Adult MinistriesAdult Ministries
Church Library - Wednesdays and Sundays, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
San Marino Community Church’s library has many religious and secular books of interest to the congregation. Operated by volunteer librarians, and led by Librarian Jeannie Cornwell, the library staff welcomes others to join the library team or to check out the collections during the week and on Sunday mornings. For more information, contact
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or the church office.
Bible Study
Adult Spiritual Formation - Sundays at 10:30 am, Fellowship Hall
WHAT CAN THE REBIRTH OF THE CHURCH IN RUSSIA TEACH US ABOUT SPIRITUAL LIFE?The Christian churches in Russia were practically stamped out during the Soviet era, but since the fall of Communism they have experienced a miraculous rebirth. What can Christians in Russia teach us today about life in Christ? Presenter John Burgess is Professor of Theology at Pittsburgh Seminary will focus on the spiritual resources of the Russian Orthodox Church and its martyrs of the 20th century. In 2004-05 he spent a sabbatical year with his wife and three children in St. Petersburg, Russia. He has returned three times, most recently in November 2009, and has written and spoken widely on his experiences. He is the son of SMCC member Betsy Burgess. Plan to join us this Sunday.
Plan to attend! Childcare is provided in the Lower Courtyard during Adult Spiritual Formation.
Adult Bible Study - Sundays, 10:30 am, Church Lounge
"We Worship God" will focus on New Testament Gospels and Paul's Letters. This Sunday class reads together and discusses the Bible, its original meanings and what it means for us today. Gifted class facilitators are elders Bill Wells and George Ball. Newcomers always welcome. The Presbyterian guide The Present Word provides the basis for a lively group discussion. For more information, contact the leaders at
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.
Adult Bible Study - Tuesdays, 7:30 to 8:45 pm and Fridays,10:00 to 11:15 am, Church Lounge
Lenten Reflection and Renewal Class - Tuesday Evenings, March 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
Church family members of all ages are invited to participate in this six-week series. Each evening will begin with a time of reflection and learning as Rev. O’Grady, Rev. Karen Berns, and Martha Williamson explore themes from Urgings of the Heart: A Spirituality of Integration by Wilkie Au and Noreen Cannon. As part of the time, small groups will meet for discussion and fellowship. Youth and children will explore the Great Commandment (also the church’s mission statement) in special small groups. Childcare and Children’s activities will be available.
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.
New Small Group for Parents of Teens -Sunday Evenings 7:30 – 9:00 pm, Beginning Soon
Would you like to be in a small group that supports you as a parent of teenagers? Would you appreciate discussing helpful ideas in parenting? Would you like to share your concerns or challenges, as well as hopes and victories in a confidential context?
Open to the community, this confidential group will offer parenting insights gained from experience and research. The first discussions will be guided by Fuller Theological Professor and youth ministry expert Chap Clark’s book Disconnected. Questions? Interested? Contact Associate Pastor, Rev. Karen Berns at
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or (626) 282-4181, x 20.
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.
NEXT EVENT TO BE ANNOUNCED
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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.
Dinners for 7 or 8 - Friday & Saturday, 5 times a yearNext 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.
Next New Member Class - Saturday, May, 22, 2010, 8:30 am to 12:00 pm
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.
Twigbenders/TaKallista
Men’s Ministries
Men’s Breakfast - Wednesdays, 7:00 am, Fellowship Hall
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 thought the church office.
3/3: Jack McQueen, "San Marino's Old Mill"
3/10: Dr. Matthew Lin, "Mission in Asia"
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.
Men’s Golf Tournament
This annual summer event provides an opportunity for fun and fellowship both on and off the links. Held at San Gabriel Country Club, a registration fee covers all costs. Contact the planning team at
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or the church office.
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.
Community Church Women
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.
Come Meet Nellie Odhuno-Shani and Learn about our African Sisters Friday, March 12th
Listen to Nellie's stories about the plight of African women, 80% of whom live in rural areas, bearing the brunt of poverty and illiteracy, and on whom the burden of the family, village, and the continent’s economy weighs. Nellie highlights the unfairness of inheritance for women and girls, explaining how the system puts them in vulnerable positions, making them more likely to fall prey to traffickers. With many village husbands going to urban centers for work, she describes how AIDS has quickly spread in Africa, killing over 12 million people, more than 50% being faithful wives.
As one of the other 20% more fortunate African women, Nellie's uneducated parents moved her and her sisters to the city where they became Christians and empowered with faith and education. Nellie is now a lovely, articulate follower of Christ. who, with her husband (who served with World Vision for 27 years), has raised three children and served churches and schools in her native Kenya, as well as Zambia, Mauritania, Senegal, and the U.S.
Please call the office to make reservations at 626/282-4181. Or please contact: 626-578-0423 or 626-305-2327.
Women's Retreats - Coming Fall of 2010
Join women of all ages and stages of life as they spend a weekend away to pray, sing, share, and grow in faith. Coordinator Marty Waskul may be contacted at
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or though the church office at (626) 282-4181.
Women's Half Day Retreats
Women of all ages are invited to join in a festive morning with other women and guest speakers offering inspirational and practical messages. The retreats also feature special music, fellowship-nurturing conversations, and continental breakfasts. Childcare provided with advance notice. An activity fee is often charged to cover costs, although scholarships are also available. Coordinator Marty Waskul may be contacted at
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or through the church office.
Sunday, March 7, 10:30 - 11:10 am, Fellowship Hall What Can the Rebirth of the Church in Russia Teach Us about the Spiritual Life?
The Christian churches in Russia were practically stamped out during the Soviet era, but since the fall of Communism they have experienced a miraculous rebirth. What can Christians in Russia teach us today about life in Christ? Presenter John Burgess is Professor of Theology at Pittsburgh Seminary will focus on the spiritual resources of the Russian Orthodox Church and its martyrs of the 20th century. In 2004-05 he spent a sabbatical year with his wife and three children in St. Petersburg, Russia. He has returned three times, most recently in November 2009, and has written and spoken widely on his experiences. He is the son of SMCC member Betsy Burgess. Plan to join us this Sunday.
Plan to attend! Childcare is provided in the Lower Courtyard during Adult Spiritual Formation.
Adult Bible Study - Sundays, 10:30 am, Church Lounge
Study of the First Gospel - December through February
Starting in Advent [the beginning of the Church year] dig into the first gospel, written by the tax collector turned evangelist, Levi-Matthew. See the many helpful connections between the Hebrew Scriptures and this synopsis of Jesus’ life, pointing to his fulfilling ancient hopes for a Savior. This Sunday class reads together and discusses the Bible, its original meanings and what it means for us today. Gifted class facilitators are elders Bill Wells and George Ball. Newcomers always welcome. The Presbyterian guide The Present Word provides the basis for a lively group discussion. For more information, contact the leaders at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Adult Bible Study - Tuesdays, 7:30 to 8:45 pm and Fridays,10:00 to 11:15 am, Church Lounge
Lenten Reflection and Renewal Class - Tuesday Evenings, March 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Fellowship Hall
Church family members of all ages are invited to participate in this six-week series. Each evening will begin with a time of reflection and learning as Rev. O’Grady, Rev. Karen Berns, and Martha Williamson explore themes from Urgings of the Heart: A Spirituality of Integration by Wilkie Au and Noreen Cannon. As part of the time, small groups will meet for discussion and fellowship. Youth and children will explore the Great Commandment (also the church’s mission statement) in special small groups. Childcare and Children’s activities will be available.
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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (626) 282-4181 x20.