Grace Press — January 2015

Transcription

Reaching Up - Reaching Out!
PAGE #2
(Pastor’s Perspective continued from Page 1)
Resist evil. Do good. Five, LOOK-UP--Open your eyes to the Lord. After all, He is your only
Savior. Six, REACH-UP--Spend time in prayer with your adorations, confessions, thanksgivings and
supplications to the Lord. And finally, LIFT-UP--Be available to help those in need--serving,
supporting, and sharing. What a great list!
Why do we bother to make New Year's resolutions in the first place? Perhaps because resolutions
help us narrow and focus in on our priorities! Resolutions answer the number one Question: how
do I want to invest my time, energy, money, and talents in this New Year?
The New Year reminds me of the Psalmist which says: “Lord teach us to number our days!” The
point being-- when you know your days are numbered-- you want to make them count! Someone
wrote some thought-provoking words on the meaning of time: To realize the value of "one month"
ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby. To realize the value of "one week" ask the editor
of a weekly newspaper. To realize the value of "one hour," ask lovers who are waiting to meet. To
realize the value of "one minute," ask the person who missed the train. To realize the value of "one
second," ask the person who just avoided an accident. To realize the value of "one millisecond,"
ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics.
The coming of the New Year forces us to face the question: What will be my priorities this year? I
hope your priorities will be the priorities that God has for your life, to do good, to love more, to
forgive more, to speak kindness, to do the Seven Ups—and to help make up there come down
here, thy kingdom come, thy will being done!
If we do, I believe greater things are yet to come in 2015!
God Bless.
Rev. John Roberts
Sunday, November 16, Jan and I were blessed by the Women of
Grace when they made us both “Members for Life” of the Women’s
association. This action came as a total surprise to us. They said
that it was for our work on Church projects over our years at Grace.
The presentation did not offer time for a rebuttal. Anyway, we’ll offer
one. We would like to say that whatever we have done, or will do,
that has/will help further God’s mission at Grace Church is all the
reward we ever wanted. We truly love this church and all the people
that came before us and for all those that are yet to come.
We humbly accept the award and we thank the Women for their
consideration.
Buz and Jan Sawyer
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November and December were a real whirlwind of activity. Each event that happened was so
special. Grace Presbyterian Women presented their annual honors to unsuspecting servants of
our Lord and Grace Presbyterian Church. This time all the stories we tried to tell to cover for our
plans backfired. We did not give up!! It was indeed a thrill to honor Buz and Jan Sawyer and
Albert and Rose Cavazos. Each couple was presented with a check for $200 to donate to their
charity/mission of their choice. This was done two days before the online Day of Giving. Both
couples chose how to use their $200 and Averill Walters was up early that day to get their
donations turned in so each $200 became a $400 donation. All of us are most grateful that
Averill realized this was a viable option!!
All four of our 2014 honorees would never seek publicity, rewards or awards and wondered – why
me??? We assured them it is God's willing servants with their qualities that we seek to honor.
Preparing for Advent is such a joy every year. Many willing helpers with strong backs gathered to
do the annual “Hanging of the Greens.” We leave the festive decor in place through the Twelfth
Night so as you read this – we need strong backs again to lovingly take everything down and
carefully pack it all away.
Somehow the box holding our Nativity set made of resin that we have had here at Grace for so
many years, crashed on the Narthex closet floor. Upon opening the box we found many of the
characters were now in way too many pieces for a good “surgical glue repair.” Ron and Kathy
Pickett went on the hunt for a replacement Nativity set. If you feel so inclined, we are very willing
to take donations to help cover the cost of the new set. Mary and Baby Jesus from the original
set survived with no damage as did a cow, donkey and a lamb. We will continue to use those
pieces as a separate display.
December was a real blur as final work was completed for our 2 nd Annual Christmas Dinner
Theater musical. If you missed it – well – I am soooo sorry. We all went back in time to 1941.
Our Grace Presbyterian Men are nothing short of amazing. They smoked those 82 lbs. of turkey
in spite of the heavy cold mist/light rain. They helped all weekend in the kitchen. GPM and PW
have become a dynamic team. We strongly suggest you all join us and get in on the fun, giving,
learning and hugs throughout the year!
