The fact that no Christian Science church may be dedicated until it is entirely free from debt often draws favorable comment from the world at large. It also gives the church members an opportunity to prove what they know of the limitless abundance of good. Though a church must be free from debt in order to be dedicated, money is not the primal necessity for this achievement. Actually the best way to accomplish this desirable result is for each member to dedicate himself to the attainment of the qualities of Mind which free from limitation and open the very windows of heaven. We can then comprehend Mary Baker Eddy's words on page 583 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," in the second part of her definition of 'Church," where she says, "The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick."
One of the greatest blessings the study of Christian Science brings us is the spiritual understanding of Church. There is no limit to the good that may unfold to us as we perceive, each one of us, that we are necessary to Church, as it is to us. Most of us at one time thought of Church merely as an edifice, a place we went to on Sunday to praise God. To the Christian Scientist the real Church is what Mrs. Eddy describes in the first part of her definition as "the structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle." This understanding of Church causes us to worship God, to give thanks to Him for His goodness to men, and to seek further wisdom, strength, and peace.
The expression "church service" should mean more than our mere presence in a building at certain hours. Service betokens an effort on our part to do or give something, not just to sit in an attitude of receptivity to the service of others. The members of the church and many attendants who are not members have spent time each week in the study of the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly. This study has purified their thought and brightened their lives, and a congregation deeply imbued with the healing message of Truth must, thus enlightened, receive untold good.
