Lord is in every second of every day, and there are countless opportunities to see Him working in my life.

We read in James 4:14-15, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

Friends, we don’t know what the future holds; but we do know the One who holds the future. My hope for Grace (including the congregation, staff, elders, deacons — all of us) is that we will make the most of every second of every day by asking the Lord to make clear HIS will for Grace — and then for Grace to respond, in faith, and do that!

As one author puts it: “We have only today to put Kairos in our chronos, to make the best of today while it is today. Chronos (from which we get “chronology”) is quantitative; kairos is qualitative. The former measures the years of our lives; the latter focuses on the life in our years” (The Daily Article, Jim Denison, 7-8-19).

Make the most of today! Grateful for your time.

Peace,

Trey

Ready Update!

We are so grateful for your continued patience and understanding as our Grace campus is being READIED to be a welcoming place, a relevant space, and to extend Grace! We hope you share our excitement and anticipation as we see the various construction projects in progress!  
The latest tranformations include: 

  • Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall: Flooring is being installed in Massey-Tucker Lobby, first floor hallway, and the McKechnie Room.
  • Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall, Room C: A new wall is being built between Massey-Tucker, Room C and the Church Kitchen. This is enable Massey-Tucker C to be used more effectively as a meeting space and classroom.
  • Roofing:All roofing is complete on the pitched roofs, and the flat roof replacements are next.
  • Music Suite:Lots of construction and renovation is happening here! If you are looking for Andi, Stephanie, Mi Ou, Heather, or the choir…you’ll find them temporarily in the Church Library.
  • Restrooms:Renovations will continue until approximately mid-August. Look for signs to direct you to the available restrooms.
  • Parking Lot Light Poles: We have brand new light poles installed in our South Parking Lot, and Blacktop Lot adjacent to the athletic fields.
  • Interior Lighting: We have brand new LED lighting installed on the 3rdfloor of Massey-Tucker Hall.
gather
Gather


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.


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.


Save the Date! Grace at 50

Sunday, December 8

Mark your calendars! Join us as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of this amazing Grace campus and God’s impact through Grace on the west side of Houston…from Downtown to the Beltway and Beyond. You’ll want to be here for this one-service Sunday and lunch!
Connect
Connect


Two Opportunities to Ponder with Michelle Travis

PONDER is a verb that means to revolve in one's mind, to weigh, to consider, to discuss, to converse. Michelle Travis, founder & executive director of Pondering Ministries, will be encouraging and equipping us to consider scripture in a new, old-fashioned way: through discussion, the use of Bible study tools, and prayer. This simple, yet rich way of studying the word of God is meant to spark an ongoing conversation between you, God, and others for the purpose of abiding in and staying connected to Jesus. For more information, contact Chris French (cfrench@gpch.org; 713-267-5039).

  • All-Adult Sunday School with Michelle Travis
    August 4, 10:15 a.m., Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall
  • Ponder Evening Gathering: Digging Deeper
    August 4, 5-7:30 p.m., Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall, Massey-Tucker 2nd Floor

Ponder creates spaces and resources for people to encounter the word of God first hand. You are invited to experience Ponder first-hand as we dive deeper into Genesis 1:1-4 with Michelle Travis! We will share a community-style dinner, hear more about Ponder (what it is and how it began), and be part of the conversation as we dig into the Word of God. Please RSVP by Monday, July 29 to Gina Enriquez at genriquez@gpch.org. Due to space restrictions, registration will be limited to 50 people. The cost is $10 for the meal and materials.

Hear what members of the Grace family are saying about Ponder:

  • “I loved learning to Ponder because it focuses exclusively on getting deep into God’s Word. With all the shallowness of social media and the frantic pace of today’s world, slowing down to focus significant time on short passages of scripture was a balm to my soul." - Jenny Gottschalk
  • “This is the most amazing and simple tool to deepen your relationship with Jesus and create community! We have introduced the high school girls to Ponder in our weekly bible study this year and they get it! It’s easy to learn and easy to teach.”- Monika Frazelle
  • “Ponder reminded me how important it is to sit with God in His word.  I learned how to dig deeper and my relationship with Him is so much richer because of it.” - Cathy Finck
  • “Learning to Ponder is such a simple way to delve into God’s Word and gain a much deeper understanding. It teaches you to think and understand God’s truth for its original intended purpose.”- Stephanie Parker

Support Summer Lovin'
By Helping Feed
Our Students

We are so excited about our new Sunday morning experience for middle and high school students! We invite the Grace family to help support this new summer mission opportunity.  Everyone knows that students love to eat, so can you help feed them to make the time they are working extra sweet? Please click on this Sign Up Genius to contribute. Thank you in advance for your help and for your support in making this an awesome summer for our students, and for those whom they are loving through their service! 

