Winter Newsletter 2026
Giving with Pure Love
by Mary C. Pieper, Resident Services Coordinator
Hello, dear Reader! Happy New Year!
You may be familiar with this statement by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science:
. . . blessed is that man who seeth his brothers need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another’s good” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 518:15-19).
As the Resident Services Coordinator, I get to see this thought put into practice every week by our volunteers. Giving from their hearts, they bless others and are so blessed themselves.
These volunteers play a vital role in supporting the healing mission of Christian Science nursing – and, of course, the staff and patients adore them! Their spirit of giving enriches the warm and loving atmosphere we offer at Glenmont, helping the healing presence of the Christ, the true, spiritual idea of the unity of God and man, to be felt. From playing the piano at church services to joining in hymn sings, preparing readings for testimony meetings, decorating for Christmas or other holidays, and more, volunteers bring us a sense of joy, refreshment, and renewal.
Volunteering requires a giving of the heart and a willingness to bear witness to God’s perfect man, without seeking something in return. While the opportunity to volunteer can be pre-planned, it can also be impromptu. One precious example of this took place at our Annual Meeting last year. Two attendees heard, at the last minute, that there might be children coming to the meeting and were immediately ready to provide childcare. Their love was so pure that there was no sorrow at possibly missing the meeting themselves, only joy and Christ-like compassion to serve.
We each have that spirit of Love (God) reflected in love. It is innate within us, and God has called upon each of us to open our hearts and find ways to bless our fellow man. Whenever we share our time and talents, it is proof of Love’s rich overflow (see Christian Science Hymnal, Hymn 139).
I love the story of blind Bartimaeus, who was sitting on the side of the road, begging, when Jesus left Jericho with his disciples (see Mark 10: 46-52). When Jesus called Bartimaeus to come to him, Bartimaeus threw off his outer garment and did as commanded. In other words, he got rid of whatever might have hindered his ability to rise up and receive the touch of Christ. What a wonderful example of the expectation of good he had and his willingness to be free!
We all want to see and feel this Christly presence and power that flows from divine Love. I have often seen how volunteering allows individuals to do just that. “Giving does not impoverish us in the service of our Maker,” Mrs. Eddy writes, “neither does withholding enrich us” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 79:31). Let us all be willing to let go of our “outer garments” to serve God by following Christ.
I encourage you, dear newsletter reader, to consider if volunteering in support of Christian Science nursing is a right idea for you. We are currently exploring new ways to offer volunteer opportunities, such as virtual programs (like sharing your travelogue or teaching a painting class via Zoom) and reading over the phone. We would also love to hear your ideas!.
You can reach me by calling (614-876-0084, ext 106) or emailing mpieper@glenmontcsn.com. I can’t wait to see all the ways Love continues to give through you and our amazing volunteer community!
Living the Word - The Joy of Giving
In 1898, Mary Baker Eddy made a request to her “beloved Christian Scientists” that they refrain from sending her Christmas gifts (see The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 256: 7-9). She made it clear through her writings that Christian Scientists should celebrate the ever-present Christ and the awakening of spiritual understanding at Christmastime, rather than “mere merry-making or needless gift-giving” (p. 259:23-27).
For many who observe a holiday at this time of year, however, merry-making and gift-giving (and getting) are indicators that the season is a successful one. In fact, it may even be thought that without these things, there isn’t anything worth celebrating. This belief is sometimes called the “holiday blues” and can lead to suggestions of sadness, stress, loneliness, and even depression.
Knowing how important our mental atmosphere is to health and healing, we strive to counteract these mortal beliefs as Mrs. Eddy called for—celebrating the true spirit of Christmas. One way this unfolds on our Christian Science nursing floor is in an annual “Joy of Giving” project. Each day during this time, our Christian Science nurses pray to reverse any “seasonal” mental impositions which would attempt to interfere with the joy and harmony that is so natural to our facility and patients, as well as to each of us. The Christian Science nurses also look for ways to help patients express their Christ-likeness through opportunities to give. For example, we collected toys in December, and the patients rode our bus to the local fire station to add these gifts to the Fire Department’s toy drive.
Another day, about 20 Christian Science nurses came together to carol up and down the hallways, stopping at every office and resident room to sing a Christmas song chosen by the residents. When the Christian Science nurses arrived at the office of our Director of Christian Science Nursing, they piled inside, bearing a vase of three roses. Four residents came along. They all began to sing “The First Noel.”
“The shepherds brought their faith, The Wise-men offered gold and costly frankincense and myrrh; Each brought his gift of old. What shall we give today? A thing of worldly worth? Or hearts attuned to angel songs—The gift of our new birth? ”
The sweetness of their voices and the joy in their hearts brought tears to the eyes of our Director. It also brought healing. She later shared that she had been suffering an aggressive headache and was feeling ill, but this expression of God’s love filled her instead with the healing Christ, and she awoke from the mesmeric claim of sickness. After the group left her office, she realized the headache was gone, and soon all the symptoms of sickness had also disappeared.
