The Ministry
Who belongs to this Illinois “State Committee”? We all do
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Includes every Illinois Christian Science church — and thus every church member can be part of this ministry
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Active participation is wholly voluntary
What does this Committee Ministry do? Shares Christian Science with the institutionalized.
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Provides Christian Science literature and Science and Health to every prison library, and receptive chaplains and inmates
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Individual church members can share within specific institutions
How can interested church members serve in this ministry? In many ways!
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Pray to support seekers in finding and reading our periodicals and textbooks
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Identify institutions nearby where members could serve
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Correspond with interested inmates, in letters and texts, answering their questions, encouraging their study and prayer
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Ensure seekers have our Pastor books* and authorized literature; send gently used literature to a chaplain, librarian, or inmate
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Conduct Sunday services inside the institutions, usually on Saturdays
What does the Executive Board do? Supports the churches!
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Prepares the annual budget, keeps the books, and reimburses on-the-ground expenses
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Handles inquiries and correspondence; shares member comments back to the churches
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Assist churches in establishing contacts in institutions they choose, e.g., jails, prisons, mental health and convalescent centers
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* Pastor books: I, Mary Baker Eddy, ordain the BIBLE, and SCIENCE AND HEALTH WITH KEY TO THE SCRIPTURES, Pastor over The Mother Church, — The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass.”…”the Life these give, the Truth they illustrate, the Love they demonstrate, is the great Shephers that feedeth my flock, and leadeth them ‘beside the still waters.” (Manual of The Mother Church p 58:2-8; Miscellaneous Writings 322:12-15)
About Our Ministry
Our Purpose
Our Purpose is to support activities undertaken by churches to bring the Christian Science Pastor — the Holy Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy — into institutions where residents are not free to attend our churches. This ministry supports confined individuals in their study of Christian Science through providing church services, correspondence, our Pastor's books, authorized Christian Science literature, and visits.
We are dedicated to enriching the spiritual journey of confined individuals through our resources and support. Our goal is to provide a platform for meaningful spiritual growth and connection within institutional settings.
FAQs for Confined Individuals
Answers to Common Queries
Explore common questions about Christian Science, spiritual growth, and our ministry's resources. We have compiled answers to help you delve deeper into the profound aspects of Christian Science study and practice.
What Support is Offered?
Our ministry provides a wide range of support, including church services, access to Christian Science literature, correspondence, and personal visits to individuals in confined settings.
How Can I Connect?
We welcome connections and contributions from individuals and organizations that share our vision. If you have insights, resources, or a desire to support confined individuals in their spiritual journey, we invite you to reach out and collaborate with us.
Is There a Community Platform?
Yes, we offer a platform for engaging discussions, spiritual sharing, and support within confined settings. Join our community to connect, share experiences, and engage in meaningful spiritual conversations.