Latest News from
The Church of Christ, Scientist

Informal "town-hall" meetings

January 20, 2010. During the last few years branch churches and societies around the world invited the Christian Science Board of Directors to join with them in informal “town-hall” style meetings. The Board has been deeply moved during this time of listening, learning, and sharing ideas with members. Now the Board would like to know what has been happening as a result of these meetings. They invite attendees to share any thoughts they would like them to consider about the meetings.

Attendees can send their response to MessageFromClerk@churchofchristscientist.org or by writing a letter to:

   Field Meeting Response / Member Communication
   Office of the Clerk, P06-10
   210 Massachusetts Ave
   Boston, MA 02115-3195
   USA

Thank you for taking the time to send in comments and ideas.

The Mother Church and members respond to recent earthquake

January 14, 2010, a message to members and friends from the Clerk of The Mother Church

Many are reaching out with heartfelt prayers and other support for the people of Haiti. We want to share some of those prayers and other information with you. You’ll find them at Haiti: Information and Resources on ChristianScience.com. This webpage will be updated whenever there is new information.

God, divine Love, meets the human need. The Bible assures us that, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed,…. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early” (Psalm 46). And Mary Baker Eddy explained that, “In divine Science, where prayers are mental, all may avail themselves of God as ‘a very present help in trouble.’ Love is impartial and universal in its adaptation and bestowals. It is the open fount which cries, ‘Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters’” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, pp. 12-13).

Thank you for your prayers. They are felt around the world.

Christmas Presence – a special gift for you

On December 14, 2009, the Clerk of The Mother Church shared this invitation with members and friends.

Loving Christmas greetings to all of you! We invite you to enjoy a special event that will be given in The Mother Church on Sunday, December 20, at 1 pm (UTC 18:00) and webcast live to the world. Titled Christmas Presence, this unique Christian Science lecture includes songs, scenes from Israel, and spiritual insights about Christ Jesus’ life. You can watch a short preview at: http://christianscience.com/christmas-presence.html. You’ll find the webcast at the same link.

A recording of Christmas Presence will remain on the Web after December 20, and the text of the lecture will be available in French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish. This is a wonderful time of year to share the healing light of the Christ with others!

Live chat on the topic “Genuine peace at Christmas”

To be broadcast on December 15, 2009, at 2:00 pm. Marceil Delacy, CSB, of Seattle, Washington, is the featured speaker at a live chat on finding genuine peace at Christmas.

Are you looking forward to the holidays? They can be a peaceful time, but it’s also easy to feel overwhelmed by all you need to do to get ready for Christmas and still keep your regular activities going. Relatives coming? Entertaining to do and presents to buy? Maybe the economic downturn has impacted your joy and you long to escape the commercialization of Christmas. Here’s a thought: let spending some quality time with God bring you the peace and confidence to maintain your joy during the holidays and spread peace to your friends and family. Please join this talk on Tuesday, December 15.

Videos addressing concerns about Christian Science on YouTube

December 4, 2009. For several months, the Committee on Publication has been working with Congress to obtain a provision in the health care reform legislation that would prevent insurance companies from discriminating against people who want to use spiritual care for their health care.

To assist the Committee Office in these efforts, Christian Scientists have come to Washington D.C. to meet with their elected representatives and their staff. During one weekend, Christian Scientists wrote over 11,000 emails to selected Senators requesting that spiritual care be included in health reform legislation. The Committee Office has been deeply grateful for all this support and, most important, the prayers of Christian Scientists regarding this issue.

But the work is not nearly finished. The Committee Office is continually briefing elected officials and, as many of you have seen, has given extensive media interviews. In fact, the media’s discussion of the spiritual care amendment seems to be increasing at this time, with major interviews being conducted on a daily basis. Some interviews result in press articles or broadcasts; some are simply background.

Despite these efforts, we feel we need to do more to remove impositions regarding Christian Science from the public. To this end, we have produced several subject-specific videos and put them on YouTube to explain the spiritual care provision and address concerns in the media and blogosphere. The purpose of these videos is to help the media and the public understand these issues. Over time, we will add more videos to deal with other impositions on Christian Science.

If you are interested in watching these videos, you can access them on the Christian Science Channel on YouTube by clicking on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialCSChurch.

A message of gratitude from the Christian Science Board of Directors

November 17, 2009. Here’s a special holiday note of appreciation for all who love Christian Science. As we gather together with families and as part of God’s family, we rejoice in God’s loving gift. This video greeting, recently recorded in Asia, includes an invitation to next year’s Annual Meeting and a first glimpse of its timely theme—the pearl of great price.

Live Chat on the topic “Never Alone”

On November 17, 2009, 2 pm - 3 pm, there will be a live chat with Joan Wattam, C.S., on www.spirituality.com.

