Many of us find that we are stuck either in old patterns or old ideas. Some of us have lost our drive, our sense of joy or wonder and are looking to regenerate our faith.

St. Paul’s is a home for those on a spiritual journey where we blend Sunday School opportunities along with informal sessions through the week. Some of our folks meet away from our church buildings in person or online and we also offer opportunities in a more formal setting on our campus. More than just traditional Sunday School, St. Paul’s wants you to find a place of warmth and healing with vibrant, fulfilling discussion. Regardless of age or gender, we encourage you to seek out a class or group (or two!) to give you strength and courage as we walk together in God’s grace.

Studies, Classes & Lectures

Find a group depending on your needs. Whether you are searching for a group that meets on a particular day of the week, meets about a certain subject, engages in topics through various participation types, or is sharing life-experiences with you - we hope you can grow in faith with us. We have groups that meet Sunday-Thursday both online, on-campus and off-campus.

  • Centering Prayer

    • Time: 8:30 - 9:30 am (Sundays)

    • Location: Online

    • Age Range: Intergenerational, 60+

    • This ancient form of contemplative prayer provides periods of silence for individuals and groups to listen for the holy. Consenting to the presence and action of the Divine in one’s life is a powerful, transformative practice.

    • Contact Judy Leatherwood Smith at leatherwoodjl@aol.com.

    • Categories: Sunday, spiritual practice, group led

    Seekers

    • Time: 9:45 – 10:45 am (Sundays)

    • Location: S-102

    • Age Range: 30s, 40s

    • We meet each week for fellowship and learning – sometimes we do book studies, sometimes we do a series of Bible lessons, sometimes we just talk about what’s going on in our lives and in the world. Our class is led by our Pastor for Discipleship, Trey Burns. We hope you’ll join us!

    • Contact Rev. Trey Burns at tburns@stpaulshouston.org

    • Categories: Sunday, bible study, christian living, current events, lecture

    Candlelighters

    • Time: 9:45 - 10:45 am (Sundays)

    • Location: hybrid; S-109 and via Zoom

    • Age Range: 60+

    • This class enjoys excellent lessons taught by class members and invited presenters. Socials are held regularly. Class members provide support within the class and the church.

    • Contact Larry Roberts at Roberts.larry@att.net.

    • Categories: Sunday, bible study, Christian living, current events, lecture

    Journeys

    • Time: 9:45 – 10:45 am (Sundays)

    • Location: Fellers Room (S-312)

    • Age Range: 40+

    • Thoughtful discussion of a wide range of topics that impact our faith, relationships with God, and relationships with one another. Our class is led by Rev. Dr. Jim Bankston, St. Paul’s Pastor Emeritus.

    • Contact Kyle Frazier at kyle@frazierlawhouston.com.

    • Categories: Sunday, bible study, christian living, current events, lecture

    Living Faith

    • Time: 10 - 10:45 am (Sundays)

    • Location: J-220

    • Age Range: 40s, 50s

    • Meet weekly on Sunday mornings for fellowship, thoughtful study, and sometimes snacks. Enjoy studying faith-based topics, engaging in open, lively discussions, and supporting each other along life’s journeys. Family-oriented and adult social events help us connect outside of class.

    • Contact Leah Barton at leahrachel@gmail.com.

    • Categories: Sunday, bible study, book study, christian living, current events, justice, group led

    Ordinary Life

    • Time: 9:45 - 10:45 am (Sundays)

    • Location: hybrid; Fondren Hall and Zoom

    • Age Range: Intergenerational

    • Engage a lighthearted approach to serious inspiration and motivation, emphasizing living life as it is, not as it “ought to be.” Most classes are lectures by Rev. Dr. Bill Kerley. Visit Ordinary Life at www.ordinarylife.org

    • Contact Bill Kerley at billkerley@mac.com.

    • Categories: Sunday, christian living, spiritual practice, lecture

    Roundtable

    • Time: 9:45 – 10:45 am (Sundays)

    • Location: S-301, 3rd floor Sanctuary Building

    • Age Range: 50+

    • A discussion-based exploration of biblical texts to better understand the Bible and its spiritual and theological implications for our contemporary lives. Candid sharing of ideas and questions is encouraged. The class is led by the Rev. Dr. Ted Smith.  Monthly dinners at local restaurants provide fun interaction and promote deeper relationships.

    • Contact John Munday at jemunday@protonmail.com.

