The buzz of summer is in the air as Seaside welcomes ever-increasing waves of visitors, happily sharing the beauty and bounty of our coastal getaway. As numbers increase on sidewalks, in shops, on roads and in restaurants, our local houses of worship also expand. Some folks desire a peaceful respite during a busy vacation; brides anxiously check out venues for future nuptials; history buffs enjoy the areas older churches; and some just enjoy connecting and worshiping with others of like-minded faith.
This past Sunday, my family and I attended a good old-fashioned pancake breakfast in the Fellowship Hall of Our Lady of Victory Church in downtown Seaside. After breakfast, we toured the grounds of the recently renovated church, and then headed inside for mass. This was the first Sunday in the new space, and it was full of both locals and visitors. The official dedication will take place Sunday, July 10th at 3:00 pm.
Although many of us were sad to see the old building go, with its quaint cottage-like charm, we appreciate the need for structural improvements as well as additional space for a congregation that swells dramatically in the summer. It’s a popular place for visitors as it is steps from the beach and adjacent to all the attractions of downtown. Like other Seaside churches, it is a welcoming, peaceful place that’s an integral part of the community. Thankfully, the building’s designers did a lovely job of creating an edifice that blends naturally into its surroundings.
Another church in town that sees its numbers swell in summer is North Coast Family Fellowship. It is especially popular as it has numerous programs for youths of all ages, including Vacation Bible School in July. VBS is a free day camp for kids going into Kindergarten through 5th grade and is full of all the fun you’d expect including crazy songs, high octane games, arts and crafts, and hilarious skits featuring the church’s older kids. My daughter has attended VBS three times and has always come away with treasured memories.
Of course, even a walk on the beach at sunset taking in our awe-inspiring coastline is cause for worship, and an apt place for prayer and meditation. But should you want to step inside a house of worship while you are here, here’s a list of area churches:
§ Calvary Episcopal Church, 503 N. Holladay Dr., 503-738-5773
§ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1403 S. Wahanna Rd., 503-738-7543
§ Church of the Nazarene, 931 16th St., 503-738-6603
§ Faith Lutheran Church – LCMS, 1115 Broadway, 503-738-7223
§ Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2667 Highway 101 North, 503-738-8082
§ North Coast Family Fellowship, 2245 N. Wahanna Road, 503-738-7453
§ Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 120 Oceanway, 503-738-6161
§ Our Savior’s Lutheran Church ELCA, 320 1st Ave., 503-738-6791
§ River of Life Fellowship, 1000 Ave F, 503-738-5534
§ Seaside Assembly of God, 540 S Holladay 503-738-6180
§ Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1450 N. Roosevelt Dr., 503-738-8071
§ United Methodist Church, 241 N. Holladay Dr., 503-738-7562
