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Shine On
Have you ever been afraid of the dark? I have, and I can remember it was not fun. As a young child I would be scared in the dark of night, often at the time I was supposed to be quiet in my room. Instead, I would shout out to my mother to turn on a light. Something about that little night light shining through the crack of the door provided me with comfort.
It is interesting that people don’t ask if we have ever been afraid of the light. In fact, it seems like a senseless question. Perhaps there are some who would say that certain light hurts their eyes or others who may just prefer a dimly lit room. But has anyone ever been afraid of the light?
Consider the apostle Paul’s words, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord” (Ephesians 5: 8-10).
Notice that Paul didn’t say, “You are PART of the light.” Nor did he say, “You are light only during the month of May.” Nor did he say, “You are light on Sundays only.” Instead he said, “You are light in the Lord.” In other words, to be in Christ is to be in the Light, and to be in the Light is to shine in the world around us. To be in the Light is to be transformed from the darkness of sin and to live, walk, talk, give, serve, pray, and play in freedom and joy.
So, I ask you again: Are you afraid of the Light?
Friends, Jesus longs to wrap His arms around you and provide you with His peace that surpasses all human understanding. Jesus desires to hear you cry to Him for His comfort. He is ready to meet you right where you are and guide your life. You do not need to be afraid of the Light.
I read a great quote this week from C. S. Lewis. He said, “Don’t shine so others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see Him.”
Shine on, Grace — shine on!
I hope to see you Sunday.
Peace, Trey |
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Ready Update!
We are READY TO ROLL! Check out these snapshots of our new Sanctuary roof being replaced. Did you know this team will be replacing approximately 90,000 square feet of roofing on our campus? We anticpate this process will be completed by early July. (insert pics).
Next in line for READYING our campus is the renovation of the McKechnie Room in Massey-Tucker Hall. Then, construction of a new Porte Cochere and covered walkway on the south side of campus will begin immediately after Vacation Bible School in June.
Meanwhile, around the Grace campus, you will see many changes as we begin preparing for more construction. Grace has blessed many by sharing furnishings that will be replaced during renovation/construction. The furnishings that we have enjoyed for so many years will “live on” in places like Pines Presbyterian Church, Grand Lakes Presbyterian Church, Crosspoint Community Church, and in the homes of a handful of individuals in need.
Our Church Library also has been READIED for construction this week! This past Sunday, members of the Grace family selected books for their personal libraries. Theological books were incorporated into a library on the third floor of Massey-Tucker Hall. Hundreds of adult books were packed for Books to Development and will travel to Kenya next week. Many children’s books were donated this week to the Houston Housing Authority.
Finally, you may have noticed a portion of the brick wall in the library courtyard has come down to make way for the construction of our new Sanctuary roof. We have saved about 200 bricks, and they are available if you want a keepsake. Contact Hardie Morgan for a brick (hmorgan@gpch.org; 713-267-5028). |
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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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Here's What We're Learning In The TreeHouse
June 2: VBS Preview Sunday
Theme: LEVEL UP!
Tagline: How are YOU gonna play the game?
Bible Story: The Book of Daniel
Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Key Question: Who gives you the power to do everything?
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Here's What We're Learning In The Backyard
June 2: VBS Preview Sunday
Theme: LEVEL UP!
Tagline: How are YOU gonna play the game?
Bible Story: The Book of Daniel
Memory Verse: Don't live the way this world lives. Let your way of thinking be completely changed. Then you will be able to test what God wants for you. And you will agree that what He wants is right. His plan is good and pleasing and perfect. • Romans 12:2 (NIrV)
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Sundae Fundaes
Sundays, June 2 - July 21, 6-8 p.m.
*Will not meet June 23 or July 7.
All middle and high school students are invited to join us for fun, games, fellowship, and ice cream! This weekly gathering is an opportunity for students to stay connected and deepen their friendships with each other and the staff. We hope to see you there! |
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! |
Student Ministries
Disciples in Growth (DIG)
Summer Bible Studies
We have Bible study opportunities for middle and high school students this summer. This is a great opportunity for students to dig into scripture, deepen friendships, and learn to stay rooted in their faith. For more information, email Lindsey McDonald (lmcdonald@gpch.org).
- Middle School Guys: Starts June 5
Every other Wednesday 1:30-3 p.m. Meets in Massey Tucker 207
- Middle School Girls: Starts June 5
Every other Wednesday 1:30-3 p.m. Meets @ Tree House, 14008 Memorial Dr.