Holidays can sometimes be lonely, even if someone has many friends. Memories of loved ones who have passed away, family conflicts and separations, or other difficulties may dominate thought during these times. But each of us has a spiritual right to genuine joy and the feeling of God’s love as a very present help right now! For uplifting ideas that can help eliminate sorrow, fear, and loneliness, join us for this chat with a Christian Science practitioner from the United Kingdom. This chat is available for replay after the event is over.

Upcoming Sunday School Roundtable chat

On Monday, November 16, 2009, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m., you can participate in the next chat on the topic of “Make it a Master Class: Jesus as the Ultimate Teacher.” Each event connects Sunday School students, teachers, and superintendents from around the world.

Want to become a better Sunday School teacher? Why not take a few tips from the Master, Christ Jesus? During this chat, we’ll tackle questions like: How did Jesus interact with young people? What did he teach his students? How did he adapt lessons to them? How did he prompt and answer questions? What did he expect students to do as a result of what he taught? And how does all of this relate to the Church Manual provision for Sunday School today? Susie Jostyn will host Ryder Stevens, a Christian Science practitioner with a Master of Divinity degree and a vibrant love of the Bible and youth.

If you can’t join the chat, you can post questions beforehand in the Sunday School Discussion Forum on the website (http://tmcyouth.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=6) and listen to the recorded chat afterwards. For more information, visit http://tmcyouth.com/sunday-school/roundtable/.

Announcing today’s admission of new members

November 6, 2009. The Clerk of The Mother Church shared the following news with members and friends.

Once again, I have the happy privilege of writing you to share news of today’s admission of new members.

Applications were received in Dutch, English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish and were sent to us from the following locations:

Angola, Australia, Benin, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chile, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa), France, Germany, Guatemala, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), Romania, Rwanda, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Tanzania, The Netherlands, Togo, United Kingdom, United States of America, Zambia.

The newest members of our worldwide church family unite with us as members of the Church defined by Mary Baker Eddy in the Glossary of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: “The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick.”

Our gratitude goes out to all members and Christian Science teachers who support the admissions of new members through their prayers and by approving and countersigning applications. Applications for membership are welcome at any time. The next admission of new members will take place on June 4, 2010. Completed applications must be received by the Office of the Clerk no later than June 2.

With heartfelt love and appreciation for each of you,

Nate Talbot
Clerk of The Mother Church

The Christian Science Monitor’s year of progress

October 28, 2009. John Yemma, Editor, and Jonathan Wells, Managing Publishers of The Christian Science Monitor share the following update:

It’s been a year of progress and promise at The Christian Science Monitor since we announced, last October, our shift to being Web-first and multi-platform. We wanted to offer a few highlights – and ask you to join us in sharing and spreading the Monitor’s unique brand of journalism far and wide.

Highlights: Reaching more readers in more ways than ever

• About 2.5 million unique people visit CSMonitor.com each month. Website traffic is up, on average, 30% since last year. Our journalists now publish news all hours of the day. An editor in Dubai even keeps watch while the Boston crew sleeps.
• The Monitor weekly magazine has 67,000 paid subscribers. That’s a 55% increase from the 43,000 daily-edition subscribers in April. The magazine’s well-received cover stories have ranged from “Inside Pakistan” to “Washington’s Real Power Brokers.”
• The Daily News Briefing has 1,800 paid subscribers. This printable digital subscription edition is outperforming expectations by 50%.
• Our 6,800 Facebook fans (up from just 1,000 in January) engage in lively conversations on big topics.

How you can help:

• Make CSMonitor.com your home page. (Click here to learn how.)
• Give 12-month gift subscriptions to friends, local libraries, or schools by clicking here.
• Subscribe to the Daily News Briefing by clicking here. Its exclusive column from the editor, digests of top stories, and metaphysical article are all delivered to you digitally by 5 a.m. for just $5.75 a month.
• Become a Monitor Facebook fan. Join the conversations and share your favorite stories with Facebook friends.

Thanks for your continued support as we all work to expand the reach and impact of Mary Baker Eddy’s beloved Monitor.

A national environmental award for the Publishing House

October 16: 2009. The following is an excerpt from a press release announcing national recognition for renovations in the Christian Science Publishing House Building on the Christian Science Plaza.

RENOVATIONS AT CHRISTIAN SCIENCE plaza achieve LEED GOLD certification

BOSTON, MA – The U.S. Green Building Council has recognized The First Church of Christ, Scientist, with a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification for renovations to floors 5-9 in the Christian Science Publishing House Building.

The building, located at 210 Massachusetts Avenue in Boston, was constructed between 1932 and 1934. Renovating commercial interiors to today’s green standards is a significant achievement – especially for buildings of that era.

