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Outsourcing
CSPS functions hits a few bumps
Dear
Fellow Member,
I'm
sure you'll be interested in reading this message from the Board of
Trustees of The Christian Science Publishing Society.
Warmly,
Nathan
Talbot
Clerk
of The Mother Church
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Dear
worldwide Mother Church family,
Some
significant changes are underway that affect subscribing to the
Christian Science periodicals as we consolidate our order-processing
systems and services with CDS Global in Des Moines, Iowa, USA.
Because of some initial mistakes on renewal notices and substantial
adjustments required for international subscribers, we are asking for
your prayers, your patience, and your suggestions.
Joining
hands and hearts in prayer on behalf of our movement and its mission
to the world, we know that new solutions will surface that will
better resolve these issues and enable subscribers to continue to
receive, read, and share the periodicals.
Some
recent international periodical renewal notices incorrectly listed
the subscription price as $999. We understand how surprising that
price would have seemed. For example, the actual international price
for the Sentinel is $78 per year. Corrected renewal notices are now
being sent.
We
sincerely apologize for these mistakes as we undertake an extremely
complex conversion of multiple systems.
As
we convert to new systems and processes, a requirement for
international subscribers is that they pay for subscriptions by
credit card or US or Canadian dollars. This change will substantially
reduce complexity and cost. We know this new requirement is not easy
for many international members. We are grateful to say that some
fields have come up with creative solutions to help their members
keep subscribing. All of us are a part of this important publishing
enterprise and every member and subscriber is truly valued.
As
most of you know, The Christian Science Publishing Society is making
changes to gain efficiencies, decrease deficits, and to put in place
a sustainable basis for publishing what our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy,
has founded. In recent years, the Publishing Society has been running
deficits of $12-20 million, which have been paid from Church funds.
Mrs. Eddy knew the value of the periodicals, their role in the
mission of this Church, and she expected the overall activity to be
profitable, instead of drawing on Church funds.
As
the costs of our publishing activities become more balanced and
sustainable, we can accomplish more of Mrs. Eddy's intent "of
more effectually promoting and extending the religion of Christian
Science as taught by (her)." (Deed of Trust, 1898)
The
world is yearning for the truths of Christian Science, perhaps more
than ever given current challenges in the world. Our goal is to meet
that need through all the Manual activities of this Church, including
an "efficient publishing society" that reaches people
through the web, e-mail, print, and other 21st-century communication
channels. (Miscellaneous Writings, p.126:19)
Thank
you for your patience and your prayers.
With
warm regards,
Trustees
The
Christian Science Publishing Society
2/18/09
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