About

About Us

The Center for Conscious Living is an independent New Thought spiritual community. We are an energetic and alive group of people who gather to express their love in community and celebrate their connection to Spirit. CCL is a non-denominational, independent religious organization sharing the belief that spiritual principles can enhance and alter human experience, and that a consciousness of Spirit enhances all aspects of life.

Based on the Science of Mind, a spiritual philosophy developed by Dr. Ernest Holmes, the Center emphasizes lifting and expanding conscious-ness in ways that lead to a life of full expression, connection, peace and harmony. The Center’s educational mission is the development of faith and trust in God.

Its vision is to equip people with the tools to live a life of wholeness and spiritual connection. In addition to Sunday Celebration and Meditation Sunday, the Center offers: classes, workshops, an extensive library and book store, outreach services and the Synergy Circle (a forum for invited speakers, performers and people who inspire and transform lives). The Center for Conscious Living is a vital, alive, enriching place to express God’s Light and Love.

Leadership & Staff

Reverend Katherine McClelland

Senior Minister

Reverend Dr Katherine began her Religious Science studies at Agape with Reverend Dr Michael Beckwith. After moving from the Los Angeles area, she completed her ministerial studies at The Religious Science Ministry of the Forum Foundation of Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was ordained as a Truth and Ageless Wisdom Minister in 2000. She received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from The Forum Foundation in 2006. Reverend Dr Katherine was the lead minister at The Symphony of Life Spiritual Center, a Religious Science Spiritual Community in Ojai, California from 2001 until 2008. During her tenure she served as one of 8 Affiliate Ministers on Reverend Dr. Michael Beckwith’s Leadership Council at the Association For Global New Thought (AGNT) during her ministry.

Reverend Dr Katherine was affectionately nick-named “The Minister of Love,” by her congregants. In the midst of her ministry in 2006, together with the board and in preparation to affiliate with Agape International Spiritual Center with Reverend Michael Beckwith; the Symphony of Life Spiritual Center became a Universal Spirituality Center (based in Religious Science) in the model of Agape and affiliated with AGNT. Reverend Dr Katherine continued to take adjunct classes at Agape throughout her ministry. During this time, she continued to teach SOM classes and used all the Principles and Teachings of SOM. Reverend Dr Katherine currently resides in Ojai, California.

Presently, Reverend Dr Katherine is living and working in both New Jersey and California. She welcomes all to the Center for Conscious Living as she shares from her ministry of Love and inclusive consciousness of the Oneness and Divinity of All.

For more about Rev. Dr Katherine click here


Rev. Paul Hoyt

      Associate Minister

Paul is a Staff Minister and Practitioner at the Center for Conscious Living and has been a participating member of the community for over 20 years. Paul is also a Oneness Blessing giver, and co-chair of the CCL Practitioner Core. In addition to his beloved Foundations, Paul has taught several other classes at CCL. Rev Paul also services on the Board of the Affiliated New Thought Network (ANTN), of which CCL is a member of.


Rev. Dr. Marlene Volper

Assistant Minister & Office Administrator

Rev. Dr. Marlene has been a member at CCL since 2005. After arriving at CCL, she "jumped" right in taking classes & being in service.  She became a Religious Science Practitioner in 2009 & a Minister of Religious Science in 2017.  She holds a Doctorate in Religious Studies and was newly Ordained in 2021.


Rev. Dr. Carol  Lawson

        Minister Emerita

Founder and Spiritual Director of CCL for 27 years, is a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, a Oneness Blessing giver, Past President ANTN (Affiliated New Thought Network), and taught in high school, a store-front school and Cal State LA before becoming a Religious Science Minister and Practitioner. She has inspired and mentored many other ministries. Dr. Jean Houston calls Carol “a luminous lady of spirit, a true wise woman for our time.”Forever in our Hearts!


Stewardship Council

While spiritual life of  CCL is governed by our Interim Ministers, the workings of the center is handled by the Stewardship council.  Our current members are:

Regina DeBarberie, President
Rev Paul Hoyt, Vice President
Brian Beddo, Treasurer
June Hament, Member at Large
John Fulmer Member at Large
Rev. Cassandra Butler, Member at Large
Jane Hobson, Member at Large
Rev. Katherine McClelland, Senior Minister

What is the Stewardship Council

Office

The day to day activities of the CCL office is handled by our Office Goddess (Office Administrator), Rev. Dr. Marlene Volper. Rev. Marlene our Assistant Minister at CCL and has been an active member for the past 16 years. She has been studying Natural Health, Feng Shui, and Religious Science for over 30 years.   She holds degrees in Environmental Science, Herbalism, Nutritional Counseling, Naturaopathy and Religious Studies.