Volume 9 Number 1 March 2003 VISION NOW! A Newsletter by & for Nurses Published by the Christian Science Nursing Communication Network, Inc.

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown. . . Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice! Paul to the Philippians 4:1, 4

Christian Science nurses know the importance of rejoicing, acknowledging “Dearly Beloved, God’s presence and goodness in spite of the human picture. We are rejoic- ing that it’s only a few months until the next nursing conference and are ...Rejoice!” joyously working with the ideas that are unfolding as we listen for God’s plan.

July may seem a long way away, but before we know it, we’ll have the opportunity to come together at to explore some wonder- ful topics relevant to our ministries as Christian Science nurses (keep read- Has a passage from one of ing – a preliminary conference agenda is enclosed in this newsletter!). Paul‘s letters or perhaps an experience from Paul’s A main focus of our conference will be looking to the life and writings of life affected your nursing the Apostle Paul to shed light on Christian Science nursing. The first gift ministry? We will be pro- that came to us for this issue was an inspiring “newly discovered” Pauline viding time throughout the epistle to a nurse. You’ll get to know Paul better through the reprinted arti- conference for the sharing cle by a professor who is speaking at the conference. A Christian Science of these “Damascus nurse and Bible scholar in his own right, shares some inspiration from his moments.” Even if you study. We hope you’ll find these ideas to be a springboard for your own cannot attend, we invite reading and preparation for the conference and to be immediately applica- you to share your inspira- ble to your nursing ministries. tion with us. Find out how on page 11. After you’ve enjoyed reading this issue, you might want to pass it along to a friend – let’s get the word out! A feast awaits us! We’re very excited about it, and look forward to seeing you at the conference.

Kathleen Holmes-Takeda For the CSNCN Board of Directors

Check out our Web site at www.csncn.org starting in April. Page 2

Arden Wood Serving Christian Scientists for over 70 years.

If you know someone who is looking for Our Residential Program offers fully a new concept of home that includes a independent living with a wide range of cherishing sense of love and tender care for activities. All Arden Wood residents live themselves, a family member, or a loved in gracious newly refurbished apartments one, who is a dedicated Christian Scientist, in our beautiful historic building in San we warmly invite you to consider Arden Francisco. Our trained staff is dedicated Wood. to healing.

Our Sheltered Living Program is available Christian Science Nursing services are to those in need of light assistance with available at Arden Wood to meet a wide daily activities, but who do not require variety of care needs. nursing care. If you know someone in need of our services, call us and we will In our Nurses Training Program we are be happy to work with you! able to educate and prepare Christian Sci- ence Nurses for the future. 1- 800- 767- 0003

SUBSCRIPTION FORM Thinking About a Career as a SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO VISION Now! PLEASE PRINT Christian Science Nurse? 1 YEAR (3 Issues) $15.00 USA/ $17.50 OUTSIDE USA 2 YEARS (6 Issues, 2003 & 2004) The Albert Baker Fund provides $25.00 USA / $29.00 OUTSIDE USA Full year of back Issues for $5.00 loans to nurses-in-training who (AVAILABLE WITH A SUBSCRIPTION) have been accepted at a recognized NAME ______

Christian Science care facility. STREET ______Loans up to one-half the tuition CITY ______are available at 3% below bank prime rate. STATE/PROVINCE ______COUNTRY ______Contact us and let us help you ZIP/POSTAL CODE ______achieve your high goal. *MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: CSNCN - VISION NOW! AND SEND TO:Mary Langworthy, Treasurer 1880 Ridgeview Circle Drive Manchester, MO 63021 Contributions To CSNCN Are Gratefully Accepted And May Be Added To Your Subscription Amount. Amount Of Check $ ______*OUTSIDE USA You must send payment in the form of a bank draft in US dollars only. Page 3 Almost 30 years ago, my mother called from Los Angeles to find out how to care for my father, who suddenly could not walk. I was in nurses’ training at the time at the Benevolent Association at Chestnut Hill, a continent away. So after sharing some ideas, I suggested they call a visiting nurse, which they did. The nurse was so full of joy as she showed mom how to help dad in and out of bed – in fact, they all got to giggling! – that all fear disappeared. It was a turning point and the miraculously quick recovery that followed has long been a source of inspiration for our family. This “newly discovered” epistle of Paul was prepared especially for VISION NOW! by my father. A long- time student and teacher of the Bible, his most recent book is titled The Great Physician: A life of Jesus Christ in the Light of Modern Spiritual Healing. It will be available soon through XLibris.com. --Mary Dearing Langworthy Paul’s Letter to Seeker The Christian Science Nursing Epistle Edited by Vinton A. Dearing Professor of English, Emeritus, at UCLA

