April 2                    Dr. Russ Howell                                      “Mathematics and the Christian Faith”

Russell Howell has been on the faculty of Westmont College since 1978.  His advanced degrees are in mathematics (Ph.D) and computer science (M.Sc.).  He has twice received Westmont's teacher of the year award. Recently he received a grant from the John Templeton Foundation to help fund a sabbatical in Oxford where he worked on a mathematics book aimed at connecting mathematical, theological, and philosophical issues.

April 9                    Dr. Steve Rogers                                      “What is the Role of Spirituality in Therapy?”

Steven A. Rogers, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Westmont College, where he teaches courses in therapy, abnormal psychology, and clinical neuropsychology.  In addition to teaching, he provides individual and couplespsychotherapy, as well as psychological testing, at Hope Counseling Center in Santa Barbara. He also enjoys conducting research on the neurop- sychology of dementia and disorders of aging.

April 16                  Patrick Hall, M.Div.                                     Solid Rock Ranch,  Nipomo                                            

Join us as we take our Wednesday night program to Solid Rock Ranch in Nipomo- a residential facility for foster children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Front Porch is developing a partnership with Solid Rock Ranch to provide volunteer services with the children. We will depart the Porch at 6pm. Dinner is included.  Patrick will deliver a brief message.

April 23                  Russell Smelley, M.Ed.                            “What is it About Life That Makes Death so Hard to Talk About?”

Russell is in his 29th year at Westmont teaching a variety of Kinesiology courses and physical education elective. In the fall 1999 he was inducted into the NAIA Coach’s Hall of Fame. His message will provide a personal perspective on death and dying and the benefits of faith, family and friends to help get through the ordeal of losing a loved one.  Sharing about how his daughter Alyssa's life and death influenced and changed him.

April 30                  Dr. Andrea Gurney                                    "Marriage: Before You say ‘I Do.’”

Dr. Andrea Gurney has been working with children, adolescents, and families for over a decade. Andrea  earned a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Northeastern University in Boston, MA, an M.S. in Psychological Services at the University of Penn- sylvania, and a B.A. in Psychology at Wheaton College. She completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Couples and Family Counseling and a Pre- Doctoral Internship in Individual Therapy at Harvard Medical School.

May 7                      Dr. Wayne Iba                                         “The Social Impact of Technology"

Dr. Iba has worked at NASA, the FBI, a non-profit research institute, and in the commercial sector. His studies in Information and Computer Sciences at UC Santa Cruz (B.A.) and UC Irvine (M.S. and Ph.D.) focused on Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Science and Experimental Psychology.  Dr. Iba's current research focuses on the nature of service, but other interests include property models in digital environments and the interactions between Artificial Intelligence and the Philosophy of Mind.

May 14                    Rev. Andrew Rock                                  “The Role of Forgiveness in Relationships”

Associate Pastor,  First Presbyterian Church SLO

May 21                    Patrick Hall, M.Div.                                 “Relational Ministry: A Case for Women in Leadership”

Having grown up in Half Moon Bay, CA and Lexington, KY, Patrick graduated from Gordon College in Wenham, MA. He earned his M.Div. from Asbury Seminary and has directed Front Porch for three years. Previously he was part time faculty and on staff in student development at Gordon College. Patrick, his wife, Jill, and their two children call Front Porch home

May 28                     Dr. David Vander Laan                         “Resurrection and the Relationship of Body and Spirit"

David Vander Laan primary areas of interest are metaphysics, logic, and philosophy of religion. He received degrees in philosophy and mathematics at Calvin College and earned his doctorate at the University of Notre Dame. His current project explores the persistence of objects across time and the implications for the question whether human beings are material organisms or immaterial souls.

June 4                     Rev. Jim Blades                                     “Life is Good-bye, Life is Hello: Opportunities in Our Life’s Transitions”

Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church SLO

June 11                     Patrick Hall, M.Div.                               “A Final Farewell”

As Patrick prepares to leave Front Porch to pursue doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology, he will give his final message to our community. This will surely be a special evening as we reflect on God’s faithfulness to Front Porch and anticipate His plans for the future.