THE CHAPELINE - May 17, 2022

FROM Rev. Brock Patterson

"The Mountain of Suffering"

Suffering stinks. I don't think I've heard anyone say otherwise. Pastors, psychologists, and parents sometimes say that suffering can be good, but we aren't fooling anyone. Nobody likes to hurt. Churches and schools aren't immune to suffering, either. Economies and entire countries can suffer. Even now, the worldwide population continues to suffer due to the COVID pandemic. Yeah, suffering stinks.

Recently, I've had several conversations with different people in which the topic of suffering has surfaced. It shouldn't surprise me that this week's Scripture passage is also about suffering. Is God urging me to discuss suffering? Or, is God asking me to address my own places of suffering, which I often avoid?

In my case, I think I know the answer. I've been doing this (serving as Pastor) for much too long to not be aware of the times when God is urging me forward. I resist because I don't like the subject area, but my experience has taught me that when I'm faithful in response, God unloads blessings that are currently impossible for me to see. It's time to tackle the mountain.

So, this week, if God is also urging you towards a difficult place, don't avoid it. Instead, consider embracing it. The questions, uncertainty, and pain are waiting. However, God is also there. God is ready to do something special that we can't see beyond the mountain of suffering.

Jesus provides some helpful advice: "For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20, NRSV).

God Bless,

Brock

WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY, May 22, 2022

"Suffering Changes Things"

Scriptures: John 5:1-9a

Watch Worship LIVE @ 10 am (EST) on our Website: Sunday, May 22 Worship

CLICK HERE to see our previous Worship Services.

The Longboat Island Chapel will be a hosting a Blood Drive on Friday, May 20th and Saturday May 21st from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. All donors will receive a FREE $10 Publix gift card PLUS a 10% off coupon to the Lord's Warehouse!

Shifting Sands

Next Meeting May 26

Shifting Sands will meet not meet this Thursday, May 19th at the Chapel due to the Board of Trustees meeting.

Pearls of Wisdom from Shifting Sands:

“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.”

― Clive Staples Lewis

Would you like to honor or remember someone with flowers in Worship?

Would you like to sponsor special music during Worship?

Contact the Chapel Office and we'll help make it possible!

admin@longboatislandchapel.org

(941) 383-6491

May Collection: Baby Items

"Cyesis" Program at Riverview High School

The Charitable Outreach Committee will be collecting baby items during the month of May. These will be shared with the Cyesis Program at Riverview High School in Sarasota. This is a daycare located within the high school for the children of high school students. It allows students to continue their high school program while having their children in a safe environment. Please consider donating to this very worthwhile cause!

Sunday Morning Refreshments!

Would you like to help by bringing some goodies for Sunday morning, following Worship, at Fellowship Time? You are welcome to bring any of your favorite goodies, especially if some of them can be frozen! If you have questions, contact Vickie Van Meier, (941) 388-7284.

Kathy Logsdon, Mike & Chris Dawson, Dennis Cooper, Hudson, Amy James, Lynn, Michael Kinney, Carola, Barbara Childress, Ethel Doughty, Julie Burdian, Chuck, Eileen McTiernan, Elisa, George, Don, Megan McSheffrey, Rogers family, Grace and Chris Masefield, Nancy Carol Morgan, Holly and Jerry Koiro

WAYS OF GIVING

Thank you for your generosity!

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 Chapel staff 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 charge card at the beginning of each month in an amount established by you.
Support the Longboat Island Chapel via the "donate" button on our homepage at www.longboatislandchapel.or g. This may be a one time, or ongoing contribution, whichever you prefer!

If you are an Amazon shopper, please pay attention! Amazon will donate a percentage of each purchase to a qualified organization of your choice. Longboat Island Chapel is now registered with Amazon, and if you will select the Chapel as your preferred organization, Amazon will donate a percentage of each 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!