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Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on

“God the Preserver of Man”
for Sunday, June 11, 2017

by Rick Stewart, CS, Dresden, Germany
(+49 351 312 4736) rickstewartcs@aol.com

NEEDS OF THE WEEK:

For a few days now our daughter, Alma, nine, has been away on a fun church outing. Her little sister, Martha, is five, and she shares a room with Alma. Martha has missed her sister, especially at bed time, maybe because they share a room. One night I heard Martha wake up, go into the kitchen for a drink, and then she got our dog’s big cushion and carried it right next to her bed. She then called Theo (our dog) and told him to lie down next to her bed. And guess what, she then went sound asleep!

I thought it was a rather clever way to not feel so alone in her room. Calling somebody, or in this case her dog, and having him right “with her.” Nothing quite like a warm, comforting, loving presence with you to make you feel safe. How many of us feel that same yearning to feel secure, safe, the feeling that we are not alone?

The Golden Text for this week’s lesson, Haggai 2:4 confirms Martha’s reasoning, “…I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts:”

This week we are going to learn how significant it is to accept God’s eternal promise, “I am with you.”

The first example is found in the Responsive Reading, Genesis 28:10-13, 15, 16. It is where Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebecca, is on his journey to Haran. Remember Jacob is running away because he has deceived his brother Esau in order to get their father, Isaac, to bless him. And Esau was so enraged he promised to kill his brother. So Jacob is not on a vacation, he is running for his life. You could even call him a fleeing felon. In today’s terminology perhaps a felon that would be wanted for fraud and rightfully regarded as a thief.

Jacob sets up camp and uses a stone for his pillow. His dream that night is what has popularly become known as “Jacob’s ladder.” A picture of a ladder with God’s angels “ascending and descending on it.”

In his dream Jacob hears God say, “I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;” Even though Jacob has not been of the best behavior, he receives a promise from God. (That has always been a great comfort when I have sought God’s help in times of trouble; He even speaks to us when we have really messed up!)

And then Jacob receives a promise from God in his dream, “ And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.” Jacob then names the place, Bethel or Beth El, “House of God.”

The Responsive Reading concludes with a quote from, Psalm 46, 11 “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”

Now that is what I call a promise worth accepting, “I will be with thee.”

The Comfort, the security, the safety that comes from God being with us. Not distant, not apart, but right with us right where we need Him. And that could be a comfort even greater that having your dog sleep right by your bed!

This Bible Lesson also shows not only how God is “with us” but also how He preserves us, maintains us, protects us, sustains us. Basically, we are not alone!

Section 1: God as our Father-Mother preserves us.

Section 1 begins with Jesus’ promise from the Gospel of Luke,

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (B1 | Luke 12:32) What kingdom? An earthly realm of great wealth? Or the kingdom of heaven with peace, security, comfort? You can answer that one for yourself.

In citation B4, we are told that God “preservest man and beast.”

In Strong’s Concordance we find that this concept of “preservest” comes from the Hebrew verb, “shamar: to keep, watch, preserve.” http://biblehub.com/hebrew/8104.htm

I love the way the Science and Health citations bring out that God’s preservation of each of us, each idea in creation even the animals is very active and hands on.

”The divine Mind that made man maintains His own image and likeness.” (S3 | 151:23)

And not just us folks, people that is, but all creation! [as shown in the PS#1 example[
“The divine Principle and idea constitute spiritual harmony, — heaven and eternity. Hence the eternal wonder, — that infinite space is peopled with God’s ideas, reflecting Him in countless spiritual forms.” (S5 | 503:9–10)

This sentence from Science and Health had a profound healing effect in my experience. In 1987-88 I lectured throughout Latin America. One of my lectures was in a middle-sized rural town in Colombia. My practice was always to be available for appointments in an area after the lecture. In this case I spent an entire day with appointments. Some people had actually travelled 18 hours by bus to attend the lecture. As the appointments continued I was confronted with an unusual call for healing. Many of those in the area were greatly disturbed mentally because of fear or uncertainty about what probably would be called UFOs. As one after another asked for an explanation or help with their fears I simply and repeatedly turned them to my understanding that there was absolutely nothing to fear in God’s creation or God’s universe. That all creation had to reflect the nature of a loving, caring Creator. And I made reference to the above citation. Many of them testified to a new calm and comfort as they felt the universal presence of a loving God.

