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A Little Thought
"Perception Becomes Reality"
A recent survey compiled all the qualities that people expect from a perfect pastor, not often a suggested practice, but I thought I would run them by you anyway. The survey points out that the “perfect pastor”:
- Preaches exactly 12 minutes.
- Frequently condemns sin but never upsets anyone.
- Works from 8 a.m. until midnight and is also a janitor.
- Makes $60 a week, wears good clothes, buys good books, drives a good car, and gives $80 a week to the poor.
- 28 years of age and has been preaching for 30 years.
- Wonderfully gentle and good looking.
- A burning desire to work with teenagers, but is always with the senior citizens.
- Makes 15 daily calls to church families, visits shut-ins and the hospitalized, evangelizes the un-churched, and is always in the office when needed.
All too often, we are quick to stereotype people. We set our expectations for people so high that anything less is just unacceptable. We think professional athletes should be role models; we think coaches should win every game; we think teachers should always think our children are the most gifted and talented; we think pastors don’t ever make mistakes.
We even label people we have known for a while—I call this the “remember them when” game. The same people would come to the social gatherings my parents hosted in our home, and each year they would say the same thing: “I remember you when you were just a little boy, I can’t believe how much you have grown. What grade are you in now?” I didn’t have the heart to tell them I was in college.
However, have you ever thought about the possibility of our familiarity breeding contempt? Could our perceptions become realities? In other words, does our knowledge of the past get in the way of seeing the present and perhaps even the future?
Together, let’s remain committed to seeking the Lord’s will for our lives and for His church. Let’s lean not on our own understanding but instead, acknowledge Him in all of our ways and trust that He will make straight our paths. Let’s make Jesus visible to all we come in contact with—regardless of their backgrounds, their accomplishments of failures; their status or their poverty.
Jesus has called us to make the perceptions of Him become realities in the world we live in. How will you answer the call today?
Know you are loved and being prayed for.
Peace,
Trey
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Harvey Relief Update
Grace remains committed to walking alongside individuals and families through their long recovery process.
- Utilize the Relief List website.
Relief List is a tool to facilitate a way for people to communicate their needs and for others to meet them. Please visit the Grace website to connect to the Relief List page or visit: relieflist.com/gpch.
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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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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
3 p.m.
Children and Family service in the Sanctuary
3 p.m.
Traditional service with Communion in the Founders’ Chapel
5 p.m.
Contemporary service with Communion and candlelighting in the Sanctuary
6 p.m.
Grace en Español service with Communion and candlelighting in the Founders’ Chapel
7 p.m.
Traditional service with Communion and candlelighting 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. This class is currently studying the book "Parenting Beyond Your Capacity" by Reggie Joiner and Cary Nieuwhof.
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Student Ministries Project Home: Thanksgiving Care Relief Bags
Middle School and High School Ministries will be partnering with West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM) and other organizations in Texas to provide Thanksgiving care relief bags to people in need. Items will be collected until Sunday, November 19. You can bring your items to the Student Ministries offices on the second floor of Massey-Tucker. Refer to the following webpage for a list of requested donations gpch.org/ministries/students/middle-school/middle-school-project-home.
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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 7-8:00 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 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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Join The Children's Ministries Team!
Children’s Ministries needs 2 volunteer leaders 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 19
Bible Story:
A Thank You Leper (Jesus heals 10 men) • Luke 17:11-19
Bottom Line:
Say thank you.
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 19
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 for people who help me (Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz)Ruth 1–2
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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
Please make sure that you have a 2017-2018 Grace Waiver Form on file with us.
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High School Movie Night
Sunday, November 19, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
It’s Thanksgiving break, so let’s get together for the greatest MOVIE NIGHT in the world. Just head to the High School room (Massey-Tucker 207) at 6:30 p.m. We’ll hang out, have a few delicious snacks, and simply enjoy each other’s company as we watch a fun movie. Questions? Contact Matt Davis mdavis@gpch.org or 713-267-8704. Please register online gpch.org/hsmovienight so we know how much food to order!
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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 something for everyone, all ages and skill levels.
- Children ages 4-11 will package meals for Rise Against Hunger and write prayers on the boards. Adults and teens are welcome to help in this area too.
- Adults and students age 12 and older will have the opportunity to 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: Childcare will be available for ages 3 and under. Please select this option during the online registration process.
We also have the opportunity to unite around the following challenges:
SUPPORT: The goal of $36,000 to fund the walls and provide 15,000 meals can be met by 1,200 gifts of at least $30. There are multiple giving options to support this challenge. Look for more information on our website and in The Filling Station on Sunday.
SERVE: On December 17, join us for worship wearing your work attire so that together we can begin the work projects following lunch.
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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Visit the Brookwood Gift Shop and Art Gallery
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 "citizens" crafts. This is an amazing place to do some of your Christmas shopping!
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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, 713-267-5091 or visit gpch.org/postdisastersupportgroups.
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Operation Turkey: Blessing Others With a Feast!
For the past two years Grace has partnered with Operation Turkey to provide Thanksgiving meals to the under-served in Houston. This year we have two days of opportunities to be a blessing across the city:
- Turkey Tailgate, Wednesday, November 22, opportunities starting at 7 a.m. Volunteers will help smoke 300+ turkeys and mashed potatoes.
- Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 8 a.m. - noon. Volunteers will prepare, package and deliver food to the homeless and less fortunate. Sign up: operationturkey.com/volunteer to a part of the fun of serving together and blessing others.
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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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