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Orange County Institutions - Joint Lecture Committee (OCI-JLC)

JAMES MUSICK LECTURE - March 18th, 2010
Sponsored by 1st Church of Christ, Scientist, Newport Beach and contributing O.C. Churches, including: 1st - Huntington Beach; 1st - Laguna Beach; 1st - Laguna Niguel; 2nd - Newport Beach; 1st Rancho Santa Margarita; 1st - Irvine-Laguna Hills 1st - Tustin; 1st - Yorba Linda.

The Quarterly Lecture held at the James Musick Facility, in Irvine, on March 18th 2010, at 1:00PM to 2:00PM was a very inspiring and an up-lifting event for all. I had the pleasure of being one of the hosts along with Chaplain Margarita Miller, C.S., San Juan Capistrano Society, who services the James Musick Facility.

The lecture was entitled "Remove the Mask and See the Child of God" given by Tim Myers C.S. The talk was based on Genesis 1 and Genesis 2, spiritual verses material law. Deputy Guerrero, who is in charge of the Volunteer Programs, was concerned with the fact that due to O.C. budget issues and the early release of many of the inmates (the population being down to about one hundred inmates) we would experience a low attendance. In addition, on that particular day we were in competition with the NCAA basket ball games on the television! However we are very happy to report, in answer to our prayers, that we had an attendance of 62 out of 100 inmates and all were newcomers to Christian Science. The inmates were all very respectful, attentive and grateful for the time we spent with them. Tim's talk was very meaningful to their present situation so they were able to relate and follow along with him. They also loved his relaxed presentation and his sense of humor that he was able to bring to the fore front. The inmates themselves were able to relax and enjoy this moment in time hanging on to each and every word. I was delighted and encouraged by the energy generated thru out the room, witnessing the change in their disposition, exchanging sadness for joy which was reflected in their eyes, and the laughter on their faces.

At the end of the lecture Tim asked if they had any questions that they would like answered. I was just amazed at the level of the questions asked. It was quiet (sic)obvious that they had paid attention and needed some profound answers. One of the questions an inmate asked was for clarification of the difference between meditation and prayer which Tim responded by saying "meditation empties thought and prayer fills thought with God". The inmate shook his head in complete amazement—it was one of those— aha! moments !

At the close, prior to handing out Sentinels and a Christian Science Monitor to each inmate, Deputy Guerrero mentioned what a great and powerful newspaper the Monitor is, and that they should all appreciate being given a copy to take away with them. Deputy Guerrero was relaxed and very happy with the entire presentation, and said he looks forward to our next Lecture in late May or June.

Thank you, to all the members of the Orange County Institutions Joint Lecture Committee, along with the O.C Intuitional Committee, and to the members, and the donations from the individual Branch Churches. The efforts and dedication of all the members made this event possible furthering the cause of Christian Science, to bring the healing message of the Christ Truth and Love to our Orange County community.

To quote Tim Myers from his "Prep" meeting for the lecture "We are doing this because we love! We love God, we love Christian Science and we love our community and neighbors"!

Respectfully submitted,
Diane Sharbaugh, Chaplain
Orange County Institutional Committee

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