1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, 10 Again I say, be caring and comforting. Blessed be God, to Seeker, my dearly beloved and fellow laborer, grace to who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the com- Christ. fort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.7 2 I am bound to thank God for you always, because that when thou asked our Father how to serve Him and our 11 And be punctual, practical, orderly, wise and alert. Be brethren, He called you to be a nurse, just as He called not slothful in business, be fervent in spirit, serving the me to be a teacher of the Gentiles. Lord.8 Be honest, full of common sense and common humanity. 3 And verily I know thy works. I am not boasting of my 12 As I told thee before, God loveth a cheerful giver.9 sufferings as an apostle when I tell you that five times Therefore, be cheerful, dear Seeker, not merely even- Jewish courts sentenced me to thirty-nine lashes and tempered and uncomplaining. three times Roman courts sentenced me to be beaten 13 And be patient and full of faith, standing firm in every with rods.1 circumstance. In due season we shall reap if we faint not.10 4 Four times was I shipwrecked; once was I in the water 14 And watch thee, be competent and strong. Say often, “I for a day and a night.2 Yet I may write to you now by the can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.11 grace of God, blessed indeed by the ministrations and tender works of your sisters and brethren in Christ. 15 Finally, dear Seeker, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind with the children of God, live in peace; and 5 I exhort you, dear Seeker, continue in your care and the God of love and peace shall be with thee. As I wrote to comfort like my jailer in Damascus, who proved his pure the Ephesians, “We are God’s workmanship, created unto affection for the Christ and his readiness to be baptized good works in Christ Jesus, which God hath before in the faith by the washing of my stripes and those of ordained that we should walk in them.”12 Silas.3 16 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with 6 And as you sang with me at midnight, bearing witness thy spirit. to the Christ, so sing with patience and joy with all who ______suffer tribulation, washing their stripes and bearing wit- ness to the Christ. 1 II Cor 11:23-24 2 II Cor 11:25; Acts 27:39-44 7 Remember thou when I was stoned and left for dead 3 Acts 16:33 outside Lystra, where in a moment, in the twinkling of an 4 Acts 14:19-20 eye, I had healed a man born lame? Full of love and 5 II Tim 4:2 never doubting, my students encircled me. And I felt 6 1 Cor 15:1-5 their love, rose up and returned to the city.4 7 II Cor 1:4; 8:16 8 Be instant in season, out of season5, day and night 8 Rom 12: 11 rejoicing, full of hope and of the knowledge of Christ 9 II Cor 9:7 Jesus, who is with us always, world without end. 10 Gal 6:9 11 Phil 4:13 9 I entreat thee, dear Seeker, first and last, be loving. As 12 Eph 2:10 I said over and over in my other letters, but most fully to the church at Corinth, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.”6 Page 4 Saint Paul- “The Most Important Man in the World” By Christopher Scott Langton Christopher Langton teaches in the Religion Department at Principia College in the areas of biblical studies, theology, and church history. He will speak on St. Paul at the upcoming conference.

