Annual EI Conference
November 3, 2005

Short summary: FABULOUS !

Long detailed version because it was so good I wanted to Tell it All:

From its inception, Emergence, International has always been a
gay-straight alliance defining itself as a worldwide community of
Christian Scientists who support gay people as they deal with homophobia
and heterosexism. EI has always attracted creative, artistic,
open-minded, joyful people.

[ Some definitions of "gay" include artistic, talented, creative,
colorful, joyful. If as a young child, Mum hurried you past the toy
department, and you spotted the big box of crayons swooning over the
bright yellows, the earth tones of sepia, ochre, and burnt umber, the
fabulous fuchsia; and wanted more than anything to be gifted with those
colors, you probably didn't realize it at the time, but you surely had
the precocious tendency to creativity ! You preferred plain paper to
coloring books; put jazzy borders around your drawings, hung your
pictures in your "studio" and invited everyone to The Opening! On
coloring book pages you colored outside the lines because it was so much
more imaginative and energetic. ]

Well… EI has always colored outside the lines! A billboard in
Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood advertises:

GAY BINGO! LIKE NORMAL BINGO ONLY MORE FUN!

Seeing that billboard, I thought I want one that reads:

EMERGENCE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES: LIKE NORMAL CHRISTIAN SCIENCE ASSOCIATIONS ONLY MORE FUN!

This year's conference in Tempe,
Arizona was another amazing gathering. Re-united with long-time friends
and meeting new members, we were also joined by 6 practitioners. As
with other EI conferences, we met Thursday evening through Sunday noon;
we enjoyed smiles and hugs and funny stories and hilarious antics; we
shared good food and loving fellowship; but most importantly we feasted
on deeply inspiring metaphysics. The focus of this year's conference
was BECOMING MORE EFFECTIVE HEALERS.

Philadelphia Welz' sharing of "Being Witness to Healing in Our
Lives" was both a presentation and a discussion forum on a statement by
Mary Baker Eddy archived in the Congressional Library in Washington, D.C.,
copyrighted on January 19, 1886. In this piece, we savored fresh
insights into our Leader's revelation that man is the expression of
Mind, that body is "…the aggregation of spiritual ideas, forever
controlled and governed by the law of Life, harmonious and eternal,"
and "There is no condition in substance, for substance is God." Mrs.
Eddy's assertion that when people thought the earth was flat, they lived
as if it were flat. But that didn't flatten the earth! It was what it
was no matter what people thought. Likewise, [ an ] "inharmonious
belief does not create an inharmonious condition." "In treating
yourself," Mrs. Eddy wrote, " never deal with appearances or functions.
Infinite substance, power, intelligence and activity are in that place
and do not need your suggestions." … "Stop trying to think God into
manifestation. God is manifest now." TRUTH revealed! Our discussion:
More effective healing through Christian Science.

Hugh Key's sharing of "Healing Through Impersonation of the
God-Crowned Woman" reminded me of what is taught in acting classes;
that one effective way to convey a character is to impersonate the
essence of that character by exploring and reflecting on the history of
that person. Examining that character's opinions, observing his
gestures, simulating his bearing. Pondering his ideas. Practicing
his actions. Living that character's very being. Then one can do this
on stage! How does this apply to us, to our becoming more effective
healers? We watch. We listen. We act as if.

As students of Christian Science, we admire and respect Mrs. Eddy. But
how do we honor her? By learning from her experiences and following
her example. Through her writings and those of her students we know
that she experienced painful trials and devastating setbacks. But Mrs.
Eddy understood: "It matters not what be thy lot, so Love doth
guide." As she supervised her faithful household and her dedicated
staff she humbly prayed for guidance: "Shepherd, show me how to go
o'er the hillside steep…" She listened intently as she recorded
her revelation. As she studied and pondered Christian Science, Mrs.
Eddy expressed The God-Crowned Woman: She was unswerving! resolute!
courageous! indomitable! regal! She KNEW the truth. She lived it!
Like Jesus, she was a feminist and a peace activist. She revealed that
in Science man is God-endowed with inalienable rights. She was not
silent on these issues; she addressed the equality of all peoples, the
injustice of slavery of all kinds.

Let us emulate Mrs.Eddy's courage, her dignity, her steadfastness.
When we look into the mirror each morning, let us see the perfect,
vigorous, healthy, beautiful Child of God. Adorable one! As we go
about our everyday lives, let us express humility and peace. Christian
Scientists do not battle; they reign. ALL HARMONIOUS! NO WAR! GOD
GOVERNS. Let us impersonate — act as if — until it comes easily,
automatically, naturally, in every way — impersonate — BE — the
perfect child of God, live the Brotherhood of All Mankind, countenance
the God-Crowned Woman.