(Please continue on page 6)
PAGE #5
(Article continued from page 5)
Nathan and all the cast, crew, staff who worked on the musical were nothing short of amazing. As I
wrote previously – Nathan knows how to bring out the best in all of us!!!
The next big PW thing – Scones, Stones and a Little Stuff on Saturday February 7 th. This time we
will be baking the fabulous scones the morning of the sale so the entire building is filled with the
aroma of spices, raisins, cranberries, pecans etc. etc. etc. We were selling them by the dozen last
year so we know we will need to bake more this time!!!! We will be looking for baking fairies for the
Great Grace Scones Baking Team!!!! The full week before sale day we will be setting up the tea
room, the sales floor etc. Then we will be unpacking all the boxed jewelry and gifts items and
merchandising them all to their best advantage. Remember, our goal is at least $1.00 more than
last year or $4001.00!!
PW has been able to expand our missions’ budgets so much thanks to Scones, Stones and a Little
Stuff. We are so grateful that we have been able to do so much more to help others in need.
Please put the Scones and Stones date on your calendar right now and figure out how you can
help us that week. As with all projects at Grace – it takes a village to make things happen.
Margie Schroeder
Church Calendar
To see weekly & monthly events for Grace Presbyterian Church please go to:
http://www.mychurchevents.com/calendar/calendar.aspx?ci=G1L6F0F0K5M7O9L6I3
PAGE #6
GRACE PRESBYTERIAN MEN
Last meeting I was elected to be Chairman for the Grace Presbyterian Men. Big shoes to fill but
those shoes will still be here helping. Buz, thank you for your leadership all these years.
I also want to thank the men who give of there time through out the year. Men of Grace
supported or did Bible Study, Youth activities, cooking, delivering food and clothes, church clean
up and the list could go on and on. Some of you have pulled double duty as Elders, Church
Officers/GPM Officers.
This year has been a transition for my family and Grace Church. We are seeing a growth in
membership and in faith.
Our proposed schedule for the next year (2015) is shown below. Please keep up with
emails to verify the actual schedule or changes.
January 18, 2015
February 1 - 8
February 16
February ???
March 15
April 12-19
May 17
June 13
June 14-21
July 11
July 19
August 16-23
September 20
October 18-25
November 22
November 26
our
Church Without Walls meal - Flour Bluff
Food/Non-perishables to Mission 911
Fundraiser Pulled Pork dinner plates
Provide a meal for Walk to Siloam (Mission 911)
Food/non-perishables to Wenholz
Feed Young Men’s Retreat
Food/non-perishables to Timons Ministry
Feed Young Ladies “Christabella” Retreat
Baby items/non-perishables Hope House
Food/Non-perishables to Women’s Shelter
Cooking for Good Samaritan Rescue Mission
PAGE #7
One of the key missions of the GPM is to spread the word that Jesus Christ is your Savior. So
how are we going to do that? Some of the activities we are doing already support that mission.
What ideas or thoughts do you have that would help accomplish our mission. That is what Grace
Presbyterian Men are all about.
Thru fellowship knowledge experience and faith we support and grow in Christ. I hope to see
more men become active members with GPM.
The next meeting will be 7:00 PM,
th
January 5 , 2015. We will have Coffee and Dessert at the Church. GPM Officers please join me
at 6:30 p.m.
Through Christ all things are possible
Fred Christy
[email protected]
Get Re-Fueled at the Oasis Mid-Week Worship Service at Grace. You'll love this Mid-Week
boost every Wednesday at 7:01 featuring praise, worship, and a message of hope to
empower your life!
Grace Church hosts a mid-week worship experience called the Oasis. We invite you to
come and be filled at the Oasis of God’s love and Grace through praise, worship, and a
message of hope that will empower your life.
This is all done in a relaxed setting of our sanctuary. You come at 6:30 with a potluck meal
to share, break bread with others, and join in worship at 7:01 or you can just come at 7:01
and join us for worship.
We desire to be a church that reflects and models the early church as mentioned in Acts
2:42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship and to the
breaking of bread and prayer!” Worship on Wednesdays will help us accomplish this and
empower your life.
