Updated as of 11-26-2013 12:47 pm
It is the season of gratitude, and we have much to be thankful for at the BA. We are especially grateful for the outpouring of love and care from volunteers, visitors, friends, family, and staff who call the BA home whether on a regular basis, a short stay, or only a night. It would be too long a list to describe all the acts of love and care that we experience at the BA. Hymn 443 in the Christian Science Hymnal Supplement speaks of “God’s daily, hourly gift of grace.” We continually feel that grace at the BA.
As an example, during this especially challenging time, we received a number of gifts from a diverse group of people. The one overriding reason for these gifts can be paraphrased in theses words by Mary Baker Eddy: As one who seeth his brother’s need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another’s good (S&H 518). Each gift was the result of a volunteer, visitor, friend, family, or staff who saw a particular need at the BA and then approached us and shared how they might meet that need. The needs were varied and great. Among these were:
- Campus roads with deeply worn ruts needed to be repaired
- Worn out appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, and even some maintenance tools
- Decades old carpet in our Original Building that needed replacing
- Gutters and downspouts that contributed to leaks and needed replacing
- Our large gray van that finally had to be retired
What was so striking to us was that in each case someone so cared for the BA that they saw a specific need, and then offered a specific solution that met that need perfectly.
We continue to feel especially blessed by the many who think of the BA as their “home”, whether short term or long term, or simply by staying connected with us online. At this special time of the year when thanks and gratitude are at the forefront of thought, we send our deep appreciation for all that you do for the BA. And we want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers as part of our BA family.
Home is the Father’s sweet “Well done,”
God’s daily, hourly gift of grace.
We go to meet our brother’s need
And find our home in every place.
Christian Science Hymnal Supplement, Hymn 443
Appliances
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Gutters and downspouts
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Campus roads
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Thank you, Janiva.
I always enjoy reading your blog and receiving the email updates and highlights happening at the Chestnut Hill BA.
We know Diving love has met and always will meet every human need.
I too felt “home” while staying at the BA for rest and study and also found healing there. There was so much love and joy there during my visits.
I also love the architecture of the buildings at the BA as it felt like I was back on my college campus with the collegiate buildings.
Arriving there after a full day at The Mother Church to sit in front of a warm fire with good company felt amazing.
I also have to put a plug in for good food served in the dining room as I have passed on many a recipe from these email newsletters.
If I had to mention one delta or negative it would be that the portrait of Mrs. Eddy which use to hang in the lobby and was taken down and awaiting restoration. I know from your previous comments that after the restoration it was going back up in the lobby for all to enjoy. I know there are many of us who are curious as to how that is coming along. Perhaps it is already back up???
Keep up all your good work at the Chestnut Hill BA. There is lots of love there and there really is no other place quite like it for me.
Truth, Wisdom, Love and Sincerity, to ALL mankind.
Rob Scott
Chicago, IL