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Socks
According to my filing system, this is the 200th Grace Weekly I have written. I must confess that each week when I sit down to write, I can’t help but wonder if anyone really reads it. And, what in the world am I going to say? Recognizing, of course, that oftentimes what I say could directly influence the number of people who read it. This kind of pastoral stress was never mentioned in seminary!
Aware of the associated risks—the thought that came to me this week was “Socks.”
Perhaps you remember Dr. Seuss’s book, Fox in Socks? It was one of many Dr. Seuss classics. The entire book is a dialogue between Knox in a box and Fox in socks—one tongue twister after another that will potentially drive you batty, as it did Knox. Such as when Fox in socks introduced an “easy game to play.” “Here’s an easy thing to say… new socks. Two socks. Whose socks? Sue’s Socks. Who sews whose socks? Sue sews Sue’s socks.” I have to stop there—but you get the madness. At the end, Mr. Knox says, “Fox in socks, our game is done, sir. Thank you for a lot of fun, sir.”
If you were with us in worship this past Sunday, you had an opportunity to receive a pair of READY socks. This was not related to a game we are playing but instead to serve as a fun reminder of something very exciting that God is READYING us for in the life of Grace. But also, to remind us that we are called to be ever READY to be His witnesses. I hope you are enjoying your socks—but the READY campaign is far from done. Therefore, I want to offer a few suggestions that will enable you to remain informed and involved during this monumental season in the life of Grace:
1) Visit the READY webpage. You'll be able to discover more about the READY campaign, watch the campaign video, read stories of Grace members who are READY, view all the renderings, download the Prayer Guide, and more!
2) With great anticipation and excitement, this week we will reveal the renovated Massey-Tucker Lobby. Not only will this new space be a warm and inviting spot to connect with friends, it will also serve as a "show and tell" spot that will display things to help us get READY for this exciting time at Grace.
3). Check us out on social media. Our Facebook and Instagram will have many #readychurchreadypeople stories featured each week. You can even post your own and use our official hashtag (#readychurchreadypeople) to communicate how you are READY for great things at Grace!
One final thought, I hope to see you this Sunday – and I hope to see you in your READY socks.
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. |
Starting Point Class
September 23, 6 p.m.,
Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall,
Room 103
Want to get connected? Find a CORE Community? Learn about our beliefs and ministry? Join the church family? Where do you begin? At the starting point.
During the Starting Point Class, we’ll enjoy a meal and have great conversation together. You’ll learn more about who we are as a church, how to grow in your faith, and the many life-giving ways you can be a part of our church family, including the opportunity to make this your home church through membership. Join us for a casual dinner and conversation — it’s a great place to start! Child care is available (dkay@gpch.org). To RSVP or for more information, contact Beth Craig (bcraig@gpch.org).
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An Evening with
Melanie Shankle
September 16, 6:30-8 p.m.,
Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall
Join us for a girls’ night at Grace with Melanie Shankle. We will enjoy food, fellowship and glean some words of wisdom from the author of Church of the Small Things. It’s sure to be a night of fun and a great way to kick off our fall season of women’s ministry! Register HERE.
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Encore September
Day Trip
Wednesday, September 19, 8:45 a.m.
Last Spring, a wondrous local attraction was unveiled. It’s called the Cistern, and that’s just what it is: an underground concrete cistern the size of one and a half football fields – nearly two acres – that once held 15 million gallons of Houston drinking water. Join us for a tour of this remarkable Cistern. Following the tour, lunch will be on your own at the Cleburne Cafeteria. After lunch, we’ll continue with a tour of The Rienzi Museum, a MFAH house museum for European decorative arts, situated in the beautiful historic River Oaks neighborhood. COST: $12. Be at the church by 8:45 a.m. We will return to Grace by 3 p.m. Space is limited. For more information, please click HERE. If you have questions, contact Becky Morris (bmorris@gpch.org; 713-267-5091).
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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 Lbrary 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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Sisterhood Dinner
September 23, 5-7 p.m.,
The Finck home
It is time for the first Sisterhood Dinner of the school year! The Sisterhood is a place where High School girls can come as they are, be real and open with each other, have the opportunity to know the love of Christ, and meet other young women who are trying to figure it all out too. We’ll be heading over to the Finck's home for delicious food and great conversation. Can’t wait to see you there! For more information, please contact Lindsey McDonald (lmcdonald@gpch.org; 713-267-5067). Register HERE.
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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). |
Colorific Preschool FX
Friday, September 21, 6-7:30 p.m.
We are so excited to kick off this new season of Preschool FX (Family Experience) events with our first FX on Friday, September 21! An FX is a fun, interactive event for both Preschoolers and their families where they come together to learn more about God’s love and grow together in their faith. Our first FX will focus on the truth of God’s Promises through the story of Noah. Together, we will color, dance, sing, and grow in our love for God! We have a feeling it will be pretty “colorific,” and we hope to see you there! Register HERE.
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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. |
Here's What We're Learning In TreeHouse
September 16
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 even if we have to wait.
Abraham and Sarah • Genesis 12:2-3, 18:1-5, 21:1-6
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Here's What We're Learning
in The Backyard
September 16
Bible Story: Won’t You Please Help Me? (Nehemiah Helps the Poor) • Nehemiah 5:1-12
Bottom Line: Don’t wait for someone else to help people in need.
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 should treat others the way I want to be treated. |
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, 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 go 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) Begins October 7
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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Preschool Needs
Sunday School Leaders
Love Jesus? Love preschoolers? Then Children’s Ministries has the perfect place for you to share your faith — in our youngest Sunday School classes! We provide the lessons and the materials and the preschoolers, you provide a familiar, loving face who helps our 2, 3, and 4 year olds understand God’s plans for them. For more information, contact Gianna Tiedemann in Children’s Ministries (gtiedemann@gpch.org; 832-647-6645).
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New Children's
Sunday School Classes
Check out the schedule and room listings for Preschool and Elementary Sunday School classes HERE.
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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. Chick-fil-A will be served for $5/meal. There will be prizes for best costumes and trunks. More information and registration coming SOON!
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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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Flu Shots Available
Sunday, September 16,
Church Library 8 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Bring your insurance card - generally flu shots are covered at 100% by most insurance providers. Randalls will confirm coverage based on your card – if no coverage, flu shot rates are below. 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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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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Do it All in Jesus’ Name -Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministers bring distinctively Christian care to those in need. They use both words and deeds to express Christ’s care for others—listening and comforting, calling on the training they have received and employing the tools of faith. If this job description fits your personal goals for ministry, consider becoming a Stephen Minister. A training class is starting soon. For more information, contact Denise Phelps (dphelps@gpch.org; 713-267-5063).
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Looking Ahead in 2018… SAVE the DATE!
September 16, 23, 30, Two-Service Sundays in the Sanctuary (9 a.m. Contemporary and 11:15 a.m. Traditional)
September 16, An Evening with Melanie Shankle 6:30 p.m.
September 21, Colorific Preschool FX (Family Experience) 6-7:30 p.m.
September 23, Phases: Parent Conversations at 10:15 a.m.
October 7, World Communion Sunday - ONE Worship Service at 10 a.m.
October 12, Children’s Ministries Preteen Party 6-9 p.m.
October 12-14, Together Forever
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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