Soul & Body - November 17-23, 2008

S&H 218:7 "The consciousness of Truth rests us more than hours of repose in unconsciousness."

I don't think Mrs. Eddy was referring to unconsciousness from being hit on the head too hard - I think she meant NOT being conscious of who we really are.  Lets work this week on being FULLY conscious of Truth - and see where it takes us.

As we think about our next time together, I want all of you to consider very deeply what I am about to say. Let's pretend that I know for sure that there will be a guest in our class this next Sunday.  This guest is someone who has never been to a Christian Science Sunday School and doesn't know very much about it.  Please consider the type of class you would like to have to welcome this individual and what types of things you know and love about Christian Science that would be worth sharing.  Also think about what it means to really listen if someone poses a question.  Having this type of attitude as we go to class each week, will help us all be better listeners and better participants.

Let's get to the lesson.

Golden Text & Responsive Reading

What does the Golden Text establish as Soul & Body?

Here is the GT from The Message: "...God's temple is sacred - and you, remember, are the temple."

From Psalms 90:17 - think of the word "establish" - which means to set and fix firmly or unalterably - What should you be establishing about yourself and your relationship to God?  Make a List - keep checking it.

Section I
B1 - If you do nothing else this week, but exactly what this citation says - you will have done much.  "Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God."

S2 - What does Mrs. Eddy mean by "man is not a material habitation for Soul..."?  What is your identity?  Are you labeling yourself with limiting thoughts?

S4 - How do these statements provide a reality check for your real identity?

S6 - If God fashions all things after His own likeness - wouldn't it be helpful to know God as well as you can, so you can see yourself more clearly?   What's stopping you?

Section II
B6 - The strong man referred to in this citation is error/evil - so knowing that, can you see what Jesus was trying to get his listeners to realize?  You have to control error and take away any power that you may have given to it.  See Marker 9 in S&H.

S8 - What are the images of your thinking that you are impressing upon your body?  Are they images that are limited or unlimited?  Watch your thinking.

S9 - Starting with page 400 line 9 - list the actions Mrs. Eddy says you need to take to have harmony & health.  I'll help with the first one:  Forsake discord - (do you know what forsake means?)

S10 - Stand porter - What conclusions about life, health and body to you want to experience?  Make sure those are the only concepts you are letting enter your thought.

Section III
B11 - What is meant by "overcometh the world"  Why is it important to believe that Jesus is the son of God?

S12 - This is one of my favorite passages in Science & Health - what does it mean that Spirit is the primitive and ultimate source of man's being?

S14 - Have any of you dealt with limitations of mortal heredity?  Here is the counterfact to that belief.

Section IV
This whole section is so clear about Life, energy, ability, rest & action
read B16 - Isaiah 40:31 - a bible favorite - they that wait upon the Lord...  Look at all you get by waiting on the Lord - The question to ask yourself is how do you wait?  What does it mean to wait?

Do you know what a Yoke does?  It shares the burden of the work.  Here is that passage from The message:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me.  Watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

S16 - Are you saying things to yourself - about yourself that are limiting you?  Are you defining yourself physically?  Are you accepting limitation as your reality?  Let's stop referring to ourselves in any way but spiritual and perfect.

S18 - Spiritual demand - look to each demanding situation and ask what is the spiritual demand - is it discipline, focus, to express grace, humility, courage - the demand of spirit comes with its own supply to fulfill it.  Turn your so called physical demands into spiritual power.

S19 - If this statement is true, and it is, how would you make all your work/experience Holy?  And if you did it - what is the result?

Section V
What is important about knowing where seeing and hearing come from according to these Bible passages?

B21 - Pay attention - it was the blind man's faith in the Christ that healed them.  It is the same for you.

S22 - Let's talk about this statement.  Does death restore sight, hearing and strength?  What are we hoping for?  Death - or the death of mortal beliefs?

Section VI
B24 - How does this relate to the Golden Text?  What did we learn in the lesson that helps us know what our temple is?

S27 - What does it mean to divest thought?  What are some of the false trusts we need to get rid of?  Bring a list it may include things like - strength comes from muscles, intelligence comes from the brain, think of your own false trusts.  I hope you see how important it is to do this.  If you can see what is false and replace it with what is true - it establishes your temple!  And that relationship with God!

I look forward to seeing you all this Sunday.

Have a great week - and as always you can call, e-mail me, or leave me a comment on the blog.

Mama J

November 10-16 * Mortals & Immortals

Hi everyone,

Sorry I missed sending out the Questions last week - it was just super busy for me and clearly I did not heed my own rice and ping pong ball theory!!

