By As a non-profit, Christian Science nursing facility, Arden Wood has the privilege of supporting healing through skillful care and training, inspired living and Christly service. We are dedicated to providing superior short-term rehabilitation and long-term care in a caring atmosphere. Our patients work daily with a Journal-listed Christian Science practitioner.
This year a new group of seven Christian Science nurses are beginning their Christian Science nursing education at Arden Wood with the first course in our CSNA series, CSNA II: Basic Christian Science Nursing Arts. This group comes from five different facilities (Arden Wood, The BA, Peace Haven, Sunland Home and The Leaves) and represents five countries.
The spiritual ministry of Christian Science nursing is addressed in CSNA II. It teaches the expression of spiritual qualities, ethics and sound judgment necessary for this spiritual ministry. Practical skills are taught in support of ministering to the needs of the patient including cleanliness, comfort, communication, activity and mobility, rest, nourishment and surroundings.
In mid-June the CSNN Board welcomed Alistair Budd, from the UK, as a new member. Hollis Tiger Wines and Mary Hronek Hollister also retired from the Board and were replaced by Cindy Snowden, Kerry Reed and Kristin Palkoner. The board held its 2017 Annual Meeting at Arden Wood. It was preceded by a strategic planning meeting sponsored by the Philanthropy Forum and attended by three board members.
For the third year in a row, the CSNN Board has subsidized housing for delegates to the International Christian Science Nursing Conference at CedarS Camps in Lebanon, Missouri. The conference theme was “Living the Life.”
After years of searching for the right location, the West Coast branch of The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, The Mother Church, purchased land on the shores of Lake Tahoe in 1926. In 1929, construction began on a new Christian Science nursing facility. It was named Arden Wood and opened in 1930. It was the only Christian Science nursing facility in the world at that time and was a public institution.
In 1998, the ICSNC conference was opened to all Christian Science nursing training at Arden Wood, regardless of their status as Journal-listed practitioners and to non-journal-listed Christian Scientists interested in the Christian Science nursing concept. In the same year, the CSNN Board created a governing document, the Articles and By-laws. In 1999, the Board expanded the membership to allow for more diversity and the Board became a nonprofit incorporated entity.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CSNN Board continued to meet monthly via teleconference and by email. The Board discussed several topics, including the impact of the pandemic on CSNN and the need for additional financial resources. A call for donations was made to the membership and a special fundraiser was initiated to raise funds. In addition, the Board developed a comprehensive training plan for Christian Science nurses and a budget to fund it. During this difficult time, the CSNN staff and volunteers did an amazing job of serving the members, patients and the community.
At Arden Wood, Christian Science Nursing Training embodies a commitment to holistic healing rooted in spiritual principles. Through comprehensive courses and hands-on experience, students learn to provide compassionate care that addresses the spiritual and physical needs of individuals. With a focus on prayer-based approaches and practical skills, trainees gain a deep understanding of Christian Science nursing practices. The supportive environment and experienced instructors guide students on a transformative journey, preparing them to serve with empathy and proficiency. Graduates emerge equipped to contribute to the healing ministry, fostering wholeness and well-being in their communities.
