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Formulas
Merriam-Webster defines “formula” as: “a conventionalized statement intended to express some fundamental truth or principle especially as a basis for negotiation or action.”
I can still remember learning formulas in high school and college and never really enjoying the process. Some were easier than others to commit to memory. Looking back, however, I confess that there were many formulas and other teachings I memorized more than I learned—primarily because I was just trying to “get through” the class. Unfortunately, along the way, I undoubtedly missed the fundamental truth of what the various formulas could teach.
I think life is that way. All too often we memorize how we are supposed to act, what we are expected to say, when to smile, when to look someone in the eye, when to say please and thank you, and more. However, do we ever pause long enough to grasp the fundamental truth of them all?
When asked “Which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
My guess is—many of us have memorized Jesus’ “formula.” I wonder, is that all we have done? Are we missing the teaching? Jesus intended for this formula to impact the way we act in our daily lives. This is a principle for all of us who claim to be followers of Jesus. Imagine how we would flourish if we applied this every day. Is it difficult? Sure, it is. Is it doable? Absolutely!
Niki, my fiancé, shared the following with me this week, which puts things into the proper perspective. It’s called the Simple Formula for Living. “Live beneath your means. Return everything you borrow. Stop blaming other people. Admit it when you make a mistake. Give clothes not worn to charity. Do something nice and try not to get caught. Listen more; talk less. Every day take a 30-minute walk. Strive for excellence, not perfection. Be on time. Don’t make excuses. Don’t argue. Get organized. Be kind to unkind people. Let someone cut ahead of you in line. Take time to be alone. Cultivate good manners. Be humble. Realize and accept that life isn’t fair. Know when to keep your mouth shut. Go an entire day without criticizing anyone. Learn from the past. Plan for the future. Live in the present. Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s all small stuff.”
Formulas are intended to express some fundamental truth as a basis for action. How will these two formulas impact your actions this week?
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday. REMEMBER: only one service this Sunday morning at 10 a.m.
Peace, Trey
P.S. Next week is one of the best weeks of the summer at Grace! Our campus will be home to over 600 children and hundreds of adult and teen helpers for Vacation Bible School! It's an unforgettable week that will challenge us to think and pray about how we will play the game of life...how choosing to follow Jesus helps us LEVEL UP our faith to live how God desires.
Join me in praying for a transformational week in the hearts, minds, and souls of all of our VBS participants.
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Reminder! One Service this Sunday, June 9 at 10 a.m.
Join us this Sunday, June 9, as we celebrate and worship the Lord with one service in the Sanctuary at 10 a.m.! We'll get a sneak peek into VBS and will be blessed by our elementary children leading in worship! (Note: Sunday school classes for children, students, and adults will not meet, but child care is available during worship for children Kindergarten and under.) Following worship, join us for a Grace Family Brunch in Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall… complete with chicken & waffles, macaroni & cheese and MORE! Suggested lunch donation is $7 per person with a $20 max per family! |
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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. |
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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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Sundae Fundaes
June 9, 6-8 p.m.
Don’t miss this awesome night! Get ready for Slip-n-slide kickball, waterballoons, and a few more surprises, so wear clothes that can get messy! Meet at the Grace Fields. All middle and high school students are invited to join us for this weekly gathering! It is an opportunity for students to stay connected and deepen their friendships with each other and the staff. We hope to see you there! |
Student Ministries Reception for Matt Davis
Please join us next Sunday, June 16, to celebrate Matt Davis before he leaves at the end of the month. We want to thank him for his commitment to Grace youth over the past years before he begins his new journey in ministry. The reception will be from 10-10:30 a.m. in the high school room, located on the second floor of Massey Tucker building in MT 207. |
Triumph Sports Camps
For more information about the camps Triumph Sports will offer July 8-11, visit HERE. Sign up now if you're interested! |
Grace Student Ministries
Summer Small Groups
Grace Student Ministries will be offering a small group for every middle and high school student throughout the summer. We hope your child will participate in one of these groups! Please email: lmcdonald@gpch.org for more information.
- Middle School Guys - Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 19, 1:30-3 p.m. meets in Massey Tucker 207
- Middle School Girls - Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 19, 1:30-3 p.m. @ Tree House, 14008 Memorial Dr.
- Incoming Freshman Girls - Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 18, 6-8 p.m. @ La Madeleine in Town & Country
- High School Guys - Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 18, 6-8 p.m. @ the Henkel home, 13722 Queensbury Lane
- High School Girls - Next Meeting: Monday, June 17, 6-8 p.m. Ponder Bible Study & Dinner @ the Zuanich home, 14742 Carolcrest Drive
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VBS Registration for Kids & Volunteers
If you haven't registered your kids or yourself as a volunteer, please do it TODAY. We have more than 600 kids registered so far with only days left until VBS! Teen volunteers (seventh grade and older) can receive Volunteer Service Hours. Sign up now: www.gpch.org/vbs/.
VBS CDs & T-Shirts On Sale NOW
Grab one this Sunday in Massey-Tucker Hall for just $10 for CDs and $15 for T-shirts! You can also stop by our offices in MT 206 if you can't wait!
