By Joan Passarelli

Photo by Monique Schoenfeld, Town Crier

Town Crier Correspondent

Clergy Profile

Connie Untch, first reader of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Los Altos, has crystal blue eyes that light up when she talks about her faith.

“It’s been such a delight,” she said. “I’m so grateful, because you can always turn to God in prayer, night or day, and expect results.”

Untch is two-and-a-half years into her three-year term as first reader of the church at 401 University Avenue. She explained that the Christian Science church does not ordain ministers, but elects readers to preside over services.

“Our pastors are not people, but the Bible and (founder Mary Baker Eddy’s) Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” she explained.

As first reader, Untch does not write sermons but selects readings around a theme. “I had to learn analytical reading, how to get the thought across and make it interesting. It takes a lot of prayer, inspiration and research,” she said.

Untch leads services on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Describing the Wednesday service, which includes readings and testimonies, she said, “There’s always a sense of love and prayer as people tell their own stories of how Christian Science has helped them. It’s exciting.”

Services are not fancy, Untch said. “Mrs. Eddy wanted to keep it simple, so we have no choir, for example, only a soloist.”

Untch strives to provide a welcoming, healing atmosphere in her services. “I want people to feel changed when they come,” she said. “The services are for all the community.”

The foundation of the Christian Science church is healing through prayer, Untch said. She follows the current upsurge in interest in spiritual healing with pleasure. “The world is changing,” she said. “Now it’s quite acceptable to hear and read about prayer and healing, even in medical schools.”

Through prayer and study, Untch qualified as a Christian Science practitioner about 15 years ago. Now she is available night and day to pray with other Christian Scientists for healing, which constitutes a full-time job.

Untch is originally from the East Coast but lived in Los Altos for 15 years.

“We are known by our healing presence in the community,” Untch said. “We attract people by our thinking and healing. That’s exciting!”

For more information, call the First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 948-3602.