"My Church Home" by Fabienne Roy (p. 60) in the April Journal resonated with me. Years ago, after moving to a big city, I visited a large colonial-style branch Church of Christ, Scientist, near my home. It had brocade wing chairs in the foyer, stunning chandeliers, and a membership so big that a special committee was appointed to welcome visitors. I attended three Sundays, but never met anyone on the welcoming committee. Other members kept busy chatting with each other. So I drove 15 miles farther to a small Christian Science Society that met in a rented building with only one aisle and one exit. After the service, everyone gathered by the door. I tried to slip out, but by the time I reached the door I had received three dinner invitations. Naturally I joined the society.
The theology read from the desk makes a branch church attractive to newcomers seeking healing. But the theology lived by members is just as important.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA, US