Nursery care is provided each Wednesday.
PAGE #8
These new partners joined as full Partners of Grace Presbyterian
Church.
Please welcome them to the Grace church family.
Sandra Eastwood
Anthony, Heidi, Raine and Saige Martinez
PAGE #9
GRACE PARTNERS. . .
BRING A PROSPECTIVE NEW PARTNER
TO CHURCH FOR A FREE PIZZA DINNER!
MONDAY, JANUARY 19
AT 6:00 PM
Pizza with the Pastor is a casual get to know Pastor John and learn about becoming a Partner in
the ministry of Jesus Christ here at Grace. This meal is designed for prospective partners/
members who want to explore the vision, mission, and purpose of the church in a casual relaxed
atmosphere. So, please invite, and bring, your neighbors, friends or family who may be
interested in finding out more about Grace.
The food is free--we just need an RSVP so please let us know so we can make sure to have
enough food on hand!
Please RSVP by Sunday, January 18
1. By email with your name and number attending or
2. By responding on the Church Calendar or
3. By calling the church office (985-8585).
Volunteers
Wanted and Needed!
Saturday, January 3
10:00 AM– 12:00 PM
Consider this in serving the Lord in this unique way for a
couple of hours. Please bring tools, weed-eaters, etc!
Contact Sandy Jerabek
361-993-3866
GRACE NOW HAS A NEW FREE
CHURCH “APP” FOR SMARTPHONES
Once you download the APP you can
access the church calendar, get push
text notifications, watch a sermon or
hear one, and stay up to date with the
ministries of Grace Church.
PAGE #10
Grace Yard Work is held the 1st
Saturday of the each month
from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Dinner Theatre
The Grace Dinner Theatre Production of “I’ll Be Home
for Christmas” was presented on Sunday, December 7,
the 72nd anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day. It was a
musical about a family and hope and the faith that
provides the foundation for how they face every
situation whether it be Christmas or World War II.
The author created a sensitive production during which
the full capacity audience could laugh but also be
reflective, and ultimately be filled with great hope, the
hope that was born in Bethlehem so long ago.
The production, directed by our Minister of Music
Nathan Villarreal, included drama characters, a choir,
studio performers, and soloists all performed on an
extended stage in the Fellowship Hall. A great tech
crew included those who provided skills in sound,
lighting, set construction and set direction and props.
The sold-out audience enjoyed a tasty dinner
coordinated by Margie Schroeder and the dinner crew
of Grace Presbyterian Men and Women and wonderful
volunteer helpers.
PAGE #11
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What is a Home Group?
A Home Group (a small group) is made up of 2 to 12 people who come together to build
relationships through encouragement, accountability, love, guidance, and prayer. The goal is for all
persons to experience life transformation through Christ. The goal is also to build community, the
kind of community the early church had and is mentioned in the New Testament.
Purpose of Home Groups:
The purpose of Home Groups is to build stronger relationships with God and one another. We do
this through Bible Study, encouragement, accountability, love, guidance, and prayer. The goal is for
all persons to experience life transformation through Christ, made possible studying God’s Word and
being held accountable within a group setting. In short, Home Groups are a place where we come
to love and be loved.
Who can be a member of a Home Group?
Everyone is welcome to connect with a Home Group whether you are new in your faith journey or
have long been a follower of Jesus.
Why Join a Home Group? What are the benefits of being in a Home Group?
Community:
All of us are looking for a place to belong, as well as place to become all that God wants to become.
Our number one need in life is to love and be loved. God designed people for community. Each of
us has a desire "to belong" somewhere. Seeking community is often what brings many of us to
Grace! It will be the relationships that we build that keep us coming back to Grace!
At Grace, we understand that worship celebration on Sunday is uplifting, a time to celebrate God,
and an important part of our spiritual growth but it will not bring about the kind of life transformation
that can take place in a small group. It is in Home Groups where life transformation occurs. Even
Jesus did not do it alone; He created community by gathering the 12 disciples. The only thing Jesus
left behind to carry on His movement was a small group of disciples.
We are here today in this group as a testimony to their work! Over fifty times in the New Testament
the phrase "one another" is used to describe our relationship to other believers as God’s Word
emphasizes community.