Barth, Rudolph Bultmann, and Paul Tillich are among In the television mini-series Peter and Paul the monumental Christian thinkers who owe a big there is a scene late in the film that is suggestive of debt to Paul (and especially to his letter to the the impact of the Apostle Paul. Based loosely on the Romans). biblical book of Acts, the movie includes a fanciful links Paul closely with exchange between the centurion charged with bring- Jesus, calling both of them “colossal characters.” 2 ing Paul to Rome for trial (see Acts 27:1-3) and the And in the Christian Science textbook she says, “To emperor Nero, to whom he has just reported. The misunderstand Paul, was to be ignorant of the divine centurion has come to know and admire Paul on the idea he taught.”3 Eddy mentions Paul 138 times in arduous journey to Rome (as Acts 27:3, 42-44 may her published writings (compared to the 171 mentions imply), and Nero asks him pointedly to give some of Paul in the New Testament), quoting from his brief insight into this man Paul. seven undisputed letters 238 times. So Paul has had a At this the centurion becomes visibly nervous more than fleeting influence on Christian Science as and hesitant. When Nero presses him and orders him well. to speak plainly, the centurion blurts out, “Many con- If Paul is one of the most important men in sider him the most important man in the world!” The human history, he is also one of the most controver- self-absorbed ruler of the entire Western World is sial. Calvin Roetzel writes: understandably displeased at such a characterization Few who know him are neutral about Paul. of an obscure middle-class Turkish Pharisaic Jew. Some love him; others hate him. And so it has Nero’s angry reaction shows the viewer why the cen- always been. Within his own churches he was tur ion was so h esitan t and n erv ou s. worshiped by some and maligned by others, Historical or not, the episode surely rings true called courageous and scoffed at as a coward, as a description of Paul the apostle. For within a scant viewed as true and dismissed as an imposter. three centuries the beleaguered Paul pro- In some quarters he was unwanted; in others claimed (and for which he died) became the official warmly welcomed… revered…as “blessed and religion of what had been Nero’s empire, and no small glorious”… rebuffed… as the Devil incarnate. And so to this day Paul continues to provoke measure of credit for this was due to Paul himself. 4 While certainly not the only Christian missionary in and excite, to challenge and antagonize. the first century A.D., he was unquestionably one of the most active, covering nearly 10,000 miles in his The book of Acts and especially Paul’s letters 30-year ministry and leaving behind not only estab- to the Corinthians and Galatians vividly sketch the lished churches but also an unparalleled written controversial character of this complex and chamele- record of his dealings with some of these churches. onic Christian. So great has been Paul’s influence on Christi- In our own time, Paul has been hailed as the anity that some scholars place him second only to one who saved Christianity from obscurity as a small Christ Jesus himself in terms of his contribution to the Jewish sect, and harangued as a schizophrenic Jew 1 who distorted the pure religion of Jesus into a convo- Christian faith. The New Testament would assuredly luted religion about Jesus. He as been blamed for fos- be a slimmer volume without Paul. About a third of tering a rift between Judaism and Christianity which the New Testament is written by Paul, about Paul, or has continued to vex people of good will and toler- in the name of Paul. His letters are the first written ance even today. He has been accused alternately of evidence for Christianity, preceding the four canoni- being sexist and feminist. And from the second cen- cal gospels by 10-30 years. tury A.D. to the present, Paul has been labeled “hard And Paul continues to exert a significant influ- to understand” (see II Peter 3:16 NIV). ence on Christianity through the centuries, down to This controversy surrounding Paul is due in the present. Just as the churches he established helped part to the man himself and to the nature of his mis- form the basis for the spread of the Christian faith, so sion (see I Corinthians 9:19-23; II Corinthians 4:1- the letters he wrote to them, which were collected and 18). It is also due in part to the sources upon which increasingly circulated shortly after his death, became we must depend for our knowledge of Paul. At best, part of the Christian canon and helped to shape much they enable us to “see in part and know in part” (I of Christian thought, especially Protestant thought. Cor. 13:12) the life and thought of this most important Saint Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, apostle; at worst, they can be