When I was appointed chair of my branch church’s lecture committee, I felt a bit daunted. I had never been involved with planning a Christian Science lecture before. However, I prayed to know that God would guide me in this important work. What I didn’t realize was how much spiritual growth would come from serving in this role.
According to the Church Manual by Mary Baker Eddy, “The Mother Church and the branch churches shall call on the Board of Lectureship annually for one or more lectures” (p. 95). Everyone on the committee listened to God, the divine Mind, to know what steps to take, including in our choice of lecturer. We were pleased to find that the lecturer we chose was available. When I spoke to him about my inexperience, he surprised me by describing that as my greatest strength. He said I was likely to approach the task with new eyes and fresh ideas.
We also prayed to see that, as God’s expression, man is receptive to good. Mrs. Eddy states in the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, “There is but one real attraction, that of Spirit” (p. 102). She also says: “Millions of unprejudiced minds—simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert—are waiting and watching for rest and drink. Give them a cup of cold water in Christ’s name, and never fear the consequences” (p. 570).
