Learn the Basics of Affirmative Prayer - Sunday,
August 10, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

To pray is “essential, not to the salvation of the soul, for the soul is never lost; but to the conscious well-being of the soul that does not understand itself. There is a vitality in our communion with the Infinite, which is productive of the highest good. As fire warms the body, as food strengthens us, as sunshine raises our spirits, so there is a subtle transfusion of some inivisible force in such communion, weaving itself into the very warp and woof our own mentalities. This conscious commingling of our thought with Spirit is essential to the well-being of every part of us.”
- Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind textbook

FAQ's
What is a Practitioner?
Practitioners are spiritual counselors who use affirmative prayer, or Spiritual Mind Treatment, to acknowledge the divine perfection within their clients, helping them to realize their oneness with spirit and manifest their specific needs.
A Religious Science Practitioner is bound by a high code of ethics to respect your confidence, and is dedicated to the cause of helping others. All licensed practitioners have completed a minimum of three years of training and one year of internship. Intern practitioners have completed a minimum of three years of training and are currently in their internship program.

How can I benefit from practitioner work?
A practitioner will enable you to see conflicts from a different perspective, often as the negative belief patterns which create them. After compassionately hearing your situation and discussing the desires you have, he or she will hold your vision for you, affirming that the peace, joy, and abundance you desire are yours.
In addition, a practitioner will provide you with tools to use in your spiritual practice that will promote continued healing and instigate the positive thought patterns necessary to demonstrate your highest good.

Each Sunday we have a Practitioner of the Day, who is available following the 10:30 a.m. program to provide short complimentary treatments with you, and we invite you to avail yourself of their services.

During the week, our ministers and practitioners are here to meet and treat with you via phone or in person. There is a customary fee for their service, which honors their professional licensure. No one, will be denied treatment for inability to pay. Practitioner Interns are available without a fee for the purpose of gaining experience. Revs. Mary Beth and Michael Speer are also available for pastoral counseling. Please call the DuPage Center office for an appointment.

Rev. Mary Beth Speer, 630-942-0893
email: revmaryb@speerit.com

Rev. Michael Speer, 630-942-0893
email: revmichael@speerit.com

Rev. John Basoms, 708-383-5877
email: resin123@sbcglobal.net

Clare Diehl, RScp, 708-209-1029
email: chdiehl@earthlink.net

Rev. Mary Herman, 630-896-7467
email: Mshdance12@aol.com

Rev. Kathy Kuna, 630-637-1380
email: revkathy1821@yahoo.com

Rev. Kathleen Mertes, 630-469-7181
email: kathymertes@sbcglobal.net

Rev. Gary Pelletier, 847-556-9831
email: gpelletier1108@comcast.net

Mary Ann Sommers, RScP, 630-858-9040
email: Lmsommers@aol.com

Rev. Paulette Trum, 815-521-9167
email: pctrumm@hotmail.com

Cherie Denton, (Intern) 630-969-2762

Jeanne Dickerson, (Intern), 630-986-8310
email: Jeanne@Dickerson1.com

Carol Parker, (Intern), 630-554-1449
email: parkercs@sbcglobal.net

Reverend Mary Beth Speer
Co-Pastor and Spiritual Director
Rev. Mary Beth Speer is co-pastor of The DuPage Center of Religious Science. She was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, and relocated to California at the age of 2. Mary Beth began her New Thought studies in the early '80's and joined the Glendale Church of Religious Science in 1986.
Mary Beth took her ministerial training from Dr. Tom Costa at the Palm Desert Church, and received her ministerial license from Religious Science International (RSI), in June, 1998.
Rev. Mary Beth currently serves as co-pastor and Spiritual Director of The DuPage Center, where she shares the Sunday Service with her husband and co-pastor, Rev. Michael Speer. She teaches all levels of Science of Mind™ accredited studies, focusing primarily on practitioner and ministerial training.
Rev. Mary Beth has developed and taught numerous workshops and facilitates weekly discussion and book study groups. She provides counseling, conducts ceremonies, and provides pastoral support to her congregation. Mary Beth has served RSI in several capacities, including co-chairing the New Ministries Committee and helped author “Marketing Your Vision,” the manual used for instructing the marketing portion of RSI's ministerial curriculum. She has sponsored 4 RSI ministries and contributes regularly to Creative Thought magazine.
Prior to ministry, Mary Beth was a behavioral safety supervisor for over 15 years, specializing in accident prevention programs for the retail and grocery industry. During that time, Mary Beth became a Certified Safety Specialist through The National Safety Council, a licensed Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Technician, and a Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR instructor.
Additionally, Mary Beth was a lecturer for Weight Watchers™ International, and was the founder of the Loquations Toastmasters Group, Glendale, California (now in its 14th year).

