September 9, 2025
Dear People,
We have our assignment for the coming year (thank you, Divine Mind, that was fast!).
The title of the address will be: “In proportion….”
It’s an expression Mary Baker Eddy uses frequently - 63 times in her writings.
I hope you are all continuing (or getting more consistent in) daily doing the Dailies. I can assure you that “in proportion” as you earnestly engage with them on a daily basis, will matter submit to Spirit, will Love grow nearer, dearer, and more real to you, and mortal mind will become less and less impressive.
Here’s your assignment:
Get a looseleaf binder notebook with blank pages.
Look up every one of those 63 times our Leader employs the expression, “in proportion” in Science and Health and Prose Works. You can use Concord at a Reading Room (the Librarian will be thrilled to see you), or you can look the word “proportion” up in a good old hard copy Concordance (also available at any Reading Room).
In your notebook, write out 2-3 citations out by hand on each page.
Those of you who went through class with me know the story of my renting a typewriter at a place on Newbury Street in Boston to type out every study citation for every day of class so I could have them all in one place. This was the year Concord launched but I didn’t know it existed until the last day of class. By that time I had discovered the immense value of copying out Mrs. Eddy’s words - it helped me appreciate more deeply the thought that had formed those sentences. I’d like that experience for you all!
After you’ve copied out a citation, as we did during class, rephrase each of these citations in your own words with additional notes on what the implied demand on you is, what assumptions are Mrs. Eddy making about the reader, whether you’ve seen this rule proved and what happened when you made an effort to change your own “proportions” in thought.
The month before Association you’ll send me the pages (or scan them and email them if you’re tech savvy). I’ll return them to you at Association.
Then during that month (July 2026), I’d like you to read the entire Book of Acts.
That will prepare you for what Mind has for us all on Association day.
Please contact me right away if this isn’t clear!
I’ll leave you with this:
“Not materially but spiritually we know Him as divine Mind, as Life, Truth, and Love. We shall obey and adore in proportion as we apprehend the divine nature and love Him understandingly, warring no more over the corporeality, but rejoicing in the affluence of our God.” (SH 140:7–12)
with love and joyful expectation for our individual and collective growth in grace!
Caryl
Association details:
Dates - Saturday August 22 - Monday August 24
Last year’s address can be read at the Student Center after 1 p.m. on Saturday 8/22
The 2026 Address will be given on Sunday, August 23, 9 a.m.
Place: venue TBD
The 2026 Address can be read at the Student Center after 10 a.m. on Monday 8/24
Emra Farkas