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Weather or Not
Have you ever noticed how the weather is consistently a topic of discussion? In Houston we talk about how we need rain, and then we lament that we wish it would stop raining. We talk about how hot it is outside, and then weeks like this we are talking about being too cold. Weather talk is daily.
What I can’t figure out is why we are so taken by the weather. Why are we in front of the television every evening at 6 and 10 anxiously awaiting the picture of the “Triple Doppler Radar” and the “Five-Day Outlook”? As a pastor I receive many requests in regard to the weather. Things like, “Hey Rev, put in a good word for me because I’ve got a golf tournament tomorrow.” Or, “Hey, I thought you were a pastor, can’t you get in touch with the ‘Big Guy’ and have Him bring some rain -- we’re dying down here.”
Why are we so taken by weather? Do forecasts change us?
We have satellite pictures that display cloud cover and moisture and computer-generated graphics of clouds, rain, and snow patterns. We have barometric pressure and relative humidity; we have live pictures of hurricanes, floods, and blizzards; forecasts on a global scale. And yet we still say of meteorologists, “What do they know, you can’t believe them.”
Perhaps the real question is not about the weather, but instead “whether or not” -- whether or not we believe in Jesus. We have signs of Jesus blowing through our lives every day. He continuously rains His grace down upon us. He promises to comfort us with His peace that surpasses all human understanding. How often do we trust His forecast for our lives?
Each of us has “circumstances” in our lives. There are circumstances at Grace Presbyterian Church. There are circumstances at your work or school. There are circumstances in your relationships. Yet, in the midst of them all, today is still a gift from God. And we may not be able to control our circumstances, but I am convinced we can choose the attitude with which we will face them.
Will you live UNDER your circumstances or will you LIVE under the grace of God? Will your circumstances master you, or will your Master carry you through them?
My prayer for us all is that the promised joy of the Lord will flood our hearts — regardless of our circumstances. My hope is that, together, we will trust in His power, authority, and promises.
It’s like Max Lucado once said about the forecast: “God reigns. Son shines.”
Friends, you matter for the forecast of Grace!
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 few months 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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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
- 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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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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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 Saturday, Dec. 7, 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 only be held 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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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! We’ll provide the pre-baked, pre-built houses, icing, and enough holiday candy to create your perfect holiday house, AND we’ll clean everything up at the end! Register your whole family (or just yourself if you need a break from the family!) and pay for the number of houses you want to take home. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015).
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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:
Charlotte Allen, wife of Augustus Allen (one of Houston founders) has a stained glass window dedicated to her in our Founders' Chapel. Also noteworthy, our chapel is the only historical site in West Houston, and it is listed on the State Historical Record.
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Welcome Our New Director Of Student Ministries
It is with such excitement that we welcome Phil Warman, as our new Director of Student Ministries. Phil officially begins his ministry at Grace on November 19, but we are thrilled to meet him this Sunday, November 17 in our 9 a.m. Contemporary worship service. Phil most recently served as the Middle School Outreach Director at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. He attended Taylor University in Indiana focusing his studies on Christian Ministries and has been very involved with student ministries over the years. Phil and his wife Lauren, who will be celebrating their first year anniversary of marriage, have both been very involved with Young Life at Memorial High School. Welcome to the Grace family!
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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).
11/17 - All Crowded House groups meet at host homes
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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Here's What We're Learning in The Backyard
November 17
Bible Story: Count on Me
(David and Mephibosheth) • 2 Samuel 9:1-13 (Supporting: 2 Samuel 4:4)
Bottom Line: Honor others by keeping your promises.
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 should treat others the way I want to be treated.
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Here's What We're Learning in TreeHouse
November 17
Bible Story Focus: I can thank God for food. (Manna) • Exodus 16
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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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.
11/17 - Romans & Christians
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.
11/17 - Romans & Christians
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, 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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