If some Christian Scientists are accustomed to thinking that church fellowship is an outmoded, other-denominational concept they have progressed beyond, they are wrong. It is true that there is no provision in their church for Sunday night socials, men's clubs, and sewing circles. But Christian fellowship? That's absolutely essential for the survival of the organization of the Church of Christ, Scientist.
True affection in the hearts of individual members is the substance of Christian fellowship in the church. Mrs. Eddy writes: "As a human quality, the glorious significance of affection is more than words: it is the tender, unselfish deed done in secret; the silent, ceaseless prayer; the self-forgetful heart that overflows; the veiled form stealing on an errand of mercy, out of a side door; the little feet tripping along the sidewalk; the gentle hand opening the door that turns toward want and woe, sickness and sorrow, and thus lighting the dark places of earth." Miscellaneous Writings, p. 250;
Such affection is evidence of God with us here and now, of divinity embracing humanity. This spiritually based affection— this living love for God and man and Church—may be thought of as the seed from which the plant of Christian fellowship grows. The seed needs to be nourished, and the plant tenderly cared for and protected.