I know that you all are in the middle of your finals, so lets try and think through the lesson using the questions as an opportunity to explore how understanding the answers can help you take those tests!

Golden Text & Responsive Reading
What does it mean to be "earthy"?  Is there anything wrong with being "earthy"?

Are you corruptible or incorruptible?

If you are stedfast and unmoveable - how can you be "abounding" in God's work? - Or how is it possible to abound in God's work without being stedfast & unmoveable?  Try and see how these two seemingly opposite ideas are actually needed for doing God's work.

Section I
B4 -  What is the spirit of adoption?

Section II
B5 - What can you do to "be in Christ"?  What is your reward for doing it?

B6 - Ask yourself which way you are sowing - to flesh? or to spirit?

B7 - What does the story of the adulterous woman tell you about "human" nature?  And what does it show about the presence of The Christ?
Why does it matter to you?
Do you look at situations from a "human" perspective or through the lense of Christ?  Do you know how to look at things the way Christ Jesus did?  Let's try and do that this week.

S9 - What is a counterfeit?

Section III
B8 - What kind of thought did the nobleman have to be able to accept so calmly Jesus' healing message for his dying son?  Are you that receptive when offered the Truth from practitioners, parents, friends?  Why or why not?

S14 - This is a great Truth to stick with when working out a problem.  Are you really insisting mentally that harmony is the fact?

Section IV
B10 - As a Christian Scientist what does it really mean to be "born again"?  Bring your thoughts on this to class.

S19 - Do you need to be "born again" if you are completely clear about the first statement here?  "Immortal man is not and never was material, but always spiritual and eternal."

Section V
B12 - Do you have any idea about the significance of the transfiguration?  What really happened here?  How were Peter and James and John able to see Moses and Elias?  Did it change them in anyway?

B14 - What do you think it means to see "face to face"?

S24 - "entirely separate" is the Life divine - if it is separate - where is it? Are you living in the dream of matter of in the Life Divine?

S25 - Here is a "when" statement.  These always mean you have some work to do - what is the work you need to do according to this statement?

S26 - Do you want to be able to reason correctly? (could help on tests) Here is how to do it - Keep one fact before your thought - SPIRITUAL EXISTENCE!!!!

I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday. Have a great week.

Mrs. J

October 27-November 2 - Everlasting Punishment

Hi everyone - I actually think a better title for this week's lesson is "Everlasting Purity".  Did you notice that in each healing account in the lesson there is the desire on the part of the one needing healing to be "made clean" - washing, anointing with oil, getting into the pool at Bethesda.  Purity!  Think of Purity and what it means for you as you read the lesson this week.

Let's continue this week by each of you printing out this letter and bringing a question - either from my list or bring one of your own.  The more you participate by being prepared, the more you will get out of Sunday School.

Golden Text & Responsive Reading

Do you know what it means to be redeemed?  Have you ever been redeemed? Delivered? Saved?  Tell us about it.

B1 - Look at the "If, Then" statement and think about this in terms of your own life.  What is the "rain" in your life? (remembering that rain brings nourishment to crops)  What in your experience will yield its increase?  If you allow rain to nourish the ideas of joy, strength, freedom, dominion and others - they will dominate your experience.  Be proactive.

Now look at the "if, then" and see what happens if you don't listen and obey God.  It seems an easy choice to make.  Are you making the right choice?

S3 - How will you know when you are really sorry for wrong doing?

S6 - What are the activities that you need to replace hate, lust, revenge & deceit with?  Let's apply this line of thinking to our daily lives.

B5 - Recognize what it means for you to have God correcting you - What does it mean?

B7 - What was the quality of thought that Naaman had to exhibit for his healing to take place?  Is your life an example of the use of this quality?

S9 - When do you begin to learn about Life in Divine Science? (Christian Science)

B10 - How important is it to "Love your enemies"  What does this actually mean in your daily thoughts and actions?

S14 - What qualities do you need to build a strong defence against evil thoughts, lusts and malicious purposes?

B13 - Do you think this story gives you permission to be a BIG Sinner?  What quality of thought did this woman need to have her healing?

B14 - What was the quality of thought the impotent man needed for his healing?

S22 - How do you destroy a fear of sickness?  Let's not forget the first thing that needs to be done for healing is to remove fear.

S23 - This marker has some really juicy ideas for healing.  do you recognize what you can know, do, & be to have regular and effective healings of your own?

S25 - Can you bring 1/2 the faith you have in matter to the study and demonstration of Christian Science?  If so - what is the glorious result?  WOW!  Let's do it.

I'll see you all next Sunday.  Have a great Week.

