Outreach

Adult’s Ministry


St. Martin's Episcopal Church

Morning Prayer Group

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Wednesdays
8:00 am
 - 8:30 am
Bagby Parish Hall C

Meet to pray for our Church, the Clergy and Parishioners as well as our city and country.  Join us for 7 a.m. Eucharist and breakfast if your schedule allows.

For information, contact Janie Putman at janieputman@mac.com or 713-516-5849.

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
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St. Martin's Episcopal Church

Global Prayer Group

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Wednesdays
1:30 pm
 - 2:30 pm
Children's Life Center and via Zoom

Meet to pray for our troubled world and to support those who are spreading hope through the gospel message.

 

For information and the Zoom link, contact Janie Putman at janieputman@mac.com or 713-516-5849.

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
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St. Martin's Episcopal Church

Wycliffe Oxford Forum

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Friday, Nov. 7
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 8
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Parish Life Center

This two-day intensive workshop will feature teaching from one of the world’s leading biblical scholars, the Rt. Rev. N.T. Wright, along with other distinguished scholars from Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford.

Coffee and pastries will be served in the morning, and lunch will be provided.

Cost: $175

*Limited scholarships are available.

Scheduled Speakers:

The Rt. Rev. N.T. Wright – Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford
Dr. Kira Moolman Pettit – Director of Adult Formation, Church of St. John the Divine in Houston
The Rev. Dr. Oliver Wright – Junior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford
The Rev. Dr. Michael Lloyd – Principal at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford
The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Brant – Founding Director of the Oxford Character Project

To learn more about the speakers, please visit Wycliffe Hall Forum.

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
Visit the Wycliffe Oxford Forum website
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Rector’s Bible Study

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Tuesdays
12:00 pm
 - 1:00 pm
Student Life Center

Take a meaningful pause in your week and join our Rector, the Rev. Dane Boston, for the “Rector’s Bible Study,” every Tuesday at noon in the Student Life Center. Together, we are exploring the lectionary readings for the upcoming Sunday in a relaxed setting.

Bring your brown bag lunch and join us! This is a great way to explore, reflect, ask questions and grow in faith.

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
Visit the Rector’s Bible Study website
St. Martin's Episcopal Church

Alzheimer’s Caregivers’ Support Group

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This support group offers participants a way to share and learn from each other’s experiences in coping with challenges while caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.

First and third Monday of the month
3-5 p.m.
Hope and Healing Center & Institute, Room 103

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
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Deep Roots

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Thursdays
6:15 pm
 - 7:45 pm
Student Life Center, Living Room

“None of us can fully escape the blindness of our age, but we shall certainly increase it, and weaken our guard against it, if we read only modern books. Where they are true they will give us truths which we half knew already. Where they are false they will aggravate the error with which we are already dangerously ill. The only palliative is to keep the clean sea breeze of the centuries blowing through our minds, and this can be done only by reading old books.” — C.S. Lewis

We live in a contentious time, where it can sometimes seem like our arguments are as noisy as they are shallow. Yet, we possess a great inheritance of wisdom in the Christian tradition that can shake up our present-day perspective and give us deeper roots in richer soil if only we would seek it out. In this monthly series, we’ll take C.S. Lewis’s advice to read the old books, at least two representing a different era. We’ll study great figures from the Christian tradition, like Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Julian of Norwich, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, C.S. Lewis and Flannery O’Connor, alongside some insightful writers on present-day questions.

The Rev. Dr. Jordan Hylden or invited guests will give a presentation on each book, followed by a discussion. We’ll ask: Why does it matter that God became truly incarnate in Christ? What does it mean to be created male and female in God’s image? How might our Christian faith form us in the civic virtues that modern democracies need?

Meetings include a presentation, discussion and prayer. We ask that you do your best to read the book, but you are welcome if you don’t! Snacks and refreshments provided.

Books are available at St. Martin’s Gift Shoppe or at your favorite bookseller.

Sept. 25: “Rerum Novarum” and “Libertas” by Pope Leo XIII
Oct. 23: “Letters from Lake Como” by Romano Guardini
Dec. 4: “For the Time Being: A Christmas Oratorio” by W.H. Auden
Jan. 29: “The Long Loneliness” by Dorothy Day
Mar. 26: “A Learned Discourse on Justification in Modern English” by Richard Hooker
May 21: “The Power and the Glory” by Graham Greene

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
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St. Martin's Episcopal Church

Docent Guild

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Volunteer trained docents share knowledge and love of The Church.

St. Martin’s docents offer free, public and private tours. Everyone is welcome regardless of religious affiliation. Trained volunteers serve as tour guides, providing information about The Church’s Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows and the details and symbolism throughout the worship spaces.

Tours are available for Parish members (groups and individuals), schools and local community organizations. Special tours of the Church Windows, Christ Chapel and a Campus tour of the Gardens are available on request.

