7/29: The fun of fellowship

1. Michael Noyce says:

Thank you Shirley. You have given us a wonderful task to work on to-day. I am already enjoying the ideas you shared.
Kind regads

2. Elena Shideler, California (San Diego) says:

How friendly you must be, Shirley! You asked us to try to know better the person we know the least at church, nice assignment. I am quite new at my church, I think it will be fun trying to get close, as in communion, with my new friends. You gave a whole new meaning to the word “friend“.
“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (1John 1:3) Caring about each other is as important as being close to God, what a concept! Thank you.

SPANISH
¿Cuán amigable has de ser, Shirley! Nos has pedido que tratemos de conocer mejor a la persona a quien conocemos menos en la iglesia, una misión agradable. Yo soy bastante nueva en mi iglesia, creo que será divertido tratar de acercarme, al igual que comunión, a mis nuevos amigos. Le has dado un significado nuevo a la palabra “amigo“.
Lo que hemos visto y oído, eso os anunciamos, para que también vosotros tengáis comunión con nosotros: y nuestra comunión verdaderamente es con el Padre, y con su Hijo Jesucristo.”(1 Juan
1:3) Preocuparse por los demás es tan importante como acercarse a Dios, ¡qué concepto! Gracias.

3. GLS in Long Beach, CA says:

Many thanks for your timely message, and I have already thought of someone who attends my branch church to whom I have only casually spoken, but now I will be sure to develop a greater sense of fellowship with him. [I fondly recall the great fellowship that a group of we servicemen who were rebuilding the CS church in Manila at the end of WW II enjoyed. Although we were all from various military units then stationed on the island, we met to work on the church whenever we had any spare time. And it was fun - as you said - and the friendships that evolved from it carried over in many cases after we returned to the States.] If everyone listening to this Daily Lift acts on your recommendation it should greatly mitigate the feelings of “coldness” some visitors to our services have sometimes felt. Thanks again for your thoughtful comments today.

4. Kathy says:

Another THANK YOU

5. Joyce, Fayetteville, NC says:

Fellowship – companionship, camaraderie, comradeship, friendship, friendliness, partnership. What a great word fellowship is. We each have a fellowship with God and His community, our community. I love the words you befriend fellowship with – forgiveness, patience, compassion, humility, as well as beautiful, good, and fun! I am not currently a member of a branch church because I live some distance from one. However, it was recently suggested that I join a branch church, embrace that church, its congregation and community, work remotely for it and attend the services whenever I can. What an action-filled action statement: join, embrace, work and attend . . . God’s fellowship. What a wonderful thought that I am now acting upon and how well your idea of reaching out with fellowship fits me like a big hug of encouragement, joy and, yes – fun fellowship!.

6. Pat from McCaysville GA says:

Great thought! And something we can do RIGHT NOW!!! I love to share a smile and comment with everyone I meet. It is so uplifting for me and makes others smile… and maybe give their day a lift.

I attended a management course some time ago. The speaker said, “Imagine that everyone you meet has a sign on their chest that says, “I want to feel important and needed”. I try to apply that when I greet people… on the street, in the grocery, wherever….. It is surprising what an effect this has in bringing a smile to their face and maybe happiness to their heart. I have made so many friends just by actually seeing them as important and needed!!! And it makes ME feel important and needed too!!!

Thanks!

7. Erik Johansson says:

Whoever says they love God, while hating their neighbor, is a LIAR. (my paraphrase of scripture) In my own experience the miracle of “unbroken friendship”, the reciprocal blessing revealed in a spontaneous promise of ongoing and unbroken prayer partnership, has done more than anything else to bring me to experience what is known in wider circles as a “conversion of the heart”. This conversion has nothing at all to do with switching denominations, but everything to do with receiving “amazing grace” wherein the “wretched man that I am” or the awful sense of mortality, sinful and lost, begins to dissolve, bathed in the tender fellowship Jesus Christ reveals to us and promises is “with (us) always”. The heroic journey which begins with a deep desire and daring to love a neighbor, any neighbor to begin with, progressively reveals the bliss of reflecting divine Love in wider ways. Page one of PRAYER in our textbook assures us “no loss can occur from trusting God” with our hungering and thirsting for this righteous affection. Thus we enter step by loving step into the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (Comforter) in the name, nature, and gentle but absolute power of Christ.

