Check out the new, cozy Old Watson CS Study Room! All are welcome to enjoy the space for quiet CS study and prayer.

Tom McElroy, CS Lecturer, will be giving a lecture titled “The Real You—No Limitations” in the Chapel on Thursday, April 12 during Quiet Time. There will also be an opportunity for community members to meet with him later that day for individual appointments. Also, Brad Stock will be giving a talk in the Chapel on Tuesday, April 17 at 9 p.m. on “The Building of the Mother Church.” They are both really looking forward to sharing with our community!

Our Spring Election Meeting will be held in the Chapel immediately following Hymn Sing on April 22 at 7:30 p.m. Members will elect new CSO board members and readers for the coming fall semester. They will also vote on the annual spring donation(s) and amend the CSO Bylaws.

If you ever have any suggestions or questions for the CSO, please e-mail them to principiacollegecso@gmail.com or drop them off in the CSO mailbox located underneath the student mailboxes in the concourse!

Lovingly,

Lacey Crabill
CSO President

We have gained 26 new members this semester so far! It’s been a pleasure welcoming each one of them, and we look forward to seeing the good they bring to our organization.

CS Lecturer Tom McElroy will be giving a lecture titled “The Real You—No Limitations” in the Chapel on Thursday, April 12 during Quiet Time. In addition, Brad Stock will be giving two talks this semester, one scheduled for this week on Tuesday, Feb. 28 in the Rackham living room at 9 p.m. The topic for this talk was to be: “Raised a Christian—Mrs. Eddy’s Religious Roots.” Brad’s next talk will be held in the Chapel on April 17 at 9 p.m., on “The Building of the Mother Church.”

At our business meeting on February 19, the CSO members voted for the removal of the Academic Committee. It was decided that the entire CSO executive board should be supporting academics and all other aspects of our community on a daily basis. In this case, we now have a total of nine executive board members this term.

There is now a forest green sharebox for CS literature under the athletic television in the Concourse! If you have any CS reading material you no longer use, please drop it off in this box so that others may enjoy it! Anything related to CS is fair game, including CS Sentinels, Journals, books, etc.!

Please note that our current CSO Study Room in Old Watson will soon be moving to a smaller location nearby. More details are soon to come.

If you ever have any suggestions or questions for the CSO, please e-mail them to principiacollegecso@gmail.com or drop them off in the CSO mailbox located under the student mailboxes in the Concourse!

Lovingly,

Lacey Crabill
CSO President

With five more weeks of the semester left, we have a few more events coming your way! This upcoming Sunday will be our second business meeting in the Chapel at 7:30 p.m. following Hymn Sing. We hope all current members will be able to attend. It will be a great time for you to bring your questions regarding specific board positions as we prepare for the election meeting at the end of the semester. During week 14, the board will hold a Pub Night so that anyone who has questions regarding the election meeting or other forms of business can bring them directly to us in person. We’ll keep you posted for the specific day and time!

Prior to Thanksgiving Break, Benjamin Vaughan and Ashton Glass of the musical group Salt & Light will be performing in Davis Music Hall on November 20. They are eager to share their Bible-based songs with our community and would love everyone to be there.

For those staying on campus during the Thanksgiving holiday, the CSO will sponsor a special Thanksgiving Service in the Chapel at 10:45 a.m. on November 24. All are welcome to come listen to the Thanksgiving lesson and share gratitude.

If you wish to lead a Sunday Hymn Sing this semester, there are still openings! You do not need to be a member of the CSO to lead one. If you’re interested, please call Maija Baldauf, head of the Music Committee, at extension 4310.

I hope that everyone is having an inspirational week. If you are ever in search for a quick CS message or thought, simply call 4ORG or grab one of the daily quotes on the CSO bulletin board in the concourse.

Lovingly,

Lacey Crabill CSO President

Through a variety of venues, people all around campus are constantly searching for the true meaning of church.  One student found inspiration at Laurance Doyle’s recent Quiet Time talk on church. Walking away from that experience, she felt moved by the idea “that we don’t go to church to preserve a religious tradition; we go to be prophets of reality!  Church is the effect of our practice and demonstration of Christian Science.”  She also said: “I like using my time in church to pray for the world.  As I listen to the inspired readers read the lesson, I think about how the passages in the lesson can be applied to world issues … If everyone prayed for the world while they were in church, what a powerful treatment it would be!  Listening to the lesson being read on Sunday is the culmination and celebration of our study and prayer during the week.”

A student with clasped hands sits in the Chapel balcony during an Org service. photo / Tamara Seid-Graham

Another community member shared that, “once I discovered that Mrs. Eddy told two of her closest workers that we go to church ‘to express God for the world, to give the world a treatment,’ I have refocused why I go to church.  I now keep that statement in mind, and no longer go to ‘get’ something from church, but to give my love, to give the world a treatment, and to express my gratitude for Mrs. Eddy’s discovery.  Since church is what we demonstrate daily, it is the daily demonstration brought to church on Sunday with a collective that helps to heal the world. So, church is to meet the needs of humanity.”

