Adult Classes

Learn, Grow, Connect

Learning, growing, and connecting with others around God’s Word is foundational to a joyful and purposeful Christian life. Maybe a Sunday morning class works best for you, or you enjoy the food and fellowship of a Wednesday night class. Or perhaps an early morning, midday, or evening study is just right for your life right now. There are so many ways to learn, grow, and connect in friendship and faith in Jesus Christ. Take a look, pray about what God has for you this fall, and let us know how we can help connect you more deeply in community and faith through any of the opportunities you see here.

For more information or questions, contact Rev. Katie Cummings, kcummings@houstonsgrace.org, 713-267-5014 or Elizabeth McGee, emcgee@houstonsgrace.org, 713-267-5013.

Sunday Morning Classes

Belonging feels real when you begin to know others and share life together in Christ. Our Sunday morning class communities are a great place to belong. Study the Bible with great teachers and authentic discussion. It becomes meaningful and real as class groups pray and care for one another, get together for fun, friendship, and serving others together. All are welcome anytime!

Contact Katie Cummings, Adult Ministries Pastor at kcummings@gpch.org or Elizabeth McGee, Adult Ministries Coordinator at emcgee@gpch.org for more information or help connecting with a class.

Classes meet from 10:15 - 11:00 a.m.

Most classes will focus on the following Bible studies:
I Corinthians: The Challenges of Life Together
January 6-March 24
Corinth was a lively seaport in Greece that was a center of trade, culture, intel- lectual and religious life. Many of the Christians in Corinth had been Gentiles, ordinary "pagans" believing in various gods and goddesses, but without any idea that the one true God, whose work for the salvation of the world had come in his son Jesus. That is why, as they sort through questions of faith, life, lead- ership, worship, wisdom, and more, that Paul puts Jesus at the center of it all.
James: Faith for Real
April 7-June 2
Every generation in the church worries about people who seem to enjoy what they hear in church but go along in life without it making any real difference. James, the brother of Jesus, faced exactly the same problem in the very first generation. So it's not surprising that translating belief into action--making sure faith is the real thing--is near the heart of his message. That kind of faith, he explains, is the faith that matters, the faith that justifies, the faith that saves. We need that kind of faith today. This study of James's passionate letter will help you live out a faith that makes a difference.

Bridges, MTH 103: Parents in their 40s, sharing life and leaning on God's Word together. Caring for and encouraging each other and our families as our kids move into teen years.
Challengers, McKechnie Dining Room: Focused Bible study discussion around the table in a caring group of all ages.
Dayspring, MTH 203: Open to all ages and stages. A caring community with engaging teaching and discussion.
Discipulado, Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall-C: Spanish language Bible study for all ages in a family friendly community.
Fellowship, MTH 101: Wonderful teaching in an active and loving group. Most are nearing or enjoying an active retirement.
Home Improvement, Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall B: Parents in their 30s and 40s, sharing honestly life's joys and struggles, and God's deep love for us.
Horizons, Molly Ann Smith Building: A large class with lively discussion, caring community, and fun monthly gatherings.
Open House, MTH 102: Younger couples making fresh connections at Grace. Strengthening our faith and our relationships in Christ as we study the Bible and share life together.
Seekers, Grace School Library: Welcoming all ages and stages to share God's Word in a smaller group setting around the table.
Voyagers, EB 117, Multi-Purpose Room: Engaging teaching in a large class, most are age 50 or better. Active prayer and care for one another throughout the week.

Men’s 8:00 a.m. Bible Study, (McKechnie Dining Room)
Study God’s Word and learn from each other through open discussion. This year, our study is Paul’s Journey Letters. We will trace the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul and the letters he wrote to the church communities along the way. We’ll explore the key themes in 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, and Romans. Contact Ken Purgason, 713-467-6063, kpurgson@gmail.org.

Monday Evenings

Covenant Class

Come for engaging Bible study and welcoming fellowship! We start with a simple supper/snacks around tables as people arrive from work or home. This “Monday School” class typically follows the Sunday morning class Bible studies. Many are couples or singles nearing or enjoying the “empty nest” stage of life.

January 7 – June 3
6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Grace Church Library
Teachers: Jerry Hanlon, Dr. Doug Harper
Contact: Emily Calvert, 281-550-7412, kevin.calvert@sbcglobal.net

Wednesday Morning

Struggler's Bible Study - The NIV Harmony of the Gospels

Are you an early riser? Come for early morning inspiration and fellowship with the Strugglers! Strugglers continue their study of The NIV Harmony of the Gospels, the 1988 edition based on the NIV and prepared by Robert L. Thomas and Stanley N. Gundry. This book is available from Amazon for $23.99 new or used as low as $13.00. Healthy breakfast snacks are provided. What better way to start your day? Join us!

January 9 - May 29
6:30 a.m. in the McKechnie Dining Room
Teacher: Jerry Hanlon, Jerry.Hanlon@morganstanleysmithbarney.com

Wednesday Nights

PRAY • EAT • LEARN

January 11 - May 16 (On Ash Wednesday, February 13, classes will not meet; join us for a Simple Supper at 6:00pm, and worship in the Founders’ Chapel at 7:00pm)
5:30-6:00 p.m. Prayer and Communion in the Founders' Chapel
Join us for a time of guided prayer for the ministries and families of Grace. Share the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper together. Following the service, there is opportunity for individual prayer.
6:00-7:00 p.m. Dinner in Massey-Tucker Fellowship Hall
Share a delicious meal with your Grace family! Dinner is just $6 for adults and $3 for kids.
After you eat
Participate in a class, or sing with the chancel choir! Some classes begin at 6:30pm, others at 7:00pm. Chancel choir rehearsal begins at 7:00pm.

