Supporting a community…
Canterbury Crest is part of the global community of Christian Science nursing organizations. Although Christian Science nursing has been in existence since the early 1900’s, Canterbury Crest began its journey in 1952. A Christian Science woman in Portland, Oregon, Corinne Barbur, conceived of a place “where those seeking healing through Christian Science may find an environment and service suitable to their spiritual and physical needs, where the practice of Christian Science is faithfully adhered to, and where no discrimination is made as to the patient’s ability to pay for such care.” This idea lead her to “seed” the money necessary to grow the vision. Looking back over nearly 70 years, it is easy to see how Corinne’s original vision and gracious gift has enabled Canterbury Crest to support the community… not only in Portland and its surrounding communities, but throughout the entire Pacific Northwest. Over the years the landscape of Canterbury Crest has changed, quite literally, but the core mission remains the same: to support healing through the ministry of Christian Science nursing. This strong, community-based concept permeates every facet of our operation.
Canterbury Crest Executive Team
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Peggy Gautschi, President and Acting Executive Director
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Mary Taylor, Vice President
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Jim Loayza, Secretary
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Truth Johnston, Treasurer
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Barbara Weiser, Executive Assistant
Canterbury Crest in the Pacific Northwest
Canterbury Crest Field Representative Program
To raise awareness of Christian Science nursing, Canterbury Crest employs Field Representatives. These “Reps” share information about Christian Science nursing including: the scope of services, establishing an Advance Directive, financial assistance funds, how to get in touch with a Christian Science nurse, and other relative information. This can be done over the phone, through email, or by scheduling an in-person visit. Please contact us to schedule a visit or to reach a Field Representative.
David McNeil Scholarship Fund
Through a generous donation, Canterbury Crest established the David McNeil Scholarship Fund. Financial assistance is available to individuals interested in a career in Christian Science nursing as well as those who are completing their current training. Additionally, the fund is available to established Christian Science nurses who seek to continue their education or attend conferences.
David was a former Executive Director for Canterbury Crest. His tireless dedication to Christian Science nursing and to Canterbury Crest shaped the course for the future of Christian Science nursing in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
To fill out an application to request funds Click Here. To donate to this fund, please contact our office.
Workshops
“A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves…”. These few simple words begin the story of the Good Samaritan in the New Testament. This story, or parable, told by Christ Jesus, describes the actions of a Samaritan man who, in his travels, took care of the man who fell among thieves. While others had just passed by, the Samaritan, with Christlike compassion, bound the man’s wounds and brought him to an inn to recover. At the conclusion of the story, Jesus commands everyone to, “go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:25-35)
A reading of the entire story impresses upon us the importance of caring for our neighbor, our brother and sister, our enemy, and our friends… anyone who has fallen by the wayside or who has come under attack from disease or injury. It speaks of selfless giving, practical care, and tender encouragement. The story points out that the law of God is to “…love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind…” and to “love your neighbor as thyself.” This is the keynote of Christian Science nursing as well as our workshops and programs.
The Spiritual Dimension of Care Workshop
Christ and Christmas by Mary Baker Eddy
Top: workshop attendees
Bottom: workshop director- Patty Nurenburg
This one day workshop takes a deep dive into the nature of nursing—from a Christian Science perspective. What is it? Where and when does it happen? Who does it? In this workshop participants will learn the history of Christian Science nursing and about Mary Baker Eddy’s vision for this healing activity. Participants will also explore the Bible account of the Good Samaritan as well as excerpts from Mrs. Eddy’s books, Christ and Christmas and the Church Manual of The First Church of Christ, Scientist. The format of this workshop is open and relaxed, allowing for a free exchange of ideas and sharing of experiences.
The Good Samaritan Workshop
Taking the Spiritual Dimension of Care a little further, the Good Samaritan Workshop adds a practical side to care. HOW do we care for others both physically and metaphysically? This workshop covers proper lifting techniques and the use of temporary aids. It addresses communication with those needing care as well as with their family members, neighbors, and public officials. While we recommend that participants first attend the Spiritual Dimension of Care workshop, this workshop is open to everyone.
All of our workshops are conducted at the site of the organization requesting the workshop. The workshops are open to those interested in gaining a better understanding of the Christlike touch and the practical means necessary to care for someone. At this time, they are a gift from Canterbury Crest—with no financial attachment. Please contact us for more information and to schedule a workshop in your area.
Other Programs
Continuing Education and Training for Christian Science Nurses
Training and conferences are available throughout the year in various parts of the U.S. and U.K. for Christian Science nurses. In an effort to support these activities and to further applicable training, Canterbury Crest accepts requests for financial assistance. Assistance is given according to the need. Please email us with questions or requests.