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Never Settle
“Never Settle.” That was the motto adopted by our Houston Astros as they launched into this baseball season. The World Champions were not about to rest on their past accomplishments but instead they were committed to “never settle.” That drive, along with an incredibly gifted team, has propelled the Astros to a record season with 103 wins. This Friday our hometown boys continue their quest toward a repeat as they face off against the Cleveland Indians in the ALDS. If last year taught us anything, we better get some sleep while we can!
Five weeks ago, we launched into a special season here at Grace. Our “motto” has been READY— because we are a READY PEOPLE and we want to be a READY CHURCH. And as we look forward to this Sunday, Commitment Sunday for the READY campaign, I can’t help but consider “never settle.”
Together we must recognize that we are a “team” that has been put together for such a time as this. This is a new and exhilarating season in the life of Grace. We must not rest on the past accomplishments of those who have come before us but instead we must strive to continue to live victoriously in, through, and for Jesus. Always remember that victory seldom comes without sacrifice.
As we prayerfully approach this Sunday, I want to encourage you with the truth found in Ephesians 3:20 which reminds us: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever! Amen.”
Friends, as followers of Jesus, we must “never settle” but instead remain READY for the exhilarating journey God has promised. His “joyful sacrifice” in Jesus assures us that we are champions in His eyes, no matter what. Therefore, in response, our lives become a joyful sacrifice.
Barbara Smith writes: “Trust is to human relationships what faith is to gospel living. It is the beginning place, the foundation upon which more can be built; where trust is, love can flourish.”
Where do you need to trust Jesus this week? Will you call upon the Holy Spirit to empower you to be faithful and courageous with your joyful sacrifice?
God is READYING us to flourish—never settle!
I hope to see you Sunday—I am convinced it is going to be a game changer!
Peace,
Trey
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World Communion and
Ready Commitment Sunday-ONE Service Sunday, October 7, 10 a.m.
Join us for an amazing day in the life of Grace Presbyterian Church. This Sunday, October 7, we will celebrate World Communion AND Commitment Sunday for our READY Capital Campaign. Immediately following worship, please join us for the annual congregational meeting to consider the following matters:
- Election of Elders Class of 2021
Note: At its August meeting the Session voted to reduce the size of each Session class from nine to six people. The effect of this will be to reduce the number of elders on Session from 27 to 18. The Session felt this move will improve the operation of the Session by fostering higher quality discussions.
- Election of Deacons Class of 2021
- Election of Grace Presbyterian Endowment Fund Trustees Class of 2021
- Election of at-large members of the Church Officer Nominating
- Committee Class of 2021
Following the congregational meeting, please join us for an International Grace Family lunch in Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall. Lunch is a gift from Grace.
Please note: Sunday school classes for adults, students and children will not meet, but child care will be provided for children Kindergarten and under. |
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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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REMINDER: No Sunday school classes for children, youth, and adults on October 7!
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Inspire!
Women's Bible Studies
It’s time to get INSPIRED! The Fall women’s Bible studies began this week with a great lineup of engaging and powerful studies. No matter the season of life, Inspire! has a group excited to encourage and equip women as they study and connect with one another. To register and to find out more information regarding the days, times, and studies, please click HERE. |
Sisterhood Dinner
October 14, 5-7 p.m., The Finck Home
We are so excited to announce the next Sisterhood Dinner with special guest Rosie Phom. Rosie Phom is one of Grace's missionary partners working alongside Youth With a Mission (YWAM). She has been serving with YWAM since 2002 and lives in Budapest, Hungary with her husband and two children. Whether you have ever wondered about international long term missions, what it is like being a woman missionary, or are just curious to hear about life in Budapest; this will be a fun and encouraging evening for all girls! Don't miss your chance to meet Rosie and be inspired by her story of being faithful to God's call. Can't wait to see you there! For more information, contact Lindsey McDonald (lmcdonald@gpch.org; 713-267-5067). Register HERE. |
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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Thursday Morning
Bible Study
9:30 a.m., Heritage Room
Join us on Thursday mornings to study The Path to the Cross, a Bible Study by Ray Vander Laan, a renowned teacher, ordained minister, historian and professor. In his videos, which are filmed on location in the Middle East, he illuminates the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the Scriptures. The class has a discussion lesson and daily Scripture lessons. For information, call Pat Irwin at 713-461-2757 or Gina Axtell (gxtell@gpch.org; 713-267-5046). |
Middle School
2 for 2 Challenge
October 13-14
Two days. Two people. This is a challenging and often hilarious event, where students invite one of their friends to spend the night on Saturday, October 13. The student and his/her friend will then have the opportunity to compete in 12 challenges over the course of 5 hours. Each challenge must have visual proof to submit that it was completed: either a video or a photo. The next morning, Sunday, October 14, the student and his/her friend MUST be present at The Forge (MT 201, 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.) for a party and distribution of awards. Awards are given based on who completed the most challenges successfully. Creativity will be taken into account.