    • Categories: Sunday, bible study, lecture

    Revolving Study Class

    • Time: 9:30 – 10:45 am (Sundays)

    • Location: hybrid; J-211 & online

    • Age Range: 50s, 60+

    • Focusing on Scripture-based studies, as well the writings of classical and contemporary theologians and spiritual writers, is the foundation of the Revolving Study Class. All studies are curriculum based, most lasting 6-8 weeks. While the class consists of a group of core members, visitors are welcome to cycle in if interested in a particular study. The classes are notable for lively, open, engaged, and eclectic participation. Additionally, they meet socially throughout the year. They will begin Kate Bowler’s No Cure for Being Human in mid-September, followed by The Five Missing Books of the Bible, and an advent study by Bro. Albert Holtz.

    • Contact Mary Linda Portner at mlportner@cs.com.

    • Categories: Sunday, book study, bible study, facilitated, spiritual practice

    Special Studies

    • Time: 9:45 – 10:45 am (Sundays)

    • Location: hybrid; J-203 & online

    • Age Range: 60+

    • Take an insightful look at religious books and videos as you engage in stimulating open discussions on current issues. Everyone’s viewpoints are welcome and respected. Past studies include The Battle for God by Karen Armstrong and Einstein’s God by NPR radio host Krista Tippett.

    • Contact Camille Cunningham at camillec9984@yahoo.com.

    • Categories: Sunday, book study, christian living, current events, justice, group led

    The Quad

    • Time: 12:00 – 1:15 pm (Sundays)

    • Location: S-102 (meeting on campus and off)

    • Age Range: College Students, Young Adults (18-27)

    • Description: The Quad is a ministry for College Students, Young Adults and Young professionals looking to connect with others and with God. The Quad is a safe space where people find belonging as a child of God. We meet weekly for lunch and bible study and have several fellowship events throughout the semester. Join our Group Me to hear about all of our events and to get connected! Can't wait to see you!

    • Contact: adelleney@stpaulshouston.org. 

    • Group me: https://web.groupme.com/join_group/103144789/96ulIIJs

    • Follow on Instagram (@thequad_stpauls)

    • Categories: Sunday, bible study, Christian living, group-led

  • St. Paul’s Moms

    • Time: Monthly Social, (Monday)

    • Location: Restaurant in Rice Village

    • Age Range: 30s, 40s, 50s, women

    • Support and relationship building for moms with children of all ages and stages.

    • Contact Rev. Kate Flint at kflint@stpaulshouston.org.

    • Categories: Mondays, bookstudy, biblestudy, christianliving, currentevents, justice, parenting, facilitated

  • Tuesday Noon Lectionary

    • Time: Noon - 1 pm (Tuesdays)

    • Location: hybrid; J-211 and Zoom

    • Age Range: Intergenerational, 60+

    • St. Paul’s follows the Revised Common Lectionary in Sunday worship. This group studies the lectionary scriptures for the coming Sunday. Feel free to bring your lunch along! The readings for each week, illuminated by art, are provided on the Sunday worship pages of the website calendar.

    • Contact Pat Pearson at hlpearson@aol.com.  

    • Categories: Tuesday, lectionary, facilitated

    Tuesday Friends

    • Time: 1 – 2 pm (Tuesdays)

    • Age Range: 60+

    • Enjoy book study of various writers and theologians, along with the fellowship of other group members.

    • Contact Dorothy Conn at jlcdwcbrightstar@aol.com.

    • Categories: Tuesday, bookstudy, groupled

    Epworth League Nights

    • Time: 7 - 8 pm (Tuesdays)

    • Location: Rotates

    • Age Range: 20- 39

    • The new Epworth League is a city-wide inclusive ministry for those in their 20-30’s to provide community, foster discipleship, and equip leaders to love their neighbors and serve the kingdom of God through local United Methodist Churches.

    • Contact faithformation@stpaulshouston.org.

    • Follow on Instagram (@epworthleaguehtx)

    • Categories: Tuesday, biblestudy, christianliving, groupled

  • Men’s Lectionary Bible Study

    • Time: 7:30 - 8:30 am (Wednesdays)

    • Location: hybrid; S-312 and Zoom

    • Age Range: Intergenerational, 60+, men

    • St. Paul’s follows the Revised Common Lectionary in Sunday worship. This group studies the lectionary scriptures for the coming Sunday. “BYOB” (Bring Your Own Biscuit). The readings for each week, illuminated by art, are provided on the Sunday worship pages of the website calendar.

    • Contact Brad Harmes at bharmes@gmail.com.

