A friend recently spoke about the importance of seeing ourselves and all mankind as “magnificent” expressions of God. That word “magnificent” instantly became a catalyst for other glorious thoughts of God’s man. It naturally heightened my awareness of man’s perfection and his infinite abilities.

As I enjoyed thinking about Love’s magnificence, I saw how nicely it fit with Michael Mooslin’s keynote address, “The Suspension of Disbelief,” at last fall’s Twelveacres Annual Meeting. I remembered his reference to man as “God’s masterpiece” and his mention of Hymn 51 (in the Christian Science Hymnal), which includes the words, “Man is the noblest work of God . . .”. Mary Baker Eddy speaks of this grand nature in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: “Man, governed by immortal Mind, is always beautiful and grand” (p. 246).

At Twelveacres, these truths about man’s spiritual identity counter the beliefs of developmental

disabilities. Our work involves acknowledging God’s man, supporting progress, witnessing freedom and God-given dominion in daily life. How comforting to know divine Love’s creation is always magnificent. Not one of Love’s ideas is ever left out or deprived of Love’s power and grace.

Now, the obvious beautiful and grand expressions are easiest to acknowledge. At Twelveacres, we’re acknowledging Love’s grandeur in hidden, understated, and sometimes misunderstood lives. We recognize a simple

Overcoming Developmental Challenges Through Christian Science

LOVE’S MAGNIFICENCE

NEWSLETTER / FALL 2017

VICTORYLOVEHOPE

incident or seemingly small improvement as oftentimes a significant breakthrough. We celebrate Love’s magnificence in every step of progress towards independence and healing taking place with our residents (see page 4).

Divine Love unifies and establishes “one grand brotherhood” (Science and Health, p. 518), and we see evidence of this brotherly love in the family atmosphere at Twelveacres’ four residences. Our residents naturally share their unconditional love with each other and the staff, and the staff lovingly and patiently supports the residents with tender care and life-skills practice. Each day holds opportunities for the residents to learn and demonstrate more of their magnificent, God-given abilities.

We are consciously grateful for all of the blessings received. “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving” (Psalms 69:30). The word magnify, which is used in the Bible to mean “to celebrate in praise,” comes from the same Latin root word (magnus “great”) as magnificent. Indeed, we join the psalmist in declaring, “who is so great a God as our God?” (Psalms 77:13 who). Gratitude for God’s greatness is a key element in seeing His gifts of health, activity, wisdom and spiritual understanding made manifest in our lives.

Thank you for joining us in cherishing Love’s magnificence, in expecting to see it expressed in everyone, and in singing praise to God!

Mark Fleming, Executive Director

Gratitude for God’s greatness ...

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Twelveacres Board of Directors

President Francesca KarpelBelmont, CA

Vice President Gene DeBoltSanta Rosa, CA

TreasurerTim AmesArroyo Grande, CA

Secretary Jean WehrenVista, CA

Nancy BatteyWalnut Creek, CA

Jane FallerSan Mateo, CA

Jeannie L’HeureuxHayward, CA

Gene McAlisterSan Carlos, CA

Administration

Mark FlemingExecutive Director

Amy HellyerProgram Director

BOARD REPORT

Twelveacres Fall 2017 Newsletter Published By: Twelveacres, Inc. 595 Millich Drive Suite 104 Campbell, CA 95008 Phone: 408.341.0400 Fax: 408.341.0411 Website: www.twelveacres.org

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all our valued Twelveacres supporters!

We are deeply grateful to have met our funding goal for our spring campaign. Thank you for your prayers for Twelveacres and for your various contributions: volunteering, providing items on our wish lists, making donations, and helping us spread the word about our mission – to see our residents overcome, through the practice of Christian Science, the limitations and labels imposed on them by world beliefs.

Sometimes we are privileged to catch glimpses into the lives of our residents and to see, through these glimpses, what makes Twelveacres so special. This summer, for example, I visited First Church of Christ, Scientist in Sunnyvale, California, one Sunday morning. As the reading of the Bible Lesson began, one of the Twelveacres staff kindly handed me his copy of the Christian Science Quarterly. I noticed how attentively our residents were listening to the service. We were all one in listening to God’s Word being read from the desk.

