By Participation Type

Whether you want to hear a speaker, have a group discussion or have a mixture of leading and discussion, there are many ways you can grow in faith at St. Paul’s. Click the participation style that you would prefer below, or continue scrolling to see all of our groups. 

Lecture | Group Led | Facilitated

Lecture: These groups sometimes include discussion, but you are most likely to enjoy an in-depth presentation about that day’s topic or scripture. Additional small groups and socials are usually a part of these classes. 

Group Led: These classes love to explore and wrestle with diverse areas of faithful wisdom together. Oftentimes different folks in the group will lead from week to week. Some groups require no facilitator. In general, no group preparation is required for enjoyable participation, unless stated otherwise. 

Facilitated: A mix of lecture and group led learning. These classes either have a designated facilitator, or each facilitator will do in depth preparation for several weeks. The class will learn from the facilitator and engage in lively discussion. 

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, biblestudy, christianliving, currentevents, lecture

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 and Holly Hudley. Visit Ordinary Life at www.ordinarylife.org

  • Contact Bill Kerley at billkerley@mac.com.

  • Categories: Sunday, christianliving, spiritualpractice, lecture

Journeys

  • Time: 9:45 – 10:45 am (Sundays)

  • Location: S-312

  • Age Range: 50s, 60s

  • Thoughtful discussion of a wide range of topics that impact our faith, relationships with God, and relationships with one another. This semester, Rev. Jim Bankston, St. Paul’s Pastor Emeritus, is teaching and leading discussion on the Old and New Testament.

  • Contact Kyle Frazier at kyle@frazierlawhouston.com.

  • Categories: Sunday, biblestudy, christianliving, currentevents, 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 contemporarylives. Candid sharing of ideas and questions are 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, biblestudy, lecture

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, biblestudy, lecture

Group Led

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, spiritualpractice, groupled

Special Studies

  • Time: 9:45 – 10:45 am (Sundays)

  • Location: 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, bookstudy, christianliving, currentevents, justice, groupled

Point of View

  • Time: 9:45 – 11 am (Sundays)

  • Location: J-204

  • Age Range: Intergenerational

  • Tackle a wide range of serious topics, often springing from current issues in the news. Contemporary theological perspectives nad social justice issues are often discussed. Class lessons are often centered on videos such as the Bill Moyers Faith and Reason series.

  • Contact Bill Finger at wrfinger2976@msn.com.

  • Categories: Sunday, christianliving, currentevents, justice, groupled

Living Faith

  • Time: 10- 10:45 am (Sundays)

  • Location: S-312

  • 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, biblestudy, bookstudy, christianliving, currentevents, justice, groupled

Ordinary Life Book Group

  • Time: 6:30 pm (3rd Mondays)

  • Location: Online, gradually transitioning to homes

  • Age Range: 60+

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

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

  • Categories: Monday, bookstudy, groupled

Women’s News and Views

  • Time: 10am – noon (3rd Tuesdays)

  • Location: currently on break

  • Age Range: Intergenerational, 60+, women

  • Discuss what is happening in our lives and in the world around us. Women’s News and Views comes out of the former St. Paul’s United Methodist Women. The group is seeking to become an official Reconciling United Methodist group.

  • Contact Linda Rentz at rkr62@sbcglobal.net or Janette Zercher at janette1@me.com.

  • Categories: Tuesday, christianliving, currentevents, justice, gendered, groupled

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

Chapter One Book Group

  • Time: 7 pm (3rd Tuesdays)

  • Location: Online

  • Age Range: 60+

  • Discuss a wide range of books that are selected by popular vote! Literary fiction is a particular emphasis. Members of this group also serve as greeters for Brazos Bookstore author events at St. Paul’s. See what is on their schedule here.

  • Contact Linda Harmes at hblinda@hibit.com.

  • Categories: Tuesday, bookstudy, groupled

Epworth League Nights

  • Time: 7-8 pm (Tuesdays)

  • Location: Rotates

  • Age Range: 20s, 30s

  • The new Epworth League is a city-wide inclusive ministry for 20- 39 year olds 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

Sugar Land Sisters

  • Time: 8:30-10 am (1st Thursday)

  • Location: off-campus in Sugar Land

  • Age Range: Intergenerational, women

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

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

  • Categories: Thursday, christianliving, gendered, groupled

Senior Men’s Breakfast

  • Time: 9 am (3rd Thursday)

  • 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: S-312 and Online

  • 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

Facilitated

30s & 40s

  • 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, biblestudy, bookstudy, christianliving, facilitated

Revolving Study Class

  • Time: 9:30 – 10:45 am (Sundays)

  • Location: hybrid; J-211 and 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, bookstudy, biblestudy, facilitated, spiritualpractice

Tuesday Noon Lectionary

  • Time: Noon-1 pm (Tuesdays)

  • Location: hybrid; S-109 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!

  • Contact Pat Pearson at hlpearson@aol.com.  

  • Categories: Tuesday, lectionary, facilitated

Men’s Lectionary Bible Study

  • Time: 7 - 8 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. A light breakfast is provided when meeting in person.

  • Contact Brad Harmes at bharmes@gmail.com.

  • Categories: Wednesday, lectionary, gendered, facilitated

St. Paul’s Moms

  • Time: Monthly (Mondays)

  • Location: Restuarant 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: Wednesday, bookstudy, biblestudy, christianliving, currentevents, justice, parenting, facilitated

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.

  • Contact Beverly McMahan at bjmcmah@swbell.net.  

  • Categories: Thursday, lectionary, gendered, facilitated

Primetimers

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

  • Location: Fondren Hall & 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

Circle of Light

  • Time: 9:45- 10:45 (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, christianliving, spiritualpractice, gendered, facilitated