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Rev. Tom Nyman joins Chapel By-the-Sea

By Staff | Nov 3, 2010

Rev. Tom and Linda Nyman.

Every three years, one of the islands’ most cherished landmarks falls into the care of a new person, and on Nov. 14, Reverend Tom Nyman will begin his term as the Chapel By-the-Sea minister.

“We’re looking forward to it. We’ve visited Captiva and Sanibel a number of times and we’re eager to be there for the season,” Nyman said. “Though, I hate to leave Minnesota when there are finally no mosquitoes — but we’re going to make sacrifice and come to the Sunshine State.”

A friendly man who’s certainly not afraid to crack a joke or two, Reverend Tom Nyman grew up in Minnesota and spent 33 years as the pastor at the Marine on St. Croix church.

“In Marine on St. Croix, Minn., the Christ Lutheran Church was the best church in town — though, some people point out that it was the only church in town,” Nyman said, laughing and then adding that, while it was the only church in town, people from all denominations gathered at the church to worship. “Chapel By-the-Sea is that way. There’s a horse from every barn.

They all come together and we find a common ground in our worship — it’s nice to celebrate what unites us instead of what divides us.”

Nyman is the first Lutheran to become a Chapel By-the-Sea minister — and he’s also the first motorcycle enthusiast!

“I’ve ridden motorcycles since I was a kid. It’s a joy. To me, traveling by motorcycle makes you feel like you’re really there, whereas riding in a car feels like you’re just watching,” Nyman said, noting that he just loaded up his motorcycle in preparation for the trip from Minnesota to Florida. “That’s one of the exciting things about coming to Captiva — being able to ride my motorcycle 12 months out of the year.”

But aside from ideal motorcycle weather year-round, Nyman said he’s really looking forward to being a part of the Chapel community.

“The sense of unity among diverse brands of Christians is something that excites me and the people I’ve met on Captiva have been absolutely delightful. There are so many people who are unique, yet they all connect with each other. I’m eager to renew friendships and make new ones,” Nyman said.

Nyman and his wife Linda will arrive on Captiva next week to prepare for the Chapel’s first service on Sunday, Nov. 14, at 11 a.m.

For more information about the Chapel or Reverend Tom Nyman, call 472-1646.

The Chapel By-the-Sea is located at 11580 Chapin Lane.