Adult Education

Adult Bible Study: God Establishes a Faithful People
Sundays, 10:30 am, Library Conference Room 
A new series starts off the new year: “God Establishes a Faithful People” built on Genesis, when Joseph, the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, finds favor.  Come join the group to read and discuss this foundational text. Class led by gifted facilitators, George Ball and Bill Wells  For more information, contact the leaders at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
 
New Mandarin Bible Study
Sundays, 10:30 - 11:15, Multipurpose Room (upstairs)
Those who speak Mandarin are invited to attend a new Bible study. It will be especially meaningful for those who are new immigrants and/or are new to Christianity.  The class will be lead by SMCC Member, Dr. David Gong.  David is employed as a mechanical engineer and has a passion for sharing the Gospel.  In addition, David studied at International Biblical Seminary and received a Masters Degree in Missiology in 2006 and his Doctor of Ministry from Vision University (Seminary) in 2010. Please contact the church for more information.

Women of the Bible
Sundays, February 5, 12,19, 26 10:30 am, Fellowship Hall
Are you familiar with Judge and Prophetess Deborah?  How about the Prophet Hulda? Who are Junia, Lydia, and Priscilla as New Testament leaders? Come discover parts of scripture often overlooked.  Presbyterian author, professor, pastor, and scholar Dr. Kenneth Bailey taught in Cairo, Cyprus, Jerusalem, and Beirut for 40 years. He is renowned for his scripture expertise from a Middle Eastern perspective, historically and contemporaneously. Dr. Bailey will illuminate the understanding of scriptural understandings of women in leadership of God's people and the Church via DVD.

Beginning with women in the Hebrew scriptures, and looking at female imagery for God in the Old Testament, Bailey launches this series. Then women leaders in the New Testament are presented in light of Genesis creation and fall texts, as well as the reason for Jesus' twelve male apostles. In February hear highlights of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as a devoted, active woman of faith, from her days as a young woman anointed to birth our Savior Jesus Christ to her role in the early church. Join Rev. Karen Berns and the many others who deeply appreciate Ken Bailey's detailed, relevant, and stimulating presentations that nurture the mind and spirit.

 Small Groups    

ADULT STUDY SERIES: Renovation of the Heart
Small Groups (self-organized) or. . .
Tuesday evenings, 6:00 – 7:15 pm, Fellowship Hall
Friday mornings, 10:00-11:15 am, Church Lounge 

San Marino Community Church’s vision is to “live Jesus Christ’s Great Commandment from Matthew 22:37-39, ‘to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.’”  This may seem like an impossible ideal, but there's good news! We CAN experience significant growth in our Christian walk, shed sinful habits, and take on the character of Christ. In Renovation of the Heart, USC Philosophy Professor and renowned Christian formation author of 30 books, Dr. Dallas Willard calls it "the transformation of the spirit"—a divine process that "brings every element in our being, working from inside out, into harmony with the will of God."  As we become apprentices of Jesus, our spirits are transformed. But just what is this transformation? Dr. Willard explains that its ideal end is when "all of the essential parts of the human self are effectively organized around God, as they are restored and sustained by him. Spiritual transformation in Christ is the process leading to that ideal end, and its result is love of God with all of the heart, soul, mind, and strength, and of the neighbor as oneself."

Although you may acknowledge this as the ideal, you may still wonder: "How do I get there"? Renovation of the Heart is a realistic guide to discipleship and the real challenges of Christian formation that helps to answer that inquiry. It lays a foundation for understanding the restoration of humanity, by discussing human nature and its components, how they operate, and how they are renewed. It describes common misunderstandings about our human nature, and the discipleship process. Most importantly, it outlines the general pattern of personal transformation,  as a systematic process that we have the responsibility to undertake as intentional apprentices of Jesus. Only then will our transformation be accomplished, through interaction with the grace of God in Christ, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and spiritual treasures stored in the Body of Christ.

Individuals and small groups through SMCC are encouraged to take advantage of Dr. Willard's Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ, DVD-based study for thirteen-sessions, however, participants are not required to read it, because all the key concepts are discussed in detail even without it. Each 20-minute DVD segment lets us listen-in as Dr. Willard teaches on the human personality and how it can be transformed into Christlikeness. He then participates in a brief 3-way conversation with Rev. Dr. John Ortberg, Pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, and Christian counselor and author, Dr. Larry Crabb that will begin a discussion to be continued among the members of your group. Leader and Participant Guides accompany the DVDs. The Participant Guide includes suggested exercises and discussion questions. Each chapter closes with a Bible Study and Transforming Exercises for our thoughts, emotions, will, behavior, and social interactions. The Leader's Guide contains helpful resources to be an effective group leader, and Rev. Karen Berns will train group leaders. Recommended reading lists are included for those who wish to dig even deeper. Questions? Email Rev. Karen Berns at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN  
1st and 3rd Thursdays, 9:30 am – 11:00 am, Community Room
Come meet with other parents! Share what is happening in your life and to be in prayer for each other. There will also be a time for scripture study. This is a great chance to join with other parents and share, and together go deeper in our faith. Contact Rev. Karen Berns for more information at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH
Wednesdays & Fridays, 9:30 am, Church Lounge
The Conversational English Class, started 19 years ago as a ministry to immigrants in the community, is in urgent need of help. Several people are needed to teach, substitute, or serve as a class assistant. Those who enjoy friendships with people of other countries and want to serve God in a significant and rewarding way are invited to sign up! Contact Ruth Wu, Marie Melrose, or the church office at (626) 282-4181 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Concerned about lack of experience? Stop in and observe the classes. Help is always available. No special training necessary. Be a blessing to others, but even more, be blessed abundantly interacting with the students.

EVENING GRIEF GROUP 
2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 7:00 pm - 8:30pm, 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 smcc This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

DAYTIME GRIEF GROUP
Wednesdays, 4:00 pm, Church Lounge
These groups welcome men and women needing support and encouragement in times of grief. Facilitated by Stephen Minister Noreen Nazarian at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Rev. Karen Berns at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Women’s Ministries                                                       

COMMUNITY CHURCH WOMEN Second Friday of Every Month, 10:30 am, Fellowship Hall
Next Session Friday, February 10, 2012 

"Looking for Love (In All the Right Places)"
The desire to be loved is one of our deepest longings. It starts with wanting our parents love, then shifts to friends, the hunt for a soul mate, and then for some, seeking the love of children and grandchildren. You may even wonder if God really loves you. The search for love is a life long quest that takes a lot of our time and energy. Whether you are in the process of looking for love, or basking in the glow of loving relationships, there is always more to learn about the mystery of love. Together we will explore some of the joys and pitfalls in the search for love, and look at the ways and places the love we truly long for can be found.Cynthia Pierce is an ordained Presbyterian minister entering her tenth year serving with VITAS Innovative Hospice Care. She worships at Calvary Presbyterian Church in South Pasadena and serves on the San Gabriel Presbytery Committee on Ministry. In her free time she enjoys walking, gardening and catering to her two cats, Sir Dot and Honey. All women of the church and community are urged to attend special presentations by guest speakers throughout the year.  Bring a friend! 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.


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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  for information.  
  

 WOMEN'S CONFERENCE WEEKEND RETREATS
 To be announced

 Fellowship 

TEDDY BEAR TEA, All ages invited!
Sunday, February 12, 2012, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, Fellowship Hall
CLICK HERE for more information