Mama J

Probation After Death * October 20-26, 2008

Dear Class,

First of all, I want to thank each of you for doing your part to help the Sunday School this past week.  It was really fun to see all of you participating in the service.  I think Ron set a new standard for music and I hope his example will allow more students to come forward and accompany the pianist.

So this week.  Please print out this e-mail and bring it with you on Sunday.  I have reduced the questions/comments to just 15 - and I want each of you to pick just one that you are going to be ready to talk about.  So that means read the citation and come ready to discuss it.  Some of you may pick the same citation - and that's o.k. - but hopefully we'll have a couple of different ones to discuss.

Here's the big question that I want you all to think about as you study the lesson.  And not just think about - but try and figure it out.

What did Jesus teach us about Life & Death?

Golden Text - Here is a simple way of telling us what to do:  "Prove all things"  - this comment relates to our theme of "..we have not the power to demonstrate what we do not understand."  --

Responsive Reading:  - There are at least 12 "to do" items in the RR - How many can you find?  I'll start you out with one fill in the rest - and then think about how you can do some of these things each day:

1) comfort hearts

Section II -
B5&6 - What event or circumstances in your life would lead you to completely surrender to God?

B9 - Beatitudes - what are the meaning of these?

S7&8 - What is heaven?  What is hell?

S9 - What needs to "reign within us" so that sin, disease and death disappear?

Section III
Bible Story - Well - would you rather be the poor, unselfish servant in this world - or the rich man in this world?  Why?

S10 - Has anyone ever done something to you that was mean or wrong?  Is it up to you to take revenge? Why or why not?

S11 - Tell me about your experiences with purity and affection.

S12 - Sum this statement up in plain english.

Section IV
S15 How did Jesus teach us to work out our own salvation?

B16 - Who was the first to see Jesus after he rose from the dead?   Why do you think this person was able to see him?

What did Jesus ask the 11 disciples to do?  Which book in the Bible tells the story of what they did?

S20 - What are the only proofs that are demanded of Christians to fulfill?

S21 - What creates a new Life for you or anyone?

Section VI 
S27 What kinds of things will you have to deal with in the "straight & narrow way"?

S30 What is the thing a person must do to show they really want to drop all the old mortal ideas?

I look forward to having some lively discussion this Sunday.  See you then.

Mrs. J

October 13-19 - Doctrine of Atonement

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

For those of you who were at Sunday School this past week you know that we have some responsibilities this coming Sunday - for those of you who missed, let me give you the information.  Our Class is responsible for several things this coming Sunday, so I need the day students to get to church early.

Our class chose the hymns for this Sunday and we will start with Hymn 162 and end with Hymn 263.  Ron will accompany the pianist with his sax! (awesome)

Summer will be the presenter.  Nate and Dorian will be ushers - helping visitors and welcoming the students.  Leif and Nanna will hand out the attendance folders prior to Sunday School.  Austin & Becca will put the hymn numbers on the display boards.

Please let me know if you will NOT be here this coming Sunday so we can make switches with the other classmates.

Now to the lesson and some discovery.  This week I'm going to help you out by giving you the definitions for the words that I've called out.  I hope this will help you as you study the lesson for the rest of the week.

Atonement: - (Dictionary definition) - the expiation (making reparation) of sin made by the obedience and personal suffering of Christ.

advocate: To defend an argument before the public, to support or vindicate

reconcile: to call back into union

propitiate: to conciliate: to appease one offended and render him favorable

conciliate: to draw or bring together, unite

derived: to draw or receive, as from a source or origin

efficacious: producing the effect intended.  Having the power adequate to the purpose intended

mediator: One that interposes between parties who disagree for the purpose of reconciling them.

salvation: The act of saving; preservation from destruction, danger, or great calamity

requisite: That which is necessary, something indispensable

piety: Reverence of the Supreme Being and Love of his character.  In practice: - the exercise of these affections in obedience to his will and devotion to his service.

pentecost: A solemn festival of the Jews.  Celebrated on the 50th day after the feast of the passover recognizing and giving thanks to God for the law (commandments) which had been given to them at Sinai on the 50th day from their departure from Egypt.

OVERALL THINGS TO NOTICE

There is only one citation from the Old Testament - WHY?  What is the meaning of the verse?

What are the tenets of Christian Science and where can you find them?

Look for "action" words (verbs) in citations - these words are a call for you to actually DO something.  Paying attention to these words helps you in your study of Christian Science, it actually gives you some things you can do realistically.

Golden Text:  What is the action word?  How can you abide in the doctrine of Christ?