VBS BLOCK PARTY
Thursday, June 13, 6-8 p.m.
Even if you can't attend VBS, everyone can come to the Block Party on Thursday, June 13, from 6-8 p.m. to help us celebrate the end of an amazing week! We will have food trucks and carnival rides and more! Tickets are $5 and are available when you buy T-shirts and CDs or you can buy them at the gate. Tickets bought at the gate must be paid for in cash. |
June Encore Trip: Alley Theatre, Ken Ludwig's
"The Three Musketeers"
June 30, 1:30 - 5 p.m.
All for one and one for all! A swashbuckling romp of romance, danger, and comedy, perfectly suited for the whole family. Alexandre Dumas’ timeless tale springs to life as the young D’Artagnan, joined by his sister Sabine, discovers honor amid intrigue and high-stakes adventure when he meets the famous Three Musketeers. En garde for this action- and humor-packed summer hit. The cost is $25. Payment is due by Sunday, June 9. To register, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091). |
Inspire!
Summer Bible Studies
Registration Now Open
Summer is a time to relax, sit by the pool, go to the beach, and join us in one of our refreshing Summer bible studies. So, mark your calendars and click HERE to sign up for one of our women’s bible studies: Faithful, Abundant, True by Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shirer & Beth Moore or Proven by Jennie Allen. Both will begin at 9:30 a.m. on June 18. |
Elementary Worship Leaders This Sunday - ONE Worship Service 10 a.m.
Our elementary kids are invited to help lead the one worship service this Sunday. Each grade level has a part to play in the service:
- Kindergarten/First Grade: encourage the congregation to move out of the pews and greet each other
- Second Grade: welcome the congregation and lead in the Call to Worship
- Third Grade: lead into the offertory
- Fourth Grade: lead the Affirmation of Faith (The Apostle's Creed)
- Fifth Grade: lead the morning prayer of confession and the prayer of Thanksgiving
Your children are welcome to sit with you in the pews or they may sit with Children's Ministries staff in the front pews to the left. We'll cue them for their parts, and they may return to you when they are done.
If your child will participate, please be in the sanctuary by 9 a.m. to walk through the plans. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015). |
Summer College-Age Sunday School
Sundays, 10:15 a.m. in LC 212
All college students home for the summer are welcome to visit a new college-age Sunday school class. Weekly Sunday classes will continue through the summer. Graduating seniors are encouraged to join as well! For more information, contact Matt Davis (mdavis@gpch.org; 713-267-8704) |
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 Matt Davis (mdavis@gpch.org; 713-267-8704). To register for the dinner, please click HERE. |
Middle School Event at Altitude Trampoline Park
Tuesday, June 18, 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Jump into summer with us at Altitude Trampoline Park. All middle school students and their friends are invited. Drop off and pick up at Grace. Transportation will be provided. Registration will be online next week, and details and waiver information will be on the website. |
Attention Incoming 6th Graders!
Sunday, June 16
This Sunday, during the Sunday School hour, incoming 6th grade students move up to Middle School Ministries! We are so excited to welcome you into Middle School Ministries! |
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WHAM Food Drive
Sunday, June 2
Help collect food and other necessity items for WHAM (West Houston Assistance Ministries). 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.
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MANNA From Grace
Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Home of Nelda Womack (713-444-4862)
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 right inside the portico door. 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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Houston Food Bank
Saturday, July 13 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, contact Paul Mancillas (paulmancillas@gmail.com; 832-260-8329). To register, please click HERE.
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Welcome Igor!
Please welcome Grace missionary Igor Mukha from France. He arrives this week! He will join us for VBS and would love to spend time with the people of Grace. If you would like to connect with him while he is in Houston, please contact Chris French at cfrench@gpch.org.
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Coping After Harvey
June 20, 7 p.m.
Please join the educational session held at Grace to learn more about normative and concerning responses to disaster. This project between Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and the American Red Cross is partnering with leading faith communities in the Houston area to provide expert-led educational workshops to adults focused on responses to disaster. This project will also offer peer-led groups, which will lead you and others through an evidence-based protocol helping you identify helpful coping responses to disaster.
Please RSVP HERE. For more information please email HERE.
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Looking Ahead in 2019… SAVE the DATE!
June 8, Manna From Grace
June 9, ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
June 9, VBS Teen Training at 1 p.m.
June 9, VBS Make-up Training at 4:30 p.m.
June 9, Student Ministries Sundae Fundae at 6-8 p.m.
June 10-13, Vacation Bible School
June 13, VBS Block Party at 6 p.m.
June 16, Reception for Matt Davis
June 18, Middle School Event at Trampoline Park
June 20, Coping After Harvey Meeting
June 22-28, Middle and High School Mission Trip
June 30, Encore Trip
July 7, WHAM Food Drive
July 8-11, Triumph Sports Camps at Grace
July 13, Grace Day at Houston Food Bank
July 21, Graduated High School Senior Commissioning Dinner
August 4, WHAM Food Drive
September 18-30, Kenya Mission Trip
October 6, World Communion Sunday, ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
November 4, Grace Golf Tournament at Pine Forest Country Club
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.
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