Our church is located just off the main street of Camden, Maine, a small coastal town. Our Christian Science Reading Room is on the street level of the church building, with large plate-glass windows perfect for eyecatching displays. Even though we aren’t downtown, we have people passing by our Reading Room throughout the day. Still, a few years ago, although we were grateful for the activity going on each day, our church members noticed we had fewer visitors and sales. We decided that we needed to take action because our Reading Room had treasures that we wanted to share with the community.
So we started by praying. Foremost in our prayers was a desire to express in our community the unconditional love taught by Jesus’ example. These words from his Sermon on the Mount particularly inspired us: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:14–16, New International Version).
Our desire was to make our Reading Room a “radiant room” that was inviting to everyone in our community.
