Join the latest ecumenical workshop\u00a0entitled “Yes, we’re Christian. No, we’re not a cult!” The workshop covers how Christian Science fits in a contemporary Christian world, why it is wanted and needed, and what individual Christian Scientists can do to support that. See flyer for contact information. \u00a0The first such workshop in Northern California will be held on\u00a0Saturday, July 12th\u00a0at Arden Wood, San Francisco. \u00a0The Ecumenical Workshop flyer has location details, information about sponsoring churches, and directions.
The post \u201cYes, we\u2019re Christian. No, we\u2019re not a cult!\u201d first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "content_text": "Join the latest ecumenical workshop\u00a0entitled “Yes, we’re Christian. No, we’re not a cult!” The workshop covers how Christian Science fits in a contemporary Christian world, why it is wanted and needed, and what individual Christian Scientists can do to support that. See flyer for contact information. \u00a0The first such workshop in Northern California will be held on\u00a0Saturday, July 12th\u00a0at Arden Wood, San Francisco. \u00a0The Ecumenical Workshop flyer has location details, information about sponsoring churches, and directions.The post \u201cYes, we\u2019re Christian. No, we\u2019re not a cult!\u201d first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "date_published": "2014-04-20T21:05:06-07:00", "date_modified": "2014-06-27T15:53:21-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Engaging with the Faith Community" ] }, { "id": "https://csnorcal.org/?p=803", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/2014/03/29/mountain-view-getting-to-know-our-neighbors/", "title": "Mountain View \u2013 Getting to Know our Neighbors", "content_html": "As the members of First Church, Mountain View developed a greater sense of fellowship amongst themselves, this naturally expanded to getting to know their neighbors better as well. Watch and listen as members share some of the ways they have been able to support their neighborhood–including a community vegetable garden and a church rummage sale.
\nThis video was produced by the national Church Alive organization, and can also be found\u00a0here.
The post Mountain View \u2013 Getting to Know our Neighbors first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "content_text": "As the members of First Church, Mountain View developed a greater sense of fellowship amongst themselves, this naturally expanded to getting to know their neighbors better as well. Watch and listen as members share some of the ways they have been able to support their neighborhood–including a community vegetable garden and a church rummage sale.\nThis video was produced by the national Church Alive organization, and can also be found\u00a0here.The post Mountain View \u2013 Getting to Know our Neighbors first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "date_published": "2014-03-29T13:21:20-07:00", "date_modified": "2014-03-29T13:31:20-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://csnorcal.org/files/2014/03/mountain-view-getting-to-know-ou.jpg", "tags": [ "Conversation Starters" ] }, { "id": "https://csnorcal.org/?p=792", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/2014/03/29/summit-fruitage/", "title": "Summit Fruitage", "content_html": "by Sue Krevitt in\u00a0Santa Cruz
\nRecently I was included in a Post-Summit meeting of sixteen Christian Scientists–wonderful folks eager to give-and-receive fresh and enlightening ideas on the topic of church–an important subject in all our hearts. There were Journal-listed practitioners, budding practitioners, a CS Teacher\u2026 all solid thinkers and doers in our movement, in this \u2018place of thought\u2019 called Northern California Church Alive!
\nWith such pure motives, such love and desire to be all\u00a0we can be in the world, expressing Mind/Life/Truth/Love,\u00a0the results of this meeting (and other such gatherings going on around this globe) are, and have to be, nothing but GOOD!
\nI’m offering some thoughts\u00a0on the topic \u201cLet’s Share More NCCA Summit Fruitage!\u201d
\nQuestion: Do I feel that the Northern California Church Alive Summit has brought me closer to my Goal: discovering more of my own (and others\u2019) connection to God?
\n![\"Lively](\"https://csnorcal.org/files/2014/03/2013-ChurchAlive_356.jpg\")
Answer: Yes. \u00a0My prayerful request had been: \u00a0Put me in an atmosphere alive with conversation/discussion/idea-flow/ livelymusic/ singing/ sharing/ food/ fun/ art/even dancing! \u00a0Help me find out what church can be\u2026expanded waay out \u2026 to bring me to a larger place in thought to what church can be, perhaps is, in fact.\u00a0 My prayers were answered at the summit! \u00a0It was all this and more.
