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Pitching Tomorrow
Well, the Houston Astros gave it everything they had to TAKE IT BACK, but unfortunately the Washington Nationals TOOK IT! However, whether you are a diehard baseball fan or not, you couldn’t help but be caught up in the buzz around H-town these past few weeks. My hunch is there will be many “Astros players” knocking on our doors this evening saying, “Trick or Treat.”
But here is what I find interesting. For the past several weeks a common question has been: “Who’s pitching tomorrow?” The basis for the question is obviously around wanting to know if the Astros would have one of their “aces” on the hill, giving them an advantage. No one is asking that question today, but perhaps we should be.
I am reminded of the story of Bob and Earl, two of the biggest baseball fans in America. Their entire adult lives, Bob and Earl discussed baseball history in the winter, and they intently studied every box score during the season. They went to 60 games a year. They even agreed that whoever died first would try to come back and tell the other if there was baseball in heaven. Well, one summer night Bob passed away in his sleep.
A few nights later, his buddy Earl awoke to the sound of Bob’s voice from beyond. “Bob is that you?” Earl asked. “Of course, it’s me,” Bob replied. “This is unbelievable!” Earl exclaimed. “So, tell me, is there baseball in heaven?” “Well I have some good news and some bad news for you,” Bob said. “Which do you want to hear first?” Earl replied, “Tell me the good news first.” “Well, the good news is yes, there is baseball in heaven, Earl.” “Oh, that is wonderful news! So, what could possibly be the bad news?” To which Bob replied, “You’re pitching tomorrow night!”
Friends, would it be good news or bad news for you to be “pitching tomorrow night?” In other words, if the Lord called you to join His team in heaven, are you ready? Are you certain that you are on the “team,” so to speak?
When you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior then you also know that you have the promise of eternal life with Him in Paradise. And when we faithfully claim the truth of that promise, it serves as the conduit from which we receive an everlasting hope: a hope that leads to peace, a peace that surpasses all human understanding, a peace that provides comfort, a comfort that conquers fear. All of which is the Good News of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
But also, He calls us to respond with how we live our lives daily — in obedience to Him. Just because the baseball season is over doesn’t mean we shouldn’t stay in the game; each day we are given an opportunity to create a buzz around H-town about the kingdom of heaven.
You never know, you may be pitching tomorrow.
I hope to see you Sunday,
Trey
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REMINDER! Daylight Savings Time Ends This Weekend!
Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour on Saturday night!
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READY Construction Worship Venue Change
Beginning Sunday, November 3 through Sunday, December 1, our worship locations will change due to the temporary construction. Exciting updates will be 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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Serve on the READY Construction Hospitality Team
We have a wonderful opportunity for you to serve the Grace family and our guests on Sunday! You are invited to help smooth the worshippers’ path on Sunday mornings by volunteering for the READY Construction Hospitality team. Find more information by clicking HERE.
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Save These Dates!
ONE Worship Service Sundays
- December 8, Grace at 50!
- December 15, GKM & Christmas for the City
- December 29, Jazz Sunday
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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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Starting Point
November 3
Interested in joining the Grace church family? Meet the Session elders at the front of the Chapel or Gymnasium after each service on November 3. 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
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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Grace at 50: Fun Fact
Sunday, December 8
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:
The Founders’ Chapel now has beautiful carpet which is neutral in nature. But, previously it always had red carpet. Rev. Dan Baker and a friend flew to Atlanta, rented a truck to drive to North Carolina to drive to the manufacturing company for the chapel carpet. They picked it up and drove back to Houston, and the carpet was installed just in time for the dedication of the Chapel in April of 1978.
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Thank You
for Trunk or Treat!
Children’s Ministries offers up a HUGE "Thank You!" to everyone who participated in Trunk or Treat! Thank you for decorating your trunks! Thank you for donating candy! Thank you Inspire ladies for all the new trunks this year! Thank you for sharing your Sunday afternoon with us! Can’t wait to do it all again next year!
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Advent Conversations
Sunday, Nov. 3, 10:15-11 a.m. Foundations Class, LC-207
Children’s Ministries staff will visit the Foundations Sunday School class this week to share ideas for celebrating the Advent season with your family. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Traci Baudin (tbaudin@gpch.org; 713-267-5065).
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November
Parents' Night Out Deadline to Register is Monday, Nov. 4th
Saturday, November 9, 5-9 p.m.
Triumph Sports will return for our Parents' Night Out event in November! For our PreK Fours-Fives and younger, our Nursery staff will provide our classic safe and fun childcare. The deadline for registration is noon on Monday, November 4. To register, please click HERE.
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GKM: Grace Kids Music
Sundays, 1-3 p.m. Choir Room
This is the last week to register and begin rehearsals. For more information, contact Ivy Castle Simpson (icastle@gpch.org; 713-267-5075). To sign up, click here: https://gpch.org/gkm/.
