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Make A Call
I had the privilege this past weekend to officiate a wedding in Lake Tahoe. I know; it's tough work being a pastor. The wedding was for the son of some of my very best friends. To be honest, I felt like I was doing the wedding for my own son. So, when they called me a year ago to ask me to be there, I did not hesitate to say YES.
As I am sure you have experienced, there is something very exciting about weddings. For both families and friends, to be invited into such a special time in their lives is priceless. To witness two lives being brought together is energizing. I am sure there were some stressful moments, primarily around logistics and weather, but the joy of the moment certainly ruled the weekend.
While we were away this weekend, I saw this:
There are some of you reading this who may have never seen one of these, while others of us remember the day when this was the norm for making phone calls in public. The point is, how we make calls has changed but what remains constant is our need to be connected.
Of course, in order for Niki and me to be there last weekend, it meant that we were not with you at Grace. We certainly missed being connected with you on the first Sunday of Lent but look forward to the remaining Sundays on our journey together to Easter. “Living with Holy Expectation” is both a privilege and a challenge.
My hope and prayer for us all is that the joy of the journey will rule in our hearts this Lenten season. I hope that we will spend time each day, not only memorizing Psalm 23, but also meditating on the magnitude of the words for our lives. We have an incredible privilege before us, I hope we will not hesitate to say YES.
Finally, I would like to “make a call.” I call on you, if you have not already done so, to please make your annual pledge to Grace’s Operating Budget. Your joyful response is a very tangible representation of your connection with the Lord and His church. Your generosity affords Grace the opportunity to continue connecting with others here, across the street and around the world.
The Lord is our Shepherd. May we claim this truth and courageously answer His call to follow Him. Our best days are on the other side of our obedience!
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Peace,
Trey
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REMINDER! DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS THIS WEEKEND!
Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night!
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Stewardship 2020
Recently, we celebrated our Stewardship Commitment Sunday! If you have not turned in your pledge card, it’s not too late! You may mail it to the church office, bring it to worship on Sunday, or pledge online at www.gpch.org/theresmore. God’s grace is powerfully at work here. There are new members, new conversions, and new ministry opportunities all rising up from God’s grace at work, in and through people like you. What a privilege it is to be able to respond! Thank you for committing your time, talents and treasures to the mission and ministry at Grace.
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Holy Week and Easter Schedule
Maundy Thursday, April 9
7 p.m., Sanctuary (Child care is available by reservation; contact dkay@gpch.org before the April 1 deadline.)
Good Friday, April 10
7 p.m., Sanctuary (Child care is available by reservation; contact dkay@gpch.org before the April 1 deadline.)
Easter Sunday, April 12
6:30 a.m. Sunrise worship, the Courtyard
9 a.m. Contemporary worship, Sanctuary
7:30-11 a.m. Easter Breakfast Bites in The Connection Center
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 April 5. The cost is $10. You may purchase a lily online at: gpch.org/lily.
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New Caregiver Room
at Grace
As a part of our renovation, a new Caregiver Room was built as a space designed for families who may need a smaller, quieter worship environment on a particular Sunday. There are two rocking chairs, a basket of small toys and several children's books available as well as a TV screen streaming the sanctuary service live. The Caregiver Room is located between the Welcome Center and the sanctuary, directly across from the Sacred Heart Coffee cafe.
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Now You Can Give
On the Go!
In less time than it takes to write a check, you can 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 also are 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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"In His Steps" Tour
of Israel with Senior Pastor Trey and Niki Little
January 4-13, 2021
A trip to the Holy Land is a bucket list adventure. To walk where Jesus walked is a life-giving opportunity, which will shape your faith journey. Trey and Niki would love for you to join them for what is sure to be a memorable trip to Israel. It will include a visit to sites such as the Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Sea of Galilee, and Capernaum. For more information and to register, please visit: gpch.org/inhissteps. You may also discuss the details of the trip with the trip leader, Mike Fanning, by email or phone (mike@mikefanning.com; 210-710-6234).
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Sacred Heart Coffee
at Grace
This weekend’s grand opening event for Sacred Heart coffee café will be postponed however the café is open for business! Stop by on Monday-Friday from 7 a.m - 4 p.m. or Sundays from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sacred Heart offers delicious coffee drinks and new frappes! The café space has ample seating and wifi and is the perfect place to catch up with a friend or do some work outside of the office. Hope to see you there!