8. Malcolm Drummond, Henrietta NY says:

Many thanks Shirley for that inspiring ‘caring about each other’ lift: “That greetings glorious from high heaven,/ Whence joys supernal flow,/ Come from that Love, divinely near,/ Which chastens pride and earth-born fear…” from a poem by MBE. CS hymnal #30)

9

9. Jeanne says:

A wonderful, workable, loving idea. Thank you so much for this timely Lift!

10. Margaret, Sunshine Coast, Australia says:

Hey Nathan: Is this something new, just today? The little box for our email address? What an excellent idea! Bravo again Nate. I think this will be an excellent way to get to know some good Lifter friends better. . .
And Shirley, thank you for such a great Lift. At one time of this so-called life I was so shy – literally painfully – I was what is called a voluntary mute. My friends of now simply can’t imagine it.. . Standing to express my gratitude was such a painful ordeal. The thumping of my heart was almost audible! So I was the one in the church I had to get to know! But what a worthwhile connection! It turned out to be really good for me, I actually came to quite like myself. . . We certainly spend a lot of great time together. Thank you Shirley – that’s a great suggestion.

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11. tina,nc says:

thank you for this loving concept of our church families. Even tho our Society is
tiny and from all different directions of these hills, (some traveling 1 1/4 hours one
way) we are warmly bound in our mutual friendship. Fellowship was a word used infrequently until it became a necessity, a working bond, enabling us to hold services year round with help from non-members who are Mother Church members. Each time a visitor enters our door, we feel such gratitude it becomes tangible love. Is this not loving fellowship? It works for us, and IT IS FUN!!

12. Mary H. AL says:

Thank you, What a wonderful thought. I have never been one to socialize, but lately I have done more of it.

13. Sandy Kunz says:

This was SO helpful for me to listen to…Its what I have been feeling the need for…
Thank you so much Shirley Paulson…and all.

14. Brenda says:

Thank you, Shirley. This is so important to being a Christian and an active Christian church. You can feel the fellowship. It warms your heart!

15. Douglas, USA says:

When there is uncertainty and fear there isn’t good groundwork for unity and progress, especially when it is felt at church and on a global scale religiously speaking. It’s vital to bring prayer to bear on this issue, so that even if there is someone who pursues a different path in life that they can do so in the spirit of fellowship, because as you pointed out it is fun. It is fun to learn about other people and their life, what they do, their family, and so on. Talk to them about God and you find out different points of view. Share with them and they may say “I like your more positive outlook on life and on your understand of God.” Who knows, this could be the turning point for someone who cares deeply and wants more friends in life. God is always there to help you with just the right words to say, just as he did with Moses when he was asked to lead the Israelites’ out of Egypt and to the promised land.

16. Geri says:

Thank you for reminding me that it is fun to care & love one another, and all around the world. It bring much joy to our hearts & lifts our thoughts above self – I’m going to have fun today. Thanks again!

17. Grace from Texas says:

Shirley Paulson, thanks for the “lift” today. I’ve been listening to the Sentinel program on the two great commandments: 1) Loving God and 2) loving our fellow man, and recognizing the inseparability of these two. With guidance from divine Mind, your idea to get to know the one we know least (whether in our church or other community we associate in) is a necessary and practical way to demonstrate this love for God and man and reap the blessings of lessons in humility, etc. Thanks again!

18. Diane says:

Great -proactive idea!

Never really focused on the word “fellowship” in the Bible. Thank you for bringing out it’s applicable sense.

19. Jackson from Porto Alegre-RS – Brazil says:

Thank you so much Shirley for your so lovely and friendly message for a funny day which God, the only one Soul, that is the source of all spiritual happiness. Share it with others is part of expression of love, fellowship and rejoice, look at: http://www.spirituality.com/framework/media/flash/share_love.jhtml

20. Ron Stevens says:

This isn’t just a great lift, it’s a great assignment! Thank you, Shirley.