- Incoming Freshman Girls: Starts June 4
Tuesdays 6-8 p.m. Meets @ La Madeleine in Town & Country
- High School Guys: Starts June 4
Tuesdays 6-8 p.m. Meets @ the Henkel home, 13722 Queensbury Ln
- High School Girls: Starts June 3 with Movie & Sundaes 6-9 p.m.
Times will vary; please email for info. Meets @ the Frazelle home, 14538 Bramblewood
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VBS Volunteers Needed to Crew Kids
We need 30 more adult volunteers and 50 more teen volunteers to make VBS a success for the more than 595 kids already signed up! Please consider being a Crew Leader to guide a group of kids through snacks, games, crafts, Bible Adventure, and worship in the sanctuary. Sign up by clicking HERE.
If you haven't registered your kids to come or yourself as a volunteer, please do it NOW. Teen volunteers (seventh grade and older) can receive Volunteer Service Hours. Sign up by clicking HERE.
VBS Online Wish List (insert logo graphic)
We have added new items to the VBS Amazon Wish List so check back often. We currently need to complete our gluten-free snack ingredient supply. Please click HERE. Thank you to everyone who has already donated!
Volunteers Retreat Donations
Please help us stock our Volunteer Retreat with your donations of 8-oz water bottles, 2-liter soft drinks, chips & dips, snacks and homemade treats. Non-perishables can be dropped off at the receptionist desk in the Welcome Center anytime from now to June 9. Freshly made goodies can be delivered to the table outside the kitchen each day of VBS, June 10-13.
VBS CDs & T-Shirts On Sale NOW
Grab one this Sunday in the church library for just $10 for CDs and $15 for T-shirts! You can also stop by our offices in Massey-Tucker 206 if you can't wait! |
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). |
Student Ministries Town Hall Parent Meeting
Sunday, June 2, 10:15 a.m., Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall, Room B & C
We invite parents of rising 6th-12th graders to join Trey for a Town Hall meeting during which he will share updates regarding our Student Ministries staff and programs. |
Student Ministries Staff Update
Our Director of Student Ministries, Matt Davis, has accepted a position with Bayou City Fellowship Church where he will serve as an associate pastor of discipleship for children, students, college-age and young adults. Truly, though, while it is a disappointment to see him go, we can celebrate that Matt’s new chapter of ministry. The good news is that Matt will be staying with us through June 30.
More good news is that the Lord has provided an experienced person to fill Matt's role on an interim basis. Dorothy Hobbs will be joining the staff on Tuesday, May 28.
Dorothy is no stranger to the Grace Church family. She and her husband, Steve, have been members since 1987. Their adult children, Heath and Haley, were active in the children and youth ministries programs throughout their formative years. Moreover, Dorothy served as an Elder for six years and on the Grace staff two previous times, first as the Director of Recreational Ministries and later as the Director of Student Ministries. Recently, she retired from neighboring Pines Presbyterian Church where she served as the Director of the Preschool/Kindergarten for 10 years. No doubt, Dorothy is prepared to hit the ground running. The Lord has provided just the right person at just the right time.
A team from our congregation will be assembled soon to begin a staff search to rebuild the student ministries team, swiftly and with discernment. In the meantime, in addition to an experienced interim director that we will have in Dorothy, there are the existing staff who already know and love our students, fabulous summer interns in Daniel Baudin and Audrey Prisk, and the Connect strategy team, all of whom will undergird student ministries in this season of transition. |
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. |
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. Things will kick off May 19 with a brunch and hang-out time to catch up with one another. Weekly Sunday classes will begin on May 26 and continue through the summer. Graduating seniors are encouraged to join as well! For more information, contact Matt Davis (mdavis@gpch.org; 713-267-8704) |
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. |
Scholarships Awarded
The Grace Presbyterian Church Endowment Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the fourth year of scholarship awards from the Grace Church’s endowment funds. The board has awarded scholarships to three students attending Grace School, four attending private Houston high schools and twenty-eight students attending fourteen different U.S. colleges and universities. The funds for these scholarships come from the General Endowment Fund for Grace Church and the David G. 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 at the church office. 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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WHAM Food Drive
Sunday, June 2
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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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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Looking Ahead in 2019… SAVE the DATE!
June 2, WHAM Food Drive
June 2, Student Ministries Town Hall Parent Meeting, 10:15 a.m.
June 9, ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
June 10-13, Vacation Bible School
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
Oct 6, World Communion Sunday, ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
Nov 4, Grace Golf Tournament at Pine Forest Country Club
Dec 8, Grace at 50 Anniversary Celebration, ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
Dec 15, Grace Kids Musical & Christmas for the City Habitat Build - ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
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