“Father, where Thine own children are, I love to be” (Christian Science Hymnal, 253)
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A college student stopped by and asked if he could charge his phone. While he waited, he asked, “What is this place?” The conversation moved to a description of the words “Christian” and “Science,” with most of the discussion focusing on “Science.” I picked up a pencil and asked him, “If someone 3000 years ago lifted a pencil above a desk and let go, what would have happened?” He replied, “It will drop.” I then asked, “And if I pick up a pencil now above the desk and let it go, what will happen?” “It will drop.” “Exactly! The same is true for God’s laws. The proofs of God’s care recorded in the Old Testament are based on God’s laws, and those laws are just as active and powerful today as they were then.” This led to a description of Mary Baker Eddy’s healing after a fall, and the founding of her church. I gave him the brochure, “What is Christian Science?” and showed him the list of churches near his college.
A man and his son spent some time looking at the table of quote cards. They both selected a card before leaving.
A couple from Guam who were headed to Chicago stopped at our “quote card table” during their layover and took a picture of it. After selecting some quote cards, they came in and asked if we had a Chinese Bible. I showed them a Chinese/English Bible from our Sales stock. They were happy to find us at SFO!
A flight attendant stopped by the table with Bible quote cards located outside the front door. She was looking through the single cards. I invited her to take one of the rubber-banded bundles. She said, “These are great! I’m going to take some for my friends.”
Great conversation about God, Christian Science, material science/observation with a young Muslim man. He took a picture of our textbook. He had 30 minutes while he was waiting for a friend to pick him up, so he came in to find out what Christian Science is.
A traveler stopped in to say how much she likes the Christian Science Monitor. She purchased the latest issue and took another from the FREE rack. She said one thing she loves about Christian Science is how no one tells you how to think. God speaks to each of us directly.
A man came in asking about the Christian Science Monitor. He asked if I was raised in Christian Science. I said I was, and related to him the first healing I recall from when I was in early elementary school. I had warts on my hands, legs, and even one on my nose. I asked my mom about how to pray. Each day after school we read a KIDS article from the Christian Science Sentinel. At some point my focus turned from the warts to God. As expected, the warts disappeared. He responded that the problems with the world today are due to our focus not being on God. Then he asked if Mary Baker Eddy said anything about angels. We discussed her writing about Gabriel and Michael in The Apocalypse, and the definition of ANGELS in the Glossary in Science and Health. He shared examples of receiving angel messages that directed him to safety when he was a boy. As he left, he asked me to pray for harmony on the family reunion trip he is about to take. I mentioned the account of Abram and Lot. “Let there be no strife between me and thee.” He smiled and said he will go with the expectation of harmony.
A man stopped in and, in a very thick accent, said he was Russian. He looked at the two Russian Bibles and the Russian translation of Science and Health we have. I also showed him a poster of the 10 Commandments that is in Russian. He left with a “What is Christian Science?” brochure.
A man came in asking for more information on what Christian Science is. I shared with him ideas and examples of healing. He left with a Christian Science Journal from our FREE rack. He said he has a copy of Science and Health somewhere.
A woman came in that is a Christian Scientist who goes to church in Livermore. She said she’s glad the Reading Room is here at the airport.
A woman came in after seeing the children’s books in the window. She is a frequent traveler and was glad to see we were open today. This was her first time to stop in. We had a good talk about Christian Science. Then she took a Christian Science Journal and Christian Science Monitor from the FREE rack. She is from Alameda so I told her there is a Christian Science Reading Room and Church there, and churches around the world. I also told her about the website ChristianScience.com. She also took some quote cards from the basket after I pointed them out.
A traveler from Wisconsin stopped in. She expressed her appreciation for our presence at SFO. She asked if we had any new children’s items (she teaches Sunday School at her branch church). We talked about church. Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst.” Also, church is like a pile of charcoal briquettes. In a pile, they light each other and burn brightly. If one falls off the pile, it gets gray and dark. But as soon as it is returned to the pile, it lights again. She also asked if there are any churches near where she will be staying while in the area. Looking at a Christian Science Journal, we discussed possible locations.
A flight attendant came in to purchase two Full-Text Quarterlies. These contain the complete text of each week’s Bible Lesson. She told me how grateful she is that our Reading Room is at SFO. She added that SFO is the most peaceful airport she flies through, attributing this to our presence.
A man came in to find the Christian Science Monitor. He said he used to live in Boston, near the Mother Church. He hadn’t been in a Reading Room for many years. He spent some time in our Study Room and left with two issues of the Christian Science Monitor.