Over this past year, my branch church has benefited by the light received at the Summit\u2026the six of us who went\u00a0are quietly–so far–sharing some of what we got, what changes/improvements/new ways we see might be well-received by our church family/community. These ideas are\u00a0being prayerfully considered, some implemented (our business meetings are now in the SS, in a circle–more like a family circle than facing-backs-formal). \u00a0We\u2019ve used our main auditorium piano instead of the organ a few times. \u00a0We are planning a Summit-Sharing Meeting soon, with light refreshments, videos, etc., and possibly asking some who attended the Summit to be presenters. One attendee told me she felt “transformed” by the Summit weekend!
\n\n
Question: Why did I need 700 other people (Summit attendees) to help me feel more of my (and others\u2019) connection to God?
\nAnswer: For now, I want the connection and assurance from others that I am on the right track by staying on a spiritual path in this “very material world.”
\nQuestion: Why did I take part in the hundreds of emails and phone calls, etc., over 7 months to help host and staff the Summit last May?
\n![\"Sharing\"](\"https://csnorcal.org/files/2014/03/Sharing.jpg\")
Answer: \u00a0Although it was demanding, I have been rewarded with feeling good about using my God-given talents to help out in this way. \u00a0I interfaced during the six months planning with 18 of the finest Christian thinkers and doers in our region, was inspired and uplifted by them, and more grateful than ever to be part of the CS movement! \u00a0(And others worked much hard than I did, btw.)
Question: \u00a0What are some of my reasons to continue being involved with\u00a0Post-Summit Discussion Groups?
\nAnswer: \u00a0Because I/we will continue to need each other for\u00a0support, for networking, for inspiration and fresh ideas, \u00a0for a while yet. \u00a0The energy from the Summit is still strong, still vital! \u00a0This work is the activity of divine Mind in our midst, the outpouring of Love in this \u201chuman realm.\u201d
\n\n
While God\u2019s provision may not be the biblical loaves and fishes, clearly the sharing and love at the Summit and the Post-Summit meetings, on our website (www.csnorcal.org), in our emails and other conversations are all part of Love\u2019s manna-of-today. \u00a0\u00a0Let\u2019s feast!
\nI love learning that Truth is not abstract, impractical, ineffectual! \u00a0It is solid\u00a0substance, here-and-now stuff we can use today.
\nFor instance? \u00a0 Go to www.csnorcal.org…
\nHere\u2019s great info on how to join in the discussion ~ Re-visit the Summit videos ~ Contribute your ideas and ask your questions ~ Find out how others are renewing church services ~ be a more effective Sunday School teacher\u2026\u00a0and this site is growing, and will grow with your help!
\nA Church Liaison Group now forming is to keep our connection going\u2026to bring and get information–like vital fertilizer!\u2014to our church activity. The 77 CS churches and societies in the northern California region are rich resources for cross-pollination! \u00a0 (At the Summit, we used the analogy of gardening, seed-sowing, weeding, the Tree of Life, roots, etc. \u00a0I think this is a great way to illustrate what we are doing, don\u2019t you?)
\nI send you warm thoughts for ever-increasing joy and healing, as we go forward together on this great pathway of Life.