RR - verses 3, 5, 6, 17 & 24 all have action words - they give you a job to do - what is your job/responsibility according to John? (hint the first one is keep commandments)

B1 - The people in the synagogue at Capernaum were "astonished" at Jesus' Doctrine - what is the doctrine?  (see S3, 4 & 5)

S3 - What is the definition of atonement?  How does it differ from the dictionary definition?

B3 - This is the only verse from the OT in the lesson - why do you think it is here at all?

B5 - Jesus continues to talk of his doctrine - what is the doctrine?

B6 - Explain what Jesus meant when he said "I and my Father are one"

S7 - Well, this is a huge paragraph with lots of words I needed to look up - so in the end what do you think Mrs. Eddy is trying to tell us?

S10 - What does it mean when Jesus said "no man cometh unto the Father, but by me?"

B8 - Does Jesus ask us to hang out with healthy, sinless people or sick and sinful people?  Are you following his example?  What is your job when you hang out with the kind of people Jesus expected you to be around?

S11 - What does sin do - according to this marker?  What must mortals do to find Christ?  What are some ways you can do this?

S13 - Read and understand your role in atonement.  You do have a responsibility - make sure you know what it is and how you can best respond.

S14 - Is Truth overcoming error in your life and in every conversation you have?  Are you alert to doing this?  Think how easy it is to share a rumor, spread a lie, talk about others behind their back.  Is that behavior part of the atonement?  Which activity would be more fulfilling?

B12 - This story is from the book of Acts - was Jesus still around when these stories were being written? What do you know about Peter, who is described in this story?

Sec. IV - Why was the crucifixion effective in teaching mankind about eternal life?

S 17 - What is the scientific explanation of atonement?  What destroys suffering?

B14 - What did John expect the followers of Jesus to do in demonstrating love?  Are you doing this?  What are "his" commandments?

S22 - When Mrs. Eddy uses words "what we most need" we should all take notice.  Are you working on this "to do list"?  What is your proper debt to Jesus?  What does unceasing prayer do for you?  What is unceasing prayer?

S23 - Know this verse and understand it.  it is fundamental to Christian Healing.

S25 - How can we bring out in our lives the unity which exists between  God and man?  This is our job as Christian Scientists - is it a job you want?  Is it a job you are already doing?  Can you do this job any better?  Let's talk about how.

Well, it's a lot to think about with a lesson that is only 5 sections long - but it's great stuff.  I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday.

Mrs. Jenkins

October 6-12, 2008 * Are Sin, Disease and Death Real?

Hi everyone,

I hope you had a good class this past Sunday.  I'd love to hear what you learned and if there are some things we need to continue to follow up on.

We do have an important task this coming Sunday.  We are in charge of picking the Hymns for Sunday October 19th.  The Lesson for that week is "Doctrine of Atonement" so please bring your ideas for hymns.

Also - one other note.  This coming Sunday (October 12th) is a Sunday School Open House for the 8-12th grade classes.  Please let your parents know that they are welcome to come in and  introduce themselves to me and see our little spot in the Sunday School.  I look forward to seeing any or all of your parents.

So let's get started on this week's Lesson.  As you read the lesson - keep in mind the subject of the lesson, which comes in the form of a question.  Each marker and each section read thoroughly, and with some understanding should help you to answer that question.  Let's try and answer it as a class this next Sunday.

B2 - What assurance does this Psalm give to you?

B5 - Isaiah makes a great promise here.  Have you ever felt that everyone was against you?  Look at this promise, what does it mean for you?

S1 - What is the only reality of sin, sickness and death?

S3 - Are you using your "fan" wisely?  Has anyone ever told a lie about you to others?  Do you begin to believe the lie?  How can you separate the fact from the truth?  (see S4 to assist you).

S6 - How astounded are you at evils claims?  Are you more interested in the gossip and chatter of matter?  Should you be shocked at the Truth?

B6 - Do you know what "Immanuel" means?

B8 - In this story, notice who gathered around Jesus to hear the parables.  Are you able to see and help others who are suffering to see themselves through God's eyes?
B8, cont. - What do you think is the most important part of the story of the prodigal son?  Do you think the father should have thrown a party for the son who "wasted his substance with riotous living."?  Are there people you know who have done really stupid things and you've given up on being friends with them?  Have you ever done something stupid and felt like you should never be forgiven - or that you are no longer a "good Christian Scientist"?  Let's talk about this.

S8 - According to this marker - who is it that can fully understand that evil is not real?

What is the basis of all health, sinlessness and immortality?

S10 - What is the basis of all demonstration?

B12 - Have any of you ever had a "hem-touching" moment?  - I'd love to hear them.

S12 - Is God the author of sin, sickness and death?

