From Rev. Brock Patterson

"What a Mess."

What a mess. Hurricane Ian blew through Florida last week, leaving a trail of death, destruction, and life disruption. It’s almost surreal to try and figure out where to go from here, and yet, we can still be confident in the LORD’s presence as we begin to take small steps forward.

All of us experienced a terrifying event. We watched the weather maps as Ian moved into the Gulf. It looked like it was going one way, but then it began to turn, aiming directly at Longboat Key. We scrambled, packed, and evacuated. Nothing, however, could prepare us for what we witnessed on television and outside our own windows. As our utilities flickered and finally stopped working, our southern neighbors were losing loved ones, homes, vehicles, and family pictures. We waited in terror as we expected the same thing for our own homes, property, and loved ones. It was awful.

Like many people, I’m struggling with “Why” Hurricane Ian chose to destroy Ft. Meyers and the surrounding area while sparing our own islands.  I’ve spoken with lots of Chapel folks and island residents. Nearly everyone is saying the same thing: Our feelings of helplessness for our southern neighbors far outweigh our own needs and concerns. That feeling of concern for others is exactly what we should be experiencing because it shows us that we do care for the world God created, and everyone who lives in it. These feelings remind us that the world is small, indeed. 

Whether it’s Hurricane Ian in our backyard, Ukraine thousands of miles away, or COVID-19 everywhere on the map, our presence, prayers, and support are always needed. We matter to those in distress because we can help, just as they would do if we were in the same situation.

As we begin to put our own lives back together, we will also be keeping our ears to the ground and our eyes on the horizon for ways we can help those who are most in need. However, we don’t have to wait. Please keep praying for everyone who has suffered because of Hurricane Ian. God is already there, and if the LORD needs us to do something specific, the Chapel will respond as best we can.

How did we do in the storm? I’m guessing that the Chapel will have sustained a little over $10,000 in property damage (mainly trees) and building patchwork, but that’s nothing compared to the economic hardships that our neighbors are experiencing.

I’m glad you are safe. This is a mess, but God is already at work. Let’s do what we can to help.

God Bless. Brock.

Happy and Blessed Yom Kippur!

Yom Kippur is the holiest of all days on the Jewish calendar. It is the day of atonement when the Hebrew nation reflects upon the story of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt. Yom Kippur is often celebrated by fasting and prayer and represents forgiveness and a new beginning. Yes, all of us need a new start!

Yom Kippur begins tonight, Tuesday, October 4, 2022, and continues for 24 hours. 

Happy Yom Kippur to all of our Hebrew friends and neighbors!

"Drats!" After much prayer and consideration, our own Janie Peterson has decided to step back from Chapel employment and continue at the Chapel as a dedicated volunteer. As a result, our Office Manager position is open! Do you know someone who might be interested? If so, have them contact Rev. Brock or Susan Schaefer at the Chapel Office. Expected hours needed for the position are Monday - Thursday, 8 am to 3 pm. 

Shifting Sands Support Group

meets this week

Thursday, October 6, 2022

You don't have to do life alone!

For questions please contact

Jeffrey Nunes

Pastoral Care Coordinator

jeff@longboatislandchapel.org

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

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

"Support the Girls!"

How can you help? Two ways:

1.) Wear pink to the Chapel when you attend worship on Sunday mornings in October.

2.) Collect women's bras (new, all sizes) and bring them to the Chapel. They will be distributed locally to women in need.

Yes, this is important. Bras are often expensive. Therefore, these are very difficult items for people in need to obtain. Hurricane Ian doesn't need to remind us to help those in need. Both adult and children's sizes are much needed, so please consider purchasing a new bra or two and bringing them to the Chapel. We will make sure they get to the folks who need them.

As always, we appreciate your generosity!

Thanks, your Charitable Outreach Committee

Food Pantries Need Help!

Our local food pantries were in dire need before the hurricane. Now, they will be in greater distress. If you would like to help, bring your non-perishable food items to the Chapel and we will make sure to get them to the proper places! The Chapel is always a food collection station for our local communities!

CHOIR REHEARSAL

Every Monday, 4 - 5:15 p.m.

