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A Little Thought
"The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree"
This past Saturday, I was down in South Texas for my Uncle David’s funeral service. It was a bittersweet couple of days filled with both grief and laughter. My Uncle David was one of the funniest men I have ever known. Based on the stories being shared over the weekend, I am not the only one who thinks this way about my uncle. What a blessing it was to gather together to celebrate his life and listen to the laughter echoing through the little Baptist church where I had the privilege to share my thoughts about my Uncle David and Jesus.
However, it was at a gathering Friday night when something struck me. Several family members were there, and the evening was filled with great food and fellowship. What brought me the most joy, though, was spending time with Uncle David’s two sons. As the old saying goes, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” They both have a quick wit like their dad. They have an uncanny ability to make everyone smile, regardless of the situation. It was such a delight to be with them and their families.
Hanging in the kitchen of my cousin’s home was a sign that captured my attention. It said,
Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can’t change. Kiss slowly, forgive quickly, play hard, take chances, give everything, and have no regrets. Life is too short to be anything but happy!
How do those words compel you to action today? Perhaps you need to apologize to or forgive someone? Perhaps you have been holding onto something that you really just need to turn over to God? Perhaps you are at a crossroad in your faith, and it is time to courageously take a chance? The point is, in the midst of this Lenten season, we have an opportunity to reflect on our lives.
Jesus said, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15: 4)
When the day comes that the Lord calls me home, I am not sure what will be said of me at my memorial service. Perhaps, as I said of my uncle, people will say I was funny. It may even be said that I was generous and kind. But at the end of the day, I hope they will say, “the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.” I hope my life will have been a reflection of “remaining” in Him.
What about you?
Remember you are loved. But also, remember that life’s too short to be anything but tethered to Jesus. Remain in Him and receive His joy.
I hope to see you Sunday at Grace.
Peace,
Trey
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Holy Week and Easter Schedule
Maundy Thursday, Thursday, March 29, 7 p.m., Sanctuary
Good Friday, Friday, March 30, 7 p.m., The Founders’ Chapel
Easter, Sunday, April 1:
9 a.m.
Traditional worship, The Founders’ Chapel
9 a.m.
Contemporary worship, Sanctuary
10:15-11 a.m.
Easter Egg Hunt for Children, Grace Athletic Fields
11:15 a.m.
Traditional worship, Sanctuary
11:15 a.m.
Grace en Español, The Founders’ Chapel
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Lily Dedications
Every Easter the Grace Sanctuary is filled with lilies given in honor or in memory of someone. Dedications may be made through March 19. The cost is $10. You may purchase a lily online at: gpch.org/lily.
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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: You can always watch or listen to the sermons on our homepage or you can watch us live on our Facebook page.
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Starting Point Class
Sunday, March 4, 6-8 pm, Massey-Tucker Hall 103
Want to get connected? Find a CORE Community? Learn about our beliefs and ministry? Join the church family? Where do you begin? At the start.
During the Starting Point class, we’ll enjoy a meal and have great conversation together. You’ll learn more about who we are as a church, how to grow in your faith, and the many life-giving ways you can be a part of our church family, including the opportunity to make this your home church through membership. Join us for a casual dinner and conversation—it’s a great place to start! Child care available (dkay@gpch.org). To RSVP or for more information, contact Beth Craig (bcraig@gpch.org; 713-267-5012).
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Encore Day Trip
Wednesday, March 7, (Depart Grace at 9:15 a.m. and return around 3 p.m.)
Space Center Houston
Enjoy a rare tour of the historic Apollo 11. Cost: $17 for tour only (bring your own lunch) ~OR~ $27 for lunch and tour. Payment is due Sunday, February 25. For more information or to sign up, please contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
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High School
Spring Retreat
April 27-29
All High School students and their friends are invited to our annual Spring Retreat. We’re heading back to the Frazelle’s lake house in New Braunfels, Texas, for a weekend of relaxing, boating, tubing, volleyball, fishing, s’mores, delicious food, worship, and more. We’ll even take a pitstop at Buc-ee's! The cost for this retreat is only $75. Click HERE for more information and to register. Questions? Contact Angie Williamson (awilliamson@gpch.org; 713-267-5083.)
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Here's What We're Learning In The Backyard
March 4
Bible Story: Go Your Own Way (Abram Makes Peace)Genesis 13:5-18
Bottom Line: Prove you care more about others by letting go of “what’s fair.”
Memory Verse: “So let us do all we can to live in peace. And let us work hard to build up one another.”
Romans 14:19 (NIrV)
Life App: Peace — Proving you care more about each other than winning an argument
Basic Truth: I should treat others the way I want to be treated.
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High School
Spring Break Trip
March 10-17, 2018
High School Ministries is taking a Spring Break road trip to Yosemite National Park in California! On the way, we'll stop off and see the Grand Canyon. There are only 19 student spots available, so register today. Register: gpch.org/hsspringbreaktrip2018.
For more information, contact Angie Williamson (awilliamson@gpch.org;
713-267-5083).
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CORE Communities 2018 Registration Now Open
CORE Communities are the primary way we connect with others in authentic gospel-centered community. These relational environments are vital to living a life that makes Jesus visible daily. These small gatherings cultivate a relationship with Christ and others. Please visit gpch.org/cc to register. For more information, contact Becca Lehde (blehde@gpch.org; 713-267-5013).
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Middle School
Spring Retreat
April 27-29
All Middle School students and their friends are invited on the Spring Retreat as we head back to Camp Cho-Yeh this year. Come join us as we hang out with friends and make new ones. We will eat WAY too many snacks, play games, have awesome worship, and dive into God’s Word together. This year’s theme is "Forgotten God.” We will be walking through who and what the Holy Spirit is and how it impacts our lives. The cost for this retreat is only $100. There are 80 spots available! Click HERE for more information and to register. Questions? E-mail Reed Brentlinger (rbrentlinger@gpch.org; 713-267-5076).
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Here's What We're Learning In The Treehouse
March 4
Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be
my friend forever.
Key Question: Who can you follow?
Bottom Line: I can follow Jesus.
Memory Verse: “’Come and follow me,’ Jesus said.” Matthew 4:19, NIrV
Bible Story Focus: John told people that Jesus is special. John the Baptist Matthew 3:3-4, 11, 13-15
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Save The Date!
Vacation Bible School 2018
June 11-14, 2018; Online Registration opens April 6
Livin’ Loud Lab…
Where God’s Love
Ignites a Chain Reaction
that Changes the World!
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Students Need You!
There are still middle school students who need mentors. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders request a mentor from the social worker at Paul Revere Middle School every week. Will you please give an hour of your time each Friday morning to meet with a student who needs your influence? Play games; encourage the student; listen to them. The time is up before you know it, and you will be looking forward to seeing the student again the following week! Contact Becca Lehde (blehde@gpch.org;
713-267-5013).
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WHAM Food Drive
Sunday, March 4
Help collect food and other necessity items for WHAM (West Houston Assistance Ministry). 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 fruit, soups and crackers.
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Mark Your Calendars
for the next Grace Day
at the Houston Food Bank
April 7 from 1-4 p.m.
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).
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Manna From Grace
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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Common Ground
Do you assist a family member or friend with daily caregiving tasks? If you answer YES, we offer a caregiver’s support group to share and help called “Common Ground.” It meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in Molly Ann Smith. Please contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091). This opportunity can help you take care of yourself.
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Share The Real Living Water in Guatemala
April 7-14, 2018
Join us in bringing Guatemala the gift of safe water and the grace of the Living Water that is Jesus! There are a few spots left on the team that will depart on April 7. Team members will utilize a drill rig under the direction of in-country drillers and will work alongside the health and hygiene team to teach proper sanitation techniques and share Bible stories. During the trip, you will make meaningful relationships, experience a slower pace of life, witness the faithfulness of God, and return home transformed. Contact Becca Lehde (blehde@gpch.org; 713-267-5013).
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McKechnie Scholarships
The Trustees of the Grace Presbyterian Church (GPC) Endowment Committee are pleased to announce that funds are available for the GPC McKechnie Scholarships to be awarded in May 2018. These scholarships were established in honor of Dr. David McKechnie, upon his 25th anniversary as a pastor of Grace. Applications will be available online from the church web-site on February 15, and the application deadline is March 30.
Scholarship requirements: Parent, guardian or student must be active in the life of GPC, Houston, Texas. Student must be enrolled or accepted into an accredited primary or secondary school or college or university for which scholarship application is submitted. Applicants will need to demonstrate satisfactory academic standing which includes a minimum 2.5 GPA (on a four-point scale) or equivalent and successful class completion rate. A short essay is part of the application.
Please click HERE to download the application. Save your answers and email to: Monica Cvejanovich (mcvejanovich@gpch.org).
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