S15 - Think about a legal trial when an innocent person is charged of a crime - what would you need to prove your innocence?  (hint the word begins with a T)

S17 - Here is a HEALING IDEA - What can you do with this thought?

B14 - After reading this story ask yourself this question; Do you believe that Christian Science can overcome death?  How important is it to know that man IS not SHALL BE perfect? Do you know this about yourself?

B24 - Revelation - Is this a physical new city?

S26 - Definition of New Jerusalem is what?  Is it a place?

S28 - Can you spend time each day realizing that you live, move and have our being in God?  Why don't we try it and see what happens.

Have a great week and I'll see you on Sunday.

Mrs. J

UNREALITY - October 5, 2008

Hello everyone,

I hope you are all AWAKE and have the LIGHT on as you read your lesson this week.  If you keep DREAMING, you will stay in the DARK as to your true nature.

So I just gave you a few clues as to what to look for as you read this week's lesson.

The vocab words are at the end.  Let's make sure you are looking those up.

Have a great week - and remember I will be gone this next Sunday, but the substitute will have this outline, so it will be helpful for you to bring your copies and have done some preparation.

As always - call if you need anything.

Mrs. J

The RR starts us right off - Be Awake & Alert - and you need to be as you learn who you really are.
Section I
B1 & B2 - Are you agreeing with yourself as a child who is found created spiritual and perfect like in Genesis 1 - or are you living in the mist of material creation starting in Genesis 2:6?  It makes a difference.

Section II
B3 - Adam & Eve's kids - Cain & Abel.  What does each of them do for a living?  Does God like what they do?  What happens when one of the brothers gets jealous of the other brother?

What do you think it means that "Cain went out from the presence of the Lord"? - (hint-see SH10)

S7 - Did God create sin?

S8 - Can matter create anything?

S10 - Are you trying to understand God better?  Can you recognize God through matter?

Section 3
B4 - Are you a sleeping, sluggard?  How do you know you are or are not?  If you are, do you even want to wake up, or is life pretty nice in matter?  What will you wake up to, if you put off matter?

B7 - Read all of this - and then explain how to search in order to find God.

S12 - So, if we're experiencing pain and pleasure in matter, sin, sickness and death - are we awake or asleep?  Do dreams have any reality? (both waking and sleeping dreams)

How can you be alert to know whether you are sleeping/dreaming through life - or if you're awake to your spiritual freedom and reality?

Sec. IV
S16 - Can light and darkness ever exist together?  What does this tell you about light?  What does this tell you about handling ideas that are dark, material, limiting and false?

Sec. V
B14 - Story of Lazarus -
Was Jesus in a rush to get to Lazarus? Why or why not?
Did Jesus first acknowledge that Lazarus was dead prior to raising him from death? - why does it matter? (see S22)

S23 - According to this paragraph what is your privilege at this moment?  How can you fulfill that privilege?  Do you even want to?  If you don't, ask yourself what is stopping you.

S24 - What closed "the gates of paradise"? What do we need to use to open those gates?  Are you ready and willing to do this?  How will you doing this affect your life?

Sec VI
B20 - Have you ever felt "unsatisfied in your life?"  What have you learned in the lesson this week that allows you to be satisfied?  What likeness are you waking up to see?

S25 - What is the great gift that awaits you when you wake up to the "truth of being"?

S28 - Are you the likeness that is spoken of in this last verse of the lesson?

VOCABULARY

lulled

stupefying

oblivion

firmament

fratricidal

progeny

verities

commingle

REALITY - September 22-27, 2008

Hi everyone,

I'm glad we cleared up the confusion about you all thinking you had to answer every single one of the questions I put on these weekly letters.  What I'd like is if each one of you would find one thing in the lesson that you had a question about, or if you had an "AHA" moment you could share.  It's always a much better class if you all come prepared to question and discuss things that are relevant to your life.

So this week lets try to see others (and ourselves) as God sees them (and us).  The entire lesson gives us ideas on how to do this and the good that comes when you actually do it.  This ability to see as God sees shows us REALITY!!!!  So the big question of the week is - What is your reality?

Throughout the lesson this week look for words that relate to "seeing" - words like behold, reveal, look, resemblance, appear, picture, etc.  There are a lot of them.

VOCABULARY

• reckoning
  
• manifestation
  
• immutable
  
• celestial
  
• verity
  
• renders
  
• disposition
  
• precipitate
  
• transcendental
  
• self-abnegation
  

Golden Text:  Look for the action words - Do you have some responsibility?

B2 - What does it mean to see God face to face?  Was this a normal occurence?

S3- What tries to be reality? What do you have to do to see what is real?

