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Published by the Christian Science Nursing Communication Network, Inc. |
Vision Now!
A newsletter by and for Christian Science Nurses
September - Vol 15, Issue 2 |
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Dear Readers,
We are grateful for articles, ideas, and experiences submitted to Vision Now!. Please accept them as a "sharing". None are meant to set forth rules, formulas or authority. They are the result of each author's prayerful consideration of the subject.
Thank you,
The Editors
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| Greetings! |
Welcome to the 2009 Autumn edition of Vision Now! We are happy you've joined us here, and we are looking forward to seeing many of you at the 9th International Christian Science Nursing Conference, "Dwelling in the Light", on Sept. 16th through the 20th at CedarS Camps in Lebanon, Missouri.
This issue of Vision Now! focuses on Christian Science nurses' training. Interviews and articles by individuals who have served as Directors of Christian Science Nurses Training Schools and training or teaching experiences shared by Christian Science nurses are all part of this edition. It is evident from these, that as we serve, we reap the blessing of continuous spiritual growth and education.
"Christianity as Jesus taught it was not a creed, nor a system of ceremonies, nor a special gift from a ritualistic Jehovah; but it was the demonstration of divine Love casting out error and healing the sick, not merely in the name of Christ, or Truth, but in demonstration of Truth, as must be the case in the cycles of divine light." (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy 135:26-32)
We hope you find these articles as informative and inspiring as we did.
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| Quick Web Links to 2009 ICSNC Information |
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| What the education of Christian Science nurses requires
by Christian Irby Williams |
 Years ago, at a gathering of Christian Science nurses, someone asked Richard Bergenheim, CSB (authorized teacher of Christian Science), "What is the most important quality for a Christian Science nurse to express?" We watched as he frowned, shook his head, inflated to twice his size, and replied sternly: "There's no one 'most important quality' in Christian Science nursing!" Then he put his hands together above his head and slowly spread them apart until they reached the sides of his legs, as he said, "A Christian Science nurse reflects the FULL SPECTRUM of Christ qualities, listening for and expressing whatever the treatment is silently calling forth in the room at each moment." He said that if one thinks of himself as a "principled" Christian Science nurse, bringing order and clarity whenever he is in the room, he may be working against a healing where more gentleness and love is being called forth in the case; likewise, a Christian Science nurse who identifies herself as gentle and loving, might be working at cross-purposes with a treatment calling for order and discipline in the case. He warned that just partially expressing the spectrum of Christ qualities is the belief of personality, which our Leader says "limits man" (Miscellaneous Writings 1883 - 1896 282:4). Read More... |
| Glenmont Education
by Katherine Lundberg |
As each of us minister to our fellow man using practical wisdom in Christian Science nursing, we come to understand that for this wisdom to be expressed in proper care, it must grow out of our demonstrable knowledge of Christian Science practice. This is the high standard demanded by the By-Law for the Christian Science nurse in our Church Manual by Mary Baker Eddy.
How does Christian Science nursing education relate to this By-Law? It must relate in the same way Christian Science nursing itself does. For education to meet the high standard of the By-Law, the practical wisdom it teaches must also grow out of a demonstrable knowledge of Christian Science. In other words, in order to represent Christian Science, Christian Science nursing must be a healing ministry, and the educational process (if it is to be genuinely Spirit-based) ought to foster and support this healing ministry. Read More...
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| The Christian Science Nursing Arts Training Program at Arden Wood
by Jeannie T. Glassell |
 I've had the great privilege of seeing a wide variety of Christian Science nurses' training programs and different training styles since I became a Christian Science nurse. All have been initiated by a great love for Christian Science, and a sincere desire to forward Christian Science nursing.
I first joined Arden Wood's Christian Science nursing staff as a part-time instructor in the Training School. At that time, Arden Wood was one of four training sites recognized by The Mother Church. It meant a lot to me then, as it does now, to be part of an organization with a proven track record of support for Christian Science healing, through both Christian Science nursing and Christian Science nurses' training. I have always been impressed by the sincerity of the instructors: hearts searching for the best manner in which to support those wanting to become Christian Science nurses, while continuing to look for higher and better ways in which to do this. Read More...