“This project clearly demonstrates that a high level of sustainable construction can be achieved even for historic renovation projects,” said Jim Hunt, Chief of Environment and Energy for the City of Boston. “Mayor Menino and I applaud the Christian Science Church renovation team for their commitment to getting to LEED Gold and setting another major mark in Boston’s already rich green building history.” The City of Boston is nationally recognized as a leader in green building policy and construction, being the first city in the U.S. to incorporate the USGBC’s LEED standards into zoning.

“Green made sense to us – in caring for the environment, conserving resources, and creating more pleasant and efficient work spaces for our employees,” said Harley Gates, Senior Manager, Capital and Business Operations for the Church.

LEED credits were awarded for: salvaging and recycling demolition materials; extensive reuse of furniture systems, furnishings, and cabinets; water use reduction; measures that support indoor air quality; natural light to 90% of the work space; an energy-efficient HVAC system; and other conservation measures.

Announcing final two floors leased on the Christian Science Plaza

October 7, 2009. Real Estate Planning & Operations announced that the last two available floors of 177 Huntington Avenue (the former Church Administration Building) are now leased!

WordStream, Inc. took occupancy of the 16th floor in October. The other floor has been leased to current tenant CSN Stores.

We express our thanks to:

• Employees for making the move to the Christian Science Publishing House possible last year,
• The Site Services team who transformed the Administration Building into “177 Huntington,”
• And FHO Partners (our brokers), who never gave up during a challenging leasing market.

What has been accomplished reflects the promise from II Corinthians 8:14: “… now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality.”

Natural disasters: Church is a healing force

October 5, 2009. The Clerk of the Church sent the following e-mail message to members and friends.

Natural disasters pose ongoing challenges for communities around the world. The Mother Church wants to reassure you that your Church is a healing force in the midst of these difficulties. We see scientific prayer as a powerful rebuttal to what the human mind fears. Here are a few hints at what happens behind the scenes.

Response begins right away. For example, when the first typhoon hit the Philippines a week ago Saturday, a member there e-mailed staff in Boston describing one member who was on her roof with her dog waiting to be rescued and two others whose homes had been lost. That request for prayer was posted on TMCYouth.com. Almost immediately people responded with healing ideas and prayers. Another discussion began on TMCYouth.com with a request for help from Indonesia.

Church representatives get in touch with members in affected areas. These members also request our prayers.

Articles published by The Christian Science Publishing Society certainly represent the prayers of writers, editors, and staff, and they support prayers of members everywhere. Articles are quickly posted on CSMonitor.com, spirituality.com, and the online Herald. The Christian Science Sentinel will quickly change the focus of an upcoming issue to meet the need.

Christian Science lecturers adapt lectures to meet the need of the communities in which they speak and share how God is a present help to all who are in trouble. Christian Science practitioners everywhere pray daily to bring healing to our world.

We surely won’t underestimate the impact of our prayers.

A call to prayer

September 29, 2009. The Clerk of The Mother Church invited members and friends to join together in prayer. “Yes, Christian Scientists are to obey the law of the land regarding contagion. And we do something more! We rise to a true sense of the power of God which stops contagion.”

• "At a time of contagious disease, Christian Scientists endeavor to rise in consciousness to the true sense of the omnipotence of Life, Truth, and Love, and this great fact in Christian Science realized will stop a contagion” (Mary Baker Eddy, My 116:2)
• A Christian Science lecture, “Safe from contagion”
• The October 12 issue of the Christian Science Sentinel on “Flu-proof health.”
• New blogs on TMCYouth.com
• Mrs. Eddy’s article on contagion in English and other languages
• Two articles on CSMonitor.com: “Swine flu—and unlimited immunity” and “Defense against the flu.”

Live chat on “Healing prayer: an effective response to swine flu”

Thursday, October 8, 2009, 2 pm to 3 pm EDT. Participate in a www.spirituality.com live chat with Colleen Douglass, CSB. The news has been full of reports on international efforts to control the spread of swine flu. It’s important to take a step back and be alert to the pressures and fears that can arise from this continual coverage. Join this chat to gain spiritual insights into how prayer can not only protect you from, and heal you of, swine flu or any other illness, but also help to stop the spread of the disease itself.

Live chat on “Home: more than a place to hang your hat”

Tuesday, October 6, 2009, 2 pm to 3 pm EDT. Participate in a www.spirituality.com live chat with Fenella Bennetts, CSB. “Home is not a place, but a power,” said Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of Christian Science (as quoted in Irving Tomlinson, Twelve Years with Mary Baker Eddy p. 211). If you’d like to know more about this idea or find out how prayer can help you through foreclosure or other challenges to your home, bring your questions to this chat. Join in an exploration of the spiritual basis of a home you can’t lose and discover how prayer can provide a more stable home environment.

