Church Across the Bay

This last weekend, we decided to visit the church simply known as "The Church Across the Bay." We had never visited before, but we had heard good things about the place. So on Sunday morning, around 9:15, we showed up at the boat harbor where the Dina Marie awaited us.

We and several other people loaded up, found a place to sit, and then set off for the 45 minute ride across the bay. When we came close to shore, I looked up to see a dog perched on the edge of a wooded island, barking at us. Another vessel was dispatched to the boat, and he ferried us to shore.

After we got off, the boat left to pick up people from the nearby community of Seldovia. 

This place was Amazing.

Worship practice before everyone arrived

People have been getting together in this little spot for over 20 years, but it wasn't until about 15 years ago that they finally put up a church building. The pastor and his wife, Pat and Ann Daigle, run a commercial fishing vessel in the summers, so they have built a home in this secluded area to live in during the fishing season.

Looking down at the Dina Marie, with its passengers from Seldovia

Since we were visiting on Father's Day, they sang a special song for the Dads, to the tune of the Johnny Appleseed prayer:

The Lord is good to me,

And so I thank the Lord

For giving me the Dad I need,

The salmon and the moose and the blueberries.

The Lord is good to me.

I loved this version - Alaskan through and through!

Here's Pat, holding up the words for everyone to see.

 After service - worship, preaching, prayer - there was a big potluck with plenty of food for everyone.
Then some of the dads played tug of war outside with the kids.

The dads won.

Of course.

Since we had never visited before, we asked if we could see the pastor's home.

They said yes.

It too, was incredible. Reminded me of the Swiss Robinson family. Even the steps up to his home were handcrafted, since he had notched a log into a staircase leading up to his place.

When we reached the top (which was very nerve wracking to me, since I'm afraid of heights), we could see this beautiful cabin set atop the hill.

In the front yard they had set up a little campfire area, complete with a bench, wooden stools, and flowers.

Everything was beautiful. 

After checking out the Pastor Daigle's cabin on the hill, the girls went beach combing and played with their friends.  

Here we are, loading onto the vessel that ferried us to shore. Time to head back!

I think we will make a point to revisit that place regularly- as in every few months. It was so beautiful!

Looking back

Father's Day fun!

Coming back into the harbor

Well, if you're ever in Homer, I'd highly commend this for a family outing. The pastor, his wife, and the rest of the group there were down to earth, friendly, and oh-so-kind And the surroundings. . . gorgeous! What a joy to know such a lovely place exists.

Thank you, Pastor Daigle for your hospitality and kindness. May God continue to bless your faithfulness!