WE GROW here
Engaging Bible teaching, authentic vibrant worship, and strong community have been constant values of Chapel in The Pines. Everybody is welcome, nobody is perfect, and we believe that, with God, all things are possible.
About Us
Frequently Asked Questions
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What type of church is Chapel?We are a friendly, non-denominational church. We play modern worship music and preach biblically based messages. We love community and think you will fit right in.
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How should I dress?People dress casually at Chapel. Jeans and t-shirts to business casual will fit right in.
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Where is Chapel located?18580 Cherokee Drive, Twain Harte.
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What do I do after I arrive?After parking anywhere in our parking lot, make your way to our Worship Center (lowest building on campus) and walk through our doors into the foyer. Look to your left for the Welcome Desk and speak to one of our smiling Welcome Team members. They will tell you where you need to go.
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How long does a service last and what time does it start?Service starts at 10am. But getting to our campus before 9:45 would be a good idea. We end by 11:30. Great question!
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Do you serve coffee or snacks?OH YES! In our foyer we have a coffee bar, staffed by baristas and powered by Revive Coffee. We also serve sweet treats and it's all free!
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What about kids and youth (teens)?Nursery: Our 0-24 month littles can be cared for in our nursery, starting at 9:45. It is located in the Worship Center, lower campus, downstairs in Room 2. There is also a space for nursing moms, close by in Room 4. ChapelKids: 2-4 years can be dropped off at 9:45, in the Worship Center, lower campus, downstairs in Room 1. K-5th graders, join parents for worship in the Worship Center and after the third song (there will be a notification on the big screen), they can be escorted to the Portico (outside front entrance) to meet their teachers. The teachers will take them to their classes. ChapelYouth: Our youth get to stay in our service for worship, in the Worship Center. After the last song, the group of 6th-12th graders make their way to the Upper Chapel, lower level, in the Coffee House. You can escort your youths, to get to know the campus and make them feel comfortable, if you like. If you have any further questions, ask one of our Welcome Team members and they will point you in the right direction. We're looking forward to serving your kids and youth!
78
YEARS
CHAPEL
Our History
Chapel in the Pines started in 1947 as a group of people who began to meet for Wednesday evening fellowship and Bible study. At that time, Twain Harte was just a wide place in the road along Highway 108. The town did not have a church building. As the gathering grew, so did a desire to form a congregation and build a local church. Russ and Alva Peters were part of this gathering of believers and Russ designed the plans for Twain Harte’s first church. Materials were donated, volunteer labor invested, time was sacrificed to see the dedication of Twain Harte’s first church building in May of 1949. This “Old Chapel” still stands. Pastor Bill Callahan, who was also the pastor at Standard Community Church, served as Chapel’s first Pastor.
Russ Peters became the Senior Pastor in 1955 and served 29 years, retiring in 1984. The ministry was family-oriented and missions-minded. Emphasis was placed on introducing people to Jesus and equipping the church to be selfless servants. Pastor Russ continued to serve and encourage the Chapel family until his homegoing in 2018.
In 1984, Steve Peters, son of Russ and Alva Peters, was installed as the new Senior Pastor. At the same time, construction began on a larger church building. Pastor Russ designed the new sanctuary. As with the Old Chapel, the new building was a labor of love by the members who donated money, time, skills, and effort to see the building completed. The first service was held in the new Chapel in 1987. Pastor Steve had a great passion for worship and encouraging the church to grow in their relationship to the Lord. He was a gifted preacher and, with his wife Debbie, had a special gift in making everyone feel welcome. He also did much to foster collaboration with other local pastors and church leaders. Pastor Steve faithfully served as Senior Pastor until his passing in 2000.
Pastor Dennis Ortmann took on the role of Senior Pastor in 2000. Originally from the Pittsburgh area, Pastor Dennis had served in Berlin, Germany for 22 years. With his wife Alexandra, they moved to Tuolumne County to serve the Chapel family and emphasized a common faith in Jesus woven together through the love and working of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Dennis retired in 2020.
In 2020, Pastor Daniel Baxter arrived to serve Chapel in the Pines as Interim Pastor. He, with his wife Tegan, came with a heart to build relationships and see the ministry thrive. Pastor Daniel encouraged an exciting revitalization around Chapel’s core values of engaging Biblical worship, ongoing spiritual development, selfless service and a desire to positively impact the community.
A new season for Chapel in the Pines began in summer of 2022 when Tim Kayser became the Lead Pastor. Tim and his wife, Echo, are passionate to see lives changed by the love, truth, and power of God. They are eager to see Chapel grow as God’s family, seek His presence, and pursue His mission together.