Thanksgiving Service

“Testimonies by Christian Scientists, appropriate for the occasion”

That is the specific instruction in the Church Manual, and it differs from the standard of Wednesday services which hear “Experiences, testimonies, and remarks on Christian Science.” For some guests, this qualification for testimonies at the Thanksgiving service raises the question of what is meant by the term “Christian Scientist”?

While it is commonly used to describe those who are members of a Christian Science church, it is much broader than that. Christian Science is not just a religion but a system of Christian-based care and practical application that is studied and practiced by people of many faiths. Certainly someone who has had class instruction in Christian Science, and strives to live by those teachings, is a “Christian Scientist,” and some of these clearly qualified individuals are faithful members of other churches, sometimes even clergy of other churches. Mary Baker Eddy, herself, had occasion to tell some individuals who were dedicated members of other churches that they were better Christian Scientists than many students who had been personally taught by her.

Some wonderful testimonies of gratitude have been given at Thanksgiving Services by people who speak of a healing occasioned by their work with a Christian Science practitioner, and they have no ties to the Christian Science church and in some cases have little understanding of their experience beyond their desire to lean on God for spiritual healing. And that is generally accepted as enough for them to testify on this occasion as a Christian Scientist.

It is completely left for the guest to decide if for the purpose of this portion of the Thanksgiving Service whether they are a Christian Scientist, capable of giving a testimony appropriate to the occasion. By the time that portion of the service arrives, you will have heard the Thanksgiving Lesson-Sermon, and perhaps even studied it ahead of time. You will have an idea where you stand in that moment. No one will question your qualification; no one will interrupt; no one will chastise. You will be heard with love and appreciation of the gratitude you express. If you do wish to testify to a spiritual healing, it may be helpful to know of this Manual By-Law that applies to church members in their testimonies of healing at Wednesday services.

Testimonials. SECT. 24. "Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (St. Paul). Testimony in regard to the healing of the sick is highly important. More than a mere rehearsal of blessings, it scales the pinnacle of praise and illustrates the demonstration of Christ, "who healeth all thy diseases" (Psalm 103:3). This testimony, however, shall not include a description of symptoms or of suffering, though the generic name of the disease may be indicated. This By-Law applies to testimonials which appear in the periodicals and to those which are given at the Wednesday evening meeting.