This post deals with a story published in the Friday morning edition of The Christian Post entitled, Spontaneous Response in Florida Shows Faith Alive and Well, Even at the Beach on Easter. Make sure you read the story here.
Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/spontaneous-response-in-florida-shows-faith-alive-and-well-even-at-the-beach-on-easter-92785/#BbfQ4E37isV2VkzD.99

Several years ago my family began vacationing at the small resort community of Rosemary Beach, Fla. While the white sands and beautiful weather are the primary season families live and vacation at this architectural wonderland, what continues to draw me back is the church that meets at the town center on Sunday morning appropriately called Chapel at the Beach.

On our first visit in the fall of 2005, I stumbled upon a sign in the town’s picturesque square mentioning the service that would be held the following Sunday morning at 9:00 am.

I must admit, I didn’t expect much from the service. After all, it was a gorgeous beach community with several pools and restaurants and of course, a great beach. And I certainly didn’t expect much from the sermon since it would be easy for some pastor that attracts people from a variety of denominations and beliefs and to give a short talk taken from the prosperity gospel.

In all honestly, it would be ideal for a Unitarian congregation to worship at such a location.

Yet I was blown away by both the service and the sermon.

It’s too bad I can’t recall the topic Pastor Mike preached from so many years ago, but what I do remember was that his words were a wonderful sermon straight from scripture and proclaiming that Jesus Christ was the way and the only way to fantastic eternal life with our Lord and Savior. Most importantly, he spoke in a heartfelt manner of love and compassion for those who have sinned and fallen short of God’s expectations.

In the many times I have visited since, I have gotten to know Pastor Mike and many of his leadership team such as Lee Sage, Jon LaPlante and Scott Steelman. I’ve experienced some of the best and most challenging times of my life at Rosemary Beach and Chapel at the Beach was there in both. I have especially thankful for the ministry they provide to the kingdom of Christ.

Earlier last week when the editors at The Christian Post were talking about what types of stories we needed to cover for Easter, I immediately thought of Pastor Mike and the Chapel at Rosemary Beach and suggested one of our reporters write a story on their Easter service.

Some who attend services this Easter Sunday will do so in their “Easter best;” those clothes especially purchased for the formal introduction to the spring fashion season. Others will be in flip-flops and shorts. The service at Rosemary Beach will be tilted heavily toward the latter.

But regardless of attire, one thing will remain constant. Pastor Mike will preach a message about the Good News, that Christ has Risen and is alive today. And I can think of no more beautiful place to hear this message.

I wish all of you a wonderful and happy Easter.