Church in a Box

This morning I heard a phrase that I'd never heard before: "church in a box".

About ten years ago The McHenry County Church of Religious Science was established and held its first service right here in Woodstock. I had been introduced to the Mile Hi Church of Religious Science in Denver in 1981 and had since always tried to find a church of this denomination, wherever I lived. When I lived in L.A. in 1989, I drove 35 miles to the Agape Church in Religious Science in Santa Monica. It was the only peaceful hour in an entire week in L.A. and was worth the drive!

The Woodstock services were held in rented space at the Farm Bureau, under the watchful eyes of dairy queens of years past. Then it moved to Lakeside Center in Crystal Lake and continued there for three years. About five years ago it moved to the Country Inn & Suites in Crystal Lake; how quickly five years pass.

What's a "church in a box"? It's a church that operates in temporary quarters and which must pack up its "stuff" every week and store it on the premises or take it home and bring it back for the next week's services. Rev. Anne Muelleman never gave up on her dream, and next week, April 6, the Church will hold its first service in its new, permanent home at 204 Spring Street in Cary.

How do you get there? Go east on U.S. 14 through Crystal Lake. Keep going past Hwy. 31 and Three Oaks Road. When you get to downtown Cary where U.S. 14 takes a bend to the left, turn right, cross the tracks, turn left on Spring Street and go to the building that looks like a church (204 Spring Street). It presently houses a number of offices, which will share the building with the Church.

Like more information? Visit www.newthoughtmchenry.org or call 815.444.0942

Better yet, just show up about 9:35AM and look around. Be seated at 9:45AM for a guided meditation, followed by the celebration service at 10:00AM. Be prepared to meet friendly people, and plan to hang around afterwards for coffees and treats.

What is "Religious Science"? Let me tell you what it's not. It is not Christian Science or Scientology (which shouldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence). I think it was established about the same time as Christian Science and the Unity Church.

You are invited to visit and will be welcome, regardless of current or past religious affilation. Or if you have no affiliation. Hope to see you there...