In "Discovering the World of CSDirectory.com" Mark and Marilyn
Mohlenbrock shared their enterprise as we got educated about how we
could navigate the mysterious world of cyberspace with and amongst
Christian Scientists. We learned that the directory is facilitating :

• people reading Christian Science literature over the telephone to grateful listeners
• conversation and a sharing forum for Sunday School teachers;
• a listing of Christian Science practitioners, nurses, and teachers
• online weekly research on the C.S. Bible Lesson
• online discussion forums and eMail Bible Study Groups
• hundreds of links to C.S. related web sites
• a 24/7 internet radio station playing music of contemporary Christian Science artists
• and much, much more! WOW!

"Open the Doors of the Temple", based on a book of this title written by
Nancy Niblack Baxter, was presented by Longtime EI
member Robert Mackenroth. The gregarious and multi-talented "Dolphin"
(Bob's stage name) started his talk with song and dance — unaccompanied
— including his own colorful composition, "Bloomingdale Blues." Bob
then reviewed critical points in the book: Ms. Baxter's concern about
"do or die" "healing" — rigidly, insistently, willfully refusing materia medica of any kind — advising
some to reject common sense or loving human footsteps and condemning
those who turn to them temporarily. Some view these students of
Science, including those in high positions at the Mother Church, as
inflexible stern and spartan spearheading an almost cult level of
adherence to this way of practice. And this in an age when insights and
research in the material sciences confirm MBE's spiritual discoveries.
An aspect of this austerity — poverty of perspective — is evident in
the cold impersonal and unwelcoming C.S. church edifices which used to
be packed with eager joyful and welcoming members, now nearly empty and
closing one after another. Many nods of agreement! After humiliating
and crushing experiences at C.S. churches, Bob prefers discussing God
one-on-one with people wherever he can engage an inquisitive mind,
including at work with show people in New York City.

In "Telling Your Story" Kerry Shuey and Tim Becker from Tampa Bay,
Florida shared how their coming out as a gay Christian Science couple
has brought together a whole new group of friends who have formed a
Christian Science Society in the Tampa Bay area. The members'
dedication to the idea that All are Worthy of The Kingdom of Heaven has
resulted in much fruitage — vigorous growth in numbers attending
services, new members, novel and effective ideas for sharing Science
and Health with locals in the Tampa area, inspiring healings and
harmonious relationships. Truly the harvest is plenty but the laborers
are few…

On Saturday afternoon we had free time. Some explored the famous
University Botanical Gardens, some toured the Phoenix / Scottsdale
area, including a Frank Lloyd Wright home, and some joined friends
sharing more ideas generated by the presentations and on-going
testimonies of healing. Some enjoyed the swimming pool surrounded by
swaying palm trees and soaked in the sunshine. A gardener pointed out
that palm trees like their feet in water and their heads in the sun…
Well, there we were in Tempe, Arizona, with palm trees all around us,
standing, or under-standing, bathed in Spirit, baptized in the living
waters of Life and Love. And witnessing the Light of Truth, our spirits
soaring throughout the entire conference! Blissful would not be
overstating our exalted thinking!

One of the many activities I'm still smiling about was described on our
schedule as "Surprise Hymn Sing." We entered Deane's house to
CHRISTMAS music lauding "Blest Christmas morn…" Who but a gaggle of
gay Christian Scientists would spend their Saturday night singing hymns
??? Deane's and Jay's delicious flourishes and subtle musical nuances
on the pipe organ in Deane's home [ yes you read right, a real pipe
organ! ] were divine! Jay our choir director [ an aside here: oh to
have a teacher like him! I'd audition for him in a minute if I lived
closer to San Francisco ] taught us more about our excellent and unique
hymnal. We harmonized and we crooned ! Requests were sounded on the
last note of every hymn! We'd have sung all night if our bus hadn't
pulled up to take us back to our hotel.

Who would ever think that a group as UN-traditional as EI would
cherish and celebrate its traditions as we do, may we even say,
faithfully? Many EI members study the Boston Bible lesson while
others pursue their metaphysics independently or attend other
churches. But at EI Conferences, members count on this: the Sunday
service will be original, singular and inspiring. This year the subject presented by Susan Ambrosius,
First Reader, and her partner Linda Rohrs, Second Reader, was LOVE.

