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In His Steps
This Sunday is Palm Sunday—the day we remember when hope rode into Jerusalem. The day we picture ourselves lining those dusty roads, waving palm branches and shouting Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest. Standing in the crowd that day were many who hoped. They hoped that the temple would be protected and once again become the place where people would flock to worship the one true God—YAHWEH. Many who hoped that their burden of taxation, which impoverished them, would be coming to an end. Many who hoped that the unclean and God-forsaken Gentiles who lorded over them would be eradicated and the Messiah would be crowned as the rightful King of the Jews! Palm Sunday—expectations were high; anticipation was breathtaking; and victory seemed inevitable. It was a “seismic” moment for these people.
However, we also recall that a few days later, Jesus would no longer be on the back of a donkey but instead hanging from a cross; giving His life as “a ransom for many.” On Friday, hanging between two thieves, Jesus would cry out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” His heart was heavy but His faithfulness unshakable.
That was Friday—but Sunday is comin’! Easter Sunday will be on April 1 this year. Once again, we will gather to worship and celebrate the truth that death does not have the final word. We will remember that the resurrection of Jesus was not a joke but instead the most jarring truth in the history of the world.
So much happened during Holy Week. As we journey through Holy Week we have an opportunity to remember the passion of Jesus but also allow it to stir a passion within us to walk in His steps. I do hope you will join us Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. Click HERE for the schedule.
But I would also like to extend another invitation to you. Imagine if you could walk where Jesus walked. Surely it would be a life-giving opportunity which would shape your faith journey. Well, I am leading a trip to the Holy Land, December 28, 2018-January 6, 2019. I would love for you to join me. Click HERE for more information and to sign up.
I am looking forward to walking with you. My prayer for us all is that we will take time over the coming week to truly reflect on the magnitude of His steps. May we encounter Jesus in ways like never before!
I hope to see you on Sunday.
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
10:20 a.m.
Under Twos
10:30 a.m.
Twos through Pre-K
10:40 a.m.
Kindergarten through Fifth Grade
11:15 a.m.
Traditional worship, Sanctuary
11:15 a.m.
Grace en Español, The Founders’ Chapel
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Organ and Voice Concert
April 29, 5 p.m., Sanctuary
Grace organist James Roman and his wife, soprano Grace Roman, will present a concert of music for voice and organ. The concert will feature a variety of music including pieces that depict stories of Circe from Greek mythology, settings of quirky middle English texts about chickens and bad husbands, settings of familiar hymn tunes, and more. |
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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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Encore Day Trip
Bluebonnet Tour and Brenham Trip
Thursday, April 5, (Depart Grace at 9 a.m. and return around 2:30 p.m )
We will head to the hill country to see beautiful wildflowers! We will stop at Washington on the Brazos to explore the birthplace of Texas, then head to Brenham for shopping and lunch at Must Be Heaven Sandwich Shoppe. Registration deadline is March 25. There is no charge for the tour, lunch is on your own. Please arrive by 8:45 a.m. For more information or to sign up, please contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
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Here's What We're Learning In The Backyard
March 25
Bible Story: Let there be Peace on Earth (God Made Peace with Us) • Colossians 3:15 (Colossians 1:20, supporting)
Bottom Line: We can make peace with others because God made peace with us.
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. |
"Phases: Parent Conversations"
Sunday, April 8, 10:15-11:30 a.m.,
The Backyard
Family Ministries is excited to announce the next “Phases: Parent Conversations" event. Once a quarter, the Family Ministries Team hosts parents of children and students during the Sunday school hour for a topical, research based presentation followed by an open discussion.
Our next conversation will be held on April 8. The topic for this meeting will be "A Conversation in Real Life about our Conversations in the Digital World." The Bible speaks about our tendency to use our mouths as both a weapon and a tool – in our modern technological age, that truth applies also to our keystrokes. Together, we will consider the ways in which disciples of Jesus can and should Make Jesus Visible in the digital world. Then, in September, our Phases conversation will delve into this topic more specifically and discuss important questions that every parent wrestles with, like: “Which social media platforms are appropriate for my child?” and “When is it ok for my kids to have a cell phone?”
