What was most meaningful to you? The eight or so who had attended the Summit shared with the rest of the group. Here are a few highlights:
BJ said she had signed up almost reluctantly, had been expecting the usual message from The Mother Church to the field on what we’re going to do. She was deeply moved by two things: all the love expressed by everyone, for everyone, and the fact that everything on the agenda was grass-roots generated, taken from the results of the surveys sent to Midwest members several months in advance.
Let the Lower Lights keep burning - rehearsing musicians: Krista, Allison, Bonniesue, Lorrie, George
Bill was interested in the initiative of one Reading Room to invite their community to come to the Reading Room for community-oriented talks; not lectures, but talks about the community and for the community.
The mention of the cross with the parallel lines impressed Linda, because the space between the lines could indicate matter disappearing. This symbol was meaningful to her.
Bonniesue appreciated both Fugiko’s talks. Her manner, as well as her message. It’s as though she were sitting down in your living room, having a thoughtful talk with you. Nothing flamboyant. Funny, sincere, thoughtful.
George had also come to the Summit not knowing what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised. He also appreciated Fugiko’s tone of honesty and humility.
Krista connected with the openness and encouragement to find ways to make our churches come alive.
Barb O valued the humility in the discussion groups. Everyone listened, asked questions. There was a willingness to go forward.
Rindy liked the panel discussion bringing out the Greek word Koinonia — that sense of fellowship and community foundational to the early Christians.
Sandi was moved by the report from an Ohio woman, whose Sunday School has over thirty regular attendees, none of whose parents are Christian Scientists. The church brings these kids from the inner city and, more than that, has an on-going relationship with them. The members make sure they have breakfast, if they come to Sunday School without breakfast; they make sure they have school supplies, if they don’t have the money to buy them. They have sent several to Christian Science summer camps. The children know they are loved and valued. One of the first children who came fifteen years ago is now their soloist.
George pointed out that this was a full-time, long-term commitment to the community on the part of these church members.
Bonniesue felt the glass ceiling had been shattered when it was revealed, in response to survey questions about church governance, that only a few articles in the Manual actually relate to the branches. This means branches are free to look at the needs of their own communities and respond to them. It’s likely that each branch church will respond differently to community needs, because each community is different.
Link to videos of Midwest Summit events. Scroll down to the blue titles which are also links. If you don’t have time for all of them, start with one or two that you’d like to view.
Leave a Reply