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6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Longboat Key, Florida 34228

(941) 383-6491

The Chapeline

December 17, 2024

“Christmas Blessings 2024”


Some have said, “How Do We Recognize A Miracle?”


I have been asked this question many times, especially in the last month. I’ve already called attention to the “Miracles” that I believe we are experiencing, in both sermons and Advent devotions. However, I’ve been asked enough questions, and it merits a little more detailed explanation, so let’s get to it.


How have you been able to overcome the challenges you have faced in the last several months? Many of us lost property during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Some of us lost vehicles. Some of us lost appliances, air conditioners, keepsakes, family photos, and computers. A few of us lost our homes, furniture, and everything else of value. Some lost their businesses, destroying the economic future for business owners, managers, and employees. Also, during this extremely stressful time, some of us have sustained major health problems and some of us lost loved ones, including our spouse or beloved partner.  


For a moment, take a flashback to six months ago, or at least to the time before all this stuff occurred. If someone had told you that most of us, including yourself, would be faced with these challenges all at the same time, how would you have responded? Would you, or better yet, could you have predicted the successes and blessings of the last few months given the disasters we survived?


When I look back at the stuff you’ve been through, not to mention my own awful mess, I am amazed. I did not know that I could accomplish so much. I did not know that I had the strength to endure, let alone the heart to power through one problem after another. Don’t kid yourself. This has nothing to do with self-confidence or the lack thereof. Nor does this have anything to do with your physical strength or financial ability.


You have been strengthened by something you can feel but can’t see. God is the One who is behind your strength. The Holy Spirit is strengthening you beyond your own ability, and the LORD Jesus is carrying you when you are exhausted. The Holy Spirit did the same thing for Mary and Joseph. God provided them with what they didn’t have, and it has nothing to do with finances or resources. God gave them (and us) strength, endurance, commitment, and the sheer will to accomplish something incredible.


This Christmas is different for everyone, especially you and me. We will remember this one for all kinds of reasons, but especially because of the LORD’s Blessings. Enjoy this final week leading to Christmas. The LORD is with you, I promise. 



God Bless, Brock




Worship Service on Sunday, December 22

Fourth Sunday of Advent

10:00 a.m.

Online Worship and in the Sanctuary

 "Waiting for a New World"

Rev. Brock Patterson

Micah 5:2-5, Luke 2:1-5



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

Streaming Link

Christmas Sweater Contest!

Sunday, December 22

Shook Fellowship Hall


3 Judges will present awards!

Stop at the Judges table before Worship Service.


The winner in each category receives a gift card! Join the fun!


Categories

  • Ugliest
  • Most Glamorous
  • Judges Pick


Contest is open to ALL!

Visitors, family members and employees are eligible to win. 

Christmas in the Garden 2024

We are in need of volunteers in December during events to help with chair set-up/takedown, and parking lot attendant assistance.


Contact: Lesley Rife, 863-660-2044 or Kelly Shrout, 256-490-3378.


Our magical Christmas Garden is open until 9 p.m. every evening through December 31st.


December 19 at 6 p.m. - Fort Lonesome, featuring Robbie Ahlbrandt, Country Western Singer in the Garden


Thursday, December 20 at 6 p.m. - Alyssa Adamson, Soprano and Stephen Fancher, Pianist, along with the Pine View Elementary School Chorus

in the Sanctuary


Dress warmly for the outdoor events. In case of inclement weather,

events will be held in the Sanctuary.


Please Donate to the Christmas in the Garden Fund!

If you would like to donate towards the Christmas in the Garden fund, please use

the Venmo QR code below attached or if you prefer, send a check or call with a

credit card number.

Call the Chapel office at 941-383-6491 if you have any questions.

New Year’s Eve Celebration!

 Tuesday, December 31, 2024

4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Shook Fellowship Hall


Rock out to John Rinnell, “The Voice of Solid Gold” who will be performing your favorite dance hits.

 

Sign up in Shook Fellowship Hall or call the office at 941-383-6491.


Heavy appetizers provided. Bring your own beverage.



Let's Have a Party! Why? Because We Can!

Sunday, January 12

11:00 a.m.

Shook Fellowship Hall


Enjoy visiting with your winter friends! Sign up in the fellowship hall.

Charitable Outreach Committee

“Baby It’s Cold Outside”

Sweater, Jacket and Coat Donation Drive (ADULT sizes needed)

 

Please drop off new or very gently used donated items in Shook Fellowship hall until the end of January. All donations will be sent to Turning Points.


