The Chapeline

"Blame It On February"

On this date 31 years ago, one of my first mentors (and a very close friend) passed away in a terrible accident. He left behind a spouse, two young boys, many siblings and a host of close friends and relatives. He was a friend to everyone; the life of the party. It was a tragic loss.

Recently, I spent some time thinking about the night of the accident. I’m not sure why this memory surfaced but it did, taking me down a road of memories from an earlier day and time. Before mobile phones. Before social media. Before 9/11 and before Covid-19. Before I answered the Call to Ministry. My world is very different now. Though we were close, I doubt he’d even recognize me. 

It’s February’s fault that I’ve chased this rabbit down the hole. February is traditionally considered to be the month of love. One expects this month as happy and cheery, especially with the arrival of Valentine’s Day later this week. However, for many people, February is far from happy. It’s the month that causes the most concern among therapists and counselors. Sketchy weather, darker skies, and lots of alone time is what most people (away from Longboat Key) face every day this month. Even with our incredible weather in the tropics, February is not an easy month to process. I’ve occasionally wondered if that’s why God created fewer days in February than any other month of the year. It must be February’s fault.



Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know that God didn’t create the calendar. God doesn’t need one. God is always in the right place at the right time, which includes the most challenging moments of life. God is already present during those times, to help comfort, strengthen, and encourage us to give this life our very best effort in all things. God understands February much better than us and God is comforting in our losses. 

So, if all isn’t well in your world, don’t worry. You’re not alone. But take heart. God knows you and God is right there with you. During times of struggle or darkness, say a prayer. Talk to God about it. Then, go for a walk. Pick up a book. Volunteer somewhere that needs your help and take advantage of social activities when they are available.

February is short. As quickly as it arrives, it’ll soon disappear into a distant memory. If something funky has surfaced in your world, blame it on February and move forward. If your world is perfect today, celebrate! Then, pay attention to the people you encounter. Your smile can change someone’s day. God’s presence in you can change someone’s life.

God Bless, Brock.

Worship Service on Sunday, February 16

10:00 a.m.

Online Worship and in the Sanctuary

"All Sing Sunday"

"First Ones"

Rev. Brock Patterson

 Acts 11:19-30



Worship service featuring Alyssa Adamson, voice; Brian Gurl, piano and voice; the Chapel Choir,

and Susan Schaefer, Liturgist.

Watch Sunday Worship LIVE at 10 am (EST) on our website.

All Sing Sunday

February 16

Join us to practice singing congregational music before the Worship service. Please arrive at 9:15 a.m.

This is a great opportunity for those who want to only sing onstage occasionally in a group setting rather than every week with the Chapel Choir. We would love to have you!

Let's have fun and feel the joy!

We will sing through the selected hymns during Worship service, then we will remain on stage until the second congregational hymn is sung. Wear your regular Sunday clothes.

Valentines Day Dinner at the Chapel!

We are filling up! 8 spots left! Make your reservation now!

“Be With the Ones Who Love You”

 Friday, February 14

 5-7 p.m.

 4-Course Dinner with Wine and Music!

Reservations Only! Please register for this event. Ticket are $50 each. 

Contact Carol Peschel at 941-400-2427, or Valarie Evanko,

 330-806-2351, or the office at 941-383-6491 with your

reservation. Or, sign up in Shook Fellowship Hall.

Checks may be made payable to LBIC. 

Gather and Give Social

Tuesday, February 18

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Melissa McCullough, the Principal from Daughtrey Elementary will be the guest speaker. Faculty members will also be attending to answer questions you may have.

Bring your own beverage and a dish to share!

Pens! Paper! Pencils! Oh My!

Charitable Outreach is collecting school supplies this month for Daughtrey Elementary in Bradenton.

Drop off donations at the donation table in Shook Fellowship Hall until the end of February.

Supplies Needed:

Early Bird Dinner Theater Reminder!

Saturday, February 22

Motorcoach bus leaves the Chapel parking lot at 9 a.m.

Bus ride, dinner and show included!

The Lord's Warehouse Thrift Shop

Regular hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays

from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Items for donation - Bring directly to the Lord's Warehouse front porch area.

Donated items are picked up daily from the porch and placed inside.

Follow the Lord’s Warehouse on Facebook, (lords warehouse). 

Pictures of the Week

Our Chapel Choir.

Lois and Jerry showing us the delicious salad served at the Superbowl Party Sunday.

Richard Engel, our Liturgist last Sunday, addressing the congregation.

Mark your Calendars!

• Turn your clocks back! Saturday evening, March 9
• Blessing of the Animals, in the Garden, Saturday, March 22
• The Wedding of Figaro Opera, Sarasota Opera House, Saturday, March 22
• Spring Fling Lunch, fellowship hall, Sunday, March 23

Hurricane Relief Fund:



Total paid for Chapel hurricane recovery - $258,414

Remaining balance in Reserves (for hurricane recovery) - $56,517

(Still Needed: Sanctuary Floors, New Roof, Driveway Maintenance, Elevator, Various electric-related projects for Chapel and Lord's Warehouse. Amounts above DO NOT include several significant in-kind gifts of Kitchen equipment, Plumbing projects, etc.)

Longboat Island Chapel

“Share the Light” Capital Campaign

Invest in our future! Donate to our campaign during 2025

so we may achieve our long-term goals.

Bright yellow envelopes at the Welcome desk and also on our event sign-up table are designated for our “Share the Light” donations may be used for your contributions.

Are you away from LBK and wish to make a donation? Contact the Chapel Offices and we will make it happen! We can accept cash, checks, credit/debit cards, investment transfers, IRA/SEP contributions, etc.

Contact Susan Schaefer at (941) 383-6491.

Chapel Goal: $640,000

Donations to Date: $257,241

Giving to The Chapel

• Checks and/or money orders written out to Longboat Island Chapel.

• Direct withdrawal from your bank to ours. Call the Chapel office at (941) 383-6491 for our routing and account numbers.

• All major credit cards are accepted. Simply contact the Chapel office at (941) 383-6491 to charge your one-time gift.

• Ongoing monthly support via your credit card. Office staff will be happy to debit your card at the beginning of each month in an amount established by you.

• Support the Longboat Island Chapel via the "donate" button, located on our website at www.longboatislandchapel.org. This may be a one time or ongoing contribution, whichever you prefer!



Thank you for your generosity!