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| HillTop Center
Christian Science Nurses' Training Program
with Carol Gressman |
 CSNCN Board Member Bonnie Mitchinson recently spoke with Carol Gressman, Director of Christian Science Nurses' Training at Hill Top Center in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Carol shared her thoughts about what spiritual qualities are needed for those interested in Christian Science nursing and a brief outline of what Hill Top's Christian Science Nurses' Training Program includes.
Bonnie: Carol, what spiritual qualities do you feel are essential for those interested in Christian Science nursing?
Carol: Most of all, dependence on divine guidance. Dedication is also very important. In other words, is it a calling from God or just a career? I believe it's a calling that develops into a very spiritual career or ministry. Through divine guidance a church member develops an interest in Christian Science nursing which is the first step. Continued prayer will lead them to the right Christian Science nurses' training program for them. Read More... |
| High Ridge House
Christian Science Nurses' Training
with Sandra Block-Effron |
 This July, Journal-listed Christian Science Nurse Sandra Block-Effron moved into the position of Director of Christian Science Nursing for High Ridge House, a Christian Science nursing facility in Riverdale, New York. Several months ago, while she was the Instructor of Christian Science Nurses' Training, Sandy spoke with CSNCN Board Member Bonnie Mitchinson about the spiritual qualities needed in those seeking Christian Science nurses' training and her expectations for the future of this training at High Ridge House.
Bonnie: Sandy, can you share with us what's going on with Christian Science nurses' training at High Ridge House?
Sandy: The classroom portion of our CS nurses' training has been suspended. We want to continue this but it isn't obvious when that will start. The mentoring portion of the CS nurses' training is on-going by our current experienced staff of CS nurses, recently joined by our new Home Christian Science Nursing Coordinator/Mentor Suzanne Lovins. Read More...
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| Mentoring and Models
by Mary Klingbeil Schultz |
I became a Christian Science nursing mentor because of the woman who mentored me in my Christian Science nurses' training. She was the model I looked up to. I wanted to be able to nurse the way she did. Her influence on my life was profound because her standards were high and her care so compassionate.
In my training days Christian Science nursing students and staff could not fraternize, yet her love and support were always felt. With her I had the freedom to grow, even the freedom to grow by making mistakes. When I became a floor supervisor she told me, "You will make mistakes, but I will support you in every one of them." I knew she meant to remove my fear of responsibility and she was true to her word. She never criticized me on the floor in front of others but would ask that I come to her office for a chat. There, I would sweat bullets. She always opened the conversation with the same words, "Now, Miss Klingbeil, I will tell you what you should have done." Read More...
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| Edu-Caring
by Bonnie Castroman |
 For years I've been on a quest to find fresh, inspired concepts of education that push beyond an outdated, boring approach that says, "The teacher, as an expert, pours information into the student who is an empty vessel."
One of the first teachers to open my thinking in this direction was Chris Irby Williams at Tenacre Foundation. Her inspired view and example lit my fire and gave me a glimpse of the possibilities of an enlightened approach to education. She always came into the classroom bursting with enthusiasm and love! Among the many creative methods she used when teaching Bible History or instructing, was the encouragement of systematic study, including researching the etymology of words we use in relation to Christian Science nursing. This always revealed a deeper meaning, gave fresh insights, and sometimes surprised us by linking us to other ideas. Read More...
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| Letter to the Editor
School Nursing at Principia College
from Tammy Wampole |
 School Christian Science nursing is awesome! Recently, I listened to four young adults talk of their experiences at Principia College--their joys and their challenges. When I watched the graduation procession, there were kids I knew and others I did not. Not everyone deals with a physical or mental challenge that brings them to Cox Cottage, (our nursing facility on campus), while relying on Christian Science to heal them.
