Article December 27, 2004 Issue

I really do need church

By James Raynesford——Lakewood, California

CHURCH HAS BEEN A PART OF MY LIFE as long as I can remember. As a child, when my behavior at home was less than ideal, my mother would send me to my Bible and Science and Health to "read the Lesson"—citations from those two books given in the Christian Science Quarterly. More than once, I went grudgingly to do this, but found wonderful inspiration in what I read. Gradually, though, I began to love what I was learning to find in those books during time spent in Christian Science Sunday School classes.

Sometime during my first year at college, I wanted to become a member of the branch of The Mother Church that I had been attending. When I presented my application to one member for signing, she asked me where my Mother Church application was. So, I went and got one of those and filled it out, too, not realizing until later how important this membership was. I knew I wanted to be associated with the Church of Christ, Scientist, because it meant so much to me. Church had become an integral part of my life. It was supportive as I went on active naval service for several years, got married, and raised my children. And it was a bulwark for me when I was divorced, keeping me stable.

At one point a sharp division arose in the branch church I was attending. I felt pulled in two directions. So, I resolved that every time the situation came to mind, I would rejoice that God was in control of all of us because we were His spiritual likeness. I trusted that God would harmonize us perfectly. After a while, I began to feel happy. The joy lifted me out of my worry, fear, and despair. And it turned out the disagreements were resolved in due time.

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