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Mega Millions
As I write this Grace Weekly, there is a buzz in the air. Tonight’s Mega Millions drawing is worth $1.6 billion, the highest total in U.S. lottery history. Imagine what you would do with $1.6 billion (the cash payout is $904 million). According to one article I read, “You are 2,649 times more likely to die from a lightning strike” than you are to win the jackpot. However, many of us are still willing to take a “chance” by spending $2 or more on a ticket(s). I confess, I bought a ticket.
There is another reason there is a buzz in the air, and it has nothing to do with a “chance” but instead an “assurance.” As faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we do not have to base a “changed life” on a winning ticket because we have victory in Him. We can “be sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” In fact, our God owns “the cattle on a thousand hills.” You see, when we surrender our lives to Jesus, we are guaranteed an inheritance that is priceless.
However, the reality exists that we must decide if we want to live life like a lottery or a victory. Don’t get me wrong, it is energizing to consider what I could do with $904 million. The thought of being able to have that level of capacity to bless others across the street and around the world is almost beyond my imagination. I also know that my joy or purpose cannot be based on a longing for that unlikely win. Instead, I must claim my victory in Jesus, which fulfills me and propels me.
Perhaps you find yourself disappointed today because you did not win Mega Millions. Be encouraged, my friend, because today Jesus loves you. Perhaps today you are struggling with finances; be encouraged to know that He invites you to come to Him with whatever burdens you. Perhaps you find yourself overflowing with joy; be intentional today and share that joy with everyone with whom you come in contact.
Friends, we are a READY CHURCH and a READY PEOPLE. Certainly, there are opportunities for us to be generous with our financial resources, but we also must be generous with our attitudes. Not a day goes by that we don’t have opportunities to “give a reason for the hope that is within us.” How will you do so today?
There's one final reason for the buzz that’s in the air. We remain in our READY campaign, and the energy and enthusiasm are electric. So many of you have been so generous with your commitments to this initiative to create and cultivate a welcoming place and relevant space that continues to equip and empower people to extend grace across the street and around the world. I simply want to thank you for the “mega millions” that you have so graciously committed.
But I also want to make another appeal to those of you who call Grace your church home who have not yet made a commitment to the READY campaign. We are so close to reaching our goal of $7.6 million, but it will take all of us. Will you please prayerfully consider how the Lord is leading you to participate in this endeavor? Trust me, your commitment will make a difference.
I hope to see you Sunday—perhaps as a Mega Millionaire—but certainly as a child of God!
Peace,
Trey |
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Now You Can Give
On the Go!
In less time than it takes to write a check, you can now make contributions using your smartphone at church or anytime. Mobile giving is a quick, easy, and convenient way to support the ministries and missions of Grace.
Online giving is easy to set up, and you can make a one-time gift or automatic recurring contributions with your designated bank account or credit card. You are also able to view your complete giving history.
Using your smartphone’s camera or code reader app, you can scan this QR code to go straight to the secure Grace online giving webpage. Follow the prompts to create or login to your giving profile, and in just a few clicks, your contribution is made. |
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Sing on the Second
Wednesdays – October 31 through November 28, 7:15 – 8:45 p.m.
Sing with the Chancel Choir with our special Christmas music by rehearsing for five Wednesday nights in the Choir Rehearsal Room. This year’s Christmas music will be presented during worship on Sunday, December 2, at 11:15 a.m. Please join us! We will have music ready for you!
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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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Here's What We're Learning in The Backyard
October 28
Bible Story: Don’t Look Back (Israelites Long for Egypt) • Exodus 16:2-21; 17:1-7
Bottom Line: Don’t miss out on what you have now.
Memory Verse: “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against wanting to have more and more things. Life is not made up of how much a person has.’” Luke 12:15 (NIrV)
Life App: Contentment—Deciding to be okay with what you have
Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what. |
Trunk or Treat
Friday, October 26, 6-7:30 p.m.
