Welcome to Our 143nd Season!

SPRING/SUMMER 2026

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.

I am pleased to report that 2025 was a very successful year, financially, for the Chapel.

For the first time in several years, the growth in giving exceeded the increase in expenses. In fact, total giving surged by nearly 40% versus the previous year and total income rose by 23% while expenses (before Outreach grants) increased by a more modest 8%. Our Annual Appeal, for the calendar year, generated contributions of $183,000, an increase of 46% over 2024, achieving the highest level on record. The endowments appreciated more than 11%, before distributions, benefiting from a strong US stock market and elevated short term interest rates. In addition, with assistance from the endowments, we completed the much needed repair and improvements to Amen cottage, extended the Columbarium Memorial wall and, most significantly, funded $150,000 of Outreach grants to island non-profits for the 5th consecutive year. I think you’ll agree, it was a very good year at the Chapel, financially.

Our 2026 budget, approved by the Board in February, provides for the services of the Chapel, support for our staff, professionals and musicians, the care and maintenance of our buildings and grounds, and the funding of Outreach grants to organizations and non-profits serving our village and the island. In formulating the budget, we were purposely conservative on income and liberal on expenses. Our ordinary income estimate is 12% below that achieved in 2025, while the estimate for expenses is 8% higher. While we are hopeful that the growth in giving and income experienced in 2025 will continue this year, we felt it unwise to make that our base case. The growth in expenses includes increased funding for our Children’s program as well as our music budget, and an increase in our Outreach budget to $160,000, the first increase since 2020. Unlike 2025, there are no large capital projects scheduled this year. The difference between income and expenses will be funded by withdrawals from our two endowments, which started the year with a combined value of $4,715,772. Our cash position as of March 1st was $139,000, which should provide ample liquidity through the start of the Chapel season in June.

As is the case each year, our budget is based on estimates. We’re counting on your continued generosity to make our giving estimate appear much too cautious, and we’re off to a good start with our 2025/2026 Annual Appeal campaign running 26% above last year. Thank you again for your continuing support of the Chapel.

Ed Hodge

“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

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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!

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 2026-2027

Jamie Holt

President

Deb Martin

Vice President

Chrissi Crampton

Vice President

Carrie Wofford

Secretary

Board of Trustees 2026-2027

Caroline Ellis

Charlie Galliot

Ed Hodge

Eric Kraeutler

Valerie Paley

Charley Polachi

Meriwether Powell

Elizabeth Queally

Jenny Robertson

Sarah Russell

Chris Staub

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.

View All Chapel Events

Protestant Services

June 14 - September 20

Sun 10:30am

Midweek Prayer Service

June 11 - September 17

Thurs 8:00 am

Sunday Beach Service

Jul 5 & 19, Aug 2, & 16, Sep 6

Sun 8:00am

Roman Catholic Masses

June 28 - September 6

Sunday 8:45am

Children's Program

July 12 & 26, Aug 9, 23, & 30

Sun 10:30am

Communion Services

July 19 & August 16

Sun 10:30am

Benches

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Memorial Gifts

We are grateful for the following gifts In Memory Of:

SPRING/SUMMER 2026