Each year pupils of a teacher of Christian Science meet primarily to be addressed by their teacher or, in his absence, by one they have chosen to conduct the meeting. It is a day of spiritual feasting.
According to the Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy: "A teacher shall not assume personal control of, or attempt to dominate his pupils, but he shall hold himself morally obligated to promote their progress in the understanding of divine Principle, not only during the class term but after it, and to watch well that they prove sound in sentiment and practical in Christian Science." Man, Art. XXVI, Sect. 2; The annual association meeting is an opportunity to fulfill some of this obligation.
Preparation for the meeting goes much deeper than deciding what words to say. Through "prayer and fasting" Matt. 17:21; the teacher reaches toward the infinite Mind for wisdom, understanding, and love. The Father will show how to discern and to meet every need, how to usher into the room that day the consciousness of divine Love's presence.