Here's What We're
Learning In The TreeHouse

July 21

Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Key Question: Who gives you the power to do everything?
Bottom Line:  Jesus gives me the power to do everything
Memory Verse: “We can do everything by the power of Christ” • Philippians 4:13
Bible Story Focus: When Jesus is your friend, He gives you the power to be gentle. Jesus is Gentle • Mark 5:24-34

Here's What We're
Learning In The Backyard

July 21

Bible Story: This One’s for the Children (Jesus and the Little Children) • Mark 10:13-16 (supporting Mark 9:36-37)
Bottom Line: God can give you the strength to be gentle.
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: A Life App—What God is doing IN you to change the world AROUND you
Basic Truth: I should treat others the way I want to be treated.

Understanding, Discover and Use Your Spiritual Gifts Class

Sunday mornings, beginning August 11, 10:15-11:10 a.m., Massey-Tucker Hall, Room 102

We are thrilled that Grace elder, Deb Castillo will be leading an 6-week class to help us discover our spiritual gifts and our unique strengths. We will explore how combining our gifts and our strengths will help us maximize our Kingdom impact. To reserve your spot in this class, please contact Denise Phelps (dphelps@gpch.org; 713-267-5063).

Student Ministries Dig
into Summer Bible Studies
with Disciples in Growth

We have Bible study opportunities for middle and high school students this summer. This is a great opportunity for students to dig into scripture, deepen friendships, and learn to stay rooted in their faith. For more information, please email Lindsey McDonald (lmcdonald@gpch.org).

  • Middle School Girls - Wednesday, July 24, 1:30-3 p.m. Meets @ TreeHouse, 14008 Memorial Dr

  • Middle School Guys - Wednesday, July 24, 1:30-3 p.m. Meets in Massey-Tucker 207 

  • Freshman Girls - Tuesday, July 23, 6-8 p.m. Meets @ La Madeleine in Town & Country

  • High School Girls - Monday, July 22, 6-8 p.m. Ponder Bible Study & Dinner @ Monika’s - 14539 Bramblewood

  • High School Guys - Tuesday, July 23, 6-8 p.m. Meets @ The Henkel’s, 13722 Queensbury Ln

Student Ministries' Sunday School Time Change
10:15-11 a.m., Massey Tucker Rm 207
This is for both middle and high school students.

MS/HS Combine Sunday School for New Summer Lovin'!

10:15-11 a.m., Massey-Tucker Rm 207

Calling ALL middle and high schoolers! You and your friends are invited to a brand-new Sunday morning experience! Summer Lovin’ is a chance to be on mission and in community, loving God through loving others during the Sunday school hour at Grace! Come for great music, food and mission, and if you need them, service hours for your school!

Inspire!
Summer Bible Studies

Summer is the time to relax, sit by the pool, go to the beach, and join us in one of our refreshing Summer bible studies. Click HERE  to join one of our women’s bible studies: Faithful, Abundant, True by Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shirer & Beth Moore or Proven by Jennie Allen. Both meet at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays in Massey-Tucker 201 and Massey-Tucker 207.

Summer College-Age Sunday School

Sundays, 10:15 a.m. in LC 209

All college students home for the summer are welcome to visit a new college-age Sunday school class. Weekly Sunday classes continue through the summer. Newly graduated high school seniors are encouraged to join as well! For more information, contact Carey Dow (careydow@me.com; 713-822-3981).



Newly Graduated
High School Seniors!

July 21: Senior Commissioning Dinner

To show our appreciation to our graduates this year, we have planned a family dinner on July 21. The dinner gives us an amazing opportunity to honor our Seniors well and share the ways that we’d like to keep in touch with them. We’ll also introduce them to the College Elders and chat about life after High School. This will be an opportunity to honor our Seniors and their families with dinner, conversation, and fellowship. For more information, contact Dorothy Hobbs (dhobbs@gpch.org; 713-267-5083). To register for the dinner, please click HERE.

August Encore Trip:
Alley Theatre

August 11, 1:30-5 p.m.

