A larger field of activity

We learn from each other's examples. One from whom I've learned a lot is Mary Baker Eddy, founder of the Christian Science movement and discoverer of Christian Science. I've met her through her writings and what others have written about her. Accounts by those who knew her in person provide wonderful insights, while others have written insightful accounts through careful research. Yet others have written about her influence on the world and on individual lives, including their own lives.

Mrs Eddy, as she has affectionately become known, sought to share her discovery of the science that enabled Christ Jesus to heal, and which he taught his followers also. Her only textbook was the Bible.

Mrs Eddy was an example of poise in action. She was dynamic and unyielding in her quest to 'share the good news with those who showed interest in her discovery' (p. 41), writes Paul Stark Seeley in his article 'Mary Baker Eddy: Lecturer and Preacher', chapter five in our book this month, Mary Baker Eddy: A Centennial Appreciation.

But he notes that it was not easy to share this discovery with 'a world loath to forsake its man-made creeds and theological dogmas and its long-educated reliance on material remedies rather than on God for healing' (p. 40). Nevertheless, she pressed on using available means, such as 'group meetings...in homes...[w]here she gave...parlor lectures' (p. 41). Seeley comments that although she also conducted church services, 'the small attendance at the services--at most one hundred and usually much fewer--showed Mrs Eddy that a larger field of activity must be found' (ibid).

This need was met by lecturing. Did I say Eddy was a woman of action? How about this - 'Thirty-two lectures were given by her in Boston between November, 1878, and July, 1879' (p. 42).

Seeley records her 'urging [a student] to see that the lecture was well heralded and saying that handbills should be used' (ibid). How helpful this is for the present fields of labour, where our lecturers faithfully carry forward this message to the world today.

Julie Swannell

For those who live in SE Queensland, here is a list of forthcoming lectures on Christian Science, given by Christian Science teacher and healer, Michelle Nanouche, from Paris, France. You will be most welcome at these events.

WYNNUM

Sun 5 May, 1 pm lecture + Q&A

92 Florence St Wynnum

Michelle Nanouche, CS: “Christian Science: What it is and how it heals”

 

Mon 6 May, 1 pm lecture + Q&A

As above – “Finding God, Finding Health”

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REDCLIFFE

Tues 7 May, 6 pm lecture + Q&A

Cayman Room, Mon Komo Hotel, 99 Marine Parade, Redcliffe

Michelle Nanouche, CS: “Angry No More”

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TOOWOOMBA

Fri 10 May, 6 pm lecture + Q&A

62 Neil St, Toowoomba

Michelle Nanouche, CS: “Angry No More”

 

Sat 11 May, 2 pm lecture + Q&A

As previous: “Finding God, Finding Health”

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GOLD COAST

Sun 12 May, 2 pm lecture + Q&A

5 West St, Burleigh Heads

Michelle Nanouche, CS: “Finding God, Finding Health”

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MAROOCHYDORE

Sat 19 May, 2 pm lecture + Q&A

Shop 2, Ocean Central, cnr Ocean St and Duporth Ave, Maroochydore

Michelle Nanouche, CS: “Finding God, Finding Health”

 

For further details, check individual web sites. Just type Christian Science and the relevant town (in your google search) e.g. Christian Science Gold Coast, Christian Science Wynnum, etc.