21. Bev Newsham – Sandpoint, ID says:

Hi Shirley! Yes, I agree with #3, I, too, have often felt the “coldness” in CS churches and have wondered, “Why?”. Why would we be afraid to express Love to each other and to newcomers to our church? Are we afraid of feeling our feelings or is it just that we don’t know how to express Love from the Heart? Have we gotten too much into being “thinkers” that we don’t know how to express normal human emotions? Do Christians and CSers think it’s wrong to have emotions and feelings or have we stuffed so many feelings from childhood that we have blocked the natural flow of Love? Just some things to ponder………

22. Leah says:

Very nice! Thank you for this loving call to action!

23. Nancy from Yellow Springs says:

Thank you Shirley. I really appreciate you bringing universal Christian terms into our awareness. “Fellowship” seems like a term reserved for some denominational coffee gathering. But really, it is just the right term to signal us to be inclusive.

“What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds.” S&H, P4,V3.
There, Mrs Eddy says it. “good deeds”! And, it is the natural expression of our growth in grace.

By the way, if you are small group…you can put on a Christian Science Lecture in your community….and you will find yourself dragging EVERYONE remotely associated with your members into your activities! I speak from experience! Everyone benefits.

24. Jan J – Grass Valley, CA says:

Thank you for the wonderful recommendation, Shirley!
What a blessing it will be to our churches and communities.

25. Barbara Ohannes Carol Stream says:

Thank you Shirley for this thought provoking Lift. I love the idea mentioned by one of the participants that we can greet each person we meet as special, important and unique. In God’s eyes they are already very special,needed and beautiful. Thank you Jackson for sharing the E-card. I love the idea of fellowship and our Christian community can expand in this area in many avenues of church participation.

26. Nancy in Richardson, TX says:

I love your Lift, Shirley – we seem to need the assurance that the fellowship we express to folks in everyday life is “okay” to express in church! About 6 years ago my church started having a “Fellowship Time” after each Sunday service. All are invited to the Sunday School room for a time of informal fellowship, and we have light refreshments – because that’s what people do! A simple schedule has one person each week bringing cookies and another bringing fruit (one’s name comes up about once every 2 months – and only if one wants to). What a joyous time for everyone – but especially newcomers, visitors, those who live alone – everyone! Church folks and SS students mingle! The tangible sense of love and caring continues to deepen as we get to know one another better. Your Lift will give us a new impetus to get to know EVERYONE! And as you pointed out, Shirley, this fellowship and love is Biblical – and required to be lived – in whatever ways we can work it out.

27. Chris says:

Christian fellowship is a concept that deserves more attention — And, as our Love for God is outwardly expressed, EVERYONE will begin to feel Love’s embrace and naturally be attracted to join the Christian Science congregations for worship

28. Jan, Colorado Springs says:

Oh Nancy, #26, how could you do something fun in Sun School! Really don’t you know that this might just meet someone’s need of love, companionship, of friendship and might just bring them back to learn about God. I THINK YOUR IDEA IS WONDERFUL. Keep it going.

29. Hope says:

“Let’s have some fun!”……………….. as in yesterday’s Lift ……… with each other! Thanks so much, Julie and Shirley. I’m looking forward to this season’s lectures.

30. Elizabeth in NJ says:

Thank you Shirley. What a wonderful message, assignment and what fun!

31. Susan – Vancouver says:

What a great lift! Lately I have been seeking and finding such support and fellowship with my church friends and it’s been a fun journey. Thank you, Shirley, for assuring us that fellowship “patterns after our fellowship with God”. Let’s go make new friends and cherish our old friends!

32. Darlene in Yucca Valley says:

Our after church fellowship only lasts 10-15 minutes in the foyer. Everyone is greeted by the readers and no one leaves without a hug!

33. Jim in St. Louis says:

Thank you Shirley!

34. Linda in Minnesota says:

So great!
Have been praying about companionship and opening up myself more to the idea of there are others on the planet besides me and my interests.
Thanks so much for the new perspective and how it is a blessing to turn outward to the world out there.

35. Linda Bargmann says:

Not only is fellowship Biblical, but Mrs. Eddy demands we live “in Christian fellowship” in the Manual bylaws TWICE – individually (every Mother Church member with every other Mother Church member) and as a group (each church with every other Journal listed Church of Christ, Scientist.)
I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately, and now you have given me one more way to obey the bylaws and live in Christian fellowship with others that I don’t know well. Thanks

36. Cynthia says:

Thank you so much, Shirley for this great reminder that reaching out to others is reaching out to God’s ideas, that part of loving God with all our heart, and soul, and mind is loving his creation, actively, joyously, selflessly!