The post Summit Fruitage first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "content_text": "by Sue Krevitt in\u00a0Santa Cruz\nRecently I was included in a Post-Summit meeting of sixteen Christian Scientists–wonderful folks eager to give-and-receive fresh and enlightening ideas on the topic of church–an important subject in all our hearts. There were Journal-listed practitioners, budding practitioners, a CS Teacher\u2026 all solid thinkers and doers in our movement, in this \u2018place of thought\u2019 called Northern California Church Alive!\nWith such pure motives, such love and desire to be all\u00a0we can be in the world, expressing Mind/Life/Truth/Love,\u00a0the results of this meeting (and other such gatherings going on around this globe) are, and have to be, nothing but GOOD!\nI’m offering some thoughts\u00a0on the topic \u201cLet’s Share More NCCA Summit Fruitage!\u201d\nQuestion: Do I feel that the Northern California Church Alive Summit has brought me closer to my Goal: discovering more of my own (and others\u2019) connection to God?\nAnswer: Yes. \u00a0My prayerful request had been: \u00a0Put me in an atmosphere alive with conversation/discussion/idea-flow/ livelymusic/ singing/ sharing/ food/ fun/ art/even dancing! \u00a0Help me find out what church can be\u2026expanded waay out \u2026 to bring me to a larger place in thought to what church can be, perhaps is, in fact.\u00a0 My prayers were answered at the summit! \u00a0It was all this and more.\nOver this past year, my branch church has benefited by the light received at the Summit\u2026the six of us who went\u00a0are quietly–so far–sharing some of what we got, what changes/improvements/new ways we see might be well-received by our church family/community. These ideas are\u00a0being prayerfully considered, some implemented (our business meetings are now in the SS, in a circle–more like a family circle than facing-backs-formal). \u00a0We\u2019ve used our main auditorium piano instead of the organ a few times. \u00a0We are planning a Summit-Sharing Meeting soon, with light refreshments, videos, etc., and possibly asking some who attended the Summit to be presenters. One attendee told me she felt “transformed” by the Summit weekend!\n \nQuestion: Why did I need 700 other people (Summit attendees) to help me feel more of my (and others\u2019) connection to God?\nAnswer: For now, I want the connection and assurance from others that I am on the right track by staying on a spiritual path in this “very material world.”\nQuestion: Why did I take part in the hundreds of emails and phone calls, etc., over 7 months to help host and staff the Summit last May?\nAnswer: \u00a0Although it was demanding, I have been rewarded with feeling good about using my God-given talents to help out in this way. \u00a0I interfaced during the six months planning with 18 of the finest Christian thinkers and doers in our region, was inspired and uplifted by them, and more grateful than ever to be part of the CS movement! \u00a0(And others worked much hard than I did, btw.)\nQuestion: \u00a0What are some of my reasons to continue being involved with\u00a0Post-Summit Discussion Groups?\nAnswer: \u00a0Because I/we will continue to need each other for\u00a0support, for networking, for inspiration and fresh ideas, \u00a0for a while yet. \u00a0The energy from the Summit is still strong, still vital! \u00a0This work is the activity of divine Mind in our midst, the outpouring of Love in this \u201chuman realm.\u201d\n \nWhile God\u2019s provision may not be the biblical loaves and fishes, clearly the sharing and love at the Summit and the Post-Summit meetings, on our website (www.csnorcal.org), in our emails and other conversations are all part of Love\u2019s manna-of-today. \u00a0\u00a0Let\u2019s feast!\nI love learning that Truth is not abstract, impractical, ineffectual! \u00a0It is solid\u00a0substance, here-and-now stuff we can use today.\nFor instance? \u00a0 Go to www.csnorcal.org…\nHere\u2019s great info on how to join in the discussion ~ Re-visit the Summit videos ~ Contribute your ideas and ask your questions ~ Find out how others are renewing church services ~ be a more effective Sunday School teacher\u2026\u00a0and this site is growing, and will grow with your help!\nA Church Liaison Group now forming is to keep our connection going\u2026to bring and get information–like vital fertilizer!\u2014to our church activity. The 77 CS churches and societies in the northern California region are rich resources for cross-pollination! \u00a0 (At the Summit, we used the analogy of gardening, seed-sowing, weeding, the Tree of Life, roots, etc. \u00a0I think this is a great way to illustrate what we are doing, don\u2019t you?)\nI send you warm thoughts for ever-increasing joy and healing, as we go forward together on this great pathway of Life.The post Summit Fruitage first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "date_published": "2014-03-29T08:20:27-07:00", "date_modified": "2014-03-29T08:20:27-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://csnorcal.org/files/2014/03/Sharing.jpg", "tags": [ "Discussion Groups", "Engaging with the Faith Community", "Fellowship" ] }, { "id": "https://csnorcal.org/?p=799", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/2014/02/15/worldwide-church-alive-prayer-watch/", "title": "Worldwide Church Alive Prayer Watch", "content_html": "There is a link at\u00a0christianscience.com\u00a0for “Worldwide Church Alive Prayer Watch”.\u00a0\u00a0Visit the link:\u00a0https://community.christianscience.com/message/13325#13325\u00a0
\nHere are some excerpts from the site:
\nWhat is the Worldwide Church Alive Prayer Watch?
