The Simple Needs Ministry Project
Right Thoughts and Good Deeds
Inspirational Guiding Ideas
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
(Micah 6:8)
“The spiritual power of a scientific, right thought, without a direct effort, an audible or even a mental argument, has oftentimes healed inveterate diseases.”
(Rudimental Divine Science, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 9:21)
“It is sad that the phrase divine service has come so generally to mean public worship instead of daily deeds.”
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 40:28)
“Christ is the true idea voicing good, the divine message from God to men speaking to the human consciousness.”
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 332:9–11 Christ)
The list below provides some ideas on the kinds of simple needs that could be addressed by the members of a church community.
1. Impersonal Prayer
”Ways to pray when caring for others” (12/28/2024)
”The Ethics of Impersonal Prayer” (4/16/2025)
”The Easy Yoke [In Practice]” (4/14/2025)
2. Christian Caring Visits
3. Awareness of Care Resources
The Principle Foundation - Helpful Information
Caring for Christian Scientists – Call center (800) 930-3795
Communities of Christian Caring – Advancing compassion to a healing ministry
Church Care Committees – (Directory of Branch Churches/Societies)
4. Correspondence Ministry (Keeping in touch)
Simple notes and cards
Letter correspondence
Checking in (Phone, text, email, social apps, etc.)
5. CSPS Literature & Bible Study Ministry
CSPS Literature distribution (CS Monitor, CS Sentinel, CS Journal, Quarterly Bible Lessons, etc.)
Providing CSPS literature to individuals
Reading to others from the CSPS periodicals
Reading to others from biographies of MBE
Reading to others from the writings of MBE
Reading to others from the Bible
JSH Online, Order publications online, or visit your local Christian Science Reading Room
Sing, play, or read to others from hymns/solos
Bible study resources - Bible Hub, Bible Wise, Contexticon, Bible Roads
6. Helpful Logistics
Provide transportation (to church services, Reading Room, lectures, Sunday School, etc.)
Arrange for transportation
Running errands
Help with cleaning, organizing, and minor repairs
7. Technology (help with learning and troubleshooting)
Accessing websites (MBE Library, ChristianScience.com, Longyear, Bible study platforms, using Zoom, how to use search engines, etc.)
Computer, tablet, and smartphone assistance
Setting up device preferences or arranging for repairs
8. Nourishment
Prepare a meal (We highly recommend that you confer with a trained and qualified Christian Science nurse before preparing meals for someone. Contact the Caring for Christian Scientists Call Center at (800) 930-3795.)
Deliver a meal
Arrange for meals
Help with groceries
9. Mobility Assistance
(We highly recommend that you confer with a trained and qualified Christian Science nurse before using mobility aids, personal lifting, and assisting methods for the first time if you haven’t had any previous training. Contact the Caring for Christian Scientists Call Center at (800) 930-3795.)
10. Youth and Family
“What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds.” (S&H 4:3–5)
Simple Need Categories
Good Deeds: In some languages, the word “Good” (with a capital “G”) is a name for “God.” As used in this ministry, the word “good” (with a small “g”) stands for the many expressions of the one God, Good. The human and divine coincidence.