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A Little Thought
"In His House"
While at some friends’ home recently, I noticed a sign hanging in their kitchen. The words painted on the sign said, “In Our House: We do second chances. We say prayers. We do I’m sorrys. We do loud really well. We give hugs. We do love. We are family.” What a wonderful reminder of “home.”
As I read those words, I couldn’t help but consider how they frame what it should be like in our Father’s house here at Grace. At the very core of who we are as followers of Jesus is the fact that we are recipients of God’s amazing grace—the ultimate expression of “second chances.” In response to His grace, we must continue to strive to be a people of prayer—praying for our family, our friends and even our enemies. Likewise, we must call upon the Lord to humble us in order that we can go to people we have hurt with our words or actions and say “I’m sorry.” Asking for and freely giving forgiveness is paramount for a healthy family.
The Word says, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs…Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100). In other words, my hope for us is that “we do loud really well.”
The other day, a church member met me with: “I do hugs really well.” I hope we will be a church that “gives hugs” simply because we truly care for one another. I hope our love for Jesus translates into how we love one another well. Admittedly we are a broken people, and we will not always get it right—but love covers a multitude of sins. How wonderful for people to say, when describing Grace, “They do love really well over there.”
Friends, as followers of Jesus Christ–as children of God–we are a family. We are not a perfect family—we have our issues, we have our disagreements, we will have our disappointments and we will let one another down. But also, we will serve together, we will laugh together and we will worship in His house together. Our lives have been interwoven by the grace of God in Jesus Christ. We are family!
Tomorrow, many of us will be with our friends and/or families, gathered around the table and giving thanks. Today I simply want to say how thankful I am for my Grace family. I hope and pray that your Thanksgiving is one to remember. But also, I hope you know that I am grateful for you, I pray for you, and I love you.
Remember, “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope to see you Sunday.
Peace,
Trey
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Sing For Six
We invite you to participate in the annual Christmas Festival Concert with choir, bells, and full orchestra on Monday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m. It is not too late to join us for the remaining weekly Wednesday night rehearsals. No Sunday morning singing is expected during this time. This opportunity is open to adults of all ages as well as high school students. For more information and a complete schedule, contact Jim Roman in the music office jroman@gpch.org or 713-267-5031.
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Christmas Festival Concert— Where Peace and Hope and Love Abide
Monday, December 18, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary
Daniel J. Fenn conducts the Grace Chancel Choir, Chancel Bells, soloists, organist Jim Roman, and the Festival Orchestra in the annual Christmas Festival Concert – the Music Ministry’s gift to the Grace family and our community. Come for a sonic blessing as we journey toward the peace that the Christ-child brings.
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Christmas Poinsettia Donations
Every Advent, the Grace Sanctuary is filled with poinsettias given in honor or in memory of someone. Now through December 11 you may purchase a poinsettia on the website: gpch.org/poinsettia. Donations that do not accompany the proper form cannot be guaranteed for inclusion in the Christmas Eve bulletin.
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An Opportunity to Make Jesus Visible
Is your time limited during the week? Why not consider making Jesus visible by serving as an usher during the church service you attend? Ushering is a great way to meet the people who worship with you, see the folks you haven't seen for a while, or just share your joy for being in worship. Men and women are invited to serve as ushers for any of the worship services. No experience necessary, we will train you. If you would like to help out or just find out what is required, please contact either Phil Grant philsgrant@aim.com or Harold Silver silver@txun.net.
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Stewardship
Although the official Stewardship season will commence January 21 through Commitment Sunday on February 4, please keep in mind that your generosity is important to Grace’s year-end giving.
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Mark Your Calendars For Christmas Eve at Grace
Christmas Eve Worship, December 24
3 p.m.
Children & Family Contemporary service and candle lighting in the Sanctuary
3 p.m.
Traditional service with Communion in the Founders’ Chapel
5 p.m.
Contemporary service with Communion and candle lighting in the Sanctuary
6 p.m.
Grace en Español service with Communion and candle lighting in the Founders’ Chapel
7 p.m.
Traditional service with Communion and candle lighting in the Sanctuary
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Foundations Sunday School Class
10:15 a.m., LC 207
We invite parents of young children to join us each Sunday! This class offers a balanced curriculum, rotating between studies of God's Word and studies more focused on marriage, family, and parenting issues.
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Starting Point—A New Class
Sunday, January 14, 6-8 pm, 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 available dkay@gpch.org. To RSVP or for more information contact Beth Craig bcraig@gpch.org; or 713-267-5012.
