|
From Rev. Brock Patterson
“Read This Important Message”
Early in my vocational career as a pastor, I wasted far too much time to create creative sermon titles that would entice people to come to church, stay awake, and hear something helpful. I know that’s awfully far-fetched. Most people don’t like to come to church. The ones who do attend church struggle to stay awake and very few take anything away.
The same is true for newsletters. The staff works hard only to hear those familiar words from our church folks, “I didn’t know that!” Oh, the joy!
For instance, did you know that the Chapel is about to begin a large construction project? Yes, we are. If you want to know more about it, call me, because I’ve already written about it. (https://myemail-api.constantcontact.com/Chapel-News-this-week-.html?soid=1137345511891&aid=PKDfvRlx9_Q)
How am I doing with all of this? Eh, don’t worry about me. I know that God will complete what is needed and supply the funds required. However, I am a little concerned because I don’t know who the financial “Big-Hitters” are in the Chapel. (Even if I knew someone could help, I wouldn’t know who to ask.) Instead, I’m trying to bang the war drums hoping that everyone will be able to give at least $1,000 over the next several months towards the project.
As an incentive for everyone, I’m offering two stylish hot/cold, stainless steel, Chapel-engraved beverage tumblers to every person who is able to donate at least $1,000 to the Building Fund. Of course, even if everyone gives that much, we still won’t reach our goal. We still need some folks who can contribute more. So, yes, as a larger incentive, I’m willing to sell one of the restrooms, offices, or even the Prayer Chapel if that will help. I’ll even put your name on the toilet if you wish to be so generous as to buy one. Maybe we could hang a sign over a urinal in your honor, such as “Jane Smith made this possible.” Hmmm. Maybe not.
The name of our fund-raising campaign is “Share the Light”, referring to the Chapel’s focus on providing our community with a place of love, joy, and generosity. Special envelopes are now located in the sanctuary to receive donations for the “Share the Light” Building Fund. Or, if you aren’t in the area, you are welcome to give by credit card at our website (www.longboatislandchapel) or by contacting the Chapel office at (941) 383-6491. I’ll also be sending a few of those yellow envelopes to you, as long as I’ve got your address and you’ve been here in the last couple of years. (If that doesn’t include you, please let us know and we will send you some special envelopes!)
In the Chapel’s sanctuary, we have also installed a “Giving Tree” to help as a visual aid of our progress. For each $1,000 we receive, a white light will be lit. If folks are able to reach much higher marks by giving $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000, a colored light will be added in their honor. I’m hoping and praying that the tree will eventually be lit by at least 640 white lights and a few colored lights, symbolizing that we would have reached our goal.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I’m sorry I guilted you with a creative title for this article but I thought it might help to get your attention. Did it work? If you're still reading...then yes!
I love it here. I’m guessing you love it as well. But even more, God loves it here. That’s why God launched the Chapel on Longboat Key 67 years ago. That’s also why we’ll reach our goal this year: God provided to us so that we can "Share the Light" with everyone.
See you this Sunday (10 am EST), online or in person, at the Chapel!
God Bless, Brock.
| 
