Several ASCSA Meet-ups were scheduled under the umbrella of ASCSA in early June, 2024, during the few days around the Annual Meeting 2024.  They were a big success with over 30 participants coming from across the USA and England.  Many attended more than one of our gatherings. 

During several days of ASCSA get-togethers, many enjoyed fellowship, interesting conversations, dining together, and the freedom to join in the fun at the last minute as their schedules allowed, which is why we called them “Meet-ups.” In addition, we all enjoyed the inspiring activities The Mother Church hosted around the Annual Meeting.

Publicity for the ASCSA Meet-ups and the preparatory Zoom meeting that was held two weeks prior spanned the Internet via email, the ASCSA website, and the ASCSA Facebook page.

ASCSA-sponsored Meet-up events included the following:
- A “Fireside chat” one evening with singer, songwriter Andrew Brewis at the Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association (BA) in Boston    www.chbenevolent.org     www.andrewdbrewis.com 

- Breakfast together in the BA dining room on the day of the Annual Meeting
- Sitting together during the Annual Meeting
- Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory following the Annual Meeting

Andrew D Brewis, CS singer, songwriter from the UK, gave a concert hosted by the Christian Science church in Dover, NH, on Thursday before Annual Meeting.  Several CS singles decided to attend and have dinner together beforehand.   This addition to our ASCSA meet-up plans around the time of the Annual Meeting happened as a direct result of interaction during our Zoom preparatory meeting for the ASCSA Annual Meeting Meet-up event.  It was an explosion of goodness!

In Boston – scheduled ASCSA Meet-ups

June 2 (Sunday) – Evening “Fireside chat” at the Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association
This lively event, which took place in front the fireplace in a cozy corner of the main lobby of the BA with special guest Andrew Brewis, was attended by approximately 15 people.  Many new acquaintances were made.  Some guests had never met Andrew and were pleased they had the opportunity.  Thank you to the BA for supporting our "Fireside chat," which created some commotion and excitement around their lobby during the evening our group was socializing. A thank you also goes to Andrew Brewis for being our special guest..

June 3 (Monday) – Meet-up at The Annual Meeting followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant
1)  Meet-up for breakfast at the BA
2) Meet-up in the Mother Church Extension during the Annual Meeting (1-3pm)
3) Meet-up for dinner at the nearby Cheesecake Factory (4-7pm)

Over thirty persons enjoyed heart-felt fellowship while dining over a period of three hours.  Several came with two or three friends, enabling us to meet many new people.  Everyone ordered as soon as they arrived, which was encouraged.  Many ate quickly then left to catch buses and planes while others lingered for hours socializing with new and old friends.  The constant coming and going of people was interesting aspect of the event and lovingly handled by the Cheesecake staff. 
           
Someone who was not able to attend our dinner donated a $30 gift certificate from the Cheesecake Factory.  She suggested we treat the last few people to some cheesecake.  This gift was well received and encouraged our last few folks to sit and socilize longer. 

Fruitage
Other fruitage from the ASCSA Meet-ups was inspiring.  At all these events we enjoyed the comraderie of new and old Chrisitan Science single and married friends in a warm, loving CS atmosphere. Many single people who were there requested to be added to the ASCSA mailing list in order to be notified of other similar activities hosted by ASCSA around the country.
           
This was the first time one of our dinner guests, who was from England, experienced an ASCSA activity.  He said he planned to return next year for the Annual Meeting and promised he would return to our dinner afterwards. A discussion followed as to how he could keep in touch with our group.  We invited him to our periodic evening Zoom Social gatherings, an invitation which he embraced enthusiastically.

One CS single woman from Mexico who was attending the Annual Meeting saw our group dining at the Cheesecake Factory.  Through a bit of research she was able to find out who we were and has now joined ASCSA.  We are making plans to include her in regional activities with single Christian Scientists in the New England area in a few weeks when she returns for a visit from Mexico.

This ASCSA Annual Meeting Meet-up 2024 event, which included people from all over the USA and other countries, was a great success.  We are already making plans to sponsor a similar event during the next Annual Meeting and plan to do so during Annual Meetings for years to come.
ASCSA is for Single Christian Scientists but your married friends will always be welcome at our Annual Meeting Meet-up events.  

Fireside chat at the Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association the night before the Annual Meeting

Breakfast at the Chestnut Hill Benevolent Association the morning of the Annual Meeting

An evening of inspirational songs with CS singer, songwriter Andrew Brewis at the Christian Science church in Dover, New Hampshire, a few days before the Annual Meeting

Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory following the Annual Meeting

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Written by host Merrilee Zellner 6.30.24