What a wonderful example of how a willingness to give can dispel beliefs of inharmony and suffering. The deep unity of mankind is revealed through the collaboration and love required by the Joy of Giving, and we all feel an unbounded sense of home right where we are. In this expression of good, we discover that God is never “blue.” He is bright, active, and a blessing. As His children, we are, too!
“The outward symbols disappear
From him whose inward sight is clear,
And small must be the choice of days
To him who fills them all with praise.
Keep while ye need it, brothers mine,
With honest zeal your Christmas sign,
But judge not him who every morn
Feels in his heart the Lord Christ born.”
(Christian Science Hymnal, Hymn 170, verse 2)
Sharing the Story - A Christmas Morning Tradition
When Tyler Moore was just eight years old, he and his family began coming to Glenmont on Christmas day. His mom, Cathi, was working as a Christian Science nurse here at that time, and she usually worked holidays. Her husband, Tom, then a member of the Columbus Symphony Chorus, would bring Tyler and his sister, Jamie, to see their mom and visit with the residents. Other friends of Glenmont, including families of musicians, would also attend and share their love of music, Christmas, and Glenmont with everyone.
Every Christmas morning, there would be a concert in the Great Room for residents, staff members, and other friends of Glenmont and their families who wished to attend, including these musicians and their children. After the concert, some folks would walk up and down the halls, singing for residents who weren’t able to come out of their rooms. Tyler and Jamie always participated, and all these musicians and carolers filled the facility with the holiday spirit!
Three and a half decades later, Tyler hasn’t missed a beat. He has dutifully come to perform every Christmas morning since he was eight. Even when his parents and sister moved away from the area, Tyler showed up – and now, his girlfriend comes, too. They play violin, sing carols, and still walk up and down the halls. As our Director of Christian Science nursing says, “It’s been wonderful to watch Tyler grow up from a little guy coming with his parents on Christmas to an immensely talented young man. The skill he demonstrates on his instrument is matched by the warmth with which he communicates his love of coming to Glenmont.”
The Moores love this Christmas tradition, and we do, too. Giving residents and staff the gift of gathering to celebrate the season brings a sense of home and family and sets a tone of joy for the day. Through this gift, the Moore family nurses our community in their own unique and special way. That’s incredibly meaningful, and we’re so grateful for how they share the Christ with us.
Do you have a unique and special gift to share, either in person or virtually?
Contact Mary Pieper at 614-876-0084, ext 106 or mpieper@glenmontcsn.com to discuss!
Photos - Annual Meeting 2025: “Christian Science Nursing – Our Labor of Love”
Visit www.glenmontcsn.com/annual-meeting-2025 to listen to a recording of Annual Meeting as well as view more photos.
Healing & Gratitude
Sharing a few examples of healing and progress witnessed this past year.
“In April, our fire alarm system failed. The 91st Psalm became our guide, as our staff worked diligently each day to be the ‘eyes and ears’ of this system, called Fire Watch, as required by the Fire Department. There were many outside groups involved in approving and installing a new system, and the project took patience, diligence, communication, and a deep reliance on God as the only Mind. We are so grateful to the local fire department and security company with whom we partnered. They helped to bring us up-to-date on the latest fire safety codes. As of December 4, 2025, we joyfully came off Fire Watch and are thrilled to report that the system is running smoothly. Thank you so much to everyone who supported this progress!”
“A Christian Science nurse was assisting an individual with a writing activity. The individual seemed to have difficulty using the pen to write anything legible, so the Christian Science nurse encouraged and attempted to guide the writing itself. The effect, however, was still the same. Nevertheless, the Christian Science nurse felt the activity itself was joyful and impelled by Love and decided to quietly sit and support the patient while the individual continued the ‘writing’ on their own. After an hour, the Christian Science nurse glanced over and saw that the individual had perfectly written their name. This may seem like a small victory to some, but its unfoldment was beautiful, and clearly evidenced that ‘every function of the real man is governed by the divine Mind’ (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 151:20–21).
“As we have embraced our revised mission, we have also found ways to serve more individuals at our facility. Our Christian Science nurses - and all staff - are rising to the opportunity to meet the increase in patient care day-by-day with unselfed love. Like a rubber band that flexes this way and that, they are doing God’s work fulfilling our mission. We are grateful to be demonstrating that ‘divine Love meets every human need’ (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 494:10-11).
“A staff member called off from work one day. She had a sudden onset of pain from the waist down to her feet and had a hard time bearing weight on her legs. Right away, she sought treatment from a Christian Science practitioner. There was improvement, though when she returned to work, she was limping a bit. With continued support from the Christian Science practitioner, the limping soon ceased and she was completely free. We are so grateful for this beautiful and inspired demonstration of Christian Science healing!”
Looking to work in a healing environment?
Our Christian Science Nurse Education program could be right for you!
Classes are offered throughout the year at Glenmont or in Southern California and can be scheduled, as needed, to support you.
We also teach members of church Care Committees or those helping friends or family at home!