The line from the Lord’s Prayer with its spiritual interpretation from Science and Health was a comfort to us all. “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Enable us to know, — as in heaven, so on earth, — God is omnipotent, supreme.” (S6)

Section 2: Our place in reflecting and expressing God’s preserving comfort.

As we cherish and appreciate God’s care and preservation of all creation we might very well ask the question, “And what is my role in this?” I would answer it is a crucial role of reflecting and expressing this care. In the following citation from Psalms we see that there is nothing that God does not answer.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;” (B6 | Ps. 103:1, 3, 4)

Sometimes I ask myself, “What part of all don’t you understand?” Nothing is beyond God’s ability to answer, to heal, to resolve. Absolutely nothing! No situation is hopeless since God is always with us and we all can reflect Love’s care and presence. And I also remind myself that it is not “human experience” but God’s Love and wisdom that enable this help.

For example in citation B7 we read of Noah being “drunken”; and evidently in his drunken stupor he left himself exposed in his tent. Although Biblical scholars offer varying opinions about what actually happened and its consequences one thing is clear, whereas Noah’s son Ham may have taken advantage of the situation and acted less than honorably, Noah’s sons Shem and Japheth acted in an honorable, wise, and respectful manner.

Mary Baker Eddy defines Japheth in the Glossary of Science and Health,

“JAPHET (Noah’s son). A type of spiritual peace, flowing from the understanding that God is the divine Principle of all existence, and that man is His idea, the child of His care.” (S7 | 589:8)

Isn’t it man’s highest duty to lift up and edify, to reflect spiritual thinking in every situation? We are not to take advantage of other’s failings for our own benefit, but rather rise to a higher sense of our relationship with others. [W: As Hymn 126:2 states, “When, free from envy, scorn, and pride, Our wishes all above, Each can his brother’s failings hide (W: NOT highlight), And show a brother’s love.”]
You may be aware of situations in today’s world where individuals have been compromised or abused through the use of cell phones, mobile phones, and sending compromising messages and photos. This has many times led to tragic actions. And through wise and loving actions like Shem and Japheth we can be those who lift up and not tear down. We can find ways to shelter and protect the innocent. Remember, we are all innocent in God’s eyes.

It has been over 40 years since I was in high school but I am still deeply touched by the honorable actions of one of my school friends. Even back then there were people who talked, gossiped, spread rumors about others. And although there was not the devastating power of cameras everywhere and social media to spread this gossip, it was often just as brutal and devastating. Someone I knew was the object of such gossiping. One of my friends fell in love with this girl. And I just have to say almost like a knight in shining armor he squelched and put a stop to the evil gossip going on. I heard him “straighten out” one guy so firmly it was clear the rumors were ending or else! And like a very real fairy tale, this couple married and lived happily ever after!

These two citations give us a direction how to act,

“And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” (B8 | Isaiah 32:2 (to ;), 17)

“God gives the lesser idea of Himself for a link to the greater, and in return, the higher always protects the lower. The rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood, all having the same Principle, or Father; and blessed is that man who seeth his brother’s need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another’s good.” (S9 | 518:13–19)

Section 3: God keeps watch over all and provides in every situation.

The story of Hagar, the Egyptian bondwoman, and her son Ishmael is such a powerful example of God’s protecting and providing for all, even in a situation that looks hopeless. I love where it says that “God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation. And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink. And God was with the lad;” (B10, Genesis 21: 9-20)

This after all was a wilderness situation in a dry, arid region. There were not drinking fountains or stores all around, just dirt, rocks, and bushes not trees!

But isn’t it interesting, that God’s angels, inspiring, healing messengers from God woke Hagar up, cleared her eyes, and inspired her to see what was already there! [W: “Gratitude outlaws blindness to present good.” Miss Mary Kessler]

What a comfort to know that God is constantly loving us, caring for us, guarding, protecting, watching over us. After all that is what God does, right? And as Hagar stopped crying and started listening, what did she discover? Her help was right at hand.

