“Halfway Home”

Have you ever noticed that the word "half" can describe something good or something not so good?

For a thirsty traveler, half a glass of water can feel like a blessing. But that same glass, when half empty, may not feel like nearly enough. The same idea applies to the phrase halfway home. If home represents something wonderful, halfway may not feel close enough. If home represents something difficult, halfway may feel far too close.

The same tension can appear during the season of Lent.

We are nearly halfway through this Lenten journey. For some people, that might feel like very good news. Lent can be challenging, and reaching the midpoint may bring a sense of relief. For others, however, halfway may not feel so encouraging, especially if the first half has been difficult.


I can understand both perspectives.

In some ways, I am a little disappointed in the first half of my own Lent. There were moments when I missed opportunities to follow through on commitments I had hoped to keep. At the same time, I am grateful. Overall, this has been a meaningful season, and I have managed to stay mostly on track with only a few small stumbles along the way.

That is part of what Lent teaches us. The season is not about perfection. It is about intention. It is about setting aside time and space to focus on God’s work in our lives.

Our small sacrifices are not meant to impress anyone. They are simply ways of honoring God for the grace already given to us. And here is the good news: We still have nearly three weeks remaining in the Lenten season. There is still time to grow, reflect, and reconnect with the Lord.


If you have not yet made a commitment this Lent, it is not too late to begin. You might start by reading the Chapel’s daily devotions and trying the daily challenges. One small step at a time can lead to meaningful change.

We are halfway home. That means there is still plenty of time to honor God with the days ahead.


We’re in person and online at the Chapel this week, so please come back home as soon as you can!

God Bless, Brock.

Worship Service

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Fourth Sunday of Lent

10:00 a.m.

Sanctuary and Online Worship

"No Measuring Stick"

 Rev. Brock Patterson

John 9:1-41

Worship service featuring Worship Director, Alyssa Adamson, voice;

Brian Gurl, piano and voice; Gordon Govalet, guitar; Mark Shrout, Liturgist.

Watch Sunday Worship LIVE at 10:00 a.m. (EST) on our website.

Longboatislandchapel.org/Stream

Bible Study classes are held in Shook Hall every Wednesday through March 18.

To connect online, go to our website, longboatislandchapel.org,

click on the Bible Study button on the main face page.

Or, if you prefer, click the green button below to connect online.

Greetings from Longboat Island Chapel!

If you are viewing the Chapeline on your phone, don't forget to scroll down and click on the blue message at the bottom of your screen that says, "View entire message."This will assure that you see all the events and information.

Don't miss a thing!

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

The Nasturtium plants

are growing and growing!

Make sure you pick one up to grow + bring it back at Easter service to have it planted in the Garden!

Look what y'all brought to the Chapel

last week! This collection for Manatee County

Food Bank was awesome!

Visit the Lord's Warehouse!

Our ever-changing inventory creates a thrilling hunt for unique finds that you won’t want to miss! There are charming housewares, small-medium size furniture, quality clothing and accessories, stunning jewelry, and delightful decor arriving daily. Plus, much more!

Pick up a Lent Calendar at the Warehouse too!

Store hours: Mon-Wed-Sat., 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (941) 383-4738

Make a gift to the Chapel in 2026!

VENMO - With the camera on your phone, take a picture of the blue Venmo QR Code below.

• Checks and/or money orders written out to Longboat Island Chapel.

Support the Longboat Island Chapel via the "donate" button, located on our website at www.longboatislandchapel.org.

Begin your 2026 Giving by following the instructions above or below.

• 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 card at the beginning of each month in an amount established by you.

Thank you for your generosity!