Join us for a trip to the Alley Theatre to see Agatha Christie’s  Murder on the Orient Express. This plot-twist masterpiece has thrilled mystery lovers from television, radio, and film. Playwright Ken Ludwig (The Three Musketeers) adapts the classic thriller that features renowned detective Hercule Poirot and a cast of characters sure to have everyone in the audience guessing just who did it. Don’t miss your shot at being at the scene of this masterpiece crime. The cost is $25. Payment is due by July 21. Please be at the church at 1:30 p.m. for a 1:45 p.m. departure, and we will return by 5 p.m. To register, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).

Bless
Bless

Back to School
Supply Drive

As the Back-to-School season approaches, we will again partner with Walnut Bend Elementary to help students start the year with the supplies they need. You can be a blessing and help brighten up the school year for kids and families by donating items from the list below or a monetary donation which will be used to purchase supplies. Donations will be collected through Sunday, August 11 in labeled bins outside the Grace library. Monetary donations for the “School Supply Drive” can be made to Grace Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning or dropped off at the reception desk during the week. For questions or more information, contact Nancy Bailey (nbailey@gpch.org; 713-267-5035).

School Supply Drive Items Needed

  • Construction Paper pack, Assorted Colors, 12x18 inches
  • Composition Book Wide Ruled, 100 count
  • Pencils
  • Pens
  • Kleenex Facial Tissues
  • Antibacterial Wipes, Pop-up Canister (for use on skin)
  • Crayola Crayons, 24 count
  • Crayola Washable Markers Conical/Broad Tip, Classic Colors, 8 count

Save the Date! Women of Grace Ice Cream Social

August 12, 12-3p.m.
Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall

Join us for a "Texas State Fair" benefitting Boys and Girls Country, Cottage #4. We'll have ice cream, corn dogs, popcorn, vendors, games, raffles, and more! Don't miss this amazing afternoon of FUN!

Donate Reading Glasses for Kenya

You can support our September mission experience in Kenya by making a donation using our Amazon Wish List link! It’s easy, fast, and the glasses will be shipped directly to the church. Click HERE to see the Wish List.

Why Stephen Ministry?

We have many needs for care in our congregation and community: people experiencing divorce, grief, a terminal illness, loss of a job, relocation, an empty nest, retirement, hospitalization, loneliness, and many other stresses or challenges. Often people with needs suffer silently or do not request or receive the level of care they really need. With a limited number of pastors for a congregation the size of Grace Presbyterian,
you can quickly see why it would be impossible for our pastors to meet every need of every single person.  Stephen Ministry expands the care Grace Presbyterian Church can offer by equipping and organizing members to provide Christian care. This gives us a larger pool of people with the gifts, skills, and calling to bring Christ’s love and care to those who most need it. And this one-on-one care is completely confidential.  If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, contact Denise Phelps (dphelps@gpch.org; 713-267-5063) or Susan Jernigan (susan.jernigan@sbcglobal.net; 713-582-3332).

Support WHAM
this Summer

Please help WHAM (West Houston Assistance Ministries) help our neighbors in need by donating items to sell in its Second Blessing resale store. Furniture, household goods, and clothing (for infants through adults) are particularly needed at this time, and they also accept gently used shoes, toys, electronics, books, and artwork. For free pick up of large donated items, Tuesday-Saturday, call 832-301-0753 or email WHAM. Drop off donated items Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., in the convenient drive-through on the south side of the storefront. Every donation and purchase benefits the families WHAM serves!

WHAM Volunteers Needed

West Houston Assistance Ministries has a great need for two volunteers: a lawn maintenance volunteer and an accounting volunteer. Click HERE for more information.

Looking Ahead in 2019… SAVE the DATE!

July 21, Graduated High School Senior Commissioning Dinner
August 4, WHAM Food Drive
August 4, Ponder with Michelle Williams
August 11, Encore trip to Alley Theatre
August 11, Preschool Promotion in Sunday School
August 12, Women of Grace Texas State Fair-themed Ice Cream Social
September 14, Children's Ministries: Parents' Night Out
September 18-30, Kenya Mission Trip
October 6, World Communion Sunday, ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
October 27, Trunk or Treat
November 4, Grace Golf Tournament at Pine Forest Country Club
November 9, Children's Ministries: Parents' Night Out
November 13, Men's Night at Grace with Jonathan Evans
December 7, Children's Ministries: Drop & Shop
December 8, Grace at 50 Anniversary Celebration, ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
December 15, Grace Kids Musical & Christmas for the City Habitat Build -
                       ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.