You saved Trunk or Treat! We will be open for treat delivery this Friday! The event is free but it would help a LOT if you pre-registered for Chick fil-A. Each meal is $5. You can pay with a credit card online until 11 a.m. or with cash only at the event. Register HERE.
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Kendra Gives Back Event for Women of Grace Missions
Tuesday, October 30, 6-8 p.m.,
Kendra Scott in City Centre
Come eat, socialize and get your Christmas shopping started. Twenty percent of the sales during the event benefits Women of Grace missions. If you are unable to attend, you can still contribute! Place a phone order at (713) 965-4115 during the event, and they will ship your order to you at no additional cost.
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Parents' Night Out
November 3, 5-9 p.m.
Our next Parents’ Night Out event will be Saturday, Nov. 3 from 5-9 p.m. Drop your children off with Children's Ministries staff and volunteers and enjoy four full hours to yourselves! We'll watch the movie The Star and get everyone ready for the coming holiday season by reminding them what it's really all about. Register HERE.
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Encore November Day Trip to George H.W. Bush Library and Museum
Thursday, November 8, 9:15 a.m.-6 p.m.
Join us as we tour the beautiful George H.W. Bush Library and Museum in College Station. Exhibits will include: Mapping Texas: From Frontier to the Lonestar State and Leonardo Da Vinci Machines in Motion. Lunch will be on your own at Koppe Bridge. Please be at the church by 9:15 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. departure. The cost is $8. Registration and payment are due by Oct. 28.
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Encore December Day Trip to The Alley Theatre
Sunday, December 2, 1:30 p.m.
Houston’s seasonal favorite returns! A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas is a family-friendly re-telling of Charles Dickens’ classic story, which follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey with the three ghostly spirits who visit him on Christmas Eve. A Christmas Carol instills a powerful message about redemption and the spirit of the holiday season. Please be at the church by 1:30 p.m. for a 1:45 p.m. departure. The cost is $25. Registration and payment are due by Nov. 11.
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Here's What We're Learning in the TreeHouse
October 28
Basic Truth: God loves me.
Key Question: Who’s got it?
Bottom Line: God’s got it!
Memory Verse: “God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Bible Story Focus: God’s plan is perfect.
Moses in the Water • Exodus 17:1-7 |
Student Ministries
4th Annual Lock-In
November 2 (8 p.m.)-November 3 (7 a.m.)
We were challenged to try and make this year’s lock-in even better than the past year’s event, and I think we’ve done it! Our theme is Pajama Party! This year, we will be doing a MULTI-STOP lock-in by going to three unique fun and entertaining places throughout the night. We will start off at Grace, then make our way to the Altitude Trampoline Park. After lots of jumping fun, we’ll go see a private screening of a movie at Cinemark Katy. Finally, we will end the night with bowling, laser tag, and games at Main Event Katy. The cost is $75. Bring money for snacks at the movie theater. (Note: Pajamas need to be modest. No short shorts, no long t-shirts only, no tank tops or muscle shirts). Please click HERE to register and complete necessary waivers. For more information, please contact Reed Brentlinger (rbrentlinger@gpch.org; 713-267-5076).
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Grace Kids Music (GKM) Rehearsals
Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
It’s not too late to sign up your kindergartener-fifth grader for Grace Kids Music! More information and the registration form are available HERE.
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High School
Spring Break Ski Trip
March 9-15, 2019
Grab your mittens and beanie, dust off your snow boots, and wash your long-johns because we are going skiing! We are excited to announce that Grace’s High School Ministry is headed to Monarch Mountain in beautiful Colorado for Spring Break. For more detailed information, please click HERE. A $200 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration. Registration closes January 15, 2019. For more information, please contact Matt Davis (mdavis@gpch.org; 713-267-8704). |
Middle School Girls October Event
October 28, 1-3 p.m.
All middle school girls are invited to a “Fall Cookie and Gingerbread Decorating Party.” The wonderful Angie Williamson will be our host, 1418 Maux Dr. Gingerbread houses and cookies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own cookies and decorating materials as well. Don’t miss this fun event! Register HERE so we know how many to expect. |
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Post-Harvey
Home Blessings
As they move back into their restored homes or relocate to different permanent homes, flooded families may request a team of Grace members to offer prayers of blessing. We have created a "walk-through" prayer pamphlet that the blessing team uses from the front door throughout the home to pray a hedge of protection and God's glorification in this journey.