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Rec Sports: Basketball
Basketball Registration Opens
November 1
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 opens on November 1. For more information, contact Grace Recreational Sports Coordinator Wendy Wray (wwray@gpch.org; 713-248-2670). Click HERE to register.
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An Evening
with Kara Powell
Wednesday, November 6, 7 p.m.
Massey-Tucker Hall
Parents will not want to miss this evening with Kara Powell as she reveals do-able ways to help Grace change the lives of young people AND help our young people change life at Grace. Her talk "Growing Young: Helping Young People Discover and Love the Church” will explore the findings of a landmark investigation by the Fuller Youth Institute of more than 250 diverse congregations that uncovered the core commitments that are key to reaching and retaining young people. For more information or to register, please click HERE.
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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.
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Farm to Table: A New Sunday School Class
10:15 a.m., Massey-Tucker 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 will utilize 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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Horizons Class
Advent Study
Sundays, November 3 - December 1, 10:15-11 a.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
Sundays, December 1, 5:30 p.m. 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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November Encore Day Trip
Wednesday, November 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Join us for a wonderful trip to Three Dimensional Visions Glass Blowing in Tomball. The cost $16 and lunch will be on your own at Goodson’s Café. Please be at the church at 9 a.m. for 9:15 a.m. departure, and we will return to the church around 3 p.m. To sign up or for more information, please contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
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Trunk or Treat Winners
Everyone brought their A game to Trunk or Treat! Winners of our Costume and Trunk contests are:
- The Peterson family for recreating Auradon Prep from the Descendants,
- The Stroehlein family for The Sandlot trunk including the perfect Hercules dog,
- Emma Price and the 2nd-3rd Grade Small Group Leaders, Carrie Price, Matt Kaemingk, Kate Pontikes, and Jo Swank for Noah’s Ark,
- Ella Eckman for her original St. Patrick’s Princess complete with giant spider,
- Cooper Grindle for Link from The Legend of Zelda, and
- Olivia Rutta for Cavity Sam from the Operation game.
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Here's What We're Learning in The Backyard
November 3
Bible Story: Take a Chance on Me (David and Goliath)
• 1 Samuel 17
Bottom Line: Honor others by giving them a chance.
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 3
Bible Story Focus: I can thank God for my family. (Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz)
• Ruth 1-2
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.
11/03 - Baby Food Roulette & other food games
11/10 - Bubble Soccer
11/17 - Romans & Christians
11/24 - Volunteer with Children’s Ministry in The Backyard and TreeHouse (meet at The Backyard)
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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.
11/03 - Baby Food Roulette & other food games
11/10 - Bubble Soccer
11/17 - Romans & Christians
11/24 - Volunteer with Children’s Ministry in The Backyard
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High School Fall Retreat
November 15-17
Camp for All in Brenham
All High School Students and their friends are invited to spend a weekend away connecting with God and growing in friendship with other high school students. Spots are limited! For more information and to register, please click HERE.
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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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SAVE the DATE:
“Get in the Game!"
Men’s Night
with Jonathan Evans
Wednesday, November 13
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Massey-Tucker Hall
Treebeard's Dinner $15
Join us as former NFL fullback, author, chaplain and dynamic speaker Jonathan Evans seeks to impact today’s athletes and men with sports analogies and spiritual truths aimed at strengthening men of all ages with the skills they need for living victoriously. Jonathan is a dynamic speaker with a “game day, every day” attitude you will not want to miss. Register HERE.
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WHAM Food Drive
Sunday, November 3
Help collect food and other necessity items for WHAM (West Houston Assistance Ministries). Collection bins will be located inside the Massey-Tucker Hall Lobby. Focus items will be peanut butter and jelly, canned pasta and canned fruit, soups and crackers.
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Annual Golf Tournament
Registration Now Open!
Monday, November 4,
Tee Off at 12:30 p.m.
Pine Forest Country Club
We are thrilled to host the 2019 Dolores and Alan Wood Memorial Golf Tournament that continues to honor the Woods’ life and legacy with the same goal of supporting missions and cultivating a time of connection with friends, coworkers, and neighbors. This year’s tournament will benefit Friends of Westchase and our Guatemala School project. To learn more, please visit the information table on Sunday mornings in Massey-Tucker Lobby or check out the website: www.gpch.org/golf.
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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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Operation Turkey 2019
We are 35 days away from Thanksgiving Day. 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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Looking Ahead in 2019… SAVE the DATE!
November 1, Middle School Lock-In
November 4, Grace Golf Tournament at Pine Forest Country Club
November 6, An Evening with Kara Powell
November 9, Children's Ministries: Parents' Night Out
November 13, Men's Night at Grace with Jonathan Evans
November 15-17, High School Retreat
November 27, Operation Turkey Tailgate
November 28, Operation Turkey
December 1, Christmas in the Courtyard
December 7, Children's Ministries: Drop & Shop
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 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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