In one of Dr. Moffett’s convocation addresses, he states, “Let’s be clear about something here. If you’re asking, ‘What’s in it for me to go to church?’ then, with all due respect, I think you’re asking the wrong question.  There obviously is something in it for you, namely, a measure of spiritual growth that would be unattainable without church.  But even if this weren’t the case there is still this – that we are among the tiniest fraction of humanity that even knows about Christian Science, that has access to and can share the insights that will save mankind. Church needs us because mankind needs Christian Science” (President’s Convocation Talks, 28).  In the Manual we read that our church “is designed to be built on the Rock, Christ, even the understanding and demonstration of divine Truth, Life, and Love, healing and saving the world from sin and death; thus to reflect in some degree the Church Universal and Triumphant” (17).  By embracing this pure and impersonal concept to the best of our abilities, we can all participate in the healing mission of our church.  Church is not exclusive.  It is for those who have attended for their entire lives; it is for those who are just beginning their search for spiritual guidance.  It is for those seeking healing and for those seeking to heal.  It is for all of us!

Last Sunday, we had our first business meeting where we received input from the members present as well as passed a vote making Sunday hymn sings an established CSO activity within the responsibilities of the Music Committee. Also, the Lecture Committee organized Brad Stock’s talk titled, “The 1892 Reconstruction of the Mother Church,” which he gave on Thursday in Wanamaker.

Look forward to a Quiet Time talk by Reid Charlston and Hilary Harper-Wilcoxen on academics and Christian Science the first Thursday following Fall Break. During week nine, Brad Stock will also be giving another talk on Christian character.

Please know that the CSO will continue to sponsor both Sunday and Tuesday services through fall break and the Thanksgiving holiday.  We will also hold a special Thanksgiving service in the Chapel on Thursday, November 24^th.

For on-the-go inspiration, one may take a new quote each day from our bulletin board in the Concourse. There, copies of the CSO bylaws are also available for those interested in learning more about the organization.  All are free to use the marked books in the Old Watson, Chapel, and Library study rooms every week, thanks to the Study Room Committee.

As always, everyone is welcome to ask the board members questions about the CSO at Principia College at any time. Please direct questions by e-mail to principiacollegecso@gmail.com.

Lovingly,

Lacey Crabill

CSO President

First of all, we’d like to thank all of our readers for this past quarter: Bethany Boyer-Rechlin, Caleb Stevens, K.C. Gahlon, Jamie Furbush, and Nina Mokoosio. Their dedication and thoughtful work has blessed, and will continue to bless, the entire campus for these ten weeks and beyond. We’d also like to thank our outgoing board members for their tireless work: Ali Summerlin, Paul Thurbon, Cameron Dutro, Amy Baldauf, and Jenny Ferch. They have each brought a unique perspective to the board as well as a spirited passion for promoting Christian Science.

Now, we’d like to congratulate our new readers and board members starting in the fall! Our Sunday readers will be Will Buchanan and Megan McGinnis. Tuesday testimony meeting readers will be Cameron Dutro, Grace Hathaway, and Nathan Sharp. We look forward to their spiritual insight. New board members in the fall will be Christina Williams with the Study Room Committee, Alanna Truog with the Platform Committee, and Henry Goff chairing the Usher Committee. The CSO is in good hands for next year. We are also still looking for a faculty or staff member to take on the role of chairman of the Membership Committee — let Mark Evans know if you’re interested. 

Finally, thanks to everyone who attended the lecture with Susie Jostyn last Thursday! The lecture, entitled “How do I know God has a plan for me?”, was an exciting and insightful talk about thinking outside of the mold and receiving God’s guidance. 

Thanks to everyone for a successful quarter, and have a great summer!

Sincerely,

Mark Evans
CSO President

“The heavens declare the glory / Of Him who made all things; / Each day repeats the story, / Each night its tribute brings. / To earth’s remotest border / His mighty power is known; / In beauty, grandeur, order, / His handiwork is shown.” — Hymn 329

CSO and other community members were excited to attend the Midwest Spiritual Activist Summit this past weekend in Potosi, Missouri. The three day event sponsored by TMCYouth and local foundations and churches united young Christian Scientists from all over to collaborate and learn about Christian Science and what is going on in the movement. Some of the highlights included hearing from the Board of Directors, talking with lecturers, and exploring some of the hymns from the new Christian Science Hymnal Supplement. All-in-all, it was a great way to spend a weekend and learn a few things to keep for a lifetime!

As the quarter moves forward, there are two key events to be ready for. Firstly, our quarterly election meeting will be held THIS SUNDAY, May 17, in the DINING ROOM at 7:35PM (immediately following hymn sing). If you have ever considered being a reader for the campus or serving as the head of a committee, this your chance! We will be electing new Tuesday and Sunday readers for fall quarter as well as a few new committee heads for the executive board. We will also be voting on where to send our annual spring donations. All members are requested to attend and anyone wishing to join is warmly invited to come and become a member — see you there!

