About CSL Anacortes

Rev. Shelley came to us from a diverse background, raised as an Army brat with many different home bases both here and abroad. She graduated from high school in Virginia, and from there, moved to West Virginia and went to college, getting her B.A. in education in 1970. After working as a teacher and then as a court reporter for various agencies, including the United States House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. and the Securities and Exchange Commission, she attended law school at the University of South Dakota and graduated with a J.D. in 1984. She prosecuted sexual abuse cases for the Attorney General’s office in South Dakota and then had her own law firm.

She became a licensed practitioner of Religious Science in 1999 after discovering Centers for Spiritual Living in 1995. Her minister then is still her minister and mentor today. She underwent hospice training and became a chaplain at a hospital in Virginia. Loving this teaching, she applied to Holmes Institute and graduated with an accredited Masters of Consciousness Studies in 2004. She was the Senior Minister at United Centers for Spiritual Living in Oklahoma City for five years.

Shelley’s background also includes participating and directing the Children’s Program at Eastern Conference for many years, as well as at Asilomar. First and foremost, Rev. Shelley seeks everyday to carry the principles of Science of Mind into practice. She shares her wisdom generously and receives others’ wisdom as graciously. She’s been a puppeteer and lived in a school bus, has danced and sang through her life, and has sought and seen Spirit wherever she looked if she just looked long enough. She loves well and is well loved.

I am an active real estate broker, on the job for 21 years. I enjoy walking, cooking, tending to my flower gardens, and playing with my grandchildren in Bellingham. I also enjoy volunteering to help the community as best I can.

I saw an ad for CSLA and decided to give it a try. Once in the door I felt like I was ‘home.’ The people are genuine and caring, and the Center has a very casual feel to it. After only a couple of years I found myself on the Board, which has been very rewarding.

“When happiness shows up – give it a comfortable seat.” – Mark Twain

My first experience of Science of Mind was over 35 years ago, listening to a cassette taped talk by Rev Kathianne Lewis of Seattle CSL. The recorded talk was both positive and up-lifting. With spiritual guidance and a miracle, I was able to relocate to the Seattle area and acquire a good job. I particularly appreciated the power of the unique way of praying called “treatment” practiced in Science of Mind, the positive focus, learning about connection with God and how my thinking affects my life.

When I moved to Anacortes several years later, I was grateful to discover a Religious Science Church there. Though much smaller than the Seattle center, it was warm and welcoming, had the same positive thinking messages and effective prayers. It was easy to become a part of this smaller community. After a few years I became a board member which gave me an opportunity to learn about and participate in planning and decisions for the greatest good of the Center.

I have been the President of the Board for 9 years and feel good about my role as a facilitator and leader alongside our minister and other wonderful members of the board and our Center of Spiritual Living.

After a 23 year career in the corporate world, my husband and I moved to Anacortes in 2001. We had both been Practitioners in our previous Center, and we joined this Anacortes CSL and continued volunteering. I am now widowed, and enjoy being an artist and volunteering at Soroptimist in their Thrift Shop.

I found the Science of Mind teachings in 1961; it was life changing! I took three years of classes to become a licensed prayer practitioner. I retired my practitioner license before moving to Anacortes but continue to be active in our prayer ministry. I once heard Science of Mind Founder Ernest Holmes give a lecture in Los Angeles. And the adventure continues.