October 2012
Dear Friends of Divine Science,
I am happy to report that we have experienced considerable excitement and enthusiasm within the Divine Science movement since our successful Divine Science Federation International (DSFI) Biennial Conference held in August.
First, we pause to thank Rev. Mary Emma Dryden and the 2010-2012 Board of Directors for initiating many important activities designed to stimulate new interest in Divine Science worldwide and to reinforce the important value of the teachings we share. We are especially thankful for the successful introduction and approval of our new Bylaws, which clarify our structure and functions, underline the inclusive nature of our organization and open doors to new and different ways to increase our presence on the worldwide stage.
Our new Board of Directors is committed to continuing this trend and fostering our successful return to financial vitality, as witnessed by the major turn in our prosperity and abundance in recent months. Our 2012-2014 Board of Directors includes:
* Carolyn Altieri, Vice President
* Jean Millett, Secretary
* Rev. Christine Emmerling, Treasurer
* Rev. Dr. Christopher Bazemore, Chaplain
* Rev. Mary Keller and
* Rev. Dr. Jane Kopp
I am very grateful to each and every one of our Board members for the work that they do each and every day on behalf of the Divine Science movement.
Among our most important current activities are:
Garden of Remembrance and Celebration: This beautiful triptych has begun its journey to our member churches and schools along the East Coast. Thus far it has been displayed at our Biennial Conference in Colchester, Vermont, at the United Divine Freedom Church of the Healing Christ in New York City and the Quimby Memorial Church in Secaucus, New Jersey. From there it will travel to Washington D.C., Largo, Maryland and Roanoke, Virginia as we approach and enter 2013. With each stop more leaves are added to the Garden. Currently, we have 22 leaves and 8 plaques with more being ordered each month. This is becoming a wonderful work of art with an energy all its own. Thanks to all of you who are making this project come to life.
Divine Science Historic Luminaries, 2013 Wall Calendar: This massive and joyous project is about to reach fruition. Throughout the last half of August and all of the month of September, we undertook the process of unearthing as much information as we could to trace birthdates, ordination dates and photographs of our founders, past ministers and noted workers. In the process of creating a calendar which will feature more than 100 photographs (some of which never before have been displayed) and more than 190 dated entries related to many of the important personalities that shaped our movement through the past 100 years, became familiar again with our storied past. In fact, some little-known historic facts are included that may surprise you and make you smile. The Calendar will be available by early November, so we hope that you will plan now to “Save the Dates” and order your copies of this precious historic record very soon.
Archives: The search for the information included in the Calendar led us to the discovery of several noteworthy documents that we, frankly, did not know still existed. Among these items, now safely being preserved in Vermont are:
* The original Ordination Certificate, signed and presented to Nona L. Brooks by Malinda E. Cramer and the Home College and First Church of Divine Science in San Francisco on December 1, 1898 (now in the process of being museum-preserved and framed)
* The original notes taken by Fannie B. James from the classes offered by Malinda E. Cramer in February 1889, at the home of Mary D. Fisk in Denver (now in the process of being transcribed)
* The original travel diary from Nona L. Brooks’ world tour of June 1926 to May 1927 (a gift from Clarence Burton of Denver)
* Photocopies of several early books written by Warren Felt Evans (a gift from Rev. Patricia Zarlengo of Denver).
These spiritually-charged documents, along with several original “Harmony” magazines, “Gleaner” magazines (produced in New York City by W. John Murray), leather-bound volumes of original chapters from Emma Curtis Hopkins’ High Mysticism, and other treasures are being carefully reviewed, cataloged, preserved and stored for the future. We are thrilled to let you know that these items now join our full collection of “Harmony” magazine photocopies (1888-1906) presented to DSFI by Rev. Joan Cline-McCrary some years ago and a growing collection of photographs (both electronic and hard copy) that afford us a clearer view of the origins and expansive growth that our movement experienced through the years – and that is now being rekindled.
Should you know of any other important books, documents, photographs or other memorabilia that should be carefully maintained for future generations, we hope that you will make them available to the Federation for secure storage, preservation and access for scholarly study.
Travel to Divine Science Churches and Schools: As President of the 2012-2014 Board of Directors, I have taken on the responsibility of creating more personal visibility for the Federation within our Divine Science Community. To date, I have visited our Headquarters in Rutland, Vermont on three occasions to conduct research and meet and work with Jean Millett, our Board Secretary and Patricia Kreitzer, our Administrator. In addition, I have met with the Board of the First Church in Denver and will soon travel to St. Louis to meet with our several Divine Science activities in the area together with Rev. Mary Keller.
Other SIGNIFICANT INITIATIVES underway within the DSFI Board at present include:
* Preparation of a new “Spirit In Action” for release in early-November 2012
* Personal phone-based outreach to our members and friends, reminding all of our commitment to one another
* Pairing of our At-One-Ment Daily Studies in Divine Science with Fannie B. James’ classic Selected Bible Readings as a method of enriching and expanding daily meditation and prayer practice for our membership and interested followers through the DSFI Book Club
* Further development and expansion of the new DSFI website
* Planning for a 4-hour “Healing Symposium” to be offered as a retreat for Divine Scientists and an event for new thought participants attending the 99th Annual INTA Congress in Phoenix in July 2013. Our Symposium is currently scheduled for Friday afternoon, July 12.
Your continuing interest in DSFI is both appreciated and vital to our further growth in the future. Whether you contribute your collections of books that you no longer use on a routine basis, your dollars to help us defray the expenses of operating a first-class spiritual organization worthy of its history and continuing presence or simply share your good ideas and prayers for the expansion of the Light that Divine Science brings to the world, we are blessed by your participation and your involvement.
I look forward to reporting further progress to you in the months ahead and thank you for your prayers and blessings as all of us work to advance the teachings we love.
In gratitude and love for Divine Science,
Rev. Dr. C. William Mercer, President
Divine Science Federation International
P.S. Special offer: The DSFI Board of Directors has just agreed to continue offering a discount on books purchased before December 31, 2012. Upon request, Individual Members will receive a 20% discount on book orders. Organizational Members receive a 40% discount on book orders over $50. (Shipping and handling will be added after discount.) See the Books, etc. page for a list of available books.
UPDATE as of 28 March 2013:
The DSFI Board of Directors has agreed to continue offering a discount on books purchased through December 31, 2013.