Membership in an Association of the pupils of a loyal teacher of Christian Science is a membership authorized and regulated by the Manual of The Mother Church, and therefore carries with it definite responsibility. Becoming a member of an Association follows immediately on class instruction, and is therefore entirely voluntary, since teachers of Christian Science are not permitted to "solicit, or cause or permit others to solicit, pupils for their classes" (Church Manual, Art. XXVII, Sect. 5). Having taken this step, one cannot justly disregard its responsibilities. Mere attendance at an annual meeting of an Association, to listen to an address on Christian Science, without assuming continuous obligation for the welfare of the Association, would be to shirk one's duty and to miss the growth and development which results from actively accepting responsibility throughout the year.
It is recognized that active membership in The Mother Church and in its branches calls for continual prayer and consecration, resulting in definite spiritual development of the individual, who is year by year being more thoroughly trained in the Christian life, which involves understanding and demonstration. One's growth will likewise be advanced if one recognizes his Association as one of the activities of The Mother Church.
If a pupil has actually experienced definite progress throughout the year in overcoming sin and disease by spiritual power, he takes to the annual meeting of his Association increased spiritual light, thus contributing to its success and accomplishment. He goes to give rather than merely to get. If, after diligent prayer for guidance, he is unable to attend the meeting, it may be possible for him to devote time during the day of the meeting to prayer for God's blessing upon the meeting. Thus will the absent pupil's influence for good unite with that of the assembled members. Through this desire to give rather than merely to receive, greater blessings and more spiritual advancement might result than if thought were allowed to look to another Association for refreshment. Likewise, there would be no dependence on the notes or reports of others, sometimes incorrect and misleading; and the inspiration gained from unselfed devotion would at least help to compensate for any seeming loss. Through thus utilizing Mind's omnipresence, a pupil may be present in spiritual power, if not in person.
