Adult Sunday School
Spring 2010

“Above all, love each other deeply...offer hospitality to one another...so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ!”
(1 Peter 4:8-9,11)

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

New Covenant Class
This class offers a safe, supportive place to talk about the challenges, failures, and triumphs of our faith journey. John Ortberg's If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat invites us to consider the incredible potential that awaits us outside of our comfort zones. When we face our fears, when we discover and embrace God's unique call on our lives, then we can experience His power working in our lives to do something we couldn't do on our own...like Peter did. He was afraid, he failed at first, and then he walked on water. But first, he had to get out of the boat.
Leader: Dianne Harrington ---Room: Library

Young Adult Group
In college? Out of college? Somewhere in between? All are welcome to join us at 9:30 AM Sunday mornings. This group reads and discusses books that highlight the relevance of the Christian faith in today’s world. Friends are always welcome!! Join us for an informal, fun, and insightful study each week!
Leaders: Mark Trotter & Garrick Malone ---Room: C-7 

Travelers
This class reads, discusses and plumbs the depths of Marcus Borg’s, The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith . They wrestle with the questions that arise in each new period of Christian history, “What is at the heart of Christianity?” and “What is most central to Christianity and being Christian?”. All are welcome to come and discover through thoughtful discussion and lecture what it means to live this life of following Christ in today’s world.
Leader: Jim Allison ---Room: C-10

M & M (Mission & Ministry)
This friendly and fun class discusses John Ortberg’s, When the Game is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box. Rather than striving to be Master of the Board, Ortberg reminds us that the object of life is to be rich towards God---loving Him and loving others. Everything else---your possessions, your resume, your money, your power---will all go back in the box when your life is over. Learn how to play the game, recognize hazards along the way, and collect eternal trophies when you follow Ortberg's kingdom-based strategy!
Leaders: Linda & Phil Johnson, Susan & Steve Danbom, Mary & Felix Cantu, Paul McElroy ---Room: Parlor

The Wired Word
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 the topic and insights are “fresh” each Sunday! 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.
Leaders: Mike Marcotte ---Room: C-3

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.

Pines Women's Groups

Potpourri is an eclectic group of women from the ages of twenty-something to timeless. This year we will watch and discuss the Video Series "Faith Lessons" narrated by Pastor Ray Vander Laan. Our circle of friends will meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm (6:30 pm for fellowship) in various homes. We will also be meeting in a restaurant once in the fall and once in the spring. Please join us as we continue to develop friendships while sharing our fellowship, faith and fun. For more information, contact Colleen Foster (281-579-7558) or Linda Aldred (281-752-9053).

Clara Gay women’s circle is a group of “mature” women who are young at heart!   This year’s course is titled “Jubilee! Luke’s Gospel for the Poor”.   The study is taught by Rev. Wayne Eberly on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. They gather for lunch at 12:00 in room C-3 with the Bible study following. For more information, contact June Long (713-465-8696).

Helen Haynes Drama & Literature women’s circle examines the Christian faith and impact on the world through the medium of the Arts. Each month a member leads a discussion of a book review or play of their choice. Once a year, the group attends a performance of a local play. The circle meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 9:30 am in a member’s home. For more information, contact Janet Steinmetz (281-531-7204) or Edith Stinner (713-468-3529).

Miriam circle is a lively group of (mostly) professional and retired women so this evening circle is a wonderful opportunity for those who have worked all day to come and be with friends. They use the Horizon’s Bible study, titled, “Jubilee! Luke’s Gospel for the Poor”. This circle shares the hostess and facilitator duties and enjoys the different perspectives offered by different leaders. They meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month in room C-3 at 7:30 pm. For more information, contact Laura Fallon (713-937-6307).