The challenges along with instructions on where and how to submit your entries will be posted on Saturday, October 13 at 5 p.m. on both the Grace Presbyterian Church - Middle School Facebook page and Instagram account, @grace.middleschool. If you have questions, contact Reed Brentlinger (rbrentlinger@gpch.org; 713-267-5076). |
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). |
Student Ministries
Project Home-Grace Day
at the Food Bank
Saturday, October 6, 7:15 a.m.
Student Ministries will be participating in Grace Day at the Food Bank on Saturday, October 6. We will meet at Grace Presbyterian Church in Massey-Tucker at 7 a.m. leaving by 7:15 a.m. Please wear long pants and close-toed shoes. Transportation will be provided. We will return to Grace by 12:30 p.m. Please register HERE. For more information, contact Lindsey McDonald (lmcdonald@gpch.org; 713-267-5067).
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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)
Beginning Sunday, October 7, 1-3 p.m.
Calling all kindergarten through 5th graders! This year’s Christmas musical, “GKM 4 the City,” will be a fantastic celebration of our life here at Grace during the Christmas season. We’ll all learn the true meaning of Christmas as we sing carols with the congregation and celebrate our Grace 4 the City mission event. Rehearsals are held Sundays, starting Oct. 7, 1-3 p.m. through our performance on Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. To register or for more information, please click HERE.
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Ninja Warrior
Preteen Party
Friday, October 12 from 6-9 p.m.,
Massey-Tucker Hall
Grace Children’s Ministries invites all 4th and 5th graders to its fall Preteen Party. Tackle a series of inflatable obstacle courses, eat Chick fil-A, and compete for the ultimate prize: the title of Grace’s First Preteen Ninja Warrior! We’ll even have Grace’s own American Ninja Warrior share her experiences training for and competing on TV. For more information, email Lisa Ann Henkel at lhenkel@gpch.org. Register HERE!
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Trunk or Treat
Friday, October 26, 6-7:30 p.m.,
Grace Athletic Field Parking Lot
Come to a night of FUN for the whole family! Invite friends and neighbors to experience Grace hospitality as the parking lot will be full of decorated car trunks, loaded with candy, prizes, and lots of other fun treats. 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.
50 Trunks Needed
Children’s Ministries needs YOU to sign up to decorate your vehicle’s trunk for our annual Trunk or Treat event! Need an EASY idea to help you get started? We can help! For more information, email Lisa Ann Henkel at lhenkel@gpch.org. Trunk registration is now open HERE.
Candy Donations Needed
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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Mentors Needed
for New School Year
We invite you to become a mentor at Paul Revere Middle School. Mentors meet with students on Friday mornings for one hour. Mentors remind the student that someone cares about them, assure them they are not alone in dealing with daily challenges, and remind each student that he or she matters. Mentoring has a powerful, positive effect on students personally, academically, and on their future dreams. For more information or to apply, click HERE.
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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 from October 5-21. We invite you to greet her at church on Sunday, October 7 during our all-church luncheon and learn more about her time with us. For questions or to schedule time with Rosie, please contact Karen Welton at kcwelton@comcast.net.
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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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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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Hurricane Florence
Disaster Relief
In addition to praying for our friends in the Carolinas affected by the hurricane, we have established a designated fund to support disaster relief efforts. To date, we have collected $11,682. You may continue to support these efforts and designate additional funds to Hurricane Florence relief by donating online HERE. What a privilege it is to bless others across the street and around the world.
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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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Meet Grace
Mission Partners
October 15, 11 a.m. (Doors open at 10:45 a.m.), Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall
All women are invited to a luncheon featuring three of our mission partners. Guest speakers are Francisco Garibay with the Fe Maya Mission in Guatemala, Debi Tengler with Freedom Place, and Rosie Phom from Budapest. Come and hear how Grace is walking alongside these amazing ministries and how together we are impacting the world around us. The cost for the luncheon is $8. Please register at the Women of Grace table in the Filling Station by October 7.
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Houston Food Bank
Saturday, October 6, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Bless our neighbors across Houston while in fellowship with Grace at the Houston Food Bank. For more information and to register, please contact Paul Mancillas (paulmancillas@gmail.com; 832-260-8329).
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WHAM Food Drive
Sunday, October 7
Help collect food and other necessity items for WHAM (West Houston Assistance Ministry). Collection bins will be located inside the Chapel and Sanctuary entrances, and in the Massey-Tucker Hall Lobby. Focus items will be peanut butter and jelly, canned pasta, canned fruit, soups, and crackers.
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Looking Ahead in 2018… SAVE the DATE!
October 7, World Communion Sunday – ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m. and Congregational Celebration Lunch
October 12, Grace Ninja Warrior Preteen Party 6-9 p.m.
October 12-14, Together Forever
October 14, Sisterhood Dinner
October 26, Trunk or Treat
October 28, Blood Drive 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
November 3, Parents Night Out, 5-9 p.m.
November 5, Wood Memorial Golf Tournament
December 2, Phases: Parent Conversations at 10:15 a.m.
December 16, Grace Kids Musical & Christmas 4 the City Habitat Build – ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
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