Christian Science lecture notices

In response to a long-felt need for more timely and inclusive lecture listings, we are pleased to announce that beginning with the September 6 Sentinel, and the soonest possible Heralds, every confirmed lecture will be listed. There will no longer be any charge to the branches for these notices, and no special form to fill out.

For automatic listing of any lecture, whether in-person or broadcast, church clerks need only fill out the standard lecture confirmation forms and send a copy promptly to the office of The Christian Science Board of Lectureship. (Forms were recently sent to every branch as part of the annual lecture mailing. If you can't locate yours, please ask us for more.)

Be sure that the form clearly shows the name and city of the sponsoring branch, the date of the lecture, lecturer's name, and a local telephone number for more information. This local telephone number becomes the inquirer's point of contact for such essentials as time, place, subject, and—for broadcast lectures—the station or channel information. It does not need to be the clerk's or lecture chairman's number but could be the Reading Room or any number of your choosing.

Publishing a local telephone number has great potential value for everyone involved. It provides the branch with an opportunity to talk directly with inquirers beforehand, to give or mail them accurate directions, and to offer information about church services, the Reading Room, and perhaps to offer transportation. Using a telephone number does make one extra step for inquirers, but it allows for flexible updating of arrangements, including necessary last-minute changes. Some churches will probably wish to have an automatic recorded message or an answerer available on the line chosen for the listing. By all means use your ingenuity. Your lecturer may also have some ideas for you to consider. If you come up with approaches that work especially well, please tell us about them for sharing with others.

If you have already applied for a lecture advertisement under the former system, your request will automatically be converted to the new type of notice listing. If you have questions or do need more confirmation forms, please write or call:
The First Church of Christ, Scientist
The Christian Science Board of Lectureship
175 Huntington Avenue, A–201
Boston, MA, U.S.A. 02115–3187

Telephone: (617) 450–3669, or fax: (617) 450–3675

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