I was fourteen at the time and a freshman in high school. I had been talking to my grandmother about my plans for life. Of course, I had very little idea what I'd spend most of my life doing, but I did know that I wanted to do something important. It had to be interesting, challenging, and helpful to others as well as to myself.
She said that I should consider becoming a member of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist. In her opinion, this would encourage me to progress mentally, morally, and spiritually and to be a help to others. In order for me to come to my own conclusions about the subject, she recommended that I study the Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy. This book gives specific rules that guide Christian Scientists in carrying out Church-related activities.
In addition to being members of The Mother Church, Christian Scientists organize and participate in branch churches and societies in communities in many parts of the world. Thus the activities of church members are local as well as universal.
