tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56810170644137596822024-02-08T12:08:26.304-08:00King of Kings Church Sarasota, FLKing of Kings is a Charismatic Episcopal Church.
Meets Sunday at 10 AM at
Girls Inc, 201 S Tuttle Ave. near Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL
Small groups meet weeklyKing of Kings Sarasotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12560763443281147015noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681017064413759682.post-88097984286129395402013-01-12T02:48:00.000-08:002013-01-12T02:48:37.742-08:00PreppersA quick check of the Internet or YouTube will show that many people are prepping for an uncertain future by stockpiling food, moving to remote areas, learning survival skills, and a variety of other things to prepare for economic, political, or environmental upheaval. Maybe their right. The Bible as well as other faith traditions speak of difficult times as history unfolds. It makes sense that negative human activity has a compounding effect over time. We often experience this in more personal ways not necessarily directly associated with global trends. We experience business failures, marriage breakups, health problems sometimes brought on by what the Bible calls sin, a word that in the original means "missing the mark" of what God intends, how things are supposed to work.
Whether or not you're a person who is into prepping as mentioned above, wouldn't it make sense to consider spiritual prepping as well? The Bible let's us in on a secret that many suspect anyways. Life does not end with physical death. What you're doing now has an effect on who you're becoming, and that affects you future beyond death.
God knows that left to ourselves, we make a mess of our lives. And that by ourselves we can't can't solve the problems we create. When we're in trouble, we often look for assistance from an outside source. The Bible tells us that God has not left us with our dilemma, but stepped into the mess with a solution, Jesus. Why is that hard to believe? When we're in trouble, don't we often look for a solution in or through another person. The Bible says that God provide a pathway through and out of our present mess through a relationship with Jesus. In Him we're forgiven, given a fresh start, and assistance to live a new and better life through the power of the Holy Spirit.
If things go from bad to worse, wouldn't it be good to have someone with you who has experienced the worst that life can throw at you? --- persecution, torture, and a slow painful death (Jesus was crucified). But wonder of wonders, we're told by many witnesses that this same Jesus rose from the dead. The worst things that life can do to us are not the last word. If terrible things do happen in our lifetime, and all the external preparations fail, wouldn't it have been wise to do some inner prepping as well? You could pray and know that the One who is listening knows what you're experiencing. You could ask for wisdom to know what to do; you could ask for strength and courage to endure, and you would know that ultimate victory and survival were yours, even if and when you experienced physical death. No matter whether death comes in an apocalyptic way or not, death is something that all of us face all the time.
Be a wise prepper! King of Kings Sarasotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12560763443281147015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681017064413759682.post-11974265341901577822012-07-06T09:00:00.001-07:002012-07-06T09:04:49.523-07:00Home GroupsThe Christian faith is about relationships. When a religious leader once asked Jesus what he thought was the most important commandment, Jesus said, "Love God with all your heart, mind, and strength (your whole self) and love your neighbor as yourself. The reason Jesus came was to open a new path to relationship with God. That's primary and most important in the Christian life. But the second is like it and important as well. To love others, we have to know them and their needs. Too often we don't form significant relationships in our busy and individualistic lifestyles.
At King of Kings, our vision is to create small groups that gather weekly so those relationships can be formed. We have one group that meets on Thursdays, and want to start others. If you'd like to be part of a small group that meets for fellowship, Bible study, sharing, and prayer, let me know and we'll find a way for you to do that.
Fr Jon
frjon@comcast.net
941-380-5010King of Kings Sarasotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12560763443281147015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681017064413759682.post-54919070252505001922012-06-13T05:22:00.000-07:002012-06-13T05:22:24.606-07:00Let's talkChecking the stats on this blog, a little over 800 hits have occurred. If you're just checking us out for the first time, give me a chance to chat with you. I'd be happy to answer any questions or if you have needs, perhaps we could help.
We're not a large congregation with lots of programs. We worship on Sunday, and have a small group meeting in a home on Thursday evenings. Our vision is to create a whole network of small groups that together form the fabric of our community.
The Charismatic Episcopal Church incorporates three streams or church "styles" into it's life: the liturgical (creeds, communion every Sunday), the evangelical (the Bible is authoritative, personal relationship with God is important and necessary), and the charismatic (praise music, expression of gifts-- tongues, prophecy, healing, etc). That's quite a combination, and you know what, it works! It's a win-win-win.