Live Chat on “Technology: how can I keep up with the changes?”

Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 2 pm to 3 pm, www.spirituality.com live chat with Jon Benson, CS. From iPhones to iPods, from software for one’s home computer to changes at work, technology is always asking us to learn new things. What happens if we can’t keep up? Or if some new software is hard to use? There’s an answer in prayer. In Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy wrote, “’Let there be light,’ is the perpetual demand of Truth and Love, changing chaos into order and discord into the music of the spheres” (p. 255). Live chats are available for replay the next day.

Discussion at the Mary Baker Eddy Library: “Facing Down Slavery, a Contemporary Story”

On September 29 at 7 pm, the Mary Baker Eddy Library will host a trio of Boston-based humanitarians who will speak about what it takes to “face down slavery” in today’s world. Panelists will be: Gloria White-Hammond, co-founder of My Sister’s Keeper; Ned Eames, founder of Tenacity; and Kaia Stern, director of Pathways Home Project at the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute of Race and Justice at Harvard Law School. This discussion will be held in the Hall of Ideas at the Library in Boston; it won’t be posted online.

SUNDAY SCHOOL ROUNDTABLE CHATS

Coming Monday, September 21, 2009, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (Boston), there will be a live chat on the topic of “Sunday School: What’s the Big Idea?” with Susie Jostyn, John Kohler, Tony Lobl, and other special guests. They’re starting up their Sunday School roundtable chat series again for the fall! And, they’re further expanding their multimedia approach—incorporating video, graphics, audio, and a live text conversation among guests and listeners during the last 15 minutes. It’s all part of their continuing effort to better connect our global team of Sunday School students, teachers and superintendents. For more information, log on now to www.tmcyouth.com/roundtablechat.

A message from the Christian Science Board of Directors

August 24, 2009

Dear Member of The Mother Church,

As you know, last week there was a change in the Christian Science Board of Directors. Walter D. Jones, CSB, resigned after serving faithfully for 11½ years, and Michael Pabst, CSB, was elected to fill that position.

Over the past four years, Walter also served on the Board of Trustees of The Christian Science Publishing Society. The Church Manual specifies that the remaining Trustees fill the vacancy, and that step has been taken. We are delighted to share the good news that Michael Pabst will serve on the Board of Trustees, as well as the Christian Science Board of Directors.

Don Adams, CS, of Houston, Texas, has also served as a Trustee. Don has given tirelessly to this important work for the past five and a half years, and recently submitted his resignation in order to devote himself more fully to his healing practice. “It’s been a joy, and so rewarding, to be part of the amazing amount of progress the Publishing Society has made in the past five and half years,” Don said.

Judy Wolff, CSB, Chair of the Board of Trustees, commented, “Don was a major catalyst in the transformation and bold strategy for The Christian Science Monitor, as well as the renewed focus on the Bible Lesson, the launch of my Bible Lesson, and the overhaul of the operational infrastructure of the Society. All the periodicals Mary Baker Eddy founded are near and dear to Don’s heart, and we deeply appreciate his energetic contributions.”

We send our deepest thanks to our good friend and colleague, Don. And of course, we can never thank Walter enough for all he gave serving as both Trustee and Director.

We have one more reason for gratitude today. Scott Preller, CSB, of Andover, Massachusetts, has agreed to serve as the newest trustee. Many in the Field know Scott through his service as a Christian Science chaplain, his articles in periodicals, and his most recent work on the Christian Science Board of Lectureship. Scott brings years of healing experience to his new position, as well as humility, earnestness, and depth of spirit.

Michael and Scott are eager to join the Publishing Society during this transformative period in the world of publishing, and we know that the team at the Publishing Society is eager to welcome them.

With much appreciation for each member’s vital role in the ongoing healing ministry that’s so central to the mission of this Church.

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A message from the Christian Science Board of Directors

August 20, 2009

Effective yesterday, August 19, our dear colleague Walter D. Jones, CSB, resigned from the Christian Science Board of Directors, saying, “It has been a privilege serving on the Board for the last 111/2 years.” Walter looks forward to spending more time with his family and healing practice, while continuing his Christian Science teaching and Association meetings in Des Moines, Iowa.

Walter’s most recent contribution during his service on the Board was as a Trustee of The Christian Science Publishing Society, from 2005 to the present. Judy Wolff, CSB, Chair of the Board of Trustees, describes his work in the revitalizing of the Society this way: “It would be impossible to describe Walter’s gift of service to the Publishing Society. Again and again, he’s faced down challenges like a kind of Moses, and we’ve seen the waters part before us!”