THE CHURCH TOURS
Wednesdays • 11 a.m.-noon
The Church Narthex
The Church will be open to visitors through a formal tour. Dr. David Henning performs a short organ recital on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 11:45 a.m.

First Sunday of the month after the 11:15 a.m. service
The Church Narthex
Tours will not be offered in July and August.

To schedule a special tour, large group tour, or tour on an alternative day, please contact the Docent Line at 713-830-4117.

CAMPUS GARDENS GUIDED TOUR
Wednesday, April 29 • 10 a.m.

For more information, please contact the Docent Line at 713-830-4117.

 

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
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St. Martin's Episcopal Church

St. Martin’s 20s & 30s

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Fellowship opportunities for young professionals.
Join our young adults’ small group that is focused on building deep and meaningful relationships through the regular study of Scripture and fellowship opportunities. Meeting weekly on Campus over a meal, this group divides its time into fellowship, study and prayer. Anyone may join the group at any time and be on the lookout for Saturday social opportunities throughout the winter.

Feb. 4 and 11: Luke Bible study and dinner – 7 p.m. – Activity Center Fellowship Room
Feb. 18: No Gathering (Ash Wednesday)
Feb. 25-March 25: Wednesday Lenten Series – 6:15 p.m. – Bagby Parish Hall
April 1: Holy Week (No Gathering)
April 8-May 13: Luke Bible study and dinner – 7 p.m. – Children’s Life Center Large Pod

For more information and to subscribe to the group’s newsletter, contact Haley Lynch.

Donate to weekly dinners here.

 

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
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St. Martin's Episcopal Church

The Gathering

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The Gathering is dedicated to using its resources and time to support Church members and others in our community who are experiencing memory loss. This program offers a safe and nurturing environment filled with creative and stimulating activities for care partners, giving their caregivers a much-needed break from daily responsibilities. The Gathering is a program of CarePartners and is hosted by St. Martin’s.

Fourth Monday of the month
10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Bagby Parish Hall

Jan. 26: Cancelled due to inclement weather

Feb. 23: Boots, Bolos and Big Smiles
Make your own bolo tie and bandana with music from Bill Parish

March 23: You’re Some”bunny” Special
Create a bunny on a fence while Jan Vandiver entertains.

April 27: Friends in Bloom
Design egg carton flowers during Robert Greany’s performance.

June 22: Red, White and Bloom
Fly your own American flag with music from Bill Parish.

July 27: Join Us for a Whale of a Good Time
Make a whale on a paper plate while Danette McMahon entertains.

Aug. 24: Don’t Bug Out – It’s Gathering Time
Create bugs from cans during Jan Vandiver’s performance.

Sept. 28: Gathering for Giggles, Good Times and Joy
Design a joy sign with pompoms with music from Robert Greany.

Oct. 26: Pumpkins + Smiles = Fall Magic
“Harvest” a pumpkin paperweight with photo while Jan Vandiver entertains.

Nov. 23: Gobble, Gobble and Give Thanks
Make a clothes pin turkey during Danette McMahon’s performance.

The Gathering will not meet in May and December.

To read more about The Gathering, click here.

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
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St. Martin's Episcopal Church

Order of St. Luke (OSL)

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The Order of St. Luke (OSL) meets weekly to learn and grow in the practice of prayer for healing. The group hosts the Service of Prayer for Healing and Wholeness on the first Wednesday of the month, except for August.

Wednesday Healing Service
This service meets the first Wednesday of most months.
5 p.m.
Parish Life Center or via 
Zoom
St. Martin’s OSL Healing Prayer Community invites you to join its service for healing and wholeness. This short service is held for anyone in need of prayer for themselves, friends or family.

OSL Healing Prayer Ministry Study Group
Wednesdays, September through June
(except first Wednesday of each month)
4:30-6 p.m.
Children’s Life Center or via 
Zoom
All are welcome to join these weekly meetings of study, prayer, and fellowship.

St. Martin’s chapter of the International OSL Healing Community is an ecumenical Christian healing ministry and fellowship of men and women who believe healing is an essential part of the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. The work of the order is carried out through teaching and prayer. Members are committed to intercessory prayer – that is, praying for others. They serve on prayer teams, sponsor healing services, and lead workshops and missions.

OSL grew from the Fellowship of Saint Luke, begun in 1932 by the Rev. John G. Banks, an Episcopal priest, and his wife, Ethel Tulloch Banks. Today there are inter-denominational healing communities all over North America and in many countries around the world.

St. Martin’s OSL Healing Community is part of this international organization that is dedicated to the Christian healing ministry. Guests are welcome to attend for prayer and study, or if they are simply interested in knowing more about OSL and its mission. Click here for more information.

