Good News From Houston Visiting Christian Science Nurse Service | First Church of Christ, Scientist, Alton-Godfrey

Our mission is to heal through practical,
operative Christian Science December 2020
Click Here For A Print-Friendly Version Christmas: The Gift of Love

In What Christmas Means To Me—And Other Christmas Messages, Mary Baker Eddy lovingly wrote: The last appearing of Truth will be a wholly spiritual idea of God and of man, without the fetters of the flesh, or corporeality. This infinite idea of infinity will be, is, as eternal as its divine Principle. The daystar of this appearing is the light of Christian Science—the Science which rends the veil of the flesh from top to bottom. The light of this revelation leaves nothing that is material; neither darkness, doubt, disease, nor death. The material corporeality disappears; and individual spirituality, perfect and eternal, appears—never to disappear (p. 21). What a precious gift this Science of the incorporeal Christ is for each of us—and for the world!

At Christmas, we feel special reverence for Christ Jesus and our hearts embrace all mankind in generous love. Our affection during this holiday hints at God’s ceaseless — season-less! — love for all of His children.

Speaking of year-round love, we at HVCSNS are aware that God’s solicitude is constantly evidenced in the tender care with which Christian Science nurses minister to their charges. We need no further proof of their gentle love than the following paean of praise written by an appreciative Houston-area family to our Journal-listed Christian Science nurse, Susie Petersen. Though lightly edited, the words are authentic:

To whom it may concern,

Our family wants to express our gratitude to the Houston Visiting Christian Science Nurses. We would especially like to highlight the outstanding work of and the blessings we have received from Susie Petersen. We have a family member who has been receiving the assistance of Christian Science nursing since December 2018, so we have had experience with many different caregivers over the past two years.

Susie stands out as truly exceptional amongst all the caregivers. Her skills are deep and diverse. They include helping a difficult patient prepare for a three-hour journey, aiding in showering and personal grooming, and styling her hair beautifully. Although the practical needs vary, Susie’s approach never varies. Whatever she does is done with love, care, and patience.

What I most value in Susie is her understanding and practice of Christian Science. On many occasions I have spoken with Susie about practical nursing advice. During these discussions, I am grateful to come to know Susie’s clear understanding of man as God’s expression. It is such a help to me that Susie sees my family member correctly; namely, she doesn’t see a mortal patient, but God’s spiritual idea.

When I think of Susie’s nursing, I’m reminded of Mary Baker Eddy’s statement about Christ Jesus in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, where she writes: “The divine nature was best expressed in Christ Jesus, who threw upon mortals the truer reflection of God and lifted their lives higher than their poor thought-models would allow, — thoughts which presented man as fallen, sick, sinning, and dying” (259:6).

Susie has — on every occasion — exhibited the above sentence in her practical nursing. She lifts her patient’s thought because she always comes prepared for a case with the highest standards of what it means to be a Christian Science nurse.

Sincerely,
A grateful family*

*The family has given permission for us to publish their letter without a signature. Coming Attractions Look for the Christian Science Nurse Scope of Services in the January 2021 newsletter. This document itemizes the types of care that Christian Science nursing includes as well as services that Christian Science nursing care does not include. Meet the Board Dave Daniels, President – Ninth Church
Sue Merrill, Vice President – Bellaire Church
Salomon Ngalamulume, Treasurer – Seventh Church
Linda Lindeman, Corresponding Secretary – Fourth Church
Susan Clay, Recording Secretary – Seventh Church
Lynne Clark – The Woodlands Church
Grace Duffy – First Church, Durango, CO We would welcome a board presence from churches not currently represented.
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