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“The Preseason”
We have lots of birthdays, anniversaries, and other special days this month. That’s exciting! If one of those days is yours, Happy and Blessed Day to you!
I’m glad so many of you are having special days this month, because September can sometimes be a slow month on Longboat Key. Note, I said, “sometimes,” because this is not a slow month at the Chapel. It’s booming! Around here, September feels less like the slow season and more like the preseason. We’re getting everything ready for what’s coming next.
Our new Associate Pastor, Chaplain Jay, and his wife, Edna, will be joining us beginning this Sunday, September 6. We are very excited! Also, our new BIble Study begins this Wednesday, September 2This Sunday also represents the beginning of our fall worship season, which is sure to be excellent, as we’ll be visited by some of our favorite guest musicians in addition to our already incredibly talented music leadership.
The Lord’s Warehouse Thrift Store finished August with a busy day on Monday, August 31, just as expected. As we do every year, we close the Lord’s Warehouse for the month of September to allow for cleaning, inventory, and a little TLC. This year, though, is different. By the time we reopen on October 1, the Thrift Store will be completely repainted on the outside, making it much more visible from Gulf of Mexico Drive. We have already installed a new roadside sign, which has increased business significantly. The new paint job is sure to increase our visibility even more.
The Paradise Center is also forging ahead with innovative programs and activities. This is really a big deal because the off-season on Longboat Key doesn’t have many activities. It’s really neat, and a real blessing, to see so many people on the Chapel property looking for things to do this time of year.
Among other Chapel happenings, this time of year is also important in our planning. Social activities will be plentiful this upcoming season, thanks to an active group of planners and organizers. Our leadership is also actively engaged in preparation for Christmas in the Garden, which promises to be bigger and better again this year! And, believe it or not, holiday planning is already well in hand.
I think it’s great. This may be the island’s slow season, but we’re just as busy as ever. That’s a testament to you, our Chapel people and visitors, who are keeping connected with us throughout the year. Even though many of you aren’t here right now, you are staying current with our Chapeline newsletter, audio/video streaming and recording, as well as outreach and ministry opportunities and collections.
It’s really quite incredible! So much is happening at God’s Chapel. If September is supposed to be the slow season, apparently nobody told us!
Maybe that’s because this isn’t really our slow season. It’s our preseason. We’re preparing, planning, improving, welcoming new people, and getting ready for everything God has in store for us.
I can’t wait to see what’s next. In the meantime, scroll down in this newsletter, and you’ll find more details about everything I’ve mentioned and probably a few things I haven’t.
It’s September! Let the preseason begin!
See you Sunday! God Bless, Brock
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