Adult Formation on Sundays

Sunday classes meet during the 10 o’clock Education Hour, unless otherwise specified. Weekday classes are also offered.

Dean’s Class

On January 13, Earle Martin will speak about and read from his award-winning book, The Boy Who Saved My Life: Walking Into the Light With My Autistic Grandson. The Rev. Ed Stein will lead the class into February, when Dean Thompson will begin teaching. (Reynolds Hall)

Finding Darwin’s God: A Spiritual Journey Towards Reconciliation of Christian Faith and Scientific Reason

Francis Bacon once said that the Bible was “the book of God’s word” and science was “the book of God’s works.” The notion that science and faith are merely different paths to truth was also famously championed by Saint Thomas Aquinas: “Truth is true where ever it is found.” Yet more than 700 years after Aquinas’ death, the 21st century is rife with debate over religion vs. science. Extremists on both sides of the issue often are the loudest voices and the most widely reported. Where are the voices of Thomism today? We will explore the writings and musings of scientific theologians and faithful scientists who have found common ground between Christian faith and science, including 20th century Jesuit priest Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Catholic theologian John Haught, Brown University biology professor Kenneth Miller and former director of the Human Genome Project Francis Collins. Begins January 27. (Latham Rehearsal Room, second floor, Latham Building )

Parenting Class

The Parenting Class will feature a wide array of presenters for the spring. Dr. Shannon Hayes will share from her professional and personal experience in medicine, applying it to the vocation of parenting. For several weeks, Dr. Brené Brown will present her recently published book, Daring Greatly, including “The Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto.” Joining them later in the spring will be Dr. Herb Agan, who will present on raising autonomous, healthy, independent and responsible children. In later spring, the Rev. Jimmy Grace will present on “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families.” (McGehee Conference Room, first floor, McGehee Hall)

Ephesians: A Call to Unity

The letter to the Ephesians presents its original and all subsequent readers with the assertion that the unity of the Christian Church is of paramount importance. Throughout the centuries, this letter has inspired the faithful toward acceptance of their differences for the love of Christ who binds us all together. Ignatius of Antioch, martyred in 115 CE, knew this letter well when he famously said “Even heresy is preferable to schism!” Taught by the Rev. Jim McGill. (Golding Chapel)

Exploring the Connections

We will gather on Sunday, January 13, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for a preview presentation of the Enneagram by Judy Wilbratte. For those who want to pursue knowledge and implementation of the Enneagram for personal and spiritual growth, there will be a follow-up workshop on Sunday, February 3, from 1:30–5:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. We will then read and study Saving Jesus from the Church: How to Stop Worshiping Christ and Start Following Jesus by the Rev. Dr. Robin R. Meyers, a United Church of Christ minister at Mayflower UCC in Oklahoma City. Our group functions in a seminar format where we each read the book and learn from one another through our insights and faith sharing. Facilitators are Bob Baker, Sally Lehr, Morris Taggart and Patty Turney. We will begin reading the book on Sunday, January 27. (Mellinger Room, first floor, Latham Building)

Encountering the Wisdom Jesus

Through Episcopal priest and retreat leader the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault’s audio tapes and book The Wisdom Jesus (available in the Cathedral bookstore), we will attempt a new take on the historical Jesus, a new look at Him as a master wisdom teacher. Prepare to meet this Jesus and his radical message of the larger self He calls to emerge. Contact: Canon Betty Adam at 713-217-1345. (Dean’s Conference Room, second floor, Hines Building)

Christian Meditation

Participants learn and practice a form of prayer as taught by Jesus. There is a teaching, the experience of meditation and a closing, including prayer and scripture. The class is open to all regardless of experience. (Bride’s Room, first floor, Latham Building)

Basics of the Faith

Interested in joining the Cathedral through confirmation, or in learning more about the Episcopal Church and its history? The Basics of the Faith workshop is open to any adult interested in joining the Episcopal Church and is also a great refresher for anyone curious in learning more about its history, theology and liturgy. The workshop will feature presentations from clergy and other cathedral members on a number of topics:

• January 13: The Book of Common Prayer (Ed Stein)
• January 27: The History of the Church (Hal Watson)
• February 3: Tour of the Cathedral (Rick Newlin) *
• February 10: Music & Hymnody (Bob Simpson) *
• February 17: Mission of the Church (Glenice Como)
• March 3: Membership & Stewardship (Melissa White and David Simpson)
• March 10: The Sacraments (Ed Stein)
• March 17: Q & A Session (Jimmy Grace)

To register, please contact Anne Shepard at 713-590-3301. (Jeffers Conference Room, first floor, Latham Building)

Summer Place

Summer Place is a warm and an inviting time for fellowship and “amplified” refreshments, those that may include but go beyond the customary cookies and doughnuts. This intentional break, which lasts every Sunday from May 26 through August 18, is the perfect opportunity for you to catch up with friends and to welcome newcomers in a relaxed space. A different ministry of the church will host Summer Place weekly. (Reynolds Hall)