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THE SISTERHOOD at Grace Student Ministries
The Sisterhood is a place where high school girls can come as they are, be real and open with each other, have the opportunity to feel and know the love of Christ, and meet other young women who are trying to figure it all out too. Mark your calendars for the next event on December 4 from 7-8 p.m. Let’s meet at Ooh La La Dessert Boutique in Town and Country for a Sisterhood Monthly Hangout: No agenda. No homework. Just each other and a seriously delicious treat. For more information, please visit: gpch.org/ministries/students/high-school/the-sisterhood/ Questions? Contact Angie Williamson, awilliamson@gpch.org or 713-267-5083.
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High School and College Broomball and Star Wars!
Friday, December 15, 6:45 p.m., Cinemark Memorial City
We have a special event planned just for you! We rented out the Memorial City Ice Rink for broomball AND we bought 30 tickets to Star Wars: The Last Jedi. We’ll head to Cinemark Memorial City for the 7:15 p.m. showing and then head to the ice rink for broomball at 10:15 p.m. If you are attending the movie, please meet at the theatre at 6:45 p.m. We will pass out tickets then!
The cost for a Star Wars: The Last Jedi ticket is $12. The cost for broomball is $10. We regret that cannot offer any refunds for either of these events. The last day to register is Wednesday, December 13. To register, please visit: gpch.org/broomballandstarwars.
Please make sure that you have a 2017-2018 Grace Waiver Form on file with us.
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Middle School Broomball
Friday, December 1, 10 p.m.-12:00 a.m., Bellerive Ice Rink
All Middle School students and their friends are invited to Broomball on Friday, December 1. We will meet at the Ice Rink (7300 Bellerive). The cost is $20. Register online: gpch.org/middleschoolbroomball.
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Women of Grace—Star of Bethlehem Lunch
Monday, December 11 at 11 a.m. (10:45 a.m. sign-in), Church Library
Join us for a Christmas celebration featuring seasonal music by Grace organist, James Roman and his wife, Grace. We’ll enjoy readings of Christmas poetry authored by Grace member, Katherine Swarts. In keeping with the Advent theme, we can “expect the unexpected” with a surprise storyteller! Luncheon tables will shine with the lights of Christmas and conversations will sparkle, too! Plan now to make “Star of Bethlehem” a shining part of your Christmas celebration! Make your reservations with your circle, at The Filling Station on Sunday mornings, or by registering at: gpch.org/WGChristmas no later than Monday, December 4. Cost of the luncheon is $8. Email: dkay@gpch.org by Monday, December 4 for complimentary childcare.
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Join The Children's Ministries Team!
Children’s Ministries needs just 2 more volunteer leaders to complete our team for elementary kids on Sunday mornings! If you’re feeling God nudge you to share His love with these young disciples, please contact Lisa Ann Henkel lhenkel@gpch.org,
or 713-267-5015.
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Here's What We're Learning In The Backyard,
November 26
Bible Story:
Gratitude Is with You . . . Always (Give thanks no matter what)
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Bottom Line:
Always be grateful.
Memory Verse:
“Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank him because you believe in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIrV
Life App:
Gratitude—letting others know you see how they’ve helped you.
Basic Truth:
I can trust God no matter what.
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Here's What We're Learning in Treehouse, November 26
Basic Truth:
God made me.
Key Question:
Who can you thank for everything?
Bottom Line:
I can thank God for everything.
Memory Verse:
“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart.” Psalm 111:1
Bible Story Focus:
I am thankful God gives me what I need. The Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23)
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Grace Recreational Basketball Registration Open
Online Registration November 6-24
Grace Recreational Sports League participates in the WHCSA-West Houston Christian Sports Association. This league was created to provide the opportunity for the youth in our community to participate in team sports within a positive Christian environment. Coaches are volunteers and will promote self-esteem, fun and friendship while teaching the fundamentals of the sport. The league does not keep standings or have playoffs. Teams are open to girls and boys Kindergarten through 5th grade. Practices are once a week with games on Saturdays. To register, please visit: gpch.org/recsports.
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Confirmation Registration Now Open
Registration for Confirmation 2018 is now open! This class is designed for 8th grade students who are ready to claim their faith as their own. We’ll meet on Sundays starting January 7 through May 6. We will meet in Massey-Tucker 207 from 5-6:30 p.m. Register here: gpch.org/ministries/students/confirmation
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High School Spring
Break Trip
March 10-17, 2018
Yosemite National Park, here we come! High School Ministries is heading to California for Spring Break 2018. We’ll leave Houston on Saturday, March 10, and be back on Saturday, March 17. We will be partnering with a Presbyterian Conference Center and Summer Camp called Calvin Crest. Their mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ, practice biblical hospitality, invite people to experience and know God’s creation, and partner with peacemakers to bring health and wholeness. Find out more at www.calvincrest.com. This once-in-a-lifetime trip is only $500, what a steal! A non-refundable deposit of $100 is due at registration. All forms and payments MUST be turned in by February 15, 2018. THERE ARE ONLY 19 STUDENT SPOTS AVAILABLE! The cost for this trip includes transportation, housing, most meals, T-shirt, park entrance fees and tickets, and ministry supplies. Questions? Please email Angie Williamson: awilliamson@gpch.org. Please register at: gpch.org/hsspringbreaktrip2018.
