10) Difficult to become established on campus
10.The CSO recognition process on campus is too long or difficult, so I probably won’t be able to do anything, anyway.
I find the story of the building of the Mother Church inspiring. As the workers moved forward with the construction of the church, challenges plagued them at every step. Prices rose during the course of the building; vital deliveries were repeatedly delayed; labor disputes and contractual complications threatened to disrupt the work; and the weather turned against them—the worst Boston had ever seen. The obstacles were overwhelming. And furthermore, the deadline seemed impossible.
Many of the Christian Scientists assigned to oversee the completion of this project had serious doubts of the feasibility of Mrs. Eddy’s demands. But she understood God to be the doer, Christ the doing, and man the done. Her understanding enabled the complete idea of Church to be seen by the immature sense of her followers, which led to the timely completion of the building project. She demanded that it be completed because she knew God had already built it. She knew they could demonstrate over shortages and resistance because she knew Christ was doing it. Nothing could reverse or stop Christ’s work. Christ was revealing God’s magnificent idea, revealing that God’s idea is complete, full, finished, done.
Mrs. Eddy fulfilled her duty to God’s demand. Her workers obeyed her orders. And in spite of overwhelming obstacles, the work was done by the deadline. It is up to us to fulfill our duty. As we obey, our work will progress rapidly. What seems impossible is, in fact, possible—possible to those obedient to God.
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Have you ever heard the quote, “Life’s a journey, not a destination”? Well, I think that applies to CSO activity, too. If you’re inspired to begin the CSO recognition process on campus, then don’t worry about what the outcome will be, or how everything is going to work out along the way. Trust in God’s disposal of events. That is, if it seems like the right thing to do, take the first step. Then know that however the process unfolds, because you are responding to God’s direction, you and others that you come into contact with during the process are going to be blessed. And, you might just find that, with God at the helm, the journey will be a lot more rewarding than you expected it to be at the outset.
Tom McElroy, CS, California, USA———————————–
Wait! there is one more…
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11.Our CSO is large but has become stagnant. It isn’t interesting anymore. We’ve done things the same way for so long that it’s too hard to change.
Christian Science is revolutionary. If something associated with it has become stagnant or difficult to change, it’s time for rediscovery! So take action by 1) remembering the good Christian Science has already done, 2) learning more about what it really is, and 3) proactively finding new ways to practice and share it with those who know little about it. Busting through mortal mind’s resistance to and apathy about any one of those things for me has been demanding at times, but always exhilarating and rewarding.
Mrs. Eddy wrote, “Judge not the future advancement of Christian Science by the steps already taken, lest you yourself be condemned for failing to take the first step.” (Science and Health, 459)
Sometimes I’ve had to take those first new steps alone with God, but once things started moving again people have been ready to be involved. So, treat yourself to resolving that nothing can stop the work God gives you to do. The world and your campus need the love and healing Christian Science offers. “Give them a cup of cold water in Christ’s name, and never fear the consequences.” (570)
Susan Rynerson, CS, Massachusetts, USA Alum, M.I.T. CSO—
Divine Mind is always unfolding fresh new ideas to each of us: “Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear” (Science and Health, p. 506). Mary Baker Eddy wrote her Church Manual to provide a framework for church and related activities that would be relevant to all ages and infinite in its unfolding blessings for each individual and organization under its sheltering wing. And in that Manual you find the provision for establishing a CSO under the By-Law entitled “Privilege of Members” (73).
Have you thought about just having a pizza night for everyone in the CSO to discuss purpose, vision, and perhaps an action statement for the CSO? You might start by looking at the Manual By-Law that establishes your privileges. Some good questions might be:
Why is it a privilege to have an active CSO and be involved in it? If I’d never attended a CSO meeting before, how would inspiration from this By-Law form my ideal of how a CSO on my campus would look and function? Why is sponsoring a lecture the only CSO activity that’s spelled out in the Manual? What does that tell us about length, frequency, and structure of meetings? How can our CSO meet the needs of students on our campus who may have no knowledge of Christian Science?
Those are just some ideas to get you started. Each CSO is unique, and Mind’s infinite wisdom will provide the answers you need to be effective on your campus today!
Sarah Hyatt, CSB, Charleston, South Carolina, USA Alum, North Carolina State U. and Florida Atlantic U. CSOs
