Reverend was former staff minister at San Jose Center for Spiritual Living
By L.J. Gambone
Apple Valley Review
Long before the world was introduced to the Law of Attraction in films like “The Secret” and “What the Bleep Do We Know!?,” there were several New Thought pioneers who were teaching this metaphysical principal for success. Among them were Ernest Holmes, who founded the Science of Mind movement in 1927. Over the years, it has grown into a global organization known as Centers for Spiritual Living with more than 450 communities in 30 countries.
Since 1959, Apple Valley has been home to one of those centers, operating under the name Hi-Desert Center for Spiritual Living. This month, it welcomed a new spiritual director, the Rev. Valerie Reeves.
Reeves, a native of Chadron, Nebraska, says the Hi-Desert Center’s purpose is to empower individuals to live happy, healthy and prosperous lives by applying the teachings of Holmes and other New Thought leaders.
“This center has always been called the High Desert’s best-kept secret,” said Reeves, who holds a bachelor’s degree in metaphysical counseling from the American College of Metaphysical Theology. “There are so many people in the community who don’t realize that we’re here or that there’s a place they can come and be in perfect alignment with what they believe.
“Ernest always said we are open at the top, meaning that even though we adhere to his teachings, we are always expanding and evolving to a great understanding of our spiritual natures.”
According to Reeves, a big part of her plan for Hi-Desert Center for Spiritual Living is to expand its membership, as well as the classes and services it offers. She also intends to attract more youth to the organization.
“I fully intend to start holding workshops for teens that will empower them as they embark on their futures,” said Reeves, 52. “I also plan to have our kids go to the annual summer camps that our main organization offers. They are a fantastic place for youth to connect with each other on a spiritual level and also experience the love and support of their peers.”
Along with reaching out to young people in the High Desert, Reeves said she will be scheduling two new classes for adults in the coming weeks. One is titled “Beyond Limits” and will focus on the basic principles of the Science of Mind. Another upcoming class will be based on the popular book by Raymond Charles Barker, “The Power of Decision.”
“Ernest taught that changing your thinking will change your life and that’s what we want to teach people how to do,” Reeves said.
While the Hi-Desert Center for Spiritual Living’s small choral ensemble provides an inspiring musical backdrop to its Sunday services, Reeve envisions building a larger group consisting of singers of all ages. She also said she will be bringing in guest musicians on Sunday mornings from time to time and is open to holding musical productions and other types of cultural events in the future.
“The energy of this center is beautiful and amazing and I am excited about all the different things we will be bringing to this community,” said Reeves, a former staff minister at the San Jose Center for Spiritual Living. “The staff and members here are very clear on what they want to see happen and their vision is right on point with mine. I’m confident that many lives are going to be enhanced in this loving and peaceful space of transformation.”
Visit www.hdcsl.com for more information about services times, classes and special events.