SPRING/SUMMER 2025

Welcome to Our 142nd season!

Immerse yourself in the heart of our chapel community. Our newsletter delivers a dose of inspiration and connection, featuring upcoming events, insightful spiritual reflections, the latest community news, and exciting updates on our chapel projects. Discover what's resonating with your fellow members this season – see their thoughts below.

Letter from the Minister
Letter from the President
Letter from Father John Murray
Letter from the Outreach Committee
Letter from the Children's Program
Letter from the Hospitality Committee
Letter from the Treasurer
Letter from the Needlepoint Committee

“The Sconset Chapel is an historic sacred place offering a spiritual home to all and as such provides an opportunity for all to worship, celebrate, learn, mourn, and serve together in the Christian tradition”

Pastor, St Mary Our Lady of the Isle

Dear Friends in Christ,

As another summer begins on the beautiful island of Nantucket, I am filled with gratitude and anticipation for the weeks ahead. Before long, we will once again gather for the celebration of Sunday Mass at Sconset Union Chapel—a moment each week that anchors our time here in prayer and in the presence of the Lord. I look forward to being with you throughout the season. Although I am not able to be present every Sunday, I am grateful for the faithful support of the Jesuits from Boston College, who help ensure that the Eucharist remains at the heart of our summer worship. Our parish’s longstanding relationship with the Chapel Community continues to be a true blessing. It reflects something deeper than cooperation—it is a witness to our shared faith in Jesus Christ. As the Psalmist reminds us, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity” (Psalm 133:1).

In the midst of the activity and rest that summer brings, may we remain rooted in Christ—attentive to His Word and open to the grace offered through the life of the Church. Each Sunday is not simply part of the weekend, but an invitation to encounter the Lord more deeply. The celebration of the Holy Mass is the heart of that encounter. As the Second Vatican Council teaches, the Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” From it, we are strengthened and sent forth to live our faith with greater clarity, charity, and purpose each day. Be assured of my prayers for you and your families during this summer season.

God bless you all!

Fr. John Murray, Pastor St Mary-Our Lady of The Isle

Children's Programs

The Sconset Children’s Chapel is delighted to welcome back returning friends and greet new faces alike as we begin another beautiful season together. After four incredible years of Children’s Chapel, we are filled with gratitude and joy as we step into our fifth! This special community continues to grow in the most meaningful ways, and each gathering is a joyful reflection of God’s presence—rooted in love, kindness, and connection.

Together, we sing with joy, explore meaningful stories of faith, offer prayers, create with our hands and hearts, and deepen our sense of belonging within our cherished chapel family. This summer, our theme is GRACE—embracing kindness, forgiveness, and gratitude in all that we do.

The Children’s Program will take place on non-beach service Sundays (July 12, 26; August 9, 23, and 30), running alongside the Chapel service. Children will begin worship with their families before transitioning to “AMEN”—a space filled with music, stories, crafts, and community-building activities. While fun is at the heart of all we do, safety remains our top priority.

Children ages 3–12 are warmly invited to join. We also welcome teenage volunteers, as well as parents and grandparents of young children, to help enrich our time together. If you are interested in contributing or have any questions, please reach out to Chrissi Crampton at chrissicrampton@gmail.com.

Your presence and participation help nurture a vibrant and loving congregation. We cannot wait to gather with you and your families at Chapel this summer!

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Behold Book And Ornaments

Consider ordering the book, Behold: The Siasconset Union Chapel for $75. We have a new selection of ornaments designed by Jenny Johnson who has captured several Sconset scenes and scenes inspired by the Chapel and its beautiful needlepoint. The ornaments will be available for sale, finished and in kits, complete with yarn and canvas. They will be available after Sunday services.

Prices: Kits are $100. Finished ornaments $150

All proceeds go to the Chapel outreach programs.

Email sconsetchapel@gmail.com for more information.

Board of Trustees

There are many things we are thankful for at our beloved Chapel. The board of trustees works diligently to oversee the chapel's operations, finances, and mission. Our committees are thoughtful in managing our finances, the maintenance of our beautiful grounds and columbarium areas, buildings and preservation, communications, events, hospitality, and pastoral support.

