After moving to a new city, I was glad to discover that there were several branch Churches of Christ, Scientist, in my area. I began shopping for my new church home with a wish list in mind—I wanted a church that was convenient, friendly, and inspiring. 

First, I figured out which churches were located near public transportation or had easy parking. I then looked for a church with a larger membership so there would be more people to share the work. I was willing to participate in church, but I preferred that doing so wouldn’t encroach on my urban lifestyle.

I actually wasn’t in a hurry to join a church. I’d actively served in various roles at my previous church, and part of me felt I deserved a vacation from membership. I was content popping into the services and then rushing off to enjoy my day or evening. I was probably aware that this was a self-centered way to approach church, but at the time I reasoned that I was taking care of myself by setting boundaries. I see now that my true motive was to prevent church obligations from interfering with my sense of fun.

Rather than asking “What can I get out of church?” I could embrace a more giving spirit.

After I’d been living in my new city for several months, a friend who is also a Christian Scientist visited me. I picked her up at the airport, and on our drive home she expressed surprise that I had not yet selected a church. I felt she had a point, but I tried to justify my delay. As I was rattling off excuses, my friend looked up and asked, “What about that church?” We were sitting at a stoplight in an area of the city I’d never explored, and right in front of us was a Christian Science church. I hadn’t visited this church because it wasn’t accessible by public transportation. I promised my friend, and myself, that I would attend the next service there.

The following Sunday, I kept my promise. I felt an atmosphere of peace and love throughout the service. However, the church didn’t fulfill my checklist. The congregation was smaller than I wanted, and no one greeted me or went out of their way to introduce themselves. And yet, not only did I want to return again because of the love I’d felt during the service, but I also sensed I’d found my new church home.

I could have been praying for God’s direction throughout this church selection process, but I hadn’t trusted that God’s guidance would match my own planning. After that Sunday service, though, I was finally willing to stop managing and maneuvering. I was ready to listen to God. A favorite hymn in the Christian Science Hymnal puts it this way:

O may we be still and seek Him,
Seek with consecration whole,
Listening thus to hear the message,
Far from sense and hid in Soul.
(Fay Linn, No. 237, © CSBD) 

My initial prayer, however, was not exactly “hid in Soul.” I was turning to God but still thinking about myself. I asked God how I could attend this newly discovered branch church and still get what I wanted. The thought came to let go of my “getting” attitude. Rather than asking “What can I get out of church?” I could embrace a more giving spirit. The Bible instructs us to “remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Second Corinthians even tells us how: “Let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (9:7).

I decided to exchange getting for giving. I threw out my wish list and began thinking of ways I could contribute to church. I could regularly attend services. I could introduce myself to people after church. At Wednesday testimony meetings I could share healings I’d had. I could contribute financially. I could join the church and cheerfully serve on committees.

My reluctance to commit to church was transformed into an enthusiasm for service. I followed through on all my giving ideas. After joining this church, I volunteered for several committees, and during my membership there I served on the executive board, in the church’s Christian Science Reading Room, in the childcare room during services, in the Sunday School as a substitute teacher, on the lecture committee, and as an usher. I particularly loved ushering, because it gave me the opportunity to joyfully greet each person and express the love that had first attracted me to this church.

I also organized a few special events for the church and the surrounding community, such as a Christian Science-related movie showing, an evening with a reporter from The Christian Science Monitor, and a unity hymn sing. These events helped us connect with other area churches as well as members of the community.

Actively participating in church did not deprive me of the urban lifestyle I’d been anticipating. I still had plenty of time to go out with friends, attend the theater, visit museums, go on hikes, and so forth. In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy assures us, “Giving does not impoverish us in the service of our Maker, neither does withholding enrich us” (p. 79).

My “getting” attitude was impoverished thinking because it focused on lack—on not having something. I was looking for activities or the actions of others to bring happiness into my life. But when I focused on giving, I was starting with God’s allness and recognizing the infinite joy, satisfaction, and contentment ceaselessly coming to each of us from divine Mind, God. A giving spirit helps us to experience God’s “superabundance of being” (Science and Health, p. 201).

I learned that serving in church does not need to be a burden—it’s truly a joy! The branch church that I’d initially viewed—mistakenly—as unfriendly ended up being a tremendously warm, kind, and supportive church family. My fellow members promoted my spiritual growth and enriched my understanding of God’s ever-present goodness. I still cherish many of the spiritual insights and testimonies of healing shared at that precious church and have remained fast friends with some of the members through the years. 

My “giving” approach has now expanded beyond the boundaries of church. I look for ways to give in every corner of my life—and I gratefully offer my service with a smile.