We want education to equip us in our faith however new or seasoned we are, so we might grow in maturity and “to the measure of the full stature of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13) Part of that involves making sure we’re not just reading the parts of the Bible with which we’re comfortable. This also means learning from those who have gone before us, such as stories of the Church since the New Testament and how the faith has been passed down, and learning about what discipleship looks like in practice! So you’ll find classes in Basic Bible Study on books of the Old and New Testaments that we haven’t taught before, topics that engage with church history and theology, apologetic sessions that deal with current issues Christians disagree about and some food for thought on discipleship. The series of electives are three-to four-week smaller, themed classes that focus on a specific subject. The five themes are Faith and Culture, Basics of Faith, Mission and Outreach, Parenting and Marriage.

Basic Bible Study and Electives

Most Sundays
10:15 a.m.

Clergy Roundtable – Spiritual Disciplines 101
With Members of St. Martin’s Clergy
Sunday, March 10
Bagby Parish Hall
Maybe you, like the psalmist who cries “deep calls to deep” (Psalm 42:7), long for a deeper, fuller life. As Richard Foster has described, spiritual disciplines are the very things that “call us to move beyond surface living into the depths.” St. Martin’s Clergy will share and discuss from their experiences of these habits, from prayer to submission, worship to fasting.

Fish Food, Frustration, Focus and God’s Purpose
With the Rt. Rev. Mike Hill
Sundays, March 17 and 24
Bagby Parish Hall
This Lent, Bishop Hill will teach his way through the Book of Jonah, following the story of a reluctant prophet who knows God’s ways well enough to want to run away.

Bishop Mike Hill was initially brought up in Manchester and northwest England. After a short career in the business world, he trained for Ordination at Ridley Hall and Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. He became a Christian at the age of 18 and was ordained when he was 28. Bishop Mike served in parish ministry for 14 years before becoming Archdeacon of Berkshire and then Area Bishop of Buckingham in the Diocese of Oxford. He served as the 55th Bishop of the Diocese of Bristol from 2003 to 2017. Bishop Mike has a passion for mission and leadership in the Church and is known around the world for his teaching ministry. His wider responsibilities in the Church of England included being Chair of the World Mission and Anglican Communion Panel. Bishop Mike has served on the Board of several theological training institutions as Chairman and Board member. During the summer of 2009, Bishop Mike became a member of the House of Lords.

Living the Liturgy
With Canon Dr. Christina Baxter, CBE
Sunday, March 31
Bagby Parish Hall
Every Sunday we use the words of The Book of Common Prayer in our worship. We pray together, hear from God’s word together and share around God’s table. Why do we worship as we do? What is the purpose of the prayers we pray? How does liturgy connect with the rest of our Christian lives? Canon Dr. Baxter will offer insight to these questions about this defining part of our Anglican faith.

Canon Dr. Christina Baxter, CBE is a former Principal of St John’s College, Nottingham and has pursued a distinguished career as an educationalist and theologian. Before her appointment as Principal, Dr. Baxter had given long service to St. John’s College, first as a lecturer and then as Dean. Throughout her varied career Dr. Baxter has maintained a strong interest in Systematic Theology, in particular the theology of ordination and the theology of Karl Barth, and in Anglicanism and the Church of England. Dr. Baxter is a member of the Church of England and has been a Reader since 1971. Until her retirement in 2010, Dr. Baxter was a prominent member of the General Synod, holding the position of Chair of the House of Laity and member of The Archbishops’ Council.

*Please bring your Bible for these classes when there will be discussions about specific books of the Bible.

Seekers (60s and up)

Sundays
10:15 – 11 a.m.
Activity Center, Aerobics Room
Clergy Liaisons: The Rev. Nick Dyke and the Rev. Robert Wareing
Seekers is a great place for couples and singles to meet and study the Gospel and other readings, and then branch off into Church history, liturgy, sacraments and other related areas. We just have fun learning! Please come and join our group.

St. Martin’s 20s & 30s

Wednesdays
Clergy Liaisons: The Rev. R-J Heijmen
St. Martin’s 20s & 30s meet on Wednesdays throughout the year at various locations. You are always welcome to join one of the other Sunday morning peer groups. Click here for more information.

Covenant Groups

Have you found yourself desiring a closer relationship with other parishioners while  deepening your personal spiritual life? Join one of our Covenant Groups, small groups of  10 – 12 people who meet bi-weekly from September to May in parishioners’ homes. Meeting for approximately two hours on a designated weeknight, each group discusses the week’s Bible study as they forge new friendships in a pleasant and welcoming setting.  Making a choice from a selection of study guides suggested by St. Martin’s Clergy, each  group will study and discuss their particular choice for the entire year. For more information and to participate, contact Kathy Johnson at 713-985-3834 or email hidden; JavaScript is required.