37. Sheila says:

Thank you, Shirley for thought provoking words, and thank you, Nancy for your comment about the impetus to get to know EVERYONE! Our church as also started to have an informal fellowship time occasionally after the Sunday Service. It seems to be particularly appreciated by visitors and those who come regularly but do not hang around to get to know others. We all discover, as we chat, that “love is impartial and universal in its adaptation and bestowals” (S&H 13:2) and that, in Christianly scientific love, God’s interests are man’s interests.
Thank you again!

38. katherine says:

When I graduated from college, my first teaching assignment was at an airbase in the Philippines. I found out where Christian Science services were being held and attended my first CS church service there. It was a very small group of about seven people. I knew no one, so I left after the service was over. I clearly remember the First Reader literally running after me to welcome me and talk to me. (We became lifelong friends.) I became a teacher in our little Sunday School. Talk about fellowship!!! I have never felt so loved or needed as I did with that small group. The number of church attendees grew as did our Sunday school. It was a wonderful experience !

39. Peggy A. says:

So glad to see this thought brought out..it is vital to our communities and to the churches we all love and support. Let’s have more fellowship and love for all. Thanks so much .

40. Sally from San Diego says:

Our church’s lecture comm. is planning a garden lecture for Oct. We began with Jesus command for us to, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” We think we are on the right path to show a sense of fellowship toward our community which we haven’t had before. I am grateful to see that other Christian Science churches have increased the sense of friendship surrounding the church services. We have a lovely garden which we want the neighbors to enjoy and, if they feel like it, just come to sit in for awhile. Thanks to you, Shirley, for encouraging us to “Enlarge the place of your tent”, as the Bible says.(Isa.54:2)

41. Cathryn in Oceanside, CA says:

The fellowship at our Society is truly a blessing. After the inspiring service, we have a beautiful spread of refreshments on the patio where members and newcomers enjoy fellowship for up to an hour afterwards! What a joy to have this time to get to know and bless each other! Thank you for your joyous message. God DELIGHTS in our joyful embrace of one another!!

42. Janice says:

Oh, YES!!! What a wonderful idea to get to know the person I know least in my congregation. That’s what I’ll do and I am excited about it. I DO love each Daily Lift and am so grateful for them!

43. Scott Jenkins says:

Thanks, Shirley. I love that fellowship is Biblically based and works to bring us closer to God and each other. It is also a critical part of reinstating primitive Christianity and its lost element of healling, which Mary Baker Eddy states is the design of church.

44. Michael says:

Page 1 of 2

This message strikes very close to home.

I have been struggling to see the spiritual selfhood of a couple of individuals and I sense they feel the same way about me. I have worn glasses for years, but realized this conflict was actually affecting my vision. I know I have to resolve one before the other so eventually I felt led to remove myself from the situation, to get out of the appearance of error, so I could focus on a spiritual viewpoint of man, including myself.

I am grateful for the 7/8 Daily Lift on Baptizing Conversations with Jill Grimes which pointed out the futility and potential danger in mentally rehearsing conversations or situations. It alerted me to stop the impulse to react, to immediately control my thinking at the first suggestion of imperfection in my fellowman. Slowly I am seeing results and a required eye exam showed the vision in my left eye has returned to nearly 20/20, but the right eye is a different story and needs attention.

Jesus said in the Sermon on the mount, “if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out” (Matt 5). Mrs. Eddy further explains, “More than profession is requisite for Christian demonstration. Few understand or adhere to Jesus’ divine precepts for living and healing. Why? Because his precepts require the disciple to cut off the right hand and pluck out the right eye, — that is, to set aside even the most cherished beliefs and practices, to leave all for Christ. (S&H 141:3)

45. Michael says:

Continued – Page 2 of 2

Sounds like I still need to work on ego so I have a bit further to travel on this path, to learn the lessons and begin seeing the scenery more clearly.

So thank you for the reminder of the need to interact with my true fellow-man and with the Father. As you observed, closeness, not separation is the answer. It involves forgiveness, patience, compassion and humility NOT IN THEM BUT IN MYSELF.