PAGE #14
We are instructed to love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, accept one
another, bear one another’s burdens, and build up one another. One of the best ways in which
you can obey these commands is through a Home Group Ministry.
You will begin to understand the Bible better in a Home Group.
If you’ve ever listened to a sermon and wanted to stop the preacher and say, "But what about...?"
or "You don’t understand my situation!" then a small group is for you! Preaching is an important
part of Christian education and growth but it is also one-way communication. Home Groups allow
for a more in depth look at the implications of God’s Word and ways to apply it to your life. In a
Home Group setting, you can ask questions, participate in a discussion of the text, and hear
others share insights and illustrations of the truth you are trying to grasp. The Bible must be
applied to your own personal situations and that happens best in Home Groups. Home Groups
are safe places where people can take the “masks” off and truly be themselves. It is a place of
loving accountability, a place of encouragement on this journey called life.
"They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread,
and to prayer. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Every day they
continued to meet together... they broke bread in their homes and ate together... and the Lord added
to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:42, 44, 46-47
"Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house they never stopped teaching and
proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is the Christ." Acts 5:42
Home Groups You Can Join and Times They Meet:
Tuesday Nights at 7 p.m. Margaret Jordan Facilitator, Meeting at Fred and Sandy Christy’s
House, address is 5221 Graford Place. Margaret Jordan’s contact number is 244-2194.
Tuesdays Nights at 7 p.m. Mark DeKoch Facilitator, Meeting at Victoria and Bart Shirley’s
House, address is 6538 Orangetip Drive. Mark DeKoch contact number is 779-5907
Tuesday Nights at 7 p.m. Larry Clack is Facilitator. Meeting at Karla and Larry Clack ’s house
address 7437 Bar T Drive. Larry’s contact number is 452-3712.
All Women’s Group. 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7 p.m. Meets at the Church. Marianne Carlson is
Facilitator. Contact number is 549-5964
Book Study Home Group. Book will be “Everything Belongs” by Richard Rohr. Every Thursday
Night at 7 p.m. at the Church. Led by Chaplain Sue Cook. Contact the church office to sign up.
PAGE #15
Lovely Sanctuary Flowers
Honor a loved one, a special date, even surprise your spouse on
their birthday or anniversary, just sign up on the “2015 Flower
Chart” in the back of the Sanctuary, or call Kathy Pickett at
985-1567.
Kathy will then send you a reminder during the month that
payment is due, complete with a self addressed stamped
envelope, it’s just that easy. The donation for each arrangement is
$30.00.
After the Contemporary service is completed, please take your flowers home, or leave them on the stand for
Margie Schroeder (our bonafide florist) to create into smaller arrangements that are delivered by Pastor
John, or others to the sick or shut-ins.
Each delivered arrangement has an individual card with this sweet verse:
These flowers brightened the worship of
Grace Presbyterian Church.
They heard the hymns that were sung,
the prayers that were offered,
the sermon that was preached.
They come to you with our prayers,
that they will brighten your day, and
let you know that God loves you,
and that we do too.”
What a beautiful flower ministry to be enjoyed by all.
Thank You,
Kathy Pickett
BIBLE STUDY RESUMES HERE AT GRACE!
All are welcome...
Every Tuesday with Pastor John Roberts in the
Garden Room at 1:30 PM
Every Thursday with Mark DeKoch in the
LIFE Building at 7:00 PM
Until I come, devote yourself to
the public reading of Scripture, to
preaching and to teaching.
Hand outs will be provided!
1 Timothy 4:13 NIV
PAGE #16
Scones, Stones and yes – there will also be “A Little Stuff”. It is
coming – Saturday, February 7th, 2015 – right here at Grace. We
are gaining quite a reputation for a wonderful day out for many
ladies in our community.
The Scones are such a hit – we were selling them by the dozen this
year. We have a new marketing idea – bake them the morning of the
sale. The entire building will smell like a huge irresistible scone with a
few more flavors added. The Tea Room is a big hit! The Great Grace
Scones Baking Team will be busy!!!
