Editorial July 18, 1925 Issue

Why Attend Church Services?

Albert F. Gilmore

The question is sometimes asked, What are the advantages of attending the services of the Christian Science churches, since the leading feature of the service is the reading of the Lesson-Sermon, which may be read at home repeatedly and at one's convenience, thus saving time and the inconvenience of attendance at a church? In view of the radiocasting of services both by The Mother Church and by branch churches, this question, it seems, has a peculiar pertinency and timeliness. Many answers to this question are possible, depending somewhat upon one's point of view. But there are certain obligations devolving upon a member of The Mother Church which are fundamental. Among these duties, the upholding of every department of the work established by our beloved Leader to redeem and heal mankind is paramount with each member of The Mother Church; and, clearly, not only were church services one of the first activities established by her, but they are among the most important.

Whoever is in doubt as to his duty in this respect may well ask himself, Are my physical comfort and convenience the first conditions to be satisfied; or should I, above all, fulfill the duty I owe to the Cause I have espoused as furnishing the way to salvation and the kingdom of heaven? Students of Christian Science know that one serves God best who serves mankind best; and, moreover, they learn that spiritual progress is best subserved through service to others, whereby selfishness gives place to selflessness, each, as Mrs. Eddy so perfectly expresses it in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 518), "seeking his own in another's good."

What of the inspiration and spiritual exaltation to be gained at a church service conducted in obedience to the promise of our Master and the loving behest of our Leader, service which is the result of much "prayer and fasting" on the part of all who take part in it, not only of the appointed officers of the church but also of every loyal attendant who strives to realize the ever-presence of the Love which is infinite? "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" exclaimed David, a sentiment shared by all who undertake to dwell together, united in the spirit of true Christian fellowship. In this bond of unity of which Paul spoke lies the possibility of a world of sweet communion with the one Mind which doubly blesses all who thus participate. What of the Master's assurance, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them"? As the presence of the Christ, Truth, was promised where only a few were gathered, is not the implication that the spirit in abundance will also attend upon the foregathering of a larger number of the faithful assembled in His name?

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