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Life Worth Living
I read a humorous yet insightful quote this week: “At a wedding party recently someone yelled, ‘All married people please stand next to the one person who has made your life worth living.’ The bartender was almost crushed to death…”
Over the past several weeks, we have been energized by what God is READYing us for. We have talked about how we hunger and thirst to be a READY CHURCH and a READY PEOPLE. My hope is that will result in people wanting to stand next to us.
Therefore, today I want to encourage you to consider every day what you can do that will make another person’s life worth living. Perhaps you will be an encourager to a co-worker who is feeling discouraged. You may choose to send a note to a loved one, simply to say to them you are thankful they are in your life. Maybe you could take a friend to lunch and let them know how much their friendship means to you.
But also, you may choose to make another person’s life worth living simply by the example of how you live your life. Imagine living your life every day counting the many blessings you have rather than allowing the obstacles in your life to get all of the press. You may choose to let your generosity influence others. Perhaps you will choose the words you use more carefully; or refrain from raising your voice in anger and instead speak calmly and thoughtfully; you may even make a conscious choice to not assume the worst in another person but instead recognize they are a child of God who needs the Good News of the Gospel just as you do.
The point is, if we are honest, the one person who has made our life worth living is Jesus.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2: 8-10).
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1: 3-6).
Be encouraged today, God is not through with us yet—instead, we are a work in progress. But also know that I am thankful for you and I count it a privilege to stand next to you as we walk into the future together. Have a great week making someone’s life worth living—beginning with yours!
I hope to see you Sunday.
Peace,
Trey
P.S. I will be sharing some exciting news in regards to the READY campaign this Sunday morning at the beginning of our worship services. So, set your alarm a little early so you don't miss it!
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We don't mean to SCARE you, but we need 25 Trunks!
Sunday, October 7, 10 a.m.
Trunk or Treat depends on us having TRUNKS! We NEED you to register your trunk HERE by next Wednesday, Oct. 17. We can give you EASY ideas to help you get started! For more information, email Lisa Ann Henkel at lhenkel@gpch.org.
Invite friends and neighbors to experience Grace hospitality at Trunk or Treat. There will be prizes for best costumes and trunks. Chick- fil-A can be reserved for $5/meal. More information and registration is available HERE.
You can also help Children’s Ministries reach out to the community with your favorite Halloween candy! Please bring NO-NUT candy to fill the trunk we will have at the receptionist desk in the Welcome Center.
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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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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 21
Bible Story: Just Can’t Get Enough (Don’t Be Controlled by Money) • Hebrews 13:5
Bottom Line: Stuff can’t keep you happy.
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. |
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 21
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 Basket • Exodus 1:21-2:10; 12:31-42 |
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 that 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). |
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Mission Partner Visit: Rosie Phom
Please welcome and connect with mission partner Rosie Phom while she is in Houston. She will be with us until October 21. For questions or to schedule time with Rosie, please contact Karen Welton at kcwelton@comcast.net.
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Blood Drive: Give the
Gift of Life!
Sunday, October 28, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.,
Massey-Tucker Hall C
Sign up at www.giveblood.org.
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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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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 Southeastern U.S. 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 Florence and/or Hurricane Michael relief by donating online HERE.
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Mission Trip to Budapest Interest Meeting
Sunday, October 21, 5 p.m.,
Church Library
Please join Rosie Phom and members of the Mission Partner Team to hear about a great opportunity to be part of a team to partner with Rosie and other mission partners in Budapest. For questions, please contact Chris French (cfrench@gpch.org; 713-267-5039).
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Looking Ahead in 2018… SAVE the DATE!
October 26, Trunk or Treat
October 28, Blood Drive 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
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 with Communion in the Sanctuary
• 7 p.m. Traditional worship with Communion in the Sanctuary
• 7 p.m. Grace en Español worship with Communion in The Founders’ Chapel
December 30, ONE worship service at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary
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