\nThe purpose of the Prayer Watch is to prayerfully support the activities and events of Church Alive across the globe. The Church Alive Prayer Watch community gathers twice a year via conference call in support of the worldwide Church Alive activities and The Mother Church Annual Meeting.
\nThe purpose of Church Alive, a Board of Directors\u2019 initiative, is to support member-to-member sharing about church experiences, inspiration, and needs. This Church Alive Prayer Watch is open to all members and friends.
Current theme:\u00a0\u201cO send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.\u201d — Ps 43:3
The post Worldwide Church Alive Prayer Watch first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "content_text": "There is a link at\u00a0christianscience.com\u00a0for “Worldwide Church Alive Prayer Watch”.\u00a0\u00a0Visit the link:\u00a0https://community.christianscience.com/message/13325#13325\u00a0\nHere are some excerpts from the site:\nWhat is the Worldwide Church Alive Prayer Watch?\nThe purpose of the Prayer Watch is to prayerfully support the activities and events of Church Alive across the globe. The Church Alive Prayer Watch community gathers twice a year via conference call in support of the worldwide Church Alive activities and The Mother Church Annual Meeting.\nThe purpose of Church Alive, a Board of Directors\u2019 initiative, is to support member-to-member sharing about church experiences, inspiration, and needs. This Church Alive Prayer Watch is open to all members and friends.\nCurrent theme:\u00a0\u201cO send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.\u201d — Ps 43:3The post Worldwide Church Alive Prayer Watch first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "date_published": "2014-02-15T08:23:33-08:00", "date_modified": "2014-03-29T08:26:19-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "News" ] }, { "id": "https://csnorcal.org/?p=775", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/2014/02/03/the-high-goal/", "title": "The High Goal", "content_html": "From the Circle of Faith blog:
\n\u00a0by Brian Talcott, CSB\u00a0
\nHave you wondered what is the true high goal of ecumenical dialogue? It is to heal the hatred, conflict and division within the Church Christ Jesus founded. Because healing is at the center of this global effort, certainly there is a place for Christian Scientists\u2014since healing is one of the central expressions of our faith. Why get involved with Christians whose faith practices include other perspectives and priorities drawn from Christ Jesus\u2019 life and teaching? Will dialogue with other Christians about our common beliefs weaken our healing practice in our own faith? Or are we being called to bring our healing practice to address some of the greater works Jesus promised and asked us to do.
\nThere is a spiritual transformation going on globally….
\nRead the whole article here: \u00a0https://community.christianscience.com/community/ecumenical_and_interfaith/blog/2014/01/18/144-ecumenical-dialogue-the-high-goal
The post The High Goal first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "content_text": "From the Circle of Faith blog:\n\u00a0by Brian Talcott, CSB\u00a0\nHave you wondered what is the true high goal of ecumenical dialogue? It is to heal the hatred, conflict and division within the Church Christ Jesus founded. Because healing is at the center of this global effort, certainly there is a place for Christian Scientists\u2014since healing is one of the central expressions of our faith. Why get involved with Christians whose faith practices include other perspectives and priorities drawn from Christ Jesus\u2019 life and teaching? Will dialogue with other Christians about our common beliefs weaken our healing practice in our own faith? Or are we being called to bring our healing practice to address some of the greater works Jesus promised and asked us to do.\nThere is a spiritual transformation going on globally….\nRead the whole article here: \u00a0https://community.christianscience.com/community/ecumenical_and_interfaith/blog/2014/01/18/144-ecumenical-dialogue-the-high-goalThe post The High Goal first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "date_published": "2014-02-03T19:53:38-08:00", "date_modified": "2014-02-03T19:53:38-08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Discussion Groups", "Engaging with the Faith Community" ] }, { "id": "https://csnorcal.org/?p=766", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/2014/01/22/faith-and-ecumenical-discussion-group-conference-calls/", "title": "Faith and Ecumenical Discussion Group Conference Calls", "content_html": "The Faith and Ecumenical Discussion Group holds an informative conference call on the first Sunday evening of the month at 7:30, hosted by co-coordinators Brian Talcott and Marilyn McPherson. We share our questions and experiences and learn of new activities happening in various ecumenical and interfaith groups in the area. An important development is the launching this year of an Ecumenical Workshop for Christian Scientists from the Manager of Committees on Publication.
