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Repaid
I recently received a humorous email from a colleague that said, “Diaper” spelled backward is “REPAID”—think about it!
Many of us live our lives constantly trying to “repay.” If someone hurts us with their words, we try to repay them with words that will hurt them. If someone gives us a gift, we feel obliged to repay them with a gift. If friends invite us over for dinner, we want to repay them with an invitation to our house. As I think about this Sunday, I am keenly aware that many of us—try as we may—will never be able to repay our mothers.
Proverbs 31:28 says, “Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: ‘Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!’” (The Message).
Young and old alike, none of us would be here if it weren’t for a mom. I am sensitive to the fact that not everyone has had an ideal relationship with their mother. But this Sunday is Mother’s Day and over the course of the coming days many of us will be thinking of our mothers. We may think of those times when our mother cared for us or baked our favorite cookies to brighten our day. We may think about that time she hung our painted handprint on the refrigerator, or made our bed, cooked our dinner, or folded our clothes. We may even recall those times when she prayed for us even when we were being a spoiled brat (maybe that was just me). The point is, we can never repay our moms, but we can “call her blessed,” respect her and sing her praises.
For the husbands who are reading this today—remember to join in with words of praise for your wives. Words of affirmation and encouragement too often fall by the wayside—as the years of a marriage go by, things a wife does for the family are too often taken for granted. Remind your wife that she is worth more than “diamonds and rubies” to you. Tell your wife: “Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!”
For the moms who are reading this today—I want to remind you of the words found in Proverbs 31:30: “Charm can mislead, and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear of God.” Moms, no matter what, make your relationship with the Lord your first priority. Allow Him to shape you into the godly woman and mom He has called you to be. Spend time with Him and ask Him to give you the rest, peace and patience you long for. Ask Him to continue to give you the character and integrity He desires for you in order that you may continue to influence your household.
Friends, none of us get it right all of the time—thank goodness that God’s grace in Jesus Christ is sufficient. Come to think of it—His grace can never be repaid—only received in humility and responded to with a life well-lived.
I hope to see you this Sunday at Grace.
Peace,
Trey
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Looking Ahead in 2018…SAVE the DATE!
June 10, Annual Pancake Breakfast and ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
August 26, Harvey Remembrance - ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
September 23, Phases: Parent Conversations
October 7, World Communion Sunday - ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
October 12-14, Together Forever
November 6, Wood Memorial Golf Tournament
December 2, Phases: Parent Conversation
December 16, Grace Kids Musical & Christmas 4 the City Habitat Build – ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
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Officer Nominations
Now Being Accepted
Nominations for deacons, elders, and trustees to serve a three-year term beginning January 2019 are now being accepted. Please complete nomination forms online at gpch.org/officer. Forms are also available in the Narthex and may be turned in at the Welcome Center by May 15. |
Starting Point Class
Sunday, June 10, 6-8 p.m.,
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 is available by contacting Debbie Kay (dkay@gpch.org; 713-267-5084). To RSVP or for more information, contact Beth Craig (bcraig@gpch.org; 713-267-5012).
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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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"In His Steps"
Tour of Israel with Trey
December 28 - January 6
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 would love for you to join him 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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Here's What We're Learning In The Backyard
May 13
Life App: Honesty—Choosing to be truthful in whatever you say and do
Memory Verse: “Anyone who lives without blame walks safely. But anyone who takes a crooked path will get caught.” Proverbs 10:9, NIrV
Basic Truth: I need to make the wise choice.
Bible Story: Logic Error (David and Ahimelek) • 1 Samuel 21–22
Bottom Line: When you’re not truthful, you hurt others. |
Encore Day Trip
The Lone Star Flight Museum
Tuesday, May 15, 9 a.m.-2:15 p.m.
The Lone Star Flight Museum, located next to Ellington Airport, is an aerospace museum that displays more than 40 historically significant aircraft and many hundreds of artifacts related to the history of flight. The museum's collection is rare because most of the aircraft are flyable. Please join us as we explore the history of flight! Price of the tour is $14; lunch is on your own at Cracker Barrel. Please be at Grace by 9 a.m. Departure is at 9:20 a.m., and we will return by 2:15 p.m. If you have questions, please contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
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Encore Day Trip
Galveston
Monday, June 4, 9:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
See Galveston Harbor aboard the Seagull I, Texas Seaport Museum’s vessel. Join us for a docent-led Galveston Historic Tour of Broadway Beauties, Downtown, the Strand, the Harbor and the East End Historic District. Cost is $15; lunch is on your own at Fisherman’s Wharf. We will meet at Grace at 9:45 a.m. and depart at 10 a.m. We should return by 4:45 p.m. Payment is due by Sunday, May 20. Seating is limited. For more information or registration, please contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gphc.org; 713-267-5091). |
Encore Day Trip
Alley Theater
Saturday, July 21, 1:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Join us for a trip to the Alley Theater. Holmes and Watson is a riveting new adventure from award-winning writer Jeffrey Hatcher. Three years after the mysterious death of beloved detective Sherlock Holmes off Reichenbach Falls, Dr. John H. Watson receives a telegram that suggests his old friend may still be alive. The mysterious wire was sent from a doctor who states that three patients in his asylum’s care have each claimed to be the late Sherlock Holmes. Watson embarks on a journey to disprove these claims. Could Sherlock Holmes really be alive after all this time?
