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Crowded House
It is a known fact that we all have different personalities. Some of us are extroverted while others of us may be more introverted. Likewise, we have different preferences. Some of us prefer a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream while others of us enjoy a slice of chocolate cake. However, despite differing personalities and preferences, we are able to still come together as the Body of Christ.
I saw this wonderfully demonstrated this past Sunday in my home. I had the privilege of opening my home to 15 middle school boys along with two adult volunteer leaders for a Bible study—needless to say, I had a Crowded House—which brought me such joy. Mine wasn’t the only house buzzing with the gospel; there were several others who graciously opened their doors and welcomed our students and volunteers. More than 75 students and volunteers came together to connect in authentic, gospel-centered community.
As one author put it: “The great need of our day is for the kind of genuine community only Christianity offers. Note that the word is spelled community, not communiformity. Uniformity is often forced and enforced. Unity happens when we find common cause in a common foundation, purpose, and future” (Dr. Jim Denison, Sept. 9, 2019).
If you have not heard, God is moving in mighty ways in our Student Ministries here at Grace. It has been heartening to see both the students and volunteers come together. Crowded House launched on Sunday as a result of some passionate planning by a few volunteers and staff, along with the faithful commitment of 14 adult volunteers who said YES to leading a small group of students in Bible study for the next year.Please contact Dorothy Hobbs or Lindsey McDonald to get involved.
There are many others who have said YES:
- YES to preparing and delivering food to the various homes on Sunday evenings.
- YES to showing up and investing in our students on Sunday mornings.
- YES to providing refreshments for the Sunday school classes.
We are so grateful for this particular Body of Christ called Grace, and it is with full and joyous hearts that we give praise and thanks to God for the way you are loving our students. What a beautiful portrait God continues to paint.
The Psalmist reminds us: “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100).
I hope to see you in the Lord’s house this Sunday. In fact, I hope it will be a “Crowded” house!
What a privilege it is to be your pastor! Thank you for your faithfulness. God is indeed moving in mighty ways at Grace.
Peace, Trey
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READY Update: September 5
We are so grateful for your continued patience and understanding as our Grace campus is being READIED to be a welcoming place, a relevant space, and to extend Grace! We hope you share our excitement and anticipation as we see the various construction projects in progress! The latest transformations include:
- The Founders’ Chapel:
- Parking Lot:
- New South Porte-Cochere:
- Music Suite:
- Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall, First floor restrooms:
- Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall, First floor:
- Massey-Tucker, Third floor:
- Roofing:
- Drinking Fountains:
- Welcome Center:
- Sanctuary:
Serve on the READY Construction Hospitality Team
We have a wonderful opportunity for you to serve the Grace family and our guests on Sunday! The good news is that it is a brief time commitment, a limited duration, requires very little training, and is a way to contribute to making your Grace a welcoming place. It's an easy – and especially important – way to invest in the life and ministry of Grace.
You are invited to help smooth the worshippers’ path on Sunday morning by volunteering for the READY Construction Hospitality team. We need 8 volunteers for each of the Sunday morning worship hours through December 8. Find more information by clicking HERE.
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Save These Dates!
ONE Worship Service Sundays
- October 6, World Communion Sunday
- December 8, Grace at 50!
- December 15, GKM and Grace for the City Habitat Build
- December 29, Jazz Service
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Grace Worship Night:
An Evening in the Psalms
Sunday, September 15, 5:30 p.m.
The Founders’ Chapel
Please join us for a special Worship Night as we explore the Psalms through reading, prayer, song, and meditation. Childcare is available; please email dkay@gpch.org with your child's name and age to reserve a place. |
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. |
World Communion Sunday
One Combined Service
Sunday, October 6, 10 a.m.
Join us for an amazing day in the life of Grace Presbyterian Church. On October 6, we will celebrate World Communion Day. Immediately following worship, please join us for the annual congregational meeting to consider nominations of church officers. Following the congregational meeting, join us for an International Grace Family lunch in Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall. Lunch is $5 per person.
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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Fuller Theological Seminary Lecture:
Ministry in a Multicultural Neighborhood
Monday, October 7, 7-8:30 p.m.
Join Fuller Theological Seminary Texas and Dr. Amos Yong for the first in a series of lectures on Monday, October 7. Dr. Yong's lecture, "Mission and Immigration in Houston: A Fresh Pentecost in the Heart of Texas," will explore ministry in our multicultural city. Houston is a global center in part because it sends people to and draws people from the ends of the earth. What does the experience of the early church have to tell us about how the church in Houston can be on mission in an era of migration and globalization? To register, please click HERE.
NOTE: Dr. Amos Yong will also be our guest preacher for World Communion Sunday on October 6. Dr. Yong serves Fuller Seminary as the Dean of the School of Theology and the School of Intercultural Studies, Director of the Center for Missional Research, and Professor of Theology and Mission. To discover more about Dr. Yong, please click HERE. |
Save the Date! 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! |
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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September
Parents' Night Out
Saturday, September 14, 5-9 p.m.
To register, please click HERE.We have 10 spots left to fill. Register TODAY! |
Understand, Discover
& Use Your Spiritual Gifts
Sunday mornings, through Sept. 22
10:15-11:10 a.m.
Massey-Tucker Hall, Room 102
We are thrilled that Grace elder, Deb Castillo is leading a class to help us discover our spiritual gifts and our unique strengths. We will explore how combining our gifts and our strengths will help us maximize our Kingdom impact. To reserve your spot in this class, please email Denise Phelps.
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Thursday Morning
Bible Study
Beginning, Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.
Join us this fall for our study of Clash of Kingdoms. Ray Vander Laan, a professor of religion, a teacher and historian, takes us by video on location to where Paul walked and taught, and reveals the culture in which Paul worked, making his message more understandable and applicable to our daily lives. For information, please contact Pat Irwin (713-461-2757) or Gina Enriquez (genriquez@gpch.org; 713-267-5046). |
September Encore Trip:
Holocaust Museum
September 29, 1:30-6 p.m.
Join us for a self-guided tour of the nation's fourth largest Holocaust museum, right here in Houston. The museum recently re-opened in June with a powerful message of “darkness to light.” The museum is dedicated to educating people about the Holocaust, remembering the six million Jews and millions of other innocent victims and honoring the survivors' legacy. The cost for this trip is $12, and payment is due by September 15. Dinner will be on your own at the Cleburne Cafeteria. To register, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091), or you can sign up on the Encore book at the receptionist desk on every Sunday. |
Preschool Family Experience: Count With Me
Friday, September 20, 5:30-7 p.m.
Massey-Tucker Hall and the TreeHouse
Children’s Ministries can’t wait for our first Preschool FX (Family Experience) this year! Come “Count With Me” as we discover how God created everything! Start with a Chick-fil-A dinner at 5:30 p.m. and then sing and dance with Ms. Gianna in the TreeHouse. We’ll finish the night with craft and activity stations and dessert. Register for the evening HERE. Childcare is available for those younger than 2 by emailing dkay@gpch.org. For more information, contact Gianna Tiedemann (gtiedemann@gpch.org; 713-267-5096). |
Calling All Parents
of College Students!
We look forward to connecting and ministering to our Grace college students throughout the school year. Bridges Sunday School Class sends encouraging notes, birthday cards, and care packages to Grace college students, but we need their updated school addresses. Please text your student’s name, address, email and cell number to Carey Dow at 713-822-3981, and we will add them to our list! |
Sacraments & Sundaes
Sunday, September 29
11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Massey-Tucker Hall C
Children's Ministries invites kids in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade, their older siblings and parents for lunch and dessert as we dive into Sacraments & Sundaes. Enjoy a meal of chicken tenders, homefries, and salad before we look at what a sacrament is and the two sacraments celebrated in the Presbyterian church. We'll celebrate at the end with ice cream sundaes and sprinkles. Childcare will be available for children younger than kindergarten (email dkay@gpch.org). Please help us prepare enough food by registering HERE. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015). |
October Encore Trip:
Sea Center Texas
October 17, 8:30 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Sea Center Texas is a one-of-a-kind marine fish hatchery and Visitor's Center located on 75 acres in Lake Jackson. The $13 million facility opened in March 1996 and includes a 15,000-square foot Visitor's Center housing several aquaria and educational displays of the marine life of Texas bays and Gulf waters, the largest red drum hatchery in the world which produces larvae for stocking grow-out ponds and conducting research on stressed fish stocks from Texas waters, 35 acres of grow-out ponds and 5+ acres of interpreted marsh areas. Cost is $5 for tips. Lunch on your own at Asiel’s. Please be at the church at 8:30 a.m. for an 8:45 a.m. departure. We will return to Grace around 3 p.m. Payment is due by Sunday Oct. 6. To register, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091), or you can sign up in the Encore book at the receptionist desk every Sunday. |
Crowded House
Sunday, September 15, 6-8 p.m.
