Bible Studies
Adult Christian Education is an integral part of the Strawbridge experience. We offer classes for all ages, with a variety of meeting times throughout the week. Various classes pursue Bible study, study books by popular authors, cover topics on social concerns, or discuss family life issues. Click here to see a listing of our current weekday Adult Bible Studies.
sunday school
Adult Sunday School classes meet at approximately 10:00 am (after our 9:00 am worship service and prior to our 11:05 am service). A variety of adult Sunday School classes are offered – each with its own special mix of styles and interests. You can learn more here.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH (UWF) CIRCLES
We are women like you, a powerful, fearless force driven by God’s love and united in sisterhood. With a focus on women, children and youth, we act for justice and transform communities. Join us, because love in action can change the world.
Men of strawbridge
Our Men of Strawbridge ministry provides an opportunity for the men of Strawbridge UMC to get to know each other better while building relationships to grow deeper in their faith and fully experience the power of Christ. This is a group for all men at any stage of life.
They will meet once a month for a meal and/or to participate in a mission opportunity. They will also have events throughout the year with their families.
Past Event:
January 17, 2026: Men's Breakfast with special message from the Rev. Jon Stouffer!
Silence offers spiritual strength, says Crosby UMC pastor
In an often loud and chaotic world, there is great spiritual value in practicing silence, the Rev. Jon Stouffer said at the recent breakfast hosted by the Men of Strawbridge.
More than 70 men from Strawbridge and other area congregations gathered to hear Stouffer, senior pastor at Crosby United Methodist Church.
He spoke about the impact of his many sojourns with the monks at the Abbey of Gethsemani, in Kentucky, where regular periods of silence are considered a vital tool in receiving God’s word. Since he began going on monastic retreats there in 1992, he said, he has gained important insights that enrich his ministry in Crosby.
”Silence is not an escape from our lives,” Stouffer said. “It is a completion. This year, do you want to hear from God? God will not talk over us to get through. God will wait.”
In addition to his message, Pastor Jon shared samples of a very popular product for which the abbey is well known: three varieties of irresistible fudge.
Be on the look-out for future Men of Strawbridge events!
Lay Leader: Adam Pieknik
Be the Bridge
The mission of Be the Bridge is to address the issues of racial division and systemic injustice in our society with the aim of liberating individuals from the constraints of a racially-conditioned society and grounding them in the hope and truth of Jesus Christ as we are called to, "do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
You can stay up-to-date by following our Be the Bridge Facebook Group Page! Or please contact the Rev. Deborah Hawboldt for any further details. You can also learn more about the core mission of the "Be the Bridge" program here.
50+ Travelers
The Strawbridge 50+ Travelers remain very active with quarterly field trips throughout the year where they visit some very interesting - and very fun - places throughout SE Texas.
Upcoming Trips in 2026:
Go ahead and save the following dates. More details and sign-up sheets will be made available as we get closer to each trip!
February 25: Newman's Castle
We will depart SUMC at 9:00 am and should return by ~4:00 pm. The cost to attend is $10 per person plus the cost of your lunch. The sign-up sheet is now available in the Activity Hallway.
March 4: RodeoHouston
(details to come)
April 28: Hop On / Hop Off Tour of Houston (details to come)
May 19: Farmer's Market
(details to come)
June 2: Tour of Daikin Park, the home of our Houston Astros (details to come)
Lay Leader: Jean Anderson
Behind the Scenes
Calling all creative types and those who like to decorate, assemble, and have fun. No special skills required! Join us to help create sets and backdrops for our Children’s VBS, musical events, and other special activities throughout the year.
To learn more, please let us know by filling out this short form.
Merry Widows and Friends
Our Merry Widows & Friends typically meet for lunch on the last Thursday of every month for fun, fellowship, and understanding. Please be sure to check-out our weekly e-newsletter for information on when and where their next luncheon is scheduled.
Lay Leader: Belinda Fagin
Painters with a Purpose
Our "Painters with a Purpose" adult ministry makes art to enrich our lives and the lives of others within our community.
Join them as they explore and express their spiritual gifts and offer them at auction later in the year to benefit our neighbors in need.
Those who participate must bring their own supplies each session. They encourage watercolorists, oil and acrylic painters, multimedia artists, pastel creators, etc. You choose the medium, substrate, and mark making tools. All are welcome from beginners to experienced artists. Please know that funds will be made available to help buy supplies, if necessary. They don't want anyone left out of the opportunity to contribute.
Meetings:
Join them on the 1st and 2nd Tuesdays of each month at 10:00 am in The Great Hall.
If you are interested or have questions please contact Rev. Deborah Hawboldt at the church office.
Lay Leader: Corinne Ingersoll
XYZ DINNERS
Join our monthly senior dinners for fun, food and fellowship! This senior adult ministry typically meets for supper on the 3rd Saturday of each month at one of several local favorite restaurants.
Next XYZ Dinner:
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 4:30 pm
J. Christopher's Italian Bistro
2245 Northpark Drive
Lay Leader: Savannah Noakes
united methodism 101 classes
For anyone wanting to learn more about the history and beliefs of the UMC and Strawbridge's ongoing role within the denomination, please join Pastor Todd in a series of Methodism 101 meetings.
Last Class Offering:
The last Methodism 101 study was held on 4 consecutive Wednesday evenings from September 10 though October 1, 2025.
Next Class Offering:
TBD! Stay in the loop for all future United Methodism 101 classes by subscribing to our weekly e-newsletter, This Week at Strawbridge.
Coffee with the pastor
Come to Pastor Todd's office during the Sunday school hour (10:05 - 11:00 am) most 2nd Sundays of each month to hang out, ask questions, and/or share.
The next Coffee with Pastor Todd will be held on Sunday, February 8.