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Countdown
A story is told of Tom Ervin, Professor of Music at the University of Arizona, who was attending a conference for music teachers in New York. While at the conference he purchased a talking metronome — a device for counting the beats in a song. Before Tom and his son boarded their flight home, Tom lifted his carry-on bag onto the security-check conveyor belt.
The security guard's eyes widened as he watched the monitor. Then the guard slowly pulled out of the bag this strange looking device, a six-by-three-inch black box covered with dials and switches. Other travelers, sensing trouble, vacated the area.
“It's a metronome," Tom replied—his son cringing in embarrassment. “Actually, it’s a talking metronome," Tom insisted. He said, “Look, I'll show you." He took the box and flipped a switch, and then — “One . . . two . . . three . . . four," said the metronome in perfect time. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
As they gathered their belongings, Tom's son whispered, “Aren't you glad it didn't go 'four . . . three . . . two . . . one . . . '?" (From a sermon delivered by King Duncan)
This is the week that we begin the “countdown.” We start counting down the days of 2018 in great anticipation of a Happy New Year. However, have you ever wondered why we do this? Why do we view the end of the “old year” as such a catalyst for what is to come? Imagine if we had the same anticipation for every “new” day as we have for every approaching New Year.
As someone once said, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
Someone once said, “What the New Year brings us will depend a great deal on what we bring to the New Year.”
Therefore, as we close out 2018, I want to ask you to consider three things as you step into 2019:
First, be intentional with each day in 2019. Choose to look for the good in others. Choose to count your blessings rather than your challenges. Choose to give more than you strive to receive. Choose to set aside a portion of each day to be still and know that He is God.
Second, bring something into each new day. Bring a positive attitude. Bring an encouraging word to at least one person each day. Bring a helping hand to an unsuspecting recipient. Bring less of you and more of Him each day.
Finally, don’t wait until tomorrow. Don’t wait to tell your children you love them. Don’t wait to read your Bible. Don’t wait to pray for your friend. Don’t wait for the other person to apologize. Don’t wait to get help. Don’t wait to say, “Thank You.” Don’t wait to be selfish for your soul.
Friends, no doubt, the countdown is on — the question is, will this New Year be any different for you? Your choice!
Happy New Day!
Peace, Trey |
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Mark Your Calendars for Christmas Eve at Grace
Christmas Eve Worship, December 24
- 3 p.m. Kids' Christmas Celebration: A Not-So-Silent Night! service
in the Sanctuary
- 3 p.m. Traditional service with Communion in the Founders’ Chapel
- 5 p.m. Contemporary service with candle lighting in the Sanctuary
- 7 p.m. Grace en Español service with Communion and candle lighting
in the Founders’ Chapel
- 7 p.m. Traditional service with candle lighting in the Sanctuary
December 30 Worship - One Service at 10 a.m.
Our worship service on December 30 will feature Christmas carols led by the Chancel Choir accompanied by the group Jazz Sunday, a Houston-based jazz combo. Sunday School classes will not meet this day. Child care is available for children ages newborn through kindergarten.
Note: Grace en Espanol will worship on Sunday, December 30 at 11:15 a.m.
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Surprise Wall
The sermon series for Advent and Christmas is “While We Wait.” Together, the Grace family will explore ways to prepare for the promise of this season while we wait for the birth of our Savior. There will be a Surprise Wall display in the narthex through December 23. On that wall are tags that provide simple, meaningful ideas of ways to surprise someone with an unexpected blessing this Advent season. Please be encouraged to choose a “Surprise Tag” and commit to making Jesus visible while we are waiting for Christmas. Share your stories on social media of how you are making Jesus visible in the waiting days of Advent with #whilewewait.
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Christmas in the Courtyard
December 23 (8:30-11:30 a.m)
Join us to celebrate the season with Christmas in the Grace Courtyard, complete with a hot chocolate bar and cookies, and opportunities to support Kendleton Farms/Elijah Rising (pecans and decorative candles), the Guatemala School Project, and the Grace Girls High School in Kenya.
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Stewardship
Although the official Stewardship season will commence January 27 through Commitment Sunday on February 10, please keep in mind that your generosity is important to Grace’s year-end giving.
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Starting Point Class
January 27, 6 p.m.,
Massey-Tucker Hall, Room 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 starting point.