Sometimes in a marriage, for example, one spouse was raised in a liturgical style church (Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopal, etc) and the other spouse grew up in a Pentecostal style. What to do? If that's your situation, Perhaps the CEC model would work for you.
If you've made it this far and none of this makes much sense or matters to you, but you're searching for answers to spiritual issues or life problems, we'd love to have an opportunity to meet you where you are, and seek God's solutions with you.
God bless,
Fr Jon +King of Kings Sarasotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12560763443281147015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681017064413759682.post-9963241575489116652012-01-21T22:03:00.000-08:002012-01-21T22:11:15.502-08:00It's nice to be known<br /><br />Large churches have advantages. There are usually lots of programs to choose from if you're interested.<br /><br />But it's also fairly easy to be just a face in the crowd and not be missed if you don't show up for worship. Some people like the anonymity and like to slip in and out without being detected. But wherever you attend the call of the gospel is to be involved and use your gifts as God inspires you.<br /><br />For some this works better in a smaller congregation. If that's you, then perhaps King of Kings would be a good fit. We won't embarrass you, but we'll know you're there, and you'll find a warm welcome.<br /><br />Consider joining in worship with us on Sunday morning or come to our home fellowship onThursday evenings. Call or email for directions,etc.<br /><br />Blessings,<br /><br />Fr JonKing of Kings Sarasotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12560763443281147015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681017064413759682.post-90643503964030462892011-12-27T07:47:00.000-08:002011-12-27T07:58:21.858-08:00Home fellowshipBeginning the second Thursday of January, the 12th, at 7 pm, you're invited to a home fellowship. We'll share a light snack, enjoy some conversation, have a Bible study, and conclude our time with prayer. We'll have a formal end time of 9 pm. It's a great way to make new friends, check out the Christian faith, or find a place to grow in a new faith. You don't have to commit to anything other than this evening meeting. Obviously we'd like you to consider worshipping on Sunday morning as well, but that is optional.<br /><br />If you're interested or have questions, send an email.<br /><br />Fr JonKing of Kings Sarasotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12560763443281147015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681017064413759682.post-9467080158450205932010-07-27T07:32:00.000-07:002010-07-27T07:45:03.125-07:00The Look on Your Face<span style="font-family: arial;">The look on your face often gives a hint to how you're feeling, which is related to what's on your mind. In 2 Corinthians, the apostle Paul says the believer is like a mirror, reflecting the glory of God in the face of Jesus. Obviously, a mirror reflects what is in it, so if the believer is going to reflect Jesus, Jesus must be the focus of the mind.<br /><br />Focusing on Jesus in the midst of all life's challenges and distractions requires intention and practice. Having a time during the day to reset your gaze is important, and then learning to keep Jesus central throughout the day is the goal. When questions, fears, doubts, challenges arise---look to Jesus. Say a prayer. Invite Jesus to be with you. As you do this more consistently, others will notice the change in you. Whether they know it or not, they'll see Jesus reflected in your face (your life). They may even ask you what makes you different, and you'll have a chance to tell them what you're doing, and who's at the center of your life---not you, but Jesus.<br /><br />P.S. Attending worship service regularly is critical as well. God uses these special gatherings to center you and plant His image more clearly in you. You'll be encouraged to know that you're not alone, and you'll see Jesus reflected in the faces of those who gather with you for the same purpose. We'd love to have you join us for worship at King of Kings this Sunday.<br /></span>King of Kings Sarasotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12560763443281147015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681017064413759682.post-7975847099900027992010-02-27T07:35:00.000-08:002010-02-27T07:40:42.295-08:00The first Sunday in March, our worship moves to a new location and time. We will be meeting at the Girls, Inc facility at 201 S Tuttle Ave. near Fruitville Road at 10:00 AM. You are warmly invited to join us!<br /><br />Check out the Sermon notes for this Sunday.<br />Fr JonKing of Kings Sarasotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12560763443281147015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681017064413759682.post-49424086204964661352010-02-06T20:16:00.000-08:002010-02-27T07:35:04.848-08:00Sermon notesThe season of Lent is dedicated to examining our relationship with God in preparation for the celebration at Easter of the most significant event in history, the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ (Messiah). This Sunday's scriptures, particularly the gospel lesson from Luke, reveal the nature of the Kingdom, the coming of the reign of God in the world.