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A Little Thought
"Surprise"
How are you with surprises? The thought of being surprised is actually stressful for some. Knowing what to expect and when to expect it is important, and if that is altered by a surprise it raises their blood pressure. However, for others the thought of being surprised is exhilarating. For them, the unexpected is welcome and there is joy in the adventure.
It is hard to believe that this Sunday marks the beginning of the Advent season. The season of Advent is a time of year when we are filled with expectation, anticipation, and preparation for the arrival of the greatest Surprise in the history of the world. The Savior of the world was given to us in the form of a child. However, this Treasure is not a King Kong action figure but rather the King of Kings. This Treasure is not gold but rather the Gospel. This Treasure is not an iPad but rather IMMANUEL. This Treasure is not a gift card but rather a deep, rich, and abiding promise. This Priceless Treasure promises us that we are never alone—we are never without hope, or joy, or peace, or love.
Therefore, this Advent season I want to encourage you to put the surprise back into the season. Two suggestions for you to make this a reality: First, over the next several weeks allow the Reason for the Season to grab your attention more than the products for which you are shopping. In other words, expect the unexpected! Second, why not become adventurous this Advent season by participating in grabbing the attention of the world with the Good News of the Gospel? Surprise people with His love, joy, hope, and peace. Surprise people with your generosity. Allow yourself to be surprised.
Please join us at Grace during this season. You never know, you just may be surprised.
Peace,
Trey
- Dec. 3 | Grace Kids Musical, 9 & 11:15 a.m. (no Chapel service)
- Dec. 10, 17 | Normal Worship schedule
- Dec. 17 | Christmas 4 the City, 11:30 a.m. check-in and lunch begins
(continuous service); 1 p.m. work projects begin
- Dec. 18 | Christmas Concert, 7:30 p.m.
- Dec. 24 | Christmas Eve, Christmas Eve Services beginning at 3:00 p.m.
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You do NOT want to miss this Sunday, December 3, at Grace as Grace Kids Music presents “The Power of the King” at the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. worship services in
the Sanctuary!
It’s easy to get bogged down in the business of Christmas. But this year, our kindergarten through fifth grade performers, with the help of Pastor Trey, are reminding everyone that it’s time to “lighten up!” Get ready to Expect the Unexpected at this amazing performance!
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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
With Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday this year, Grace will not have the usual morning worship services since there will be several opportunities to worship and celebrate the Lord beginning at 3 p.m. We encourage you to instead spend your morning celebrating the Savior’s birth with family and/or friends. The hope is that together you will invest that time in making Jesus visible in extraordinary ways. Join us for worship on Sundays in December when ideas will be revealed for making Jesus visible by “surprising” someone unexpectedly with a blessing on Christmas Eve morning.
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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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Expect The Unexpected Surprise Wall
The sermon series for Advent and Christmas is “Expect the Unexpected…Bringing the Surprise Back into the Season.” Together the Grace family will explore ways to bring the surprise back into the season. There will be a Surprise Wall display in the narthex on December 3, 10, and 17. On that wall will be tags that will provide simple, meaningful ideas of ways to surprise someone with an unexpected blessing this Advent season. Please be encouraged to choose a “Surprise Tag” each week and commit to making Jesus visible “between Sundays” in unexpected ways. Share your stories on social media of how you are making Jesus visible in surprising, unexpected ways this season, with #expecttheunexpected.
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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 and visit our special tables for Core Communities, Joy to the World gift cards, and Kendleton Farms pecans.
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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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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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Sing For Six
You are invited 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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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, 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 theater 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 we cannot offer refunds for either of these events. The last day to register is Wednesday, December 13. To register, please visit: gpch.org/broomballandstarwars.
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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,
December 3
Bible Story:
Any Given Son...Day (God gave us Jesus) 1 John 4:9-11
Bottom Line:
Because God gave, I can give.
Memory Verse:
“Command the rich to do what is good. Tell them to be rich in doing good things. They must give freely. They must be willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:18, NIrV
Life App:
Generosity—Making someone’s day by giving something away.
Basic Truth:
I can trust God no matter what.
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Here's What We're Learning in Treehouse, December 3
Key question:
How do we know God loves us?
Bottom Line:
God gave us Jesus.
Memory Verse:
“God has given a son to us.” Isaiah 9:6
Bible Story:
The Angel and Mary
(Luke 1:26-33, 38, 46–49)
Story Focus:
God told us He would give us Jesus.
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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 Calvin Crest, a summer camp. 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 $500. 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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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 Bellerive Ice Rink (7300 Bellerive). The cost is $20. Register online: gpch.org/middleschoolbroomball.
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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 $1,500, or an entire house for $7,500.
- 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
Christmas 4 the City T-shirts will be available for purchase ($5) on Sundays in December in The Filling Station.
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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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Toy Donations
Grace is collecting toys for two groups this Christmas season. First, we are collecting for young guests who come to worship with Grace en Español at the annual La Posada event to remember Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging. And then, we are collecting for West Houston Assistance Ministry (WHAM) clients to have presents for their children. You may drop a new, unwrapped toy donation in bins located around the church between now and December 17.
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Post-Disaster Support Groups
As hurricane relief efforts continue, we recognize the effects of Harvey are not only on our physical belongings, but Harvey also impacted us psychologically and spiritually. In response, we are offering free post-disaster support groups led by gifted counselors for adults and children. For more information, please contact Becky Morris bmorris@gpch.org and 713-267-5091 or visit: gpch.org/postdisastersupportgroups.
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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
Sunday, December 3
Help collect food and other necessities 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 will directly benefit Kendleton Farms.
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Coats & Blankets
For Star of Hope
Please care for Houston’s homeless by helping them to stay warm outdoors during the winter months. You may bring clean, new or like-new coats and blankets to place in collection bins, which will be located around the church on Sundays in December.
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