Fall / Winter 2024 | Supporting Christian Science Nursing in the Pacific Northwest
OUR MISSION TO HEAL –
Community and fellowship in loving care for one another
The cause requires unswerving might: With God alone agree. Then have no other aim than right; End bondage, O be free. Depart from sin, awake to love: Your mission is to heal. Then all of Truth you must approve, And only know the real.
–Hymn 5:v2. Irving C. Tomlinson
In the Good Samaritan Workshop, the first question asks attendees to consider the mission of our church, the mission of Christ Jesus and our individual missions.
Everyone is asked to consider each mission as it relates to Christian healing, by caring and loving one another in their community. Beyond the parable of the Good Samaritan, they look to the nursing example of Christ Jesus and his service in love to his students:
● Christ Jesus – nursing his students
○ Washing feet showing humble service, disciples accepting care, healing
○ Discipleship – care for one another – new commandment to love one another in a fellowship of care – disciples were communing together and growing church in fellowship In 2024 Canterbury Crest gratefully reports the following progress in furthering its mission:
● Four Field Reps served as Christian Science nurses at three different facilities in two states and Canada, as well as continuing to serve as independent, Journal -listed private-duty Christian Science nurses in their home areas.
● Sponsored six Good Samaritan Workshops and two Spiritual Dimension Care seminars in five states.
● Attended AOCSN (Association of Organizations for Christian Science Nursing) and related conferences on Christian Science to coordinate across the various organizations to promote and uplift care standards supporting Christian Science nursing worldwide.
● Secured matching funds to double donor gifts.
INSIDE:
Valuing the Christian Science nurse
The following pages include a look at valuing the office of the Christian Science nurse, a pullout section with helpful information on care resources, and how to schedule a workshop in 2025. AND from NOW until March 31, 2025, all General Fund donations will be doubled up to $25,000.
Christian Science Care Resources
Scheduling workshops for 2025
Double your gift –25K Matching Grant
We look forward to furthering the mission to heal through the ministry of Christian Science with you in the coming year.
Valuing the Christian Science Nurse – Christian Science nursing and you!
In 1908, Mary Baker Eddy’s care and concern regarding nursing care for Christian Scientists led her to establish the Christian Science Nurse Bylaw (See Man. 49:7-16). In the following year she asked the Board of Directors to consider a vote to establish and maintain a “resort” (a modern-day facility) for the care of the so-called sick. Due to legal and budget constraints Mrs. Eddy withdrew the request. The Board did honor her request in 1916, however, and with donated land from Mrs. Longyear, the first facility was established at Chestnut Hill.
In 1878, Mary Baker Eddy opened a Christian Science home for poor students.
How? – You might ask?
Today, the need for Christian Science nursing is geographically challenging and more Christian Science nurses are needed even in facilities and Christian Science nursing services.
The Canterbury Crest model supports the availability of Christian Science nurses in their home area as well as in previously underserved areas.
Journal -listed, private duty Christian Science nurses are hired as Field Reps and a salary is provided adequate enough to secure housing which allows them to offer Christian Science nursing care in their home areas. They are free to work at facilities as requested, or take cases as they are led in their own ministry, beyond the Pacific Northwest region. As ambassadors, Field Reps also spread knowledge about Christian Science nursing and resources by conducting workshops, visiting church communities, and making Christian visits to individuals.
WAYS YOU CAN VALUE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE NURSING IN YOUR COMMUNITY
● Metaphysically pray for the office of the Christian Science nurse
● Encouraging your church to host a Good Samaritan Workshop and attend
● Support Christian Science care by:
○ Financially supporting Christian Science care organizations like Canterbury Crest
○ Joining your church care committee or start one if there is not a care committee
○ Considering some level of Christian Science nurse training. A person completing “level 4” can apply for Journal listing. Having the metaphysical and practical care skills in a sick room will help support your community if there is a need
○ Encouraging periodic announcements about Christian Science nursing from the desk at church services
○ Posting information about Christian Science care resources on church bulletin boards, websites, and social media