Mrs. Eddy further reminds us to, “Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts. (S&H 261:4). I need to see man spiritually before he comes into view humanly.

Yesterday’s Lift on 7/28: Let’s have some fun! with Julie Ward reminded me that I also had disagreements with my childhood friends, but how quickly we got over them and learned to play together again and have some fun.

This is “to love and be loved”. It is fun and sharing feels good. Much better to share than withhold!

It is time for this stray sheep to get back to the fold.

46. Jackie in Oswego, Illinois says:

Thanks Shirley. This is perfect for a situation needing my attention at the moment, where there is tension in coming to an agreement on the very subject of the value of gathering with others when conditions don’t appear ideal or totally comfortable for everyone. Listening for God to reveal his pattern … I like that … for us, and trusting that it will open the way of God’s understanding how to proceed with the help of patience and forgiveness that He provides, is so reassuring. I love how your Lift encourages us to see the joy and fun in seeking God’s pattern and watching it unfold before us, watching how we grow closer to God by growing closer to one another. Wonderful!

47. Amy B says:

Fellowship with others does pattern our natural Fellowship with God. How beautiful that is~Thank you for the eloquent “lift,” Shirley! love you!

48. Sandra from The Bahamas says:

This lift is such a loving blessing- a meaningful assignment! I also love that so many people have been actively praying with similar ideas of love and fellowship. About a week ago it occurred to me suddenly that I want to especially value each person that I am speaking to and what they are communicating- whether a stranger or someone I see everyday. I don’t have a local church family, but I will now more actively work with this assignment. Thank you, Shirley!

49. Anonymous says:

Once when church was over and the First reader was getting in his car to go home, I went over and hugged him and loved him. Soon, a rich member came over to his car too. He said that he wanted to get together with them, as her rich husband came up and joined the converstation. They blew him off. They viewed him as much older and needy. He couldnt make them understand. He shook his head, wearily, as he shut the car door and drove off with his dear wife to their home.

That was the last time we saw him. He passed on that day. At first I was so mad at that couple. But I realized they were clueless. They were only on their schedule and needs. I forgave them. I saw, that God understood and our reader had graduated with high honors of fellowship and was doing his work elsewhere in the Divine Kingdom. God is in control as he is LIFE.

I hope everyone realizes that you never know, when it is your last time to hug or say “hello” to someone at church or anywhere.

50. J.S. in Ky says:

Wow! Thank you, Shirley, for the Lift, and Recommendation. This is living Christian Science! I live too far from my Branch but I serve on the phone committee. There’s one who never answers. I’ll drop a note to try to get to know her better. I’ll also work with this assignment in non-Church situations. I’ve neighbors I don’t know, and there are employees at the local supermarket that probably know me more than I know them, because they know I buy much marked down “sell by date” spinach & other greens for my rabbits. This could be fun, looking for those who need to be noticed a little more. #5 Joyce, If you have unlimited long distance, volunteer to serve on telephone committee, the same as being on scene. That leads to more service opportunities, and to know others & share CS. If they have speaker phone (donate one plus needed cord), you can attend mtgs. by phone, too. #10 Margaret, There was a man who used to give testimonies, so nervous, his hand shook change in his pocket. My family called him Mr. Jingle Pockets, but we knew how much it took for him to speak, and it always impressed & inspired. Note: To follow your request right here on the Lift,(there’s no “Anonymous” commenters yet) I planned to respond to them. If any of you do post later, please let us know either your country, state, or city, or all of these just to let us know you a bit better ( let us know it’s because of the lift, please). Hello to those who don’t comment, also.

51. Lisa says:

thank you for this lift! I think that loving others IS doing God’s work! We should do it everywhere we go. I find that sometimes when I’m not feeling quite myself, and am tired, or unhappy… lost in my own thoughts, or needing to find peace that I don’t reach out to others. But, we need to keep our focus on God- that fills us up and makes us happy, and then we can go out and share that with the world.

In fact, it is fun to love people! It makes us feel better to do so, too- to get our thoughts off ourselves, and do God’s work… loving

thank you all for sharing!