S4 - CS CLUE *** What are the "tests" you can give to determine if something is "real"?

I'll help.  Ask these questions about whatever it is:

1. 1. Are you spiritual?
   
2. 2. Are you harmonious?
   
3. 3. Are you immutable? (vocab word)
   
4. 4. Are you immortal
   
5. 5. Are you divine?
   
6. 6. Are you eternal?
   

B6 - In this story, what aspect of it do you recognize from another bible story?  What is the main point of this story.

S11 - Prophet's ability - where does it come from?  

B11 - Do you want to see God?  What does it take?  What does it mean to have a pure heart?

S14 - Man is perfect in proportion to what?

If you were in charge of determining whether a $100 bill was real or a counterfeit, what would you study in order to figure out what was the real one?  Would you study the counterfeit or the real $100 bill?

S16 - What are some false landmarks in your experience?

B12 - What is different between eyes seeing & God revealing?  In your experience can you think of ways in which your eyes have deceived you?  Once you realize you've been deceived how can you recognize what God is actually revealing?

B14 - What lesson is Jesus trying to teach the Pharisees and Sudducees?  Check S17 for the answer.  Explain the answer in your own words.  

S18 - Tell me which artist you relate to and why?  What material beliefs are you holding on to?

S20 - Is Christian Science healing the sign of the times?

B15 - Healing of the blind man - We all know this story pretty well - it is a wonderful example of not allowing the logic of the times you live in to determine the outcome of your life.  

Ask yourself - what am I blind to?  Am I blind to my own spiritual reality?  Am I blind to seeing the real identity of someone in my life?  Work on changing your view of that individual.

S23 - Do you see others the way Jesus would see them? 

S26 - What does this "Life Divine" that is entirely separate from matter look like?  How do we little humans experience that Life?

B18 - This revelation - the New Heaven and New Earth - means different things to different religions.  Most religions take it quite literally and are awaiting a physical new earth.  Does this make sense in REALITY?  Can you see the New Heaven and New Earth?  Do you want to?  

You've got lots to chew on this week.  Be ready to see those around you as God sees them.  - Let's share how we were able to do this, or what stopped us from really being able to do it.  

Have a great week - and as always, I am available by phone or e-mail.  

Mrs. J

tracyjsbr@gmail.com

(314) 239-9205

Subject: Matter - for Sunday September 22, 2008

Hi Guys - Sorry to have missed you all this past Sunday - That was quite a rainstorm.  I look forward to seeing you all again this week.  Remember to bring your books and marking stuff - so we can work on that while we wait for Sunday School to start.

For this week's lesson there are some overall things I want you to look for as you read:

• Pay attention to the book of the bible you are reading from (including if it is from the Old or New Testament)
  
• Pay attention to the chapter in Science & Health you are reading from
  
• Make a note of any landmarks (geography) that is noted in the lesson
  
• Make a note of specific people that are mentioned or are speaking
  
• Write down any words that you don't know the meaning of
  

I always keep a notebook with me when I read the lesson to jot down questions, words, ideas and thoughts that come to me - I would suggest you do the same, and then bring the notebook with you to class.

Now here are the words I want you to find definitions for - if you have others, bring them to class:

1. diligent
   
2. Supposition
   
3. Manifestation
   
4. mocked
   
5. supersede
   
6. precept
   
7. delusion
   

O.K. - now for the lesson!  It's a good one (aren't they all?) 

In the Responsive reading do you know who the God of Jacob is?  If so, it must mean you know who Jacob is right?  Who is Jacob?  

There is a mention of "Zion" - look in S&H page 599 Mrs. Eddy's definition and then find out where Zion is physically (location) - Why does Mrs. Eddy's definition have significance?

Section I

B1 - What is in the book of Acts?  Did it come before or after Jesus was crucified?

Where is Paul when he is giving this sermon?  Why does it matter?

S1 - I hope you have all memorized the SSB (Scientific Statement of Being) - if not, lets work on it.

Section II

B2 - What kind of an individual was Jeremiah?  Why does it matter?  What is he trying to tell us about "the customs of the people?"  What does he want you to understand about the Adam-man and God's man?

S3 - What is a supposition?  Try re-writing this sentence in a simple way.

S5 - What do you have to understand to be able to reach a provable conclusion?

Section III

B7 - What would it mean to "mock" God?  Are there times in your life when you might have mocked God?  How can you avoid that behavior?  Bring examples.

B9 - Think about your life experience.  Are there times when you've felt some "enemy" has planted weeds in your life?  In this marker we see how Jesus suggested we respond to that kind of evil - what would be some practical ways to handle the supposed weeds that are placed into your life?

