Fall Studies

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Tuesday Mornings, 9:30 - 11 AM

Thinking Like Jesus In A Contentious World
Led by Karen Morrison
Starts October 1
Book not required, but can be purchased here

Description: Are you exhausted by our current political climate? Does the division and rhetoric have you down? Have you lost hope that there will ever be peace again? This is for you. Based on the book The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics by Curtis Chang and Nancy French. This course is not about politics or giving up on our core beliefs or personal values. It is about reorienting our thinking and making a shift from "cultural ideology" to our spiritual values. That is a complete change of direction, and we hope that in doing that, we find the secrets to peace and reconciliation---giving up distrust, polarization and animosity in the process. Jesus' way involved two very different aspects---HUMILITY and HOPE. He taught and led his disciples on that path. He even chose disciples that had very different beliefs on how to solve the problems of their day, but those disciples somehow joined together in heart and in mind to change the world! We will be looking at the cultural and historical background of the Jesus movement, and how we can tap into the same wisdom that changed hearts and lives so much---that his followers were willing to die for their faith.   

Tuesday Evenings, 6:30 - 8 PM

Braving the Wilderness, by Brené Brown 
Led by Marsha Barnett Cooke
Starts October 29, 4 weeks
Book can be purchased here

Description: This course will follow Brené Brown's book, Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone. It explores how true belonging is not about fitting in, pretending, or making the people around us comfortable because that's safer. In her book, she speaks of four practices that challenge how we think about ourselves, showing with one another, and find our way back to courage and connection. We will explore and develop skills in believing in oneself so fully that we can be our authentic self in the world and still feel connected to a greater humanity.

Seeking Understanding: Conversations on Inclusion and LGBTQ
Led by Rev. Mark Kimbrough
Starts October 1, 4 weeks
No book required, recommended reading for further study will be supplied during the study

Who is this for? 
This group is a first of its kind for Katy First UMC. It is for those seeking to better understand inclusion and LGBTQ+ with curiosity, grace, and authenticity. We will hold space for people with traditional views, affirming views, and uncertainty. Our hope is to better understand one another and to help create a more inclusive church community at Katy First informed by our faith and scriptures. 

Description: This study will focus on understanding the call to inclusion within our Christian tradition and scriptures. Though inclusion is broader than one topic, we will focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion seeking to understand the impact of the church's stance and how we can seek a more inclusive posture. We recognize Katy First members and attenders hold varying views on this topic. From an affirming posture to a traditional view that wants to be inclusive of all people, this study is seeking to create space for honest exploration and graceful, faithful conversation. We will explore how scripture, experience, reason, and tradition guide and inform our call to inclusion. Pastor Mark will prioritize a safe and trusted space is held for all. Please reach out to Pastor Mark for questions you may have about this study at