\nThe Ecumenical Workshop Flyer, defines ecumenical as:![\"Ecumenical](\"https://csnorcal.org/files/2014/01/Ecumenical-flyer.png\")
We encourage readers to visit Circle of Faith regularly, where the latest post is headed “Have you wondered what is the true high goal of ecumenical dialogue? It is to heal the hatred, conflict and division within the Church Christ Jesus founded.”
\n
The conference calls are open to all.
\nNext call: Sunday, Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m.
\nDial-in Number: (661) 673-8600; Participant Access Code: 327950#.
Several members of the Church Alive community participated in this year’s Burning Man event in Nevada over Labor Day. Anna Lisa Kronman writes up a beautiful post about her experience of learning about a deeper meaning of “church”. She writes:
\n![\"Burning](\"https://csnorcal.org/files/2013/11/P1250426-300x225.jpg\")
A unique element of Burning Man is its gift-based, rather than consumer-based economy….
\nEveryone that comes is expected to give something.\u00a0 Also part of this culture: extraordinary creativity, art, loud music, a markedly friendly and open/permissive atmosphere, and whimsical clothing (or sometimes none.)
A group of people who love Christian Science felt there was a good reason to be a presence in this city.\u00a0 We came to wash feet.
\nWe hadn\u2019t specifically set out to \u201cdo church\u201d there at Burning Man.\u00a0 We had planned to lovingly embrace that city of lively seekers by actively seeing their spiritual worthiness as we washed dust from their feet.\u00a0 What a surprise that in doing so, we discovered we were in the middle of church!
\nRead her whole post here:\u00a0http://annalisakronmancs.sharethepractice.org/2013/10/22/surprise-church-at-burning-man/
The post Learning about Church at Burning Man first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "content_text": "Several members of the Church Alive community participated in this year’s Burning Man event in Nevada over Labor Day. Anna Lisa Kronman writes up a beautiful post about her experience of learning about a deeper meaning of “church”. She writes:\nA unique element of Burning Man is its gift-based, rather than consumer-based economy….\nEveryone that comes is expected to give something.\u00a0 Also part of this culture: extraordinary creativity, art, loud music, a markedly friendly and open/permissive atmosphere, and whimsical clothing (or sometimes none.)\nA group of people who love Christian Science felt there was a good reason to be a presence in this city.\u00a0 We came to wash feet.\nWe hadn\u2019t specifically set out to \u201cdo church\u201d there at Burning Man.\u00a0 We had planned to lovingly embrace that city of lively seekers by actively seeing their spiritual worthiness as we washed dust from their feet.\u00a0 What a surprise that in doing so, we discovered we were in the middle of church!\nRead her whole post here:\u00a0http://annalisakronmancs.sharethepractice.org/2013/10/22/surprise-church-at-burning-man/The post Learning about Church at Burning Man first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "date_published": "2013-11-05T22:11:41-08:00", "date_modified": "2013-11-18T20:13:31-08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://csnorcal.org/files/2013/11/P1250426.jpg", "tags": [ "Fellowship", "Lectures", "Services (and Music)" ] }, { "id": "https://csnorcal.org/?p=738", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/2013/10/27/the-popes-challenge-love-over-ideology/", "title": "The Pope\u2019s Challenge: Love over Ideology", "content_html": "By Jason Marsh
\nI was struck by this video from the Pope, which touches on a theme dear to my heart: focusing on ideology over Love.
\n\nIt got me thinking about our churches and our services.
\nWhat ideology may be pushing people away from our churches? Here’s a few ideas:
\n– King James Version (old English) solely read from the desk
\n– Formalism of our Sunday service
\n– Musical instruments and solos limited to one style of music
\n– Inflexible membership policies
\n– Judgementalism around personal health care decisions
\nSome wouldn’t want to change our stands on these issues, but I think that each of these push people away from our churches. One argument is that we would prefer to push some people away: the purity of the movement is at stake. But really? Isn’t Love in Christian Science more important than the “grave-clothes of the letter?” Do we have the attitude to “…commemorate the word and works of our Master?”