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 (dkay@gpch.org). To RSVP or for more information, contact Beth Craig (bcraig@gpch.org; 713-267-5012). |
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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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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Here's What We're Learning in The
TreeHouse
December 23
Basic Truth: Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
Key Question: Why is Jesus special?
Bottom Line: Jesus is God’s Son.
Memory Verse: “God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son.” • John 3:16
Bible Story Focus: Happy Birthday Jesus!
The Christmas Story • Luke 1:26-33, 38, 46; 2:1-18 |
Save the Date! VBS 2019
June 10-13, 2019
This year our theme is LEVEL UP!... How are YOU gonna play the game? Mark your calendars now for the best week of the summer! |
Preschool Family Experience: The Market
Friday, January 11, 2019, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Children’s Ministries invites all preschoolers and their families to "The Market” on Friday, January 11, 2019. Come to this special night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Massey-Tucker Hall and The TreeHouse to hear a great story, participate in fun, hands-on activities, shop with “Ollie Dollars” and MORE all while learning about how everyone needs Jesus. Register HERE. |
Confirmation 2019
January 6-May 12, 2019
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Learning Center, Room 206
We will utilize Scripture and the Church Creeds to guide students through the story of God and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and a member of His church. Each student will come to understand the scope of the narrative of Scripture, write a personal Story of Faith, and answer the 40 Questions of Faith from their Catechism journal. The class will be led by The Rev. Chad Erb and the Student Ministries staff: Lindsey McDonald, Reed Brentlinger, Angie Williamson, and Matt Davis. Upon successful completion of the class, your student will become a full member of Grace Presbyterian Church. For more information and registration, please click HERE. |
Inspire! Spring Bible Study
Registration Open Now
The Christmas season is rich with opportunities to learn how God's relentless love for us gave us the perfect gift. Women’s Ministries members encourage you to slow down this season and ponder the Greatest Gift of All: Immanuel — God with Us — Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. We also look forward to sharing more of God’s great love story in 2019. So, mark your calendars and sign up HERE for our women’s bible studies that will start in January. Until then, our prayer is that the hope, love, joy and peace of Christmas will surround you, and you will be the light that brings this Good News to those who need to hear it. |
Children's Ministries Events:
- Dec. 23 – The Backyard and TreeHouse Sunday School Pajama Party
- Dec. 24 — Kids' Christmas Celebration: A Not-So-Silent Night! worship at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary
- Jan. 11 – Preschool Family Experience: The Market
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College Ministry
The Bridges Sunday School class is now coordinating our college ministries events throughout the year. If you have a college-aged child, please contact Carey Dow (careydow@me.com; 713-822-3981) to make sure that we have their contact information so that we can let them know when events are planned. |
Here's What We're Learning in The
Backyard
December 23
Bible Story: Start Spreading the Good News (Jesus is Born) • Luke 2:1-20
Bottom Lines: God gave us the greatest gift. AND Share the good news about Jesus.
Memory Verse: “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.” • John 3:16 (NIrV)
Life App: Compassion—Caring enough to do something about someone else’s need
Basic Truth: I should treat others the way I want to be treated. |
High School
Spring Break Ski Trip
March 9-15, 2019
Grab your mittens and beanie, dust off your snow boots, and wash your long-johns because we are going skiing! We are excited to announce that Grace’s High School Ministry is headed to Monarch Mountain in beautiful Colorado for Spring Break. For more detailed information, please click HERE. A $200 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration. Registration closes January 15, 2019. For more information, please contact Matt Davis (mdavis@gpch.org; 713-267-8704). |
Student Ministries
Summer Mission Trip
Parent Information Meeting
Sunday, January 13, 2019, 12:15-1 p.m.,
Massey-Tucker Rm. 207
All middle school and high school parents are invited to hear about this year's Student Ministries mission trip. We will announce the location, as well as discuss accommodations, type of work and activities, cost and funding, and other important information. Whether you are certain your student will attend the mission trip or not, you do not want to miss this important meeting! |
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While We Wait | Blessing Opportunities
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West Houston Assistance Ministries Collection
Provide Christmas Meals
Donate food items or $25 HEB or Kroger gift cards. Families in need will receive a gift card plus all the fixings to accompany the main dish they will purchase with the gift card. Please donate: canned vegetables, canned fruit and yams, potatoes or stuffing mix, broth, canned fruit pie fillings, cake mix and icing, canned or dry gravy mix.
