Rev. Joyce Zorger, RScP.
United Church of Religious Science (UCRS)

When asked, "What is your purpose in life?" I answer: "to love and to be loved." Since I was a little girl of seven, I have had a strong desire to know God. I know now that what I was looking for, I was looking with. This statement says it all: "God's Life and My Life are One." There is no separation.

In the Science of Mind© Philosophy, we say, "Change your thinking. Change your life." This "new thought" philosophy did change my life in positive, life-affirming ways. Change came about through study groups in the sixties and seventies, through service and membership in the United Church of Religious Science in Huntington Beach in the eighties and nineties, and through workshops and classes that resulted in my becoming a licensed Religious Science Practitioner in 1992. I recall feeling that I was hearing the Truth for the first time and it did indeed set me free. Just as the words of the Great Example, Jesus, promised: "Know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

My husband John and I made our home in Costa Mesa (Orange County) shortly after we married in 1958. Our three lovely daughters were raised in that home. They are all married now and have children of their own. John and I left our home of 39 years and moved to a ranch in Arroyo Grande in 1997. I began attending the Center for Creative Thought soon after our move. I was asked to become a member of the Board of Trustees in 1998 and have served on the Board in various capacities ever since.

In the winter of 2006, the Board of Trustees of the Center for Creative Thought honored me with an invitation to become a Minister. The members of our church agreed with the Trustees' proposal and I became Rev. Joyce in a meaningful ceremony on February 19, 2006. Many loved ones witnessed this event – one I shall always remember with a heart full of love and gratitude. My life is truly blessed. I get to live my purpose every day and in every way. I do this by recognizing who I am: a Spiritual being having a human experience as wife, mother, grandmother, minister, practitioner, counselor, teacher, student, friend, and caregiver of life on Feather Ranch, my (cow-) girlhood dream come true!

I have the joy of serving my church family and the Center for Creative Thought by sharing the powerful Science of Mind© philosophy. We come together to remind each other of who we are. . . unique, individualized expressions of the One Life that is God, named also as Infinite Presence, Spirit, Wisdom, Joy, Peace and Love.

Linda Irene Drake, RScP
Religious Science International (RSI)

Family

I am the oldest of 5 children and was raised in Florida, Alabama, Texas and Southern California. My Mother, the former Agnes Acton, was a shoe model and active in various young women's clubs before she married my Father, Ray "Silky" Morris. He was a WWII ace fighter pilot and as a civilian, the chief test pilot for North American Aviation. While still a test pilot, he moved the family from Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert to Rolling Hills Estates, CA where my siblings and I graduated from Elementary and High Schools.

In 1963 I married Jimmy Drake in Redondo Beach. He was drafted into the Army in late 1966 and stationed in Germany. I joined him in early 1967 and lived there for 1 year visiting all the major cities in Germany as well as the countries of Austria, France, England, Holland, Belgium, Italy, the Vatican, Switzerland, Monaco, Spain, Andorra, and Mallorca. My daughter Laura, the love of my life, was born in Redondo Beach in July 1968. The 3 of us lived on our boat in Portofino Marina until she was a year old at which time I returned to work at TRW Space Systems. Laura and I discovered the Central Coast in the late 1970's while visiting friends in Arroyo Grande. The following weekend we returned with her Father and his 2nd wife, Leslie. The 3 of them moved here 6 months later. I moved to the East Coast in 1988 and for the next 10 years lived and worked in Florida, New York, Washington DC; Georgia and Massachusetts. I moved to San Luis Obispo in January 1998.

Science of Mind© Background

In 1977 a profound transformation took place in my life; at about the same time a friend introduced me to Science of Mind© at the Redondo Beach Church of Frank and Anita Richilieu. The timing was perfect because I realized that spirituality was missing in my life. It wasn't until 23 years later, however, that I began to seriously study Ernest Holmes' Science of Mind© Philosophy. At that time I "rediscovered" Religious Science in the San Luis Church of Reverends Wayne and Jackie Edmiston. I studied under these devoted teachers during the 3-year Practitioner curriculum and received my license in July 2004 from Religious Science International (RSI). I have been a Practitioner at the Center for Creative Thought since late 2004. I deliver the Sunday talk approximately every 7 weeks and participate in other parts of the service on alternate Sundays. I am the Church Administrator and Secretary of the Board of Trustees. Reverend Ann and I create and deliver workshops monthly.

Educational Background, Work History, and Hobbies

Over the years in Southern California I earned AA, BS, and MBA degrees. I have a technical and scientific background in aerospace rocket programs and the Global Positioning System (GPS). Other jobs include Executive Administrator, Operations Manager, Seminar Coordinator, Interior Design Project Manager, Office Manager, Business Administrator, and Enrollment Manager/Spokesman for a leading training and development company. At various times I have been self-employed as a business consultant, organizing startup businesses; a caterer and planner for parties and weddings; and designed, made, and sold crafts at shows. I am an educator and public speaker. My hobbies include reading, music, movies, crossword puzzles, bridge, poker, and gin. I have been a Nanny since 1999 and consider this profession, along with Motherhood, to be the most difference-making of my many careers. It is a perfect fit for my life's vision: To make a difference in the lives of others, to love and be loved, to have fun, and to make people aware that there is possibility even in the face of adversity because each of us has the power to accomplish what we want in our life.

Richelle Cross
Music Director

Richelle Cross, a popular local performer, is a well- known pianist and vocalist. Her impressive portfolio, including twenty-five years performing at Five-Star Hotels in Europe, Japan, and the United States, has earned her audience accolades. In addition, she was contracted to entertain aboard cruise ships. Other gigs have included private parties, weddings, and special events.

Currently, Richelle performs locally, teaches private piano and voice, and is the Music Director for the Religious Science Center for Creative Thought in AG. The consummate entertainer with pizzazz, Richelle brings with her an eclectic repertoire of traditional, swing, standards, and ragtime music. Recently, Richelle and Jim have been performing together. Their diverse styles, when blended, make for pure music enrichment and audience enjoyment.

Jim Townsend

Jim Townsend, a new Central Coast resident, has played with many “name” acts over the years. Screamin’ Jimmy (dubbed by friends and fans) is an accomplished guitarist, pianist, singer, and composer. While performing is his first love, he also teaches these skills at Rhythm and Keys School of AG. His instantly recognizable high tenor voice has been compared with those of Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder. His writing style has been described as Randy Newman meets Paul Simon.

Making a living as a professional musician, his original music is influenced by contemporary jazz. The artist is aired frequently on FM 89.5 in California and Nevada. Also check him out at www.kvmr.org and monthly at the Religious Science Center for Creative Thought.