Previously, Walter served as Church Treasurer and oversaw numerous service departments, including Information Technology, Site Services, and Security. He also acted as a Trustee of The Mary Baker Eddy Library from 2000 forward. And during his tenure on the Board, Walter developed meaningful community contacts for the Church and participated as a member of the Executive Board of the Fenway Alliance for a number of years.

Before his election to the Board, Walter pursued a career in television news, followed by work for The Mother Church in Boston in several capacities starting in 1984. Returning to Iowa in 1989 to work fulltime in the Christian Science practice, he also served over seven years as Committee on Publication for Iowa.

As we thank Walter for his profoundly devoted work on the Board, we welcome Michael Pabst, CSB, of New York City as a new fellow-Director. Originally from Munich, Germany, Michael was raised as a Christian Scientist, attending Sunday School as a child and joining both his branch church and The Mother Church in his teens. He began his healing practice while studying civil engineering in college.

After working for three years researching the containment of hazardous waste at Munich Technical University, Michael accepted a position working for the German Herald of Christian Science, producing radio programs in Boston. He continued for some 13 years with the German Herald in both radio and print, eventually becoming Managing Editor.

When the Heralds were moved to the Field, Michael became Supervisor of Practitioner Services until his appointment as a member of The Christian Science Board of Lectureship in 2005. He has been lecturing since in both English and German on subjects like “Healing through God’s love” and “Relationships finding them, restoring them, preserving them.” Michael began advertising in the Journal as a Christian Science practitioner in 2000 and became a teacher of Christian Science in 2006.

Speaking of his election as Director, Michael says, “My wife, Julie, and I look forward to serving our Church in this way and to helping bring an international perspective to this wonderful work.”

“We know you’ll all want to join us in expressing deep gratitude to Walter and Karen Jones, and their family, for all they have given the Cause of Christian Science over the years,” said Board Chair Margaret Rogers. “And we invite you to welcome the Pabsts, as Michael takes on his new assignment with the Board.”

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

First Christian Science Society in Malawi

August 2009 from Journal Directory Services: We have good news from Malawi, Africa! Christian Science Society, Gola Village, Malawi, started advertising their church services in the August 2009 Directory of The Christian Science Journal. The Gola Village society is the first in their country’s history, and their addition to the Journal brings the total number of countries with a Christian Science Society or Church of Christ, Scientist, to 75 worldwide.

Christian Science activity in Malawi began in 2002, when a young man in Gola Village received a copy of Science and Health. He started healing through his study, and shared what he was learning with others. He contacted The Mother Church for more copies of Science and Health and organized an informal Christian Science group in Gola Village. Within a few years, the number of Christian Science groups in different villages in southern Malawi grew to ten!

Because of the burgeoning interest in Christian Science in this country, The Mother Church sponsored two lecture tours between 2007 and 2009 for the groups in southern Malawi. Now the Board of Trustees of The Christian Science Publishing Society has approved the application of Christian Science Society, Gola Village, to advertise its services in the Journal as a branch of The Mother Church.

The Christian Scientists in Malawi have expressed deep gratitude to The Mother Church for all the support and attention they have been given over the past few years.

Board of Trustees announces new Hymn Sing video

August 2009. At The Christian Science Publishing Society, we're on the move with music, and we hope you’ll participate!

We had a wonderful Hymn Sing in The Mother Church on Annual Meeting Weekend! The program included hymns from our much-loved Christian Science Hymnal and the new Christian Science Hymnal Supplement: Hymns 430-462. Accompanied by the organ and piano, violin and guitar, we sang along with a group of church members/singers who helped us learn some of the new hymns. In addition to singing, we also explored what the Hymnal and the Hymnal Supplement have in common, as well as the unique aspects of each. It was a joyful event.

Perhaps you attended in person or sang along with us on the audio Web stream (people logged on at 416 computers in 14 countries around the world). Whether or not you joined us that day, we wanted to share a bit of the event with you, so we're posting this short video of the Hymn Sing. Please go to http://www.spirituality.com/hymns/index.jhtml. This link will take you to the "New Christian Science Hymns" webpage, and you can watch the video right there.

On that webpage, you'll find additional information about the Supplement as well as aids for using it. There’s an online Supplement Concordance that you can download for free. And you can order the Words Only print edition of the Supplement and CD recordings of all the new hymns—with or without singing. There's also a link so you can listen to the entire Hymn Sing (available through August).

Please consider submitting text or music for the next new collection of hymns! From the webpage you can download the submission guidelines for new hymns. You can also submit solos—so that we can offer a good selection of music for church soloists as well.