We are so excited for the Crowded House meetings! These Bible study small groups are for ALL MS/HS students and will be led by an amazing team of adult volunteers from Grace. We will meet in host homes and eat dinner together. Locations for each group this month are as follows:
- Middle School GIRLS @
1702 Cedar Creek Ct.
- Middle School GUYS @
13302 Pebblebrook Dr.
- 9th & 10th GIRLS @
345 W. Gaywood Dr.
- 9th & 10th GUYS @
14511 Carolcrest Dr.
- 11th & 12th GIRLS @
14539 Bramblewood Dr.
- 11th & 12th GUYS @
14538 Bramblewood Dr.
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Inspire! Fall Bible Studies -
Registration is Open Now!
Sign up and register now for the Fall Bible Studies with Inspire! Women’s Ministry. Take advantage of these great opportunities to grow deeper in your relationship with God and with others. To register and to find more information regarding days, times, and studies, visit the website and click on the Learn More button. |
Help Feed Our Student Ministry on Sundays
September 15
Thank you to those of you who provided food for Grace Student Ministries over the summer on Sunday mornings! We are continuing a new Sunday morning experience for middle and high school students throughout the fall semester and we invite the Grace family to help continue to support the student ministry. Everyone knows that students love to eat, so can you help feed them to make the time together on 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! |
Four More Volunteers Needed to Support
Fun, Friends & Faith
Children's Ministries invites you to participate in our F3 ministry at the Belmont Apartments beginning Sept. 30 and Oct. 2. "Fun, Friends & Faith" will provide an afterschool church camp experience for PreK-5th grade students of Walnut Bend Elementary School. Children's Ministries staff members will lead the Monday and Wednesday camps, but we need YOU to show up and show off for God. Volunteer once or twice a month on the day that works best for your schedule. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015). |
Join Us to Celebrate
Preschool Associate
Gianna Tiedemann
Sunday, September 22, 11:15 a.m.
Children's Ministries invites you to celebrate Preschool Associate Gianna Tiedemann on Sunday, September 22, in The Backyard immediately following Sunday School. This will be a wonderful chance for you to express your love and appreciation for her on her last day in the office before she embarks on new adventures. |
Kids Worship, Too!
Friday, September 27, 5:30-7 p.m.
Elementary age kids and their parents are invited to an all-new worship experience led by Ivy Castle Simpson and the Children's Ministries team. We'll start with a Chick fil-A dinner at 5:30 p.m. At 6 p.m. the kids will move to The Backyard for a super special worship night while parents will join Director of Worship and Liturgy Heather Kaemingk for a presentation/conversation about sharing worship with your kids. Everyone will finish together with songs and prayers. To register, please click HERE. The cost is $5 a person for the meal. Childcare will be available for children younger than kindergarten (email dkay@gpch.org). For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015). |
Grace School Admissions Open House
Wednesday, October 9, 9 a.m.
We invite the community of Grace Presbyterian Church to attend Grace School’s Admissions Open House for prospective families. A student led presentation will feature our premier STEM curriculum, and a school tour will include opportunities to interact with teachers, current students, and current families. Prospective families can click here to register for the event. |
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Flu Shots Available
Sunday, September 22
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Massey-Tucker Lobby
Bring your insurance card; generally flu shots are covered at 100% by most insurance providers. Randalls will confirm coverage based on your card. If your insurance does NOT provide coverage, you can find the flu shot rates in the following link. Be prepare to pay by check, credit/debit, or cash. Each person who receives a flu shot will receive 10% off of one of their entire Randalls grocery purchases. Visit www.gpch.org/flushots for more information and to download the consent form.
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Thank You for Generously Supporting Effort for Clean Water
Thanks to your generosity, Fernando Mendiola has not only met, but SURPASSED his fundraising goal! This past Sunday, Grace member Fernando Mendiola shared his plans to ride in the Texas 250 cycling fundraiser to help provide access to clean water to people around the world. We challenged the congregation as well as the kids in Children's Ministries to bring their spare change. Every $5 donated provides clean water for a person for an entire YEAR. To date he has raised $1925… which provides clean water for 385 children! It’s not too late to support Fernando’s effort and help him raise even more money to help more people! To learn more and donate, please click HERE.
