Members of branch Churches of Christ, Scientist, who share in the active conduct of church affairs, find a deep satisfaction in carrying out their various duties. In addition to the basic support which they give through their prayers for and attendance at church services, lectures, and business meetings, members discover that broader avenues for contribution to church activity open up with opportunities for Sunday School teaching, or service on committees or on the executive board. The growth that comes from such activities can, of course, be realized only if these offers of church positions are accepted. Time after time we note occasions when church members, called to serve in some unfamiliar post, have overcome reluctance and a false sense of inadequacy and have risen to formerly unattained heights of competence. Their progress bestows a blessing on them individually and is a boon to the church also.
The love and selfless devotion expressed in active work for our church cannot fail to bear fruit. And when we see this fruitage, we who witness the unfoldment of more complete and adequate church facilities or of a larger, more active membership should not, in our gratitude for the things that have been added, overlook the real basis for such gains. To understand, to cherish, and to be ever conscious of the spiritual idea of Church is the way the members approach most effectively the prayerful metaphysical work for the church.
As we turn away from a material concept of church organization, of church buildings, and of church work, we are embarking upon this important metaphysical activity. And where shall we turn? To the fundamental concept of Church so lucidly set forth by Mary Baker Eddy on page 583 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." This true concept of Church must precede and underlie all that is humanly evidenced as harmonious, progressive church activity.