A sister from another faith tradition stopped in. She is on her way home after a mission in Taiwan. She left with a copy of the brochure, “What is Christian Science?”
A young man came in to say he has passed by many Christian Science Reading Rooms in his world travels but has never seen one open and he was excited to find this one open at the airport. We had a 2-hour conversation of questions and answers about God, Christ, the Bible, the world, man, etc. He took a selfie of the two of us and said he would look online for CS publications. He honestly did not want to take paper to cut down more trees. He took photos of some of Mary Baker Eddy’s writings in Science and Health. What is God? Definitions of Heaven and Hell; the church tenets. His take-away in a few words: “stay in tune with God” are the words he will write after my name in his journal for today. I’m so glad we were open for him!
A woman came in and asked if we had a printer. During our conversation I was able to tell her the basics of Christian Science. We looked in the Christian Science Journal and found churches near her home. She left with the brochure, “What is Christian Science?”
A man stopped by and asked what I thought about the controversy over the Old Testament. He shared an example of what he had read. In response, I shared my approach to Bible study: 1) What does the text say? 2) What does the text mean? 3) What does the text mean to me? As to if there were flying machines in OT times, we considered how Elijah was carried up into heaven, and Ezekiel having a vision of a creature that could move in all directions. The conversation then shifted to translations of the ancient texts, and the discovery at Nag Hammadi of texts dating back earlier than what is in the traditional biblical canon, and some other early Christian texts not included in the canon. How wonderful to engage in a discussion about the Bible at the Christian Science Reading Room at the airport.
A gal came in because one of her clients is a Christian Scientist. She teaches analytical reading. She took a free Christian Science Monitor and Christian Science Sentinel. She was surprised to see a Christian Science Reading Room at the airport. I told her it was the only one. I also mentioned that there are Reading Rooms wherever there is a Christian Science church. She was impressed.
A man with his suitcase and backpack came to the door and asked, “May I come in and read the Bible?” Of course I answered, “Yes!”
As two men walked by, I heard them say, “Christian Science Reading Room.” Then they came back to the door, and one said, “I’m Jewish. What is a Christian Science Reading Room?” I responded, “Jesus was Jewish.” I explained that Christian Science is based on Jesus’ teachings, which were based on the Old Testament/Torah. As they appeared to be headed to a gate to check in for a flight, I offered the brochure, “What is Christian Science?” which they eagerly took with them.
Two men walked in and started looking around. They told me they had been to a Christian Science church once, but they were both atheists. The more talkative of the two asked if “Science” referred to some sort of laws. I told him he could sit in my seat behind the desk, because that was exactly right! Jesus taught us how to apply the laws of God to any and every situation in our lives. We briefly discussed some differences between Christian Science and other Christian denominations but focused on the Bible and Science and Health being our Pastor (rather than a person). After discussing Mary Baker Eddy’s spiritual awakening after falling in icy conditions, and that the textbook was a result of her study and practice, he asked if he could buy “the book.” Of course! When asked why I am a Christian Scientist, I told him it is because the teachings work. I mentioned having had healings of warts as a child, an apparent kidney condition as a young adult, and a medically diagnosed fibroid tumor when an adult. He said he may choose to investigate the teachings further when he returns home, but he promised he’d come back the next time he is at SFO. Our conversation was cut short when the person meeting them texted to say they had arrived. Both men took the “What is Christian Science?” brochure with them.
A woman originally from Russia who now lives in Long Beach came in to ask about Christian Science. She was interested in learning more and took some free literature – a Christian Science Journal and a Christian Science Sentinel.
A woman came in after looking at the children’s books in the window. She had a layover and came in to use the Study Room for a while.
A lady and her teenage son came in to ask what this place is, and why our sign says CHRISTIAN and SCIENCE and READING ROOM. After explaining to her about Christian Science, she said she is not Christian, but loves exploring spiritual things, and liked the table outside with quote cards. I encouraged her to take some. As we kept talking, I explained about our literature. She looked through the free rack and took some. I also explained about Science and Health being Eddy’s primary work, and then she wanted to buy it and did. Her teenage son was mostly embarrassed, so she told him he could go walk around outside, which he immediately did. We talked about translations. She wanted to know if Science and Health was available in Hindi. I didn’t find one, but she was happy with English. She then rushed off to meet her ride.
