Dear CSNCN Board,
Thank you for the opportunity to say how much the "Dwelling in the Light" Conference was appreciated. All aspects were so well thought-out and presented. It made me, and I'm sure all, feel loved, cared for, and appreciated. Being all together with fellow Christian Science nurses is a privilege. It reminds one of the important works that we are a part of; can there be anything more worthwhile than being a participant in and witness to spiritual healing? Thank God for this marvelous opportunity provided us by Mary Baker Eddy in our
Church Manual, to call oneself a Christian Science nurse. I feel it's very important that we get together on a regular basis in order to celebrate the value and joy of this important work.
Also thank the CedarS Camp staff for their happy accommodations; it was like being a kid again and experiencing the joy of camp. The food was not as I remember it in camping days however, it was much better. I especially loved the ranch breakfast; everyone went to such lengths to provide this incredible feast.
Thank you all for your heroic efforts to put together this event for us all, you did an outstanding job!
Lovingly,
Lynn M. OwingsHill Top Center
Reflections on the International Christian Science Nursing Conference, "Dwelling in the Light"
I live in Nova Scotia, Canada. It is one of four provinces that make up what is known as Atlantic Canada. The other three being: New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. The two latter are islands, Nova Scotia is attached to New Brunswick by a narrow piece of land. The Atlantic Ocean is our doorstep. I think it's important that the many readers of
Vision Now! can picture this portion of the world since these conferences are international.
This was a first for me. "Dwelling in the Light". I looked so forward to just what this theme would cover and believe me, I was not disappointed.
I took the Cedars eXpress from St. Louis to the camp and as the bus drove through the long graveled driveway, lined appropriately with cedar trees on either side, to the lovely spot in the center of what seemed a very large forest - I was star struck! Hundreds of times I have clicked on the website for CedarS. I never dreamed I would actually be there. It is an awesome place - perfect for the International Christian Science Nursing Conference.
We were greeted warmly by Gay and Warren Huff, many of the staff and those who arrived ahead of us. As part of the registration we were told the location of our accommodations; our luggage was there when we arrived. We were presented with a beautiful tote bag with all the materials required for the workshops we were to attend in the following days - even a water bottle was included. Shortly after all this we gathered in the large rustic dining room for dinner. Filled with round tables that seated eight each, we gathered for our first meal, after welcoming remarks and joining audibly for grace. At each meal everyone made a point to sit with a new group. In this way we met folks from all over. That evening we attended a Wednesday testimony meeting in the open-air chapel followed by a large campfire with toasted marshmallows.
Next morning we were served a ranch breakfast in the sweet morning air. When I finished going through the line of breakfast foods, hot right off the open cooking fires, my plate consisted of scrambled eggs with cheese, hash browns, asparagus, Texas toast, and sausages. A variety of beverages and lots of seating under the warm blue sky were provided.
Our days consisted of breakfast together at 8 a.m. then off to presentations with a break around 10:30 am. Lunch was 12:30-1:30 p.m. with workshops following. On two days in the mid-afternoon we had a choice of recreational or quiet time before workshops resumed. Dinner was at six with lots of activities and entertainment in the evenings. And may I say here there was lots and lots of fun time - basketball, tennis, waterslide, ropes course, climbing wall, horses to ride or be pulled in a buggy - and for sure some I have forgotten.
It became clear to me throughout the Conference just how sacred the
Manual-based provision for Christian Science nursing is as it blesses all mankind and sets a high standard.
All materials for the workshops were well-prepared and well-presented. Each speaker was easy to approach and there was plenty of time for questions and answers.
To sum up this Conference and what it has given me is beyond words. Living in this large geographical area as I do with no Christian Science nursing facilities, it was like a bright light shone all around. I was truly "Dwelling in the Light".
From my very humble and uncertain beginnings several years ago when I opened my home to Christian Scientists whom I thought would enjoy rest and study in my rural quiet surroundings, I soon found that those coming were in need of Christian Science nursing care. I had no training whatsoever. However, with all that I had been learning in Christian Science and the healings I was experiencing for myself and others - always turning to God for guidance - was the most rewarding experience of my life. This I continued to do until such time that I was able to take training. While attending this Conference I met others whose beginnings were similar. I sat quietly one evening and looked up into the bright night sky and thanked God humbly for this unusual journey that had brought me thus far.
I learned much from this Conference of the activities that are in place supporting Christian Science nursing. For example: The Mother Church's General Counsel Office works with the Committee on Publication Office to leaven public thought regarding Christian Science nursing. It is good that Christian Science nursing is being brought forward in its true light. There's that word "light" again. It shines everywhere! There was a Q&A period via teleconference with The First Church of Christ, Scientist Board of Directors from Boston. They were great and their support and encouragement was wonderful. Sessions embraced legal counsel, team building, personal finance, a Bible speaker, small home options for Christian Science nursing care, ethics revisited, and much, much more. For me, casually meeting in small groups and getting to know each other was precious time; very inspiring and most helpful. Because of this experience I have returned home feeling strongly connected and supported with and by this world-wide movement of Christian Science nurses. It's a happy feeling.
"And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good." (Genesis 1:31)
