The Westlake Church of Religious Science has changed its name to the Center for Spiritual Living. The center is in the Watercourt complex at 880 Hampshire Road, Westlake Village.

The church was chartered in 1963 by Religious Science International and has been a presence in the Conejo Valley for 44 years.

The decision to change the name was based on a large-scale identity study conducted by the parent organization. The study indicated that the new name was more welcoming and caused less confusion than the previous name.

"We found that many people who were attracted to our empowering and positive spiritual message were staying away because our name was confusing. We provide spiritual tools to transform personal lives and to make the world a better place," said the Rev. Dr. James Lockard, co-pastor.

"Despite the name change, we continue to teach spiritual principles that empower people to live lives with a personal relationship to God. We encourage community service and working to create harmony, peace and greater understanding," said the Rev. Dr. Sue Rubin, who has been a pastor at the center for 12 years.

The center promotes a spiritual way of life that honors all paths to God. Religious Science, based on the philosophy called The Science of Mind, was developed in the United States in the early 20th century by Dr. Ernest Holmes.

The center provides weekly Sunday services at 10 a.m., Wednesday Night Alive!, a weekly contemporary service at 7 p.m., and ongoing classes on spiritual living, psychological principles, and sacred literature and practices.

There is a youth program each Sunday and a Teen Group, as well as groups for men, women and couples.

Compassion-in-Action allows local nonprofits to make presentations to members of the community. The Enlightened Mind Bookstore features a variety of titles and other items and is open weekdays and on Sundays after services.

For more information, call (805) 495-0105 or visit www.WestlakeCRS.org or www.CSIWestlake.org.