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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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Hearts Beading for Kenya
Each Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Massey-Tucker Hall, Room 102
A new charitable fund-raising opportunity is forming at Grace. We will be beading for Kenya, creating unique pieces of jewelry with African trade beads. We will meet weekly for fun and fellowship at the church. No experience necessary. Everyone is welcome, no RSVP necessary. For more information, contact Margaret Ellis, Friends of Samburu, Kenya (silleme@swbell.net; 713-501-5140).
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Operation Turkey 2019
We are 77 days away from Thanksgiving Day. Starting to think about your holiday plans? Make sure this year you include Operation Turkey as part of your holiday traditions. 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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Manna From Grace
Saturday, September 14, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
at the home of Joan Cantrell
(281-352-0250)
Twice a month folks gather to have fun and fellowship while they prepare food for those in the family of Grace who are going through a time of illness or trial. While some of the meals are delivered, many are put in the church freezer, located right inside the portico door. These are for anyone to take when they know someone who could be blessed by one of these meals. If you would like to know about Manna from Grace (volunteering or receiving meals) contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
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Clothed by Faith:
New Ministry Relationship
How many people does it take to make a difference? Just One. Be the one to donate gently used clothing utilizing the donation container located at Grace Presbyterian Church in Massey-Tucker Hall. We are excited to introduce our newest ministry relationship with Clothed By Faith. Let’s fill this donation container over and over again to build a strong relationship with CBF, who depends on the help of those in the community to fulfill its mission to demonstrate God’s love through the provision of gently used clothing to those in need. To learn more, go to www.clothedbyfaith.org. If you have questions about donations, please contact Chris French (cfrench@gpch.org; 713-267-5039).
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Why Stephen Ministry?
We have many needs for care in our congregation and community: people experiencing divorce, grief, a terminal illness, loss of a job, relocation, an empty nest, retirement, hospitalization, loneliness, and many other stresses or challenges. Often people with needs suffer silently or do not request or receive the level of care they really need. With a limited number of pastors for a congregation the size of Grace Presbyterian, you can quickly see why it would be impossible for our pastors to meet every need of every single person. Stephen Ministry expands the care Grace Presbyterian Church can offer by equipping and organizing members to provide Christian care. This gives us a larger pool of people with the gifts, skills, and calling to bring Christ’s love and care to those who most need it. And this one-on-one care is completely confidential. If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, contact Denise Phelps (dphelps@gpch.org; 713-267-5063) or Susan Jernigan (susan.jernigan@sbcglobal.net; 713-582-3332).
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Looking Ahead in 2019… SAVE the DATE!
September 14, Manna from Grace
September 14, Children's Ministries: Parents' Night Out
September 15, Worship Night: An Evening in the Psalms
September 18-30, Kenya Mission Trip
September 20, Children's Ministries: Preschool Family Experience "Color With Me"
September 20, Grace Kids Musical rehearsal begin
September 22, Reception for Preschool Associate Gianna Tiedemann
September 22, Flu Shots Available at Grace
September 27, Children's Ministries: Kids Worship, Too!
September 29, Children's Ministries: Sacraments & Sundaes
September 29, Encore trip to the Holocaust Museum
October 6, World Communion Sunday, ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
October 18, Children's Ministries: Preteen Event
October 27, Trunk or Treat NOTE: This is a Sunday Event
November 4, Grace Golf Tournament at Pine Forest Country Club
November 9, Children's Ministries: Parents' Night Out
November 13, Men's Night at Grace with Jonathan Evans
November 27, Operation Turkey Tailgate
November 28, Operation Turkey
December 7, Children's Ministries: Drop & Shop
December 8, Grace at 50 Anniversary Celebration, ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
December 8, Christmas in the Courtyard
December 15, Christmas in the Courtyard
December 15, Grace Kids Musical & Christmas for the City Habitat Build -
ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
December 21, Gingerbread Houst Decorating Day
December 22, Christmas in the Courtyard
December 24, Christmas Eve Services:
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3 p.m. Traditional worship with Communion in The Founders’ Chapel
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3 p.m. Kids' Christmas Celebration Service in the Sanctuary
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5 p.m. Contemporary worship in the Sanctuary
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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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