Vacationers to Captiva often feel as though they are stepping back in time when they arrive on the small barrier island. The quaint ground floor houses, the sand and shell rock streets and the small-town community atmosphere make them feel like they have stepped into a Norman Rockwell painting. Entering Chapel by the Sea, a little white church set on the Gulf of Mexico, is one of those magical experiences that tourists to the island never forget.

Here is a feature article which ran in a prior issue of Island Scene:

The mission of the Captiva Chapel by the Sea continues to be one of welcome and inclusiveness to one and all. Each week these words are said from the pulpit: “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey you’re welcome here.” The Chapel celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and while much has changed over those years, its essential mission remains the same; to be place of prayer for all people and a community which reaches out in mission to those in need.
For many who wander these grounds it is a place where “heaven and earth are close”; a “thin place” as Celtic Christianity puts it. Sitting under the old Sea Grape trees in the chapel yard and hearing the surf they are drawn into an experience like no other. During the chapel season which runs from the second Sunday of November through the last Sunday of April, thousands walk these grounds, looking into the historic cemetery, pausing to pray or meditate and many return for Sunday worship at 11:00 a.m. Still others come to celebrate weddings either in the historic Chapel or on the beach.
Beginning with the season of Advent and continuing to Epiphany, January 6; the chapel grounds are lighted by thousands of colored Christmas light. During this time, the chapel is open into the evening (it normally closes at 5:00 p.m.) and even more people wander the grounds. Christmas Eve is celebrated with a service of music and readings at 6:00 PM. While the chapel seats 120 persons, hundreds more chairs are set up in the chapel yard to accommodate the 1,000 or more worshipers who come to celebrate.
Hospitality is an integral part of the mission of the Chapel by the Sea. From our Sunday fellowship times following worship to the monthly “open house” held (third Sunday of the Month from 5- 8 PM) at the parsonage, we invite the Sanibel/Captiva community as well as all who are visiting to come and get to know us.
We believe that God’s presence is surely in this place, and we seek to be open to that power and presence in all that we do.