Chapel Chimes
March 2024
March Madness at the Chapel
By Rev. Rhonda BlevinsNo, I’m not talking about basketball—I’m talking about all the exciting things happening at the Chapel this month! We begin with a celebration of our 75th Anniversary as a church with a celebratory worship service on March 3 with Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Herb Freitag, preaching. Our choir will introduce a new anthem composed by our very own Director of Music, Brent Douglas. Mayor Brian Aungst will be present to bring a declaration from the City of Clearwater. We’ll enjoy a reception following worship. There may be another surprise in store, so you don’t want to miss worship on March 3!
Then on March 7, we’ll enjoy a 75th Anniversary Banquet at Island Way Grill. This will be a time for being together, for learning a little more about the history of Chapel by the Sea, and for enjoying the culinary delights of Island Way Grill! Tickets are sold out, but we can put you on a waiting list in the event some may not be able to make the dinner who have signed up.
Anniversary celebrations give way to religious observances toward the end of the month. On March 29, you are invited to come to the Good Friday experience. Stations of the cross will be set up for worshippers to walk at their own pace, prompting those who participate to reflect deeply about Jesus and his sacrifice.
My deepest thanks to the amazing team who has worked so hard making these anniversary celebrations so special: Mary Ann Brafford and Sue Moncrieff (co-chairs), Adrienne Archer, Teresa Banks, Glenda Creasy, Herb & Lorraine Freitag, Cathy Griffin, Marilyn Kaufman, Jim Martin, Teddi McCune, Don Prokes, and Gail Van Zanten.
Then on March 31, we’ll celebrate the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday! Our celebrations begin at 7:00am with an Easter Sunrise service, then two traditional services with choir and brass at 8:30am and 10:00am. The kids will enjoy a visit from the Easter Bunny after the 10:00am service with our annual Easter Egg hunt! We hope to be welcoming to our church, once again, area foster families, as we have a special gift just for them! Don’t forget to bring flowers from your garden at home to add to our flowered cross in the front lawn. And if you want to sponsor one of our Easter flowers in the sanctuary, in honor or memory of loved ones, please do so by March 25. Flowers are $18 this year. You can purchase them at chapelbythesea. net/easter-flowers. So yes, it’s March Madness at Chapel by the Sea. Please make plans to be a part of this “holy madness” with your church family during this very special month. Love and light,
Rev Blev
Sponsor Signs from Beach Walk 2024.
Bible Study
Chapel Chicks
Bible Study: Every Tuesday & Thursday
Minister of Education, Joe Creegan, offers two ways to study the Bible and explore faith: the hybrid Tuesday Forum eats together at 6:15pm followed by class at 7pm (Zoom Meeting ID 895 0402 7068; Pass code: 417209) AND Thursdays in-person at 11am in Classroom 1. All are welcome to these small group studies!
Chapel Chicks Luncheon
MARCH 12 NOON: The March luncheon will feature Habitat for Humanity & Affordable Housing. Menu includes: Hand cut pork tenderloin topped with a sweet burgundy sauce served with garlic mashed potatoes and balsamic glazed brussels sprouts followed by a fabulous dessert. $18 per person.
Fermenting the Faith, Second Thursdays
MARCH 14, 7PM: This month at Rapp Brewery! Join us on the second Thursday of each month for some deep conversation around faith and theology. Nate Ryan, facilitator. All are welcome! Rapp Brewery is at 10930 Endeavour Way in Seminole.
Men’s Breakfast, Second Tuesdays
SECOND TUESDAYS @ 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
MARCH 26, 10:30AM: The Chapel Chicks Book Club meets every fourth Tuesday at 10:30 in the conference room. Online attendance is available via Zoom using the meeting ID: 836 1011 5212. This month’s reading selection is “The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom” by Don Miguel Ruiz. For additional information email Allison Kitchens at allisonkitch66@ yahoo.com.
Chapel Chicks Nite Out
MARCH 28, 5:30PM: Join the Chicks for some fun on the town at Ozona Blue (125 Orange St. Palm Harbor 34683). Bring a friend! Sign up in Friendship Foyer or online at chapelbythesea.net/ events.
Good Friday Experience
MARCH 29, 10:30AM-1:30PM: Chapel by the Sea invites you to remember the sacrifice of Jesus as you walk the stations of the cross. Walk the stations at your own pace. Parking is free in our church parking lot for Good Friday worshipers.
The Seven “I Am’s” of Jesus
WEEKLY ON SUNDAYS: Join Minister of Education, Joe Creegan, for a Lenten Sunday School series entitled “The Seven I Am’s of Jesus.” Jesus used seven “I Am” statements to describe himself and his purpose. Deepen your Lenten experience through discovering more about Jesus and his ministry and mission.
75th Anniversary Banquet
MARCH 7, 5:30 pm: Join your Chapel family for a delicious dinner at Island Way Grill to celebrate 75 years of Chapel by the Sea! This will be a special time to reminisce and thank God for what Chapel means in the lives of so many, as well as look ahead to what God might have in store for us in the days ahead. Sign ups now closed.
Easter Sunday
MARCH 31ST: Please join us on Easter Sunday for faith and fellowship as we celebrate our Christ and Savior WHO IS RISEN! Enjoy glorious flowers and music at all of our services.
7:00AM: Sunrise Service
8:30AM: Traditional Service
10:00AM: Traditional Service followed by an Easter egg hunt for the kids! Easter flowers are now available for pre-sale! You can dedicate the flower(s) in honor or memory of someone special. Sign up in Friendship Foyer and bring payment to church office, or purchase online.
A big THANK YOU to our 75th Anniversary Committee, who worked tirelessly to make the Chapel’s 75th Anniversary a time to remember!
Sanctuary Remodel Update
Our project is scheduled to begin after Easter Sunday. You can see the architect’s renderings on the home page of our website: chapelbythesea.net.
Chapel by the Sea
54 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
727-446-0430 | chapelbythesea.net
churchoffice@chapelbythesea.net
Save These Dates
MARCH 6, 2024
CBTS 75th Anniversary!
MARCH 7, 2024
75th Anniversary Banquet, 5:30pm
MARCH 10, 2024
Daylight Savings Time Starts
MARCH 12, 2024
Chapel Champs Breakfast, 9am
Chapel Chicks Luncheon, 12pm
MARCH 14, 2024
Fermenting the Faith, 7pm
MARCH 17, 2024
St. Patrick’s Day
MARCH 24, 2024
Palm Sunday
MARCH 26, 2024
Chapel Chicks Book Club, 10:30am
MARCH 28, 2024
Chicks Nite Out, 5:30pm
MARCH 29, 2024
Good Friday Experience, 10:30am
MARCH 31, 2024
Easter Sunday