This year in Adult Sunday School 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, starting this year, 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. In addition, we’re introducing a series of electives. These will be three- to four-week smaller, themed classes that will focus on a specific subject. The themes this fall include Basics of Faith, Parenting and Marriage.

Basic Bible Study and Electives
Most Sundays
10:15 a.m.

BASIC BIBLE STUDY–Colossians: The Universal and Magisterial Christ
With Dr. David A. Peterson
Sundays, Feb. 2, 9, and 16
Bagby Parish Hall

In the first few decades after Jesus’ death and resurrection, there was a great deal of speculation about His true identity. The Apostle Paul was the first to articulate the truth about Jesus. In Paul’s Letter to the Colossians, he speaks of Jesus in the most profound and dynamic terms, going so far as saying the Jesus holds all of creation together. Over these three weeks, we will explore the meaning and implications of this in our lives and history.

BASIC BIBLE STUDY–Lesson from Across the Pond
With the Rt. Rev. Mike Hill
Sundays, March 1 and 8
Payne Education Center, Room 210/211

In this two-week series, Bishop Mike Hill will teach a class on a topic near to his heart. Bishop Hill retired as the Bishop of Bristol in 2017 and comes to us with his years of experience of living the Christian life and serving God’s people in the Church of England, first as deacon, then priest and then bishop. Come and learn from our friend of St. Martin’s!

BASIC BIBLE STUDY–Clergy Roundtable: How Do I Share My Faith?
With the Rt. Rev. Mike Hill and various St. Martin’s Clergy
Sunday, March 22
Bagby Parish Hall

In this two-week series, Bishop Mike Hill will teach a class on a topic near to his heart. Bishop Hill retired as the Bishop of Bristol in 2017 and comes to us with his years of experience of living the Christian life and serving God’s people in the Church of England, first as deacon, then priest and then bishop. Come and learn from our friend of St. Martin’s!

BASIC BIBLE STUDY–Reconciling the Jesus of History with the Christ of Faith
With Professor Jean-Pierre Isbouts
Sunday, March 29
Bagby Parish Hall

Over the last few decades, it sometimes seems that our vision of Christ is increasingly at odds with the scholarly interpretation of Jesus of Nazareth. New archaeological discoveries as well as literary exegesis suggest a portrait of a man that does not always match what church tradition has told us. How significant are these differences? In this talk, Professor Jean-Pierre Isbouts will seek to bridge the gap between the two, and show that scientific discovery can actually bring us closer to the Christ of faith.

BASIC BIBLE STUDY–Walk This Way: Living a Jesus-shaped Life in a Challenging World
With St. Martin’s Clergy
Sundays, April 19, 26, May 3, 10 and 17
Bagby Parish Hall

Jesus said to his disciples, “Come, follow me.” Yet, what does following Jesus look like? How can we follow Him and navigate our way through this world? What does it mean to think like Christ? To follow Him at home or in the workplace? To show Christ’s gentleness but not be a pushover? To not live by the power of God, yet know our part? To love sacrificially but not self destructively? As John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) This series will touch on elements of what life should be like as a Christian with practical advice as to how we can grow in Jesus.

April 19: The Mind of Christ with the Rev. Chad T. Martin

April 26: The Power of Christ with the Rev. Alex D. Graham III

May 3: The Gentleness of Christ with the Rev. Lisa R. Neilson

May 10: The Love of Christ with the Rev. Jane P. Ferguson

May 17: The Peace of Christ the Rev. Martin J. Bastian

BASIC BIBLE STUDY–Roundtable: Where is God When It Hurts?
With the Rt. Rev. Mike Hill and various St. Martin’s Clergy
Sunday, May 31
Bagby Parish Hall

Job 30:20 says, “I cry to you and you do not answer me; I stand, and you merely look at me.” Sometimes we are not just stressed out by life, but are fully broken. Something happens that brings us face to face with the age-old question of God and suffering. How can God be good when the world is full of such tragedy? How can we know God when that tragedy appears in our own lives? How do we begin to pray at such moments? This roundtable will reflect on different clergy’s experiences around the subject as well as time for discussion and question and answer.

ELECTIVE–Human Trafficking 101: Protecting Our Children
With the Rev. Jonathan V. Adams
Sundays, Feb. 2, 9 and 16
Payne Education Center, Room 210/212

This year St. Martin’s Outreach has expanded its efforts to build awareness and provide education about human trafficking in Houston as many groups and organizations across the country develop ministries to fight it while providing shelter, counseling and hope for victims. There are many opportunities this year to learn more a bout the issue and to support this effort.

Seekers (60s and up)

Sundays
10:15 – 11 a.m.
Welcome Center/Library
Clergy Liaisons: The Rev. Lisa R. Neilson, 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. Alex D. Graham III
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.