Adult MinistriesAdult Ministries
Bible Study
Adult Spiritual Formation - Sundays at 10:30 am, Fellowship Hall
FALL SCHEDULE: Reformation, Mission, Scripture Begins September 19th.
September 19: Family Ministries "Taster".
Experience what’s happening in Children’s and Student Ministries. Interactive displays and information will be available.
Also, September 19: Dr. Jeff Ritchie, Presbyterian Outreach Foundation’s Associate Director for Mission
Join Dr. Jeff Ritche (left) in the church lounge to hear his updates on shared partnerships in China with Marie Melrose, in Brazil with Jairton de Melo, and training Egyptian lay pastors for the Synod of the Nile.
September 26: Postcards From Europe
The congregation is invited to receive a report and travelogue on this summer’s Reformation Tour including the Oberammergau Passion Play, where 2,500 villagers perform amazing Old Testament tableaux, dramatic portrayal of the events of Holy Week, with beautiful, original live music! See and hear about key Reformation sites in Germany, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic instruct and remind us of the importance of the authority of scripture, Christian community, prayer, worship, and service in Christ’s name.
October 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31: Jesus and Mission Series
The Ken Bailey DVD series, “Jesus and His View of Missions” includes reflections on mission from Rev. Dr. Bailey’s 40 years of life in the Middle East.
November 7, 14, 21, & 28 "Abusing Scripture"
Rev. Dr. Gary Demarest, retired PC(USA) pastor and MVGH resident, discusses and explores ways some have misused, misinterpreted, and misapplied God’s word.
December 5, 12, & 19 Advent Prayers
Prepare for 2011 with an emphasis on prayer. More information available soon.
Adult Bible Study - Sundays, 10:30 am, Library Conference Room
New Series Begins September 19th! What does it mean that God is inescapable? Do you know the "Hound of Heaven", the gripping poem by Francis Thompson? He communicated what the children of Israel and the authors of our Bible's prayer and song book experienced. Join this welcoming group who will be reading in class and discussing Exodus and Psalm with Sunday morning class facilitators, elders Bill Wells and George Ball. Newcomers always welcome. For more information, contact the leaders at
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.
Adult Bible Study - Tuesday Evenings, 7:30 pm, Fellowship Hall and Friday Mornings,10:00 am, Church Lounge
Fall Schedule Begins Tuesday September 21st, and Friday September 24th
Dig into God’s Little Letters - Be Sure You Are Loved by God! This Fall's bible study will focus on the short gems of the New Testament, including several books that are just one chapter. Jump in! No long-term commitment for this series. Who were Philemon and Titus? What do their little books say for us today? What’s the point of Jude’s letter? To whom and why did John write his 1st, 2nd and 3rd letters? Rev. Dr. Don Berns and Rev. Dr. Don Madoox will teach this fall. Discover sparkling truths to enrich your life and faith. Learn through power-point presentations, with music and art, charts and outlines highlighting Bible texts.
Schedule:
9/21 & 9/24: Philemon – Don Maddox
9/28 & 10/1: Titus – Don Maddox
10/5 & 10/8: 1 John 1 – Don Berns
10/12 & 10/15: 1 John 2 – Don Berns
10/19 & 10/22: 1 John 3 – Don Berns
10/26 & 10/29: 1 John 4 – Don Berns
11/2 & 11/5: 1 John 5 – Don Berns
11/9 & 11/12: 2nd John – Don Maddox
11/16 & 11/19: 3rd John – Don Maddox
Bible Studies in Advent:
Prayers in Luke – led by Rev. Karen Berns
11/30 & 12/3: Zechariah’s prayer
12/7 & 12/10: Mary’s prayer [Magnificat]
12/14 & 12/17 Simeon and Anna’s prayers
Fellowship
Dinners for 7 or 8 - September 24 & 25, 2010
Throughout the year share uplifting spiritual fellowship and a potluck meal with others in a home setting. Hosts change each time as do dinner groups. There is no program, just conversation as a way to get to know other members of the congregation in a relaxed social setting. New participants joyfully welcomed. To join, please register for the mailing list, by contacting coordinators Janet and Bill Wells at
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or through the church office at (626) 282-4181 for information.