Rev. Mary Beth is available by appointment at:
630-942-0893 or by email at:
revmaryb@speerit.com

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Reverend Michael Speer
Co-Pastor
Rev. Michael Speer is Co-Pastor of the DuPage Center of Religious Science in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. He is a Chicago native (raised in Rogers Park) and was introduced to Religious Science in 1983 at the 1st Church of Religious Science in Chicago, where he studied with Dr. Carleton Whitehead. He continued his studies at the Oak Park Church of Religious Science in the early 1990's under Revs. Harriett and Christopher Smolka.
Michael met Mary Beth Speer at the Religious Science International (RSI) Asilomar conference in May 1995. They were married in August 1995, and he moved to Los Angeles in October, 1995. He continued his studies, along with Mary Beth at the Granada Hills Church of Religious Science with Dr. Maureen Hoyt, and did his ministerial training with Dr. Tom Costa at the Palm Desert Church of Religious Science.
Michael and Mary Beth co-founded The Foothill Center of Religious Science in Pasadena/Sierra Madre, CA in October, 1998. In June, 2006, they moved to Illinois to become the Co-Pastors of The DuPage Center of Religious Science.
Michael co-presents Sunday lessons, teaches accredited classes, and oversees the Church's youth ministry. He has co-developed and taught numerous workshops, and provides ministerial conseling and practitioner services, as well as weddings and memorials.
Michael is also a CPA with over 30 years' experience as a management consultant and business development professional. He has worked with major accounting and consulting firms as well as his own consulting firm. He is also a trained executive and personal life coach.

Michael is available by appointment at: 630-942-0891, or 630-441-6218 or by email at:
revmichael@speerit.com

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Reverend John Basoms
Chaplain in Training
I spent many years as an industrial chemist (PhD). I had also been agnostic for most of that time.
Gradually, I began to realize that my scientific background could not explain things going on in my life. I started checking out various churches. A friend (Rev. Michael Speer) suggested that I attend the Oak Park Church of Religious Science. My first service was in the summer of 1993.
I was strongly attracted to the teaching and began attending classes. In the summer 2003, I passed the Religious Science International (RSI) Oral Ministerial Examination.
Around that time, the decision was made to pursue the chaplaincy route. This requires a substantial amount of additional training. Four units of CPE are needed for certification. A given unit realistically is either three months at 60hr/week or five months at 40hr/week.
Currently I am taking my fourth unit that is being given by VITAS. It involves Hospice work in nursing homes.
In addition I also served more than two years as a part-time volunteer at Mt. Sinai Hospital (14th and California). This was working in a Rehabilitation Unit. Also some time was spent providing Pastoral Care in the E.R.
My philosopy of ministry is SEVA (selfless service). My skills are to be used to help people. I have greatly benefitted.

You may reach John at:
708-383-5877 or by email at:
resin123@sbcglobal.net

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Clare Diehl, RScP
Practitioner
Clare Diehl was born in Venezula and educated in England. She is a Graduate of Trinity College of Music, Londong and has spent much of her professional career in teaching and church music. She is currently self-employed as an independent sales contractor, but her real commitment and interest is in Religious Science. She is a Licensed Practitioner and is currently enrolled in Ministerial studies at the DuPage Center of Religious Science, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

Clare is available for treatment sessions by phone or in person and she also conducts Memorial Services for family members desiring a personalized, meaningful celebration of life.

Clare can be reached at:
708-209-1029 or by email at:
chdiehl@earthlink.net

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Hermanism:
“I learn through both inspiration and desperation. I have discovered that inspiration is much more enjoyable... and just as effective.”