inconclusive and even John Calvin, John Wesley, Mary Baker Eddy, Karl conflicting. Page 5 For instance, the book of Acts gives a com- So how are we to understand this multi-faceted pelling picture of Paul, but not a picture that fits “most important man in the world,” this complex “co- neatly with the picture Paul gives of himself in his lossal character” whose zeal for his Jewish faith blos- letters. This is illustrated by Acts 15 and Galatians 2, somed into a Christianity which has embraced not only both of which deal with the Jerusalem Council, the the Roman empire but the entire world? Perhaps we first church conference and a major episode in can start by seeing Paul as he saw himself in the light Paul’s career.A quick reading of both accounts sug- of that transforming experience of God’s presence, gests that the author of Acts (who was not a partici- power, and purpose that provided him his Christian pant in these events) may have reinterpreted the con- calling (see Acts 9:1-19; 22:1-16; 26:1-32; Galations ference so as to smooth over the differences between 1:11-24). Paul understood himself as an apostle (Greek Paul and the Jerusalem church leaders. Paul, on the apostolos, “one sent with a message,” “one other hand, was a participant in the conference and authorized/commissioned as a representative”), an so had firsthand knowledge of the issues involved. emissary or ambassador from God with a message of But he also had his own reasons, in writing the obedience and transformation and grace which he Galatians, for highlighting his differences with the could commend to others because he had so fully Jerusalem leaders, and so emphasizing his indepen- embraced it and been embraced by it himself: dence from them rather than his harmony with them. In addition, the letters of Paul as they have …present your bodies a living sacrifice, come down to us in the New Testament are not as holy, accept able unto God, which is your clear-cut as we might wish. At least one letter Paul reasonable service. And be not conformed refers to (I Cor. 5:9) is lost to us; other letters (II to this world: but be ye transformed by Corinthians, Philippians) are composites of letter the renewing of your mind, that ye may fragments, pieced together roughly as collections of prove what is that good, and acceptable, the apostle’s correspondence grew and began to cir- and perfect, will of God culate more widely. (Romans 12:1,2). Other letters in the New Testament that bear Paul’s name may not be his work, but rather compo- sitions by his followers or even later Christian lead- ers seeking to apply their understanding of the great Endnotes: apostle’s gospel message to the challenges facing their own churches. This means the ideas and state- 1 See, for example, J. M. Roberts, The Penguin History ments in these letters (II Thessalonians, Colossians, of the World (London: Penguin Books, Ltd., 1995), Ephesians, I/II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and p. 258 Hebrews) for which Paul is credited/blamed may not 2 See Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellaneous Writings even be attributable to him! (Boston: The First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1896), Over and above this, the nature of Paul’s p. 360 writings may add confusion to the issue. They are 3 Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures not systematic theological treatises, though many (Boston: Trustees under the Will of Mary Baker G. consult them as if they were. Rather they are letters, Eddy, 1906), p. 560 written to specific churches in specific circumstanc- 4 Calvin J. Roetzel, The Letters of Paul, Third Edition es. Reading them can seem like listening in on only (Louisville, Ky.: Westminster/John Knox Press, one side of a telephone conversation and trying to 1991), p. 13 figure out who’s on the other end of the line and what the conversation is about. While this exercise (Reprinted with permission from Scripture Forum; can lead to great insight, it can also lead to great Volume 2, No. 2; Autumn 1997) misunderstanding of both parties in the phone call. In reading Paul’s letters, we should bear in mind that they come from the last decade of his 30-year minis- try of preaching and founding churches. They assume Paul’s preaching and his relationship with the churches as their backdrop. They are not distilla- tions of or repositories for Paul’s gospel message, but rather developments and natural outgrowths of it. That can make understanding Paul and his gospel message a bit of a challenge. But it can also remind us that, as the apostle of Christ to the gentiles, Paul was both preacher and pastor for his churches; he loved and cared for his congregations and stayed in touch by letter when he couldn’t be there in person. Page 6 The Christian Science Nursing Communication Network Presents “Dearly Beloved, ...Rejoice!”

