Race Weekend
About six years ago I was in Israel at the Jordan River on the day the Coptic Church (Egyptian Christians) celebrates the baptism of Jesus. When we pulled up, there were thousands of Egyptian followers of Jesus lining the river. Singing. Drums. Formal attire. Dancing into the water. It was loud, joyful, and absolutely beautiful. They were celebrating and remembering Jesus’ baptism while baptizing people from their own community into the family of God.
It was a party.
I had been to the Jordan River years before. That time, it was calm and quiet, peaceful, and serene. Peaceful. Serene.
Two very different experiences at the same place.
It would have been easy to show up on the loud, crowded day and feel frustrated. “Why are all these people here… remembering Jesus… celebrating his baptism… baptizing people…?” (You see where I’m going, right?)
Or… we could say, “Look at all these people! Isn’t this amazing?”
How we approach a moment makes all the difference.
We can be frustrated, annoyed, grumpy curmudgeons, the kind who get permanent wrinkles from furrowed brows and turned-down frowns.
Or we can be joy-filled, peaceful, non-anxious, Christlike people, the kind who get wrinkles from raised eyebrows of excitement and smile lines from laughter and welcome.
They both have wrinkles.
The question is… what do you want your wrinkles from?
This Sunday compared to last Sunday could be two very different experiences at the exact same place.
It’s Race Day in Seaside. Which means it will be busy. A little chaotic. Slightly adventurous. And also really fun, with lots of people in town… and many of them worshiping with us.
We can be frustrated and annoyed.
Or we can be joyful and welcoming.
I want to set everyone up for success. I get it, for some of you, it may simply be easier to stay home on a busy Sunday. That’s totally fine. No guilt. No pressure.
For others of you, you love navigating a challenge. Crowds? Closed roads? Parking puzzles? Bring it on.
Whichever you choose is lovely. I just hope we can all be joy-filled in the process.
Jesus did say, “In this world you will have trouble.” And that trouble comes in lots of forms, sometimes even in the form of road closures. But take heart, He has overcome the world.
So here’s what you need to know.
This Sunday – February 15th – Race Day
We are having worship at 10 a.m.
There is NO kids or youth programming this Sunday, just worship together at 10 a.m.
For families with little ones:
If getting to worship feels impossible, no worries at all. Michael Pratt and his family are hosting an alternative gathering and have sent information to families. If you didn’t receive that but would like information, reach out to him at Michael@thechapelatseaside.com.
Online Worship
If coming in person feels too complicated, I hope you’ll worship with us online. You can stream through:
- thechapelatseaside.com
- YouTube
Honestly, no better Sunday to host a watch party.
Road Closures & Access
30A will be closed:
- From 395 to 393 from about 5:30–10:00 a.m.
- The eastbound lane from CR 393 to Seaside will be closed until 10:30 a.m.
- Westbound lanes reopen gradually between 9:45–10:30 a.m.
All entry points into Seaside will be manned and strictly enforced.
In short: you won’t be able to just “slide in” on 30A.
Shuttle Option (Strongly Recommended)
A complimentary shuttle will run:
- Sunday: 4:45 a.m. –3:30 p.m.
Shuttle location:
Emerald Coast Middle School (4019 US-98, Santa Rosa Beach)
Parking is behind the school.
If you’re coming Sunday morning, this is probably your smoothest option.
Otherwise: walk, bike, carpool, park at a friend’s house nearby; creativity is welcome.
It’s going to be a fun, full day in town. We just have to think differently about how we get here.
Dress Code
This Sunday is the most casual Sunday of the year.
Sarah and I will be in running gear (read: sweatpants and t-shirts), and many others will be too. So come comfortable and let’s worship together.
A Few Other Great Things Coming Up
Ash Wednesday. February 18th at 6 p.m.
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter. Traditionally, it’s a season of reflection, fasting, prayer, and refinement as we journey with Jesus toward the cross.
Our service will be about 60 minutes with worship and teaching, concluding with the opportunity to receive ashes.
Traditionally, the ashes come from the previous year’s Palm Sunday branches, burned and turned to ash. They are placed on the forehead or back of the hand in the shape of a cross as we hear the words:
“From dust you came, and dust you shall return. Repent and believe in the gospel.”
It’s a reminder that we are mortal. We celebrate Jesus one moment and turn from Him the next. And yet, with grace overflowing, He continues to love us.
Ash Wednesday reminds us that we need Jesus.
Not just in February. Every day.
It really is a beautiful beginning to a meaningful season. I hope you’ll join us.
We’ll also have our Lent Guides at the service that we hope you will pick up and journey through with us.
Two Services Begin. February 22nd
The following Sunday (February 22nd), we begin two services at The Chapel:
8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Both services will be the same, though kids and youth programming will remain at the 10:00 a.m. service.
We are making room, room inside, room in parking, room in our hearts for more people to gather and worship with us at The Chapel.
We are so excited about this next step for our community.
If you’re interested in serving as we launch the second service, the first step is filling out the volunteer application at:
thechapelatseaside.com/volunteer
We would love to have you be part of what God is building here.
Noon Prayer
Tuesday Noon Prayer is up and going. On Tuesdays at noon for prayer.
Bible Study
Men’s and Women’s Bible Study are happening each week. Men at 8 a.m. Women at 9:30 a.m. Studying Ephesians. Join us if you can.
I think that’s it for now. Lots of great stuff. See you Sunday with sweatpants on.
Let me know if you have any questions — or prayer requests. Always grateful to walk this road with you (even when it’s temporarily closed).
Blessings,
Andrew