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Shocking Experience
Have you ever been shocked? There is nothing like a sudden surprise that can send a charge through your entire system.
In many ways, that is how I have been feeling in recent weeks. Ever since we launched the READY campaign, I have sensed a new kind of zeal within the Grace family. Many of you have shared your excitement around the vision to position Grace Church for the next generation of making Jesus visible across the street and around the world. Your enthusiasm to pursue a welcoming place, a relevant space, and extending grace has been a “shocking experience” for me—in a positive way!
I simply want to say, “Thank you." But I also want to reiterate something I mentioned in my sermon last Sunday. We are a COMMUNITY, which requires that all of us who call Grace our church home participate in the READY campaign—participation is one of the privileges of being in community. It is our selflessness that becomes a conduit for shock waves. Selflessness builds up an atmosphere of love.
I recently read a great quote: “Sometimes, I shock myself with the smart stuff I say and do. Other times, I try to get out of the car with my seat belt on.”
Wouldn’t it be fun if we continued to shock one another with the smart stuff we say and do? Wouldn’t it be exciting if we didn’t feel strapped in by fear or anxiousness as we continue to embrace that for which God is READYing us?
I am sure that you recall the story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Do you remember what happened to the “whole city” that day? Matthew 21:10 tells us: “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred…”
Interestingly enough, this word “stirred” comes from the word in which we get our word “seismic.” The word means “quaked” these people were truly moved by the arrival of Jesus.
My hope and prayer is that Jesus has arrived in your life, and His arrival continues to stir you - that His goodness and mercy will continue to shock you and surprise you. But also, in response, I pray that we will be a community who is bold and courageous with our generosity.
Friends, I count it a privilege to be part of the Grace family. I remain optimistic about our future together.
I hope to see you this Sunday.
Peace,
Trey
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Two-Service Sundays
Continue Throughout September
To ensure that the entire Grace family has the opportunity to hear directly from our Senior Pastor, we are making a temporary change in the Worship schedule through Sept. 30. There will be two services, in the sanctuary only, at 9 a.m. (Contemporary) and 11:15 a.m. (Traditional) – as well as the Grace en Español service. The hope is that those who normally worship in the Chapel at 9 a.m. will attend one of the services in the Sanctuary, instead. By offering just the two services, it can be certain that the Grace family all has the opportunity to hear the same message from the same voice as united we ready ourselves for a bright future. |
Volunteer for our
Usher Team
Guest Services relies heavily upon volunteers. Quite simply, Sunday mornings could not happen without our amazing team of volunteers. Guest Services volunteers welcome all guests who enter the church. In addition to greeting people, volunteers answer questions and help guests find their way around the church. Guest Services volunteers are the very first impression our guests will have of our church.
One of our Guest Services teams is our Usher Team. The Usher Ministry team exists to be “ministers of hospitality.” In this age of always connected-always on, a handshake and a bulletin are not enough to make the first-time guest feel welcome. Our Usher teams serve our guests in the Sanctuary Lobby initiating contact with a warm greeting, friendly presence and offering worship bulletins or other informational materials and clear directions to a seat. We would love to enlarge our Usher team. For more information and to sign-up, please click HERE. |
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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. |
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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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. |
Bethel Bible Course
Elder Jerry Hanlon will lead this 40-lesson course which covers the Bible with 20 Old Testament and 20 New Testament lessons. This popular and life-changing course is a must for those who have always wanted to read the Bible, seek greater Biblical literacy and find God’s unimaginable plan of redemption through Jesus Christ from Genesis to Revelation. Classes will be held at 10 a.m. on Sundays in Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall, Room A. The cost for the course materials is $100 ($50 for Old Testament, $50 for New Testament). Please register online HERE. Please do not let money prevent you from attending this great study. Thanks to a generous donation, scholarships are available. If interested, please contact Chad Erb at cerb@gpch.org. |
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 October Day Trip
to Moody Gardens Thursday, October 11, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Please join us as we tour The Aquarium at Moody Gardens. We will have lunch at the Garden Restaurant followed by an hour cruise on a paddlewheel boat. The cost is $20 plus lunch. Registration and paymen aret due by Sunday, Sept. 23. Arrive at the church at 8:30 a.m. for an 8:45 a.m. departure. We will stop briefly at Buc-ee’s.
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Encore November Day Trip to George H.W. Bush Library and Museum
Thursday, November 8, 9:30 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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Bridge at Grace
Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, 11:30 a.m. (lunch - $5 optional) and 12-3 p.m. (bridge)
Come enjoy an afternoon of social bridge at Grace with church friends or make new friends! No partner required but reservations are required for lunch and bridge. Contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091). For more information, call Toni or Harry Watson at 713-468-6006. |
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). |
Here's What We're Learning In TreeHouse
September 30
Basic Truth: God loves me.
Key Question: Who keeps His promises?
Bottom Line: God keeps His promises!
Memory Verse: “Trust the Lord with all your heart” • Proverbs 3:5
Bible Story Focus: God keeps His promises.
Noah (God’s Promise) • Genesis 8:1-9; 17
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Here's What We're Learning
in The Backyard
September 30
Bible Story: Rebuild This City (The Wall is Rebuilt) • Nehemiah 3–4, 6:15-16, 8:1-17
Bottom Line: Look for ways to celebrate what God has done.
Memory Verse: “Work at everything you do with all your heart. Work as if you were working for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23a, NIrV
Life App: Initiative—Seeing what needs to be done and doing it
Basic Truth: I can trust God no matter what. |
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! The cost is $10, registration is now open. Click HERE. For more information, email Lisa Ann Henkel at lhenkel@gpch.org.
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Save the Date
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! The parking lot will be full of decorated car trunks, loaded with candy, prizes, and lots of other fun treats. Invite friends and neighbors to experience Grace hospitality! Chick- fil-A will be served for $5/meal.There will be prizes for best costumes and trunks. More information and registration coming next week!
50 Trunks Needed
Children’s Ministries needs YOU to sign up to decorate your trunk for our annual Trunk or Treat event! Need an EASY idea to help you get started? We can help! Email Lisa Ann Henkel at lhenkel@gpch.org for more information. Trunk registration will open Oct. 4.
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 beginning Oct. 1.
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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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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
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 along side 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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Looking Ahead in 2018… SAVE the DATE!
September 30, Two-Service Sundays in the Sanctuary (9 a.m. Contemporary and 11:15 a.m. Traditional)
October 7, World Communion Sunday - ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
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 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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