From Rev. Brock Patterson

“Church is Fun (HAHA!)”

Our Chapel is a fun place! Although I’d love to say that about every church, I’m not sure that it applies. I’ve served churches that were full of great people, but I’m not sure they would be classified as fun. Some church leaders and pastors would probably say that church isn’t supposed to be enjoyable. However, I know that a good portion of my colleagues would agree with me: among other things, the church is supposed to be an enjoyable place.

Since most of us are a bit more “mature” than the population of other churches (<-Haha!), I think it’s okay for us to admit that “fun” is something that we’re trying to find. The world is difficult enough; we don’t need anything complicated. We just need somewhere to belong that brings joy and a smile to life.

Oh sure, I know that we (the church staff) aren't always having a blast. The Chapel’s leadership isn’t always smiling. Even as a pastor, sometimes I can be in a funk. We ain’t perfect. However, we recognize that it is the Chapel that provides us with a source of joy that is not easily replicated in other places.

In this context, I am supposed to point to God as the One who is making all of this possible. Yes, I’m an important part and the staff is critical in making this work and the Chapel leadership is responsible for everything we do at the Chapel. But when we break it all down, it really is God that is making things work. God is working through each of us to bring our unique gifts and experiences to our Chapel family and community.

We give because God provides. We serve because God leads. We have fun because we deserve it. That’s right: we deserve to have fun with each other. We deserve the opportunity to fully experience the life joy that God has created for each of us. Why? Because life isn’t always roses. There are all kinds of things that we could allow to consume us, but what’s the point? If God wants us to find Joy, why shouldn’t we seek those things that give us true joy and happiness?



Our Chapel is fun! The people are great, and God is answering our prayers. Why am I so bold in making that statement? Because it’s true…and I deserve it. You deserve it. All of us deserve to experience what God is trying to accomplish through us, around us, and for us! 

See you this Sunday at the Chapel! Let’s have some fun!

Rev. Brock

The new, 12-Week Bible Study is now occurring every

Wednesday, @ 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (EST).

This week, Wednesday, February 8, 2023:

Revelation, Ch's 8,9,10 (Background: Exodus Ch's 7,8,9,10)

If you are not able to attend either of the in-person study classes, the evening class can be also attended online (via ZOOM) at 5:30 p.m. (EST).

The link is https://bit.ly/3z1SAT1.

You may also find the link on our website (https://longboatislandchapel.org),

in the Chapeletter, and on Facebook.

If you miss a class, please join our review sessions scheduled

30 minutes prior to the next class (9:30 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.)

Upcoming Events at the Chapel!

The Commissioning of Jeffrey Nunes

A Special Service for a Very Special Event

When: Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: Longboat island Chapel

Please join us and stay after the service for a lovely celebratory luncheon.

Charitable Outreach Committee

Social Hour

Pens! Paper! Pencils! Oh My!

Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Location: Shook Fellowship Hall

Please bring an appetizer to share and a beverage of your choice.



This Month's Donation Request is....

Elementary School Teacher and Student Supplies

(Suggested Items: pens, pencils, markers, rulers, erasers, paper, glue sticks, crayons, tissues and snacks)

Sign up is in Shook Fellowship Hall

Questions? Contact Muriel @ 612-386-8739

EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES BUS TRIP

When: Tuesday, March 28,2023

Time: Bus leaves at 7:30 a.m.

Location: Bus departure and arrival -Chapel parking lot

Breakfast on property at the Banyan Cafe @ 9:30a.m.

Tour begins at noon

Dinner at 4:00 p.m. at Pincers Crab Shack

Bus departs at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Return to Chapel parking lot at 8:00 p.m.

Suggested donation is $85.00 per person- not including food.

Sign up in Shook Fellowship hall.

Questions? Contact Val at 330-806-2351

Ongoing Chapel Events!

Lord's Warehouse Fashion Show

Raffle Donations

Do you have any gift items you

do not use or want?

Please donate them toward our Fashion Show raffle baskets.

Some suggested items are jewelry, candles, picture frames, cosmetics and of course wine.

Donating these items are a great way to put them to use and toward a positive cause.

Please place the items in the donation basket located in Fellowship Hall.

Questions? Contact Kate at thenothackers@gmail.com

Please continue to donate to our food drive.

Our local food pantries are desperate for all types of non-perishable food.  Bring what you can to the Chapel and we will make sure it gets to the proper place. Every little bit helps feed those in need. 

(All items must be new, unopened, and in sealed packages.)

A HUGE "Thank you" to all who have donated to this very worthwhile cause. 

Please consider joining us as a

Sunday Worship Service usher or greeter.

We need 4 ushers and 2 greeters for each Sunday Service. We are exceptionally grateful to those who already serve in these roles and look forward to some new faces as well. Please sign up in

Shook Fellowship Hall.



As always, thank you!

Shifting Sands Support Group will meet this week on Thursday, February 9, 2023.

There will NOT be a meeting on Thursday, February 16, 2023

The next meeting after will be on:

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Contact Jeffrey Nunes

with questions at:

jeff@longboatislandchapel.org

(941) 383-6491 or (941) 567-8078

You do not have to do life alone.

Community Grant Fund Initiative

What is it?

The Community Grant Fund Committee was recently formed in order to continue and further the important charitable outreach directive. 

What is the Goal?

The Mission of the Committee is to provide a need based, one time grant to local not-for-profit organizations to assist with financing projects which will make a positive and meaningful impact on the lives of people in need.

How can I help?

Should you know of a worthwhile organization which would benefit from a Grant, and all other questions, please contact Cynthia Barnette at

cwbarnette@gmail.com.

If you request a Grant Application only,

please contact the Chapel Office. 

Annual Meeting

The Longboat Island Chapel Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2023

following Worship Service. The location is the Sanctuary. Please feel free to pick up an

Annual Meeting Report Booklet located in the Chapel Office.

The booklet contains 2022 happenings as well as matters

that will be voted on during the meeting.

Please remember:

Pledge Cards for 2023 are always welcome!

Return them now if you haven't already!

IN OUR PRAYERS

Amy James

Carola

Dennis Cooper

Don

Elisa

Ethel Doughty

George

Hudson

Betty Jo Haas

Kelly Johnson

Michael Kinney

Jaclyn Lenhart and Family

Mike and Chris Dawson

Sharky

Sean Walsh

Larry Auerbach

and

our service men and women