A tiny little girl walked up to the outside table and selected a Bible quote card. She and I started smiling and waving at each other through the window. She walked inside and around the desk to see me. Her mom was surprised by this as she said the girl is usually shy around new people. The girl also walked into the Study Room and climbed up to sit on a high-backed chair. She looked very proud of herself! The family asked if we had any free literature. They left with a Christian Science Sentinel with the kids’ article “What Tony the Tortoise taught me about prayer.” Then they headed out for the girl’s first flight!
I greeted a man who was curious about the name “Christian Science.” He understood “Christian,” so we talked about the word “Science” as describing the laws of God that are always in operation — from Bible times through present times. We can judge the validity of the laws ourselves as to if we are able to put those laws into practice in our lives and see results, whether the results are freedom from physical problems, relationships, or work problems. He was interested to hear there are Christian Science churches and Reading Rooms in his hometown, and he took a Christian Science Journal with him, as well as the brochure “What is Christian Science?”
A traveler came in and asked if we had the Christian Science Monitor. I showed him the current issue which is for sale, and the older issues in our FREE rack. I learned that he works for the Monitor as a staa writer. We had a lovely conversation about branch church work and serving as a Christian Science Chaplain. We both remarked on the universality of the Christian Science church with the many translations of books and literature available.
Two travelers from Wyoming stopped in. They had never seen a Christian Science Reading Room, so wanted to find out more about it. They walked directly into the Study Room. After discussing the words “Christian” and “Science” (Jesus showed us how to demonstrate and prove the laws of God), one of the men began looking at our shelves of bound volumes. I shared with them that each issue of the weekly and monthly magazines includes inspirational articles and testimonies of healing. Our earliest volumes are dated 1898, which means we have over 120 years of healing accounts to which we can refer. They were impressed. Then we looked in the Christian Science Journal and found the location of Christian Science churches in their home state.
One of the SFO Police Department Ambassadors came by to read the Bible Lesson citations in the window. He then came inside and we talked about the importance of forgiveness, including forgiving ourselves. Our conversation concluded with a discussion of Jesus’ parable about the tares and the wheat. We typically do a good job with the first two instructions for dealing with the tares: gathering and binding them. However, we often neglect the final step in the process: burning them. The “burning” of the memory or problem results in complete forgiveness.
Someone who was waiting to pick up a friend was in the section of the airport near the Reading Room. He saw our sign and decided to come in to ask, “What is a Christian Science Reading Room?” I started by sharing information about Mary Baker Eddy. She was a sincere student of the Bible who was severely injured from a fall; after reading an account of healing by Jesus, she herself was healed instantly; she studied the Scriptures for three years to understand what happened to her. She discovered that the healings by Jesus and the prophets were the result of God’s laws (the “Science” part of our name). After using this understanding to heal others, she shared her findings with the Christian churches, but they were not interested. So, she started her own church. The Reading Room is an extension of all Christian Science churches, and this one is jointly maintained by several local churches. Each Reading Room provides a place for people to ask questions, research the Bible and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, and to pray quietly. Before he left, I mentioned that Christian Science churches are located all over the world, and he could follow up on the ideas we discussed in his hometown. He left with the brochure, “What is Christian Science?”
Following a cruise and awaiting his flight home, a man came in to study the marked Bible Lesson. He said he visits our Reading Room every time he flies through SFO. He enjoyed the Study Room for over an hour.
San Francisco International Airport hires retired airport police to serve as Ambassadors, who often stop by and say “hi.” An Ambassador came in and commented on how much he enjoys reading the marked passages from the Bible Lesson in the window. He mentioned having drifted away from Christianity for many years but returned around 10 years ago. We then talked about how stepping away provides an opportunity to make religion our own, rather than merely following what someone else told us to do or think.
The evening before my scheduled shift I became dizzy. Before going to sleep, I prayed. When I awoke in the morning, I was still a bit dizzy but was inspired to go ahead with my airport reading room duties. During my shift I was completely healed of the dizziness.
A lady came in who did not speak English. Somehow, she indicated by pointing to her phone and saying some words I could understand that she was trying to meet up with her daughter. I asked her to write her daughter’s phone number on a piece of paper. I then used my phone to call her daughter, who said she was circling around the airport trying to locate her mom. I said to meet her mom at Door 9 on the Departure Level of Terminal 1. I then took mom out the door where her daughter had just pulled up in her car.
A three-generational family came to the window. The grandparent was showing the toddler the magazines in the window. Eventually the parent asked if the toddler could come in and color at our kid’s table. Of course! They commented on the peaceful atmosphere in our Reading Room as they waited for their flight home.
