This year in Adult Sunday School we’re doing something new! 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 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.

Men at War and God at Work: The Story of 1 and 2 Samuel*
With the Rev. Dr. Suse McBay
Sundays, September 23 and 30, and October 7, 14 and 21
Bagby Parish Hall
1 and 2 Samuel tell some of the most famous Bible stories we learn as children: the calling of Samuel; David’s selection as king and the story of little David against the Philistine, Goliath. Yet there’s a lot more to these stories of Israel’s early monarchy. We hear of the selfishness and deceit of Eli’s sons, God’s command to wipe out the Amalekites and various battles against neighboring peoples, not to mention the division and violence in David’s family tree – the legacy of King David himself. So how do we understand God’s purposes in that history? Join the Rev. Dr. McBay for discussions that honestly face the more challenging aspects of 1 and 2 Samuel, looking at the men relentlessly seeking their own gain, and where and how God is at work.

Elective – Who Is Jesus and Why Should I Care?
With the Rev. R-J Heijmen
Sundays, October 14, 21 and 28, and November 4
Payne Education Center, Room 210/212
This class is for people who are either not Christians or unsure if they are. We will explore Jesus of Nazareth, the central figure of Christianity, as well as what the Christian faith is really about. We will consider why you might decide to become a follower of Jesus and call yourself a “Christian.” In addition, we also will take a hard look at some of the historical ways in which Christians have acted in a manner contrary to Jesus’ teachings (and what to do about it). This class will be an excellent venue for friends and relatives who may be interested (or not!) in Christianity. Honest conversation will be encouraged and we hope to see you there!

Living a Godly Life in a Pagan, Painful World*
With Rev. Dr. Jim Jackson, Jr.
Sundays, October 28, and November 4 and 18
Bagby Parish Hall
How can Christians be faithful to God in a world that is not? From the first disciples, the task has been a challenge. Join Jim Jackson as he leads a three-week class examining Peter’s two epistles, seeking insight and inspiration for holy living.

For 20 years Jim was the Senior Pastor of Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Houston’s Memorial area. He retired in 2014 and now does executive coaching for several large corporations and life coaching for a few individuals. Jim writes an ecumenical online devotional (JimsDailyAwakenings. com), which is read by more than 20,000 people daily. He also has written four books since retirement. The latest effort is entitled, Afterlife: a Personal Journey. Much of the material in this book was taught at Basic Bible Study in 2017.

Get Low: Reflections on Pride and Humility
With Jack Wisdom
Sundays, December 2, 9 and 16
Bagby Parish Hall
Jesus made his triumphal entry on a lowly donkey and he made it clear that no one enters the Kingdom of God riding on a high horse. So why keep climbing up on a high horse? Using his book Get Low, Dr. Wisdom will discuss the destructive power of pride and liberating power of our humble Messiah.

Jack Wisdom is a lawyer who is board certified in labor and employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Before becoming an attorney, he was a police officer and worked for Young Life. Wisdom serves as an Adjunct Professor of New Testament and General Counsel at Houston Baptist University, and has been involved in ministry to prisoners at the Harris County Jail. His theology book, Get Low: Reflections on Pride and Humility, was published in 2014.

Elective – The Absolute Basics of the Christian Faith
With Dr. Philip Tallon
Sundays, December 2, 9 and 16
Payne Education Center, Room 210/212
Like a tattoo, the fundamental truths of the faith are supposed to be permanently etched into us. However, a lifetime of learning, loving and living the scriptures requires that at some point, we really begin to understand where they come from and what they mean. This class is a simple introduction to the core beliefs of the Christian faith. It assumes no background knowledge of the scriptures or church teachings, and uses engaging videos that bring Christian education to life for people of all ages, backgrounds and stops along their spiritual journey.

Dr. Philip Tallon received his PhD from the University of St. Andrews. He is a member of the Honors College faculty and Chair of the Apologetics Department at Houston Baptist University. Both areas of service allow him to explore the intersection of theology, philosophy and the arts, helping students understand the lordship of Jesus over “every square inch” of creation. Tallon is the author of two books, as well as dozens of essays and articles on theology and the arts.

*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.