<br /><br />Jesus is at a point in his three year ministry where the opposition to him is crystalizing. His own people expected the Messiah's coming to be dramatic with a show of power that would quickly change conditions. Jesus uses three images to counter the view. <br /><br />First, Jesus says the kingdom is like a mustard seed, which though small, grows into a tree (large bush really) where birds come to roost and find shelter. God begins to act in what seems to be small and insignificant ways, but the process will yield ongoing and permanent benefits. Perhaps the use of a bush to represent the kingdom was Jesus' way to emphasize the need to examine carefully how we assess what is important spiritually. What looks big, impressive, permanent, may be a deception.<br /><br />Trees are a spiritual symbol. In an arid landscape, trees are a sign of life and a water source. Israel, God's people, are sometimes described as a tree or alternatively as a vineyard. In Psalm 1, a righteousness person is a tree planted by a river bank. The apostle Paul reminded Gentile believers that they were like grafts onto an existing vine. Trees can represent kingdoms that are eventually cut down, and those who are a part of it subject to destruction as well. Or individually, we are to be fruitful or become subject to pruning or removal. <br /><br />The second image Jesus uses is yeast. A little yeast added to dough permeates it and transforms the bread as it bakes. Here Jesus is saying that the kingdom of God will do it's work often in mysterious ways, again what seems insignificant and small transforms all of life. As a spiritual symbol, yeast can be used to represent positive or negative influences. The season of Lent invites us to examine the influences in our life. Are you allowing God to influence and shape you, or are there infectious influences present which will eventually accumulate destructively in your life and destroy it?<br /><br />The first two images emphasize that God's activity in the world cannot be thwarted or destroyed. However, the third image, a narrow door points to our need to actively enter into God's activity, to allow God's influence to touch and transform us personally, and to engage in God's work. Specifically, the narrow door refers to Jesus himself, the point of entry into a redeemed relationship with God which God has provided. In a pluralistic culture, the narrow door represents the offense of the gospel. Are there many paths to God, or has God given a path that requires a specific response? Jesus says that when the kingdom comes near, we must choose, and specifically, we must choose Jesus. Relationship with God is not automatic, and cannot be pursued at a distance. Jesus tells those who were listening to <span style="font-weight: bold;">strive</span> to enter in through the narrow door.<br /><br />There you have it. God's activity in the world will not be thwarted. God's activity in the world is pervasive. Finally, God's activity in the world, with each personally, with you, demands a response. How are you responding to Jesus? Are you in?King of Kings Sarasotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12560763443281147015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681017064413759682.post-35884813735300770212010-01-25T17:34:00.001-08:002010-02-06T20:00:27.752-08:00Upcoming eventsPut Saturday, February 13th, 6:00 pm on your calendar. We'll be having our Valentine's Share the Love Party. We're going to have pizza, put together kits for Haiti relief, and enjoy the rest of the evening playing table games. It's free and everyone's welcome. Please RSVP (941-380-5010 or smith160@verizon.net) if you're planning to come so we have plenty of food!<br /><br />Plans are to move our worship service to 10 AM at the Girls, Inc facility on Tuttle Ave near Fruitville Rd beginning in March. Look for details in future blogs.<br /><br />Fr JonKing of Kings Sarasotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12560763443281147015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5681017064413759682.post-27466759569112488972010-01-19T17:24:00.000-08:002010-02-06T20:16:27.973-08:00Welcome<span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">If you visit King of Kings you'll find a small congregation with lots of love. Our services are a mix of contemporary music, Bible preaching, and sharing communion every Sunday. A fancier way to say it is that we are <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">charismatic, evangelical, and liturgical</span>. It's a mix of three worship styles together. You may have to visit to fully appreciate what this means. After the service, we share a light meal and good fellowship.<br /><br />We need musicians with a heart for God and a passion for worship. We're looking for persons who could lead and/or participate in weekly home groups. If you'd be interested in participating in a Celebrate Recovery, we'll organize one. We're used to people who are experiencing life challenges, so come as you are and let God help you make changes.<br /><br />If you'd like to know more about where we're coming from, check out the website, iccec.com. If you have questions, need prayer or assistance, please contact me.<br /><br />God bless,<br /><br />Fr Jon<br /><br /></span></span>King of Kings Sarasotahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12560763443281147015noreply@blogger.com1