Greetings from the Chapel Board of Associates,
The 2022-23 Chapel by the Sea season was special in so many ways. Pastor Larry Marshall served an historic 4th year due to the covid pandemic. Our Chapel, parsonage and office/garage survived the wrath of Ian with miraculously little damage; however, the grounds, cemetery, and Chapel floor did require significant repairs and restoration. Our dedicated maintenance crew removed massive volumes of downed trees and sand. Special thanks to Bob Johnson who managed the Chapel reconstruction, a process which went remarkably well.
Pastor Larry recorded early season services from his home church, Strongsville United Methodist in Ohio. The digital audience was high, with Larry’s inspirational and Spirit led messages comforting many in a time of need and uncertainty. Credits to the Communications Committee for organizing this effort and leading the Chapel to a large on-line following.
Shortly after the storm the Board voted to release missions’ funds to local organizations providing emergency relief. Over the course of the season, we tripled our normal giving to $150,000. Our Missions Committee met with and selected about 15 different agencies for funding.
Chapel by the Sea was the first place of worship on the islands to conduct an in-person service after the storm. NBC2 News, Fort Myers acknowledged this accomplishment with live broadcasts at the first outside service January 29th, and again April 2nd, our first day back in the beautifully renovated Chapel building. We averaged about 100 on-line worshipers each week, and about the same number of in-person worshipers the first few weeks. As access to the Chapel increased, so did our attendance.
Palm Sunday included a re-dedication of the Chapel building, which is 120 years old this year. About 250 people attended Easter Sunday service and a large number came again the following week, which included a beautiful Farewell Luncheon for Larry and Rosie after the service. We could not have been more blessed to have them during this time of covid and hurricane recovery. We wish them the very best and will be forever grateful for their service.
Next season we welcome new pastor Doug Dortch and his wife Judy to the Chapel. Doug recently retired as Senior Minister, Mountain Brook Baptist Church in Alabama.
The generosity of our parishioners this season provided the resources to fund repairs, while simultaneously increasing our support for missions. Special thanks to all who contributed the $189,00 to our hurricane rebuild fund, an amount very close to the cost of repairs. The board is truly appreciative of all who volunteer and support the Chapel by the Sea. God has truly blessed our special place.
Blessings,
Jake Miller
President, Chapel by the Sea
The 2022-23 Chapel by the Sea season was special in so many ways. Pastor Larry Marshall served an historic 4th year due to the covid pandemic. Our Chapel, parsonage and office/garage survived the wrath of Ian with miraculously little damage; however, the grounds, cemetery, and Chapel floor did require significant repairs and restoration. Our dedicated maintenance crew removed massive volumes of downed trees and sand. Special thanks to Bob Johnson who managed the Chapel reconstruction, a process which went remarkably well.
Pastor Larry recorded early season services from his home church, Strongsville United Methodist in Ohio. The digital audience was high, with Larry’s inspirational and Spirit led messages comforting many in a time of need and uncertainty. Credits to the Communications Committee for organizing this effort and leading the Chapel to a large on-line following.
Shortly after the storm the Board voted to release missions’ funds to local organizations providing emergency relief. Over the course of the season, we tripled our normal giving to $150,000. Our Missions Committee met with and selected about 15 different agencies for funding.
Chapel by the Sea was the first place of worship on the islands to conduct an in-person service after the storm. NBC2 News, Fort Myers acknowledged this accomplishment with live broadcasts at the first outside service January 29th, and again April 2nd, our first day back in the beautifully renovated Chapel building. We averaged about 100 on-line worshipers each week, and about the same number of in-person worshipers the first few weeks. As access to the Chapel increased, so did our attendance.
Palm Sunday included a re-dedication of the Chapel building, which is 120 years old this year. About 250 people attended Easter Sunday service and a large number came again the following week, which included a beautiful Farewell Luncheon for Larry and Rosie after the service. We could not have been more blessed to have them during this time of covid and hurricane recovery. We wish them the very best and will be forever grateful for their service.
Next season we welcome new pastor Doug Dortch and his wife Judy to the Chapel. Doug recently retired as Senior Minister, Mountain Brook Baptist Church in Alabama.
The generosity of our parishioners this season provided the resources to fund repairs, while simultaneously increasing our support for missions. Special thanks to all who contributed the $189,00 to our hurricane rebuild fund, an amount very close to the cost of repairs. The board is truly appreciative of all who volunteer and support the Chapel by the Sea. God has truly blessed our special place.
Blessings,
Jake Miller
President, Chapel by the Sea