Near the end of the service, one of our residents had a need. Two of the Christian Science staff members from Twelveacres immediately went over to him, embraced him, and supported him. When the service concluded, they stayed with the resident. They were joined by a church member, who came over to where he was sitting, sat next to him, and prayed. Other staff members checked in with them and then helped the other Twelveacres residents leave. It was clear that church members continued to pray after the service. Soon the resident walked out of the church on his own, ready for the rest of his day!

Mrs. Eddy speaks of the blessings of church in Pulpit and Press (page 22): “If the lives of Christian Scientists attest their fidelity to Truth, I predict that in the twentieth century every Christian church in our land, and a few in far-off lands, will approximate the understanding of Christian Science sufficiently to heal the sick in his [Christ’s] name”. I felt as though I had witnessed this during that Sunday church service. Twelveacres is grateful to its local churches for their support of our residents.

Twelveacres residents are helping us all grow in living and sharing Christian Science with others. Their interactions with non-Christian Scientists take place each weekday when they attend their Day Programs. Recently, one Day Program invited our Executive Director and Program Director to meet with the Day Program staff to answer their questions about Christian Science so that they could better understand how to support two Twelveacres residents who attend.

We are grateful for the progress made this year, and we’re sharing some of the fruitage of our work in this newsletter. We continue to expand our care and support for our residents, and this creates new opportunities for practicing Christian Scientists to join our staff.

We look forward to continued progress and Love’s overflowing blessings.

Lovingly,

Francesca KarpelPresident, Board of Directors

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Art Project

Resident Volunteering

In-House Education

This year’s tutoring program focused on teaching one communication skill to each resident of AST and Bucknall House. The skills taught included writing (new words and short sentences) and reading (various levels). One resident has also been learning math skills. The curriculum was customized to the interests of each resident, for example Presidents of the United States, favorite opera singer, and favorite movie. We saw tangible progress from the one-on-one teaching, and we are seeking tutors to grow this program. Please contact Mark Fleming, Executive Director: 408.410.0537 or director@twelveacres.org.

An additional volunteer project evolved this summer as a result of two AST residents volunteering to read to the residents at Lily House:

Lily House started a gardening project, and the AST volunteers participated in cleaning up several raised plant beds, planting the seeds, and watering. Seeing the fruits of their labor was a nice benefit of this project! We plan to add other gardening opportunities.

On a sunny Saturday in September, all Twelveacres’ residents enjoyed participating in an art project held at Braeburn House. The activity was led by the parents of a Lily House resident who were visiting from out of town. Each resident put creative touches on a wooden letter (their first initial), using a variety of paint colors, stamps, and stencils. Each letter exhibited such artistic creativity and color! We are all enjoying viewing this artwork hanging in their bedrooms. We look forward to having more art activities.

RESIDENTS’ CORNER

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IndependenceOne resident from Lily with a claim of limited movement twice demonstrated progress recently. While on a neighborhood outing with a staff member, on reaching a corner this resident voiced her preference saying, “That way” and indicated with her elbow. The staff member followed her direction. Another day, this resident stretched her left arm to touch flower petals in the garden at her home.

Advocating/ Giving Voice/ CommunicatingWhen a Bucknall resident had a disagreement with another housemate, a staff member overheard her advocate for herself directly to the resident housemate to not speak to her that way. This was the first time this staff had heard her stand up for herself in these situations. We have also observed improvements in this resident having more direct conversations with staff and other residents, instead of talking to herself.

We are blessed to witness and report these simple, yet significant, demonstrations and expressions of the Christ that have taken place in the lives of our residents since our last newsletter.

AwarenessOne morning, one of the Bucknall residents seemed much more aware of others than usual. When a staff member greeted the resident upon entering the house, the resident looked at the staff and said, “You’re back huh? Good.” The healing of this moment was twofold because it demonstrated the resident’s alertness to her surroundings (the staff had been absent the previous day) and also because the resident was able to communicate that level of awareness, as she is often quiet and does not make observational statements.

One resident of Braeburn pays more attention to the conversation he is involved in, instead of getting distracted or changing the subject.

Two residents of Braeburn House have made progress in their educational goals. Both have been more focused and engaged when completing the tasks of the goals.

