WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 2, 2019
Explore New Classes!

Starting Sunday, September 8
10:15 -- 11 a.m.

"How Did We Get Here? The Story of the Church" -- Bagby Parish Hall -- Basic Bible Study with Houston Baptist University Professor Dr. Ben Blackwell -- Learn how Christianity grew from a small Jewish sect to a large, diverse world religion. Study will cover Christian history from the 1st to 21st century.

"Parenting in the Present -- How to Stay Focused on What's Really Important" -- Payne Education Center, Room 210/212 -- Elective Class with the Rev. Alex Graham III -- Parenting in today's world can be particularly challenging as parents attempt to balance the increasing demands of school, church, extracurricular activities, peers and technology. Glean insights from scripture and experts in this four-week study.

Seekers: 60s and Up -- Activity Center, Aerobics Room with Clergy liaisons the Rev. Nick Dyke, the Rev. Robert Wareing and the Rev. Lisa Nelson -- The Seekers Class is for couples and singles to meet and study the Gospel and other readings. Topics have included Church history, the sacraments, liturgy and more.

Addiction and the Opioid Crisis
  
Wednesday, September 4
6:30 -- 7:30 p.m.
Hope and Healing Center
& Institute

The opioid crisis in the U.S. has led to thousands of deaths and continues to destroy lives. Join us as we learn how the brain becomes addicted to opioids and best-practice medication-assisted treatments . 

The Hope and Healing Center & Institute was founded by
St. Martin's to "help people broken by life's circumstances." It serves as a central hub for faith-based mental health programs and services offered free of charge to all people.

Your Autumn Spiritual Companion is Here

Autumn Leaves -- A Collection of Scriptures, Meditations and Prayers by the Rev. Russell J. Levenson, Jr. -- Get your copy and learn why this book has received attention from St. Martin's parishioners, Houstonians and Christians such as Max Lucado, Senior Minister of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, and Grammy Award Winning Recording Artist and Songwriter Amy Grant. Available for purchase at the Church reception office, Insightpress.net and Amazon.com.

Reserve Your Spot at the ECW Luncheon

Friday, September 13
11 a.m. -- 1 p.m.
Bagby Parish Hall

Kim Hume, founding FOX News Washington Bureau Chief, shares her life story about breaking gender barriers in the news world, and fighting and recovering from addictions. Come learn about her commitment to Jesus Christ. Tickets are $35 each or $350 for a table of 10. Limited seating. Proceeds benefit St. Martin's Outreach Ministries and the Hope and Healing Center & Institute. 

Please register online by Tuesday, September 3.

Faith in Literature Day Group

Wednesday, September 11
12:30 -- 2 p.m.
The Island, Room 207

The Faith in Literature Day Group meets the second Wednesday of the month. The group explores, discusses and makes connections between works of fiction, faith and Christian theology. Come experience thought-provoking discussions and fellowship.

Next month's book is The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding by Jennifer Robson.

Houston Food Bank at San Mateo Episcopal Church

Saturday, September 14
8:30 -- 11 a.m.
6635 Alder Drive

St. Martin's coordinates food distribution six times a year to hundreds of families in the underserved San Mateo community in southwest Houston. Come experience the joy of volunteering.

Mark your calendar now for two additional 2019 fall dates for this Saturday morning food fair: October 19 and November 16.

Fun and Fellowship Await in St. Martin's Covenant Groups!

Forming this fall
Bi-weekly meeting times to be determined by the group

Our Covenant Groups offer an opportunity to deepen your personal spiritual life in a small, intimate setting with fellow parishioners. These small groups of 10 -- 12 people meet from September to May in members' homes. Each group meets for approximately two hours on a designated weeknight discussing the week's Bible study chosen from a selection of study guides suggested by St. Martin's clergy. For more information on joining a group please contact Kathy Johnson at kjohnson@stmartinsepiscopal.org or 713-985-3834.