Rev. Mary is reachable for counseling appointments at
630-896-7467 or by email at:
mshdance12@aol.com

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You may reach Rev. Kathy at:
708-204-9820 or
email her at: revkathy1821@yahoo.com

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She affirms: “In this moment, through the Power of Divine Spirit, all good that I desire is made manifest.”

Rev. Kathleen can be reached for appointments at
630-469-7181 or by email at:
kathymertes@sbcglobal.net

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Reverend Gary Pelletier
Staff Minister, Practitioner
Gary Pelletier's spiritual journey began in 1977 while he was studying to be a naprapath. It was while sitting with fellow students and sharing stories of their healing practices that he discovered a small magazine, The Science of Mind. It was in that magazine that he discovered something called “spiritual mind healing.” Later that year he was led to 1st Church of Religious Science in downtown Chicago. A simple trip to their bookstore led him to a noon hour meditation that changed his life. It was in that meditation he heard words of deep spiritual truth, words that spoke to him at a soul level. It was there he also felt a deep connection to the presence of God.
It was his fascination for the ideas that he was finding that called him to go deeper and deeper. He knew he was being guided to his calling. He released his dream of being a naprapath and turned his attention to the Science of Mind. It was in 1977 he began his studies.
The two major teachers in his life have been Dr. Carleton Whitehead and Dr. Don Burt.
Gary brings passion to his ministry and his lessons and also, a light touch.
Along the way Gary's professional career has been him in the service industry and is currently in management.
It is his desire to help others heal and to change their lives through the principles of this teaching.

One of his favorite quotes is: “Power flows toward and increases that to which I give my attention.”

Rev. Gary can be reached for appointments at
847-556-9831 or 773-383- 1428 or by email at: gpelletier1108@comcast.net

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Mary Ann Sommers, RScP
DuPage Center's Lead Practitioner
Mary Ann has been a Religious Scientist since 1981. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance and completed graduate studies in Economics from Southern Illinois University. She has completed the four years of Science of Mind studies, Ministerial Training and is a licensed Practitioner. She was a Religious Science teacher, and has taught workshops on meditation, “Thin Within,” children's Sunday classes and served as Trustee of the DuPage Center.
Mary Ann summarizes her healing philosophy as a practitioner in the following way:
“As a Religious Science Practitioner I know that Spiritual Mind Treatment, daily meditation and studying the Wisdom of the Ages are keys to spiritual unfoldment. Regardless of what our challenges seem to be, we are a Perfect Idea of Universal Mind. The 'light of spirit' intuitively reveals ideas that enable us to recognize the 'light of understanding.' Love and wisdom bring healing results. We have the creative power to chose and the law of cause and effect is always working for us.”
“As a practitioner I assist others to strengthen the thread to their 'spiritual birthright' and to enjoy this earthly journey to its fullest.”

Mary Ann Sommers can be reached for appointments at:
630-858-9040 or by email at:
Lmsommers@aol.com

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Reverend Paulette Trum
Staff Minister and Practitioner
I was raised Catholic, attending a parochial grade school through 7th grade and then changed to the public system in the 8th grade to be in the band (with 5 other kids in the family, this also helped with tuition). As I grew, I wasn't too interested in God. When I eventually married, I nominally converted to Judaism to please my husband's family.
My first husband and I both took TM (Transcendental Meditation) in the early '70's, a practice I have continued since that time. Because he was “culturally Jewish,” we did look to Unity for a brief time. We also explored a yoga group where the instructor taught Kabala.
While i my second year as a medical student we divorced and my husband took our two sons. This was devasting to me, and I became very depressed. I managed to get through the rest of medical school and residency; however, this left little time for spiritual practices or community.
I eventually joined a Unitarian church as a way to meet others. Through this, I discovered the Oak Park Church of Religious Science which met around the block. Oak Park CRS became my spiritual home and I took 4 years of classes, ultimately receiving my ministerial certificate in September, 2002. I became a licensed practitioner in 1999, and have served as a staff minister since 2004.
In addition to my love of ministry, I am also a psychiatrist, splitting my professional time in service between two agencies and my own private practice. I make time for my hobbies, which include knitting (needles and knitting machines), crochet and photography.