Receptivity to Christian ScienceOne of the residents from Bucknall appeared to have a seizure. He fell to the floor and cut himself. He recovered quickly and the bleeding abated within a short time. Staff and residents gathered together afterwards to read the Bible Lesson. The staff member observed there was a tangible atmosphere of peace and love in the home.

One of the residents of Bucknall loves to listen to the Bible Lesson and articles from the periodicals. If she hears the staff reading to someone, she will stop what activity she is involved in and quietly sit down to join them.

A volunteer has been regularly visiting Bucknall House to read to the residents from We Knew Mary Baker Eddy. All of the residents love to listen and join together in the living room as soon as she arrives. They often ask her to read more when she finishes.

One resident from AST shared with staff that he is God’s child and pointed out a healing article in the Christian Science Sentinel. He seemed very pleased to make this connection (and on his own!).

RESIDENT HEALINGS AND PROGRESS

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A Parent’s Gratitude For ProgressI am grateful to share a testimony about my daughter, who lives in one of the Twelveacres’ homes. Several months ago, her practitioner and I were discussing the idea of communication as an activity from God – constant from our Father/Mother and clearly understood by all.

My daughter uses an assistive communication device, along with some hand signals, to convey her needs. While I was Skyping over the internet with her recently, the picture/word board on her communication device slipped out of place. When I asked her to push it back into place, she did so without hesitation, although it was a little difficult for me to explain to her what I meant. Later, when we finished our chat, I asked her to back up, open the door to her bedroom, and go tell staff she was done talking. Again, she did this quickly after saying goodbye to me.

The next time we Skyped, I asked her to “use her talker” to tell me different words (such as “yes,” “no,” “thank you,” “hello,” “church,” etc.). She hit all the buttons without hesitating and got them right 99 percent of the time! I was amazed and very happy! The house manager tells me she is doing very well with it at other times, too.

I shared these events with the practitioner, and we agreed it was a good expression of receptive and expressive communication. Progress is indeed happening because “…spiritual causation relates to human progress.” (Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, page 170).

I am very grateful for the continuing prayerful support given to my daughter by Twelveacres’ staff and the practitioner. And during my frequent visits, it is always a joy to interact with the staff and residents.

– Jean Wehren

A Letter from a VolunteerThis thank you note is to tell you how inspired and grateful I was to spend a day at Twelveacres. Since being back in Utah, I have thought of my visit almost daily and shared all the amazing work and love that goes on at Twelveacres with family and friends.

I am so grateful to be able to have visited three of the houses, to see how the houses give residents both independence and a strong sense of belonging. Amy and Muthoni were so great in answering questions and helping me to understand the outreach that happens because of the love, kindness, humility, and grace that the community sees when interacting with residents and workers. What a healing demonstration for all. Again, thank you. Please let me know how I can volunteer when next in California.

– With gratitude, K. D.

GRATITUDE

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Twelveacres had the pleasure of hosting three summer workers from Principia College: Esther Hadassa, Charles Nwosu, and Sam Soeterman. Residents, staff, and the students themselves were blessed by their time here.

A theatre major and education minor, Hadassa has a passion for travel. The idea of working with adults with special needs “piqued my interest,” she says. “I found it very unique that it was a home atmosphere and not an institution.” Hadassa witnessed much healing, not only of the residents but also her own. “I was feeling tired one day,” she recounts. But then she felt “the gentle presence of the residents” and “their joy” while reading the Christian Science periodicals and Science and Health with them, and the fatigue “just went away.” For Hadassa, working at Twelveacres was a joyous adventure. “I have had a blast. I have enjoyed working with the residents and staff. They have made it a home.” Plus she learned a lot about herself from the experience. “I had never worked with people with special needs before. Now I feel that I can work in any environment. You learn to pray for yourself and for others, how to be closer to God.”

Charles is majoring in political science, international relations, and economics – and minoring in sociology. For him, Twelveacres offered an opportunity to expand his horizons to work, for the first time, at a Christian Science facility. “Twelveacres is unique in regard to dealing with developmental challenges,” he relates. “You’re helping them, encouraging them through challenges. It gave me a new perspective on Christian Science healing itself. I have seen Christian Science in more practical terms here. Within minutes [of praying], everything subsides.” Charles also mentions the inspiration and reassurance he gained from a practitioner when he called her on behalf of a resident. “She told me, ‘Charles, you don’t need to be worried,’ ...and now I don’t get worried when seeing unusual things. I know it will subside.” Charles feels his time at Twelveacres was a turning point for him. “I won’t be the same kind of person, especially when approaching those with special needs. I bonded with the residents. It was a tremendous experience.”