2003 International Christian Science Nursing Conference Principia College July 10 - 13

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS Thursday, July 10, 2003 The Board of CSNCN invites you to the 2003 Registration 1:00 – 5:00 PM International Christian Science Nursing Conference. Dinner 5:30 – 6:30 PM, The conference theme “Dearly Beloved, . . . Evening Program 7:00 PM Rejoice!” comes from Paul’s letters of encourage- Opening Address, James Spencer, CSB ment and support to the early Christians, messages that are so relevant to our work today. Friday, July 11 Nurses’ Journeys Workshops and Discussion Groups The Letters of Paul Christopher Langton, Bible Professor Message from the Office of the Clerk Eva Boone Hussey, CS Nurse Throughout the conference, there will be inspiration- Current Events in the Lands Paul Travelled al speakers, informative and educational talks, Dr. George Moffett, Principia College President opportunities to share insights and experiences with each other on pertinent topics, and inspiring music! Saturday, July 12 Ethics, Legal Issues, etc. Principia College’s generosity allows us to keep our Workshops and Discussion Groups expenses down, and, in turn, to offer very reasonable Advertising in THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE JOURNAL fees. Joy Carr, CS Messages of Comfort . . . in Song and Sermon Please come and bring your rejoicing in God’s Susan Mack, CS goodness and the proofs of His care for you and for your Christian Science nursing practice. We would Sunday, July 13 love to see you! Sunday Service, Principia Chapel “The Greatest of These is Love” Linda Bumpus, CS Nurse Box lunch picnic and departure The agenda is subject to change. Page 7 2003 International Christian Science Nursing Conference at Principia College, July 10 - 13 “Dearly Beloved,...Rejoice!” REGISTRATION FORM Return by May 15th! Fees Travel Registration Fee ………………….………. $125 You will want to arrive on campus by mid-afternoon in Room & Board ………………….………….$150 order to get settled in time for dinner and the evening Meals & 3 nights in double room in program. The conference ends at noon on Sunday. Try air-conditioned Maybeck dormitory to make departure flight times on Sunday after 2:30 I want to room with …………..……..……… PM. Total Conference Cost…….…………… $275 • I will be coming by car ……… • I need directions …..... Additional Costs (Optional) • I am flying to St. Louis …… Single room during conference …………..… $50 I want to take 45-minute shuttle bus to campus, Each extra night (Wed/Sun) …………..... $25/night • about $15 each way …….. • I would like to arrive early (Wed) and/or leave Off-Campus & Partial Program Attendees late (Mon) ……… $35/Session (includes registration fee & lunch or dinner) .....Thursday Evening .....Saturday Morning .....Friday Morning .....Saturday Afternoon Participation .....Friday Afternoon .....Saturday Evening * Do you want to prepare a 2-minute inspirational .....Friday Evening .....Sunday Morning sharing on a verse from Paul’s letters and how it has # of Sessions ...... x $35 = …………………… been applicable to your nursing? ..…- Make Checks/Money Orders in US Funds, ...…………………..………………………………… Payable to: CSNCN, INC. ……………………...... ………...... …………… No credit card service available. * Would you like to sing or play an instrument? ……………………………………………………… Name ………………………………...…………… * We invite you to write a little about what’s new Address ……………………………...…………… with you. What during the past two years has had a City ………………………………...……………. profound influence on your nursing practice? (Use a State/Zip code ……………………...……………. separate sheet – and send a photo or two if you can.) Country……………………………....…………… ...... Phone Number ……………………....…………… ...... E-mail address ……………………....…………… When you register, we will send you a book-- MAIL REGISTRATION FORM while supplies last -- The Letters of Paul, & PAYMENT TO: Conversations in Context, by Calvin J. Roetzel, Mary Langworthy, Treasurer recommended by our conference speaker, Bible 1880 Ridgeview Circle Drive Professor Christopher Langton. Manchester, MO 63021 Requests for applications for Benevolence: Wendy Lanning, Secretary: e-mail : [email protected] Child Care can be provided. Please contact Bonnie or tel: 609-924-5766 Castroman as soon as possible to make arrangements. Page 8

LIME TREE HOUSE 264 Washway Road, Sale, Cheshire, ENGLAND, M33 4RZ

Do you have a pioneering spirit? Are you looking to nurse more on a one to one basis? If you are, we will soon be opening Lime Tree House a modern, newly equipped, four bedroom Christian Science facility, in the north of England and we could use your skills. We will offer those relying on Christian Science for healing a temporary shelter while receiving Christian Science Nursing.

