SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - James Shepherd, a Christian Science healing practitioner and international speaker, will talk on “Why everyone is needed” at 2 p.m. May 5 at Fifth Church of Christ, Scientist, 3250 Cottage Way, Sacramento.

The talk will focus on universal healing precepts found in the Holy Bible, especially in Christ Jesus’ life and teachings, showing how they are available for anyone to understand and experience through the lens of Christian Science. The talk is free, open to the public and sponsored by First Church of Christ, Scientist, Carmichael and Fifth Church of Christ, Scientist, Sacramento.  

“I love exploring the nature of God, infinite Love, as the only cause and our unbreakable connection to God as God’s offspring,” Shepherd said. “This connection gives us our purpose and worth by seeing everyone from a more God-like, or spiritual, point of view. I’ve experienced how this has an impact on my life and on the lives of others.”

Sharing examples of his own healing and professional practice of Christian Science, Shepherd will explain why Christian Science is both Christian and scientific, meaning that anyone can prove its effectiveness for themselves, as described in the book “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” written by Christian Science movement founder Mary Baker Eddy.

Shepherd will also touch on the life of Eddy, who taught what she said was original Christian healing. Eddy has said that she was especially inspired by Jesus’ demand: “He that believes on me, the works that I do will he do also; and greater works than these will he do, because I go unto my Father” (found in the Gospel of John 14:12 in the Bible).

Shepherd has been a Christian Science practitioner for many years, helping others daily through this scientific approach to prayer.  He travels from his home base in Eugene, Oregon, to speak to audiences as a Christian Science Board of Lectureship member.