Again?
Sometime over the past year or so, I’ve spoken about a bird ending up in The Chapel and me desperately trying to capture said bird and release it back into the “wild.”
Also, over the past year or so, I’ve talked about my pizza oven and making a foolish error where I singed some of my eyebrows and eyelashes.
I’m not sure what my deep theological point was in either of those stories… but I’m sure they were meaningful. Likely life-changing.
You won’t believe it…
Last week I was using my pizza oven to roast some carrots. I was flambéing them to get a nice finishing char with a delightful caramelized sauce. And lo and behold, flames shot out of the oven—and I singed my eyebrows and eyelashes again.
I didn’t want to let Sarah know… because I figured she would determine I’m not “responsible enough to play with fire…” So I did the mature thing and didn’t tell her.
Turns out, the fire also singed the hair on my head. I know. My luscious locks.
She immediately noticed.
Then, just this past week—a bird wandered into The Chapel, and I had to catch and release it. Two days in a row.
I don’t know if this bird is trying to draw closer to God, or wants to see the beauty of the space, or if he’s just foolish—but he keeps wandering in, getting caught, and being carried back out.
I’ve now done this three times. Twice this week alone.
And every time—I still get this wild rush trying to catch the bird.
My heart races. I get unusually hot and sweaty. The adrenaline pumps.
I feel like Steve Irwin or Dog the Bounty Hunter…
But instead of crocodiles or criminals on the run… it’s a tiny bird.
I share all of this for this reason:
I cannot believe I keep doing these things over and over again.
You’d think I’d learn.
You’d think the bird would learn.
You’d think I’d avoid getting myself in these situations again and again.
And yet… here we are.
As we begin Holy Week on Sunday, you might think,
“I’ve done this before.”
I’ve heard about Jesus.
Palm branches.
The Last Supper.
The sham trial.
The death on a cross.
Can’t we just skip to Easter brunch?
But here’s the thing—
The reason we have a church calendar, the reason we repeat these traditions and retell these stories—is because we forget.
We need reminders.
We need to walk through the story again and again.
We need to see it from a new angle, to find something we didn’t notice before, to let it sink deeper into our hearts.
It’s not just a routine.
It’s not just for nostalgia.
It’s a reminder of grace upon grace that is offered to us.
Over and over and over again.
I love the movie Rogue One. It’s a Star Wars story that takes place right before Episode IV. It’s beautiful. Powerful. I cannot recommend it enough.
For the last several years, I’ve watched it on May 4th—you know, May the 4th be with you—and every time, I’m moved.
I’m overwhelmed by the sacrifice of people laying down their lives.
I’m shocked by the evil and destruction.
I’m inspired by the hope.
If I can rewatch Rogue One over and over again—and it still gets to me—and it’s just a movie…
Then how much more powerful is it to re-engage with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus over and over again?
As great as Star Wars is… it’s just art made for profit.
Jesus changes everything.
I hope you’ll engage in the story of our faith this week.
I hope you’re reminded of the incredible narrative we are all part of.
And in the midst of pain and despair, darkness and difficulties, fear and anxiety—
I hope you’re encouraged by the overwhelming, never-ending, gracious love of God.
The Book of Lamentations in the Hebrew Scriptures is often skipped over—because, well, it’s full of lament. Not exactly something most people want to dwell on.
But right in the middle—almost the exact center of the book—these words appear:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
That’s what Holy Week is.
A reminder of the steadfast love of God.
A love that never ends.
Mercy from an endless well.
Faithfulness that is beyond comprehension.
We are reminded of that this week.
Holy Week Services
Palm Sunday – April 13, 10 AM at The Chapel
We remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem during our regular worship service. Children will help us celebrate by waving palm branches before heading off to Kids Church. Middle Schoolers will help lead/wrangle the kids before heading to Middle School Meetup during worship.
Tuesday Noon Prayer – April 15, Noon
Join us at The Chapel every Tuesday for an hour of guided prayer and worship with 30A Prays. Worship led by Nate Kelly, it’s a peaceful space to pause and reflect.
Maundy Thursday Communion Service – April 17, 6 PM at The Chapel
A special service where we remember Jesus sharing His final meal with His disciples. We will share communion together.
Good Friday Service – April 18, 6 PM at The Chapel
We reflect on Jesus’ betrayal, denial, and crucifixion. It’s a thoughtful, powerful, and difficult service—yet without it, there would be no resurrection.
Easter Sunday – April 20
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Sunrise Service – 6 AM on the beach in Seaside (Coleman Pavilion)
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Chapel Services – 8:30 AM & 10 AM
Bible Studies
We’re in the book of Numbers, continuing through the Torah.
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Men’s Study: Wednesday, 8 AM
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Women’s Study: Wednesday, 9:30 AM
Our Young Adult Bible Study is currently on pause.
Our other Men’s and Women’s studies will meet during Holy Week, then take a break the week after Easter.
Catch up via our podcast:
Chapel Study Notes (available wherever you stream).
Parking
If you need parking passes for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, or Easter Services, we’ve attached those to this email. Just click here or go to https://mcusercontent.com/8f64360fa0f225ac00d09e2f8/files/24563bb8-f962-74c1-e4c4-350c1b6bd672/CHAPEL_HOLY_WEEK_PARKING_CODES.pdf
The community of Seaside has graciously allowed our congregants to park in paid parking for free during services.
Egypt 2026
We’re planning a trip to Egypt in 2026!
We’ll explore classic sites, with optional visits to Jordan, the Dead Sea, and Petra.
We don’t have official registration open just yet, but if you’re interested, email:
[email protected]
Whether it’s Palm Sunday, Noon Prayer, Bible Study, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, or Easter—I hope you’ll join us.
It’s good for us to experience these powerful stories again and again and again.
Who knows what will stand out to you this time?
If you’re out of town, under the weather, or just need to worship from home, join us online:
thechapelatseaside.com
facebook.com/TheChapelAtSeaside
vimeo.com/thechapelatseaside
Let us know if you need anything.
We’re on the journey together.
Blessings,
Andrew