Gather & Give Social

Tuesday, January 21

5-7 p.m.

Bring a dish to share and your own beverage.

Final Call! Last Week to Sign Up!

Early Bird Dinner Theater Event

  • Thursday, January 23
  • Round trip motorcoach ride, early dinner/play, "Love...Or Best Offer."
  • Payment due Friday, December 20 ($119 per person)
  • Bus departs the Chapel at 9 a.m.


Feel free to ask friends and neighbors to attend!


Sign up in Shook Fellowship Hall or contact

Val Evanko at 330-806-2351.

Prayer Group

Thursday, December 19

8:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary


If you are available to pray this Thursday, join us in the Sanctuary. Pray for the times, our planet, for all nations and for prayers that God has placed on our hearts.

Shifting Sands

Next Meeting: Thursday, January 9

10:00 a.m. in Shook Fellowship Hall


This group meets to assist each other in maneuvering through

difficult times.



Contact Rev. Jeffrey at: jeff@longboatislandchapel.org.

AA to Resume at the Chapel


Alcoholics Anonymous will be starting in the Vince Carroll Room (2nd floor) on Monday, January 6.


Meetings will be held every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday

at 7:00 p.m.

 

All attendees must be able to climb stairs as our elevator is not yet in service. 

Pictures of the Week

The Narthex is drywalled! Our new front doors are coming soon.

One of the new, big bathrooms!

Our new conference room Southwest corner-1st floor.

Front office as you walk into

the old, side office door.

John Patti, Steel Pan Artist in the Garden.

At every angle you see the Garden is full of cheer!

Hospitality Food Needed!


With the busy season approaching, we are in need of snacks and treats to be donated weekly for the hospitality table provided after each Service. Homemade or store bought, we love and appreciate it all!


Contact: Vickie Van Meier: victoriavammeier@yahoo.com or admin@longboatislandchapel.org or call #941-383-6491.

Sponsor Sanctuary Flowers for December/January


Now is the time to let us know if you would like to sponsor flowers for our Worship services during the holiday season. Include your own special message!


Sign up in the Shook Fellowship Hall or contact the office at

941-383-6491. Don't forget to include any special colors you might

like too.

Thank You!


Thank you to our Ushers and Greeters who helped create a welcoming environment during Worship service last week!

Your care and generosity were appreciated!


Richard Engel, Michelle Giannico, Iris White and Dia Wilson


Hospitality - Vickie Van Meier


A special Thank you to Sue Reese who organized the Holiday Bazaar on Sunday.

Welcome Back Snowbirds!


We are happy to have you back! You will see things are changing around here as renovations and restorations are being completed. Our family is still together and enjoying one another and our beautiful island. We hope to see you back at Worship in the Sanctuary and at all the upcoming festivities we have planned for the Holiday season!


The Chapel offices will be closed

Wednesday, December 25 through January 5.



Hurricane Relief Fund:



Total paid-to-date for Chapel hurricane recovery - $194,664

Remaining balance in Reserves (for hurricane recovery) - $155,060


(Well, we need a new Air Conditioner for the Sanctuary. The salt from the flood is taking its own sweet time to do its work. Pooh. That's 34k you can add to the total "to be paid" above, plus another 25k already in the works for other items. Still Needed: Sanctuary Floors and Seating, New Roof, Driveway Maintenance, Elevator, Various Electric-related projects for Chapel and Lord's Warehouse. Amounts above DO NOT include several significant in-kind gifts of Kitchen equipment, Plumbing Projects, etc.)

Longboat Island Chapel

“Share the Light” Capital Campaign

 

Our Capital Campaign is in full swing to raise funds for expanding and upgrading our facilities. By donating to our campaign during 2024, you will be investing in our future and helping all of us achieve our long-term goals.

 

Bright yellow envelopes at the Welcome desk and also on our event sign-up table are designated for our “Share the Light” donations may be used for your contributions.


Are you away from LBK and wish to make a donation? Contact the Chapel Offices and we will make it happen! We can accept cash, checks, credit/debit cards, investment transfers, IRA/SEP contributions, etc.


Contact Susan Schaefer at (941) 383-6491.


Chapel Goal: $640,000

Donations to Date: $252,187


LBK - Community Resilience Webinar:



Navigating Recovery After the Storms

Thursday, December 19, 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Webinar Info and Link

Giving to The Chapel

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


  • Support the Longboat Island Chapel via the "donate" button, located on our website at www.longboatislandchapel.org. This may be a one time or ongoing contribution, whichever you prefer!



Thank you for your generosity!