New Member Class - Next Class Scheduled for Saturday, 8:30 - 12:30, October 23, 2010
Those considering joining San Marino Community Church are welcome to attend this orientation class for those exploring Christain faith and church membership. Topics covered include Christian basics, Presbyterian distinctives, and information about SMCC. Led by the pastors. For registration, contact Administrative Assistant for Pastoral Support Peggy Flynn
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or (626) 282-4181 x19.
Next Senior Saturday - To be announced
Senior Saturdays are quarterly programs of special interest to SMCC’s senior members and the community, organized regularly by the Board of Deacons. For more information contact the Deacons at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or the church office.
Twigbenders/TaKallista
Men’s Ministries
Men’s Breakfast - Wednesdays, 7:00 am, Colonial Kitchen (June through August)
A 40-year tradition, this weekly gathering includes breakfast, devotions, and discussion for men. Men of all ages are invited to participate. A wide-ranging variety of topics of interest to participants are organized by the planning committee, which includes Rev. Jeff O’Grady. Join the men this week! For more information, contact Wray Cornwell at
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or through the church office.
Men’s Golf Tournament - September 11, 2010
Join the men of the church for a found of golf at San Gabriel Country Club. The cost (TBD) will cover green fees, carts, two drink tickets, balls, a celebration dinner, and all other charges. Foursomes will playa the standard "scramble" and join each other in the clubhouse upon completion of the course. This annual event provides an opportunity for fun and fellowship both on and off the links. Contact the planning team at
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or the church office at 626/282-4181.
Men’s Bible Study - 1st, 3rd, 5th Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, Church Library
Men of all ages participate in this topical study. Contact coordinator Don McBride at
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for more information or current topics.
Men’s Basketball - Saturdays, 7:00 - 8:30 am, San Marino High School & Southwest Academy
Join the men of the church for physical exercise and healthy competition. All are welcome to join the fun! Contact coordinator Phil Miller at
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or through the church office.
Table Tennis - Saturdays, 9:30 am, Westminster Hall
Fun and exercise – and not just for men. New players are welcome regardless of skill. Contact coordinator Nils Bjerg at
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or through the church office.
Small Groups
Conversational English Bible Study - Mondays, 9:30 am, Church Library
A "Beginner" Bible Study in basic English. Please contact teacher, Marie Melrose at
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Marriage Enrichment Group - To be announced
Couples of every age are invited to attend a gatherings of renewal and relationship strengthening. Don't miss other opportunities throughout the year when couples meet for dessert and discussion to enhance their marriages. For schedule and more information please contact Rev. Karen Berns at
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or (626) 282-4181 x20.
Growing Families - Next event to be announced
Growing Families regularly offered seminars offer helpful insights about parenting and marriage in the supportive atmosphere of other Christian parents. All are invited to engage with outstanding speakers offering effective tools to enrich and enhance parenting skills. Parents/ grandparents of pre-school and school-age children are especially welcome. Please contact church office for more information.
Daytime Grief Group - Wednesdays, 2:30 pm, Church Library
This groups welcomes men and women needing support and encouragement in times of grief. Facilitated by Stephen Ministers Dr. Jaqueline Thompson and Bill Wells, the coordinators may be contacted at
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Evening Grief Group, Tuesdays, 7:00 pm, Church Library
Men and women experiencing grief of any variety are invited to a newly forming group. Led by an experienced Stephen Minister, the group will be confidential and caring for all participants. Please contact Jackie Thompson at the Church Office (626) 282-1185.
Women's Retreats - Women of Faith, September 10 & 11, Anaheim, CA 
Join women of all ages and stages of life as they spend a weekend away to pray, sing, share, and grow in faith. Experience connecting with God and each other. At Women of Faith renew your spirit with messages of hope and humor, rejoice with music from top Christian artists, revitalize your life, relax in the comforting knowledge that God loves you - right where you are. For further information SMCC Coordinator Marty Waskul may be contacted at
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or through the church office at (626) 282-4181.
Women's Half Day Retreat-To be announced
Women of all ages are invited to join in these festive mornings. Generally, continental breakfast will be included. Childcare provided with advance notice. An activity fee of $20 is usually charged to cover costs, although scholarships are also available. Contact coordinator Marty Waskul at
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for information.
Community Church Women - To be announced
There is no cost for the event and all women of the church are invited to participate. All women of the church and community are urged to attend special presentations by guest speakers throughout the year. Coffee and refreshments are served before the program. Please call the office to make reservations at 626/282-4181. Or please contact: 626-578-0423 or 626-305-2327.