The Stones – that is all of your once loved, treasured jewelry that you
are willing to donate to Grace Presbyterian Women. We even take all
those “one earring” accidents and broken chains. You will be amazed
how they join up with other pieces and parts and become a whole
new creation. Those creations really sell well – every one is one of a
kind – never to be copied – totally unique!
It is best to bring these treasures in as soon as you can. This allows time for gentle cleaning, a few repairs, and
lots of research so we sell for a good price and of course time to create the new items. Then the jewelry fairies
gather and price tags and information tags are added and each item is lovingly placed into a box or attached to
hanging earring cards– ready for gift giving.
The sale date is before Valentine’s Day so many ladies pick out their own gifts at this sale. And husbands have
figured out we have sneaky ways of finding out what their wives would really like and just happen to slip it to
the back table and then to the husband. We have even gift wrapped these special treasures!
We do always need empty jewelry boxes of all sizes – from ring boxes on up. Also, please save the earring cards
when you purchase the “store bought” earrings. Please bring those in now.
There will also be “A Little Stuff”. These are high end gift items – some of these came from a few of your
rummage donations. As it was described to me – Scones and Stones has a different clientele – looking to spend
a larger amount of money. So, high end items are welcome – think home décor – the crystal, silver, lovely china
from all eras, special serving pieces, special antiques and collectibles that our ladies would be excited about. If
you have a question, catch me on Sunday mornings, email me at [email protected] or call our land line
– 994-1327
Jewelry donations can be brought to the church office marked PW, Scones and Stones or Margie. You can also
bring them to church on Sundays. We know the sale is five months away – but that time flies – really fast!
One more bit of information. In 2014 we hit the $4000 mark for Scones and Stones!!! We have already sold $212
that is counting for 2015. Our PW Coordinating Team has decided to make Scones, Stones and a Little Stuff our
only fundraiser for 2015 – if – we make at least $4001 in 2015. Of course we would love way more than that –
the more we make the more we can give away to all of our missional projects.
Stay tuned for much more news on Scones, Stones and a Little Stuff!
Margie Schroeder
PW Coordinating Team Moderator
PAGE #17
Shepherds Needed
Our Grace Care Groups Committee needs more Shepherds. Shepherds help unite the
congregation by communicating with every member in their group and by recognizing when a
Partner has a special concern. Shepherds support each other and members of the congregation
continually. A Partner can call the office when ill, hospitalized or has a special need and the office
will notify their Shepherd and Pastor John.
Duties of the Shepherds include:





Calling all Partners of their group and updating contact information,
Visiting the sick or hospitalized,
Holding occasional social gatherings,
Sending out cards on birthdays and special occasions,
Contacting Partners who have been absent for over 3 Sundays.
As our church continues to grow, the current Shepherds are carrying a bigger load. Additional
Shepherds would assure that no Partners are overlooked.
If you would like to be a part of this important project, please contact Miroslava Mares-Sabala
904-2944, [email protected]. We welcome all who are willing to establish lines of
communication and also support and encourage our Partners.
OFFICE: 361-985-8585
EMAIL: [email protected]
Please know that you are a holy and precious Child of
God and that God is always with you.
PAGE #18
Drive Thru Prayer Ministry
Every Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:00 PM
It doesn't matter whether you are coming
or going, you are going to receive a
blessing of prayer.
Victoria Shirley welcomes everyone and anyone to
drive in for a time of restoration, healing,
encouragement, and prayer.
We want to thank Victoria for doing this unique and
awesome way of spreading the Good News of
Jesus.
Children’s Sunday School
Sunday School available for children
ages 4 through 6th grade, after
Children's Moments at the
11:01 AM Contemporary Service.
Missed A Sermon…
Or just want to hear it again?
You can now watch and listen to Pastor John’s Sermon by going
to http://www.gracepccc.org/sermons/index.htm
Never Miss a
Sermon Again!
You can NOW donate to
Grace Presbyterian Church
Ministry!!!
 Fast  Easy  Secure  Go
Green!
To donate– please go to
Stay Connected with Grace!
http://www.gracepccc.org/
www.facebook.com/gracepccc
donate.htm
PAGE #19

Grace Press — January 2015

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