September 26, 2019

Fall

I was so disappointed! When I went to bed on Sunday evening, I did so in great anticipation of Monday. I was looking forward to wearing a light sweater to work the next day; I was excited about being met by a briskness in the air when I left the house, and I was thinking about where I might sit outside for lunch. After all, Monday marked the first day of fall. If you went outside on Monday, perhaps you shared my disappointment!

We all know that a new season on the calendar does not necessarily come with immediate changes in the weather. As much as we might love the fall, it will likely still feel like summer for weeks to come. Yet, what we know to be true is what energizes us — we know the benefits of the fall season WILL come.

Such is the case in our walk with the Lord. The day we said “Yes” to Jesus as our Lord and Savior marked a new season in our lives. However, in our brokenness, not every day comes with visible signs of our inward change. Yet, what we know to be true is what energizes us.

Hebrews 11:1 reminds us: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Do you recall the name Vinko Bogataj? He was the ski jumper from Slovenia who, for years, was in the opening video montage of ABC’s Wild World of Sports. He was the focal point of the “agony of defeat” — a painful ending to an attempted ski jump.

Bogataj appeared in good form as he headed down for the jump, until about the middle of the ramp when he, seemingly out of nowhere, lowered down, lost his balance, and began to tumble head over heels off of the side of the jump and bouncing off of the supporting structure. Thankfully, in the end, he only suffered a mild concussion and a broken ankle.

However, what you may not know is this: Bogataj chose to fall. Why? Well, as he explained later, the weather conditions had made the ramp too fast and midway down he realized that if he completed the jump, he would land beyond the safe landing area which could have been fatal.

Friends, do you ever feel like life is going too fast?

Perhaps today will mark a new season for us to make the proper adjustments to our lives in order to avoid the agony of defeat and embrace the joy of His victory in our lives. Make time this week to fall back into the everlasting arms of Jesus.

I hope to see you this Sunday at Grace; we will have the air on!

Peace,

Trey

Tropical Storm Imelda Update

Do you need help after Tropical Storm Imelda or can you help others recovering from the floods she caused? Contact our Pastor of Missional Living Chris French (mailto:cfrench@gpch.org; 713-267-5039) or click HERE.

READY Update: September 26

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: The chapel is substantially complete. The fabric is in for the pews and the work on replacing the cushions and chancel chairs is expected to take two weeks. The two side entrance areas are waiting on delivery of lights and should be completed this week. We will replace the track lighting in the next week or so.

  • Parking Lot: The parking lot in front of the church near the toll way has been completed. We will not do any more parking lot work until November.

  • New South Porte-Cochere: It is important to note that the sidewalk between the Music Suite and the Learning Center has been demolished and access is limited to a fenced walkway. We recommend if you need handicapped accessibility, please park on the North side of campus or by the Molly Ann Smith building. Construction here began this week as the start had been delayed due to weather.

  • Music Suite: The work here is complete except for the hallway and music suite bathrooms. The music suite bathrooms will be completed in the next day or two. The delivery of millwork for the other restrooms had been delayed due to weather.

  • Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall, First floor restrooms: Renovations on the Massey Tucker first floor restrooms should be completed this week. Tomorrow, the last of the updates should be done and cleaning will take place over the weekend. Work will now begin on the second floor bathrooms. 

  • Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall, First floor: The new wall between Massey-Tucker Room C and the Church Kitchen that will enable Massey-Tucker C to be used more effectively as a meeting space and classroom awaits its doors. The McKechnie Room has been completed except for furniture. 

  • Massey-Tucker, Third floor: Renovations on carpeting and paint in the individual offices are complete. The renovation of the new central work area and the new conference room started this week and should be completed over the next two weeks. The breakroom and central hallway will be started after that.

  • Roofing: All roofing is substantially complete. 

  • Drinking Fountains: New drinking fountains have been installed in Massey-Tucker Hall and the Music Suite. The new fountains have cool, filtered water, and they have the special water bottle fillers attached.

  • Welcome Center: The construction of the new Welcome Center in the space which was the library began this past week and is expected to take eight to ten weeks. During the demolition we discovered that there was the potential to install a vaulted ceiling and our design build firm, SLI, is working on a new design for review.

  • Sanctuary: Work in the back of the sanctuary began this week and will take about four weeks. Construction in the narthex is expected to begin in October and the Sanctuary in November. Our goal is to have both complete by our December 8 anniversary celebration.

 

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.

 



ONE Service to Celebrate World Communion Sunday

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. Dr. Amos Yong from Fuller Theological Seminary will provide the message as our guest preacher. 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. Find your favorite international food prepared by members sharing their cultures or try out something deliciously new to you! 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.

 
gather
Gather

Friends of Westchase
Pop-Up

Sunday, September 29, after each worship service, in the Courtyard

Visit the Grace Courtyard this Sunday to learn more about Friends of Westchase and how you can get involved! For more information, contact Nancy Bailey (nbailey@gpch.org; 202-631-2808).

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

Starting Point

October 6

Interested in joining the Grace church family? Meet the Session elders at the front of the Sanctuary after the service on October 6. 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).


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.


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.