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Calling Dramatic Readers of All Ages!
If you have a heart for scripture and a voice that is willing to read expressively and publicly, we would love to have you serve in worship. People of all ages, stages and abilities are welcome. If you are interested, please email Heather Kaemingk.
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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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MS/HS Sunday School Schedule
March 8
We will have a regular Sunday schedule this week:
- Middle School will meet in MT-201,
- High School will meet in MT-207, and
- Confirmation will meet in LC-206.
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Student Ministries Crowded House
Sunday, March 8, 6-7:30 p.m.
Click HERE for locations.
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Middle School Retreat
April 24-26
Join Grace Student Ministries for its Middle School Spring Retreat to Camp Cho-Yeh! Space is limited so sign up today! The cost is $160, and scholarships are available. For more information, contact Amber Sheffield. Register HERE.
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Help Feed
Our Student Ministry
on Sundays
Everyone knows that students love to eat, so can you help feed them to make their Sunday mornings extra sweet? Please click on this Sign Up Genius to contribute.
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Student Mission Sunday
Join Student Ministries as they Tee Up for Student Mission Sunday! There are many ways to get in on the fun:
- Pray for students by name.(Contact pwarman@gpch.org)
- Make/buy dinners/treats for Crowded House/Sunday mornings.
(Contact Asheffield@gpch.org)
- Sponsor a scholarship for a student — your generosity will bless the student and the people of San Antonio in the name of Jesus! (Contact pwarman@gpch.org)
- Is there something you can create that can be part of the Student Mission Sunday auction on March 29th?Cooking classes, D-I-Y experiences, party planning or whatever your talent is! This money goes directly to help pay 1/3 of the mission trip cost for a student. (Contact pwarman@gpch.org)
- Donate tickets, vacation homes, hunting opportunities, or creative works to our Silent Auction.
- Purchase golf balls in the Welcome Center for a chance to win $1,000 at the Ball Drop!
- Register a team or just register yourself for some fun and friendly competition at Top Golf.
- Try your hand for a Hole in One at the event for a chance to win $10,000.
Do you just wonder what Student Mission Sunday is all about? Ask students and organizers in the Welcome Center on Sundays. All proceeds from the day's events benefit this summer's student mission trips equipping our students to make Jesus visible. For more information, please click HERE or contact Phil Warman (pwarman@gpch.org; 713-267-8704).
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Middle School/High School Summer Mission Trips
Middle School: June 21-26,
High School: July 19-24
Grace Middle and High School Ministries will partner with Blueprint Ministries in San Antonio this summer. Blueprint Ministries is a non-profit organization in urban San Antonio providing servant leadership training for youth and adults while restoring homes for elderly, disabled and low-income residents. Register HERE. For more information, contact Phil Warman (pwarman@gpch.org; 713-267-8704).
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Graduating Seniors Mission Trip
June 20-27
Grace Student Ministries’ Graduating Seniors will partner with Yucatan Peninsula Ministries (YPM) in Leona Vicario, Quintana Roo, Mexico (35 mins. SW of Cancun). Register HERE. For more information, contact Phil Warman (pwarman@gpch.org; 713-267-8704).
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Girls Scouts
in The Sanctuary
March 8, 9 a.m. (arrive at 8:15 a.m.) Grace Sanctuary
All Girl Scouts are invited to wear their uniforms and help act as ushers in Grace’s 9 a.m. Contemporary Service. Please arrive at 8:15 a.m. for instructions. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org) or Keith McElroy (kpmcelroy@gmail.com).
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Here's What We're Learning in The TreeHouse
March 8
Bible Story Focus: Jesus says, “Follow Me.” (Andrew and Peter; John and James) • Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 5:1-11
Memory Verse: "Come and follow me," Jesus said. • Matthew 4:19, NIrV
Key Question: Who can you follow?
Bottom Line: I can follow Jesus.
Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
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Here's What We're Learning in The Backyard
March 8
Bible Story Focus: Everything Has Changed (Zacchaeus) • Luke 19:1-10
Bottom Line: When you forgive others, it can change them.
