Our parent organization, Centers for Spiritual Living, (Science of Mind) was founded in 1927. Our Center received its charter on May 23, 1969.

We are an organization that believes in affirmative prayer and positive affirmation.  We view life from a metaphysical standpoint and believe that, as you think so you are.  People from all faiths and perspectives are welcome in our Centers.  Our purpose is to teach, empower and support individuals in realizing their potential as spiritual beings who are having a human experience.

Center for Spiritual Living Los Gatos is a member of a world-wide religious organization with headquarters in Golden, Colorado.  Founded in 1927 by Dr. Ernest Holmes, there are now over 400 teaching centers, study groups, and outreach ministries located in 30 countries.  We follow a new thought philosophy aimed at promoting acceptance and the realization that all of life is sacred and each individual is an outpicturing of God.  Our Centers teach practical methods for self actualization and empowerment that we may better serve as conduits for good in a world that works for everyone.  The roots of our philosophy come from the metaphysical teachings of Dr. Holmes which can be found in the The Science of Mind textbook.  Through the integration of spiritual truths and science, Religious Science advances the belief in the unity of all life.

Our current minister, Reverend Alice Carpenter, assumed the role of pastor on September 1, 2001.  She came to us after having served for 2 1/2 years on the ministerial team of the Redding Church of Religious Science in Redding, California.   Our church operates as the Center for Spiritual Living Los Gatos, its corporate name,  Santa Clara Valley Church of Religious Science, was adopted by the congregation and Board of Trustees in 2002.  In 2019 our Center relocated its Sunday services to our current location at 1989 Kobara Lane in San Jose.  Post-COVID, our Center is still offering Sunday services and classes via Zoom.  We look forward to re-establishing in person or hybrid services sometime in 2024.  

For more information about our organization go to the link below:
CSL Home Office Global Vision

I discovered New Thought in 1974 when my sister gave me a subscription to Unity magazine. We lived in Spain at the time, so I didn’t have the opportunity to attend a New Thought church until we returned in 1979. After a few years as a Unity student, I was led to Science of Mind when a friend invited me to attend church in San Jose with her.

I became a Sunday School teacher, then was the director of the Sunday School program for a while and took all available Science of Mind classes. The San Jose Church of Religious Science had a Toastmaster’s Club and I was an active member of that organization for 10 years. That was my opportunity to learn and hone my public speaking skills.

I have worked as a storyteller in programs for senior citizens for over 20 years and it gives me great joy and satisfaction.

I am so pleased to be a speaker for Center for Spiritual Living, Los Gatos.

When I walked into First Church of Religious Science 26 years ago, the first words I heard spoken by Dr. Scott was, "Something great and wonderful is happening today and you are a part of it." I knew I had found my right place to be one with a loving, supportive GOD. I felt called to become a Practitioner and began that course of study. I am in my 19th year of being a licensed Practitioner and I am so grateful I answered the call.

I have been honored to pray and counsel with individuals and families, present motivating workshops, facilitate classes, being a guest speaker at other churches.

Many, many years have passed since my mother came upon a copy of the Science of Mind textbook in among other things that were headed for the trash pile. She took it home. She could not have known at the time that she would one day pass that same text along to her daughter... that would be me. I "discovered" the Religious Science teachings at a time in my life when I was truly seeking answers to so many questions. I know it may sound trite, but for those of us who absolutely knew they had come home when first experiencing a RS Sunday service, it is the Truth. My encounter with Religious Science had thrown me a life-line, and I am ever grateful for it! I have been involved in RS, in various ways, these past 35 years since. I have been a Director of the Sunday School program, a Practitioner, a Ministerial candidate and a member of the Board of Trustees for more terms than I can count. I am honored to serve my church community and consider us family. What a great group to connect with!

Marilee is a retired Marriage and Family Therapist. She was licensed as a Center for Spiritual Living Practitioner in 2011. She completed her Clinical Pastoral Education with Spiritual Living Center for Education in 2019.

Marilee believes that gratitude is the answer to all of life’s questions. Anyone who has taken a class with her knows her belief that there is always, even in the midst of any experience, good or bad, something to be grateful for. Marilee credits gratitude for the successful treatment of a life threatening medical issue. She often says. "Gratitude may not have saved my life but it certainly did save my sanity."

Marilee is available for prayer treatment and spiritual counseling sessions. She can be reached at info@csllg.org.. I would be honored to pray for you.

Licensed Spiritual Practitioner

Rev. Alice has served as pastor of the Center for Spiritual Living Los Gatos since 2001. She previously served as staff and assistant minister in the Redding Church of Religious Science where she completed her practitioner and ministerial studies in 1998.  She was ordained in 2004.  Rev. Alice enjoys gardening, home arts and crafts, music, both sung and played, theater, and sharing home with her two cats and parrot.

Shelley currently serves on the Board of Trustees as the Center’ s Secretary/Treasurer and the primary administrator of the contributions and church management software. She collects and deposits funds received from the generous supporters of CSL- Los Gatos, works diligently to produce accurate financial information for the Board, and keep the Center's accounts current.

Shelley received her Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, San Jose. She learned her financial skills early in life and currently works as a management analyst with Santa Clara County. She enjoys traveling, attending plays and musical performances, and taking classes. Anything blue would be her favorite color, and her joys in life include spending time with her animals, reading books, treasure hunting, and watching movies and television. 

She happy to be an integral part the team working to grow a strong community of members. She has gained much in life from the teaching of the Science of Mind and her participation at this Center and looks forward to supporting others in their own spiritual growth and development.

"Today I have more knowledge and confidence in the gifts I inherited from my Mom and my new personal experience of life, all thanks to this teaching, CSL-Los Gatos is my spiritual home and I look forward to coming each week to spend time with like minded individuals".