Our Ministers

1989 was the “new beginning” for Barbara. Her father had just died, she was going through a divorce becoming a single parent of a 4-year old, and then an amazing God moment occurred! Since then she has been on a major roller-coaster of life, taking her around a corner that she didn’t expect — becoming a minister! Ever since her licensing and ordination in 2000/2001, she has continued to be enthralled with spirituality and has found herself moving to different churches, being open to God’s guidance. “Joy” is the way it is! “I love to have fun, laugh, and share the many things I have learned from my life experience AND I enjoy hearing about how others have come to their own spiritual awareness in their lives. Come into my life and live JOY! Let’s laugh, cry, and BE together. That’s what I truly want!”

Rev. Dr. Sally Rutis a former Registered Nurse, was ordained in 1988 and received her Doctorate in Religious Studies in 2003. In Rev. Sally's ministry, she has provided spiritual and administrative leadership as Teen Director and as a visionary and co-founder of several ministerial training programs. Highly sought for the warm and comfortable wedding ceremonies she helps create, Rev. Sally brings years of experience, a dynamic teaching style, and a deep healing consciousness to all aspects of her ministry. Rev. Rutis retired from active ministry in July of 2011.

Rev. Cheri Unger enthusiastically brings her professional skills of deep listening, caring and compassion into her ministry as an Associated Minister of New Thought Center for Spiritual Living, a Religious Science Licensed Practitioner, Director of the Sacred Silver Sages, and founding choir member. She was ordained in December 2001 and served at Living Enrichment Center. In 2004 as part of the founding team of Ministers, Rev. Cheri sponsored the Sacred Silver Sages, bringing them under the umbrella of New Thought Ministries of Oregon. She initiated, implemented and coordinates the Sunday meditation. Rev. Cheri's background includes a BA in Nursing and a Masters in Counseling. Rev. Cheri serves the New Thought Center for Spiritual Living community with joy, dedication and commitment as called.

Rev. Noel was a member of NTCSL's founding Interim Board, and has ever since served as NTCSL's Board Chaplain, attending nearly 300 meetings since the summer of 2004. He participates in teaching NTCSL's "Foundations" course and regularly offers self-transformational seminars on the Tao of New Thought, self-dominion, and global transformation.

Rev. Noel is a doctorate minister of Religious Science, ordained in 1989. He has immersed himself in ongoing studies of consciousness, spiritual metaphysics, contemporary cosmology, systems theory, ecology, transpersonal psychology and psychotherapy, subtle energetics, and other integral perspectives, while sharing and applying his learning in a variety of college, university, editorial and ministerial settings. He has authored or co-authored several books on the bridging of science and spirit. He is currently co-authoring a book entitled The Science of Causing Outcomes.

From 1985-2002 Rev. Noel was the senior pastor of several churches of Religious Science. He is a former columnist for Science of Mind magazine, and from 1979 to 1996 was a faculty member of the School of Ministry (now Ernest Holmes Institute) for the United Centers of Spiritual Living (UCSL), teaching New Thought related courses in science, mysticism, philosophy, and ethics on its campuses in Los Angeles, Huntington Beach, San Diego, San Jose, Denver and Seattle.

Christine and her daughters have been active members of New Thought Center for Spiritual Living for several years. Christine was our Children's Ministry Director for a year and a half. She has also worked closely with the Ministry team to develop the current Operations Systems at the current location in Lake Oswego. She has been a student of New Thought principles since 1999, following a series of life changing events, when she had the blessed opportunity to attend a New Thought retreat. Christine has a degree in psychology, is a published author and has worked in social services, specifically in childcare and mentoring for the last 20 years. Christine shares "It is my honor and joy to work closely with Volunteers, Staff and the Ministry Team to ensure smooth Operations at the Center. I am also excited to be part of a vision in which the Community will play a greater role in the growth and development of all aspects of our Center."

Shannon O'Hurley is a licensed Religious Science Practitioner through United Centers for Spiritual Living and is honored to be serving the New Thought Center for Spiritual Living community. She recently relocated to Oregon from California with her beloved husband, David and their four beautiful daughters. Shannon began her Spiritual journey at Agape in Los Angeles and then settled into the North Hollywood Church of Religious Science community where she studied and served for many years. Prior to her call to ministry, Shannon had the great blessing of working as a professional actor in theatre/television and film for over twenty years. She brings forth her love of Spirit and creative expression as she continues her Spiritual journey and innermost calling, attending the Holmes Institute ministerial program. Shannon has spent over a decade studying the ancient modalities of Feng Shui and Sacred Numerology. She brings joy, gratitude, intuition, humor and a deep dedication to Religious Science principles into her practice. Shannon is available for Spiritual counseling, hospital and home visits and always welcomes the opportunity to pray with members of the community.