Rev. Paulette can be reached at:
815-521-9167 or by email at:
pctrumm@hotmail.com

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Cherie Denton
Intern Practitioner
Cherie currently serves at the DuPage Center of Religious Science as an Intern Practitioner. She is a greeter at Sunday Services, is on the Membership Committe, staffs the “Ask Me” table once a month and has been part of the Bookstore Team for six years.
She grew up as a non-believing Methodist. She journeyed on to study and live the tenets of serveral 12-step programs attended Unity and evangelical churches, and studied the Course in Miracles for three years. On one Very Significant Day, she arrived at the DuPage Church of Religious Science and knew it was the place for her, realizing the teachings were a perfect fit.
Cherie bagan SOM studies in 2002 with Rev. Joette Waters and Dr. Don Burt as her major teachers, taking four years of classes. The last year of study has been with Rev. Mary Beth Speer and Rev. Michael Speer. She has been a religious scientist since 2001.
After raising three sons, Cherie has spent the last seven years helping people who have been laid off from their jobs. Cherie loves to listen to, encourage and help empower others and sees the value in all people.
Continuously learning, Cherie has been a student her whole life. Her attitude is: life is fun and a Never Ending Story.
Her enthusiasm for living and for helping others makes her a wonderful practitioner.
“I admire the strength I see in others as they go rough adversities in life. Seeing the endless possibilities for people and knowing their Inner Truth is my great joy.”
She lets her healing light shine forth with a cheerful spirit for all.

Cherie may be contacted at: 630-969-2762

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Jeanne Dickerson
Intern Practitioner
Jeanne brings together a variety of skills and talents in her practitioner work. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor, a certified professional co-active coach, and a teacher. As a counselor she has worked as a supervisor of an adolescent psychiatric team, a counselor and executive director of a wholistic health center, and is currently in private practice in Downers Grove, IL. She is a certified life coach through the Coaching Training Institute and works with individuals on balance and fulfillment. As an educator, she has worked as a business trainer for the Ameican Management Association, a teacher for both Juliet Junior College and the College of DuPage, and a seminar leader for various community organizations. Topic areas have included effective communication skills, conflict resolution, and self-empowerment. Her main love is spirituality and helping others apply spiritual principles to transform and heal their lives. She is currently in the ministerial program at the DuPage Center of Religious Science.

Jeanne has a M.A. degree in communication from Governor's State University and a B.A. degree in psychology from Northwestern University.

“Facilitating Growth through Grace.”

Jeanne can be reached at:
630-986-8310 or by email at:
Jeanne@Dickerson1.com

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Carol S. Parker
Intern Practitioner
Currently, Carol is serving as President of the DuPage Center Board of Trustees. Her board portfolio includes Special Event Activities as well as Spiritual Events as part of her ministerial studies.
She has completed numerous workshops and classes. Also, served as a delegate on the Board of Congress in 2007 at the Religious Science International Conference held in Pacific Grove, California, at the Asilomar Conference Grounds.
2002-3 Past President of the Board of Trustees at the Center of Spiritual Awakening with Reverend Nicholas Angotti.
A new adventure for Carol in the fall of 2007 was the start of her classes in Religious Science International Ministerial Studies with the intent of becoming a staff minister at The DuPage Center of Religious Science.
Being involved in our center brings her great joy and fulfillment.
“As a student of this teaching since 1994, I have saturated myself in the teaching and activities of whatever Religious Science church I have attended. What a glorious time for the opportunity to grow in my spirituality, and also to use the teaching practically in my everyday life. Becoming a practitioner and eventually a staff minister are steps along the way on the path of my life purpose. Little did I realize this when I started on my journey.”
Carol has a business background in several areas including a real estate broker, financial planner, and administrative assistant. She is also a pianist and piano teacher.
Her daughter, Susan, lives in Minneapolis with her family, and her son, Jay, lives in Oswego with his family. She is quite proud of her six grandchildren. Carol shares her home with her mother in Oswego.

You may reach Carol at 630-554-1449 or by email at: parkercs@sbcglobal.net

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