You are a beloved child of Life,
destined for creativity and joy,
a unique and wondrous
expression of Spirit.

This is, I believe, the greatest message and promise that Religious Science has for all of us. The dignity and worth of each individual is fundamental to my understanding of spirituality. This is grounded in the fundamental principle that there is a Power and Presence, which we may call God, or Spirit or Life, which is uniquely and individually expressing in, through, and as each one of us.

Our job is to come to understand and recognize this truth about ourselves and about each other so that when we look into the eyes of any other being, we see the face of God.

The amount of joy and creativity that we experience is entirely up to us. Our self-talk and expectations of life are the mold which creates our experiences. The more we can align ourselves with spiritual principles, acting as if we were guided by the Infinite Indwelling Presence of Love, Truth, Beauty, Joy and Harmony, the more peace and joy we will bring into the world.

I found Science of Mind during the darkest time in my life. It gave me hope to persevere. It gave me the strength to look honestly at my life, my relationships, my addictions and myself so that I could make the changes necessary to become the truly joyous and loving and creative being God intended me to be.

It is my deepest desire to make this same life giving philosophy available to all people, so that we may heal ourselves and in so doing, we may heal our world, one life at a time.—Rev. Petra Weldes

BIOGRAPHY: Rev. Dr. Petra Weldes has been Senior Minister of the Center for Spiritual Living since February 1, 1998. She recently served as Chair of the United Church of Religious Science (UCRS) CORE Council (its highest international governing body) and past Chair of the UCRS Nominating Team. In addition, Rev. Petra is actively involved in interfaith projects in the community, including serving as past Co-Chair of the Season for Non-Violence in Dallas, Chair of the World Peace Day in Dallas, as a member of the Interfaith Council of Thanks-Giving Square of Dallas, and as a Advisor to the Association for Global New Thought.

She has provided organizational development consulting and board retreats to numerous churches. Rev. Petra has developed and facilitated many spiritual, meditation, and ministerial student retreats. In addition, she has organized many successful church and community fund-raising events and programs.

Previously Rev. Dr. Petra served as the Founding and Senior Minister of the Renton Church of Religious Science in Renton, WA (1984-1990). In addition Rev. Petra served as a faculty member of the Ernest Holmes College in Seattle, WA (1986-1993).

Rev. Dr. Petra has a long history of involvement with the youth movement in various Churches, Conferences, and at many regional Youth Camps. She was Chair of the UCRS Youth and Family Ministries Committee (1996-1998), and wrote the UCRS Teen Curriculum during that time.

Rev. Dr. Petra holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities from the University of Dallas in Irving, TX, (1996) where she defended her independent studies thesis "with distinction" and graduated summa cum laude. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Metaphysical Philosophy from the Ernest Holmes College in Seattle, WA (1984). She more recently received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the Holmes Institute (2004). Rev. Petra became a Religious Science Practitioner in 1983 and received Ordination in 1988.