S12 - What in this marker can give you ideas on how to work to remove those supposed weeds?

Section IV

B11 - What are you setting your eyes on?  

S16 - What kind of unnecessary knowledge are you tempted to gain?  How does gaining that kind of knowledge help or hurt you?  

S18 - We read in this marker "to prevent the experience of error and its sufferings; keep out of the minds of your children either sinful or diseased thoughts." - So have your parents done things to help keep things out of your thoughts?  Now guess what it's your turn to take charge of this responsibility, your job this week is to take any thought you have and ask "is this spiritually based or materially based - then get rid of the material based thought by replacing the thought with its spiritual reality.  Does that sound too hard?  Let's talk about ways to do this on a very consistent basis.  Doing this will change your experience.  

* Remind me to tell you the clear mountain lake story *

Section V

B16 & B17 - Which man is the perfect man?  What does it mean to "mark" that man?  Which man are you marking?  - Which man/woman are you?

B20 - Have you ever "touched the hem"?  Do you know what it means to do so?  Share a story with us if you have one.

S21 - So if matter is not the likeness of God - can you see, touch, smell the likeness of God?  How then can you recognize God's man?  How can understanding this concept help you with thoughts and experiences in your daily life like:

• I'm not good enough
  
• I don't understand my school work
  
• I feel alone
  
• I feel left-out
  
• I am not as good as so and so
  
• I am not pretty enough
  
• I am not athletic enough
  
• etc., etc., etc.
  

S22 - What is the basis of thought & demonstration?

S24 - This is not a "when" statement, but it is the same idea.  It gives you an opportunity to see whether you are advancing spiritually.  So figure it out based on this marker - what are the clues to figure out whether you are "getting it"?

Section VI 

B22 - What an amazing promise.  Please read this and share ideas on how having this hope can advance our spiritual existence.  Then ask yourself?  "Do I have this hope?"  If yes, how are you experiencing it?  If no, do you want to? How can you get this hope?

S26 - The question of the week:

Are you living an "is" life or a "shall be" life?  It makes a difference!!

S28 - Big Clue in this one - What do you have to do to gain "the unspeakable peace"?  What does it look like in practice?  Does it take a lot of talking or a lot of real living?  

So much to share this week.  As always my questions are just a jumping off point - something to think about.  Please bring your own questions, concerns, stories and healings.  We can all learn from you already "get" - 

I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday.

Please feel free to e-mail or call me with any questions.  tracyjsbr@gmail.com

Mrs. J

Sunday September 14 - Subject: Substance

Hi Everyone - It was fun to meet all of you this past Sunday - and I look forward to being with you this year.  I was grateful to have you all thinking through the type of Sunday School class you each want to be a part of.  Let's remember to abide by our ground rules:

1. What happens in Sunday School stays in Sunday School.

2.  Respect others when they speak or share ideas.

3. Come to class prepared - having read or studied the lesson and having questions, concerns or comments to share.

4.  Bring your Books - we will work on marking them  - and we will use them throughout each class.

5.  No cell phones

6.  Mrs. Jenkins will ignore those who don't seem to be paying attention, But will always be ready to hear if they want to share something.

If you think of other things we need to add - let me know.

I will communicate each week through this e-mail/blog/web-site - so be prepared to read and respond to the e-mail.  You are welcome to write comments or questions you may have during the week on the blog - which will allow me time to find answers, etc.

My hope is that each of you will take the time to read and understand SOMETHING in the Bible and Science & Health each week.  As I said in class - if you only read one sentence over and over until you understand it - and it is the only thing you read all week - that's great - just be prepared to share with the class what it is that you "got" from reading it.

I have things I like to call "AHA" moments - so when you are reading the lesson and all the sudden you get what it's saying - make a note - "AHA-I get it" either on your quarterly or on a separate piece of paper.  These are great moments - each "AHA" is another step in our understanding of Christian Science and in our ability to heal.  

So here are some thoughts, suggestions, questions and comments from this week's lesson. (Be sure to look at the sidebar for vocabulary words - and be prepared to know what they mean)

SUBSTANCE -

We read the Golden Text from the Contemporary English Version of the bible - Below see how other translations (including King James) translated the same Text:

"Besides, God is able to make every blessing of yours overflow for you, so that in every situation you will always have all you need for any good work." - International Standard Version

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you: that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:" - King James Version

"Besides, God will give you his constantly overflowing kindness.  Then, when you always have everything you need, you can do more and more good things." - GOD's WORD Translation

"God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done."  - The Message

Q: After reading the Golden Text and Responsive Reading - Is there a main message that comes to you as important in order for you to receive these abundant blessings?  What is your responsibility?