We can offer you a competitive salary and the satisfaction of furthering your nursing practice in an environ- ment that nurses the nurse as well as the patient.

If you feel you can commit to us for at least six months please do contact the Nursing Manager, Pam Rigby at: Mountlands Trust Ltd Telephone: +44 (0)161 973 7956 Lime Tree House E-mail: [email protected] 264 Washway Road SALE, Cheshire, M33 4RZ England

Advertising rates: VISION NOW! FERN LODGE Advertising rates are set by the CSNCN Board and are subject to change. Ads must follow the advertising welcomes comforters with Christlike touch guidelines in order to be printed in VISION NOW! to serve joyfully in our healing mission. 1. Quarter page (4.25" high by 3.5" wide), $50 per issue. We are seeking 2. Half page (4.25" high by 7" wide), $90 per issue. • Journal listed nurses to work each shift, 3. Full page (9" high by 7" wide), $150 per issue. 4. If you wish us to design your ad, the cost for a • Christian Scientists who seek to begin simple text ad will be an additional 50% of the or enrich their nursing education. ad cost. The cost for a complex ad is negotiable. 5. Inserts per issue: quarter page $100, half page Christian Science nursing is a rewarding $180, full page $300. experience. We work daily to overcome sickness, sin and death, and we invite 6. Advertising in VISION NOW! implies no endorsement thoughtful, caring Christian Scientists to or recommendation of any advertiser's products or join us in this holy ministry. Please contact services.

For advertising guidelines and more information, Sharon Strong call or write our newsletter coordinator, [email protected] Pamela M. Whitney at 907- 868-8069 2409 Leary Bay Circle 510-886-2448 Anchorage, AK 99515-2735 18457 Madison Avenue FAX 907-868-9069 [email protected] Castro Valley, CA 94546 Page 9 New T estament Letters By Alistair Budd Nurses with Wings! Paul’s letters in the New Testament were written to encourage and support first-century Christians as they worked to establish Christian communities New Zealand has need of a Journal-listed Christian Science throughout Asia Minor and Europe. Nurse to work as a Visiting Nurse. He or she would be expected to attend to patients in their homes anywhere in the country and may be away from his/her base frequently. As I read these letters, I often ask how they speak to my own public ministry as a Christian Science This salaried position is administered by the New Zealand nurse. In the letter to the Ephesians, for example, Care Society, whose mission is to provide a Nursing Ser- there are several passages that are striking in their vice for those relying exclusively on God for healing as relevance and application to our nursing practice. taught in Christian Science.

For information, please E-mail, write or phone Grahame I therefore . . . beseech you that ye walk worthy of Candler on 011643 5470300 the vocation wherewith you are called, with all low- liness and meekness, with longsuffering, New Zealand Care Society Inc. forbearing one another in love; (Ephesians 4:1,2) P O Box 4025 Nelson South 7030 The word walk in this passage could also be translat- New Zealand ed as live. So we may ask: Am I living in a way that E-mail: [email protected] is fully consistent with the demands of the vocation of Christian Science nursing? How does obedience to each of the By-Laws in the section on Discipline in our Leader’s Church Manual nurture and protect my nursing activity?

