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A Little Thought
"One of the Kids"
Do you ever wish you were a kid again? Their innocence mixed with mischief is somehow exhilarating. Kids have a way of reminding us of the simple things in life. They remind us that we can have hours of fun with a pan and a wooden spoon. They remind us that imagination can be life-giving. They remind us that jumping into a pile of leaves can bring about joyful laughter. Do you miss being one of the kids?
You never know what kids will say. For example, I recently read about a salesman who worked door-to-door selling children’s encyclopedias. He had concluded his presentation to the mother of a five-year-old boy and although he sensed that he had already convinced her of the value of the books, he continued on using one more of his highly effective sales techniques.
He said to the mother, “If the answer to any question your little boy asks can’t be found in this encyclopedia, I will refuse to sell these books to you.” Then, turning to the five-year-old, he said, “Ask me a question—anything you want to know, and I’ll show your mother where she can find the answer in this wonderful encyclopedia.”
The little boy thought for only a moment and then asked, “What kind of car does God drive?”
Perhaps you are at a stage in your life where you have more questions than you do answers. You may question your purpose on this planet or why bad things happen to good people. You may wonder if your past defines your future. You may question why life seemed less complicated as a child. In the midst of the questions, allow me to remind you of the truth—you are still “one of the kids.”
1 John 3:1 says, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
One of the most amazing things about being “one of the kids” in the family of God is that membership is a gift from God—it is by grace alone. Regardless of how imperfect our own earthly families may be; regardless of how un-loved you may feel by your earthly father or mother; regardless of how many bad things you have done in your life; regardless of how many questions you may have of God—His love is still so great for you that He proudly calls you one of His children. That is what you are—a child of God—one of the kids!
It has been said that: “Some kids are like ketchup bottles. You have to slap their bottoms a few times to get them moving.”
I think I am one of those kids—how about you?
As “one of the kids,” our actions ultimately speak louder than our words. How is the love of God playing out in your active life? Many of us are talking a good game—but what the world really needs—what the church really needs—what the Lord deeply desires—is a bunch of kids WALKING THE WALK.
Do you ever wish you were a kid again?
I look forward to seeing you Sunday.
Peace,
Trey
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Harvey Relief Weekly Update
Grace remains committed to walking alongside individuals and families through their long recovery process.
Here's how you can respond in the coming week:
- 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 please 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 five weekly Wednesday night rehearsals, which started November 1. 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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Enhancing the Grace Experience— A Leadership Development Opportunity
Tuesday, November 14, 6 -7 p.m.
All active/inactive Elders and Deacons, Ushers, Greeters, as well as any interested Grace members are invited to join us for a leadership development dinner. We will share our strategy for enhancing the Grace Experience, from the parking lot to the pew, to make it an unforgettable one for our guests. At the end of the training, we will offer Usher/Greeter/Parking Lot Team volunteer opportunities. Reservations requested, please visit: gpch.org/graceexperiencedinner.
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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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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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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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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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Foundations Sunday School Class
10:15 a.m., LC 207
We invite parents of young children to join us each Sunday! This class will offer 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 Oh 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 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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Join The Children's Ministries Team!
Children’s Ministries needs just 2 more volunteer leaders to complete our teams 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 12
Bible Story:
Sour Grapes (Parable of the vineyard workers) • Matthew 20:1-15
Bottom Line:
Adjust your attitude.
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 need to make the wise choice.
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Here's What We're Learning in Treehouse, November 12
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 I can pray The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
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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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Christmas 4 The City
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, we will be in partnership with Houston Habitat for Humanity and Rise Against Hunger. 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 Habitat boards.
- 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.
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 $1500, or an entire house for $7500.
- 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 the website.
Christmas 4 the City T-shirts will be available for purchase ($5) on Sundays in December in The Filling Station.
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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: www.gpch.org/postdisastersupportgroups.
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Veterans Day Lunch
Sunday, November 12, 12:30 p.m., Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall
Join us for an all-church lunch to honor the veterans in the congregation. Our guest speaker will be Travis Hodges, who served the U.S. Army as Service and Recovery Section Sergeant. Not only do we want to celebrate those who have served, but we also want to support those who are actively serving. Help us fill a care package of snacks for a unit serving in Africa. Suggested items: Hard candies (Lifesavers, Jolly Ranchers, etc.) and snack-size crackers (Goldfish, Cheez-Its, etc.). You may bring your donations to the Welcome Center. The cost for lunch is: Adults $7, Child $3, Veterans – our guests. For more information, please visit: gpch.org/veterans.
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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:
- 1) Turkey Tailgate, November 22, opportunities starting at 7 a.m. Volunteers will help smoke 300+ turkeys and mash potatoes.
- 2) Thanksgiving Day, November 23 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Volunteers will prepare, package and deliver food to the homeless and less fortunate. Sign up at operationturkey.com/volunteer to a part of the fun of serving together and blessing others.
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Thank You For Supporting WHAM!
Grace members donated 311 pounds of food during the November 5 food collection for WHAM (West Houston Assistance Ministries)! Many thanks to all who helped make this donation possible!
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