52. Priscilla in Portland says:

I am glad that this subject is being entertained. I have been resisting supporting what I have identified as purely “social” gatherings in chrch. But the challenge to get to know someone whom I don’t already know is an activity that is both social and metaphysical. It does require a bigger sense of loving my neighbor. Thanks for opening thought.

53. Sarah says:

Shirley, you could not have said it better and the idea of getting to know the person in the congregation we know the least about. Wow! Wonderful loving ideas! Thanks so much.

54. Patty says:

This lift propelled me. I loved #6 telling about wearing a sign that says,”I want to feel important and needed”. Yes, most of us do want this. I remember my husband and I attending a C.S. church in Northern Calif. not our regular church. I was so happy when after church one of the members of the congregation greeted us and invited us back to their home. They always served hot dogs and made a picnic out of it every Sunday. Now I wasn’t wearing a sign, but we did feel loved and most certainly cherished. I never forgot it. I’m very sorry that I didn’t implement it either.
But along with our homework assignment I’m sure I can adapt the concept and learn new ways to show fellowship. Love leads us to know and do what is loving! I know
that I always feel wonderful after church if some personal contact is made. I can
reach out 1st and not wait for someone else.

55. Lela in California says:

Thank you, Shirley, for this thought. I’m one of those who sits in the back and then hurries out of church — am not yet a member of the branch church — but would like to get to know people. I suppose I must be shy but didn’t realize it until hearing this message. At 83 years of age, you’d think I would know better. What to do? I am comfortable the way things are — probably selfishly protecting my lifestyle of being alone and liking it. Although I was happily married for over 55 years, I depended on my husband. He was raised in Christian Science and his family introduced me to C.S. but he didn’t go to church. Don’t know why I am telling you all this. Seems kind of self-centered, and I’m sorry for that, but I want you to know that your message touched me.

I think I will try harder to go to church and meet more people — because of your message. Thank you again.

56. Shirley Paulson says:

Oh my, it’s hard to describe how moved I am by the fellowship everyone is sharing with each other and with me! #54 Lela in California, I think you identified the heart of fellowship with your words: “Don’t know why I am telling you all this…” It must mean you can trust me/us with what you haven’t said before. I love the way you confided that you hadn’t realized how shyness might have been holding you back and how you had been protecting your lifestyle of being alone. Just saying so makes it easier for me/others to want to ease you into a larger comfort zone. That’s the kind of humility I was thinking of when I claim that fellowship is a Christian thing to do.

Thanks, everybody, for the messages of humility, unselfishness, and delight. This is why fellowship is so much fun.

57. Doris Libey says:

Thanks soooo much, Shirley……..As you already know the fellowship group in Chicago has been an important inspiration in encouraging fellowship and fun in me as well as in our churches. Last month we voted to have refreshments after church once a month beginning with Sacrament Sunday. There was a Christlike feelilng in celebrating together with thanksgiving the joyful meeting of Jesus on the shore of Galilee with his diciples following his crucifixion and resurrection. I couldn’t be there so I enjoyed it from a few hundred miles away.
What a change from my attitude several years ago when our soloist and her Sunday School child brought refreshments into the Sunday School room and I – a Sunday School teacher – walked by in self-righteousness without stopping. Now I’m prompted to contact this promoter of harmony in a distant state to thank her – knowing I was forgiven.

58. darlene, los angeles says:

thank you shirley for your fun uplift…your message reinforces the need in this world to reach out to others…no matter their beliefs and persuasions…we are all children of god, made in his image and likeness. it’s not always easy to see the “god” qualities in some who cross our paths. sometimes i don’t even see the “god-ness” in me! all the more reason to work on my perception. reaching out with love and kindness to others truly changes my thinking about myself: it’s okay to love me and in doing so, i’m honoring my maker. how joyous and enlightening…it’s not about lowercase ego. it’s about uppercase EGO…GOD.

fun and happy wishes to all! sincerely yours.

59. Doris Libey says:

P.S. The self-righteousness was based on keeping my thought above what I consdered then to be something as mundane as cookies and punch for after church. It was no fun to “sleep” in a pretemse of spirituality – focused on just hearing and repeating the words in the Bible Lesson – instead of putting them into practice with all kinds of people.
More thanks to all!!!

