Is it enough for a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, to provide a Sunday School? To welcome any child to attend? To be ready to teach children the Scriptures and help them learn to heal? In many cases the community's children are not flocking to our Sunday Schools. Is there something more we could and should be doing?
In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes, "There is but one real attraction, that of Spirit." Science and Health, p. 102. Providing teachers and a place to be taught is in and of itself not enough to attract. It is Spirit that attracts. Describing Christ Jesus' ministry, Matthew says: "And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick." Matt. 14:14. Knowing the problems plaguing the people, and filled with love and compassion, Jesus went out to the crowds. Pouring forth inspiration from divine Love, he patiently taught them and healed broken hearts and bodies. And he instructed his apostles to follow his example. He knew that the same Truth which empowered him is forever at hand to inspire all hearts and to heal.
Branch church members can think of themselves as apostles—as individual witnesses of the healing power of the Christ. The members will be united in an ongoing mission to heal. Then the same Spirit and Christlike compassion that moved the early Church will move within our church, inspiring visions of spiritual reality and awakening hearts to the desire to help those suffering needlessly. Then we will pray for the children in our communities.
