Article March 8, 1947 Issue

The Joyful Work of Ushering

JUDD STILSON

One of the qualities requisite for good ushering is joy. This spiritual joy must first be felt by the usher; then it can be outwardly and wisely expressed in every action that goes to make up the work of ushering in a Church of Christ, Scientist. It is the joy and the spirit of hospitality manifested by the usher that give the stranger within the gates an immediate assurance of welcome, bringing home to him something of the meaning of Mary Baker Eddy's comforting words in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 254), "Pilgrim on earth, thy home is heaven; stranger, thou art the guest of God."

Ushers are watchmen and doorkeepers in the house of God, and should always be alert to recognize the nothingness of all phases of error which might claim to enter the portals of the church and interfere with God's healing message. In the Manual of The Mother Church, which expresses Mrs. Eddy's clear understanding of divine law as applied to the Church she founded, there is the following By-Law entitled "Alertness to Duty" (Art. VIII, Sect. 6): "It shall be the duty of every member of this Church to defend himself daily against aggressive mental suggestion, and not be made to forget nor to neglect his duty to God, to his Leader, and to mankind. By his works he shall be judged.—and justified or condemned." This By-Law is applicable to all ushers, and thoughtful compliance with it will effectively contribute to the success of their work.

Ushering in a Christian Science church is a privilege. It offers an opportunity not only for joyful, loving service, but also for individual spiritual growth. As ushers realize the importance of a right mental attitude toward their work, they will strive to attain a higher spiritual understanding, and as a result their ushering will unfold more harmoniously. If ushers are alert to the need for consecrated daily study and work earnestly to realize the truth about God and man, they will increasingly manifest the Godlike qualities necessary to the performance of their duties.

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