You may request a home blessing by completing this form. Denise Phelps will contact you to schedule a blessing time and put together a team.
If you would like to be a part of a home blessing prayer team, you can volunteer by completing this form. It offers options for the days, times of day, and zip code where you might be a blessing to our flooded families. We will be in touch with you when an opportunity arises that meets with your availability.
We remain committed to walk alongside families still recovering from the aftermath of Harvey. Prayers continue to be lifted for continued healing, restoration, and rebuilding.
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Operation Turkey 2018
November 22, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Are you looking for a place to bless others for Thanksgiving? For the past few years, Grace has partnered with and hosted Operation Turkey to prepare and deliver meals to those in need on Thanksgiving Day. The Houston goal is to provide 75,000 meals this year. You can volunteer to prepare, package, or deliver Thanksgiving meals from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at Grace on Thanksgiving Day. Kids are welcome and encouraged to come out with parents or guardians. To learn more, click HERE. To sign up, visit their website HERE and click on “Get Involved.” If you have any questions, contact Chris French (cfrench@gpch.org; 713-267-5039).
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Kenya Mission Trip Interest Meeting
Sunday, November 4 at 10:15 a.m.
Massey-Tucker 3rd Floor Conference Room
If you are interested in learning more about joining a team to Kenya, come hear about the September 2019 trip itinerary, travel, projects, and ministry opportunities. The discussion will include the cost, the deadlines, and the trip dates for this exciting opportunity to continue our 20+ year partnership of building churches and schools with the Kenya Christians, Stu Ross, and the Outreach Foundation. RSVP to Gina Axtell (gaxtell@gpch.org; 713-267-5056). For more information, contact Chris French (cfrench@gpch.org; 713-267-5039).
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2018 Dolores and Alan Wood Memorial Golf Tournament
November 5, 12 p.m.,
Sugar Creek Country Club
Join us for this great event to share with friends, coworkers, and neighbors to introduce them to the vision and mission of Grace Presbyterian Church. This year’s tournament will benefit two mission partners who help make Jesus visible in Houston and Kenya.
There are three registration levels:
- Gold (4 players) for $1,500
- Silver (2 players) for $750
- Individual (1 player) for $150
The tournament includes: a golf polo shirt, lunch, dinner, and awards. There also will be a putting contest. The winner will take home a Scotty Cameron Golo 6 Putter and Vokey SM6 Spin Milled Tour Chrome Wedge. For more information, contact Chris French (cfrench@gpch.org; 713-267-5039). To register, click HERE. |
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Mission Trip Opportunity: Haiti with Living Water International
Grace is excited to send two teams to Northern Haiti in 2019. Team One will travel February 10-16 and Team Two will go March 24-30. Each team will drill a clean water well, lead hygiene and sanitation classes and share the gospel with the local community. For more information, answers to commonly asked questions, and to watch a video about the need for clean water in Haiti, please click HERE. |
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Hurricanes Florence and Michael Disaster Relief
In addition to praying for our friends in the Carolinas and Florida affected by the recent hurricanes, we have established a designated fund to support disaster relief efforts. You may support these efforts and designate additional funds to Hurricane Disaster relief by donating online HERE. What a privilege it is to bless others across the street and around the world.
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Looking Ahead in 2018… SAVE the DATE!
October 26, Trunk or Treat
November 3, Parents' Night Out
November 5, Wood Memorial Golf Tournament
November 22, Operation Turkey at Grace Presbyerian Church
December 2, Phases: Parent Conversations
December 16, Grace Kids Musical & Christmas 4 the City Habitat Build – ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
December 24, Christmas Eve Services:
• 3 p.m. Traditional worship with Communion in The Founders’ Chapel
• 3 p.m. Children’s 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 30, ONE worship service at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary
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