From Rev. Brock Patterson

"This is a BIG Deal!"

Save the date: Tuesday, February 21, 2023, is a BIG day at the Chapel and an even bigger day for one of our staff members, Jeffrey Nunes. February 21 is the day of Jeffrey’s Commissioning, that big first step in vocational ministry, at which time he will become “Revered Jeffrey Nunes.”

Baptism, Confirmation, Commissioning, Ordination… what does all of this mean? When God calls us to a life of Faith, it is often marked by Baptism and Confirmation. Similarly, when God calls men and women into vocational ministry, these steps are marked by Commissioning and Ordination. 

This is a Big Deal. Saying “Yes” to God’s call invites God to sit in our driver’s seat, allowing God to take us to new and exciting places. The commitment is a BIG one. When Jeffrey publicly answered the call last year, he immediately began preparing for seminary. Since then, he has begun his studies at Lexington Theological Seminary, working towards a Master of Divinity degree which he expects to complete in the next few years.

Like many other churches, the Chapel created a program to allow Jeffrey to complete his studies and other necessary requirements for pastoral ministry while meeting with a Ministry Covenant Group (MCG). The MCG at the Chapel comprises six individuals (Jeffrey, myself, and four others who represent the Chapel) with support, encouragement, and guidance for Jeffrey’s journey. The MCG has met monthly since last summer, listening to and working with Jeffrey on a number of tasks.

Commissioning represents one of the Biggest steps toward vocational ministry. It’s a Big Deal and it requires a very serious commitment to serving the LORD in whatever manner the LORD may call. Commissioning is being “Set Apart” by the LORD for something different, special, and significant in God's service. (Ordination, which is the culmination of lots of studies and pastoral experience, will arrive later in the process after Jeffrey’s seminary requirements are completed.)

On Tuesday, February 21 at 10 a.m., Jeffrey will be Commissioned as Associate Pastor at the Chapel. This is a Big Deal. Rev. Phil Tom, the Executive Director of the Chapel’s denominational affiliation, the International Council of Community Churches, is making a special trip to Longboat Key to take part in this worship service. The Chapel’s MCG, along with several other Chapel volunteers, has arranged for a very nice lunch and reception following the worship service. We will be live-streaming the service for those who can’t make it, but I sure hope that you can make it in person. 

Have I convinced you that this is a Big Deal? Do I sound excited? Does this sound like something you should be praying for and something that you should include in your schedule? Would you like to support Jeffrey, Michael, and their family and loved ones? I hope you are nodding with affirmation. This is a day you won’t want to miss at the Chapel!

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday in worship!



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. 1, 2023:

Revelation, Ch's 6 & 7 (Background: Exodus 12:1-13)

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....

Teacher School Supplies

(Suggested Items: backpacks, pens, pencils, markers, rulers, erasers, paper, snacks)

Sign up is in Shook Fellowship Hall

Questions? Contact Muriel @ 612-386-8739

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

Although the holidays are over,

hunger continues.

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 2, 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. 

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