Welcome To Wellspring
We are an independent, inclusive spiritual community that supports each person on their quest to discover his or her True Self. At Wellspring, there is a modern, relevant logic in the message of living by the power of spiritual laws. Whether new or long-time students of metaphysics or Religious Science, all are thrilled by the discovery of a message that resonates with their spirit. As many say, "It's like coming home!" We invite you to share in the joy of our community, to see if Wellspring might be the door that opens to a fresh life-path for you.
Our History
As with all physical forms, Wellspring began as a thought. During the summer of 2002, Rev. Sam Ritchey hosted a Sunday morning gathering of men in the cool shade of his Las Cruces patio. The focus was on men’s issues, those rooted in earliest boyhood through to adulthood. These powerful sessions stirred a somewhat dormant calling within him that could not be denied. In October 2002, approximately forty-five unchurched and encouraging friends attended an exploration event. The result: Wellspring held its first Sunday Celebration on November 24, 2002.
Rev. Sam Ritchey
His earliest religious roots are set in the Lutheran tradition, followed by nearly thirty years as a Methodist, including his training at The Iliff School of Theology, a United Methodist seminary in Denver, Colorado.
“Fortunately, Nancy and I were introduced to New Thought in the early 1970’s by a grand Methodist minister and his wife, Clytus and Mary Mowry. And we came to realize that this metaphysical path was leading us, not to a new religion, but into our true Self. Science of Mind resonates with our innate spirituality, so in a roundabout way, we have been guided home.”
Rev. Sam brings a rich and varied background to his vocation: Corporate executive, marketing communications consultant, and minister. His seasoned wisdom, humor, and insightful illustrations capture the attention and imagination of children and adults alike. Our community has come to expect the unexpected, especially from his ventriloquist puppets: Winston, our church mouse, and Ernie Ray, the hound dog.
Rev. Bonnie Smith
Rev. Bonnie, is a Religious Science Practitioner, and a 2007 graduate of The Holmes Institute, the ministerial school of the United Centers for Spiritual Living in California. In addition to her knowledge of New Thought principles and their application, she is a skilled counselor, a gifted teacher and administrator, and a human being with a strong social consciousness. Her ministry also extends to the hearing impaired population, which she serves as an interpreter.
Rev. Pat Conway
The Coordinator of our Youth and Family Ministry, Rev. Pat Conway, is a licensed Unity teacher and ordained Unity minister with over 30 years experience as a public school teacher. She is driven by her enthusiasm for children of all ages; energized by the power of education, and devoted to her own spiritual path.
What is New Thought?
New Thought is a spiritual way of life that embraces and relies on metaphysics, those primary truths which are the basis of Creation. The roots of our tradition can be traced to wisdom expressed thousands of years ago, and most notably expressed and taught by the Master Teacher Jesus. Much of contemporary New Thought in the United States began in the mid-nineteenth century, and progressed into several similar, but unique, organized expressions — for example, Christian Science, Unity, Divine Science, followed by Religious Science. Wellspring Church is most closely aligned with Religious Science and the Science of Mind teachings of Ernest Holmes. However, all of these expressions believe some variation of the principle that consciousness or thought is creative and thereby shapes all that is. By this Truth, and using this principle, we are free to determine the course and quality of our life’s journey.
Ernest Holmes (1887-1960)
Ernest Holmes was the founder of Religious Science and the author of many books about spiritual principles and practice. The youngest of nine sons born on a small farm near Lincoln, Maine, he left school at the age of 15 to support himself. His unquenchable thirst for Truth led him to the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Phineas Quimby, Emma Curtis Hopkins, and Thomas Troward, as well as to the Bible, and the sacred texts of other world religions. He sought to discover the thread of Truth woven through all of the great spiritual disciplines.
After finding success as a public speaker on metaphysics in California, Holmes was inspired to synthesize his ideas into a textbook for other seekers on the path. “The Science of Mind” (1926) was his masterpiece. The book spoke to the hearts and minds of so many people that Holmes found it necessary to incorporate the Institute of Religious Science and School of Philosophy in 1927. At this time he also launched “Science of Mind Magazine,” a monthly publication that has brought spiritual teaching to the world ever since. His organization eventually evolved into the Church of Religious Science in 1953, which became the United Church of Religious Science in 1967, and then United Centers for Spiritual Living in 2007.
““There is a power for good in the Universe, and you can use it.” Ernest Holmes
Youth & Family Ministry
Imagine a generation of young people that understand spiritual principles and how to live creatively. With no guilt. No shame. This is our vision, and the intention of “Kid Stuff” during Sunday Service followed by a skillfully led class. We pledge ourselves to nurturing children in ways that build loving self-images and point the way to their larger life as expressions of Spirit.
The Ministry of Prayer
The Ministry of Prayer is cared for by the Minister and Practitioner team. Concerns for self or others submitted on prayer request cards are taken into prayer during the following week. All requests are completely confidential. Also, those whose names are placed on the Sunday Service Prayer List are held in the Light by the congregation during the Sunday Service.
Workshops and Classes
Wellspring offers wonderful opportunities to expand your knowledge and understanding of the spiritual principles that can enhance your life experiences. Learn the basics of Religious Science that will help you uncover old beliefs that may be limiting your life. Discover practical ways to manage day-to-day challenges. Explore the invincible power of the subconscious mind. Travel with others who are also on spiritual quests.
Practitioners
During challenging times, the spiritual wisdom, objective insight, and prayerful guidance of a Practitioner can be of utmost value. A trained Practitioner sees us as Divine Beings, and works to awaken us to our greater Truth. Practitioners are angels of sorts.
Ernest Holmes writes that a Practitioner “endeavors to greet the divinity in every one she meets. The professional mental and spiritual Practitioner is one who has dedicated her life —her time, her energies, her intelligence — to helping others, through mental and spiritual means and methods.”
Donna Stryker, SCP
Practitioner, Donna Stryker, was trained and originally licensed in 2000 by the United Church of Religious Science. Donna is a sensitive listener skilled in New Thought principles. These attributes serve her well in her vocation as a mortgage banker, in her personal life, and in her service to others. She is available on Sunday mornings, or by appointment.
Our Ministry of Music
Nancy Ritchey, Director of Music, conducts the Wellspring Choir, and coordinates a variety of dynamic talents within our fellowship as well as visiting artists.
The Sacred Shelf Book Store
Here are great resources for exploring and expanding the mind . . . a great selection of books, CDs, and videos. And we will gladly special-order any title. Plus, there are CD recordings of Sunday Services.