Does the Christian Science church have plans to help the needy?

Does your church have plans to help needy people in the community? It would be interesting, and perhaps helpful to know what the faith communities are doing.

A local interfaith reader asked this question and Christian Scientists may appreciate reading the answer, sent by Jenny Pearson, Committee on Publication for South East 1.

Jenny’s reply follows:

Our first response, as I am sure it must be with all faiths, is to pray regularly and consistently for the welfare of all. We listen in prayer for the wisdom to respond appropriately whatever the circumstance may be. As individuals we are, like most folk, naturally staying alert to the needs of neighbours, maintaining contact by phone with those who can't get out, making sure they have necessary supplies, and helping wherever we can.

Each Christian Science church acts independently, according to local regulations and what is most helpful. At present, our congregation is complying with public concern, and following government advice to avoid social contact and non-essential travel, by suspending public church services. But of course deep prayer continues, and we post thoughts of encouragement in our showcase window for all to read. The Christian Science Church is following a similar pattern at present.

The Christian Science website, christianscience.com, provides a helpful source of ideas to uplift those feeling afraid and powerless. The website gives access to articles from Christian Science publications, sharing spiritual ideas that help to calm fear and panic. The Christian Science Monitor, an international newspaper, contains specific articles devoted to ways people of all persuasions are coping with the Covid-19 crisis and overcoming challenges.

Across the world the Christian Science church includes the service of Christian Science practitioners - members who devote their full time to the ministry of prayer and can be called on to support anyone in prayer with a view to healing problems of all kinds, including illness. There is a directory of practitioners to be found on the above website under the heading ”find us”.

I realise there is a lot here in answer to your query, but I thought – and hope – you might be interested to be filled in on what this particular Christian denomination does to help our neighbours especially during this time of crisis.