Sam is double majoring in music and education and is a member of Prin’s rugby team and college choir. He was already familiar with Twelveacres, since some residents are regular attendees of his branch church. Thus, his decision to work at Twelveacres seemed a natural one. What did Sam enjoy most about his summer at Twelveacres? “Many of the residents have a lot to say but have difficulty articulating it,” he shares. “Helping them bridge that gap in communication was one of the most rewarding aspects. I feel like I’ve learned a lot about communication, patience, and understanding. My time teaching them how to write and count money also influenced my decision to double major in education. There is a lot of intense material suggestion, but after spending time with them, I discovered that they express the same good qualities of kindness, humor, and compassion as any other children of God would. You can’t let the challenges they face define them as people.”

SUMMER WORKERS

Esther Hadassa

Sam Soeterman

Charles Nwosu

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YOUR LOVING SUPPORT

WishlistTo make a wishlist donation, please contact Mark Fleming, Executive Director: 408.410.0537 or director@twelveacres.org

4 subscriptions to The Christian Science Journal (All houses): $96/yr each

2 subscriptions to The Christian Science Sentinel (AST & Bucknall): $102/yr each

Window A/C unit (Bucknall): $375

Special Resident Mattress (Lily): $500

Front-loading dryer (Lily): $650

2 twin bed mattress sets: $750 each

Patio furniture for 3 homes: $750 each home

Double pane windows (Lily): $4,000

New flooring (Braeburn): $4,000 (carpet); $2000 (kitchen)

Heartfelt AppreciationFor the following wishlist items we received:

Wheelchair van for Lily – Thank you! Wheelchair tie-downs – Thank you! Electrical panel upgrade at Braeburn – Thank you! Laptop and monitor for Bucknall – Thank you! Vacuums for two homes – Thank you!

While Twelveacres receives state funding to support our residents, it is not enough to maintain the standard of care our residents need. Your donations are necessary to sustain care and educational programs for our fellow Christian Scientists who are relying on God’s care to overcome developmental challenges. We are very grateful for every contribution.

You can donate online through our website www.twelveacres.org or send a check to:

Twelveacres 595 Millich Drive, Suite 104 Campbell, CA 95008

Please consider giving to Twelveacres as you plan your year-end charitable giving and estate planning.

GratitudeFrom April through October, we received donations in tribute to the following:

In Honor of: Mary Martha Joyce · Manya Kaseroff-Smith, C.S.B. Jackie King · Amy Long · Deborah Mueller Gary Smith · Laura Spaulding · Shari Tobias Melinda Wehren

In Memory of: Mark Agnew · Betty Dempsey, C.S. · Dick Gatehouse Leslie Dill Gondolf, C.S. · Doris Gruwell Joseph A. Madrid · Sally Miller · Muriel A. Nagle Christine Parker · Hugh Scott Pennington Bill Sonke · David Sonke · Ruth Sonke Ann O. Spaulding, C.S.B. · Chuck Spaulding Evelyn Spelman · Merrie Waite Stratman · Clint Tobias

595 Millich Drive, Suite 104, Campbell, CA 95008

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Love’s Magnificence

Board Report

Residents’ Corner

Healings and Gratitude

Your Loving Support

IN THIS ISSUE:

FALL 2017 NEWSLETTER

We can help! For more information about Twelveacres and other possible resources, please contact our Program Director, Amy Hellyer 408.341.0400 x104 or program@twelveacres.org

Do you have a friend or family member seeking healing of developmental challenges?

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

We are seeking individuals interested in helping fellow Christian Scientists overcome developmental challenges. The following positions are available. Please contact Mark Fleming, Executive Director 408.410.0537 or director@twelveacres.org

Project Manager

Bookkeeper

Manager of Christian Science Nursing

Christian Science Nurses and Caregivers

Resident Tutors

We welcome your talents! Seeking volunteers to assist Twelveacres’ staff in the following activities. Please contact Mark Fleming, Executive Director 408.410.0537 or director@twelveacres.org

Arts & Crafts

Gardening

Music (singing or instrumental)

Reading

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?