The Rev. Christopher “Kit” Sherrill will be honored for his many years of dedicated service to All Saints during the season opening Sunday at the 10 a.m. service. Rev. Sherrill celebrated his first service at the chapel on June 25, 1967 and has been an integral part of its leadership for over 50 years. We invite the many friends whose lives Kit has touched to be part of this special celebration.

The 2022 summer season at All Saints by-the-Sea chapel on Southport Island will begin with the service of Holy Communion offered at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. This Sunday, The Rev. Paul Tunkle of Dresden, Maine will be the celebrant and Southport’s The Rev. Dr. Virginia Sheay will provide the sermon. Our resident organist, Mr. Henry Lowe will provide music for both services. People of all faiths are invited to attend the services.

Provided that we remain at low Covid community transmission levels, some in our community will choose to wear a face mask and others will feel safe not wearing a mask. We honor both choices. Singing and congregational responses will be part of the service. Outdoor porch seating is available for those who wish for more social distancing. Holy Communion will be the consecrated Host only. A coffee hour and reception honoring Kit and Leigh will be held following the 10 a.m. service.

The Rev. Dr. Sheay, although partially retired, serves as clergy assistant at Trinity Episcopal Church, Solebury, Pennsylvania. A long-time summer resident of Southport, Dr. Sheay has had a career as organist/choir director and as a pioneer in the role of ordained women in the Episcopal Church. She was one of the first two women to be ordained in the Diocese of New Jersey and recently celebrated the 45th anniversary of her ordination. Dr. Sheay serves on the Governing Body of All Saints by-the-Sea as vice chair, as well as chairing the music and pastoral care committees. Rev. Tunkle moved to Midcoast Maine in 1972 and was ordained at St. Luke’s Cathedral in Portland. He served parishes in North Carolina, New Jersey, Louisiana and Maryland.

An informal discussion relating to the week’s scripture passages will be led by Dr. Sheay on the outside porch of the chapel on Tuesday, June 21 from 9 to 10 a.m. Attendees of All Saints as well as members of other area church are encouraged to attend.

All Saints by-the-Sea is on Southport Island on All Saints Road about 2 miles on the left driving south on Route 238. An Episcopal Church sign marks the side of the road. Parking is available along Route 238, or if necessary, in the limited number of handicapped parking spaces off All Saints Road. A golf cart will ferry persons from the handicapped lot to the church steps. You may also come to church by private boat. The beautiful and simple wood chapel is open for quiet prayer and meditation during the week.