IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers NEXT STEP- Dennis Merritt Jones, founder and spiritual director of the OneSpirit Center for Conscious Living, takes down the degrees and awards that have hung on his office walls for more than 20 years. He plans to pursue his career as an author and motivational speaker. It will be a bittersweet moment for Dennis Merritt Jones at this Sunday's church service. Jones will give his farewell sermon as pastor of One Spirit Center for Conscious Living in Simi Valley.

"It's bittersweet for me to leave as minister. Part of me doesn't like leaving the comfort of what I've established here and the deep personal relationships," Jones said. "Another part of me knows that I need to go for my own spiritual evolution."

Jones announced he was stepping down at this year's Easter service, telling the congregation of 150 people he wanted to pursue other venues for spreading the church's spiritual message.

At an Easter service 23 years ago, Jones gave his first sermon as pastor to only a handful of people.

Jones founded the Simi Valley Church of Religious Science, as the center was known then.

The congregation was meeting in the basement of a Jewish temple on Los Angeles Avenue and Church Street.

The building is now the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center.

Eventually, the group moved to the local Masonic Temple for the following nine years. In 1990, the church moved to its present location at 1756 Erringer Road.

During those years, Jones was the guiding hand and spiritual heart for the church's growing membership. The announcement of Jones' departure is bittersweet for his congregation as well.

"Dennis has brought his love, his dedication, his humor and knowledge of 'science of mind' teaching to us," said Susan Hulton, the church's administrative assistant and staff minister.

Hulton has been a church member for more than 20 years.

"It feels sad that Dennis is leaving and there is a sense of loss, but we know he has to move on and our church has to move on," she said.

Gus Chandler, a 10year member of the church, shares her feelings about his pastor's departure.

"Dennis has taught me it's positive to have shift in your life. We will create a new church family with a new minister," Chandler said. "I love Dennis and I wish him well. I'm excited about new possibilities for the church."

According to Jones, the national publication of his book "The Art of Being: 101 Ways to Practice Purpose in Your Life," offered him a vehicle to reach larger audiences with his faith message.

The book of inspirational writings and spiritual practices is available on Amazon.com and his website dennismerrittjones.com.

"I had taken the church as far as I could take it and there was more for me to do outside of four walls," said the 59-year old. "I have a message that will touch many more people if I step through the door into that larger arena."

Jones already has speaking and book signing engagements in Canada and San Diego this fall. His ministry will continue through seminars, retreats, spiritual coaching and mentoring locally and nationally.

Jones said he is looking forward to conducting "scared journey travel tours" for groups to foreign countries.

"Visiting ancient sites gives people the opportunity to discover other cultures," he said. "In the process, we realize we have more in common than we do different which is a pathway to peace."

Closer to home, Jones will continue writing his column, "The Art of Being" for the Simi Valley Acorn.

"My vision, the one I'm presenting to the world is helping people get clear on their purpose," Jones said. "To help people find their spiritual unity with God and become the vessel through which God touches Earth."