NEW! Starts after Easter! Discipleship: The Way of Jesus

April 3 - May 8
MTH 101, 7:00 p.m. Rev. Katie Cummings
Whether you have just started your journey with Jesus, or if you have been walking with him for years, this class will encourage you as a follower of Jesus Christ. Discover why and how the earliest Christians simply called their life in Christ “The Way”—the way of meaning, courage, love, identity, and life that is truly life.

Companions in Christ, An Experience in Spiritual Formation (28 weeks, or as 5-6 week studies)

Companions in Christ is designed for those who want to explore afresh the pathways of lifelong growth in Christ, and the basic disciplines of faith. The material in Companions in Christ is divided into five parts:

Embracing the Journey: The Way of Christ (5 weeks) - a basic exploration of spiritual formation as a journey toward holiness and wholeness, individually and in community, through the grace of God.
Feeding on the Word: The Mind of Christ (5 weeks) - an introduction to several ways of meditating on and praying with Scripture.
Deepening Our Prayer: The Heart of Christ (6 weeks) - a guided experience of various forms and styles of prayer.
Responding to our Call: The Work of Christ (5 weeks) - a presentation of vocation or call; giving ourselves to God in radical obedience and receiving the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Exploring Spiritual Guidance: The Spirit of Christ (5 weeks) – an overview of different ways of receiving and offering spiritual guidance in Christian community.

Please register by September 4. Participant's guide: $15. Pay by check or cash on the first day of class.

January 9 - May 8
6:30-8:00pm, MTH 303
Leader: Susan Meers
Click here to register online

Movies That Matter

When was the last time you enjoyed a great movie with friends? There is much to be learned from examining movies for their life lessons and biblical themes. It’s fun, and the popcorn is free! We start a new movie every 2 weeks, so you can come anytime. Join us, and bring a friend! See you at the Movies that Matter.

January 9 - May 8
7:00-8:30 p.m., MTH 101
Facilitator: Keith Fletcher, 713-932-8562; fletchkeith@gmail.com
Click here to register online

Christian Classics Book Study

Join Rev. Dr. Doug Harper for a journey through inspiring and thoughtful Christian book classics. We will begin the journey this year with Paradise Lost, the epic poem by the 17th-century English poet John Milton. First published in 1667, Paradise Lost is about the biblical story of the fall of humanity, the temptation of Adam and Eve, and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Drawing from (but not identical to) the biblical story in Genesis chapters 1-3, Paradise Lost is considered one of the greatest literary works in the English language. Please register by September 4. Book: $10. Pay by check or cash on the first day of class. Feel free to bring your own copy or Kindle.

January 9 – May 8
6:30-8:00 p.m., McKechnie Dining Room
Leader: Rev. Dr. Doug Harper, mdharperjr@sbcglobal.net, 713-784-9639
Click here to register online

For Men

Band of Brothers

Grace's men's ministry, Band of Brothers, will begin its fall schedule on Thursday morning, September 13. Our general topic for the fall will be "Worldview." Included in the 13 weekly talks will be information from The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, and also the experiences of two of our guys at The Wilberforce Weekend Conference--"Breaking the Spiral of Silence"--which took place last March.

Presenting talks during the series will be Ken Harris, Jack Clark, Rev. Sam Knight, and Rev. Mike Fry.

The weekly format is as follows:

6:00 a.m.: Breakfast
6:30 a.m.: The Weekly Briefing
7:00 a.m.: Squad Small Groups discussion and support)

Please feel free to contact Mike with any questions or comments you may have about Band of Brothers; 713-267-5066, or mfry@gpch.org.

For Women

Thursday mornings

In-depth Bible Study: Finding Hope When Life Seems Dark, a study of the Minor Prophets

In difficult times, God calls God’s people back to faithful relationship where they will find true hope, healing, and strength. Join us for a study of the Minor Prophets – Hosea, Micah, Nahum, Habakuk, and Zephaniah. Come for encouraging fellowship, lively discussion, and an opportunity to explore God’s Word with others who are seeking to deepen their knowledge and love of the Lord. In January, we will study 1 and 2 Thessalonians and Titus.

January 10 - May 23
9:30 – 11:30 a.m., MTH 303
Leaders: Pat and Patricia Irwin
Contact Elizabeth McGee at 713-267-5013, emcgee@gpch.org. Child care is available by calling Debbie Kay at 713-267-5084 or dkay@gpch.org.

Young Marrieds Group

A group of young married couples meets every other Sunday evening in homes for casual dinner, fellowship, and study. For more information, contact Keeke Russo at keekerusso@gmail.com.

Young Adult Singles Group

This group of young single adults meets every other Monday for dinner, fellow- ship, and Bible study at the home of Ken and Edie Purgason. Monthly opportu- nities to serve the community are a passion of this group! Find encouragement as we share and connect in Christ. Come join us! Contact Kevin Kiniry at kinirykevin@gmail.com for the latest.