Choir rehearsals have begun!  If you enjoy singing and would like to share your voice with our choir, please join us for rehearsal this Monday in the sanctuary!

For questions, please contact our Music Director, Maurice Overholt, at maurice@longboatislandchapel.org or (941) 405-9354.

CHAPEL BOOK CLUB

Monday, October 10th

The next meeting of the Chapel Book Club will be on October 10th at noon at the Lazy Lobster.

Please sign up on the list in Shook Fellowship Hall at the Chapel or let Judy Achre know at paulandjudy@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

The book we will be discussing is Sooley by John Grisham

2nd ANNUAL GOLF OUTING

Sunday, October 16th

Sign Up Sheet is Available in Shook Fellowship Hall.

Hosted by June Hessel.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

Saturday, October 22nd

The Revival Team and Pastor Brock are inviting all Chapel members and anyone in the community who desires to have a blessing placed on their favorite buddy, furry or otherwise, to join in celebrating our favorite pals. Animals of all sizes, shapes, furry or not so furry, cute, pretty, happy, big, little and in between (maybe a reptile or two) will be blessed. Each animal will receive a gift and a certificate. Mark your calendar for October 22, 2022, 9-11:00 am in the Chapel Garden. All pets must be on a leash or in a cage. It will be a fun and wonderful event and you are sure to meet your favorite friend’s favorite friend! (Those without pets, come and watch the parade; you will surely to go away with a smile on your face.)

HISTORICAL MANATEE COUNTY DINNER AND WALKING TOUR

DOWNTOWN BRADENTON

Sunday, October 30th

&

Monday, October 31st

Author and historian Liz Reed will lead us on a 1-mile slow walking tour that will last approximately 90 minutes through downtown Bradenton giving us history and sometimes ghost stories that locals have shared with her.

Reservations Required

Limited to 20 people per Night

$20.00 per person for the Walking Tour and Guide

Tour Payment will be collected the night of the tour!

Dinner will be Separate Checks

Join us for dinner or walk

or BOTH!

******** TWO DIFFERENT DATE OPTIONS ********

Monday, October 31, 2022 – SOLD OUT (unless someone cancels)

Sunday, October 30, 2022 – Spots Still Available

******** MUST SIGN UP BY OCTOBER 22nd ********

4:00 pm   Meet in the chapel parking lot to carpool

5:00 pm   Dinner at Pier 22 Waterfront Restaurant

7:00 pm   Walking Tour will depart from City Hall in downtown Bradenton

Contact Valarie Evanko at

(330) 806-2351 or val.evanko@gmail.com

for more information!

Would you like to honor or remember

someone with FLOWERS in Sunday Worship?

Would you like to sponsor

SPECIAL MUSIC during Sunday Worship?

Contact the Chapel Office

(941) 383-6491

admin@longboatislandchapel.org

IN OUR PRAYERS

Amy James

Carola

Chuck

Dennis Cooper

Don

Elisa

Ethel Doughty

George

Hudson

Betty Jo Haas

Kelly Johnson

Jaclyn Lenhart and Family

Kathy Logsdon

Lynn

Michael Kinney

Mike and Chris Dawson

Nancy Carol Morgan

Pat Rios

Rogers Family

Sharky

Sean Walsh

and

our service men and women

Amazon will donate a percentage of each qualified purchase

to a designated organization of your choice.

Longboat Island Chapel is registered with Amazon and if you will select the Chapel as your designated organization, Amazon will donate a percentage of each qualified purchase to the Chapel. 

This is free money for the Chapel, so please, register today!

Instructions for Amazon Smile: Log into your Amazon account as normal. In the Amazon search bar, search for Amazon Smile. When you are asked to select a charitable organization, search for “Longboat Island Chapel”. Select the Chapel from the list and you are finished. Then, each time you shop on Amazon, always begin by searching for “Amazon Smile” in the search bar. When you do this, it automatically triggers your donation to the Chapel. Then, shop as normal.

Please help the Chapel by registering for Amazon Smile.

 Longboat Island Chapel

is registered with Amazon