Church Alive March 19, 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.

The warmth of church

By John Biggs

Something I love about my branch church is how warm it is. Living in central Oregon, I certainly do appreciate the literal warmth of the church on a chilly Wednesday night! But what I’m most grateful for is that deeper, abiding sense of warmth that welcomes, comforts, and encourages all, no matter what the season is.

One way this warmth is expressed is during our Wednesday evening testimony meetings. I love how so often, testifiers don’t just give a dry-bones account of healing; their joy at the spiritual discovery they’ve had pours through every word. Perhaps this means they introduce their testimony with a humorous anecdote, or maybe it’s just the way they come across as speaking to everyone in attendance individually. The sincerity of the truths they’ve experienced is very inspiring.

I don't feel that I have to follow some set script–the point is to glorify God!