THE CHAPELINE - December 21, 2021

FROM PASTOR BROCK...

"We're in the stretch run." This old saying arrives from a reference to horse racing, indicating that the racehorses have entered the long, straight part of the track that leads to the finish line. It's supposed to give us an indication that we've almost completed the race.

Strange that I should think of horseracing during Christmas week. But why not? Doesn't it feel a little bit like we're running as hard and fast as we can? Aren't we feeling exhausted as we try to focus on the checkered Christmas banner at the end of the stretch?

Now is a good time to stop and take a few deep breaths. God did not create Christmas to make us feel exhausted. Nor did the LORD create Christmas to make us feel like we're being urged with a whip as we try to reach December 25th.  

The LORD created Christmas to bring us rest from our labor. Christmas brings Hope for a better tomorrow, Peace for our troubled hearts, Joy for our struggling confidence, and Love for each other.

We're almost there. Slow down. It's okay. Take some deep breaths. Enjoy these next few days and cherish them for the reasons God provided. This can be a Christmas that makes a difference in all of us. Stay safe!

God Bless. Brock.

Christmas Eve at the Chapel

Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24, 5 pm and 7 pm (Live Stream at 7 pm)

Readings and Carols both services

Children's Message (5 pm): "The Liberty Run"

Christmas Eve Message: "Keeping this Christmas"

Masks will be required on Christmas Eve at both the 5 pm Family Service and 7 pm Candlelight Communion Service at the Longboat Island Chapel.

Please stay safe and healthy! We look forward to seeing you on Christmas Eve at the Chapel!

WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY, December 26, 2021

Sermon

"The Christmas Hangover"

Scriptures: Luke 2:22-24

Watch Worship LIVE on our Website: Dec 26 Sunday Worship

CLICK HERE to see our previous Worship Services.

Upcoming Garden Concert Cancelled:

Wednesday, Dec 22, 6pm:

Dinah Piotrowski and James Scherz

Violin and Accordion Duo

Unfortunately, we are canceling the final Concert in the Garden this year. We were really looking forward to both of them, but due to the uptick in the COVID numbers and variants, we feel that it is best to protect everyone by not singing in close quarters with one another. . We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience.

The Garden will remain open for folks to view and enjoy 5 pm-9 pm nightly, until January 2, 2022. Recorded music will also continue to play for everyone's enjoyment.

Christmas in the Garden, throughout the entire

Holiday Season!

Shifting Sands

Next meeting date, January 6, 2022

10 am at the Chapel

Pearls of Wisdom from Shifting Sand:

This Christmas I pray that happiness be at your door.

May it knock early, stay late, and leave gifts of

Peace, Love, Joy and Good Health.

from Love Wide Open

Chapel Office will be closed next week!

(This is the final Chapeline for 2021)

The Chapel Office will be closed the week after Christmas, except for special services and groups as already scheduled. Your office staff needs and deserves a break! The Chapel Office will be closed, Monday, December 26 to Monday, January 3, 2022. The Chapel Office will reopen on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.

CHAPEL BOOK CLUB MEETING AT LAZY LOBSTER

The next meeting of the Chapel Book Club will be on Monday, January 10, at the Lazy Lobster at noon.

The book we will be discussing will be Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult . . . . a novel about the resilience of the human spirit in a moment of crisis..

Please sign up in Shook Fellowship Hall or email Judy Achre at paulandjudy@gmail.com if you plan to join us.

Key West & the Florida Keys - January 19 - 21, 2022

3 day motor coach tour includes: 2 nights hotel accommodations, breakfasts, Everglades, a beautiful drive through the Florida Keys, a Conch Train Tour and much more. $249.00 per person.

We need 30 passengers and money is due December 19th. Sign up sheet and information in Shook Hall.

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.

Israel Tour - April 23-May 1

There are 2 openings for our trip to Israel.

Contact Valarie Evanko 330-8062351 with questions or for more information. Tour brochures available in the Shook Hall.

We regret to inform the Longboat Chapel family of the passing of Deidre Reigel, former Music Director at the Chapel. She is not survived by any family members. Prayers for her friends and loved ones are appreciated.

Kathy Logsdon, Mike & Chris Dawson, Dennis Cooper, Hudson, Amy James, Lynn, Michael Kinney, Carola, Barbara Childress, Bob Hettmansperger, Ethel Doughty, Roma, Chuck, Janie Peterson

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.org. 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!