Because a Christian Science church service is a divinely inspired exercise in expressing Truth and Love, it offers healing and blessing for all in the congregation. And the consistent, prayerful support of each member is required. In her chapter entitled "Discipline" in the Manual of The Mother Church, Mrs. Eddy tells us, "The prayers in Christian Science churches shall be offered for the congregations collectively and exclusively." Man., Art. VIII, Sect. 5.
Yet, sometimes there is a temptation, under the guise of convenience and timesaving, to keep church offices open for routine details of business before and after the service. Key workers can be drawn into a maze of flapping paperwork. Who benefits by such a practice? The anxious participants working against time? The inquiring newcomer, looking for comfort, peace, and genuine joy? Where is the prayerful support offered for the congregation and the inevitable blessing? In circumstances like these, the presence of the Christ—the tenderness and compassion that comfort and heal—seems all but imperceptible.
But Christ Jesus promised his grieving disciples, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." He had been speaking of his impending departure, and one of the disciples pressed him for further explanation. Jesus' reply applies to each of us: "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." John 14:18, 23. And Christianity grew steadily from the dedicated efforts of these few disciples.