A lady came in who had traveled from Australia to San Francisco. She had been in the terminal for two nights since her luggage ended up in Houston, and she was informed it could take another day or two for it to arrive. All her personal belongings were in her luggage, and she apparently did not have funds for a hotel room. She seemed pretty distraught. I spoke to her of the nature of God (the subject of this week’s Bible Lesson) as Father-Mother, and of God’s care for her every need. We read the 23rd Psalm together and talked of how there could be no “want” for any of God’s children. Since the lost luggage was the airline’s responsibility, I suggested she contact them and ask about care for travelers under such circumstances. She did so and was informed that the airline would pay for a hotel room until her luggage arrived. We prayed more with the 91st Psalm, and she departed with a Bible and Science and Health, and a packet of our spiritual quote cards. Divine Love certainly does meet every human need.
Two college students came in. They are from Spain but are studying at a school on the East Coast of the US. During their winter break, they decided to travel around the country. They arrived at SFO last night at 2 am, saw the Reading Room as they were walking around, and planned to return during our open hours. Their first question as they approached our open door was, “What is this place?” After describing the purpose of a Christian Science Reading Room, I shared information about Mary Baker Eddy. As we talked, they inched closer and closer to the desk. One of them took a picture of the Science and Health I was showing them and asked about the book. I mentioned the chapter on prayer, and how praying as described in the book helped an inmate at a jail where I serve as a Christian Science Chaplain. I also mentioned the last chapter, Fruitage, and the chapters on Genesis and Revelation. We looked at the definitions of Angels, Gethsemane, and God in the Glossary. After looking up in a Christian Science Journal where Christian Science churches are in Spain, they each left with the brochure “What is Christian Science?”
Our Reading Room is located near an outside door. A woman came around the corner of our space, holding onto the window as she walked. She said she needed help. I invited her to come in and have a seat. She said she had just fallen while walking outside. She was in awe that she looked up and saw us – not a coffee shop. We both remarked that her being near the Reading Room wasn’t a coincidence but was proof of God’s care. I was able to help her get in contact with someone who could help her get to her hotel. She expressed much gratitude for our peaceful environment and assistance.
One of the Airport Ambassadors stops by to say “hi” during his shifts. One week he saw travelers pick up a spiritual quote card from the tray outside and asked what it was. I gave him a bundled pack to take with him. The next week he stopped in and asked, “Who is Mary Baker Eddy? I saw her name on the quote cards.” I shared the account of her healing after a fall, and how she went on to record her findings and teachings in Science and Health and to start a church so her discovery would not be lost. He made the connection between the laws of God and the word “Science” in our name. I also shared the account from the September 1982 Christian Science Journal of the police officer who was healed through prayer of crippling injuries sustained on the job (see “A line-of-duty injury that retired me” by John P. Ondrak). The leaven of Truth is active!
An airport worker who had just finished his annual security training saw the Reading Room. He stopped to read the marked Bible Lesson passages in the window and then walked inside. After a lengthy and inspiring conversation, he asked where Christian Science churches are located, and left with a “What is Christian Science?” brochure.
A traveler stopped in while waiting for his ride. I shared a summary of Mary Baker Eddy’s healing, the establishment of the Christian Science church, and why I am a student of Christian Science. I told about two healings and showed him the chapter “Fruitage” in the textbook. In response to learning that people are healed by just reading the book, he said, “Oh, wow!” He left with a “What is Christian Science?” brochure.
A foreign traveler stopped in for directions to BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). After giving her help to find her way, she actually looked up, noticed where she was, and said, “A wonderful thing, a Christian reading room!” I explained that this is a Christian Science Reading Room. She asked, “It is about Jesus, right?” I then told her it was about God’s laws which can be applied today just as Jesus applied them in his day, and God’s laws are superior to material laws. She put her hand to her heart and said that made her so happy, and “to think I just walked into this place.”
Two attendants were working together on an administrative task when a young man came in and started asking questions. We both offered ideas on what Christian Science is. He was so attentive! One attendant marked a Christian Science Journal for him to show where churches are located where he is stationed (Okinawa). He said he will visit when he returns. He left with the Journal and the “What is Christian Science?” brochure.
A gentleman came in and asked what we do here. I told him about how Mary Baker Eddy was healed after falling on some ice, which led to establishing the Christian Science church. He had some good thoughts in return. I mentioned our weekly and monthly periodicals and the Christian Science Monitor, that there are churches around the world, and that every church has a Reading Room.