Becoming a Member
All are invited to attend our meetings. You can become a member of St. Martin’s OSL by simply attending our meetings for six months on a regular basis. If you would like to become a prayer minister with St. Martin’s OSL, it is required that you first become a member of OSL North America(osltoday.org). Please see their requirements online. Als,o it is required that you have a short interview with our Chaplain for St. Martin’s prayer minister status.

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
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St. Martin's Episcopal Church

St. Clare’s Needlepoint Guild

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Wednesdays
12:00 pm
 - 3:00 pm
Activity Center, Upper Hall East

Transform your expression of God’s love, one stitch at a time.

St. Clare’s Needlepoint Guild creates beautiful needlepoint items to sell and raise funds for outreach and Church projects. The Guild welcomes stitchers of any skill level and teaches needlepoint from basic stitches to detailed and advanced work.

Follow on Instagram: @st.claresneedlepoint

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
St. Martin's Episcopal Church

Saintly Stitchers Needlepoint Group

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Mondays
10:00 am
 - 12:00 pm
Activity Center, Upper Hall East

Bringing Saintly devotion through the love of needlecraft.

The men and women of Saintly Stitchers fill St. Martin’s with beautiful needlepoint pew kneelers, the prie-dieu cushion for the Patron’s Chapel and acolyte pew kneelers. Sponsor a kneeler or join the group to stitch, whether you are an expert or a novice.

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
St. Martin's Episcopal Church

Education for Ministry

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Would you like to find a place where you can define, refine, articulate and live your faith?  Then Education for Ministry is for you! EfM is a challenging and affirming four-year study in Old Testament, New Testament, Church History and Theology developed and administered by the University of the South’s School of Theology with world-wide groups who worship and study in a community of 12 participants and accredited mentor.

Meets Weekly Tuesdays Sept.-May

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
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St. Martin's Episcopal Church

Faith in Literature

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St. Martin’s Faith in Literature day and evening groups explore, discuss and make relevant connections between faith and works of fiction, past and present. While operating within the framework of Christian theology, we seek to ascertain how all good literature, even if by omission, deals with and reflects themes of faith.

Day Group
Second Wednesday of the Month
1-2:30 p.m.
Children’s Life Center and via Zoom

Sept. 10: “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi
Oct. 8: “A Month in the Country” by J. L. Carr
Nov. 12: “Daughters of Shandong” by Eve J. Chung
Dec. 10: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson
Jan. 14: “The Last Days of Night” by Graham Moore
Feb. 11: “My Life in France” by Julia Child with Alex Prud’homme
March 18: “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis” by J. D. Vance
April 8: “Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont” by Elizabeth Taylor
May 13: “The Secret Book of Flora Lea” by Patti Henry

Evening Group
Third Tuesday of the month
7-8:30 p.m.
Children’s Life Center and via Zoom

Sept. 16: “West with Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge
Oct. 21: “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman
Nov. 18: “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee
Dec. 16: “Slow Horses” by Mick Herron
Jan. 20: “A Canticle for Leibowitz” by Walter M. Miller, Jr.
Feb. 17: “The Badly Behaved Bible” by Nick Page
March 17: “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt
April 21: “The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese
May 19: “Table for Two” by Amor Towles

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
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St. Martin's Episcopal Church

Lydia’s Guild

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Volunteers Needed to Straighten the Pews!

Volunteers are needed to help straighten and organize the pew racks in The Church and Christ Chapel.

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
St. Martin's Episcopal Church

Greeters Guild

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Welcome Parishioners and visitors on Sundays.

This ministry comprises Parishioners who greet worshipers before and after the 9 and 11:15 a.m. worship services. Stationed at the east and west Narthex doors and in the Narthex, greeters welcome everyone who enters The Church.

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
St. Martin's Episcopal Church

Blanket Ladies

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Wednesdays
10:00 am
 - 11:30 am
Activity Center, Family Room

Make blessed blankets to bring relief for those who need comfort.

Come join this ministry. No sewing experience is needed and there are opportunities for everyone. The group makes approximately 4,000 blankets annually for newborns or infants cared for at Ben Taub Hospital each year. This ministry is looking for volunteers to iron or sew hems, even if it is only a few times a year. Drop-ins are welcome and volunteers can take the materials home to make the blankets!

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
St. Martin's Episcopal Church

Prayer Shawl Ministry

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Tuesdays
9:00 am
 - 11:00 am
Activity Center, Family Room

Knit for love, hope and healing.

Participants in this caring ministry knit and crochet God’s love, care and warmth into shawls that are blessed before they are donated to those in need. Beginner as well as experienced knitters and crocheters make prayer shawls, wash cloths, pocket-sized prayer shawls, baby blankets and scarves.

To volunteer and for more information, email outreach@stmartinsepiscopal.org.