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Significant
Charles Swindoll, in his book Hope Again, writes, “Possessions of the powerful, or famous, no matter how common, can become extremely valuable, even priceless. Napoleon’s toothbrush sold for $21,000. Can you imagine paying thousands of dollars for someone's cruddy old toothbrush? Hitler’s car sold for over $50,000. Winston Churchill’s desk, a pipe owned by C. S. Lewis, sheet music handwritten by Beethoven, a house once owned by Ernest Hemingway—all were sold at many times their intrinsic value. At one auction for Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s personal belongings, her fake pearls sold for $211,500 and JFK’s wood golf clubs went for $772,500. Not because the items themselves were worthy but because they once belonged to someone significant.”
I am not sure I could even GIVE my golf clubs away!
Significant means, “sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; noteworthy.”
It seems to me that each of us has a longing to be significant. So much so, we often base our self-worth on what others think about us. We long to be noticed, heard, appreciated, and wanted. Thus, the reality is that some of us will pay a high price to obtain something that once belonged to someone famous.
Recently, I asked a friend, “How are you doing today?” He replied, “Living the dream!” I am sure you have heard that response before, in fact, perhaps you have even said it yourself. I know I have. However, there are times when I am feeling quite the opposite.
When facing discouragement, perceived failure, suffering, or disappointment it seems that finding hope in the midst of it is the hardest thing in the world to do. Can we dare to hope no matter where we are? Can we dare to hope no matter what we face? Can we dare to hope no matter what others may think or say about us?
Friends, we can have HOPE in all situations because we are significant in the eyes of the Lord.
Paul reminds us, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1: 18-19).
This Memorial Day weekend, as we remember the significant price that has been paid for our freedom, may we also remember that Jesus’ sacrifice for us is truly priceless.
James Dean once said, “Dream like you’ll live forever and live like you’ll die tomorrow.”
How will your significance in Christ compel you to do both?
I hope to see you this Sunday.
Peace, Trey |
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Ready Update!
We are getting READY to roll! As a matter of fact, you will begin to see some changes as we begin preparing for upcoming construction around our campus. You’ll notice some of our furnishings are being shared, repurposed, and re-blessed. As the summer begins, it is exciting to see our campus being READIED to be a more welcoming place and more relevant space to make Jesus visible. #ReadyChurchReadyPeople
You may have noticed a portion of the brick wall in the library courtyard has come down to make way for the construction on our new Sanctuary roof. We’ll see that work begin on May 22. We have saved about 200 bricks, and they are available if you want 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
May 25
Basic Truth: God made me.
Key Question: Who helps you do big things?
Bottom Line: God helps me do big things!
Memory Verse: “We have the Lord our God to help us.” • 2 Chronicles 32:8
Bible Story Focus: God helps me do brave things. (David and Goliath) • 1 Samuel 17:1-50
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Here's What We're Learning In The Backyard
May 25
Bible Story: Learning to Fly (Fix Your Eyes on Jesus) • Hebrews 12:2-3
Bottom Line: Keep going because of what Jesus did for you.
Memory Verse: But those who trust in the Lord will receive new strength. They will fly as high as eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not grow weak. • Isaiah 40:31 (NIrV)
Life App: Perseverance—Refusing to give up when life gets hard
Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what. |
VBS 2019
Registration for Kids
We have 550 kids registered so far with 17 days left until VBS! If you haven't registered your kids, please do it NOW. Sign up by clicking HERE.
Volunteers Needed
We appreciate everyone who has volunteered for VBS so far. We still need 30 adult Crew Leaders and 50 Teen Helpers. Please register at HERE under Adult Volunteers or Teen Volunteers. Seventh through twelfth graders can receive service hours for their time at VBS. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015).
Online Wish List
WOW! We have been overwhelmed with your generosity! We didn't know what to expect from using an Amazon Wish List for VBS supplies, but you have stepped up and shopped! Thank you!
Because we're expecting a completely FULL VBS, we're adding supplies to match our higher registration numbers! You can help by providing many of the snack ingredients and craft materials that we need for 600+ kids. Each week, we're adding new items so check back often. Please click HERE.
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! |
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 our women’s bible studies: Faithful, Abundant, True by Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shirer & Beth Moore and Proven by Jennie Allen. Both will begin at 9:30 a.m. on June 18. |
Summer College-Age Sunday School
Sunday, May 19, 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. |
Triumph Sports Camps
For more information about the camps Triumph Sports will offer July 8-11, click HERE. Sign up now if you're interested! |
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). |
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Meet Nancy Bailey
Nancy joins the Grace staff family as our Mobilization Specialist, which will include serving as the Director of Friends of Westchase. She looks forward to inspiring and inviting the congregation to connect with our Westchase community through meaningful partnerships and development programs that will help serve those who need it most in our area. She is passionate about Christ-centered service and community development. She is thrilled to shift her career to focus on these activities. For the last eight years she has worked in communications and public affairs at Coca-Cola in Houston and Washington, D.C. Prior to that she worked at a public affairs agency in D.C. running state and local issue campaigns across the country.
Originally from Greensboro, NC, she moved to Houston with her husband, Caldwell, six years ago after living in D.C. for almost 10 years. They moved into Walnut Bend, and joined Grace Presbyterian Church, about three years ago. Nancy graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in Communications. And of course she is a Tarheels fan forever!
Most of her personal time is spent with her two young sons, Carter (5) and Charlie (3), who both attend school at Grace. They keep her busy always! She loves getting outdoors as much as she can and traveling to catch up with her college friends or to visit the beach in North Carolina.
Over the past year, she has enjoyed serving as a mentor at Paul Revere Middle School through Grace, and we are delighted that she is stepping into this new staff position. Please welcome her today. |
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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, please contact Paul Mancillas (paulmancillas@gmail.com; 832-260-8329). To register, please click HERE.
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Become a Mentor & Impact the Life of a Middle School Student Forever!
For the past seven years, Grace Presbyterian Church has partnered with Paul Revere Middle School to provide adults the opportunity to mentor students. Mentoring, at its core, guarantees students that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with daily challenges, and reminds students that they matter. Research confirms that mentoring has a powerful positive effect on students personally, academically, and on their future dreams. Signing up involves three easy steps: filling out an application, completing a background check, and having a placement conversation. For more information or to speak to a member of the leadership team, please click HERE .
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Looking Ahead in 2019… SAVE the DATE!
June 9, One Worship Service at 10 a.m.
June 10-13, Vacation Bible School
June 30, Encore Trip
July 8-11, Triumph Sports Camps at Grace
July 13, Grace Day at Houston Food Bank
July 21, Graduated High School Senior Commissioning Dinner
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