Adult Education
Our Christian Education Program seeks to provide educational experiences that will enable our children, youth and adults to grow into the fullness of Jesus Christ and to equip them for ministry in the church and the world. Our classes and other programs provide opportunities to grow in faith by intentionally including time for sharing and caring for one another, witnessing to God's love and grace in our lives, Bible Study, prayer, and service projects.
Sunday Classes
Exploring the Bible
A group that opens the Bible each week and wrestles with God’s Word…
If you love Bible Study, this group is for you!! This year we will be diving into the Letter to the Ephesians. We will read through the chapters during class, sharing questions, ideas and different viewpoints as we go. To expand our understanding of Scripture, we will watch videos explaining the culture and historical events in the century when Christianity developed and found its roots. Are you a beginning student of the Bible or do you have years of experience? In either case, you will feel at home in this relaxed and informal study of the New Testament.
Room: C-5
New Covenant Class
A group that shares from their hearts seeking the deeper meaning of life and spirituality...
At times, we all carry way too much baggage: a suitcase of guilt; a trunk of discontent; a backpack of anxiety; a hanging bag of grief; a briefcase of perfectionism; a duffel bag of fear; a sack of loneliness. Holding on to all that stuff makes it hard to embrace a close relationship with God and the people in our lives. In Traveling Light, Max Lucado uses the Twenty-Third Psalm to help us look at the burdens we are carrying, and in his unique way with words, guides us to release the burdens we were never meant to bear. Join us to read, discuss, and share in a confidential and encouraging environment of fellow baggage handlers.
Facilitator: Dianne Harrington
Room: Library
Travelers
A group that loves to wrestle with and discuss theological questions...
This class will read and discuss, The Prophetic Imagination, by Walter Brueggemann. Jesus says “Follow me.”, and Christians commit to do that. But how do we assure that we are following Jesus, and not just the culture around us? Brueggemann highlights the role of prophets (both ancient and modern) to help keep us on the right path, and urges upon the church the ongoing task of “prophetic ministry” that evokes and nourishes us in a life alternative to the culture around us. Come and join us for an engaging discussion of the ways of Jesus and how to reclaim them for our Christian journey.
Facilitator: Jim Allison
Room: C-10
M & M (Mission & Ministry)
A group that discusses contemporay Christian writings and their implications for life..
The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne invites his readers into a movement of the Spirit that begins in the heart and extends through our hands into a broken world. We'll use his book to discuss questions about the church and the world and how to live out an authentic Christian faith, changing the world with Christ's radical love. All are welcome; reading the chapter in advance is helpful but not required.
Leaders: Mary & Felix Cantu, Susan & Steve Danbom, Linda & Phil Johnson, and Paul McElroy
Room: Parlor
The Wired Word
A group that opens the newspaper and the Bible and discusses current events in light of Scripture...
Each week we'll be discussing a current event and analyzing that event in a biblical context. The developers of the internet-based curriculum that we'll be using identify the subject and discussion points on Thursday of each week, so it doesn't get much "fresher" than this. The subjects of study aren't always on the front page -- they may come from the world of sports, pop culture, politics, or medicine. Join this group for a stimulating and timely discussion.
Leader: Mike Marcotte
Room: C-3
Young Adult Group
A group of young adults who are seeking faith and relationships...
An invitation to all young adult members and friends from age 19 to 29 to meet, study the Bible, and seek insight and direction for our daily lives. Our time together also provides a wonderful bond of fellowship and love that continues to strengthen us as a group of believers. Join our growing group as we learn to grow and prosper through Christ’s love at Pines on Sunday mornings, 9:30 in room C7 and see how God is alive and well and living in the hearts of His young people!
Friends on the Journey: Mark Trotter and Garrick Malone
Weekday Classes
"Invitation to the Old Testament"
This short term Disciple Bible Study is an eight-week, video- based study which explores the story of God’s people in the Old Testament. The study includes a small amount of preparation at home, insightful video presentations and thought-provoking discussion in the company of good friends.
This study is offered from 9:30-11:00 in Room C-3 on Wednesday mornings
Facilitated by Linda Johnson and Shirley Bollich
“That the World May Know”
Filmed on location in Israel, this video series is a unique study that brings the Word of God to life with astounding relevance and insight from teacher Ray Vander Laan. This study includes daily scripture reading at home that provides a basis for the weekly video lesson and discussion. Join us for a time of discovery, sharing and friendship!
This study is offered from 9:30-11:00 in the Parlor on Wednesday Morning.
Facilitated by Barbara McClintic
Other Groups
Tuesday Morning Men's Group meets from 7:00am to 8:00am.
Presbyterian Women's Circles-- Three of the women's circles use the Horizons Bible Study as the basis for their discussion, while the fourth circle discusses theological issues found in contemporary literature and drama. Two of the circles are daytime, and two are evening (September - May).
Other Programs
Operation Timothy-- This one-on-one discipleship series pairs men with men, and women with women, in a challenging and rewarding twelve-week series. You will explore basic issues of faith, develop your ability to share your testimony, and build a rock-solid friendship with your partner. Each lesson includes Bible study, prayer, memory verses, and personal reflection.
Cursillo--Cursillo is a three-day weekend retreat for renewal and fellowship beginning on Thursday evening and concluding on Sunday afternoon. The retreats are held five times each year.
For more information go to http://www.houstoncursillo.org/
