Chapel DecemberChimes 2024
O Come, Let Us Adore Him
By Rev. Rhonda Blevins
It’s hard to believe another December is upon us! This year has been far from boring at Chapel by the Sea. We started the year with the dedication of our Peace Pole (and some less-than-peaceful disruptors!) This set in motion the formation of a security team, which has made great strides toward keeping us safe. In March, we celebrated 75 years of Chapel by the Sea with a banquet at Island Way Grill. In the spring, we finalized new guiding language: a new mission and vision statement along with a series of core commitments. In October we began renovations in our sanctuary, soon followed by two hurricanes that rocked our community and damaged our facilities. Although this year has not been without its challenges, I remain grateful for the resilience demonstrated by this faith community. We are well on our way to recovery following the hurricanes, and we are making great strides with our sanctuary renovation. Later this month you’ll hear from our Imagine campaign team—they’ll articulate where we are and what it will take to cross the finish line. I look forward to cutting the (proverbial?) ribbon when the sanctuary renovation is complete, and we can worship there together again. In the meantime, I want you to be aware of support coming into our Chapel from across
the country. We have received many individual contributions via a GoFundMe page set up to help us with hurricane recovery. We also have received significant gifts from churches within the International Council of Community Churches, the network of churches with whom we fellowship. It is good to remember that we are not alone in our struggles—sisters and brothers near and far are showing their support in myriad ways. Through these and other generous contributions, we have been able to make a significant difference in the lives of some who lost everything in the storms. Finally, in this newsletter you’ll see that we’ve barely missed a beat with our programs for the holiday season. From “Lunch with Santa” to “Carols by Candlelight,” our ministry continues to be a beacon of God’s love, inviting people into a vibrant life with Christ! In this newsletter, you’ll also see a few of the faces of volunteers who have given of their time and talent to help us in our recovery efforts. I am so grateful for all who gave in this and so many other ways. So come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord this Advent and Christmas season. We have many reasons to celebrate.
Love and light,
Holiday Toy Drive
Each December, we collect toys for the boys and girls of Hope Villages, and the Head Start program. These children range from infants to teenagers. Whether staying in a homeless shelter or fleeing domestic violence, these little tokens of love and cheer can shine a ray of light into a child’s life. Please bring unwrapped toys anytime between now and December 18th!
Advent Series - ‘O Come Let Us Adore Him
This Advent, join us as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ with the series “O Come, Let Us Adore Him.” Each Sunday, we’ll reflect on a beloved Christmas carol and explore the Advent themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love through Scripture and worship. Together, we will rediscover the beauty of the season and the One who draws near to us. Come, let us adore the Savior who brings light to the world!
Advent Schedule:
Advent 1: December 1 (Hope): “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
Advent 2: December 8 (Peace): “Silent Night, Holy Night”
Advent 3: December 15 (Joy): “Joy to the World”
Advent 4: December 22 (Love): “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” Join us each Sunday as we journey toward Christmas and prepare to welcome Emmanuel, God with us!
Christmas Poinsettias
Poinsettias are a perfect way to memorialize a loved one or to honor someone special in your life. Names will be featured in our Christmas Eve bulletin. Purchase yours online or in the church office. Deadline is December 18th. Poinsettias can be taken home after the 8:30 pm service on Christmas Eve.
Chapel Chicks Christmas Event
DECEMBER 3, 5:30PM: Join the Chicks for holiday fun at their annual Christmas party with Pinellas Creative at the Florida Botanical Gardens! Indian Rocks Eats will serve a delicious lasagna dinner. The night will include professional caroling and an art exhibit. Holiday lights in the garden will be available after dinner for a donation to the Florida Botanical Gardens. $25 per person. Sign up and pre-pay required at www.chapelbythesea.net/ chapelchicks.
Lunch with Santa
DECEMBER 8, 11AM: We believe in spreading joy, and what better way to do that than with a heartwarming “Lunch With Santa” event? We invite all families to join us for a day of holiday cheer, gift-giving, and unforgettable memories. Free photos with Santa, lunch, hot cocoa bar, crafts, and a visit from the Grinch! Space is limited. Please register at chapelbythesea.net/events.
