Article May 11, 2009 Issue

AN ACTIVE, HEALING CHURCH

BY LAMEICE HARDING

As a young woman, I once felt impelled to walk into a Christian Science branch church of The Mother Church (The First Church of Christ, Scientist). I'd never attended one before. Actually, it was the first time I'd visited any church for years.

Feeling in utter despair, I was glad to find a peaceful, quiet atmosphere. I was immediately impressed by how attentive the congregation was to the service. As I listened, I felt hope for the first time in months. More than that, I felt inspired and wanted more. I left thinking this was a healing church.

For me, that experience confirmed that one of the main purposes of Church is to provide an atmosphere that's conducive to healing.