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.