Church Alive January 30, 2012 Issue

The following was written in support of Church Alive, a focus of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, that explores the meaning and possibilities of awakening to the spiritual basis and impact of Church. 

Church alive – and kicking!

By Lauren Raycroft

A young professional soccer player used to attend our church. The way in which he ran with purpose, all over the field, making sure the ball did not get past him, was impressive. I admired his unselfish contributions to the success of the team. His constant training, dedication, and cooperation had been critical to our team’s championship season. He stayed focused, even when members from the opposing team tried to distract him or trip him up. He maintained that focus, even when he seemed outnumbered, or when the ball repeatedly came back into his territory.

I equate his efforts, as a defender focusing on the ball, with the way a Christian Scientist handles their own thought. If thoughts involving anger, fear, or self-righteousness approach you from the wrong direction, then you can stop that “attack,” and correct it by steering your thought in the right direction.

The idea of defending on the soccer field can be an illustration of how we must be alert and proactive in handling thoughts that come at us during our day. Church is like a team. We are those individual defenders and guards, practicing and building upon our understanding of divine Science, and working together to encourage and uplift one another and the greater community. Sometimes, however, it doesn’t feel this way. 

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Church alive – and kicking!

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