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Chapel by the Sea kicks off 68th season

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Rev. Dr. John N. Cedarleaf.

The second Sunday of November will mark the beginning of the 68th season of Sunday worship services at Historic Captiva Chapel by the Sea.

The new minister, Rev. Dr. John N. Cedarleaf from Fairport, NY, was welcomed this season. This will be the first year of his three year term and will be serving through April 2019.

Rev. Cedarleaf’s interview with the Chapel by the Sea Pulpit Search Committee, and subsequent visit to Captiva in November 2015, confirmed to that Board of Associates that Cedarleaf’s straight-forward style, caring demeanor, and understanding of the Chapel’s unique history is a natural fit for the island community.

Educated at North Park University in Chicago, then Andover Newton Theological School receiving his M.Div in 1969 and his D.Min in 1981. His ecclesiastical credentials include ordination in 1969 at Franklin Association, Massachusetts Conference United Church of Christ and his present ecclesiastical standing is in the Genesee Association, New York Conference United Church of Christ since 1984. Since 1969, Cedarleaf has had three church assignments, the most recent his 29 years (1984-2013) with the First Congregational United Church of Christ, in Fairport, NY.

A widower since 2012, he has two sons and six grandchildren who live in Massachusetts and New York State. A man of varied pursuits, his interests include family, reading, writing (poetry in particular) nature/the ocean, music and “connecting with diverse kinds of people.”

“I am intrigued by the mission of Captiva Chapel by the Sea and the opportunity to meet new folks,” said Cedarleaf. “The setting and style of the Chapel opens possibilities for conversations that are deep and nurturing.”

The Chapel is said by many to be, in the words of Celtic spirituality, a “thin place” where God is uniquely present. The gentle breezes off the Gulf, soaring ospreys and sea gulls, the gathering of people from many states, countries and faith traditions, the sounds of sacred music, all contribute to a soul inspiring and spiritually uplifting experience.

Beginning Nov. 13 through April 2017 in addition to the 11 a.m. Sunday morning happenings, the Chapel will be open daily for visitors to stop by and learn about an early 1900’s school house becoming a place where people come to pray and meditate, be baptized, join in marriage, renew wedding vows, and be prompted and motivated to meet the needs of people through a variety of ministry and social outreach endeavors.

In 2015, The Chapel Cemetery and The Captiva School/Chapel by the Sea were recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

One of the highlights of the season is the Christmas Eve Service. More than a thousand people make their way to sit under the Christmas lights, sing the familiar carols, hear the old, old story, and light candles in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea, or www.captivachapel.com.

Captiva Chapel By The Sea is located at 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva.