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Leftovers
What do you do with the leftovers? Is that the penetrating question in your mind one week prior to Thanksgiving? Probably not. However, perhaps it should be.
Leftovers are an interesting topic. We don’t always know what to do with them because so often we have already enjoyed them several times, and the thought of eating those particular things one more time is enough to make our stomachs turn. Yet, what if we framed this a bit differently going into Thanksgiving this year?
We have been so richly blessed by God — we have been so filled up by God’s many blessings — that every day we have “leftovers.” Not a day goes by that God has not provided more blessing than we can handle. Not a day goes by that we do not have an abundance for which to be thankful. The question then is, what do we do with the leftovers?
First, remember some are always going to be cold. We are tolerant of our leftovers. We would never dream of eating cold turkey on Thanksgiving Day, but we can’t get enough of it the next day. When we have an abundance of God’s blessings in our lives, there will always be people around us who will be cold to the warmth of God. They won’t understand why we are so thankful and excited about God. But also, we must remember our many blessings so as to not become cold ourselves.
Second, if they sit in the fridge too long, they will spoil. What is the fridge life of green bean casserole or sweet potatoes? I am not sure, but I do know they do not have the shelf life of a Hostess Twinkie. The point is, don’t let them sit so long that they spoil. Likewise, we must not just sit around in our faith. Instead, we must continuously be aware of what we are made of — what we are feeding our souls. If our thoughts lack spiritual nutrition for our growth and sustainability, we risk “spoiling.” Therefore, we must not let our spiritual blessings sit un-praised nor can we sit around believing that we have it all together. Give thanks to the Lord every day.
Finally, enjoy the leftovers — don’t waste them. All too often we waste the leftovers rather than enjoy them. So why not share them? Rejoice in your many blessings but also be generous with them. Make it a point every day to share a blessing with someone else.
G. K. Chesterton once said, “When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.”
Perhaps that applies to “leftovers” as well!
Happy Thanksgiving — I am so thankful for you.
I hope to see you Sunday; together, with grateful hearts, we will gather to worship and celebrate the One who so richly blesses us.
Peace,
Trey
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IMPORTANT READY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
We deeply appreciate your continued patience during these difficult transitions. We are thrilled that very soon, our parking lots and building renovations will be READY! This Sunday, the front half of the South parking lot may be impacted, as we are expecting some rain. The other parking lots will be open and you may access the back half of the South parking lot from the Athletic Field parking lot or through the gate from the parking lot. We understand this may be a temporary inconvenience, but know you will be thrilled with the finished results in just a few weeks!
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READY Construction Worship Venue Change
Each Sunday through December 1, our worship locations have changed due to the temporary construction. Exciting updates are underway in our Sanctuary and Narthex (Sanctuary Lobby) and new Welcome Center that will READY us to be a welcoming place, a relevant space, and to extend Grace! We invite those of you who typically worship in the 11:15 a.m. Traditional service, to consider joining us in worship at 9 a.m., so that we may more evenly distribute attendance in the Chapel services.
9 a.m. Contemporary Worship in the Gym
9 a.m. Traditional Worship in The Founders’ Chapel
11:15 a.m. Traditional Worship in The Founders’ Chapel
11:15 a.m. Grace en Español Worship in the Gym
Thank you so very much for your continued patience as we near the final month of construction!
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Mark Your Calendars For Christmas Eve at Grace
Christmas Eve Worship, December 24
3 p.m. Kids' Christmas Celebration service at 3 p.m. 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
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Horizons Class
Advent Study
Sundays through December 1
10:15 - 11a.m., Molly Ann Smith Building
The Horizons class will do an Advent study to prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. We will use the book "While We Wait," written by Mary Lou Redding. We will focus on questions asked by those in both the Old and the New testament: Tamar, Zechariah, Ruth, Elizabeth, Mary and the Magi. Everyone is invited to join us for this study.
