The Chapel Digest - JULY 2026

Flexibility


If there was a word to describe summer of 2026 at Christian Chapel  it would be FLEXIBLE! A building expansion and renovation combined with big summer camps and events remind us that even the best plans require flexibility. Temporary inconveniences, continual construction mess, relocated classrooms, adjusted worship service locations, and a constant refrain of “that’s our plan right now,” can all test our patience. Yet Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, "A person's heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps."  While we make plans, and contingency plans, we also trust that God often accomplishes His greatest work through unexpected adjustments. Flexibility isn't simply about adapting to change—it is an expression of faith that God is directing our steps for His greater purposes.


The path of flexibility isn't always the most convenient one. As we continue through this season of expansion, each small sacrifice—parking a little farther away, adapting to adjusting to temporary changes—becomes an opportunity to demonstrate unity, humility, and trust in God's leadership. These inconveniences are temporary, but the ministry opportunities they create will bless countless people for years to come.


The lesson of flexibility extends far beyond a building project. Life rarely unfolds exactly as we expect. We all encounter unexpected detours, delays, and changes that force us to adjust our plans. In those moments, we can either resist what God is allowing or trust that He is faithfully working through circumstances we may not yet understand. As we practice flexibility together as a church, it can also lead us into deeper personal experiences of trust and faith. 


Chris Dow
Lead Pastor

Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken.


- Wayne Tesch (Founder, Royal Family Kids) -

COMING UP THIS MONTH

SUNDAY Morning Services - 9:00AM & 10:30AM

Sunday, July 5th

9:00am & 10:30am | Sunday Services/ Donut Sunday

6pm - 8pm | Home Groups


Friday, July 10th

6:30pm - 9:00pm | Chapel Women Summer Social


Sunday, July 12th

9:00am & 10:30am | Sunday Services

9:00am - 10:00am | Next Steps [more info]


Sunday, July 19th

9:00am & 10:30am | Sunday Services

6pm - 8pm | Home Groups


Monday, July 20th - Thursday, July 23rd

Chapel Kids Camp | Sign Up


Thursday, July 23rd - Sunday, July 26th

Chapel Youth Camp | Sign Up


Sunday, July 26th

9:00am & 10:30am | Sunday Services

Logan & Emily Hardesty

- Royal Family kids Camp -

For Logan and Emily Hardesty, Royal Family Kids Camp (RFKC) has become much more than a week of serving each summer, it has become part of their family's story.


Married in 2007 at Christian Chapel, Logan and Emily have two sons, Ben (16) and Gabe (11). Logan grew up attending Christian Chapel, and after the couple began attending together in 2014, God opened the door for them to become part of one of the church's life-changing ministries, Royal Family Kids Camp.


In 2015, during a Sunday morning invitation to serve at RFKC, Logan sensed the Lord prompting him to volunteer. With a newborn at home, he quickly dismissed the idea. But as they walked to the car after service, Emily turned to him and said, "I think you should go to camp." Looking back, they both recognize that simple conversation as the beginning of a calling that would shape their lives for years to come.

Royal Family Kids provides a free week of summer camp for children ages 7–11 in the foster care system, along with a year-round mentoring program. Since that first summer, Logan has served as a counselor, Emily has led the camp's birthday celebration, and together they have served as Assistant Directors since 2019. Throughout the year, they help recruit and train volunteers, welcome campers, prepare for camp, and organize the annual Pie Auction that helps fund the ministry.


One memory has stayed with Logan through the years. After being assigned to a different cabin, one of Logan's previous campers introduced Logan to his younger brother by saying, "You have the best counselor." For Logan, it was a reminder that consistent love and faithful presence can leave an impact that lasts long after camp ends.


Serving at Royal Family KIDS Camp has also shaped their own family. After hearing stories about camp for years and attending one of its single-day events, their oldest son, Ben, knew he wanted to serve. This summer, he will attend RFKC for the first time as a staff member, continuing a family tradition of investing in children who need hope.

When asked what people might be surprised to learn about RFKC, Logan and Emily's answer is simple: anyone can serve. "These children don't need someone with special qualifications," they shared. "They simply need caring adults who will help them feel safe, seen, and loved."


As this year's camp approaches, they ask our church family to pray that every child who attends would experience the love of Jesus in a personal way. Their prayer is that the seeds planted during one week at camp will continue to grow, reminding every child that they are deeply known, deeply loved, and never forgotten.

Continue The Story Progress Update

The new Chapel Kids Preschool & Nursery area is open! The larger, brighter space provides age and ability appropriate care for our babies and toddlers. It is also more secure with one entry point, one-way traffic, and exit only doors for nursery and preschool. The expanded Nursing Moms room is conveniently located right off the sanctuary Later this fall, as the building project continues, Kids Check-In will be relocated closer to the Preschool & Nursery entrance. 


The sanctuary and youth center additions are also nearing completion. July 26 or August 2 should be our first Sunday to worship in the new space. We are planning to worship in the gym on Sunday July 12 & July 19 to allow construction crews uninterrupted access as they remove the temporary wall, paint, lay carpet, and finish all the audio and video installations. 


Thank you for your continued generosity and flexibility. These new spaces will enable us to introduce more people to Jesus each week!