The post The Pope\u2019s Challenge: Love over Ideology first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "content_text": "By Jason Marsh\nI was struck by this video from the Pope, which touches on a theme dear to my heart: focusing on ideology over Love.\n\nIt got me thinking about our churches and our services.\nWhat ideology may be pushing people away from our churches? Here’s a few ideas:\n– King James Version (old English) solely read from the desk\n– Formalism of our Sunday service\n– Musical instruments and solos limited to one style of music\n– Inflexible membership policies\n– Judgementalism around personal health care decisions\nSome wouldn’t want to change our stands on these issues, but I think that each of these push people away from our churches. One argument is that we would prefer to push some people away: the purity of the movement is at stake. But really? Isn’t Love in Christian Science more important than the “grave-clothes of the letter?” Do we have the attitude to “…commemorate the word and works of our Master?”The post The Pope\u2019s Challenge: Love over Ideology first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "date_published": "2013-10-27T16:37:34-07:00", "date_modified": "2013-10-29T21:55:11-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://csnorcal.org/files/2013/10/the-popes-challenge-love-over-ideology.jpg", "tags": [ "Fellowship", "Services (and Music)" ] }, { "id": "https://csnorcal.org/?p=734", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/2013/10/24/phone-conference-systems-for-services-and-meetings/", "title": "Phone conference systems for services and meetings", "content_html": "by Jason Marsh, Jon Mattson, and Grace Burke
\nIn response to several inquiries, I thought it would be good to post what Auburn church uses for our phone conferencing system.
\nYou can get a good Polycom speakerphone that is usually used by corporate conference rooms for about $150-$200,\u00a0but it may only pick up voices from about 10 feet away.\u00a0 We have a Polycom 2EX with satellite\u00a0wired microphones that we pass around.\u00a0 This Polycom is closer to $400.\u00a0 Voice quality is excellent, but it doesn’t pick up music very well, but music over the phone always sound poor anyway.\u00a0\u00a0You can also get wireless satellite mics.\u00a0 A good source is Polycom FactoryOutletStores.com.
\nThis system works well for the size of our congregation, but wouldn’t work in a large church building unless everyone sits close together (which has other benefits!). Larger rooms will need to feed the audio from the microphone system into the phone line. We tried to set this up and found that for our size of space, it wasn’t necessary and was fairly difficult.
\nWe keep the base station near the first reader. The two satellite microphones are wired directly into the base station, and works in our auditorium which has only about 4 rows of chairs.
\nWe use a paid conference calling system, so that no one has to incur long distance charges, but there are a variety of free conference calling companies where there is no charges to the church. I would Google “free conference calling” or the name of the paid service we use is PGI – ReadyConference Plus (it comes out to about $3 per hour per caller).
\nHope that helps!
\nFeel free to comment below with further questions.
The post Phone conference systems for services and meetings first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "content_text": "by Jason Marsh, Jon Mattson, and Grace Burke\nIn response to several inquiries, I thought it would be good to post what Auburn church uses for our phone conferencing system.\nYou can get a good Polycom speakerphone that is usually used by corporate conference rooms for about $150-$200,\u00a0but it may only pick up voices from about 10 feet away.\u00a0 We have a Polycom 2EX with satellite\u00a0wired microphones that we pass around.\u00a0 This Polycom is closer to $400.\u00a0 Voice quality is excellent, but it doesn’t pick up music very well, but music over the phone always sound poor anyway.\u00a0\u00a0You can also get wireless satellite mics.\u00a0 A good source is Polycom FactoryOutletStores.com.\nThis system works well for the size of our congregation, but wouldn’t work in a large church building unless everyone sits close together (which has other benefits!). Larger rooms will need to feed the audio from the microphone system into the phone line. We tried to set this up and found that for our size of space, it wasn’t necessary and was fairly difficult.\nWe keep the base station near the first reader. The two satellite microphones are wired directly into the base station, and works in our auditorium which has only about 4 rows of chairs.\nWe use a paid conference calling system, so that no one has to incur long distance charges, but there are a variety of free conference calling companies where there is no charges to the church. I would Google “free conference calling” or the name of the paid service we use is PGI – ReadyConference Plus (it comes out to about $3 per hour per caller).\nHope that helps!\nFeel free to comment below with further questions.The post Phone conference systems for services and meetings first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "date_published": "2013-10-24T19:56:41-07:00", "date_modified": "2013-10-25T07:14:27-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Resources", "Services (and Music)" ] }, { "id": "https://csnorcal.org/?p=732", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/2013/10/24/what-different-ways-might-you-find-to-work-with-your-local-interfaith-group/", "title": "What different ways might you find to work with your local interfaith group?", "content_html": "By Jan True
\nTo me, interfaith participation has been such an important and fulfilling part of my work for church, originally as Assistant Committee on Publication.