Here at the College, these students are progressing from being with Mom and Dad when challenges arise, to being more independent; some learning how to call a practitioner on their own for the first time. For others, this is a time to make Christian Science their own. The Christian Science nurse needs to be silently praying for himself or herself, the situation, and oftentimes, the campus. He or she must be aware to discern the level of receptivity in the student. Some are new to Science and thrilled to be here, a few are jaded by their experiences and need the gentle touch of the Christ more than words. Others have made it their own and seek Christian Science class instruction. As with all Christian Science nursing situations, we have to listen and be led, but in the school setting, there is also the need to step out and help the student be comfortable with us. Read More... |
| Christian Science Nursing Communication Network Mission Statement |
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The purpose of the Christian Science Nursing Communication Network, Inc. is to encourage and support the healing ministry of Christian Science nursing by providing forums for perpetuating and strengthening communication among Christian Science nurses.
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| The Christian Science Nursing Communication Network Board of Directors |
Mary A. Hollister, President, Traverse City, MI ∙ 231.933.4678 ∙ mahcsncn@gmail.com
Esther Joscelyn, Secretary, Oxford, NY∙ 607.843.2357 ∙ eljoscelyn@frontiernet.net
Katherine C. Pennington, Treasurer, Tulsa, OK ∙ 918.760-1441 ∙ kcpcsncn@gmail.com
Patricia J. Cameron, Director, Golford, NH ∙ 603-848-7755 ∙ paja28@earthlink.net
Bonnie Mitchinson, Director, Naperville, IL ∙ 630.753.9314 ∙ bmitchcsn@yahoo.com
Kerry Reed, Director, Bow, NH ∙ 603.774.5401 ∙ kerrycsnn@gmail.com
Kimberly Thorndike, Director, Garrettsville, OH ∙ 330.235.3151 ∙ kimcsnn@gmail.com
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| Vision Now! Team |
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George Strong, Editor, Castro Valley, CA ∙ 510-853-3509 Cell ∙ geostrong@comcast.net
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All Rights Reserved, Christian Science Nursing Communication Network, Inc., Copyright 2009
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| Advertising Section
Mankowski |
The Winifred Stuart Mankowski Homes
Seeks to reward the incomparable service that Practitioners and Nurses have contributed to humanity and the Christian Science Movement.
This park-like, active community with semi-detached cottages offers independent living in an atmosphere of comfort, quiet and spiritual growth. We're located in Southern California in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains near cultural and educational activities.
Qualifications include:
Christian Science Journal-listing of 10 years or longer
A desire to retire or semi-retire from nursing
The ability to live independently and in harmony with others
A desire to remain active in church membership
A monthly income from all assets of under $3,500 / month
Residents enjoy rental rates of under $200 / month that include utilities, monthly cleaning, maintenance, gardening, and van service.
Even if you're not ready to retire, we invite you to visit us and learn first-hand what Mankowski Homes has to offer.
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| Advertising Section
Clearview Home |
If you are a "gentle beam of living Love," then CLEARVIEW HOME CORPORATION
is looking for you! Why not consider becoming part of our family? Clearview is located in Delafield, Wisconsin, a peaceful community conducive to our mission "To honor the wholeness of God's perfect man by offering the tender, uplifting care of Christian Science nursing." We would love to have a compassionate, experienced Christian Science nurse join us. (Apartments are available at low cost.)  Please contact:
Mary Lou Bridich, DOCSN, Clearview Home
262-646-3361 ∙ clearviewhome@centurytel.net |
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Tenacre |
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Arden Wood |
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Glenmont |
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Lynn House |
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"I don't go to Lynn House to work, I go to help."
These words spoken by a Christian Science nurse at Lynn House
express the loving, cherishing, spirit reflected by our staff.
Do you choose to help rather than to just work? Do you pray for your nursing practice, and demonstrate your ministry? We are seeking Christian Science nurses who share this same spirit.
If you are a Christian Science Journal-listed nurse with experience as a Supervisor, Mentor or Visiting Nurse, we invite you to contact us.
 Please contact Mary Ladson, Director of Christian Science Nursing at info@lynnhouse.org or 1-800-283-4325
You may also obtain applications from our website at www.lynnhouse.org | |
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All Rights Reserved, Christian Science Nursing Communication Network, Inc., Copyright 2009
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