| 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.
I have a background in education and, about four years ago, felt a yearning to go back to teaching, all the while knowing that Christian Science nursing was my real ministry. How to reconcile these two yearnings? I began to ponder the inspired idea that education is another form of Christian Science nursing in action--which is Christian Science with its "work-boots" on--and therefore the same standards detailed in the By-Law would support my continued need for progress in Christian Science nursing and education. About that time, I was offered the position of Director of Christian Science Nursing Education at Glenmont. I knew that this opportunity was a "teachable moment" during which the Christ would unveil divine Love more fully to my consciousness, yet I still doubted whether it would fit into my Christian Science nursing ministry, and I was reluctant to commit. I had enjoyed every moment of teaching and mentoring. I wondered, "How it would it be to work with students full-time?"
As I prayed, I realized that one of my "talents" was the ability to work prayerfully with patients to meet their individual needs. As a full-time educator, I could put that talent to greater use by teaching students to recognize their own spiritual talents. By supporting their emerging Christian Science nursing practices, I could help them magnify the good they were already expressing. I had served as a contract Christian Science nurse at Glenmont and knew its staff would be receptive to an education program which included "teaching with Spirit". I joined the staff and began working with the administration to create an educational program dedicated to supporting Christian Science nurses at all levels (including Christian Science nurses already advertising in The Christian Science Journal).
The inspiration of education as an ongoing spiritual activity led me to understand that Mind reveals itself in the most practical form, modified for each of us in the style just right for our individual unfoldment. As we came to see more clearly that "proper care doesn't come in a wash cloth", divine Principle guided us in the creation of curricula with learning objectives, assessment tools, and lesson plans solidly rooted in spiritual law. It also led us to create individualized learning contracts, specialized courses, and workshops for those needing extra support or refreshers. Inspiration also took us twice to the Philippines to teach introductory workshops to over sixty eager church members, nourishing each with practical Christianity.
Glenmont's education program is known for this nourishing, flexible, and Principle-based approach to education. We minister to those seeking a higher understanding of Christian Science nursing through a one-week community workshop: "What Every Christian Scientist Should Know about Christian Science Nursing." We also offer more intensive four-week classes with mentoring and employment possibilities. In recent years, we have facilitated education for students from eleven countries and eleven states, in addition to our own field.
Realizing that some are in need of loving support to feel at home while at Glenmont, we pick students up at the airport and provide get-acquainted occasions to meet fellow students and staff. Our students are nurtured to ensure their experiences reflect the joy of adventure and the peace of spiritual confidence. Our first two students will graduate this fall under the new program with inspired, healing ministries.
What fun it is to share our joy for the Christian Science nurse By-Law, to teach other good Samaritans how to put their talents into fuller use, and to witness the increase of those talents through loving service to God. The eternality of the By-Law brings clarity of purpose and structure to all our activities, and I love sharing this understanding with students. Absolutely love it!
Katherine Lundberg is Director of Christian Science Nursing Education at Glenmont, a Christian Science Nursing Facility in Hilliard, Ohio, USA.
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