\nI started in a small town in New Mexico where the members of the interfaith council were of mostly the Christian churches and the one Jewish community. They had breakfast meetings once a month and mostly shared what their different groups were doing in the community. At one breakfast meeting I gave a presentation on Christian Science to the group, got some wonderful questions, and even gave out several copies of Science and Health. At another time we had a prayer meeting for the entire town where I was able to share our correlative scripture of I John 3 with a large group of attendees.
\nIn Nevada County, California, I was part of a new interfaith group. Most of the group were what I would call faith groups sort of on the fringes. It included Unity, Religious Science, Christian Science, United Methodist, Unitarian Universalist, and Episcopal faith traditions, but also included different groups such as a local hospice, the local hospital chaplain, and individuals with different spiritual practices. Each month we met at a different church or other location. And each time we met we heard the story of one of the attendees. When I shared my story it was all about my progress in Christian Science and my service to church. But I was most impressed in hearing the others\u2019 very inspiring spiritual journeys. The purpose of this group was to learn about and support the diverse spiritual traditions in the community
\nCurrently I attend the interfaith council meetings in South Orange County and participate in some of their activities. Each year we host two events, the main one being the spring Prayer Breakfast with about 200 attendees, including government officials, diverse church groups, and individuals. It always includes an inspirational guest speaker chosen by the council. Next year the Christian Science church will be doing a prayer message along with two other faith traditions at this breakfast. Last fall at a panel event our church sponsored Brian Talcott as a lecturer. For the last two years I’ve led a prayer team to support the Prayer Breakfast. This has been gratefully acknowledged as making a difference in the harmony of the event.
\nWhat different ways might you find to work with your local interfaith group?
The post What different ways might you find to work with your local interfaith group? first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "content_text": "By Jan True\nTo me, interfaith participation has been such an important and fulfilling part of my work for church, originally as Assistant Committee on Publication.\nI started in a small town in New Mexico where the members of the interfaith council were of mostly the Christian churches and the one Jewish community. They had breakfast meetings once a month and mostly shared what their different groups were doing in the community. At one breakfast meeting I gave a presentation on Christian Science to the group, got some wonderful questions, and even gave out several copies of Science and Health. At another time we had a prayer meeting for the entire town where I was able to share our correlative scripture of I John 3 with a large group of attendees.\nIn Nevada County, California, I was part of a new interfaith group. Most of the group were what I would call faith groups sort of on the fringes. It included Unity, Religious Science, Christian Science, United Methodist, Unitarian Universalist, and Episcopal faith traditions, but also included different groups such as a local hospice, the local hospital chaplain, and individuals with different spiritual practices. Each month we met at a different church or other location. And each time we met we heard the story of one of the attendees. When I shared my story it was all about my progress in Christian Science and my service to church. But I was most impressed in hearing the others\u2019 very inspiring spiritual journeys. The purpose of this group was to learn about and support the diverse spiritual traditions in the community\nCurrently I attend the interfaith council meetings in South Orange County and participate in some of their activities. Each year we host two events, the main one being the spring Prayer Breakfast with about 200 attendees, including government officials, diverse church groups, and individuals. It always includes an inspirational guest speaker chosen by the council. Next year the Christian Science church will be doing a prayer message along with two other faith traditions at this breakfast. Last fall at a panel event our church sponsored Brian Talcott as a lecturer. For the last two years I’ve led a prayer team to support the Prayer Breakfast. This has been gratefully acknowledged as making a difference in the harmony of the event.\nWhat different ways might you find to work with your local interfaith group?The post What different ways might you find to work with your local interfaith group? first appeared on CSNorcal.org.", "date_published": "2013-10-24T19:46:06-07:00", "date_modified": "2013-10-24T19:46:06-07:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Jason Marsh", "url": "https://csnorcal.org/author/jasonmarsh/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1595ace02b6a095fc81346f69289947f70bdd56b28121132c6aa940fb746147e?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Engaging with the Faith Community" ] } ] }