“The very circumstance, which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares.” (S13 | 574:27–30)

Two practical evidences of this listening and reflecting come to mind and show how we can respond to what is at hand.

A friend from England, James Hedin, was in the middle of his university studies and lived at the beach in Weymouth, England. He rented an apartment and his landlady’s son offered to teach him to wind surf. This part of the coast is often very wind-swept and the water is quite cold. James was a willing student as his instructor set him loose on a rather wild sea. After some time James was just worn out and he traded places with his instructor, who had been following in a small, row boat. The instructor headed to shore on the wind surfer and James began rowing for the beach. Suddenly James lost an oar and without thinking jumped in to try and retrieve the oar. The boat drifted quickly away and James tired quickly in the cold water. When he really felt he could not go on any longer James just simply said, God. That turning to his Father led to an instant message, “roll over and just float.” He obeyed that inspiration. His instructor noticed James predicament and headed out with the wind surfer and towed James back to shore. What had appeared a desperate and perhaps tragic situation was quickly reversed with a simple turning to God, who remember, is always with us!

And the next example of what we can do to lift up a situation is reflected by this experience from James’ wife, Sarah. Sarah was a senior flight attendant with British Airways. In the middle of one long trans-oceanic flight Sarah was on her break and in her berth. A tremendous turbulence came up and Sarah turned immediately to God. As Sarah stepped out of her berth, she made immediate eye contact with a junior member of the cabin crew. Sarah could see the young flight attendant was scared to death, but Sarah just smiled at her, and knew that all was well. The severe turbulence ended abruptly. And the young flight attendant came up to Sarah and said, “When I saw your face I knew everything was going to be all right.”

Don’t these experiences kind of make you think of this citation from the lesson?

“Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need.” (S16 | 494:10)

In the desert, in the sea, in the air, God the Preserver is always there.

Section 4: When things really heat up, God is already there!

As a child I loved the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. I really liked to imagine the king looking in the furnace in utter disbelief!

“Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” (B13 | Daniel 3:13–21, 24, 25, 27, 28)

The three young Hebrews seemed to be in a hopeless situation threatening them with certain death. And it was through no fault of theirs, no guilt, they had simply continued in their worship of God in a foreign setting. But wasn’t it their faithful obedience to God and their trust in His protection that brought about their seemingly miraculous deliverance?

As Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health, “Holy inspiration has created states of mind which have been able to nullify the action of the flames, as in the Bible case of the three young Hebrew captives, cast into the Babylonian furnace; while an opposite mental state might produce spontaneous combustion.” (S20 | 161:5)

A beloved article from the Christian Science Journal helps bring the importance of this story to an even deeper level for us today. Here is a little excerpt and a link to continue reading:

"THE SMELL OF FIRE" by LOUISE KNIGHT WHEATLEY

From the March 1920 issue of The Christian Science Journal

“Perhaps there is no story more dear to the heart of the Christian Scientist than that of the deliverance of the three young Hebrew captives from Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace. It is, indeed, so familiar to all of us, even to those who have hitherto been only casual readers of the Bible, that it needs no repetition here. There is one point, however, in connection with it which, though often dwelt upon, has particularly interested at least one student of Christian Science of late, and it is this: that after Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were finally released, not only were their clothes unhurt and the hair of their heads unsinged, but not even "the smell of fire had passed on them."

"The smell of fire,"—that is where one endeavoring to understand the Scriptures in their true spiritual meaning and import may well give pause; for what, metaphysically speaking, is the smell of the fire? Is it not the remembrance of it, the sting of it, the resentment over it? ''The smell of fire" is the acknowledgment that an evil happened. It means that evil has a history. It means that although the fire is out now, it once existed, and we were in it. So insistently does this last argument seem to cling to consciousness that some of us go through the fire and every one smells smoke on us for years afterwards. When such is the case, can it be said that we, like those three of long ago, have come through the experience untouched?

