Wisdom from God – discussion at the next Gathering

The planners for the Gathering on Sunday are getting ready for discussion and prayer based on the subject of wisdom and understanding, from this week’s Christian Science Bible Lesson. They’re asking, “Where do we find wisdom and understanding? How? And what do we do with them?”

As a little preview, we might take a good look at the Golden Text of this Bible Lesson. It’s so encouraging: “..all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God.” (KJV) I also like a translation I found in The Jewish Study Bible, which reads, “For all this I noted and I ascertained all this: that the actions of even the righteous and the wise are determined by God.” It is a reminder to me that my wisdom doesn’t come from my own human opinions, my self-righteousness, my personal virtues, or anything I might fancy myself to have achieved!

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Gatherings include the nourishing of healing

We’re happy to announce that the Des Plaines Christian Science Society has invited the Christian Science Fellowship-Metro Chicago to use their facility for our Gatherings on Sunday afternoons in the summer. Starting on June 27, we’ll meet there twice a month, from 2:00 – 3:00. And don’t forget – fellowship and refreshments follow each event. So, now you can mark your calendars, at least through July. That will be June 27, July 11, and July 25, starting at 2:00, at 48 N. Broadway, Des Plaines, IL, 60016. We’ll get the August dates as quickly as we can. Thanks, Des Plaines friends!

These Gatherings are designed to fulfill our Fellowship mission, and part of that mission statement includes the nourishing of healing. Most Christians throughout history have claimed healing as an essential aspect of Christianity, even though they differ widely on what that means. Some Christian churches give generously to hospitals and medical research; others encourage faith in God’s power to heal. Most Christians pray for the safety and health of their loved ones. And yet some Christians are frustrated with their prayers that do not result in healing.

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Tears and cheers for one another at Medical Ethics II

Some of us cried openly, others of us cried inside, and perhaps some just went away thinking quietly. We also cheered for each other. Our main theme for today was regardless of where we are in the midst of medicine, how do we move forward? It’s interesting how easily we confided and supported each other, even though several people were new and had never been a part of any of our Fellowship activities before. Part of it was the way Craig sang to us right at the start. It was the song that wrote itself in his heart after our first discussion on medicine from last March: “… let go of your grief and despair…if we bare one another’s burdens – help our sisters and brothers along – we can travel the road sharing our load…”

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Preparing for discussion on Christian Science and medicine

The purpose of this meeting on Saturday, February 6, at 17^th Church, 10:30 – 12:30, is to search together for a better way to support our fellow Christian Scientists if they get involved in medicine. We will be speaking honestly about the ethical conflicts that arise when someone needs temporary medical help. We’ll start with general questions (scroll down to see them) and avoid “absolutist” answers. We plan to summarize our discussion on this blog afterward, but be assured that no personal information will be shared.  You should feel comfortable telling your own stories if you want. Above all, everyone is loved and welcome.

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Christian Science, medicine, and a listening ear

As we’ve been listening to people and seeking ways to support their relationship to Christian Science we have heard one subject perhaps more than any other: how can I stay connected to Christian Science when I’ve had some experience with medicine? We hear everything from guilt to fear, isolation, and confusion on the subject.

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