    • Categories: Wednesday, lectionary, gendered, facilitated

    Pastors Bible Study

    • Time: Seasonal, TBD

    • Location: Zoom Webinar

    • Age Range: Intergenerational

    • The Pastors Bible Study is an opportunity for the congregation to join the St. Paul’s pastors as we all critically study different books of the Bible from different perspectives. We have studied Revelation, Ecclesiastes, the book of Amos and more.

    • Contact faithformation@stpaulshouston.org.

    • Categories: Wednesday, bible study, lecture

  • Women’s Lectionary Bible Study

    • Time: 8:30-9:30 am (Thursdays)

    • Location: Online

    • Age Range: Intergenerational, 60+, women

    • St. Paul’s follows the Revised Common Lectionary in Sunday worship. This group studies the lectionary scriptures for the coming Sunday. The readings for each week, illuminated by art, are provided on the Sunday worship pages of the website calendar.

    • Contact Beverly McMahan at beverlymc221@gmail.com

    • Categories: Thursday, lectionary, gendered, facilitated

    • No groups are currently meeting on this day.

    • No groups are currently meeting on this day.

  • Circle of Light

    • Time: 9:45-10:45 am (3rd Sundays)

    • Location: Sanctuary Building

    • Age Range: 30s +, women

    • Join us for a time of inspiration, transformation, and reinvention. We will share spiritual, awareness, mindfulness, and intentionality practices. We will also explore through meditations and creativity exercises. Women are invited to connect with their own inner guidance, creativity, and peace in a supportive community for sharing and growing.

    • Contact Helen Spaw, MPS at hspaw@stpaulshouston.org.

    • Categories: Sunday, Christian living, spiritual practice, gendered, facilitated

    Ordinary Life Book Group

    • Time: 6:30 pm (3rd Mondays)

    • Location: Rotates among hosts’ homes.

    • Age Range: 60+

    • Explore books on spirituality, religious literacy, and social justice.

    • Contact George Sroka at george.a.sroka@gmail.com.

    • Categories: Monday, book study, group-led

    Chapter One Book Group

    • Time: 7 pm (4th Tuesdays)

    • Location: Online

    • Age Range: Open

    • Discuss a wide range of books that are selected by popular vote! Literary fiction is a particular emphasis.

    • Contact Linda Harmes at lharmesart@gmail.com

    • Categories: Tuesday, bookstudy, groupled

    Sugar Land Sisters

    • Time: 8:30-10 am (1st Thursdays)

    • Location: off-campus in Sugar Land

    • Age Range: Intergenerational, women

    • Breakfast, prayer, and friendship for women. Hosted in the Sugar Land area- send an email to receive the location address. 

    • Contact Judy Leatherwood Smith at leatherwoodjl@aol.com.

    • Categories: Thursday, christianliving, gendered, groupled

     

    Primetimers

    • Time: Usually 10:30 am – Noon (2nd Thursdays)

    • Location: Fondren Hall or Activity Center & off campus

    • Age Range: 60+

    • An activity-based group for senior adults interested in lifelong learning. Programs are presented on cultural, historical, social issues, and local topics of interest, featuring noted experts in these areas... [click to read more]

    • Contact primetimers@stpaulshouston.org.

    • Categories: Thursday, currentevents, facilitated

     

    Senior Men’s Breakfast

    • Time: 9 am (3rd Thursdays)

    • Location: off-campus IHOP at 2515 SW Freeway 77098

    • Age Range: 60+, men

    • Gather each month for a self-pay breakfast and fellowship time. No reservations are required. The IHOP is on the U.S. 59 access road, near Kirby.

    • Contact Rev. Melinda Owens at mowens@stpaulshouston.org.

    • Categories: Thursday, christianliving, gendered, groupled

    Ordinary Life Women

    • Time: Noon-2 pm (1st Thursdays)

    • Location: Online, S-312

    • Age Range: 60+, women

    • Grow spiritually, develop a sense of community amongst members, and participate in charitable activities as a group. This began as a part of the Ordinary Life class, but all women are welcome!

    • Contact Lynn Schroth at lynnmscroth@yahoo.com.

    • Categories: Thursday, bookstudy, christianliving, currentevents, justice, gendered, groupled

You may also be interested in :

The Art Tent | The Art Tent creates a space for Emergency Aid Coalition clients to express themselves through visual art.

Healing Circles | The root of the word “healing” is “to make whole.” For some, it is a return to wholeness or a return of hope. For others, it may be a renewed sense of purpose despite difficult circumstances. Drawing support from community in a safe space for listening and processing is at the heart of Healing Circles.