Gary Moskowitz
The Glendale Church of Religious Science will celebrate 60 years of
working at what Pastor Bonnie Rowsell calls the church's "mission to
do God's work."
The Glendale Church of Religious Science will celebrate its 60th
anniversary with a special church service at 10 a.m. Sunday at the
church, 2146 E. Chevy Chase Drive. The service, which is themed "This
for you, God," is open to the public.
Church members will continue celebrating the anniversary with a
brunch following the church service. The brunch is open to church
members only, Rowsell said.
"In faith, all things are possible," Rowsell said. "We support
each individual in recognizing that they are one with God, with
perfect love and creative intelligence. The spirit is everywhere,
visible and invisible."
The Glendale Church of Religious Science was founded in 1938, and
held its first meetings at a building in the 800 block of Brand
Boulevard. The church, which received its charter in 1943, has about
250 members, and operates Verdugo Valley School, a preschool and
kindergarten, Rowsell said. The religion was founded in 1926 by
Ernest Holmes, based on teachings called the Science of Mind.
Holmes developed the faith by studying religions, science,
literature and philosophy, and discovering what he believed were
"universal truths" among them. Holmes' truths form the tenets of
Religious Science.
The Glendale Church of Religious Science does healing prayer
ministries for all people, regardless of faith, Rowsell said.
According to the theology of Religious Science, positive life change
is possible if people set their minds to it, Rowsell said.
"We motivate people to think beyond the problem," Rowsell said.
Church member Jackie Weatherbee describes the church as a "beacon
of light" for the local community.
"The church means a lot to me, because this church is a healing
center," Weatherbee said. "And this celebration is exciting for us.
It's great that we have been a healing force in the community for 60
years."
*
IF YOU GO
* WHAT: Glendale Church of Religious Science 60th anniversary.
* WHEN: 10 a.m. Sunday.
* WHERE: Glendale Church of Religious Science, 2146 E. Chevy Chase
Drive.
* WHO: Church service is open to the public. For more information,
call 244-8171.
