FOOD DONATIONS FOR WHAM

WHAM continues to need our help filling their food pantry. We will be collecting all types of mac n’ cheese, soup and pasta for WHAM (West Houston Assistance Ministries). Bring your donations and drop them off in the WHAM donation bins at the Connection Center during normal church office hours or on Sunday. 

The objective of Clothed by Faith is simple: to give one week's worth of clothing, free of charge, to anyone in need. The CBF team customizes a week’s worth of clothing, shoes, and new underwear and socks for each child or adult. The clothing and shoes are carefully sorted, selected, and packaged in a gift bag specifically for each client in a manner that offers them confidence, hope and dignity. 

When you donate please only give fresh, quality clothing and shoes that are new or in gently used, good condition. Consider if your items will provide the dignity, comfort and confidence we strive to give our clients. Drop bagged donations in the bin marked for CBF in the Connection Center near the Welcome Desk. Visit the Clothed by Faith website for detailed instructions and more information about CBF.

Once a month, come as you are for an intergenerational short service opportunity in the Welcome Center or out in the community. Join us for an hour or two and make a difference in someone’s life. Watch the Grace homepage and Grace Weekly email for project details each month. For more information, please contact Kristy Elmore.

December 9 we will not meet, but join with the rest of Grace for our annual Christmas for the City event following worship on December 10.

F3 (Fun, Food & Faith) Apartment Ministry meets on Mondays and Wednesdays after school at the Belmont Apartments, 10550 Valley Forge Dr., near Paul revere Middle School. School is back in session and F3 is returning this fall as well. Friends of Westchase needs your presence to make a difference in the lives of the children living in the Belmont Apartment Community. F3 will meet on site at Belmont Apartments on Mondays and Wednesdays after school at 3 p.m., at which time children will enjoy play time, snacks, Bible study, and then homework help from 4:15-5 p.m. You may find out more or register to join in the fun HERE.

A Stephen Minister is a caring Christian friend who has been trained to walk alongside those who are in a time of need, grief, or crisis. As one Stephen Minister said, “Stephen Ministry has taught me the power of presence—to just be there for someone. The experience has changed my life forever.” Grace currently has eight Stephen Ministers who have answered this call on their life and said yes to serve! We are blessed that this ministry is serving so many who need that presence in their lives—but we can serve so many more!

Over the next few months, Stephen Ministry will be taking applications for training which begins in January. We ask you to pray and discern whether this is a place in which you can serve. Your life may change forever, too. The training sessions will meet weekly every Tuesday evening from 7-9 p.m. for 18 weeks, beginning mid-January through May. The course includes two training manuals and three books. Contact Lyn Sell (713-202-8656) for more information.

Throughout the year, some in our congregation are unable to attend worship and church activities because of advanced age, illness, or other limitations. Others enter this time with sorrow because the loss of a loved one. At Christmastime, with so much going on at Grace, it's important to let those who can't be with us or those who are mourning to know that their church family is thinking of them. Here is where you can help!

Share the joy of Christmas by simply sending a card with your favorite verse, a written prayer, or a picture drawn by your family. Sending a card is an easy way to make a difference during the Christmas season. The Caring Tree is near the Welcome Desk and is adorned with lights, garlands, and Christmas ornaments. On each ornament, there is the name and address of one of our Grace family and friends who would be blessed by receiving a card during the Christmas season. You can even use the label on the back of the ornament to address your envelope--how easy is that?! And the ornament is yours to keep. Take one this Sunday!