Also, the campus is invited to come to a lecture next Thursday, May 21, during quiet time in Wanamaker with Susie Jostyn entitled, “How do I know God has a Plan for Me?” There will be a special Tuesday schedule on that day to accommodate for the lecture. Jostyn is a Christian Science lecturer and has helped with lots of TMCYouth podcasts and projects (including the summit last weekend) and is excited to come talk with Principia!

Have a great week!

Sincerely,
Mark Evans
CSO President

“Beholding the infinite tasks of tasks of we pause, — wait on God. Then we push onward, until boundless thought walks enraptured, and conception unconfined is winged to reach the divine glory.”

–Science and Health 323:9

We are excited to announce that we have received a brand new set of Hymnal Supplements for the chapel, and we look forward to integrating those into our services as opportunities arise. On that note, members of the community came together recently on a Sunday afternoon to help with the filming of a video about the supplement for this year’s Annual Meeting. As the Mother Church representative said, everyone sang beautifully. Keep your eyes peeled for your fellow Principians at the end of this year’s Annual Meeting in June.

The weather is gradually warming up, and that means that we will soon be having Tuesday testimony meetings on the chapel green! When a sunny Tuesday rolls around, the entire service will be held outside. Feel free to bring blankets and pillows, and come sit out on the grass! Some folding chairs will be available as well.

As you probably know, next weekend is the MidWest Spiritual Activism Summit in Potosi, Missouri. This installment of TMC Youth’s international summits is projected to be the biggest one yet with hundreds of young Christian Scientists from the area and enough speakers and discussion topics to keep you thinking for decades — not to mention the live music and good times.

Next on the docket is this year’s spring lecture. Susie Rynerson-Jostyn will talk to the campus on Thursday of Week 8 to discuss the question “How do I know God has a plan for me?” Susie is a Christian Science lecturer and has been involved in several TMC Youth podcasts and projects. She is excited to come to Prin to talk!

The CSO is grateful to serve such a vibrant and active campus and looks forward to what God holds for the future!

Sincerely,

Mark Evans
CSO President

“God knows our need before we tell Him or our fellow-beings about it. If we cherish the desire honestly and silently and humbly, God will bless it.” 

–Science and Health 13:14

We were excited to hold our first general business and welcome meeting of the quarter last weekend, in which we updated our membership application process and reestablished committee memberships. Thanks to everyone who came and took part, and congratulations to all of our new members!

There are quite a few events coming up that the entire campus is welcome to enjoy:

For starters, tonight at 7:30 p.m. in Wanamaker Hall, representatives from the Mother Church will be giving a talk about the role of our Christian Science periodicals in the movement, with a Q&A session to follow. This event is co-sponsored by the Elsah and Alton branch churches and the CSO. 

As many of you have heard, we will be shooting a video in the Chapel on Sunday at 4 p.m. for this year’s Annual Meeting in Boston. The video will feature groups of Christian Scientists all over the world singing hymn 460 (from the new Hymnal Supplement), and we want you to come! The theme of the Annual Meeting is “One Accord, One Place,” and this is an awesome opportunity for the Prin community to be in one accord with the greater Christian Science community. Snacks will be provided – see you there!

We are also excited to say that we will soon be opening up Tuesday testimony meetings onto the Chapel Green. Grab a blanket to listen to the service and give testimonies from outside! Inside seating will still be available, and we hope to start on this Tuesday, weather permitting.

Upcoming activities this quarter include a lecture from Susie Rynerson, the TMCYouth Midwest Spiritual Activism Summit in Potosi, MO – register online today! – and more talks and prayerful work for the campus, community, and world!

Sincerely,

Mark Evans
CSO President

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” -Matt 18:20

First, keep an eye out early next quarter for the CSO “Membership Fair.” We’ve just changed our membership process, and so if you’re looking to join the CSO this spring, there will be a new system to try. Contact Laura Buchanan for details.

Many congratulations to all who were elected as readers and board members.

On Sundays, we’ll be privileged to have church with Bethany Boyer-Rechlin and Caleb Stevens, while our three Tuesday readers – K.C. Gahlon, Jamie Furbush, and Nina Mookosio – will handle the testimony meetings next quarter. 

We’re pleased to announce that Mark Evans will be taking on the role of President for the next year. Joining him on the Board starting next quarter will be Darline Ambugo, Amy Baldauf, Jenny Ferch, and Josephine Kapukha, along with returning board members Sue Palmer, Laura Buchanan, Warren Curkendall, Paul Thurbon, Ali Summerlin, Cameron Dutro, and Victoria Brown-Wilson. 

The work of this past quarter and past year has been great, and couldn’t have been accomplished without a Board of caring individuals. Special thanks to Robert Pennamon, Heather Libbe, Paul Ireland, and John Griswold for serving the CSO as committee chairs and engaged board members. 

As we look ahead to spring quarter, the agenda is filled with good to come, including a CSO Summit coming to Potosi, MO May 8-10 (at the end of Week 6), and our annual lecture Week 9. We look forward to seeing you back after Spring Break!