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Grace Worship Nights: Advent Longing
Sunday, December 1, 5:30 p.m.
in the Founders' Chapel
Please join us for Grace Worship Nights: Advent Longing at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, in the Founders' Chapel as we dive into the themes of Advent (Waiting, Lament and Hope) through scripture, prayer, and song. Childcare is available; please email Debbie Kay (dkay@gpch.org) by Nov. 25 with your child's name and age to reserve a place.
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Prepare and Serve a Christmas Meal
for Young Lives Initiative of Young Life
Manna, a ministry of Grace, invites you to prepare a Christmas meal for Young Lives. Young Lives is a ministry of Young Life especially for teen moms and their babies. Young Lives provides teen girls with timely encouragement, guidance and ongoing support by modeling Jesus Christ’s love through the investment of time and walking alongside teen moms through their lives. This year a team will gather to prepare and serve the meal on December 5. To learn more and to sign up, please contact Debbie Kaplan at debbiekaplan@att.net.
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Christmas For The City
December 15
We are excited for the entire church to come together for our 4th annual Christmas for the City. This year will feature the return of the wall build with Habitat for Humanity, continue our relationship with Kids’ Meals, Inc. to pack meals and wrap gifts, and support our partnership with West Houston Assistance Ministries as we collect blankets, jackets, and socks.
Here is our schedule:
- 10:00 a.m. Worship: One combined worship service featuring Grace Kids Music
- 11:15 a.m. Check-in and purchase your lunch
- 11:30 a.m. Lunch catered by Demeris BBQ
- 12:30 p.m. Welcome & Prayer before Work projects begin
- 4:30 p.m. Wrap-up and clean-up
There will be service opportunities for all ages. You can register to serve and to provide financial support for our efforts HERE.
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Christmas Donation Sunday
December 15
This year your donations will support our partner West Houston Assistance Ministries. Bring all your donations with you on our Christmas for the City big day! Many of WHAM’s clients sleep outside during the winter, unprotected from the cold. They need our help. Let us blanket them with love by donating:
- blankets
- jackets, and
- socks for adult men and women.
Donations will be collected in designated bins on December 15. For more information, contact Nancy Bailey at nbailey@gpch.org; 713-267-5035).
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Gingerbread House Decorating Day
Saturday, December 21, 10-11:30 a.m., Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall
Children’s Ministries invites EVERYONE to our Gingerbread House Decorating Day! Register your whole family, and pay for the number of houses you want to take home. Every $15 gets you a pre-baked, pre-built house with icing and enough holiday candy to create your perfect Christmas creation. Buy one house for the family, or get everyone their own and make a friendly competition to see who can come up with the most creative concoction. We’ll clean everything up at the end! For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267 5015). Register HERE.
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Christmas For The City
T-Shirt Sales Start
This Sunday
Sunday, November 24, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Grace Courtyard
You can purchase official Christmas for the City shirts for $10 beginning this week! We have both adult and children’s sizes available.
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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 16, 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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Children's Ministries
Drop & Shop
Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Parents, put next Saturday on your calendar for a much needed Drop & Shop (or Sleep or Day Date or whatever you need that time to be!). Children's Ministries will love on your kids while you get some time for yourselves. Think of it as Parents’ Night Out, during the day. For just $10/child, your kids will get pizza, games/activities, and a movie. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015). Register HERE.
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Christmas
In The Courtyard!
One Sunday Only
December 8, 9:30 - 10 a.m.
and 11:15 a.m. -12:45 p.m.
This year Christmas in the Courtyard will be held only on December 8 due to the construction schedule and an exciting and full December calendar. Join us in the courtyard for hot chocolate, fellowship and opportunities to support the following ministries:
- The Brookwood Community - poinsettias for sale
- Elijah Rising - candles for purchase
- Global Missionaries - give a financial gift & receive a prayer card
- Christmas for the City - register, give financial support, or purchase a T-shirt
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Women of Grace
"Home for the Holidays" Luncheon
December 9
Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
Program/Luncheon begins at 11 a.m.
Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall
The Women of Grace invite you to a Christmas celebration featuring seasonal music by one of Houston’s favorite entertainers, Rob Landes! You will not want to miss this opportunity so please sign up early! Denise Phelps will offer a special Advent devotional, and the luncheon tables will shine with festive arrangements for Christmas. Plan now to make “Home for the Holidays” a shining part of your Christmas celebration!
Make your reservations by Monday, December 2 with your circle or by signing up on Sunday at the WOG table in the courtyard. The cost of the luncheon is $10. Email dkay@gpch.org by Monday, December 2 for free child care.
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Toy Drive
For Children's Ministries
for Kids' Meals Christmas
Put on your Santa hats and let's load up his sleigh! Help us provide a toy for a child at the Kids' Meals Christmas Party. Bring new, unwrapped toys to church on Sundays now through Dec. 8. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015).
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December 29 Worship - One Service At 10 a.m.
Our worship service on December 29 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.
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Starting Point
December 1
Interested in joining the Grace church family? Meet the Session elders at the front of the Gym or Chapel after services on December 1. You’ll find out more about Grace, complete some simple paperwork, be received into membership of this amazing church by the elders and learn about next steps. For more information, contact Beth Craig (bcraig@gpch.org, 713-267-5012).
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Grace at 50
Sunday, December 8, 10 a.m.
followed by lunch in Massey-Tucker Hall
Mark your calendars! Join us as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of this amazing Grace campus and God’s impact through Grace on the west side of Houston… from Downtown to the Beltway and Beyond. You’ll want to be here for this one-service Sunday and lunch!
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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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Grace at 50: Fun Fact
Over the next couple of months as we look toward our Grace at 50 celebration on Sunday, December 8, we are going to share some “fun facts” from the past 50 years at Grace. Look for these fun trivia facts about Grace in Grace Weekly, the worship bulletins, and social media!
This Week’s Fun Fact:
In March of 1972 the Gymnasium, Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall, and the Education Building were dedicated. The church worshipped in the gym until 1977 (just like we are doing currently for two of our worship services as the Sanctuary is being renovated). The gymnasium was built as a mission tool for the neighborhood and as well as the worship center.
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Rec Sports
Register Now for Basketball
Rec sports is a ministry of Grace Presbyterian Church and open to all children Kindergarten through 5th grade as part of the West Houston Christian Sports Association. Every year we offer boys and girls soccer, basketball and softball/baseball. Basketball online registration is open now. For more information, contact Grace Recreational Sports Coordinator Wendy Wray (wwray@gpch.org; 713-248-2670). Click HERE to register.
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Crowded House: Food.Faith.Friends.
Sundays 6 p.m.
All high school and middle school students and their friends are invited to join a small group for dinner and Bible study. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to grow in their faith and build meaningful friendships with other students in their grade. Locations vary by grade and can be found online HERE. For more information, contact Lindsey McDonald (lmcdonald@gpch.org).
11/24 - No Crowded House
12/1 - All Crowded House groups meet at 5:30 p.m. at Grace and join the worship service in the Founders' Chapel. After the service, the groups will meet separately around the Grace campus for discussion around advent and worship. Pizza will be served.
12/8 - Crowded House Christmas Parties! Last Crowded House until January 12.
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Farm to Table: A New Sunday School Class
Sundays 10:15 a.m.
Massey-Tucker Hall, Room C
Everyone is welcome to join a new eight-week Sunday school class, “Farm to Table,” led by Jenny Gottschalk and Doug Gleditsch. The class utilizes the PONDER Bible study format and each lesson will be “stand alone” so it’s a great opportunity to try this wonderful way to look deeply into God’s word.
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December Encore Day Trip to Space Center Houston Galaxy Lights
December 5, 5-8-30 p.m.
Join us as we explore the most interactive and technologically advanced light display in Texas. The cost is $18, and dinner is on your own at NASA. Payment is due by Sunday, November 24. Please contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091) for more information or to register.
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Confirmation 2020
Sundays, January 19 - May 10, 2020
Confirmation is open to all students 8th grade and above who are interested in going through the confirmation process. The class 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.
