Branch Church News
Healing work brought to the Armed Forces Christian Scientists serving as Chaplains in the Armed Forces are being recognized for the unique contribution they make. An Air Force Chaplain in Texas wrote recently about a new recruit whose hand had become badly swollen and painful, making it impossible to perform his training assignments.
"It is most fitting that Christian Scientists memorize the nativity of Jesus. " ( Miscellaneous Writings by Mrs.
Larger churches have helped smaller ones with good results A branch is expected to provide Readers and to staff its Sunday School, Reading Room, and necessary church committees. Occasionally, however, a small church or society finds itself in need of temporary help.
THE NEW OR SUBSTITUTE TEACHER Who, me? What would be your response if you were asked to teach next Sunday morning? Sometimes when we're asked to share our growing spiritual understanding with a Sunday School class, the first thought that comes is to run the other way: "Who, me? Oh, I couldn't. " "I don't know enough.
At the new Administration Building In a quiet, almost unnoticed, ceremony attended by only a handful of church officials, a small metal box was placed in the cornerstone of the new Administration Building at the Christian Science Center. Especially built and sealed to preserve its contents for hundreds of years, the box contains a Bible, latest editions of all of Mary Baker Eddy's published writings, and current issues of the periodicals.
OPENING THE CLASS You have sung the first hymn. The Golden Text and Responsive Reading are over.
Does it sometimes seem that Sunday School teachers share the inspiration of the Bible stories generously with their pupils but forget to keep some for themselves? After a particularly arid session with a Sunday School class, or a series of such sessions, have you ever found yourself thinking, "Maybe I don't belong here—maybe I should resign"? Did Moses consider resigning from the task God had set him, when the children of Israel complained about the way he was leading them, protesting that it would be better to go back to Egypt and, worst of all, turned to worshiping an idol? Certainly he suffered a wave of disappointment and in his anger punished the people severely. But he went on with his great work.
Ordinarily, the ABC television network's program "Directions" deals with what's going on in America's "main line" Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish religious bodies. But last October ABC Sunday viewers watched a program called "How Do You Heal a World?" In this program, young people holding a rap session told a nationwide audience what Christian Science meant to them, and how it brings a healing element to troubled people and troubled times.
A tour of faiths "Would your church like to be included on our 'Tour of Faiths'?" asked the Council of Churches in Des Moines, Iowa. "Yes, we would!" came the answer, and for the past twelve years now, First Church of Christ, Scientist, Des Moines, has played host to several thousands of visitors making the rounds of area churches to familiarize themselves with the various ways men worship God.
It was the summer of 1968. As Jack walked across the Boston Common with an armload of Christian Science literature, he was excited, but apprehensive.