We hope you watch the video, and take advantage of all the resources on the website to fully use and thoroughly enjoy the beauty and healing inspiration found in the Christian Science Hymnal Supplement.

Announcing Five New Leases at the Christian Science Plaza

July 2009. The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and FHO Partners announce five new leases totaling approximately 88,000 square feet of office space in the 177 Huntington Avenue building at the Christian Science Plaza. Only two floors remain available for lease.

New leases have been signed with CSN Stores LLC, Altus Marketing and Management, LLC, Charity Partners, Inc., One Pica, Inc., and Carbonite, Inc. CSN Stores will occupy six floors—approximately 48,000 square feet; Carbonite will occupy two floors; the other tenants will each take a full floor.

Located in the heart of the Back Bay, 177 Huntington Avenue offers Class A office space convenient to restaurants, shops, and parking, as well as public transportation and major highways.

Tom Ashe of Richards Barry Joyce represented CSN Stores; Monica Cost of Cushman & Wakefield and Stephen Rich of T3 Advisors represented Altus Marketing; Bill Crean of CB Richard Ellis represented Charity Partners; Mike Taylor of T3 Advisors represented One Pica; and Gil Dailey of Cushman & Wakefield represented Carbonite.

The First Church of Christ, Scientist, was represented in the negotiations by J. Duncan Gratton and Lauria Brennan of FHO Partners’ Asset Advisory Group.

Christian Science Publishing Society announces price adjustments

June 1, 2009. We greatly appreciate your continuing support of The Christian Science Publishing Society (CSPS). As you know, we are working to expand the reach and impact of all of our publications while at the same time making each publication financially sustainable.

Over the next several months we are increasing prices for subscriptions, Reading Room products, and Journal card advertising for branch churches, practitioners, and nurses. In many cases prices have not been adjusted for almost a decade.

Our subscription, advertising, and product prices still do not reflect the full cost of publishing. These upcoming price increases will help the CSPS to recover more of the actual costs of these essential activities. With the lower subscription price of the Monitor, subscribers to all of the publications will see a net savings in their combined subscription expenditure.

Last year in the July 2008 issue of The Christian Science Journal, we talked about the need for ongoing adjustments to the way the CSPS conducts its activities. Since then, the Publishing Society has seen some significant progress.

The Christian Science Monitor’s launch of three new editions presents a publishing model that news organizations around the world are describing as “cutting-edge and a media model worth watching.” And the outsourcing of our subscription and customer service activity will save the CSPS an estimated $1 million annually.

We’re very grateful for your devotion to all the periodicals and products of the Publishing Society. This work is so important to our spiritual growth and the salvation of humanity. It’s a privilege to work with you as fellow church members to witness the continuing demonstration of Mary Baker Eddy’s vision for the Christian Science publications.

The Board of Trustees
The Christian Science Publishing Society

Christian Science Real Estate Plaza Update

May 2009: The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston is moving through the City’s public review process, facilitated by the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA), to make improvements to the ChristianSciencePlaza. Our objectives are to: 1) enhance the open space; 2) improve the environmental sustainability of the Plaza; and 3) identify opportunities for underutilized real estate.

The Mayor of Boston has appointed a Citizens Advisory Committee ( CAC) to represent surrounding neighborhoods and businesses and act in an advisory capacity on the project. All CAC meetings are open to the public and the press.

To keep you informed, we will send periodic Employee Bulletins with highlights of what is shared at these public meetings and links to the BRA or Church website for more in-depth information. We welcome your comments, suggestions, and questions about the Plaza Revitalization Project.

The following link to the BRA website contains a project overview and notes from previous meetings (below the overview). The BRA will post notes from the May 18 meeting within the next few weeks.

Highlights of the meeting held May 18, 2009:

• Reviewed goals and objectives for the Christian Science Plaza Revitalization Project presented at the April 2 meeting (meeting notes on BRA website—click on the above link)
• Reviewed opportunities for underutilized Plaza real estate presented at April 27 meeting (notes on BRA website)
• Discussed the amount of new development needed to meet the goal of having our real estate be self-supporting in the future: approximately 950,000 square feet of office and residential space
• Engaged in an interactive session between CAC members and the Church team using a site model and considered possible options for where and how to add development while maintaining open space and preserving existing buildings
• The next CAC meeting on June 10 will continue this discussion regarding adding new square footage to the Plaza

For more information, contact csplaza@csps.com.

Announcing Berklee College of Music’s purchase of buildings located at 154-174 Massachusetts Avenue from The First Church of Christ, Scientist

BOSTON -- Berklee College of Music and The First Church of Christ, Scientist, today announced Berklee’s purchase of 154-174 Massachusetts Avenue, a 13,300 square foot parcel located between Belvidere and St. Germain Streets. The buildings are presently leased to Berklee, McDonald’s Restaurant Corporation, and Arirang Restaurant.

