Last year a friend asked how I would feel about sitting with fellow Christian Scientists in a casual setting—as you would around your own kitchen table—just talking about healing. The first thought that came to me was one of doubt—how could something like that be achieved, with people’s busy schedules and other time commitments? But on the heels of that limited thought came the realization that healing is the foundation on which our church is built. How can we not gather together to strengthen our understanding “that Christian Science heals the sick quickly and wholly, thus proving this Science to be all that we claim for it” (Mary Baker Eddy, Manual of The Mother Church, p. 92)?
On the heels of that limited thought came the realization that healing is the foundation on which our church is built.
Then I learned that the Christian Science Practitioner Activities Department at The Mother Church was sponsoring roundtable meetings designed to open up conversation about healing in our lives, and that these meetings were already happening all over the world! With full support from the Manager of Christian Science Practitioner Activities and my church’s Board of Trustees, a plan was soon set in motion for a day that one participant described as giving her “fresh hope and renewed dedication to the work at hand, both for church and for the practice.”
During the day of the gathering three separate roundtable meetings took place. In Roundtable A, church members had the opportunity to consider deeply their own healing practice. One participant later wrote, “I’m thankful for the healing I had as a result of this roundtable discussion.” He has been able to share the testimony on many occasions since that event.
At Roundtable B, those interested in learning more about the public practice of Christian Science asked questions and had active discussions with both new and experienced Christian Science practitioners. One individual in attendance questioned the purpose of Journal-listing, suggesting that perhaps it creates a hierarchy within the church. A practitioner lovingly shared how humble he feels being Journal-listed—that he feels it supports the mission of The Mother Church.
In Roundtable C, Journal-listed practitioners enjoyed a rare opportunity to be together and share mutual support for each other and the practice—to share the joys of their work and discuss challenges that can sometimes arise. One listed practitioner shared an insight she gained after being called for a church project. This outreach to her from church broke the mesmerism in a difficult case she was working on at the time. It enabled the patient, too, to witness healing. The practitioner said: “At that moment, I realized again, but very vividly, the work of a practitioner is not done in isolation. The worldwide Cause of Christian Science supports the Christian Science practice and the Christian Science practice supports the worldwide Cause of Christian Science.” Many in this third roundtable group mentioned that the atmosphere of fellowship was empowering.
These meetings took place during a time of great tension in the nearby suburb of Ferguson, Missouri. Unlike roundtables in other locations, each of the three sessions began with a lengthy period of heartfelt silent prayer for the community and its citizens.
A practitioner lovingly shared how humble he feels being Journal-listed.
One woman shared a related story after she arrived late to the meeting. She had taken a wrong turn and found herself in an unfamiliar part of the city. Thinking of the ongoing turmoil in that area, she didn’t feel entirely safe. She did her best to listen to God’s direction and prayed to stay alert. She decided to turn around and “start over.” Suddenly two cars raced by her, apparently in a high-speed chase, but because of her prayer, she said she felt protected by God’s love. The cars caused no harm to anyone around them. A few moments after she turned around, she looked up and saw that she was directly in front of the church where the meeting was held. She was grateful when she learned of the moments of silent prayer that had taken place while she was being safely led to her destination.
Perhaps the best way to summarize the events of the day would be to say that no matter where any one of these devoted Christian Scientists is on his or her journey to Journal-listing, they are committed to healing—to “proving this Science to be all that we claim for it.”
