Weekly Services
Sundays, 11:00 am
2nd week of November thru 4th week of April
Join us in person: 11580 Chapin Lane Captiva, FL
Join us virtually: YouTube
Sundays, 11:00 am
2nd week of November thru 4th week of April
Join us in person: 11580 Chapin Lane Captiva, FL
Join us virtually: YouTube
“Grace Abounds"
“Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
Many have reached out in recent days asking for an update on how the Chapel fared in the aftermath of the storm surge from Hurricane Helene last week. We have received word from Bob Johnson, our Director of Maintenance, and Jake Miller, our Property and Grounds Chairperson, who report that once again the Chapel and all Chapel properties were spared from significant damage and that we should be able to open our 2024-2025 season on time.
As with Ian, we did see large amounts of sand pile up on Chapel grounds, rising even to the steps of the Chapel, the Chapel office, and the Parsonage. However, there was no water intrusion, and all our equipment came through unscathed. Needless to say, we are elated over this good news.
At the same time, our hearts go out to those on Captiva who did experience loss of property. During Ian, most of the damage occurred in Sanibel. But with Helene, the bulk of the storm surge hit Captiva much worse. We also are saddened by reports of even more serious loss in other parts of Florida, along with the devastation reported in Georgia and Western North Carolina. This hurricane will likely turn out to be the source of record loss as natural disasters go.
You may have been wondering, as have I, how best to process these developments as a person of faith. My first response in times like these is to lean on the sufficiency of God’s grace. Grace is the resource that holds life together precisely in those moments when everything seems to be coming apart at the seams. While initially we experience grace as pardon from sin, as we grow in the “grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ,” we also come to experience it as a power from on high that does for us what we could never have done for ourselves. In other words, grace enables us to look adversity in the face and see hints of divine glory overshadowing it so that we rest on the promise that as with every type of life’s storms, “this too shall pass,” and we will emerge a stronger, more resilient people.
So, I invite you to join me in celebrating the grace that spared our beloved Chapel yet again. I also ask you to consider how you might extend that grace to those affected by this storm who are feeling powerless, discouraged, and defeated. First, pray for those who once again face the challenge of putting their lives back together. Secondly, contact those you know who may have been in Helene’s path and ask them how they’re doing and how you might help. Lastly, consider contributing to relief efforts either through a reputable national agency or one of our local partners at the Chapel.
Faith is what each of us needs when life takes a turn for the worse, as life too often does. Grace is God’s provision to help our unbelief. Like all divine provisions, grace cannot be exhausted. So, lean upon it now, as it will not disappoint. Be prepared to do so together at our first worship gathering on November 9, when we acknowledge yet again how Captiva Chapel by the Sea is where “surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.”
-Doug
Doug Dortch, Minister
Captiva Chapel By The Sea
Chapel Announcements
Nominations committee chair and continuing Vice President, Nathalie Pyle.
Annual Meeting Report
Our annual meeting was 30 minutes after some post-service hospitality and had a record attendance of around 30 interested people. Presentations by various officers and committee chairs were a highlight and Pastor Doug led us off with his confessions of personal growth and learning of the Chapel Way. His heartfelt appreciation of the Chapel community’s embrace of he and Judy was a highlight.
Our annual meeting was 30 minutes after some post-service hospitality and had a record attendance of around 30 interested people. Presentations by various officers and committee chairs were a highlight and Pastor Doug led us off with his confessions of personal growth and learning of the Chapel Way. His heartfelt appreciation of the Chapel community’s embrace of he and Judy was a highlight.
DOWNLOAD The 2024 ANNUAL REPORT:
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Biggest annual meeting attendance, smiling as Chip Roach, communications chair asks them to smile.
A Glimpse of Our Last Service
Sunday, April 21st, 2024
See more photos in the 2023 - 2024 Photo Album.
Rita Ewell was newly elected to the Board of Associates and her first meeting is tomorrow.
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Here’s Bruce Findley and his Fritz being blessed.
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No matter where you are in the world or what path you’ve taken in your journey, when you have a prayer request, we are here for you. Just click the button below to email our confidential prayer team.
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Captiva Chapel by the Sea relies solely on voluntary donations to fund our Mission Outreach commitments and the year-round maintenance of this sacred and historic space. No matter the amount, we thank you!
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All Are Welcome
Captiva Chapel by the Sea is where all are welcome regardless of their religious beliefs. We are an interdenominational ministry serving South West Florida's winter season and are recognized in the National Register of Historic Places.
Captiva Chapel By The Sea nurtures a strong community within and we also are committed to supporting mission outreach in the broader community.
There is no membership roster at our church, yet a motivated and enthusiastic group of volunteers manage to get things done "in God's time."
Historically, Captiva Chapel By The Sea has relied solely on support provided entirely by Sunday plate collections and voluntary gifts. With your support, we continue that tradition today.
Captiva Chapel By The Sea nurtures a strong community within and we also are committed to supporting mission outreach in the broader community.
There is no membership roster at our church, yet a motivated and enthusiastic group of volunteers manage to get things done "in God's time."
Historically, Captiva Chapel By The Sea has relied solely on support provided entirely by Sunday plate collections and voluntary gifts. With your support, we continue that tradition today.
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