About Us

Currently Bible Study Seminars (BSS) fulfills this mission through the following activities:

• Hosting an annual Bible conference, currently in its 30th year, each summer at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California.
  
  The meeting grounds have magnificent views of Monterey Bay, reflect a strong environmental ethic, include architecturally historic buildings, a delicious food service sensitive to a variety of culinary interests (including those of vegetarians), and the active participation of close to two hundred people from across the United States and abroad over a six-day period.
  
  This year the conference will be free to all those 12-29 years of age who wish to attend. A major thrust of BSS is to reach out, effectively, to young adults and create an enthusiasm for Bible study among them.  (BSS also provides scholarship assistance to adults for whom the cost is prohibitive.)



• Another means of fulfilling the mission is to produce a comprehensive, non-denominational curriculum for studying the Bible individually or in groups.  The Foundation Stones Bible study workbooks will eventually include a survey of the Old Testament, New Testament, and first three centuries of Christianity. Several titles are available now.

• To fund the development, distribution and affordablity of this curriculum and all of our work, BSS — as a non-profit and tax-exempt organization — is gratefully receiving donations.  Supporting Bible education and making it widely available at an affordable price, is an opportunity many people may want to take advantage of.



• BSS will be looking for ways to expand its proven conference format into other regions of the country. It will also be expanding its services to offer greater resources to people throughout the year. And BSS will provide greater support to individuals and groups, in their communities, wishing to pursue Bible study by serving as a clearing center for sharing how others are pursuing their study.

 

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Linda Bargmann is a Certified Public Accountant currently working as a business manager with The Principia School in St. Louis. She also serves as treasurer on the Bible Study Seminars' board and is the Registrar for the Asilomar Bible Conference. Linda has been associated with the Asilomar Bible Conference since the late 1980’s. She has enthusiastically researched many facets of the Christian Science movement, a project she calls “In Mrs. Eddy’s Day.”	Dick Davenport is a retired Air Force Chaplain and former Dean of Students at Principia College. He now teaches the Bible part-time at Principia Upper School. Dick is the Director of the Asilomar Bible Conference and is also the Founder and Director of Higher Ground — an educational enterprise that provides a variety of inspirational and relationship programs and events grounded in Bible teaching.
Charles "Chuck" Lindahl was the Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs with the California state university system. He is now retired and does consulting work with non-profits in addition to his work with Bible Study Seminars. Chuck also is currently Chairman of the Board for the Broadview Christian Science Nursing Facility.	Helen Mathis has served as Executive Director for the Foundation for Biblical Research, a Christian Science-funded philanthropy providing seminars for clergy and laity in New England. The Foundation maintained close ties with Harvard Divinity School and Bangor Theological Seminary. Helen is on the Bible Study Seminar's faculty and is coordinating and editing its Bible study curriculum project.
Sher Orpen's career as a writer and educator has spanned more than 20 years. At present, she is employed by Lockheed Martin as a training professional. Sher is active in her branch church, currently serving as president, and she is a volunteer with the literacy program in her area. Sher has also served as board chair of the Christian Science Institutional Committee in Texas and has long been involved with Christian Science broadcast activities in her region.	Diane Rose was a Christian Science nurse and is now a Journal-listed practitioner. She is currently serving on the board of her branch church and is also a chaplain for the Orange County (CA) Institutional Committee. Diane was a teacher at Principia Middle School, managed her husband's hair salon for 10 years, and is a past Area Governor for Toastmasters International. This busy mother of two and grandmother of five has been married for 38 years to her competitive ballroom dancing partner and is currently helping to organize the 2008 Southwest Regional Ballroom Dance Championships.
David Shutler is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and has worked as a lawyer with a specialty in business practice. He is currently an entrepreneur and small business owner who is active in his branch church and with the Boy Scouts.