The Golden Text summed it up: "Ye are all the children of
light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of
darkness." ( I Thessalonians 5: 5) Traditional: Scriptures from
KJV Bible. Untraditional: Correlative passages for all four sections
taken from writings of students of Christian Science including Mary
Baker Eddy.

• Section I: Daniel's vision, the rainbow, trust in God;
  John Hargreaves: The only reality is spiritual; if we are seeing
  anything but perfection, this doesn't change anything: it's still
  perfect.
• Section II: Ruth and Naomi; Doris Henty: Harmony and
  abundance are our natural everyday experience. It can't be otherwise!
• Section III: Jonathan and David [ how many years has Boston avoided
  using this moving story? ] ; Clarence Steves: The Universe of Love in which there are no persons
  seeking person but spiritual ideas in immortal joyous unison.
• Section IV: Light of the World: what shall we do to inherit eternal
  life? MBE: Love is the liberator. "…I am the blessed legal child
  of God." Ye are a chosen people: heal. Live Christian Science.
  [Note: The entire lesson is posted here on our site for study.
  Check it out! ]

After the service we closed the conference with our traditional Circle
of Love. Saying good-bye with big smiles and affectionate bear hugs, we
were peaceful, grateful, joyous. Neither Greek nor Jew, gay nor
straight, we departed knowing better than ever that "The time for
thinkers has come," to "be a law unto ourselves," and to go out and
live Christian Science as confident more effective healers. To Be Our True Selves, to be
Love Itself.

Thanks so much to our team in Phoenix — a superb location
—
Deane, Ed, and Beau, for such a
wonderful conference.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Ambrosius

Annual EI Conference
October 14, 2004

Providence, Rhode Island. Fall foliage in New England! Beaches and
sailboats and breakers! Mansions! A gay mayor! And Best of all: the
Emergence International 2004 Conference!

The Keynote Address

More a workshop than an address, Kathleen Clementson’s presentation was
an exercise in and reminder of LOVE as The Way-shower. In a letter to
EI (published in the September 2004 issue of The In Between Times) our keynote speaker included inspiring passages
for us to study in preparation for her message: COMMITMENT TO
LOVE. From our Master’s injunction (Matthew 10:8 ) and Mrs. Eddy’s
example to Heal the Sick, Cleanse the Lepers, Raise the Dead, Cast out
Demons, we are all commanded to heal. Just to heal! That’s all!
To heal, to BE Healing. And to do this, we must BE Whole. We must BE
LOVE. To love, unconditionally — no resentments, no bitterness, no
hostility, no animosity, no antagonism, no pique, no anger, no
rancor. Feed the famished affections! Just love — unapologetically!
This includes loving who we are; spending time with people who bring
out the best in us. Love embracing itself is always embracing. Our
highest sense of right is self-forgetfulness as constant prayer. This
brings us home to Love.

"This is the point of healing," she said, "being at one with God." And
"when you honor your true being — this brings you home." Home — “the
dearest spot on earth,” is power (Science and Health, p. 58:21). From a poem she
shared with us, LOVE WILL BE OUR HOME, the last verse: “Where there are
words of kindness spoken, where a vow is never broken, we can live
together there. Love will be our home. Love will be our home. “

Kathleen spoke buoyantly, a huge smile on her face, kindness and
sweetness in her heart, not a hint of anger at her recent experience
with the Board of Directors of The Mother Church. When asked by a
student, "Why isn't the [Christian Science] movement growing?" the answer was given: “If
you’re not attractive, you won’t attract.” Unconditional love draws
people. It’s not our job to humanly fix The Mother Church. The real vow, Truth, can
never be broken, is always whole, pure and free. Science marches on!
(Science and Health, p. 225:8)

The Accidental Picnic

One of our members, Hugh Key, gave a brilliant talk on "The
Accidental Picnic", a play he is writing about an encounter Mary Baker
Eddy might have with Adam Dickie, Allen McClain Hamilton, Carl Jung,
and Sigmond Freud. Fascinating historical and scholarly references,
intriguing comparisons,
“coincidences,” and conclusions. A contributor who was journaling on
the hotel's computer during session breaks wrote: “[Mary Baker Eddy]
agreed with Freud that the human mind was completely corrupted but she
went on of course to give us Science where she completely denied the
existence of a human mind. There is no impediment or stumbling block,
no mortal mind good or bad. Now this is paraphrased of course but as he
spoke I began to clearly see that there is nothing stopping me from
demonstrating one Mind nothing nothing nothing. Then it came clear to
me: only fear can stop me from realizing my at-one-ment with God.”