Carols by Candlelight
DECEMBER 12, 7PM: Join us for a heartwarming evening of enchanting music and festive cheer at Chapel by the Sea’s ”Carols by Candlelight.” Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as the Chapel by the Sea Choir, under the masterful direction of Brent Douglas, fills the air with captivating melodies that will warm your heart and lift your soul.
Adult Sunday School - Advent Series
EVERY SUNDAY, 9AM: “The Incarnation.” His parents called him Jesus. But the prophets, shepherds, wise men, and angels addressed him by other names---including Messiah, Savior, and Emmanuel. Join us in the exploration of the meaning behind these titles, what they tell us about the baby whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, and the significance of that Christ child for our lives today.
What Is Truth? Series
EVERY TUESDAY, 6PM DINNER, 7PM PROGRAM: Truth is very hard to come by these days. It’s important we explore the challenge of discovering and formulating truth with a deeper understanding of what it means to our lives and our faith. This may be the most important exploration of our lives. If you plan on attending, please sign up at chapelbythesea.net/ adults.
Bible Study
EVERY THURSDAY, 11AM: Adult Bible study meets every Thursday at 11am with Minister of Education, Joe Creegan. All are welcome!
Alcoholics Anonymous
Did you know we host several weekly meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous? AA meets Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 6pm. If you or someone you know needs the support these groups offer, you will find a warm welcome in classroom 2.
Men’s Breakfast, Second Tuesdays
DECEMBER 10, 9AM: Meet with the Champs to enjoy a hearty breakfast, fellowship, and Christian discussion. Leave with a full belly and soul. $10 suggested donation. Did you know? You can purchase a Chapel Champs shirt on our website! Visit chapelbythesea.net/chapel-store to order yours today!
Chapel Chicks Book Club
DECEMBER 3, 10:30AM: December’s book discussion is Leaving the Safe Harbor: The Risks and Rewards of Raising a Family on a Boat by Tanya Hackney. It is available on Amazon in book or electronic format. As a special treat the author will be joining us! Email Allison Kitchens for additional questions at allisonkitch66@yahoo.com.
Fermenting the Faith
JANUARY 9, 7PM: Join us at the brewery for some deep conversation around faith and theology. Nate Ryan, facilitator. All are welcome! This month we’re at Southern Lights Brewing Co. (2075 Sunnydale Blvd. in Clearwater). Please contact Nate Ryan at ndryan1138@gmail.com with any questions.
Beach Walk 2025
Get ready for Chapel by the Sea’s 16th Annual Beach Walk fundraiser! This event brings critical support to Hope Villages of America and HEP (Homeless Empowerment Project) who serve local individuals, families, domestic abuse victims, and veterans in our community. The 2 mile walk will take you down the beach and back finishing at Chapel by the Sea with a catered breakfast. All participants will receive a Beach Walk T-shirt and swag bag. Date and sign up coming soon!
Save These Dates
DECEMBER 3RD
Chicks Book Club, 10:30am Chicks Christmas Event, 5:30pm CBA Meeting, 6:30pm
DECEMBER 4TH Marketing Team Meeting, 9am
DECEMBER 7TH CBA Holiday Party, 6pm
DECEMBER 8TH
Lunch with Santa, 11am
chapelbysea@gmail.com
9am
10am
10am
6pm
10am
DECEMBER 10TH
Chapel Champs Breakfast, 9am Capital Campaign Team, 1pm
DECEMBER 12TH
Carols by Candlelight, 7pm
DECEMBER 15TH Blood Drive, 10:30am
DECEMBER 18TH Board Meeting, 7pm
DECEMBER 24TH
Christmas Eve Services, 4:30, 7 & 8:30pm
DECEMBER 25TH
Christmas Day, Office Closed
DECEMBER 26TH Office Closed
DECEMBER 31ST
New Year’s Eve