60. Sally says:

When I first started attending my branch church 25 years ago, a member invited my husband and me over for dinner. This meant a lot to me. It was more than talking in the foyer and saying hi, it was really saying that she wanted to know us better! Since my husband wasn’t a CSist, and still isn’t, it also meant that she was extending this love to him. To him, it showed that this was a loving church. Mrs. Eddy knew that love isn’t something that sits on a shelf. It has to be expressed to be love.
Thanks so much for your lift and for getting this conversation going!

61. Erik Johansson says:

For Michael, (above) Welcome home!

The moment you realize you’ve never left the welcome acceptance and safety of the fold, you’re back!

I’ve recently had my own lovely homecoming too! Took a few years, but “with a little help from my friends” and guidance of the Comforter here I am.

62. Michael says:

Thank you Eric (#60) for the reassurance. I’m happy to know I’m not alone on this path.

63. Anne says:

Thank you, Shirley!

64. Kathy says:

when taking a short break about a week or so in Wales we found an add in the local free paper welcoming people to a service on the Sunday morning, we located the address and turned up, a small group assembled one having travelled about 60 miles to be there, we were invited to stay to lunch,” A feast” we were still there some good time later, my husband and the host shared a common interest.” Clocks”. we needed a part for a repair, and an address where we could obtain it was shared , guese what it was about ten miles down the road from where we lived in Sussex.

65. Katherine Dickson says:

Thank you Shirley for a wonderful Daily Lift. How true it is that we are all of one fellowship with our Church and one Christ. There are times when individuals may be unkind in our Branch Churches and we need to rise higher and see everyone in that Church as a perfect child of God and in one fellowship with God, Christ and the Church – with no hurts and everyone being loved and feeling Love.

66. Michael says:

and thank you Katherine (#64). Seems like all the commenters are in the “Practice” this week. Your addition is encouraging and much appreciated.

67. MER in Kentucky says:

As I was reading all the comments following this lift I realized how much I needed to participate in greater fellowship in my life–thanks to all for sharing their fellowship through this online church activity which is a Christly healing activity. It made me feel so included already in Church! I live in one of the “hamlets” without a CS church near, but felt so close to you all as I read and felt the heartfelt comments. This lift (thank you so much, Shirley) has helped me. I’m grateful to all who share daily in this forum, giving sincerely and unselfishly of their thoughts. Truth is so powerful, even a “little” (if there is such a a thing) goes a long way. The last few lifts have “worked together” for me–the childlikeness of accepting truth, the colors “raining down” from God and seeing the specialness of each expression of God (good) as we participate in a better understanding of fellowship as God’s dear children.

68. Chris says:

Thank you Shirley for this wake up call for Churches. Our church has been actively working to be more loving ,inclusive and friendly and it has really been wonderful to see the unfoldment; new members, people coming back and just more warmth and fellowship in general. I would also like to comment on this forum, I think it is doing a great service, allowing the circle of Christian Scientists, and other spritual seekers to connect – the fellowship and love that is expressed here is absolutely wonderful. Thanks Nathan, lecturers and all who give selflessly to participate.

69. Rhonda says:

Thanks for the great lift and great recommendation. I look forward to getting started right away!

70. carol from Missouri says:

What a very thoughtful reminder to love not only in thought or in word but in deed. Actions speak louder than words. To radiate love and express genuine kindness will be returned to one an hundred-fold. I have witnessed this action.

71. Cynthia Barnett, Raleigh says:

Recently our branch also began serving refreshments after church once a month in the Sunday School, where children help pass and pour—and love being asked to do this. Newcomers and those returning to church also love this new Fellowship. Sometimes there are “table topics” posted as conversation starters at the tables. We hosted a “New Hymnal Sing” and even had two Fellowship Book Club meetings, where we discussed inspiring books reviewed in our periodicals. These books have helped us reach out and communicate better with other spiritual seekers in our community. We have something in common! We welcome new babies at Fellowship, say fond farewells to those moving away, and recognize those who’ve received honors of some kind.

Our monthly gatherings complement the loving fellowship from individual social invitations to restaurants or private homes. Our Fellowship says, in effect, “ALL of you are so welcome—right now, just as you are.” No transportation is needed, no outlays of money, no special invitation offered to only a few. We leave our upstairs Sunday service uplifted, and now, thanks to our new Fellowship, we can linger in that love a little longer. What joy!