For example, Article VIII, Section 14 of the Church Manual refers to the “privilege and duty” of church members to subscribe to the Christian Science peri- odicals. In these periodicals, testimonies of healing which refer specifically to the work of Christian Sci- ence nurses have encouraged me to appreciate more fully the worth of our ministry. In every issue of the The Place You are Looking for is Looking for You! Sentinel and Journal, I find articles that support my practice of nursing and my growth in Christian Sci- ence. If you have been earnestly looking for ways to be of more service to God and to your fellow man, Arden I particularly enjoy the translation of the passage Wood may be your answer. We are seeking loving, above from New Revised Standard Version of the earnest, experienced Journal-listed nurses to join us in Bible, which further illuminates Paul’s message to the vital work of supporting Christian Science healing. us all: If you are interested in learning more, please contact: I therefore . . . beg you to lead a life worthy of the Jeannie Glassell, calling to which you have been called, with all Director of Nursing Services and Education humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with [email protected] (415) 379-2224 one another in love . . . ______Alistair nurses at Principia College and was a contributor to Principia’s “Scripture Forum.” Page 10 CSNCN Who We Are & How We Got Here The conference this summer will be the seventh in a under the chosen name The Christian Science Nursing series organized by and for Christian Science nurses. Communication Network, Inc., CSNCN became a We are grateful for all the conference planners who non-profit corporation with a Board of Directors and have cherished Mary Baker Eddy’s vision for the Chris- was granted tax-exempt status as a [501(c)(3)] organiza- tian Science nurse and have provided opportunities for tion by the United States Internal Revenue Service. getting together to rejoice in this ministry. Here is a chronicle of these efforts. Publication of VISION NOW! was continued, but due to production costs, a subscription fee of $15 per year In 1987, a seminar for Christian Science nurses serving for three issues was instituted in January, 1998. as visiting nurses was organized by Ann Voges. It was held at Arden Wood, April 28-30, 1987. Theme: “He In February 1998, the members of the CSNCN Board of shall give his angels charge over thee, Ps. 91,” (“Ang- Directors—Esther Joscelyn, Betty Miller, Katherine els,” Miscellaneous Writings, by Mary Baker Eddy page Pennington, Pam Roberts, and Jane Schmit—met at 306.) Arden Wood Benevolent Association in San Francisco, CA to hold the first Annual Meeting, in accordance with In 1989, another conference focusing on visiting nursing the new CSNCN Bylaws, and to plan a conference for was planned by Nancy Butcher (Stevens) and held at the fall. Principia College, July 18-20, 1989. Theme: “In love and healing ministry show forth the Truth that The 1998 International Christian Science Nursing Con- makes man free,” Christian Science Hymnal, #12. ference was for all Christian Science nurses—Journal- listing no longer being a requirement—and was also In November, 1993, Betty Miller and Esther Joscelyn open to interested Christian Science practitioners and began talking about forming a group to hold a confer- teachers. The conference was held at Arden Wood, ence in the summer of 1994 for all nurses listed in The November 6-8, 1998. Theme: Renewed Vision: Tak- Christian Science Journal. Joye Broughton, Ann Voges ing Our Healing Ministry Into the 21st Century, and Katherine Pennington joined the group which based on Isaiah 62:10,11; Science and Health with Key became known as the Planning Committee. The 1994 to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy 599:6-7. International Christian Science Nursing Conference for Journal-listed Christian Science nurses was held at Prin- By 2001, all of the founding CSNCN Board members cipia College August 12-13, 1994. Theme: Christian had completed their terms according to the Bylaws. The Science Nursing—Its Purpose, Practice & Promise. new Board members, Spring Austin (Griffith), Dayne Christian Science nurses attended from England, Scot- Rae Borgh, Bonnie Castroman, Mary Langworthy, land, Germany, and Australia as well as from across the Wendy Lanning, and Kathleen Holmes-Takeda, planned US and Canada. the 2001 Conference. It was held at Principia College, July 5-8, 2001. Theme: Looking to Our Wayshower: VISION NOW!, started by Nancy Butcher Stevens, was the Life and Ministry of Christ Jesus as a Model for by this time being published mainly for Christian Sci- Christian Science Nursing. ence visiting nurses. After the 1994 conference, the Planning Committee was asked to continue production The current CSNCN Board invites you to think about of VISION NOW! and decided to broaden its scope. serving as a Board member in the future, to be part of Throughout 1995 and 1996 publication continued and the joy of working with your fellow nurses. newsletters were sent to all the nurses listed in The Christian Science Journal.

