The Foundry is the home of all Katy First's spiritual and leadership formation. Our goal is to offer studies, small groups, and seminars that lead us into a wholistic formation of our faith. Throughout the year various short term studies, one time events, and long term groups are offered. Below you will find information for all our studies, groups, Sunday School classes, and more.

Fall Studies

Tuesday studies
September 15 - October 13 (session 1) and October 20 - November 17 (session 2)

Mending the Divides: Creative love in a conflicted world
Authors Jon Huckins and Jer Swigart offer a deeply practical and theological rich understanding of our call to be everyday peacemakers. This study will coincide with our fall sermon series "Everyday peacemakers" starting in September. Each week Pastor Mark will lead a discussion on chapters from the book.
When: Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8 PM, Sept 15 - Oct 13
**Zoom option is available for this class. Pastor Mark will lead the class with an online zoom facilitator helping with discussion portions. If you can't make the class in person, this is a great option to still join us online.
Facilitator: Rev. Mark Kimbrough
Book is required for this study - Amazon

The Three Practices: Building equity and inclusion through dialogue and difference
The 3 Practices, created by Jim Henderson and Jim Hancock, provide a framework for crossing the “difference divide” — designed to help individuals engage across differences by fostering curiosity, empathy, and understanding in conversations where perspectives may diverge. Through this course you will practice (1) being unusually curious about others, (2) staying in the room when differences emerge, (3) how to stop comparing my best with your worst. In practice, these three principles are used in 3 Practice Circles to create safe, structured environments for dialogue.
When: Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8 PM, Sept 15 - Oct 13
Facilitator: Ben Middleton

Men's Mentoring Group
God never intended for us to walk through life alone. This group is about creating a sacred space where men can drop their guards, share common experiences, and guide one another. We are building a family where we learn to be better sons, husbands, fathers, brothers, and grandfathers.
When: Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8 PM, Sept 15 - Oct 13
Facilitator: Derek Spier

For the Common Good: Discovering and using your spiritual gifts
For the Common Good reminds us that the Holy Spirit gives each Christian one or more spiritual gifts to be used for the common good. Through our study together we will discover our own particular gifts and learn to use their gifts to serve others. Through the Spiritual Gifts survey in the book, we will explore 20 distinct spiritual gifts and learn how to apply them for the good of their church, community, and the world.
When: Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8 PM, Oct 20 - Nov 10
Facilitator: Kay Psencik (CLM) and Nancy Gorden

Foundations: Four essentials thoughts and practices of United Methodists and Katy First UMC
Foundations is a 4 week study exploring the foundations of United Methodist Theology, Scripture, Katy First Vision and Value, and Leadership and Belonging. This is great introductory class for people new to Katy First, finding their way back into the church, or wanting to refresh on these foundational topics.
When: Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8 PM, Oct 20 - Nov 10
Facilitator: Rev. Mark Kimbrough

Sunday Studies

Disciple II: Invitation to John - starting September 13 at 9:30 AM
Dive in deep through study and discussion with this 11 week study through the Gospel of John.
When: Sundays, 9:30 AM, Sep 13 - Nov 22
Facilitators: Rev. Becky and Pat Wallace

The Village: New Sunday Morning Group for 30 and 40 somethings
Jump in with a brand new Sunday morning group for 30 and 40 somethings! They will choose their own studies.
When: Sundays, 9 :45 AM, starting August 16 (ongoing)
Facilitators: Mark and Chelsey Croudy

"Your Generosity Matters" with Texas Methodist Foundation
This seminar provides information about estate planning and charitable giving. Create a roadmap that honors your beliefs and values, prepares your estate plan, and impacts your community. A light lunch and childcare will be provided. Registration for this event has it's own sign up below.
When: Sunday, September 27, 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Event Flyer
REGISTER HERE

Wellness and Craft Classes

Fall Leaves Glass Art
Come join the fun and make your favorite fall leaves and scene out of glass. You will have a beautiful piece of art for your home or for a gift.
*$15 Materials fee
When: Saturday, October 24, 9:30-11:30 AM
Facilitator: Michell Harper

Walk into Wellness @ Peckham Park - Everyday Saturday at 8:00 AM
Start your weekend with fresh air, movement, and fellowship! Join us on Saturday mornings at Mary Jo Peckham Park for a time of walking together, building community, and caring for both body and spirit.

This is a relaxed, come-as-you-are opportunity—walk as much or as little as you’d like. All ages and friendly leashed dogs are welcome, and the park offers public restrooms and play structures for children. Whether you’re looking for exercise, conversation, or simply time outdoors, you’ll find a warm and welcoming group to share the journey.
Facilitator: Whitney Koch (text 281-684-6878 for more information)

Lay Servant ministries

Contact Kay for more info

We are proud of a strong Lay Servant Ministry program here at Katy First UMC. Led by Kay Psencik (CLM) and Carol Minze (CLM), this ministry provides a way to deepen faith, theological training, and commitment to service in the church. To learn more about lay servant ministries or certified lay minister, contact Kay or go to: https://www.txcumc.org/lay-servant-ministry

Certified Lay Servant Courses

Basic Course: August 22, 9a-3p
Advanced Course: September 19, 9a-12p

Certified Lay Servants are to serve the local church or charge in any way in which their witness or leadership and service inspires the laity to deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship.

Certified Lay Ministry Courses

Module 1: Sept. 20
Module 2: Oct. 11
Module 3: Nov. 15
Module 4: Dec. 5

Foundry Gatherings

Once a year, Katy First United Methodist members and attenders gather for our annual Foundry Gathering. This gathering is designed to help train us as a church in areas of leadership, Wesleyan spiritual formation, and church mission/vision. Our next Foundry Gathering will be in August of 2026, and we are so excite to share with you soon the details for it! In the meantime, check out some of the previous year's materials and videos.

Materials and Video from Previous Foundry Gatherings

In August of 2024, our gathering focused on our communal life together as we explored the topics of social holiness, social justice, reading scripture in community, and leading small groups. Though the event has concluded, all materials, notes, slides, and video recaps can be found on our Foundry website or on our Youtube Channel.

2024 WEBSITE