About
Sarasota Center of Light
Sarasota Center of Light is a sanctuary for the exploration and discovery of the awareness, knowing and being of spiritual truth. We have been devoted since 1949 to offering the inspiration and principles of Metaphysical Spirituality as a way of life that empowers individuals to find and express their true Self.
We recognize that each individual is on their own unique inner journey and understanding of God. We embrace the teachings of all Master Teachers and are committed to supporting those who seek to connect with their divine nature and experience this inspiration in their daily life.
We believe in sharing the healing power of God through Vibrational Healing, and connecting to and communicating with Spirit through Mediumship. The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” is woven into the fabric of our philosophy.
Our Founders
Sarasota Center of Light (SCOL) when started in 1949 was named Shrine of the Master. It was founded by Rev. Dorothy and Dr. Russell Flexer, a husband and wife team of Spiritualist ministers and mediums. The church evolved from the Spiritualist Episcopal Church, the parent organization that the Flexers belonged to in the early days of their ministry. In 1958, the Flexers created a new denomination and called it Metaphysical Christianity.
The Flexers’ goals and dreams for Shrine of the Master were to bring to people an awareness of understanding of spiritual truth that was both spiritual and could be applied to everyday life. These teachings are offered clearly and simply and can be used by anyone regardless of their level of understanding or experience. Primary subjects taught were and continue to be Healing, Meditation, Spirit Communication, Mediumship Development, Spiritual Law, and interpretation of biblical teachings.
Rev. Dorothy Flexer
Dr. Russell Flexer
Our Board and Team
Presidents Words:
Welcome to the Sarasota Center of Light. Since 1949, when Rev. Dorothy and Dr. Russell Flexer founded this sanctuary, our purpose has been to guide sincere seekers toward a direct experience of spiritual truth. The Flexers believed that anyone can connect with the Divine, feel the continuity of life, and grow through healing, meditation, spirit communication, and spiritual law. Today, we continue their mission by providing a nurturing place where you can find clarity, feel supported, and reconnect with your purpose. As you step into this space, may you sense the same light that inspired our founders—and remember that your soul is here to grow, to serve, and to shine.
Governing Body
LaVerne Duff
President
Jeffrey Lambert
Treasurer
Sherry Brune
Trustee
Catherine Kalua
Vice President
Cindy Gourley
Trustee
Caroline Demoise
Secretary
Russell Binder
Trustee
The Ministry Team
Phyllis Lambert
Lead Minister
Karin Straus
Minister
Kathleen Curtin
Healing & Education Minister
Marie Rowe
Minister
Russell Binder
Minister
Operational Staff
Tina
Smith
Office Manager
Jeffrey Lambert
Maintenance Officer
Our Beliefs
Metaphysical Spirituality is an open and inclusive collection of spiritual principles that embraces the teachings of all Master Teachers and unites science, philosophy, and religion as a way of life. It is a pathway to connect with the inspiration, encouragement, and guidance of Spirit and to deepen our understanding and relationship with God.
It seeks to understand the spiritual and divine nature of life. We believe all things are possible when we live in alignment with Divine Law.
LOVE & COMPASSION
Through compassion and love, we embrace each other unconditionally
Our beliefs are anchored in the principles that were established by our founding ministers Rev. Dorothy and Dr. Russell Flexer in 1949 and have evolved through the guidance of Spirit for over 70 years. We hold true to our original tenets and have stayed open to embrace the continuing unfolding evolution of spiritual truth. The Sarasota Center of Light is a bridge that links the sacred divinity of Spirit with the ever-changing paradigms of Spirituality.
Metaphysical Spirituality is based on love, honesty, understanding, acceptance and wisdom. We live by the Golden Rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” We believe in personal responsibility and by trusting in and co-creating with the infinite nature of God, we are able to make a profound difference in our own lives and in the lives of others.
Our Commitment
We are committed to being of service with love, compassion, understanding and acceptance for each other and the world. Incorporating these spiritual truths, disciplines and energies in the daily activities of life creates a harmonious and balanced expression of profound spirituality.
By opening to a deeper connection within we are able to connect and communicate with Spirit, validating the immortality of the soul and inspiring us to live more purposeful and meaningful lives. Through meditation and mediumship, our relationship with Spirit powerfully enhances our connection to the God Power and our spiritual growth.
