The Leaves Newsletter Fall 2023

Focus

The theme for our 2023 Annual Meeting was:

Watch it now at:

Working Together with One Purpose

theleaves.org/2023annualmeeting

“Welcome to The Leaves!” is a saying that rings throughout our halls and during our weekly staff Bible study. We want all to feel welcome, loved, and cherished.

Find out more in the coming pages about how we’ve lived our theme of “Working Together with One Purpose” from our Annual Meeting. Included are big takeaways, heartwarming testimonies of healings, workshop offerings for your church, and how you can show your support of Christian Science nursing at The Leaves.

We are delighted to share more about how we are committed to providing inspiring and practical Manualbased Christian Science nursing for our patients.

AUTUMN 2023 WHAT'S INSIDE Annual Meeting Recap - p. 2 Healing is Happening - p. 3 Annual Meeting Takeaways - p. 4 Giving & Planning for the future p. 5 Christian Science Nursing Training - p. 6 Spring 2024 Church Workshops p. 7 Matching Grant - p. 8

Join us for lunch at The Leaves on November 28 at noon and see some of our fresh updates.

RSVP at theleaves.org/lunch.

1230 W. Spring Valley Rd. Richardson, TX 75080

972-231-4864

info@theleaves.org

2023 Annual Meeting On YouTube October 14th

UNITY INSPIRATION INSPIRATION

PROGRESS

HEALING “...BE LIKEMINDED, HAVING THE SAME LOVE, BEING OF ONE ACCORD, OF ONE MIND" (PHIL. 2:2).

Through God’s goodness and power, healing is going on every day at The Leaves, and we are delighted to share the progress with you. We are working toward a future where Christian Science nursing is stronger than ever, and its members are working together with one purpose – seeing humanity healed, united together in Love.

Our 2023 Annual Meeting aired via YouTube on October 14th

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Watch the video now

Watch it now: Scan the QR code to the left. (Simply open the camera on your phone and aim at the black and white box to the left, then tap the yellow link that will appear on your screen.) Or visit: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLeavesCSN

Healing is Happening RECENT TESTIMONIES

The Christian Science nursing care I saw being given to my mom at The Leaves -Patient’s family member is divine Love being exhibited in its highest form.

A TESTIMONY OF HEALING INSPIRES ALL Christian Science nurse Chris Opiyo (top left) tells at Annual Meeting of a healing that was impactful to him witnessed at The Leaves this year: “A few months ago, we had a patient come in and it seemed that she was having a severe mobility challenge. The thing that struck me though, was her dedication to her study of The Bible and of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, and Mrs. Eddy’s other writings. The patient told me that she had read Science and Health from cover to cover many times and was continuing that deep study. It was not long before she had realized a full and complete healing, and was able to return home and resume her normal, productive lifestyle. This healing really made a big impression on me. And I can tell that it inspired and invigorated all of us Christian Science nurses who had worked with her.”

ALL SUPPORT AND WITNESS HEALING Christian Science nurse Steve Muiruri (middle left) tells at Annual Meeting of a healing that was impactful to him witnessed at The Leaves this year: “I admitted a patient to our facility who had the belief of one side not working as well as the other. I remember when the family was leaving they said, ‘We need her back.’ With the support of a Christian Science practitioner, after a couple of weeks, she experienced a wonderful healing. Her family came to pick her up and she walked freely to the car and left with them.”

QUOTES FROM CHRISTIAN SCIENCE NURSES “It’s incredible to work for a Cause that you really believe in. The Leaves is vitally important because it aids in healing and changes lives.”

“In terms of my own practice, I’m delighted by the ability to help Christian Scientists and mankind. I know that divine Mind leads and guides me as I help others.”

“At The Leaves, we are already united in purpose because we all have one Mind. We are all Christian Scientists, so we are all coming from the same basis: one Mind, one God.” 3

Takeaways from Annual Meeting FROM GUEST SPEAKERS

The discussion around our theme of “Working Together With One Purpose” was expanded and enriched by our Guest Speakers. We heard from an author who talked about the past, drawing on her research of how early Christian Scientists came together to build churches. Next, we heard a Christian Science Practitioner and a Journal-listed Christian Science Nurse speak about what they are doing today to build community that leads to higher engagement and more vibrant healing.

Cindy Safronoff, guest speaker has written books Crossing Swords and Dedication and spoke about how churches were formed in the Christian Science Movement.

“Branch churches had a different idea of economics. The most quoted citation by Mary Baker Eddy from Science and Health was ‘Giving does not impoverish us in the service of our maker, neither does withholding enrich us (79:31).’” cindysafronoff.com

John Cochran III, CS, guest speaker works with the Community of Christian Caring working group through the Christian Science Nursing Collaborative.