Donate New Warm Blankets
for the Homeless
Provide a nice warm blanket (fleece, flannel, or cotton) to be shared with the homeless this holiday season.
Blankets and food donations can be dropped off at WHAM’s main entrance that faces Meadowglen (10501 Meadowglen Lane, Houston 77042). Please ring the doorbell if the attendant isn't there, and ask for Sonya Scott or Kim Hill. For additional information, please contact Judy Dewey (judydewey@att.net; 713-502-1945).
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California Wildfire Response -
Donate Gift Cards Extended to January 20
Please donate gift cards (Target, Walmart or general VISA gift card) to the people of California. Let us join together to offer hope and encouragement to those navigating the destruction and loss from the current raging California wildfires covering over 150,000 acres. Grace Presbyterian will make sure donated cards are distributed by a local church to people in the impacted areas. Please drop off gift cards on Sunday mornings at the Welcome Center in the Sanctuary foyer or at the receptionist desk during the week. For questions, please contact Karen Anderson (karenanderson10@aol.com; 281-989-3812). |
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Star of Hope Drive
for Cases of Water - Please Help Us Reach Our Goal
December 23 is our LAST Sunday!
Star of Hope’s supply of water bottles to be handed out to the homeless is extremely low. To meet this need, Star of Hope has asked Grace to collect cases of water bottles for Christmas. Please bring a case of 24 twelve-once water bottles to be dropped off in the courtyard on Sundays or inside Massey-Tucker Hall now through Sunday. Please help us reach our goal of 84 cases. For more information, contact Chris French (cfrench@gpch.org; 713-267-5039).
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The Santa Tree is Back
Share the joy of Christmas by simply sending a card. There is a small tree adorned with lights and Christmas labels in the Sanctuary Lobby. On each label, there is the name and address of members who would be blessed by receiving a call or a card during the Christmas season. We invite you to make Jesus visible by sharing the love this Christmas. |
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Mission Trip Opportunity: Haiti with Living Water International
Grace is excited to send two teams to Northern Haiti in 2019. Team One will travel February 10-16 and Team Two will go March 24-30. Each team will drill a clean water well, lead hygiene and sanitation classes and share the gospel with the local community. For more information, answers to commonly asked questions, and to watch a video about the need for clean water in Haiti, please click HERE. |
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Post-Harvey
Home Blessings
As they move back into their restored homes or relocate to different permanent homes, flooded families may request a team of Grace members to offer prayers of blessing. We have created a "walk-through" prayer pamphlet that the blessing team uses from the front door throughout the home to pray a hedge of protection and God's glorification in this journey.
You may request a home blessing by completing this form. Denise Phelps will contact you to schedule a blessing time and put together a team.
If you would like to be a part of a home blessing prayer team, you can volunteer by completing this form. It offers options for the days, times of day, and zip code where you might be a blessing to our flooded families. We will be in touch with you when an opportunity arises that meets with your availability.
We remain committed to walk alongside families still recovering from the aftermath of Harvey. Prayers continue to be lifted for continued healing, restoration, and rebuilding.
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Stephen Ministry: Get in on the Action
Would you like to be part of a ministry that makes a real difference in others’ lives when they need it most? Consider becoming a Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who provide one-on-one caring ministry to people experiencing grief, divorce, loneliness, job loss, hospitalization and many other life difficulties. Stephen Minister training equips you to do an excellent job as a Stephen Minister as well as to improve the quality of all your own relationships. Once equipped, Stephen Ministers are prayerfully matched with people going through a stressful time or life difficulty. A Stephen Minister meets with this person once a week for about an hour to listen, care, encourage and pray. If you want to learn more about how to become a Stephen Minister, call Susan Jernigan at 713-582-3332 or Denise Phelps (dphelps@gpch.org; 713-267-5063).
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Looking Ahead in 2018… SAVE the DATE!
December 24, Christmas Eve Services:
• 3 p.m. Traditional worship with Communion in The Founders’ Chapel
• 3 p.m. Kids' Christmas Celebration: A Not-So-Silent Night! in the Sanctuary
• 5 p.m. Contemporary worship in the Sanctuary
• 7 p.m. Traditional worship in the Sanctuary
• 7 p.m. Grace en Español worship in The Founders’ Chapel
December 30, ONE worship service at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary
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