In January, 1996, Betty Miller, Esther Joscelyn, Joye Broughton, Ann Voges, and Katherine Pennington met at Principia College’s guest house to plan the summer conference. The group continued to be called the Plan- ning Committee. The 1996 International Christian Sci- ence Nursing Conference for Journal-listed Christian Science nurses was held at Principia College July 25-27, 1996. Theme: Living the Life, based on Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 496:14.

The Planning Committee decided to incorporate in order Picture from 1994 conference. to provide continuity for this important work. With per- sistent effort, in March 1997, in the State of Oklahoma, Page 11 Have Fun Reading!

Looking to “the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life” (Church Manual, p. 15), we know the spiritual lessons to be gained by digging deeper into the Bible texts. Here are some books on Paul: The Letters of Paul, Conversations in Context, by Calvin J. Roetzel (offered to each registrant) The Continuity of the Bible: Paul the Missionary Apostle, Thomas Leishman, ISBN: 0257355 Paul, A Man Who Changed the World, Henrietta Buckmaster, ISBN: 0933062273 Morning Glory, Audrey K. Groser, ISBN 1873796862 (Published in 2000, Autumn House, Alma Park, Grantham, Lincs, England NG31 9SL.) Reader’s Digest The Journeys of St. Paul, by James Harpur, ISBN: 0895779587 Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, Edited by Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin and Daniel G. Reid, ISBN: 0830817786

Dear Readers: We are grateful for articles, ideas, and experiences submitted to VISION NOW!. Please accept them as a "sharing". None is meant to set forth rules, formulas, or authority. They are the result of each individual's prayerful consideration of the subject. Thank you, CSNCN Board of Directors

Australia Brazil Canada Denmark Germany Ghana Great Britain Participate in Mixed Media Presentation

The CSNCN board may span North America from Florida to Alaska, but Christian Science nurses encompass the globe. Many of you in distant countries and distant states won’t be able to attend the conference this summer, and we’d like to include you – to enable you to join us – in spirit and, liter- ally, in sound and light. The board is planning a mixed-media presentation of “Dearly Beloved, Christian Science nurses’ journeys: journeys both spiritual and territorial. And we need your help! ...Rejoice!” We invite you – as Paul says, we beseech, admonish and exhort you! – to send us photos of yourself and your nursing environ- ment; to write us about your challenges and victories; and to share your inspiration related to Paul’s life and letters and your nursing ministry. Those of you who will be attending are also invited to send in your photos and ideas, although we are planning plenty of opportunities for live sharing at the conference as well. Please send your photos and letters to Mary Langworthy, who will be overseeing the presentation’s production. The e-mail address is: [email protected] Or you can send them to: CSNCN at 1880 Ridgeview Circle Drive, Manchester MO 63021, USA. We’re looking forward to hearing from you! New Zealand South Africa Spain Switzerland United States Volume 9. Number 1 March 2003 VISION NOW!

VISION NOW! is Published Tri-Annually • See Page 4 for Subscription Information Copyright 2003 CSNCN All Rights Reserved

Board of Directors

President BONNIE CASTROMAN Elsah IL

Treasurer MARY LANGWORTHY

Manchester MO

Secretary WENDY S. LANNING Princeton NJ

Special Projects KATHLEEN HOLMES-TAKEDA Clearwater FL

VISION NOW Coordinator PAMELA M. WHITNEY Anchorage, AK

CSNCN Newsletter Coordinator Pamela M. Whitney Anchorage, AK

Address Services Requested

The purpose of CSNCN is to encourage and support the healing ministry of Christian Science nursing by providing forums for perpetuating and strengthening communication among Christian Science nurses.