“Let us refuse to allow error to attach itself to us in any way, shape, or manner. Its claim that it once had activity, presence, power, cause, intelligence, or law is a false and spurious claim, and should be seen and handled only as its last, desperate effort, since all else has failed, to get itself perpetuated as a belief of memory. Let us refuse to give it life, even to that extent. Let us refuse to admit that evil ever had either a beginning or an ending. Let us refuse to admit that it ever was at all, even for one unholy moment.”

https://journal.christianscience.com/issues/1920/3/37-12/the-smell-of-fire

Section 5: Like our Good Shepherd, we are also always one with God.

What a special treat it is to have an example like Christ Jesus’ to demonstrate and prove that God is indeed with us in every single situation. No circumstance, no setting, no problem is beyond solution when we know God is with us and we are one with Him.

And have you noticed how many of Jesus’ truly challenging situations had to do with settings in what we would call church? You know, the synagogue, the temple, or with church authorities? So you realize that maybe you are not the first and you won’t be the last to face challenges in church.

As citation B16 documents “And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. And many believed on him there. (John 10:23–25, 27, 29–32, 37–40, 42)

Mrs. Eddy comments about Jesus’ reception by church folks, “Jesus foresaw the reception Christian Science would have before it was understood, but this foreknowledge hindered him not. The truth taught by Jesus, the elders scoffed at. Why? Because it demanded more than they were willing to practise. It was enough for them to believe in a national Deity; but that belief, from their time to ours, has never made a disciple who could cast out evils and heal the sick. Jesus’ life proved, divinely and scientifically, that God is Love, whereas priest and rabbi affirmed God to be a mighty potentate, who loves and hates. The Jewish theology gave no hint of the unchanging love of God.” (S25 | 41:22–24, 28–4)

Isn’t it wonderful and inspiring that the Good Shepherd loved us enough to endure all the abuse just so he could take care of us, his sheep, as a good shepherd? Wolves, bears, lions, coyotes, bobcats, and as I saw in a film from Africa, even pythons do not cause a good shepherd to run away. As we read below.

Cedars Executive Director, Warren, found some inspiring ideas from Cobbey Crisler that show how we can bring a shepherd’s care to all you do and be one with God.

“Chapter 10. Not too many of us keep sheep anymore. So, this is a lost simile on the twentieth century. Should we be keeping sheep in the real meaning of it? What could you and I do more about our job, our home, our world, our political situation, our community, and church, if we introduced more of the shepherd motive into all of them?
John 10:13 shows the difference between the shepherd-motive and the hireling’s motive who was working just for pay. “The hireling fleeth, because that’s all he was working for is money.” Where’s the difference? “He doesn’t care.”
Let’s ask ourselves the question, do we care? If we care, that’s the shepherd motive. Jesus cared. He walked in the midst of the dissolute, the despairing, the injured, the grieved, and the broken in heart as well as in body. And nobody knew why he did it. The upper classes, those who didn’t have similar problems, wondered why he was with the publicans and sinners. But he said that “the whole didn’t need a physician” (Matt. 9:12; Mark 4:23; Luke 5:31).
He apparently contemplated an Israel in prophecy which the existing Israel, the establishment, had not remotely seen.
He saw the Israel in prophecy which is exactly in accord with Jeremiah’s prediction of the new covenant and Isaiah’s. The new Israel would be composed of those whose needs had been met, where the recipients were, no class, no mass, no private sector, no ghetto, but receptivity gathering the sons and daughters together. They are gathered to prove what is possible on earth as in heaven. The shepherd motive of caring brings us into that new Israel.”