Memory Verse: Put up with one another. Forgive one another if you are holding something against someone. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you. • Colossians 3:13 (NIrV)
Life App: Forgiveness—Deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn't have to pay
Basic Truth: I should treat others the way I want to be treated.
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Elementary Kids Invited
to Sing in the Sanctuary
Sunday, March 22, 9 a.m., Sanctuary
Elementary School students are invited to sing during the 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship service on March 22. We have begun rehearsing during Sunday school in The Backyard. If your child would like to join us, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org).
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VBS Save the Date
Are you ready for VBS 2020? It’s almost time to “Focus: Take a Closer Look” at God’s love for us. Plan to join us June 8-11. Registration for volunteers and kids will open on April 1.
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Encore Day Trip
to Houston Livestock Show & Fairgrounds
March 16, 9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Grab your boots and hats as we travel to the Houston Livestock Show and Fairgrounds. Please be at the church at 9:15 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. departure. We will return to Grace around 3:30 p.m. Cost is $17, and payment is due now. For more information, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
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Mission Opportunity - Blessing People
Around the World
June 1 -14
Come travel with Friends of Samburu to north central Kenya and experience the people and culture of the Samburu tribe. On this trip you will spend three nights in the bush, working alongside the Kitobor community. Last September, the charity built an evangelical church. On this trip, a kitchen will be built for this church. We will also visit several rural schools and love on the children. The trip has a capacity of 10 travelers and only 4 spots remain available. The deadline to sign up is March 15. For more information, please contact Margaret Ellis (713-501-5140) or drop by the Connection Center (Welcome Center breezeway).
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Hearts Beading for Kenya
Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.
Massey-Tucker Hall Rm.102
Hearts Beading for Kenya is back! Join us Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. New beaders are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Come for fun and fellowship. We meet in Massey Tucker, Rm. 102. For more information, contact Margaret Ellis (713-501-5140).
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School Market Food Pantry at Revere Middle School
Friends of Westchase and The Houston Food Bank have partnered to bring a mobile School Market food pantry to Paul Revere Middle School on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The market is open to anyone in the community and provides fresh and frozen food as well as shelf stable and personal items. The market is run by students but adult volunteers are needed to help with client intake and general assistance. A brief training is required for volunteers. Please contact Ellen Gonzalez (ellen.stitzer@gmail.com) if you are interested in volunteering!
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English as a Second Language at Walnut Bend Elementary
Friends of Westchase is starting an English as a Second Language (ESL) class at Walnut Bend Elementary School for members of our community who wish to learn or improve their English. Volunteers are needed to help provide teaching support and assistance with the weekly classes which are held at WBE from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesdays. No teaching experience is necessary. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Nancy Bailey (nancy@friendsofwestchase.org).
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Manna from Grace
Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. -12 p.m. at the home of Joan Cantrell (713) 465-9888
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 in our Welcome Center. 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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Feeling Down?
Stephen Ministry Can Help
People often ask, “What exactly is a Stephen Minister?” One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the After People.
Stephen Ministers are there:
…after the phone call you hoped you’d never get.
…after the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you.
…after the doctor says, “I’m sorry, but there is nothing more we can do.”
…after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new home.”
…after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away -- and the house seems suddenly empty.
…after the gavel comes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away.
…after the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever dreamed possible.
…after you find a pink slip with your final paycheck.
…after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.
Stephen Ministers are the After People. They are ready to come alongside you --or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives -- and provide comfort and support for as long after as needed.
If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, contact Denise Phelps at dphelps@gpch.org or Susan Jernigan at 713-582-3332.
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Christian-Based
Counseling Available
at Grace
Thursdays, 1-5 p.m.
Christian-based counseling sessions are available through a Licensed Professional Counselor at Grace Presbyterian Church on Thursdays from 1-5 p.m. for a nominal fee. For more information/appointments call 281-881-8512 or email donnasullivan6697@gmail.com.
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Looking Ahead in 2020… SAVE the DATE!
March 16, Encore Day Trip
March 29, Student Mission Sunday
June 8-11, VBS
June 20-27, Graduating Seniors Mission Trip
June 21-26, Middle School Mission Trip
July 19-24, High School Mission Trip
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