Look at Marker 3 in the Bible where it talks about treasures - then look at marker 1 in Science & Health. -  This is definitely one of the keys to "unlock the scriptures" - Think about the kind of things you "treasure"?  Are they spiritual things or material things?

SH2 - What are the "things" that belong to God?  How much of it belongs to God?  Is there anything left for you?  

SH3 - When you read this - do you realize that you have to make a choice - Is Spirit/God all - or is there matter?  

Q: What is substance?  Make a list of things that are cannot have discord or decay:  (Bring the list to class) 

B4:  WOW!  What a great question - What is your answer to this question?

B6: Fiery Furnace Story

Why did King Nebby (Nebuchadnezzar) see 4 men in the fire?  

Do you think that event changed Nebby's thinking in anyway?  If yes, How?

Have you ever been put in a situation where you had to stand up for your beliefs?  How did that work out?  

SH9:  Find the "when/then" statement - What do you have to do to get "the THEN"?

B8: Vessels of Oil story

Ask yourself - "What do I already have in my house"?  How am I using it?

SH11:  Do you want things that last or things that disappear?

Make a list of Spiritual things that are eternal

Make a list of material things that are temporary

What list really matters?

S13 - What is an example of a fading, finite form?

Look for the "When" statement.

B12: What does this statement suggest?  Is it the first welfare/robinhood type concept?  NO!  It was never about material things.

SH16: Another "When" Statement - What do you have to do to see the true likeness everywhere?

SH19:  What objects are you pursuing?  What are you winning?  You are winning something - so be prepared to share.

SH21&22: After reading the story of the man at the pool of Bethesda - contrast that with the two different states of thought presented in this example from Mrs. Eddy.  Medical/material thought - spiritual thought.  Can you see how we can apply this to our daily life?

SH23:  What allows you to demonstrate the rule of healing?

This entire lesson can be broken down into the simple concept of turning Things into thoughts - so if you don't do anything else this week - make a list of "things" in your life - it could be anything - your dog, your homework, your xbox, your phone, your football team - whatever - Try to come up with at least 10 "things" - now, turn each "thing" into a thought - into what it represents - write it next to "the thing" - Let's share our lists in class this next Sunday.

And Don't forget the last line in this week's lesson - is the first line in Science & Health.

"To Those leaning on the sustaining infinite, today is big with blessings."

Remember you have to be leaning on the sustaining infinite - not on matter to have a day filled with big blessings - so go out there and LEAN away!

Have a great week.

MamaJ

Sunday September 7 - Subject: Man

Each week - I will relay some questions that came to me as I studied the lesson.  On the right hand column you will see vocabulary words that would be helpful to look up to understand more about the lesson.  Also on the right side are some links that you can use for further study.  Take advantage of the Websters 1828 Dictionary link - this is the Dictionary that Mrs. Eddy used while writing Science & Health.  In many cases the definitions have changed over the last 150 years - so it is worth learning what Mrs. Eddy was trying to convey when she used a specific word.

As you read below you will see a format I use which allows you to go right to the place where the question/comment occurred to me.  For example B5 - means Bible Marker #5 & SH12 - means Science & Health Marker 12. 

Something to think about while reading the Golden Text and Responsive Reading

1. What does it take to be a witness?
2. What are you witnessing?
3. Faith - What kind of faith is needed for healing
   

SH5 - What was Mrs. Eddy trying to help us understand about "in proportion"?  What is enlarged?  How?

B5 - What in your life do you think is impossible?

SH6 - Why do you think Mrs. Eddy employs the word "when" over and over again in Science & Health?  How can understanding this help you grow in knowledge of Christian Science.

SH10 - There is a huge clue for how to heal in this marker - What is the clue?

B9 - What is a centurion?  Why are the centurion's actions so meaningful?  Why was the servant healed?

SH13 - There is that word "when" again - Look for these "When, Then" statements and see what you can do to advance your healing work.  What are the things you can do from this marker?

SH14 - Look for the action words in this marker.  This is pretty exciting stuff - no sitting around here, This is putting thought into action.  Let's work with these words.  List them (I found 4 - what can you find)

SH15 - What can Mind do? Why does it matter?  What do you have to do - what is your responsibility?

B13 -What was the first thing Jesus did with the loaves and fishes?  Why?  Do you believe this really happened?

SH16 - What is a latent ability?  What do you need to do to reveal these "latent" abilities?

SH19 - What tricks us about calm waters?  What does it say about encountering storms?  What does it mean?

SH22 - Pay attention when you see the words "IF" and "When"

What is chemicalization?

What are the signs of true spirituality?  When you see these signs what does it do for you?