Serious Question
Last night at dinner, we had a very serious theological conversation.
Should any food ever touch the palm of your hand?
Weird question, I know—but watch a little kid eat, and you’ll see every food group being palmed like it’s a basketball. Personally, I find that gross…but I’m also not a child, and I’m a recovering germaphobe, so maybe that’s just me.
Adults, on the other hand, tend to keep their food at the fingertips—unless it’s popcorn, nuts, or candy. Those get a pass. Otherwise, palm-to-food contact? No thank you.
Sarah and I made our case. It was clear, logical, and morally superior (obviously). No palm-to-food contact—except for small snacks. Case closed. I even triumphantly challenged the table:
“Name one food that should touch the palm of your hand.”
Keating didn’t miss a beat. “Banana,” he said.
Banana?!
Nope. Absolutely not. In my humble-but-correct opinion, no palm should ever touch a peeled banana. That’s where I draw the line.
So now I’m wondering…have we failed as parents? Are our kids growing up with no grasp of proper eating technique or table manners?
Or…is this just how it works? Growth over time. Constant learning and refining. Picking up the ways of the people we follow?
Which brings me to this: we’re heading towards Holy Week.
Palm Sunday is just 9 days away.
Holy Week is the week we remember when Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, with crowds waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna!” It’s also the week he dines with friends, is betrayed, denied, abandoned, arrested, and killed. And then, on Easter morning, he defeats sin and death by rising again.
It’s the most important week in the Christian calendar.
It reminds us who Jesus is, what he’s done, and what it means for our lives—yet sometimes we treat it like off-brand Christmas. Same vibe, fewer presents, more pastels.
My hope is that as we step into this Holy Week, we’ll see that there has been a growth in us. That over these 40 days of Lent, we’ve been learning and refining. Hopefully we’re becoming a little more like Jesus.
When Keating made his banana joke, I had that brief parental panic—Really? That’s what my kids think? But then I remembered: our kids mirror us. They pick up our ways. And sure, I don’t palm bananas—but Sarah and I do make absurd counter-arguments just to get a laugh. So…Keating’s learning. He’s being formed. And—bless it—he’s becoming more like us.
So that brings up the real question:
Who are we becoming?
Who are we following?
Who are we learning from?
Who are we being refined by?
You can follow a lot of people—successful entrepreneurs, powerful leaders, wealthy influencers. They might show you how to build your dream life.
Or…
You could follow a poor, humble, wandering rabbi who leads you to the cross. He’ll show you how to live sacrificially, lay down your life, and discover more than you ever thought possible.
As we say often: following Jesus is a life of formation—where we abide in Him, are changed by Him, and embody His ways for the glory of God and the good of others.
I hope you’ll keep journeying with us as we journey with Him.
A few quick notes about some up and coming stuff at The Chapel.
Communion Sunday
This Sunday, 9 AM at The Chapel
A short 15-minute service of communion, followed by coffee and pastries in The Grove. All are welcome at the table.
10 AM – Regular worship service.
Need a parking pass? Email Sarah Beard: [email protected] with subject line: Parking Passes.
Spring Break Road Closures
April 7–11: Seaside’s closing residential streets (including 395 access through Old Seagrove).
Main access will be via Tupelo Street, Pensacola Street, and Seaside Ave.
This shouldn’t impact Sunday or Bible Studies, but plan ahead for Tuesday Noon Prayer or other visits during the day.
Tuesday Noon Prayer
Join us at The Chapel every Tuesday at 12 PM for an hour of guided prayer and worship with 30A Prays.
Worship led by Nate Kelly, it’s a peaceful space to pause, pray, and reflect in the presence of God.
Bible Studies
We’re in the book of Numbers, continuing through the Torah.
- Men’s Study: Wednesday, 8 AM
- Women’s Study: Wednesday, 9:30 AM
- Young Adults: Thursday, 8 AM
We’ll meet during Holy Week, then take a break the week after Easter (April 23 & 24).
Catch up via our podcast, Chapel Study Notes, wherever you stream.
Egypt 2026
We’re planning a trip to Egypt in 2026—classic sites, plus optional visits to Jordan, the Dead Sea, and Petra.
This is part one of a dream: followed by a Journeys of Paul cruise and, eventually, the Holy Land.
Interested? Email [email protected] to get on the list.
Next Gen Ministry
Our ministry for toddlers through middle school is growing fast!
Get to know Michael Pratt, our Next Gen Director: [email protected]
We’ve got Kids Church and Middle School gatherings on Sundays, family events in the works, and we’re finishing a new space for young families in The Chapel.
Holy Week Services
- Palm Sunday – April 13, 10 AM
- Maundy Thursday Communion – April 17, 6 PM
- Good Friday – April 18, 6 PM
- Easter Sunrise (Seaside Beach) – April 20, 6 AM
- Easter at The Chapel – April 20, 8:30 & 10 AM
More details, Lent guides, and playlists at:
thechapelatseaside.com/easter
Whether it’s Communion Sunday, Bible Study, Holy Week, or Easter, I hope you’ll join us.
But more than that—I hope you’ll follow after Jesus.
If you’re out of town, under the weather, or just need to worship from home, you can join us live on our website, Facebook, or Vimeo:
Let us know if you need anything. We’re on the journey together.
Blessings,
Andrew