Confirmation will meet on Sunday mornings starting January 19 through May 3 in LC 206 from 10:15-11:15 a.m. with a mandatory retreat the weekend of April 24-26. Confirmation Sunday will be held on Sunday, May 10. Students will be recognized at both the contemporary (9 a.m.) and traditional (11:15 a.m.) services. Cost is $50. Each student will receive a journaling Bible and Confirmation packet. For details and registration, click HERE. If you need more information, contact Dorothy Hobbs at dhobbs@gpch.org.
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Here's What We're Learning in The Backyard
November 24
Bible Story: Esther • Esther
Bottom Line: Honor God by giving Him credit.
Memory Verse: Love one another deeply. Honor others more than yourselves. • Romans 12:10 (NlrV)
Life App: Honor—Letting someone know you see how valuable they really are.
Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what.
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Here's What We're Learning in TreeHouse
November 24
Bible Story Focus: I can say thank you. (Lepers) • Luke 17:11-19
Memory Verse: I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart. • Psalm 111:1, ESV
Key Question: Who can you thank for everything?
Bottom Line: I can thank God for everything.
Basic Truth: God made me.
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Children's Ministries Sunday School --
The Relative Calm Before
The Holiday Storm!
Enjoy the next couple of weeks before the headlong rush into all things holiday! We're keeping Sunday school as normal as possible, so keep bringing your sweet children to us. We're here every week through December 1. Our special PJ Day will be Sunday, December 22. The rest of the month we’ll have One-Service Sundays on December 8, 15, and 29.
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High School
Sunday Mornings
10:15-11 a.m.
Massey-Tucker Hall, Room 207
All high school students and their friends are invited to join us for food, a fun game, and a devotion every Sunday morning.
11/24 - Kids' Meals Mission Project in
MT-207
12/1 - Saran Wrap Gift Game
12/8 & 12/15 - No Sunday School
12/22 - Reindeer Games
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Middle School
Sunday Mornings
10:15-11 a.m.
Massey-Tucker Hall, Room 201
All middle school students and their friends are invited to join us for food, a fun game, and a devotion every Sunday morning.
11/24 - Kids' Meals Mission Project in
MT-201
12/1 - Saran Wrap Gift Game
12/8 & 12/15 - No Sunday School
12/22 - Reindeer Games
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Help Feed
Our Student Ministry
on Sundays
Everyone knows that students love to eat, so can you help feed them to make their Sunday mornings extra sweet? Please click on this Sign Up Genius to contribute. Thank you in advance for your help and for your support in making Sunday mornings an awesome time for our students!
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Operation Turkey 2019
November 27 and November 28
Thanksgiving Day is next week! Once again this year, Grace will be hosting Operation Turkey. The goal this year is 75,000 meals delivered. At Grace we will prepare around 7,000 of those meals. To learn more and to register, go to www.operationturkey.com.
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Christian-Based
Counseling Available
at Grace
Thursdays, 1-5 p.m.
Christian-based counseling sessions are available through a Licensed Professional Counselor at Grace Presbyterian Church on Thursdays from 1-5 p.m. for a nominal fee. For more information/appointments call 281-881-8512 or email donnasullivan6697@gmail.com.
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Looking Ahead in 2019… SAVE the DATE!
November 27, Operation Turkey Tailgate
November 28, Operation Turkey
December 7, Children's Ministries: Drop & Shop
December 8, Christmas in the Courtyard including Brookwood Poinsettia sales
December 8, Grace at 50 Anniversary Celebration: ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
December 15, Grace Kids Musical & Christmas for the City:
ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
December 15, WHAM Christmas Donation Day
December 15, Christmas for the City: Habitat Build and Kids' Meals, Inc. projects
December 21, Gingerbread House Decorating Day
December 24, Christmas Eve Services:
- 3 p.m. Traditional worship with Communion in The Founders’ Chapel
- 3 p.m. Kids' Christmas Celebration Service 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 29, ONE worship service at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary |
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