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| Wellington Harbor, New Zealand |
Held in their edifice which had an ideal public location on a busy street with a very public Reading Room in front, people came from near and far to attend, with many newcomers in the audience. And they were not bashful!
Hands kept popping up during my talk from people wanting answers to their pressing questions:
“I’m a clairvoyant. What does Christian Science teach about clairvoyance?” One woman wanted to know.
“I saw Jesus Christ.” Another woman explained, wanting to know what I thought about that.
“What about people who are suffering severely because of economic and political conditions out of their control?” Another man sincerely wanted to know. “What does Christian Science teach about helping them?”
“What about resistance to your good ideas? How do you deal with people who work to stop you from progressing in your life?” A woman inquired.
It was a lively event, let me tell you! And full of fun, genuine spiritual growth, inspiration, joy, and healing.
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| Wellington auditorium for the lecture |
I know some church members fear it because they believe it violates the Manual By-Law about not holding receptions after lectures, but these are not receptions. A reception, in my mind, is an informal, or formal, greeting of the lecturer. Like a receiving line type of affair centered on a person. These refreshment breaks are opportunities for people to greet and meet each other. They allow newcomers to mingle with church members and get acquainted, to find connections to the local branch and to further communication in the future. I believe they can be very helpful. They also give people a reason to hang around longer and ask questions.
It took me an hour to meet with people one on one and answer their questions.
About 20 minutes after the lecture ended, a newcomer came back into the auditorium to get me to come out and talk with her son in her car. He had been playing soccer down the street during the lecture and had badly injured his ankle. I said, “Sure, let’s go talk with him.”
Outside, I found at teary-eyed teenager sitting in a car seat, grasping his leg, trying to cope with the pain, and very fearful about his future. I talked to him in simple spiritual terms that he could understand, assuring him that he was loved and cared for, and that he could expect quick healing. I assured him that the love of God would take the pain away and get him back on his feet. He didn’t have to worry about tomorrow.
He calmed quickly. The strain and stress in his face disappeared. Cheer returned, a smile showed up, he relaxed, and I knew he was well on the road to recovery. We parted with a promise to pray together.
Many other heartfelt meaningful exchanges took place that afternoon. It was a spiritually productive day!
On to Wanganui…
Evan, I am so loving your posts from afar. I read them first thing in the morning. This one made me realize what is so lacking in CS churches–social interaction. Call it what you like, but having a beverage and dessert after a lecture as a way to connect with people you know and don’t know is an awesome idea–if for no other reason but for people to say hello and bond. I have visited several churches recently, looking for a new church home. I am a long-time Christian Scientist. Not one person ever approaches and greets me. I have to do the reaching out. I can do it, of course, but what if I were not a Christian Scientist?
Elaine in Virginia
Way to go Evan. I cringe when you list the questions you are asked. I feel I should be able to answer them too – but instead find myself asking “well, what did you say?”
I love the progress many churches are making in trying to attract newer members. Most of my friends attend non-denominational churches with upbeat music and refreshments before, during and after the services. CS services can feel so dry if you’re an outsider. I’ve relocated 3 times in the last 6 months and fortunately, unlike Elaine above, I was practically swarmed by new members inviting me back and excited to see a new face. I feel I finally settled in to my newest location and just the other day (after being here 3 Subdays) a member caught me on my way out and invited ke to a brunch that several of the members like to do every Sunday. I had a prior appointment but am so looking forward to that kind of socializing – with like minded new friends. Keep up the great work Evan. Your example is inspiring many.
Evan, I also am really enjoying your posts from the land of down under. Being fairly new to CS and fully appreciative of its messages etc., I too wish that there was some type of social interaction and to take it a step further, some community outreach to help those in need. I realize that I may be out of line and I surely don’t mean to offend anyone but coming from a background of serving others through a non-profit, my heart always looks for ways to do that. But in any case, it is what it is and I am grateful that I was lead into CS and grateful too that there are people like yourself and so many other lecturers that do reach out into the communities to carry the message of an everlasting Love.
As a “cradle” Scientist attendee (never member) but now a senior citizen whose family does not support my attending a CS church, I can only slip out unobtrusively occasionally to attend church in my community. Folks there are always quick to greet me, but….I think I might attend a lecture or even attend church more often *if* someone were to ask for my phone number, call, and invite me to attend with them. Social interaction after an event–even a church service–might facilitate connections that some of us so desperately wish we had. I know noone else who is a Scientist.
That said, I must say I am grateful for Spiritview and the Daily Lift!!
Oh yes, Evan, how did you answer those questions and right in the middle of a lecture?
I, too, have loved your posts while on this lecture tour.