Congregational Survey Results Are In!

Thank you so much for your contribution! We are grateful to have collected 557 completed church surveys on May 19, 2019. Your participation in the survey provides key data and insight that informs our strategic direction and vision for Grace.

The Congregational Survey Summary report is available to download at www.gpch.org/survey. If you have questions or comments, you may register for one of our Survey Debrief sessions:

  • Sunday, September 29, 10:15-11 a.m., Third Floor Conference Room
  • Sunday, October 13, 12:30-1:15 p.m., Third Floor Conference Room

So, what’s the next step? This fall, we will continue our work with our consultant from Auxano to develop greater clarity around our vision and strategy to equip people to make Jesus visible in their daily lives.

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!
Connect
Connect

Kids Worship, Too!

This event has been postponed to a future date.

Thursday Morning
Bible Study

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.

If you registered for this trip, please be at the church at 1:15 p.m. for a 1:30 p.m. departure. For more information, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).

Grace Kids Music: GKM Rehearsals Coming Soon

Sundays, Beginning October 20, 1-3 p.m.

Calling all Kindergarten through 5th graders! We want YOU to be a part of Grace Kids Music’s big Christmas musical! Whether it’s your first time singing, or you’re a seasoned pro, this is a fantastic place for kids who want to have fun and show their love of Jesus during the Christmas season. Rehearsals are held Sundays in the Grace Choir room, (by the Sanctuary), starting October 20, 1-3 p.m. through our performance on December 15 at the 10 a.m. worship service. Registration is $30 and includes a T-shirt. For more information, contact Ivy Castle Simpson (icastle@gpch.org; 713-267-5075). To register, click HERE.

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!


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 is 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.

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 the former NFL fullback, author, chaplain and dynamic speaker 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. More information coming soon!

SAVE the DATE:
An Evening
with Kara Powell

Wednesday, November 6, 7p.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 young people AND help our young people change 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. She also will share stories of real-life churches that are growing and thriving. In the midst of the discouraging reports about the aging and decline of churches today, what steps do savvy churches take that help them best love and serve teenagers and young adults? Let's find out together! The evening is open to everyone and specifically to parents of children of all ages but most applicable to those with students in elementary school through college. Registration information is coming soon! 

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).

Crowded House

Sunday, September 29, 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 are 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.

Preteen Party

Friday, October 18, 6-9 p.m.

Look for more information and the registration link in next week's Grace Weekly!

Trunk or Treat

Sunday, October 27, 4:30-6 p.m.

We're moving Trunk or Treat to a Sunday this year! Look for all the details and registration link in next week's Grace Weekly and bulletins. For more information, contact Lisa Ann Henkel (lhenkel@gpch.org; 713-267-5015).

Candy Donations for Trunk or Treat

Friday, October 18, 6-9 p.m.

We need your sweet tooth and online shopping abilities! Please click on our Amazon Wish List HERE to donate candy for this year's Trunk or Treat event. If you shop at an actual brick and mortar store, you can bring your donations to the decorated trunk at the receptionist desk in the welcome center during the week or on Sundays. Please NO candy with nuts or peanut butter.

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

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!

Two More Volunteers Needed for
"F3: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).

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.
Bless
Bless

Hospitality on Your Street:
A Six-Week Study

Beginning September 29, 10:15-11 a.m.
Massey-Tucker Hall, Room 103

Do you know your neighbors? Do you wish you knew how to reach out? Do you have a Grace Table (or want one) but aren’t sure how to use it? Do you worry you can’t extend hospitality because you are limited by time, space, budget or chaos? Find answers to your questions in a six-week course that will help you live to make Jesus visible in your neighborhood. Led by Gindi Vincent and other teachers, we invite you to join a community in learning how to use hospitality regardless of where you live or what your personality type is. If you have any questions, please email Gindi Vincent. To sign up, please email Gina Enriquez.

WHAM Food Drive

Sunday, October 6

Help collect food and other necessity items for WHAM (West Houston Assistance Ministries). 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 and canned fruit, soups and crackers.

Annual Golf Tournament
Registration Now Open!

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. The tournament is Monday, Nov. 4 at Pine Forest Country Club. Tee off is at 12:30 p.m. To learn more about the tournament, to become a sponsor, or to register to play, go to www.gpch.org/golf. 

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.

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 are 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 is necessary. For more information, contact Margaret Ellis, Friends of Samburu, Kenya (silleme@swbell.net; 713-501-5140).

Operation Turkey 2019

We are 63 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.

Grace Day
at the Houston Food Bank

Saturday, October 12, 8 a.m.-noon
Portwall Warehouse

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). To register, please click HERE.


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).

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).

Looking Ahead in 2019… SAVE the DATE!


September 18-30, Kenya Mission Trip
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 6, WHAM Food Drive
October 18, Children's Ministries: Preteen Event
October 20, Grace Kids Musical rehearsals begin
October 27, Trunk or Treat (NOTE: This is a Sunday event.)
November 4, Grace Golf Tournament at Pine Forest Country Club
November 6, An Evening with Kara Powell at 7 p.m.
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 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 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 House Decorating Day
December 22, Christmas in the Courtyard
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