Seaside Chapel Changes

[Rudyjohn]

They aren't looking for a congregation, maybe some stand in parrishioners though. As much as we all love our life here we sometimes lose sight that we are living in a fanciful place. NOTHING, IMO, in Seaside was built without the idea of it turning a profit. The cute cottages and yes the chapel. The chapel can be used by visitors and homeowners yes but its' purpose is for booked weddings and the like. I love it here but we are in a grown up Disney World...

thank you for being so direct and honest. I work on the marketing end at a huge methodist church in my area (which is no where near sowal ;-)). But it is ALL about making money. It is as much a business as anything else. A percentage goes for missions/apportionments but most goes elsewhere.
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[GoodWitch58]

They aren't looking for a congregation, maybe some stand in parrishioners though. As much as we all love our life here we sometimes lose sight that we are living in a fanciful place. NOTHING, IMO, in Seaside was built without the idea of it turning a profit. The cute cottages and yes the chapel. The chapel can be used by visitors and homeowners yes but its' purpose is for booked weddings and the like. I love it here but we are in a grown up Disney World...

This is pretty much what I thought was going on; would have been less of an issue if "the powers that be" had just stated that to begin with; preferably before the people of that congregation got so committed to the space. Nothing wrong with a resort area wanting to have a chapel for weddings, special speakers, etc., but be completely upfront about it.

I think it is ironic that (at least from what I've read and been told) Seaside was originally conceived of as a real community...the beach was such a spectacular lure, though , that it evolved into what it is today...still a great place for a Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, and a sunset at Bud and Alley's....
the best post office and post ladies in the world, and a wonderful grassy hill for running across....

 

[30ABandMan]

Yep, when I got here 5 years ago I was absolutely taken in by it all. Then as I started look around more I saw it for what it is. We live in a huge resort! Seaside supplies all of the infrastructure and we regular peeps keep up the facade that this is actually a thriving little seaside town. I don't discount any of the business owners or hardworking people that do live here. My wife and I are lucky enough to be here simply because of our jobs.

But, have you ever gotten up real early and watched all of the workers come thru on the big bus? They clean up and "reset" the whole idealic scene every morning prior to 7am. Then, the Seaside attendants show up in their Lt. Blue Polos and Khaki shorts to keep the area picked up during the day. I mean, come on, where else have you ever seen anything like it other than Disney World? I feel like an extra in a movie! I would like to know how many people really live and conduct their daily lives here. I have commented to my wife before while at parades or other public functions that there wasn't a single person there that I know.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE living along 30A. I made a huge mistake and took a job out of the area this school year and I'm trying to find a job back closer to home now. I think I see this area for what it is though. We live in a large non-structured resort. Just like Disney World has Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood etc...30A has Watercolor, Seaside, SGB, Alys, Rosemary etc...the tourist just have to decide which park they want to visit.

 

[GoodWitch58]

Yes, I think you are right about that...and that's okay with me. I knew that when I moved back here. Those times I let my mind wander back to the way it was before Seaside, I get a bit sad; however, I look at it this way: those of us who live here permanently get to enjoy everyday what thousands of others pay thousands of dollars to enjoy for just a short while. Taken from that perspective, I am okay with it.

There is no way to go back to the way it used to be, and I am glad to have experienced this area before all the development...the memories are good ones.

Now, I am glad for all the wonderful opportunities we have for music and art and great restaurants and interesting people and good schools and a great hospital, a safer highway 98, the bike path, the beach walkovers, Publix...and one more sunrise and sunset...and the wind. I love how the wind has such a presence here. This area has a unique energy.

There is no other place I'd rather live than here.

 

[Jdarg]

Seaside is a real community to my family- I don't view it as a made up place, because you can't "make up" the people. Everyone close to us has something doing or going on or happening at Seaside all the time. It is where we congregate to meet friends, play, hang out, eat, enjoy theater, art, and music. Many of the business owners are friends, and many friends work in the businesses. It is the equivalent of the county seat of the 30A area.

I understand the angst surrounding the chapel issue, but I am not part of that congregation, and think that issue (like many local issues) should be discussed by the actual people involved and/or affected. Like many people on this thread, I only know what I have read, so I don't feel like I am really close enough to the situation to pass judgement- I just hope everything gets worked out and people move on- which sounds like what is happening.

 

[30ABandMan]

Seaside is a real community to my family- I don't view it as a made up place, because you can't "make up" the people. Everyone close to us has something doing or going on or happening at Seaside all the time. It is where we congregate to meet friends, play, hang out, eat, enjoy theater, art, and music. Many of the business owners are friends, and many friends work in the businesses. It is the equivalent of the county seat of the 30A area.

I understand the angst surrounding the chapel issue, but I am not part of that congregation, and think that issue (like many local issues) should be discussed by the actual people involved and/or affected. Like many people on this thread, I only know what I have read, so I don't feel like I am really close enough to the situation to pass judgement- I just hope everything gets worked out and people move on- which sounds like what is happening.

I agree Jdarg...

I love the life my family has here along 30A. The central part of that life is our friends and that is what I have missed most this past school year. Well, other than my girls...

 

[scooterbug44]

So because they keep their community clean it's not a real community?

You need to get out more - most towns, cities, and countries employ people whose only job is just to keep their public spaces clean and visitors safe and happy.

 

[30ABandMan]

So because they keep their community clean it's not a real community?

You need to get out more - most towns, cities, and countries employ people whose only job is just to keep their public spaces clean and visitors safe and happy.

I didn't say that at all Scoot. I'm saying that it feels like you're in an amusement park at times with all of the people walking around tending the grounds. And I'm out tons and I visit a lot of different cities. And I used to work at keeping the public safe in a former career as well.

I'm not being argumentative, just making an observation so don't get on my butt

 

[Jdarg]

I agree Jdarg...

I love the life my family has here along 30A. The central part of that life is our friends and that is what I have missed most this past school year. Well, other than my girls...

Hope a job gets you back in town soon~

 

[30ABandMan]

Thanks Jdarg and Will and his little cronies absolutely crack me up...great kids!