From Rev. Brock Patterson
"Back to School Season"
One of the interesting factoids about church life is that church activities usually center around the school year. In most places across the United States, churches are preparing to launch their fall programs for all ages. Since Easter several months ago, church staffs have been busy planning and preparing. Now, it’s crunch time. Some churches may wait until after Labor Day to launch their programs, but, even if that’s the case, most churches are in overdrive preparing.
Why do churches structure their programming around school? Because the world is looking for structure. Before parents begin carpooling their children halfway across town to church, they must arrange their schedules to allow time for everything. Retail stores are packed full of back-to-school necessities (which are easy to plan), restaurants are planning for the shifts in schedule, and the travel and transportation industries are preparing for the back-to-school business travelers of Monday through Friday.
Of course, living on a tropical island removes many of life’s “normal” issues. Our Season doesn’t begin for a few months, so we still have a little more time to plan and prepare. However, that doesn’t mean we aren’t planning and preparing for events and activities right now! We are always looking for ways to gather and spend time together, Sundays included.
For instance, did you know that a new Bible Study begins at the Chapel this Wednesday? That may not sound interesting, but I can assure you, it’s more fun and helpful than you might otherwise think. We have an option to meet in person every Wednesday at 10:00 am, but we also have an online option every Wednesday evening at 5:30 pm. For those of you who are somewhere else, try the online study. You’ll be amazed at the fun we have and you might even be able to see and talk to a few friends that are still at their summer homes. In addition, our monthly Gather and Give is always big fun and well-attended. Sponsored by our Charitable Outreach Committee, the Gather and Give social hour (I call it, “Happy Hour”) is a great opportunity to do something good (by helping with this month’s charitable collection efforts) and enjoy company with Chapel folks and their guests. Great food and BYOB – that’s kinda hard to beat! The next one is on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
Stay connected with us at The Chapel. Worship on Sundays is broadcast with excellent quality on our website (https://longboatislandchapel.org/streaming/) as well as on Facebook. Bible Study is also available on our website via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82208678640 ) or click the button below.
“Tis almost the Season! I hope to see you at the Chapel soon! Whether it’s online or in-person, we’re always looking to make new friends and catch up with friends from long ago!
God Bless,
Brock
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