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6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Longboat Key, Florida 34228

(941) 383-6491

THE CHAPELINE

Tuesday, May 9, 2023


From Rev. Brock Patterson


“God’s Choice or My Choice?”


I often wonder why God chooses to do some things while choosing to not do others. Most of the time, I think about this when I am on the receiving end of something unpleasant, painful, bad, or all three. It’s rare that I contemplate this statement when things are going well. What about you?

I’m guessing that this question has been asked since man and woman became smart enough (or dumb enough, but that’s another discussion, entirely) to think for themselves. God’s ways are always difficult to surmise, particularly because we aren’t smart enough.


This realization (that I’m not smart enough) is one of the ways I overcome a poor perception of value and self-worth. Those of you who are reading this probably have your own ways of addressing the issues of God’s choices. However, deep down, we recognize that our answers are just answers of Faith and not philosophical solutions to anything.


Throughout my vocation as a pastor, I’ve encountered lots of people who are too smart for God. What do I mean? Specifically, I’m referring to those who are unable to recognize God’s presence, especially if they can’t see, touch, or hear God. This compounds the issue when they contemplate God’s allowance of both joy and pain, good and bad, winners and losers, etc. Essentially, lots of people dismiss God because they don’t have proof that God exists. but even if they had proof, it still doesn’t help them to resolve the issue of God’s choices.


Back to square one: Why does God choose one thing versus another? I suppose because God wants to. God doesn’t have to give us reasons, just like we don’t have to provide the reasoning for our own choices. Does God owe us an explanation? Should we expect God to let us in on His infinite knowledge and planning? In fact, if God did tell us why certain things happened, would it really change our minds about anything? Would it help us to be more faithful to know the mind of God? Probably not.

 

If I want to understand God more, then it’s really up to me to make the effort to get to know God better. It’s not going to help me to pout in the corner until God appears. God doesn’t owe me that. Instead, I owe God the respect to at least make the effort to get to know the LORD. If I choose not to honor God, love God, or even believe in God, then that’s my choice…not God’s.


Thankfully, God is extremely patient. No matter how doubtful I have been, or how much I don’t think I need God, God is still waiting for me with open arms. That’s the choice that God makes today. Now, it's my turn.

 

 Job answered God:

“I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans.  

You asked, ‘Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?’

I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me, ‘Listen, and let me do the talking. Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.’ 

I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I’m sorry—forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise! I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor.” (Job 42:1-6, The Message)


God Bless,

Brock


WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY


Sunday, May 14, 2023

10:00 a.m.



Sermon Title

"Why Did Mom Do It?"

Rev. Brock Patterson


Scriptures for Worship

1 Peter 3:12-22


Watch Sunday Worship LIVE at 10 am (EST) on our Website

Click Here: May 14, 2023 Worship

Click Here to view our PREVIOUS Worship Services

Happy Mothers Day!!!!

May 14, 2023


"The loveliest masterpiece

of the heart of God

is the heart of a Mother"


St. Theresa of Lisieux

Quick Announcements!

Lord's Warehouse Summer Hours



Starting May 1, 2023


Monday-Wednesday-Saturday

9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon



Closed for the month of September

May Chapel Events!

Next Week is ....

Book Club


Date: Monday, May 15, 2023

Time: 12:00 noon

Location: The Lazy Lobster


Reading:

Lady Clementine

by: Marie Benedict


Please sign up in Shook Fellowship Hall as a count is needed for reservations.

Guests are welcome!

Questions? Contact Judy Achre

paulandjudy@gmail.com

May Social Hour


"Oh Baby!"


Date: Tuesday, May 16th 2023

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

Location: Shook Fellowship Hall

Suggested Donation: Baby Items for the Riverview High School Cyesis Program



Please feel free to bring

a dish to share

and beverage of your choice.



Donations are accepted throughout the month of May!

Questions: Contact Muriel at 612-386-8739 or

murieljk52@gmail.com



The local blood banks are low and in great need.

Please consider donating blood or platelets.


Dates: Friday, May 19, 2023

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

AND

Saturday May 20, 2023

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Location: The Longboat Island Chapel Parking Lot


You do not need an appointment!


Blood donors will receive a $10 Publix gift card AND 10% off coupon to the Lord's Warehouse!

Platelet donors will receive a $40 Amazon gift card!


Ongoing Chapel Happenings!

Sanctuary Flowers


Flowers are a great way to celebrate an important event, memory or special person.

If you are interested in providing

Worship Service Flowers,

please sign up in Shook Fellowship Hall

or call the Chapel Office.



A big thank you to those

who already provided them!



Join Us At

Shifting Sands


The next meeting will be on:

Thursday, May 11, 2023


Contact Jeffrey Nunes

with questions at:


jeff@longboatislandchapel.org

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



Shifting Sands

In this life,

we will encounter,

hurts and trials,

that we will not be able

to change;

we are just going to have

to allow them

to change us.



Ron Lee Davis

Choir Rehearsal


Choir rehearsal is finished until later in the year. As fall approaches, please check our website for updates. Thank you for another wonderful Chapel Choir season!


For questions, please contact:

Maurice Overholt, Music Director

maurice@longboatislandchapel.org

or (941) 405-9354


After Sunday Worship Service

Hospitality Hour


Please consider donating a

finger food for

everyone to enjoy at our weekly

Sunday Hospitality Hour.


Some suggestions: brownies,

cookies, muffins etc. Or

healthy fruits, meats, and cheeses are welcome too!

Bring them with you to Sunday Service.

Thank you!


Food Donations

Are ongoing at the Chapel.

Hunger is not seasonal

and occurs for

many children and adults

throughout the year.

Please continue to support our

food bank donation drive and

place non-perishable

food items in the yellow barrels

in Shook Fellowship Hall.


The local community is very grateful for our continued support.

Recently at the Chapel!

Rev. Jeffrey Nunes


On May 7, Jeffrey Nunes led us with

God's Message in Sunday Worship.

The music and Chapel Choir provided a beautiful compliment.

Joyful Friends


On April 29th, Jan and David Stone, Sandra Johnson and

Rev. Jeffrey Nunes attended the


Joyful Friends Grand Opening and Celebration.


The Longboat Island Chapel's generosity and support enabled Joyful Friends

to open a much needed additional day of monthly respite to support

families of children with developmental disabilities!


Click on the arrow in the picture below for a video of the event!

Please Remember...

Pledge Cards:


Pledge Cards for 2023 are always welcome!

Return them now if you haven't already.

Thank you for your continued support!


IN OUR PRAYERS

Dennis Cooper

Hudson

Betty Jo Haas

Kelly Johnson

Mike and Chris Dawson

Larry Auerbach

and

our service men and women



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 the Chapel office 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 website at www.longboatislandchapel.org. This may be one time or ongoing contribution, whichever you prefer!