The Touch of Class December 31, 2012 Issue

In this series, individuals share how taking Christian Science Primary class instruction has strengthened their spiritual understanding, and brought increasing inspiration and healing to their lives.

Class and a college kid

Jean Schoch Gioioso—Morristown, New Jersey

Courtesy photo

As a teenager, I was so grateful to be active in a local youth group for Christian Scientists. I went to some events and visited a Christian Science camp in Colorado for two summers. One guest speaker who visited the camp was a Christian Science teacher I really liked. I’d heard him lecture a few times as a youngster and he was the teacher with whom my parents had taken Primary class instruction. He really seemed to understand our interests and concerns at that age and knew how to relate to us. This same speaker gave a Christian Science lecture at my college a few years later. I was just a freshman, but I was interested in meeting with him individually after the talk. He answered my questions, asked me if I’d like him to give me specific Christian Science treatment about a particular concern, and explained class instruction. I found his direct approach refreshing and told him I would certainly consider applying when I was “grown up.” 

He went on to explain that class provides an individual with a complete prayer “tool kit” that can be used in any situation, whether you need healing, want to prevent negative thoughts from creeping in, or are looking for guidance in the midst of lack, loss, or confusion. This teacher added that the instruction is valuable at any age, but particularly early in life. I requested an application right then and there, and was accepted into his class that summer. 

I worked three jobs for the first part of the summer to afford attending class toward the end of the season, and every early morning waitress shift and closing-time cleanup was worth it! When I arrived at class, I discovered I was among the youngest, but there were others in their teens, as well as several people I befriended who were my parents’ age and older. We were all of a kindred spirit and bonded beautifully. In nearly four decades since that time, hardly a day goes by when I do not feel deep gratitude for the firm foundation of class instruction. It provided me with a deeper understanding of Christian Science and clear direction about how to pray effectively for myself, my loved ones, acquaintances, and people around the world. 

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