A Word from Matthew, the 11th Chapter
Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 · KJV
We are a small Church of God in Christ on a quiet road in Anthony, Florida. We meet on Sunday morning — in person and on Zoom — under the pastorate of Rev. Franklin P. Shines, Sr. If you have not been to church in a long time, you have a seat with us.
01 · In Person
Pull a chair up
A small sanctuary. A long welcome. You will be greeted by name before the morning is over.
3023 NE 86th Lane · Anthony, FL
02 · On Zoom
Sunday at 10 a.m. ET
Sunday School, then Morning Worship. Bring your Bible and your questions — both are welcome.
Every Sunday · Live
03 · On YouTube
Anytime you need a word
Past sermons, the Breathe & Believe devotionals, and Pastor Shines’ reflections on faith in the age of AI.
@franklinpshinessr7979
Our Pastor · Ordained 1963
A pastor who has done other work.
Before he stood in a pulpit, Rev. Franklin P. Shines, Sr. spent a career keeping people breathing. He was a Chief Respiratory Therapist. He served his country in the U.S. Army. He is 88 years old, and he still teaches–and uses AI.
“My journey with Christ began in July 1961 in East Palo Alto, California, when I was saved under Pastor Dawson at Friendship Church of God in Christ.”
In 1963 he received his Minister’s license under Elder E. J. O’Neal at Little Flock COGIC in Redwood City, California. Sixty-three years later, the calling has not changed — only the room. He preaches now from a small church in Anthony, Florida, and onto a screen that reaches anyone with a Sunday and a Wi-Fi connection.
He plays guitar by ear. He believes young people should learn AI. He answers questions from the Bible with clarity.
A Weekly Devotional
Breathe & Believe.
Before he preached, he was the man who taught you how to breathe again after a hospital scare. That is not a coincidence.
The Hebrew word for spirit is ruach. The Greek word is pneuma. Both of them mean breath. Pastor Shines spent his first career teaching lungs to do what they were made to do. He is spending this one doing the same thing — for souls.
Breathe & Believe is a short devotional, released alongside each Sunday sermon. Five minutes. A scripture, an exhale, a charge for the week.
What We Do
Small church.
Real ministries.
We do not run programs to fill a calendar. We run them because someone in the congregation, or the neighborhood, asked — and an answer was owed.
M / 01
Outreach to All People
Open doors, no gatekeeping. If you can find Anthony, Florida, you can find a seat here.
M / 02
Bible Study
Bible-based answers to honest questions. Ask anything — that is the whole point.
M / 03
Sunday School
Begins at 10 a.m. ET, in person and on Zoom. Children, young people, and adults learn together.
M / 04
Young People & Children
Bible trivia, Easter, and a steady rhythm of being seen.
M / 05
Senior Citizens
Visits, prayer, and the dignity of community. Nobody at Zion Hill grows old alone.
M / 06
AI & Technology Workshops
Yes, really. Pastor Shines believes every young person should learn AI — and that we are not too old to learn alongside them.
Voices from the Pews
In their own words.
“Are you looking for a church to visit or call home? Then Zion Hill COGIC is a great place. They will welcome you with love. Bible study is awesome — you will feel free to ask questions and get Bible-based answers. If you want to grow in the Word of God, stop by where people love God and love people.”
Mother Rose Pierce
Member · Zion Hill COGIC
“Under the leadership of Pastor Franklin Shines, I have experienced the power of God and the preached Word taught by a man sent by God, full of wisdom and most knowledgeable in the Word of God. He is an asset to Zion Hill COGIC and most assuredly to the Kingdom of God.”
Prophetess Claire P. Eckles
Member · Zion Hill COGIC
Watch & Listen
Recent words from the pulpit.
A sermon is meant to be lived with for a week, not consumed in twelve minutes. Pick one. Let it sit.
Sermon · Featured
“I’m Just a…”
Preached by Rev. Franklin P. Shines, Sr.
Sermon · From the Archive
“He’s in the House”
Preached by Rev. Franklin P. Shines, Sr.
Sunday Morning
Two ways to be with us.
Plan Your Visit
A short drive north of Ocala. You will be welcomed before you sit down.
Address
3023 NE 86th Lane
Anthony, FL 32617
Sunday Service
10:00 a.m. ET — Sunday School first, then Morning Worship
Zoom Link
Email us for the meeting ID — we will send it back the same day
Give
Every gift supports youth mentorship, community outreach, and the Breathe & Believe devotional ministry.
PayPal — Online giving
Cash App — Online giving
By Mail — Check or money order