One of the SFO Airport Ambassadors always stops to read the marked citations from the Bible Lesson in our window. He came in and we had a nice conversation.
A traveler came in and asked if we were part of Scientology. I told him Christian Science is Bible-based. He asked if we had any literature he could take. He liked the listing of churches and left with a Christian Science Journal.
A United Airlines flight attendant came in. She is a Christian Scientist but doesn’t go to church. We talked for an hour about her spiritual journey. She had lots of great questions about different ways to pray based on divine law.
A young man from India was on his way back home. He was just walking by as he had a long time between flights. He is on his own spiritual journey. He looked around the Study Room and was impressed with the Reading Room.
Our table with quote cards attracted a traveler. After picking up a pack of the cards, he came into the Reading Room. He said he was going through a divorce and was looking for inspiration. He selected a Christian Science Sentinel from our “FREE” rack. I shared ideas on forgiveness and offered an invitation to an upcoming lecture, “Learning to love your enemies,” which was to be live-streamed. If Jesus could forgive while on the cross, we can, too. He took notes of some of the ideas shared on his phone, and said our conversation had been very helpful.
An SFO worker came in and shared stories of his understanding of God, and his questions for God. He is fascinated by the question, “Why did God create us?” And also, by all the things that can happen in our human lives. He recently accepted the idea that the earth must be older than 6000 years. To steer the conversation away from life in matter, I began to talk about how Jesus healed without any material means. He confessed that he has never read the Gospels, but that now he will. He has a Bible app on his phone.
A woman came in and wanted to read. She said, “I’m Episcopalian.” I said, “Same Bible, same Jesus.” I asked if she would like to select a Christian Science Monitor newspaper. Instead, she asked for a “Clia Notes” definition of what distinguishes Christian Science from other Christian denominations. I replied, “We start from the premise that God is absolute and entirely good, and that everything is made like God – quality control; that Jesus showed us how to be God’s children, how to treat each other, and that we cannot improve on or mess up God’s creation.”
As a woman was waiting for her husband to pick her up, she looked at the books on display in our windows and eventually came in and sat down. She is a member of a Christian denomination and was glad to see our store at the airport. We learned we are each active in prison/jail ministry. I shared information with her on how to get involved in Santa Clara County. She left with the “What is Christian Science?” brochure and an invitation to an upcoming lecture that will be live-streamed.
Text message to an attendant: “I had such a blast talking to you! I felt so much peace at the airport and on the plane. Having the Reading Room at the airport sure makes a difference. Thank you so much for sharing the illustration about the old/young woman perspective picture. That’s been really helpful.”
Please visit us on online at www.csreadingroom-sfo.org or call us at 650-821-0105
For comments, questions, or to send a donation, please visit our website or mail to our NEW MAILING ADDRESS:
Christian Science Reading Room at SFO
San Francisco International Airport
Terminal 1, Departures Level, Door 9
San Francisco, CA 94128
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many Christian Science churches and individuals for their interest in and support of this Reading Room. We have been at the airport for nearly 69 years, sharing Christian Science and its healing principles with approximately 2000 visitors each year, including travelers, airport personnel, and the local community.
Regular Contributions
Contributions are always welcome and can be made on our website at https://www.csreadingroom-sfo.org/donate or by check (made payable to: Christian Science Reading Room) to the mailing address noted above.
Matching Fund Giving
Last August, we initiated a $50k matching campaign to cover our operating expenses of approximately $20K per month. We are thrilled to announce the completion of that campaign. In the fall, another donor offered an additional $50k for a second matching campaign. Currently we have raised over $40,000, and encourage you to help us meet the full amount by May 31st.
You can reach out with questions to cs.readingroom.sfo@gmail.com
We thank the Participating churches that serve on our Board year-round. They are:
First Church of Christ, Scientist, Hayward
First Church of Christ, Scientist, Los Altos
First Church of Christ, Scientist, Oakland
First Church of Christ, Scientist, Palo Alto
First Church of Christ, Scientist, San Francisco
Ninth Church of Christ, Scientist, San Francisco
First Church of Christ, Scientist, San Rafael
“The two largest words in the vocabulary of thought are ‘Christian’ and ‘Science.’ The former is the highest style of man; the latter reveals and interprets God and man;it aggregates, amplifies, unfolds, and expresses the ALL-GOD.”
— Mary Baker Eddy, No and Yes, p. 10