Officers 2024-2025
Elizabeth Queally
President
Deb Martin
Vice President
Chrissi Crampton
Vice President
Ed Hodge
Treasurer
Lesley Blanchard
Secretary & Clerk
Board of Trustees 2024-2025
Lesley Blanchard
Chrissi Crampton
Maggie Cooley
Caroline Ellis
Charlie Gailliot
Ed Hodge
Jamie Holt
Deb Martin
Valerie Paley
Charley Polachi
Meriwether Powell
Elizabeth Queally
Jenny Robertson
Sarah Russell
Chris Staudt

food Pantry

Nantucket food pantry bags will be available in the Chapel every Sunday during the season.

Please take one, fill it up with the suggested items on the list in the pocket of the bag, bring it back on Sunday or drop it off on porch of Amen.

Summer Worship Schedule

At Siasconset Union Chapel, we welcome all who seek spiritual connection, community, and renewal. Our doors are open to residents and visitors alike, offering services in both Protestant and Catholic traditions throughout the summer season. Join us in this historic sacred space where generations have gathered for prayer, music, reflection, and fellowship.

Protestant Service
June 15 - September 21
Sun 10:30am
Prayer Service
June 12 - September 18
Thurs 8:00 am
Sunday Beach Service
Jul 6 & 20, Aug 3 & 17, Sep 7
Sun 8:00am
Roman Catholic Masses
June 29 - August 31
Sunday 8:45am
Children's Program
July 13 & 27, Aug 10, 24, & 31
Sun 10:30am
Communion & Prayer Service
July 20 & August 17
Sun 10:30am

Benches

weddings at the chapel

The Chapel is a special and highly sought after place for an island wedding.

Choosing it for your marriage ceremony brings your family and friends into our Christian community. To learn more about the practice and policies concerning marriage and eligibility, please visit our website, sconsetchapel.org/sacraments.

We encourage Chapel worshippers, their families, year round and seasonal Nantucket residents and property owners, as well as frequent visitors to the island to reserve the Chapel at least eight months ahead of the brief June to October season in which they wish to marry. The fee for a wedding generates funds for building and garden maintenance.

Brides and grooms wishing further information should first review the website (above), then contact Mary Will, Chapel Reservationist at marylathropwill@gmail.com with questions about availability and assistance concerning steps forward.

Summer Beach Services

Everyone anticipates the Sconset Chapel beach services. Especially the dogs who greet each other! Children enjoy the freedom to play in the sand while their parents listen to the waves break as the background for Rev Carr Holland’s message. Beach services will be held on July 6 and 20, August 3 and 17 and September 7. The services on July 20 and August 17th will include Blessing of the Animals. The Rev Carr Holland leads the prayers with musical accompaniment while the ocean is our backdrop .

This is an opportunity to worship in comfortable attire surrounded by friends, house guests, children, and of course dogs! Dont forget your beach chair.

Memorial Gifts

We are grateful for the following gifts In Memory Of:

Susan and Perry Ruddick
Nancy Yeates
John Foster
Thomas Bispham
Joan Porter
Theodore McLean
Gay Lord
Dempster and Longley Families
George and Dorothy Ranch
Julia M Lloyd
Peter Fredland
Jane Guido
Barbie and John Bartlett
Marshall Chambers
Ralston R Russel
Gene Pratter
Ann Mangan Ficher
Edwin Callahan
Judy and Bill Holding
Polachi and Johnson Families
Dick Tevebaugh
Jane and Duane Todd
Kate Spencer Morton
Jill Stanley Brown
Marianne Felch
Sam Daume

Volunteers

Readers & Greeters
Docent and Bell Ringers
Visitors Welcome

New to Siasconset Chapel?

We extend a warm welcome to all who visit our doors. The chapel is located in the heart of Siasconset village, a short walk from Main Street. Our congregation embraces newcomers with open arms, and we invite you to join us for worship, community events, or simply to enjoy a moment of quiet reflection in our historic sanctuary.