Mark your calendars for the other dates this fall: September 23, December 2.
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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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Save The Date!
Vacation Bible School
June 11-14; Online Registration opens April 6
Livin’ Loud Lab…
Where God’s Love
Ignites a Chain Reaction
that Changes the World!
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Candy Donations
Children’s Ministries needs your CANDY to get ready for the Easter Egg Hunt on April 1. If you would like to help, please bring a bag (or two or three!) of individually wrapped candy to Grace anytime in the next two weeks. We have donation baskets behind the receptionist desk in the Welcome Center during the week and in the Narthex on Sundays. Remember these two simple guidelines:
- Individually Wrapped Candy (save loose candy for home)
- No Nuts or Peanut Butter (allergies are NO April Fool's Joke!)
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Here's What We're Learning In The Treehouse
March 25
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: We celebrate Jesus because He is special.
Palm Sunday. Matthew 21:1-11, 15-16 (NIrV)
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Sisterhood Connection Lunch
Sunday, March 25
La Madeleine (770 West Sam Houston)
Hey High School girls! We're heading to La Madeleine on Sunday, March 25. We'll meet there right after Sunday school. You buy the lunch, we'll buy you a dessert. Register HERE!
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Parents' Night Out
Saturday, April 14, 5-9 p.m.
Parents' Night Out (PNO) is a program offered by Grace Church to church, school, and community families that provides a safe, fun, Christian environment for children while parents enjoy some much needed time together. Ages are 3 months to 5th grade. The next PNO will be Saturday, April 14, from 5–9 p.m. The cost is $10 per child. Your child will enjoy pizza, games, and a movie. Our featured movie will be “Ferdinand.” The deadline for registration is noon on April 11 until we reach our maximum child/adult ratio. Space is limited to registrants only. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept walk-in guests. Refunds are possible only if cancellations are received by the registration deadline. Register HERE.
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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 Frazelles’ lake house in New Braunfels, 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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Senior Mission Trip:
The Bahamas
July 14-21
All graduating High School Seniors and college students are invited to join us on this year’s Senior Mission Trip. We will be heading to the Bahamas to serve both the local people as well as the displaced Haitian refugee community. We’ll work with Praying Pelican Missions, a short-term international missions organization that partners with and serves indigenous churches, pastors, and communities around the world. To find out more about Praying Pelican Missions go to their webpage. The cost of the trip is $1,200. This includes airfare, lodging, meals, and ministry supplies. For more information and registration, click HERE.
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Manna from Grace
Monday, March 26, 9:30 a.m.,
Home of Debbie Kaplan (713-498-6728)
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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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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Bless Others
with an Easter Basket
Gather a small group of friends or family to fill a basket and provide an Easter Sunday meal for families of Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services or West Houston Assistance Ministries. For more information, contact Chris French (cfrench@gpch.org; 713-267-5039) or Sabrina Hergert (shergert@gpch.org; 713-267-5035.)
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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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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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Guatemala Mission Trip Commissioning
Sunday, March 25, 11:15 a.m.
Traditional worship in the Sanctuary
We are thrilled to pray for and commission our Guatemala Mission Team this Sunday! Join us in praying for: Wayne Basler, Ron Collins, Margaret Ellis, Randy Fannin, Jan Knight, Brian Mees, Debbie Reitsema, and Larry Reitsema. |
Harvey Support Group
As care continues for those who have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey, we are offering a counselor-facilitated support group for ages 14 and above. We will meet on the third Monday of each month beginning Monday, April 16, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the McKechnie Dining Room. This group will provide support, share resources and help in processing the many losses related to all aspects of Hurricane Harvey, as well as asking for God's amazing presence through prayer in all of these areas. To ensure adequate space is available for all who plan to attend, please register through Becky Morris (713-267-5091 or bmorris@gphc.org.) |
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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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