Welcome to Fisherman’s Chapel by the Bay
An inclusive, non-denominational Christian fellowship
Fisherman’s Chapel by the Bay started its active life in June 1984. It was founded by Rev. Arthur Wright, a Lutheran and retired Army Chaplin. After Rev. Wright and his wife, Elizabeth moved to Bodega Bay he felt a call to establish a church here and so contacted the Mount Olive Lutheran church in Sebastopol. They commissioned him to establish a “preaching station” in Bodega Bay and Fisherman’s Chapel by the Bay was born. They began meeting in the Bodega Bay Community Center.
As a preaching station the chapel did not establish formal membership. Regular attendees were considered “adherents”. The first adherent was Natalie Church, a Lutheran and resident of Bodega Harbor. From the beginning adherents represented a broad sample of the community. Residents of Bodega Bay, Carmet, Sereno del Mar and fishermen who had boats in one of the local marinas but lived elsewhere.
Our Leadership
The Chapel Council ‘consisting of seven members’ oversees the activities and budget of the church. Throughout its history the Chapel has been led by a group of committed and active lay leaders. The Chapel Council oversees the activities and budget of the community. It continues to carry out its Christian mission and stewardship and provides church services and charitable support for the Bodega Bay area.
Community Outreach
In 2016 we will be contributing 35% of our total budget to charities:
- Spud Point Fisherman's Fund
- Bodega Bay Church Friday Night Youth Program dinners
- Church World Service
- Bodega Bay Elementary School Daily Snack Program
- 35-40 Thanksgiving & Christmas Food Baskets
- Christmas Giving Tree
The Music
Music is one of the highlights of our Sunday morning worship service. The congregation enjoys singing hymns from the Methodist hymnal accompanied by an electric piano/organ played by one of the musically talented members. On special occasions, another talented member plays the guitar during the service.
Our Staff
Rev. Kathy Cramer was called to ministry as her second career. She has a lifelong connection with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and has served in various leadership roles in the local and regional church. Her interest in social justice lead her to become a Social Worker. She…
Read more
Neale Miller began his ministry with Fisherman’s Chapel in January 2016. A retired minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Neale served churches in Minnesota and New Orleans over the course of twenty-five year.
Upon retirement Neale and his wife Linda moved to San Francisco to reoccupy property they purchased in…
Read more
Joan Graham Poulos is originally from Kansas, music has been important throughout her life. She started playing the piano at age 8; played both as an accompanist and soloist in High School. In college at The University of Kansas, she sang in the Acappella Choir and covered musical events…
Read more