About Providence

Making all our maps, tourist guides and brochures more meaningful, we
had an interesting talk on the history of Providence. Providence has a
gay mayor, a beautiful and historic downtown, a great Gay Pride
festival, many Rainbow Family picnics and outings — a large and diverse
community.

Excursion to the North

Saturday was gloriously autumnal with fiery foliage, brilliant sunshine,
and crisp fall air for our bus trip to Boston. We toured The Mother
Church and heard the famous, historic organ. We didn't let the Church
off the hook — several members asked questions relevant to the GLBT community, but our guide
was lovely, unflappable — so understanding of our legitimacy, of the
inclusion of gays in many churches worldwide, of our true inheritance as
sons and daughters of God. We toured the new Mary Baker Eddy Library including the
fascinating "Hall of Ideas", the "Mapparium", and the reference rooms and
stacks. In the afternoon we visited the Longyear
Museum which is chock full of historic objects and displays which
put Mrs.Eddy’s discovery of Christian Science in an inspiring perspective.
In the portrait gallery, a pianist was rehearsing for a concert she was
to be giving the following day — Splendid!

Smiles and Hugs

An uproariously funny movie Friday night, a hymn sing Saturday night, a
service and testimony meeting Sunday. Wonderful meals prepared and
served by the eager Hospitality and Tourism students from Johnson and Wales University!
Highlights: Seeing old friends, meeting new members, sharing
metaphysical insights, finding purpose and growth in every experience — especially the smiles and hugs.

Thanks to everyone who made the conference a
success!

Our 18th Annual Conference
October 18, 2001

The 18th Annual Conference of Emergence International was held
beginning October 18, 2001, and ending October 21, 2001.

The theme for the conference was "Over the Rainbow."

The tropical paradise of Key West Florida hosted our annual
conference. Meetings were held on the top floor meeting area of the fabulous
La Concha Hotel in downtown Key West. The roof top space provided panoramic
views of the island and the Caribbean.

Our opening reception was in the atrium of the La Concha where
old friends and new met and gathered and then headed for dinner at one of
the many local restaurants.

The conference itself featured a number of talks:

Opening remarks, given by one of our members, presented the
concept of the rainbow in the Bible and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy. One
interesting discussion was concerning one of the stained glass windows in
the original Mother Church. In this window, generic man is shown along with
a rainbow and the "little book, open."

A local member then presented a talk delving into the evolution
of the "little book , open" — Science and Health — from
its earliest form, and Mrs. Eddy's struggle to get the first edition published
through each of the editions to the last, which we now use.

After a delightful buffet luncheon, we reconvened and listened
to a talk by a Christian Science Practitioner entitled "Under the Rainbow"
which was read by one of the ladies who were attending our conference.

Friday evening, the conferees invited friends, guests and members
of the Key West church to "break bread" at The Carriage Trade, a
delightful outdoor restaurant housed under a spreading Banyon tree just a
few steps from our host hotel. The delightful meal, followed by the signature
dessert of the region, Key Lime Pie, left a lasting memory of our charming
host city.

Saturday featured our annual business meeting where it was decided
to begin again to publish our journal "Emerge!" begining in January.
It was also decided to redesign and redeploy our web page. In addition, Officers
of the Coordinating Council were elected. It was also announced by the Council
that we are looking at Houston for the 2002 conference and Seattle for the
2003 conference.

We then had a wonderful talk prepared by one of our long-time
members. This presentation will be printed in full in an upcoming edition
of one of our publications.

After a fantastic sit-down lunch provided by the La Concha,
our conferees joined the members of First Church, Key West, and the Key West
community for a Christian Science Lecture. This lecture, sponsored by First
Church of Christ, Scientist, Key West, was a featured portion of our conference.
The lecturer, a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship, came
to Key West in advance and was introduced at one of the early conference sessions.

After the lecture we had free time until the hymn sing planned
for the evening. This was held at St. Paul's Episcopal church where one of
our conferees is rebuilding the organ. Another of our conferees provided some
the new pipes for the organ. A grand time was had by all of us as well as
members of the Key West community which been invited to join us. Our regular
organist piloted the fantastic instrument and one of our New York members
joined in on the piano for dual accompaniment. It was truly memorable!

Sunday morning we were invited by the Key West Church to join
them for the service, which was conducted during a tropical rainstorm. It
is our custom to hold a "circle of love" closing ceremony at the
end of each conference, and this was held in the church edifice since the
tropical storm had not abated. It was truly wonderful to be enthusiastically
welcomed in a Christian Science Church!