ChapNotes began as a ministry by Shields Moore in January of 1990. It consisted of one page from myself to employees of a citrus machinery manufacturing company. This was tacked to their bulletin board, weekly, for encouragement - humor - and inspiration.  From that hand drawn poster it grew to typed notes, then to daily memos from me, and finally, in 1994 it was first introduced as a Internet Website.
It continues in partnership today with DM Xander, who has a background in electronics. He is  now retired, and donates part of his time to be our site's designer as well as other web designing as a hobby. Then there is Aunt Sue, our e-mail director. Combined, we all serve the employees of the Tampa International Airport plus a growing World-Wide Internet audience. The first Internet edition was named, Chaplains Notes.

DM Xander & Wife
D.M. Xander & wife  Dee

Most of the assistance from volunteer chaplains provide are given in support of the 8,000 employees at Tampa Airport, as well as members of the general public (travelers) within the airport. The result of working with people of many faiths, and those with none, is that the largest share of our working time is of a non-religious activity.


Shields and wife Susan Moore

 We visit the aviation family at the desks and counters where they work and serve. Our work with employees is highly rewarding, filled with opportunities for help with crisis situations in worker families or share in their joys as well.

All the TIA (Tampa International Airport) chaplains are volunteers who provide 4 hours, one day each week, in this ministry. We train ordained clergy as well as laymen and women of faith, in workplace chaplaincy skills. Interested persons in the Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida area are welcome to participate with us.

Many people who travel through this facility are en-route to some destination concerning the death or critical illness of a loved one. Chaplains are available to counsel and pray with those whose lives are being torn asunder with grief circumstances. They do this task with an eye on the clock, knowing the importance of getting a traveler to their departure gate in a timely manner. ChapNotes are a part of the airport ministry, replacing the once a week note tacked on employee bulletin boards. I hope and pray these ChapNotes may be shared on bulletin boards all around the world - reaching many others who may need some spiritual blessing.

24 hour chaplain phone: 727 742-1029

Our E-Mail Ministry
This Section No Longer Available
as of July 31, 2010
Aunt Sue Aunt Sue, * as we all lovingly call her, has been e-mailing to subscribers the ChapNotes for well over 10+ years. She has corresponded with subscribers from Australia, the United Kingdom and many places within the United States and the World. When critical times came, especially 9-11-2001, she help those who were grief stricken, as she also lives in the upstate New York State area. It is amazing as to the number of countries in the world as well as the different occupations of subscribers who receive these notes each week. Through her dedication, she is a valuable member of the ChapNotes organization.

While I was hospitalized for example, she kept correspondence with those sending prayers and good wishes, and kept everyone updated as soon as she received reports from my wife. In a recent request for readers to respond about receiving ChapNotes brought in 52 responses. My best guess is that this is normal of one out of twenty readers who took the time to answer.

I have heard from Australia, South Africa, Scotland, England, Canada, and India among many, There have been many interesting comments as to workplaces where the notes were often read including several who got their notes from their chaplain. A church secretary who reads them while folding their church bulletins on Thursday of each week. In London, Heathrow Airport chaplain who shared his copy through a Parish magazine published throughout the West London area.

Also from a Chrysler plant worker who holds a weekly Bible Study called “The Huddle” with 130 men. Another reader who shares them with her husband in Iraq.  A Rotary Club piano player who shares notes with everyone on his mailing list, and these persons also share it further with folks on their email list; another who copies ‘notes’ to a Home League Newsletter; a London resident who works in Her Majesty’s Prison Service; a Fire Department Chaplain who forwards copies to six other department Chaplains; and a Naval Chaplain, currently in Norfolk, VA,  who had received ChapNotes while on carrier duty far out at sea - and others all over the world!
* (no relation to Susan Moore)

Chaplain Shields Moore