The Power of Healing
Another way we share Spirit with one another is through our healing ministry. We believe in the healing power of God and we experience this energy through the unconditional connection between us. Our certified healers are available during our Sunday morning services, and any time for those who are in need.
As a spiritual community, we come together to share the love and light of Spirit with one another as we make our way through life. By learning and growing from our life lessons, guided and inspired by Spirit, we experience true happiness and fulfillment. As we encounter the challenges and difficulties of life, we know we can turn to one another and to our faith in our personal and spiritual growth. We know that as we trust in our connection to the unlimited essence of God and Life, we are able to feel it, know it, and experience it every day. We invite you to make Sarasota Center of Light your spiritual home.
Sarasota Center of Light Principles
The principles of Metaphysical Spirituality represent key focuses of our beliefs and philosophy. Each individual principle is a pathway to a deeper connection, understanding, and relationship with God, our own spiritual nature, and of life. Together they are guidelines to a clear inner knowing and vibrant expression of true spirituality.
The principles of Metaphysical Spirituality represent key focuses of our beliefs and philosophy. Each individual principle is a pathway to a deeper connection, understanding, and relationship with God, our own spiritual nature, and of life. Together they are guidelines to a clear inner knowing and vibrant expression of true spirituality.
Notice as you read each principle, they create a foundation of spiritual truth and understanding in which you can trust and believe. This reflects the universal nature of our philosophy. It also allows us to be a Center where many individual beliefs become one in the acceptance of the spiritual truth in all of them.
God is the creative force in the universe and exists in all things. God is infinite intelligence and consciousness, unconditional and boundless love. Each of us is an individualized expression of God. Our soul is our own unique facet and experience of this expression.
As we make our way through life we encounter physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges. These difficulties, and at times the way that we deal with them create imbalance or disease within us. We believe that by connecting with and opening up to the healing power of God, harmony and balance is restored.
A wonderful aspect of our beliefs is that we communicate with Spirit. Through meditation and inner development, a connection is created that allows for impressions and information to be received and shared by a medium. The energy and inspiration of this connection have a profound influence and impact on those who experience it.
Metaphysical Spirituality is one of the many paths to Spiritual Truth that can be found in the teachings of all Master Teachers, all religions and philosophies. It is our perception and interpretation of these teachings that create our own view and experience of life.
In addition to our principles, we seek to understand Laws. Some of the spiritual laws are the Law of Attraction, the Law of Cause and Effect, and the Law of Love. These laws are statements of absolute truth, not rules to be followed. They are universal and applicable to all. To learn more, download our Spiritual_Laws.
This explanation of our principles and philosophy is only the beginning. Metaphysical Spirituality is to be both experienced and understood. We trust that the information you find here is helpful. We invite you to be a part of our warm and welcoming spiritual family. We are here to support you on your journey of personal and spiritual development with Love, support, and inspiration. If you have any questions do not hesitate to Contact Us.
Declaration of Principles
WE BELIEVE IN GOD,
THE SOURCE OF ALL CREATION.
WE AFFIRM THAT METAPHYSICAL SPIRITUALITY IS A WAY OF LIFE BASED UPON THE TEACHINGS AND DEMONSTRATIONS OF ALL MASTER TEACHERS.
WE BELIEVE THAT A SINCERE APPLICATION OF THESE TEACHINGS AND LIVING IN ACCORDANCE WITH SPIRITUAL LAW LEADS TO TRUE SPIRITUALITY.
WE BELIEVE IN THE HEALING POWER OF GOD AND THAT ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WHEN DONE IN ACCORDANCE WITH DIVINE LAW.
WE BELIEVE THAT THE HIGHEST MORALITY IS CONTAINED IN THE GOLDEN RULE, "DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU."
WE BELIEVE IN PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THAT WE MAKE OUR OWN HAPPINESS AS WE CO-CREATE WITH DIVINE LAW.
WE BELIEVE THE PURPOSE OF HUMAN LIFE IS TO EXPERIENCE AND LEARN FROM LIFE LESSONS IN ORDER TO PROGRESS SPIRITUALLY.
WE BELIEVE IN THE IMMORTALITY
OF THE SOUL.
WE BELIEVE IN COMMUNICATING WITH THOSE WHO HAVE MADE THEIR TRANSITION INTO THE SPIRIT WORLD.
WE AFFIRM THAT THE DOORWAY TO REFORMATION IS NEVER CLOSED TO ANYONE HERE OR HEREAFTER.