“I don’t think we can underestimate the power of coming together, and caring for each other. And of course it all comes back to our relationship with God, and therefore our relationships with each other. Christ Jesus gave us two Great Commandments; love God, and love each other.” communitiesofchristiancaring.org

Patty Nuernberg, guest speaker and Journal-listed Christian Science Nurse spoke about how her work brings people together and joins communities all over the world.

“It just seems like there’s a hungering in our branch church communities for opportunities to sit and talk with each other.

I’ve learned to go into each situation with humility. I’m not there to tell anyone what to do, but rather to listen first, and later share ideas.”

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Giving & Planning for the Future I give today, so that The Leaves will be there in the future to take care of my family or me, should we ever need care. That feels like a way to really make a difference, while honoring the Cause that I so deeply believe in. -a recent donor

We each can scientifically see the need for benevolence. This blesses those who are striving to walk in the footsteps of our Master and follow our Leader through the fulfillment of the revelation. Our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, had a keen eye toward benevolence, and especially the great need for it in her Movement. This became paramount in her thought, when she asked the Christian Science Board of Directors to open a sanatorium for those needing spiritual and physical care. She affirmed, “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need” (SH 494:10).

Benevolence to Mrs. Eddy was not only spiritual, but human, as well, as seen through her own monetary donations to the children of Concord in supplying them shoes for the winter. Those who have dedicated their lives to supporting those in need through Christian Science nursing are demonstrating a high calling and divine purpose at The Leaves and in the world.

The Leaves needs your assistance to support those who have turned toward God for healing in Christian Science. There are a variety of ways you can help.

WAYS TO DONATE Gifts through/from: an IRA (tax-free) a will or living trust life insurance cash charitable gift annuity

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GIVING GIFTS

If you have questions about how you can contribute, please reach out to Development and Operations Manager Ty Bennett. tbennett@theleaves.org / 945-249-6056

As a donor, I know that when I give to The Leaves, I’m reflecting God’s abundance, and investing in Love. I like to think that when I give, I’m blessing others and therefore rich in giving! -a recent donor

PLANS TO PROSPER CAMPAIGN UPDATE Our campaign to support our patients, residents, and staff for the future continues!

These plans include: building a new Christian Science nursing facility, building new staff apartments, renovating spaces for Christian Science Nurses Training rooms, and renovating space for a family/childcare space.

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We invite you to prayerfully and practically support this project with us and learn more about the projects at theleaves.org/planstoprosper.

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Christian Science Nursing Training CALLED TO SERVE

We have had a lovely year of progress in our Christian Science Nursing Training program. Over ten Christian Science nurses have taken or progressed in their training during the past year.

We held two classes for Level 1 at The Leaves for five Christian Science nurses.

Three Christian Science nurses took Level 2. And three Christian Science nurses completed Level 4 and are now eligible to apply for Journal-listing.

What a joy to support those serving and helping our fellow man!

We’re holding another Level 1 course in February 2024. If you or someone you know is ready to serve, please apply at theleaves.org/readytoserve.

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CHURCH WORKSHOPS FOCUSED ON CARING

These workshops focus on caring for others and are designed to inform, inspire, and engage "sincere seekers" in an active ministry of Christian Science nursing.

I want to now involve all church members to be on the care committee.

I'm grateful to see the benefits of helping others by expressing the qualities of a Christian Science nurse.

This has really energized our church!

SPIRITUAL DIMENSION OF CARE 5.5 hrs - Explore the Christian Science Nurse By-Law and the metaphysical foundation of care, based on the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings. Come prepared for a day of deep thinking and prayerful uplift (lunch included).

CARE COMMITTEE 2 hrs - Be the Good Samaritan. The Care Committee workshop is a great way for anyone to learn basic, practical skills to assist church friends and grow a culture of caring at church.

WANT TO HOST ONE AT YOUR CHURCH? THELEAVES.ORG/WORKSHOPS 7

theleaves.org 1230 West Spring Valley Rd. Richardson, TX 75080 972-231-4864

Be a part of this impactful opportunity

Board of Trustees Gifty Aboro David Boone John Borin Peggy Lange, CS Executive Director Jennifer Johnson Our ability to meet the needs of our community relies upon supporters like you who share and understand the value and need for Christian Science nursing.

Please consider donating to The Leaves on Giving Tuesday, November 28.

EVERY GIFT COUNTS TOWARDS THIS MATCH UP TO $100K NOW THROUGH JANUARY

theleaves.org/contribute