COST: $25. Registration and payment deadline is Sunday, July 8. Be at the church by 1:30 p.m. We will return to Grace by 5:30 p.m. Seating is limited. If you have questions you can contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gphc.org; 713-267-5091). |
Sisterhood Connection Dinner
Sunday, May 20, at 5 p.m.
All High School girls and their friends are invited to our monthly dinner. We're heading over to Cathy Finck's house for delicious food and great conversation. Register HERE!
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Middle School
Mission Trip
June 3-8
All 6th and 7th grade students are invited on the Middle School Mission Trip! From June 3-8, we are so excited to be partnering with TEAMeffort Missions in Alvin, about 45 minutes southeast of downtown Houston. Our main work projects will focus around hurricane disaster relief - bringing hope to a hurting community by rebuilding homes and helping families reestablish their lives. For more information and registration, click HERE.
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Here's What We're Learning In The Treehouse
May 13
Basic Truth: God made me.
Key Question: Who has a plan for you?
Bottom Line: God has a plan for me!
Memory Verse: “The plans of the Lord stand firm forever.” - Psalm 33:11
Bible story focus: I can trust God’s plan even when it’s hard.
Genesis 39-40 • Joseph in Jail |
High School
Mission Trip
June 24-29
All incoming 9th grade students – graduating seniors are invited on the High School Mission Trip! On June 24-29, we are heading to Corpus Christi. We will be partnering with Renewing Grace Together and First Presbyterian Church Corpus Christi. Our work projects will consist of many hurricane relief projects: anything from rebuilding homes, to flooring, framing, yard work, painting, drywalling, and more. For more information and registration, click HERE.
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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 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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Save The Date!
Vacation Bible School 2018
Livin’ Loud Lab…
Where God’s Love
Ignites a Chain Reaction
that Changes the World!
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VBS Needs You!
Are you ready for the best four days of the year? Grace welcomes more than 500 students to Vacation Bible School, and we need volunteers to make it happen! You can work Behind the Scenes, or go all in and be a Crew Leader to a group of children who want to know Jesus. Teen and adult volunteers are needed. The Livin’ Loud Lab opens June 11-14, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Visit gpch.org/vbs to register. For more information, contact Children’s Ministries (mcvejanovich@gpch.org; 713-267-5011).
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Every year, Vacation Bible School at Grace is blessed by very generous donations from our congregation! Pick up a list of supplies that Children’s Ministries needs for VBS next time you’re in the Narthex or at the reception desk in the Welcome Center. Your donation of any item will be GREATLY appreciated and help make Jesus visible to everyone this summer. You can drop donations off in the Welcome Center or in the Children’s Ministries offices on the second floor of Massey-Tucker Hall.
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Manna from Grace
Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m.,
Home of Linda Bell (713-787-9603)
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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Scholarships Awarded
The Grace Presbyterian Church Endowment Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the third year of scholarship awards from the Grace Church’s endowment funds. The board has awarded scholarships to four students attending Grace School and twenty-five students attending fourteen different US colleges and universities.The funds for these scholarships come from the General Endowment fund for Grace Church and the McKechnie Scholarship Fund. The scholarships are funded from the income produced by these two Endowment Funds, so funds available are totally dependent on the income produced from the two fund balances.
If you want to make a gift to the Grace Church General Endowment Fund to assist in building the capacity of the endowment to fund these scholarships and other needs of Grace Church outside of the annual operating budget, you may contact Hardie Morgan (hmorgan@gpch.org; 713-267-5028). The McKechnie Scholarship Fund is closed to new gifts, so all new gifts will need to be made to the General Endowment Fund.
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When Helping Hurts Seminar
You are invited to explore a different framework for thinking about poverty and its alleviation. Rather than simply defining it as a lack of material things, we will consider the roots of the issues: broken relationships with God, self, others, and the rest of creation. We will unpack the basic principles of poverty alleviation in an accessible way. We will meet for 6 consecutive Sunday mornings from May 13-June 17, followed by a dinner on Wednesday, June 20. The class will meet at 10:15 a.m. in the Massey-Tucker Hall, 3rd floor Conference room. Books will be provided. For more information, contact Chris French (cfrench@gpch.org; 713-267-5039). |
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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 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 (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 answered 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 the Molly Ann Smith building. This opportunity can help you take care of yourself. For more information, please contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
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