[“Jesus says that he is the Shepherd and he also says he is the door. It may look like he is confused. Let me give you an example of how he isn’t. When my wife and I were in Israel, we stopped in a place between Jerusalem and Bethany. I saw what I thought was an unattended flock of sheep. There was also a rock wall with one door or gate. It was an almost complete square. As I wandered around, I was suddenly surprised by the shepherd whom I had disturbed. He rose up. He was stretched across that entry way, getting a few winks.
Right there I had illustrated what Jesus meant in John 10: 2, 11, 14, “I am the shepherd” and in John 10: 7, 9, “I am the door.” Now there was no confusion at all. With the sheep inside an enclosure and the only possible entrance of wild animals or thieves being that door, you had to get through the shepherd in order to get to the sheep. The shepherd was also the door.
In Mary Baker Eddy’s poem, “Feed My Sheep”, there is the statement, “I will listen for Thy voice.” [Hymn 304] While we were down in that area of Beersheba, we saw many sheep all mixed together. I said to Janet, ‘I wonder how the shepherd is ever going to sort out his sheep. They’re all just mingled together.’ … It wasn’t very long before our shepherd separated himself from the crowd, walked away never looked over his shoulder at the mixed up sheep, but made some kind of identifying click or clack of his tongue or voice.
“Do you know that every one of his sheep separated themselves from that flock and followed him? He never doubted. He never looked back. The sheep did their job.. The sheep knew his voice. “I will listen for Thy voice.” These lessons are things that in the busy moments of our own twentieth century we need to contemplate. They’re not just symbols. They’re not done just as ancient history. They’re attitudes. They’re states of mind and thought. This is something we often need to consider.” In John 10:30, Jesus’ great statement, “I and my Father are one.” If this is from the Aramaic, then, the Aramaic word would give the meaning, “I and my Father are in accord.”
Book of John, A Walk with the Beloved Disciple, B. Cobbey Crisler]

Section 6: God preserves us, keeps us safe, and in perfect peace.

As you read this Bible Lesson it seems that every time you turn on your television or smart phone, or just walk into the street you face questions about safety and security. Just what can you do? You can “be the one.” You can be the one to give God thanks. You can be the one to respond with prayer. You can be the one to heal and comfort. You can be the one to end all terror and instill peace.

As the Prophet Isaiah stated, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.” (B18 | Isaiah 26:3, 12)

The wonderful My Bible Lesson from The Mother Church, included this explanation of the word “stayed” as used by Isaiah, The word translated as “stayed” in this passage comes from the Hebrew word camak, which means upheld, supported, or rested upon.

mybiblelesson.christianscience.com/

I found that so helpful because I had always thought Isaiah was saying we are in perfect peace if we are keeping our mind focused on God. But it gives such a more powerful understanding when we realize that our mind is “upheld, supported, rested upon” God. He is indeed ever “with us.”

Is this practical in today’s world? Absolutely. The other day a friend from Canada was telling of her travels in Paris when she was twenty. She was not familiar with the city and actually without realizing it she wandered into what was known as a rather risky part of the city to be in. And suddenly she was confronted with several men who obviously did not have good intentions. She turned her thought to this verse from the Bible, “Be still and know that I am God.” She immediately felt a certain sense of safety and peace and then the men were just gone with no confrontation.

Is it too great a task to believe that we can demonstrate that God is indeed the Preserver of all, of man, beast, earth, universe?

The Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, the author of Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy, had great expectations of those who embrace the divine laws of Life and Truth, she writes,

“ A Christian Scientist occupies the place at this period of which Jesus spoke to his disciples, when he said: “Ye are the salt of the earth.” “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” Let us watch, work, and pray that this salt lose not its saltness, and that this light be not hid, but radiate and glow into noontide glory.

The infinite Truth of the Christ-cure has come to this age through a “still, small voice,” through silent utterances and divine anointing which quicken and increase the beneficial effects of Christianity. I long to see the consummation of my hope, namely, the student’s higher attainments in this line of light.” SH 367:17-29

We might keep this statement in thought as we enjoy the opportunity to watch the Annual Meeting of the Mother Church or some of the special workshops held at this time. Here are some links that should take you to these sessions:

Up next: Annual Meeting

Monday, June 5, 1:00 p.m. EDT

Available Replays

http://www.christianscience.com/member-resources/annual-meeting


W’s PS#1: Cobbey Crisler comments on Psalm 36:6. (B4)
“Let's not leave out veterinary medicine as far as God is concerned, because the statement is made here, “You preserve both man and beast." Perhaps some of you have heard this story. It's a very moving one. It was reported to me by someone who is in the audience today. About the illustration of God's love and care for what we would call an animal or beast. In this case, it was a goat. The female goat was having difficulty in giving birth to its kid. The pain was so obvious that the owner of the farm on which this goat was roomed and boarded felt so deeply about what was happening that she seemed to [go] all to pieces emotionally. She canceled everything else she had to do except very priority appointments, and stayed in the stall near that goat. The plaintive cries and the appeals to help only seemed to break down the defensive mechanism of the host, as we said was a condition of virus. Finally, in that kind of desperation that has always held out some hope for man because we've given up every other exploration of alternatives, she said this, "Dear Father, please show to this one of your lesser ideas in a way that they may understand Thy love and Thy care." That brought a sense of peace so that the concern and worry were not as paramount. As she sat there, the door of the barn was open slightly, in the crack came a rabbit. The rabbit wasn't at all concerned by the presence of a human, went right by her to the stall to the goat and began to lick the face of that goat and kept licking and loving, licking and loving. Then after the rabbit had fulfilled its assignment—it was a divine assignment—that rabbit came through prayer—it left and the goat stopped its cries, and got vertical, got well and had the kid without any after effects. That kind of song in our hearts answered directly, “Thou preservest man and beast.” How we could utilize those thoughts! That wasn’t quoted from the Psalms butit was based on a revealed fact that came from a joyous heart. The rabbit responded. Like the fish responded when Jesus needed tax money (Matthew 17:27). These are potions from God’s dispensary.”
“Leaves of the Tree: Prescriptions from Psalms” by B. Cobbey Crisler


[TOP NEEDS OF THE WEEK:

1) $1.5k more for a new ice-maker for the Dawn Lodge drink counter is needed! An alumni parent offered to donate the bin and 50% of the cost of a new air-cooled icemaker bringing it down from ~$8k to $3.1k. Thanks to God, to him and to you all who can help with this new need of the week!
2) $300 still needed (of $2k total) for a key repair (in $50 increments) to replace (recently discovered) deteriorating subfloor and tile in a large Settlers House bathroom.
(Matched!)
3) ~$6k still needed (of 9.7k total) for Bible Lands Park (BLP) upgrades: $2.2k for smaller BLP shade structure to replace by 19-yr old tent “Tabernacle in the Wilderness”; and $7.5k for scriptural pavers on “Paul’s Trail” so BLP visitors and Cable Skiers can hourly see and “Walk in the Way of God's Word”.

Thanks to earlier outpourings of love and support, the Sports Center sod is growing! And, CedarS is doing other needed Maintenance work before our 56th season, our "adopted" herd of horses are also being well cared for, AND a growing stream of campership applications are being granted. However, we still need donations of about $80,000 more to grant the campership requests that traditionally come during this season. We also need ~$12k to meet our $50k match for Adopt the Herd! (CedarS Adopt the Herd matching fund opportunity goes through the end of our fiscal year, 9-30-17.)

Thanks way beyond words and whinnies to each of you who are grateful for CedarS weekly metaphysical and Sunday School offerings as well as for our work. Especially helpful are your much-needed MONTHLY gifts, past and ongoing, that can be started and adjusted at: www.cedarscamps.org/giving ]


[You can also reach a member of the Founding family nearly anytime in our winter home/office by PHONE at 636-394-6162

or MAIL your tax-deductible support to our 501-C-3 organization
(Our not-for-profit, Federal Identification Number is #440-66-3883):

The CedarS Camps Office
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Ballwin, MO 63011

[THANKS TO YOU PRECIOUS DONORS FOR YOUR ONGOING, GENEROUS and NEEDED SUPPORT OF CedarS IMPORTANT WORK!]


[CedarS weekly Metaphysical Newsletter is provided at no charge to the 1,200 campers and staff blessed each summer at CedarS, as well as to CedarS alumni, families and friends who have requested it. However, current and planned gifts are a big help and are greatly appreciated in defraying the costs of running this service and of providing needed camperships, programs and operations support.

[The Met application ideas above are provided primarily to help CedarS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and daily demonstrate the great value of studying and applying the Christian Science Bible lessons throughout the year, not just at camp! YOU CAN ALSO SIGN UP for weekly emails from past CedarS staff of possible ways to share Bible Lesson applications with older, as well as younger, Sunday School classes by clicking the "Subscribe Now" button (lower left) at http://www.cedarscamps.org/metaphysical/

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