A Christian Science church service is unique. In fact, the service might be a surprise to those accustomed to hearing a sermon delivered by a traditional preacher who serves at a particular time in a particular place.
That is because the Church of Christ, Scientist, has just one universal, impersonal, and forever Pastor, officially ordained by Mary Baker Eddy—Discoverer, Founder, and Leader of Christian Science—in this way: “I, Mary Baker Eddy, ordain the Bible, and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Pastor over The Mother Church,—The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass,—and they will continue to preach for this Church and the world” (Mary Baker Eddy, Church Manual, p. 58).
This message is further elucidated in what is termed the “Explanatory Note,” which Mrs. Eddy finalized and authorized, and which is read to the congregation prior to the Lesson-Sermon at each Sunday service:
