Discovering the Spirit of Community at Assembly on Washington

Written by Nicole Chapman --

As a member of the advisory committee for Assembly On Washington, I recently had the chance to experience firsthand the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of New Smyrna Beach, FL, and I am excited to share how this journey ties into our mission.

The purpose of my trip was to spend quality time with my daughter Karlee, who had just

I graduated from middle school. This was our first summer vacation after her graduation, and we

were thrilled to enjoy some one-on-one Mommy/Daughter time and embrace the chance for

self-care and simply to just BE.

From the moment I entered the building, I felt a powerful and vibrant energy that confirmed this experience would be extraordinary. The landscape was breathtaking, with endless trees, shrubs, and foliage draped in Spanish moss, butterflies fluttering, and birds chirping, creating a majestic

backdrop for the bright white structure that was once a church.

Walking into the church felt magical, and I immediately knew this trip would be life-changing for

both me and Karlee. The energy inside was pure, powerful, and somewhat regal. The

transformation of the space into a blank canvas of possibilities, filled with unique furniture and

artwork, added a personal touch of sophistication and mystery.

Our stay was profoundly transformational. It felt like all my senses were heightened in the most

beautiful way. I could feel the rich history within these walls – the prayers, hopes, and dreams of

those who once gathered here. Although the building still reflected its original purpose, the

inside had been transformed into a home of comfort, peace, serenity, and laughter.

One of the highlights of our stay was the convenient location of the church. NSB is a very

walkable, bikeable, and pedestrian-friendly town. We loved exploring and discovering NSB’s

history, the culture of the locals, and how this little gem of an island offers so much of what a

“big city” has the warmth and familiarity of a small town.

Everywhere we went, the people were friendly and eager to share information about the best

things to do, restaurants to visit, and sweet treats to try. My daughter kept saying, “Mom,

Everyone is SO friendly here – like EXTREMELY friendly, lol.” I was just as surprised as she

was. NSB has a special magic that’s hard to describe but feels so warm, inviting, comfortable,

and liberating.

This experience in NSB deeply resonated with me and reinforced my calling to be a part of

something bigger than myself. It was a nudge from Spirit, The Universe & my Ancestors urging me to create or be part of a community that fosters connection, bonding, building, education, growth, and FUN. This realization solidified my vision for Assembly on Washington – a space where the community can gather, connect, and thrive together.

Assembly on Washington embodies the spirit of community that I felt so profoundly in NSB. It is

a place where collaboration takes precedence over competition, where we come together to

create an environment of growth and connection. Our mission is to cultivate a space that

nurtures the soul, inspires creativity, and builds lasting bonds among community members.

I invite you to join us at Assembly on Washington and become a part of this vibrant community.

Whether you’re looking to connect, learn, or simply enjoy the warmth and magic of New Smyrna

Beach, you’ll find a welcoming home here.