“We very much appreciate the Church agreeing to sell this property to the college,” said Roger H. Brown, Berklee president. “This is a strategic acquisition for the college because of the property’s location in the center of our campus, and its eventual redevelopment will help to meet our pressing space needs. We look forward to consulting with the Boston Redevelopment Authority and the community advisory task force working with us in our ongoing Institutional Master Planning process as planning for the property proceeds. We are grateful to the Church for their willingness to consider our request to sell us the property, and to accommodate us in this way.”

“Berklee approached us about buying this property where they have leased space from us for more than a decade,” said Margaret Rogers, Chair of the Christian Science Board of Directors of The First Church of Christ, Scientist. “This parcel is not immediately adjacent to the Christian Science Plaza and is not part of the Church’s long-term plans. We recognized its importance to Berklee, and were pleased to work with them.”

Berklee intends to redevelop the property in accordance with its Institutional Master Plan, though specific plans for the site, and a timetable for implementation, remain to be determined

McCall & Almy represented Berklee in the transaction and Leggat McCall Properties represented the Church. The sale price was $6.25 million.

Detailed information on recent The Christian Science Monitor changes

April 2009. You can find detailed information about the recent changes on the Monitor webpage.

The Christian Science Monitor announces two videos

As The Christian Science Monitor moves into its new era of covering the world every day online and every week in print, we thought you’d enjoy watching a new video that introduces you to editor John Yemma and several Monitor reporters around the world. It’s posted on www.CSMonitor.com and can be seen here (Scroll down if you don’t see the video on your screen.)

Also, in a new “Editor’s Corner” video, veteran Monitor reporter Peter Grier discusses his cover story in the premiere issue of the weekly edition, “Ten ways the new economy will look different.” You can watch it here

As we launch the new multi-platform Monitor, your support and prayers are vital to its success. You can subscribe and/or give a gift subscription to the weekly edition by clicking here.

The Christian Science Monitor announces launch of new weekly edition

The new weekly edition of The Christian Science Monitor will launch April 12, 2009, and will complement daily online Monitor journalism. This new weekly edition will deliver understanding, perspective, and context on key global stories and trends. Some highlights you’ll find are:

• A cover story that will help you connect the dots on pivotal events and emerging trends around the world
• Special features and interviews with citizens around the world that will deliver an understanding of how global events impact individual lives
• Special coverage of the environment, innovations that improve lives, and global financial trends
• An article on a Christian Science perspective on daily life

If you do not currently subscribe, we hope you will subscribe to the Monitor now as it embarks on a second century of fulfilling its mission. The Monitor greatly needs the support and subscriptions of all Mother Church members as Mary Baker Eddy envisioned.

Here’s how you can subscribe to the new weekly edition:

• If you live in the US and Canada, click http://www.csmonitor.com/m_subscribe or call 1-800-456-2220 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EDT.
• If you live outside the US and Canada, click http://www.csmonitor.com/mi_subscribe or call +1-515-362-7462.
• To give gift subscriptions, click http://www.csmonitor.com/mg_subscribe or call 1-800-456-2220. For phone orders outside the US and Canada, call +1-515-362-7462

If you already subscribe to the daily print edition of the Monitor or to the Monitor’s international edition, your subscription will automatically convert to the new weekly edition.

You might enjoy these highlights of the Monitor in the news:

• Monitor Editor John Yemma was named one of the top “25 Innovators in Technology” in the March issue of Condé Nast Portfolio magazine. You can see the complete list here in which John is profiled as #14.
• The Monitor is featured in a new video titled “Digital Newspapers: The New Reality” that was just installed in the Newseum in Washington, DC. The video can be seen here.
• The Monitor was cited as one of the world’s most-trusted news sources on NewsTrust, a website that tracks hundreds of mainstream and independent news sources to help identify trustworthy news providers from around the world.
• Two major companies will begin advertising on CSMonitor.com this month: Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and Liberty Mutual Insurance.
• Earlier this year, John Yemma discussed the Monitor’s new publishing model on the popular NPR program Fresh Air. You can listen to the interview here.

Letter to subscribers from the Trustees of the Christian Science Publishing Society

February 2009. Some significant changes are underway that affect subscribing to the Christian Science periodicals as we consolidate our order-processing systems and services with CDS Global in Des Moines, Iowa, USA. Because of some initial mistakes on renewal notices and substantial adjustments required for international subscribers, we are asking for your prayers, your patience, and your suggestions.

Joining hands and hearts in prayer on behalf of our movement and its mission to the world, we know that new solutions will surface that will better resolve these issues and enable subscribers to continue to receive, read, and share the periodicals.

