A Season of Change
When I was in my early 20s, I’m not sure I ever changed the air filter in my HVAC unit. It never even crossed my mind to pay attention to something like that…who knows what kind of damage I caused along the way.
When Sarah and I lived in Kansas City, we were in our house for about five years…I maybe changed it five times. Maybe.
Clearly, I am improving with age, but still…some things fall by the wayside.
When we lived in Dallas, our landlord told us to change the filter when we changed the clocks for daylight saving time. Okay; twice a year, I can probably handle that.
Then our second place in Dallas said four times a year. Four times a year? What do I look like, someone with endless time and money for air filters? I’ll admit…I didn’t always do it.
Fast forward to now. Many of you know we recently moved, and when family stayed with us a week or so ago, an outside observer noticed something important: the air filter needed to be changed.
My very kind father; retired, owner of a ladder, and lover of a good project took it upon himself to fix the situation.
I say all this to say: seasons change. Things need attention. Adjustments have to be made. And usually, we’re better off because of it. You may be hesitant, we may resist, it may alter our rhythms, but often times that change was really good and led to wonderful new things no one expected or anticipated.
As I read through the scriptures, I see over and over again, people invited into change. People invited into a life that is changed by God. To take on a new way, to transition into a new rhythm, to experience a new life and new opportunity. From God calling Abraham and Sarah to change what they know to follow after him, to Jesus calling for the disciples to take on this calling as his disciples, to Paul writing letters to early churches helping them to know what it means to experience something new.
Change is hard…I get it. But change can be really good…even if it is really sad.
The Chapel is entering a season of transition. Some changes bring sadness as people leave our team, some bring excitement with new opportunities, but all of them are small steps adjusting to our surroundings and whatever comes our way to ultimately strengthen the ministry for the season ahead. Change isn’t always easy…but often it’s very good.
Here are a few of those changes.
Next Gen Ministry
A few years ago, we began noticing something beautiful; not only were our kids showing up to church gatherings, but their friends were coming too. That led us to bring on Michael Pratt to help build and organize our Next Gen ministry.
Michael, Lindsey, and their son have helped lay an incredible foundation; creating systems, building volunteer teams, shaping spaces for students, and helping cultivate a thriving environment for our next generation. We truly could not have done this without them.
As their other businesses have continued to grow, Michael and Lindsey have sensed it’s time for a new season for their family.
Below is a portion of a note Michael shared with our Next Gen families:
“I have had the privilege and honor to serve for the past two years alongside the Beards as Student Coordinator. Serving the families of the Chapel has been an honor. Lindsey and I have deeply enjoyed growing within the Chapel community.
From the very first day, we were welcomed with open arms. We are incredibly grateful for the relationships and lifelong friendships formed during this time.
Recently, Lindsey and I made the difficult decision to step down from this role to allow space for new leader(s) to rise up and continue serving the families who call the Chapel home.
Thank you for trusting us with your students, for allowing me the privilege of teaching God’s Word, and for covering our family in prayer.”
We are finalizing Michael’s timeline and next steps. Please continue praying for Michael, Lindsey, and their family during this transition. We will have an opportunity soon to honor and celebrate them together, and we’ll share details when those plans are finalized.
We’ll also be sharing our vision and next steps for kids and youth ministry very soon.
Communion
We are excited to begin sharing communion during Sunday services on the first Sunday of every month, starting this week.
Join us at 8:30 or 10:00 a.m., and toward the end of the service, we’ll gather at the table together. Because the 10 a.m. service is a bit fuller, we’ll have both indoor and outdoor communion stations so everyone can participate comfortably.
We practice an open table, meaning anyone and everyone is welcome. It is your call if you want to receive or not. You may receive the bread and juice, you can remain seated, or you can come forward simply to receive a prayer or blessing.
Also, full transparency, communion Sundays mean I’ll have to trim my sermon a bit. So if you’ve ever thought, “Andrew could land this plane sooner,” congratulations. Your prayers have been answered once a month. A true win-win.
Summer Bible Study
Summer schedules can be wild; travel, guests, vacations, late sunsets…so this year we’re trying something new.
We’re hosting an All-Church Summer Bible Study on Wednesdays in June and July:
• June 10th & 17th
• July 8th & 15th
• 5:00 p.m. at The Chapel
Everyone is invited; singles, couples, families, young, old, longtime attendees, or brand new friends.
Sarah and I will co-lead these evenings together. If you listen to the podcast, it will feel similar; the two of us opening Scripture, asking questions, and learning together.
We plan to wrap up around 6:15–6:30 so you still have time for dinner, friends, or sunset at the beach. We’re really excited about this format and hope you’ll join us.
Those are the major updates. I know change isn’t always comfortable, but I truly believe God does meaningful work in new seasons.
If you have any questions about any of these changes, please reach out anytime.
Below are a few reminders and upcoming opportunities at The Chapel.
Today — Tuesday Prayer | 12–1 p.m.
Come and go as you need. Live worship, guided prayer, quiet reflection, and space to wait on God. If you’ve never joined us, or it’s been a while, today is a great day to come.
Bible Reading Plan — After Encounter
Monday — Acts 6:1–7
Tuesday — Acts 8:1–8
Wednesday — Ephesians 4:1–6
Thursday — Ephesians 4:25–32
Friday — 1 Corinthians 12:12–27
Saturday — Psalm 15
Upcoming at The Chapel
• No Prayer — Tuesday, May 5
• No Bible Study — Wednesday, May 6
• Final Spring Bible Study — Wednesday, May 13
• National Day of Prayer — Thursday, May 7 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Come anytime for a guided prayer experience.
• Beach Baptisms & Bonfire — Sunday, May 17 | 5–7:30 p.m.
Interested in baptism? Please register here.
Coming for the bonfire? Separate registration needed. Thanks for rolling with our organizational systems!
I think that’s it for now. Probably all the change you can handle for a Tuesday.
…unless you haven’t changed your air filter in the past 6-12 months…if you fall in that category, you have some change that needs to happen at your house ASAP. And if you need a ladder…I know a guy.
As always, let us know if you need anything.
Blessings,
Andrew