Women uplifted by sharing the Word
Midge Boardman
GLENDALE -- CBS stands for more than the broadcasting company. Its
meaning is infinitely deeper, more spiritual for Gwen Gross, teaching
director for the Community Bible Study program of Glendale and the
foothills.
When she accepted the position almost four years ago, she was excited
and a little anxious, she said. But now that’s changed.
“I love every minute of what I’m doing,” she said. “There’s so much
joy. God’s word makes such a difference in people’s lives.”
Then, she added with humility, “Of course, I know I’m not the one
doing it.”
She was referring to God.
This international program started in Bethesda, Md., in the church of
Richard Halverson. The first meeting was in 1975 at the home of Corky and
Lee Campbell, who wanted a Bible study for “every person.” Today, classes
in this country alone number more than 400.
The local nondenominational branch opened 19 years ago in a La Canada
Lutheran Church. A decade later, it had outgrown that facility and was
moved to Glendale Presbyterian Church.
Gross, who lives in La Canada Flintridge, has nothing but praise for
the present host church where classes targeted at women of all ages meet
Thursday mornings. The church provides nursery and preschool programs,
baby-sitting and beginning Bible experience for toddlers.
To prepare for each session, the women study a selected Scripture
passage and answer related questions. The two-hour class includes
worship, songs, commentary on the Scripture and a lecture usually
delivered by Gross. During the morning, the 55 class members break into
small groups led by facilitators to share insights from their home study.
This year’s theme is “Servants of God” -- Joshua through David. The
nine-month, 30-lesson study program breaks after May, to resume Sept. 12.
New participants can join any time throughout the year. Registration
already has started for fall.
Catherine “Cappy” Mieding, also of La Canada Flintridge, has been a
CBS member for 19 years.
“It’s truly enriching to experience a guided study of an entire book
or subject in the Bible,” she said. “Every time I read a passage, I get
something I missed before.”
Mieding is facilitator at the Thursday evening co-ed program at La
Crescenta Presbyterian Church.
“I couldn’t undertake this work without the support of my husband
Don,” Gross said. “The study is for the community and is open to everyone
regardless of the level of Bible knowledge. CBS is a place where you can
be shepherded and nurtured in Christ’s love. Our goal is to get people
into Bible study and to make disciples of Jesus Christ.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Community Bible Study (CBS).
WHEN: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays. Fall classes begin Sept. 12.
VISITOR’S DAY: April 4 for those interested in checking it out.
WHERE: Glendale Presbyterian Church, 125 S. Louise St.
CO-ED PROGRAM: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, La Crescenta Presbyterian
Church, 2902 Montrose Ave.
COST: $2 per lesson for printed material.
REGISTRATION: Gwen Gross at 790-7963.
PRE-REQUISITES: An open mind and a desire to learn.