Some recent international periodical renewal notices incorrectly listed the subscription price as $999. We understand how surprising that price would have seemed. For example, the actual international price for the Sentinel is $78 per year. Corrected renewal notices are now being sent.

We sincerely apologize for these mistakes as we undertake an extremely complex conversion of multiple systems.

As we convert to new systems and processes, a requirement for international subscribers is that they pay for subscriptions by credit card or US or Canadian dollars. This change will substantially reduce complexity and cost. We know this new requirement is not easy for many international members. We are grateful to say that some fields have come up with creative solutions to help their members keep subscribing. All of us are a part of this important publishing enterprise and every member and subscriber is truly valued.

As most of you know, The Christian Science Publishing Society is making changes to gain efficiencies, decrease deficits, and to put in place a sustainable basis for publishing what our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, has founded. In recent years, the Publishing Society has been running deficits of $12-20 million, which have been paid from Church funds. Mrs. Eddy knew the value of the periodicals, their role in the mission of this Church, and she expected the overall activity to be profitable, instead of drawing on Church funds.

As the costs of our publishing activities become more balanced and sustainable, we can accomplish more of Mrs. Eddy's intent "of more effectually promoting and extending the religion of Christian Science as taught by (her)." (Deed of Trust, 1898)

The world is yearning for the truths of Christian Science, perhaps more than ever given current challenges in the world. Our goal is to meet that need through all the Manual activities of this Church, including an "efficient publishing society" that reaches people through the web, e-mail, print, and other 21st-century communication channels. (Miscellaneous Writings, p.126:19)

Announcing the First Citizens Advisory Committee meeting for the Christian Science Plaza

The Church is engaged in a project to revitalize the 14.5 acre Christian Science Plaza, developed over 40 years ago. The project is in the planning phase, and no plans have been filed yet with the City of Boston. The Church plans to continue to own the land and retain control over the Plaza.

Last July, the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) announced that the Mayor of Boston would appoint a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) to review revitalization plans for the Christian Science Plaza.

Mayor Menino has now appointed the CAC, which includes representatives from residential neighborhood associations, area businesses, individual residents, and elected officials. Their role, as representatives of the surrounding neighborhood, is to act in an advisory capacity and give input to the Church and the BRA.

The CAC will have its first meeting with representatives from the BRA and the Church in an introductory meeting at City Hall on February 10, 2009. Additional meetings will be scheduled by the CAC in the months to come.

This process is facilitated by the BRA. All meetings are open to the public and to the media. Meeting dates will be posted on the BRA website: http://www.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org/calendar/calendar.asp.

On a related topic, progress continues on leasing available space at 177 Huntington Avenue (the former Administration building). To date, three leases have been signed for office tenants. Announced last summer was the lease for all the available office space in the former Colonnade building to Northeastern University for some of its administrative offices.

A new day: Statement from The Christian Science Board of Directors

As significant as this shift in US government is, we are convinced a far more momentous change has been stirring globally – a spiritual transformation.

On Jan. 20, one president of the United States leaves office and another is sworn in. Our prayers go out to both of them. As significant as this political shift is, however, we are convinced a far more momentous and even epochal change has been stirring globally – a spiritual transformation.

As we've traveled several continents in recent years, our board has observed, and tangibly felt, a wellspring of hope rising, despite the troubles of these times. It is a fresh-faced conviction among people from South to North America, from Europe to Africa, that something better is coming – and must come. There is a growing confidence that universal peace and well-being are, against all odds, actually achievable on planet Earth.

Humanity's inborn longing for good, and the right to experience it, is our divine heritage as sons and daughters of the Creator. The one supreme intelligence of the universe is not only impelling, but tenderly sheltering every right motive we'll ever feel – and bringing it to fruition. And the greatest good that God has given each of us is to discern and experience spiritual reality, even where there seems to be only the solidity of matter and physicality.

So what can each of us do to accelerate this worldwide spiritual transformation? We believe it's this: To humbly yield to the harmonious destiny that's sweeping humanity forward. To look to what Mary Baker Eddy, who founded Christian Science, called "the sustaining infinite," more than to people. To nurture and defend in ourselves the childlike humility before God that Jesus lived. With evil and disease and corruption all around him, he proclaimed the kingdom of heaven as present reality – and proved decisively that they could be overcome in individual lives. The world has never been the same since.

Yes, inauguration day brings a change of US presidents. But the vastly more important meaning of this moment is that today we can let God change our hearts. And each heart anywhere in the world that yields, even a little, to God's transforming grace, wisdom, and love helps alter the course of humankind. Each heart that glimpses even a tiny snapshot of spiritual reality helps usher in a new and millennial day for humanity.

Visit the archive to read news from previous years.