Our Founding Minister
Rev. Katherine Neville Smith was the founding minister of the Manatee Spiritual Center. She and her husband David moved from Southern California to Manatee County in December, 1999. The initial service for the Manatee Spiritual Center was held in June of 2000 at the couple's expansive log house situated on their 10-acre property.
 
Rev. Katherine says: "I believe that we are all created out of the One Creator and we have within us all of God in potential. And sometimes we just forget who we really are. My mission is to act as a spiritual guide to help us all remember the truth about ourselves - that we are wondrous, magnificent creations of the Divine - and to celebrate our remembering. I love the Science of Mind spiritual philosophy. It has supported me in changing and continuing to change my life. My focus is on teaching these timeless principles in practical ways that enrich our lives on a daily basis. This spiritual philosophy is alive for me. It is how I choose to live my life."

Rev. Katherine retired in March 2006 and moved to the Pacific Northwest. We are deeply grateful to her for sharing her spiritual gifts with us.

We are currently searching for a new Senior Minister.

Our Practitioners
A professional practitioner is a qualified licensed individual who is committed: to maintaining a high spiritual consciousness; to doing spiritual mind treatment (affirmative prayer) for those who request it, through the church's Ministry of Prayer or as an individual client; and to being an active spiritual presence in their church and community.

To become a licensed practitioner through United Church of Religious Science one must complete a multi-year required course of study, pass a comprehensive written exam and be approved by an oral panel consisting of ministers and experienced practitioners. The practitioner's license is renewed every two years after meeting service requirements, continuing education requirements, and with the recommendation of the minister.

Our Ministry of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful force that can lift spirits, guide journeys, and heal hearts. When we bring the power of prayer into our daily lives, we have the assurance of a spiritual lifeline.

Our Ministry of Prayer provides spiritual assistance through affirmative prayer. We believe that God lives in and through all people, and is immediately available and responsive to everyone's needs. We are here to help you come into such an awareness, and to experience wholeness, peace, and an abundant life.

You may make a written prayer request at any time, simply by filling out a Prayer Request form and placing it in the request box available at all Manatee Spiritual Center gatherings. You may also email a confidential prayer request to our Ministry of Prayer at: spirit@mscsom.com or call (941) 729-0099.

Prayer is begun immediately upon receiving your request and continues for two weeks. If, however, you would like to extend the prayer time, just let us know. We want to hear from you. We are here for you.

We will gladly pray with you for others. If you feel that others would be receptive to affirmative prayer, share your own experience with them and invite them to contact us. We will not contact those who have not made a direct request for prayer, since this would be an intrusion.

The healing work of the Ministry of Prayer in no way conflicts with the medical profession. We know that the power of Spirit works through doctors and medication.

As we travel on this wonderful journey called life together, we know that Spirit guides us to fresh, new opportunities. Our Ministry of Prayer provides a safe place to seek spiritual support for our journey.