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Core Communities 2018 Registration Now Open
CORE Communities are the primary way we CONNECT with OTHERS in authentic gospel-centered community. These RELATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS are vital to living a life that makes Jesus visible daily. These small gathering of people cultivate a relationship with Christ and others. Please visit Christmas in the Courtyard on December 3, 10, and 17 or gpch.org/cc to learn more and register.
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Christmas 4 The City and Around the World
Sunday, December 17, 11:30 a.m. check-in and lunch; 1 p.m. work projects begin
Join us for the 2nd annual Grace 4 the City project. This year, Grace will partner with Houston Habitat for Humanity and Rise Against Hunger. Together we will build walls for Habitat homes for four Houston families and package 15,000 meals for people around the world. There will be a project for everyone, all ages and skill levels.
- Children ages 4-11 will package meals for Rise Against Hunger and write prayers on the Habitat boards.
- Adults and students age 12 and older will work on the home build, package meals, or help sew curtains for the homes.
- Adults may serve on a hospitality team to serve snacks and beverages to all of our volunteers.
- Crew Leaders (ages 12 and up) are needed to help lead children's activities.
Note: Child care will be available for ages 3 and under. Please select this option during the online registration process.
Also, Grace will have the opportunity to unite around the following challenges:
SUPPORT: Your financial support of this $36,000 project will help to provide homes for families across the city and meals for families around the world. You may give online or with a check made payable to Grace (it is important to note “Christmas 4 the City” on the memo line).
- Walls for four houses: Single boards for $25, a room for $1500, or an entire house for $7500.
- 15,000+ meals: 100 meals for $30, 1,000 meals for $300, or 3,000 meals for $900.
SERVE: On December 17, join us for worship wearing your work attire so that together we can begin the work projects following lunch. Registration is mandatory. Please visit gpch.org/grace4thecity the website.
Christmas 4 the City T-shirts will be available for purchase ($5) on Sundays in December in The Filling Station.
Registration for on-site work is mandatory and opens online on Monday, November 6. Please visit gpch.org/grace4thecity.
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Christmas Shopping at Brookwood
Grace has had a long-time partnership with Brookwood, a day and residential community in Brookshire for disabled adults. Part of their support comes from the sale of items handcrafted by the residents. There is a "satellite" location opened in City Centre (Town & Country) near the Tollway, just down from Fleming's Restaurant. The store has many great things from signature dressings and sauces used in their cafe to jewelry and gift items and, of course, the handmade crafts. This is an amazing place to do some of your Christmas shopping!
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Christmas In the Courtyard
December 3, 10, 17
Join us anytime from 8:30-11:30 a.m. to celebrate the season with Christmas in the Grace Courtyard, complete with a hot chocolate bar and cookies. Be sure to visit our special tables for Core Communities, Joy to the World Gift Cards, and Kendleton Farms pecans.
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Joy To The World Gift
Card Market
We love our mission partners and missionaries AND we love giving gifts to people at Christmas. This year we can do both at the same time at the first-ever Joy to the World Gift Card Market! You can purchase a gift card at Grace on December 3, 10, and 17 at Christmas in the Courtyard or on the church website anytime beginning December 3. Put the recipient of your generosity in the driver’s seat to redeem the gift card online with any of our 18 different missionaries and mission partners. Your unique gift enables the recipient to choose something they feel passionate about to receive the ultimate blessing! For more information, contact Becca Lehde blehde@gpch.org or 713-267-5013.
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Cole Knight Scholarship
The Cole Knight Missions Scholarship Fund was created as a tangible way to carry on Cole’s mission - to help pave the way for individuals who display that same servant heart and passion for serving God through serving others. Each year the Scholarship Fund helps recipients cover the cost of their participation in Grace Student Ministries mission trips.
If you would like to nominate a student for this scholarship, please complete the form and return it to Monica Cvejanovich in the Family Ministries department by January 15, 2018.
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Wham Food Drive
December 3
Help collect food and other necessity items for WHAM (West Houston Assistance Ministry) the first Sunday of every month. 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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Kendleton Farms Gourment Nuts & Decorative Candles
Grace believes our partnership with Elijah Rising’s Kendleton Farms is important. Kendleton Farms is a community for women recovering from human trafficking. You can participate in their recovery and make an impact by purchasing a variety of gourmet nuts and decorative candles to give to friends and families for the holidays. These items will be available for purchase December 3, 10 and 17 at Grace’s Christmas in the Courtyard. All proceeds go directly to Kendleton Farms.
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