Dear Members and Friends,
When Skip Phinney told us of his desire to step down from serving on the Christian Science Board of Directors at the end of December, we were tempted to try to talk him out of it. But when he reminded us that he first came to serve the Church in 1960, we realized our only legitimate response was to express profound gratitude for the many ways his service has strengthened The Mother Church and the Cause of Christian Science. And while it almost seems easier to list the few offices he has not held than to come up with all those he has, we know you will want to join us in specifically thanking Skip for his selfless service as Manager of Committees on Publication, Clerk of The Mother Church, Special Lecturer, Editor of The Christian Science Journal, Sentinel, and Herald, President of the Board of Education, President of The Mother Church, Teacher of the 2015 Normal Class, and member of the Board of Directors.
Skip and his wife, Pam, will be moving to Kennebunkport, Maine, to resume the full-time practice of Christian Science healing and to continue Skip’s teaching. Of great encouragement to all of us is the fact that, with considerable perspective to draw upon, Skip says there is a newness and vitality to what’s going on in our Church today, like he’s never seen before. As he put it, “It’s clear that Christian Science is what’s coming, not what’s going!”
Although Barbara Fife only began serving as Clerk of The Mother Church in October of this year, we felt right away that she had the qualities and background needed for the Board of Directors. We’re happy to announce that she will step into that position in January, while also continuing as Clerk. Barbara has a breadth of experience and knowledge of the field gathered during 13 years of lecturing, as well as teaching and public practice. Grace, calm, and spiritual strength are evident in all she does, as well as the vital sense of joy and humor. We are so grateful for Barbara’s willingness to serve on the Board and as Clerk, as several others have done both in the early and recent history of our Church. Thank you, Vancouver, Canada, for loaning her to Boston!
With love and gratitude,
The Christian Science Board of Directors
