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Thankful Response
With the improvements in technology, days like today make me wish there was a way to smell and taste via our computers. On this Thanksgiving Day, wouldn’t it be fun to virtually experience one another’s Thanksgiving meals? Perhaps there would be the aroma of freshly baked turkey or sweet potatoes. Maybe a taste of green bean casserole or dressing covered with gravy. However, we don’t need to stop there because over on the other counter top we could see the warm apple pie and the Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla and long to taste the sweetness with each anticipated bite.
Obviously, we aren’t able to virtually enjoy one another’s Thanksgiving meals, however, we do have an opportunity to virtually respond with thankfulness.
Next Tuesday, December 3, is “Giving Tuesday,” a day when countless charities and organizations will be asking for us to give in order that we can participate in making a difference. Grace Presbyterian Church is no exception. Your gifts to and through Grace help support ministries around the world and close to home. We are blessed with a gifted staff, a strategic location and amazing facilities. We are blessed with many vibrant ministries and visions for more opportunities to reach others with the Gospel. However, we need your continued financial support.
As we continue to grow as a faith community living to make Jesus visible, I want to ask you to prayerfully consider giving to Grace — not just on Giving Tuesday but in the days and weeks to come. The next several weeks will be crucial for helping us meet our annual budget — of which we are currently behind by close to $300,000. But also, your year-end gifts are paramount for the future of the life and ministry of Grace. We have much to be thankful for and excited about, and together we are called to respond.
Friends, as you celebrate Thanksgiving today, I want to encourage you to do so with the understanding that every day is a day to give thanks and praise to the Lord. But also, please remember that your generous response to God’s many blessings positions Grace for tomorrow. In advance, thank you for your gift to Grace and for making such a difference for the Kingdom.
As you gather around the table today, pause for a moment to give thanks for how richly blessed you are and for the Lord’s promise to “fill you up” with His hope and love.
I am so thankful to be your pastor.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Peace,
Trey
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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: A Not-So-Silent Night 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
Sunday, December 1
10:15 - 11a.m., Molly Ann Smith Building
The Horizons class will conclude its Advent study to prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, using 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) 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 specifically 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 homeless 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
Sundays, December 1, 8, 15
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!). Think of it as Parents' Night Out, during the day. 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
- Guatemala School Project – shawls, calendars & coffee for sale
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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 Christmas For The City
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 The Backyard on Sundays or MT-206 during the week now through Dec. 8. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015).
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Create a Canned Food Christmas Tree
Tuesday, December 24, 3 p.m.
in the sanctuary
Help create a special Canned Food Christmas Tree during the offering at the Kids’ Christmas Celebration service. Bring canned food items for WHAM (West Houston Assistance Ministries) to give to families in need. Let’s “grow” the biggest Christmas tree we can out of your canned goods! 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
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 2005, Rev. Bryan Wilson lead the efforts for a new mission initiative called “Project 180” at Paul Revere Middle School. What an exciting way to love our neighbors! Hundreds of members of Grace committed 180 minutes to serve through various projects to improve our neighborhood middle school!
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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 the "Farm to Table” Sunday school class led by Jenny Gottschalk and Doug Gleditsch. The class utilizes the PONDER Bible study format, and each lesson is "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. 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
December 1
Bible Story: A Thrill of Hope (Jesus Is Promised) • Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 53:8, Micah 5:2
Bottom Line: You can have joy because God keeps His promises.
Memory Verse: Always be joyful because you belong to the Lord. I will say it again. Be joyful! • Philippians 4:4 (NIrV)
Life App: Joy — Finding a way to be happy, even when things don't go your way
Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what.
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Here's What We're Learning in TreeHouse
December 1
Bible Story Focus: God told us He would give us Jesus. (The Angel and Mary) • Luke 1:26-33, 38, 46-49
Memory Verse: God has given a son to us. • Isaiah 9:6, NCV
Key Question: How do we know God loves us?
Bottom Line: God gave us Jesus.
Basic Truth: God loves me.
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Children's Ministries Sunday School -
December Schedule
12/1 - Sunday School - Waiting for Jesus
12/8 - NO Sunday School - Grace at 50 Service
12/15 - NO Sunday School - GKM and Christmas for the City
12/22 - Sunday School - The Nativity Story - Pajama Party Birthday Bash for Jesus (wear your jammies to The Backyard/Treehouse; we will!)
12/29 - No Sunday School - Jazz Sunday
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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.
12/1 - Saran Wrap Gift Game
12/8 - No Sunday School
12/15 - No Sunday School
12/22 - Reindeer Games
12/29 - No Sunday School
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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.
12/1 - Saran Wrap Gift Game
12/8 - No Sunday School
12/15 - No Sunday School
12/22 - Reindeer Games
12/29 - No Sunday School
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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 28
Thanksgiving Day is this 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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Feeling Down?
Stephen Ministry Can Help
Stephen Ministers aren’t just there for “big” crises. They are also available for the little ones, because many times the little things can really add up, especially at this time of year. So don’t wait until you have a really big crisis. Consider Stephen Ministry if the little things have you feeling down. If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, contact Denise Phelps at dphelps@gpch.org or Susan Jernigan at 713-582-3332.
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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 22, Pajama Party Birthday Bash for Jesus in The Backyard/TreeHouse — wear jammies to Sunday School
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 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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