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6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Longboat Key, Florida 34228

(941) 383-6491

The Chapeline

December 3, 2024

White or Blue Christmas?


In one of my previous church appointments, every year we would host a “Blue Christmas” worship service. The purpose of a Blue Christmas service is to praise God while also recognizing that some people do not have pleasant thoughts and memories about the Holidays. “Blue Christmas” allows folks to recognize their legitimate feelings while also hoping to assist them in the healing process.


This Holiday Season is already proving to be a big struggle for lots of folks, especially those who have recently lost loved ones. While the rest of us are chasing sugar plums, some of our friends are facing empty chairs at the table and cold places in the bed. In the last few months at the Chapel, we have lost a number of friends and loved ones, each who are equally important and significant in the eyes of God. This Holiday Season will be challenging.


Among those that we’ve lost is Reverend Charlie Shook, the Chapel’s Pastor Emeritus, who passed away a few days ago. Reverend Shook was ordained in 1951. Few pastors ever reach the 70-year milestone in vocational ministry, but Rev. Charlie did, preaching his final sermon at the Chapel in 2023. Like so many others that we’ve lost in the Chapel family, Rev. Shook really struggled in these last few months. His memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 2:00 pm in the Chapel sanctuary. 



The Shook family, along with the other families who have endured great loss recently, need our prayers. They also need our occasional phone calls, texts, and written notes. Sometimes, just a little check-in can make all the difference in the world. Our sugar plums aren’t going anywhere, so a very slight pause to pray for our surviving caregivers, spouses, and loved ones can make a big difference. 


I wanted to take some time in Chapeline to address the subject of loss because all of us deal with loss in some manner. I wanted to point out that as we fight rotted drywall and malfunctioning elevators, some of our Chapel family are struggling with all that in addition to the loss of a loved one.

God is not trying to punish anyone, nor is God trying to see if we are strong enough to withstand the challenges in front of us. Instead, God is trying to bless people in the midst of their trials. When we allow ourselves to become vulnerable to God’s work, we become part of God’s blessing to others. In other words, when we are paying attention and caring for the needs of people around us, we become a blessing to others. We are actually transformed into God’s blessing for others. That’s really cool.

We might not be able to deliver a hand-crafted White Christmas to anyone. But if we follow God’s lead, we might sure help someone else weave through their Blue Christmas. 


I hope to see you soon, in person or online, at the Chapel! 


God Bless, Brock.



Worship Service on Sunday, December 8

10:00 a.m.

Online Worship and in the Sanctuary

 "Baby Patience"

Rev. Brock Patterson

Luke 1:26-38



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

Streaming Link




Remembrance Service for Reverend Charlie Shook

Sunday, December 15

Sanctuary at 2:00 pm


There will be a brief Visitation after the Service




Memorials preferred and made payable to Longboat Island Chapel.


The Longboat Island Chapel wishes to express our deepest sympathies and prayers to the families and loved ones of these Chapel friends who passed away this past week:


Reverend Charlie Shook

Bree Hill

Dick Lochner

Shirley Noyes


This Sunday! Holiday Champagne Brunch!

Sunday, December 8

Following Worship

Shook Fellowship Hall


Join your fellow Chapel friends to toast the Holiday season, welcoming one another, as we look forward to the blessings that 2025 sends our way.


Contact the Chapel office at 941-383-6491 to put your name on the guest list.


$10 suggested donation but not necessary

Christmas in the Garden 2024


We are looking for volunteers to help at our musical events!



Please contact Lesley Rife at: lesleyrife@att.net or Kelly Shrout at kelly.shrout@gmail.com.


You may also contact the chapel office at 941-383-6491 (admin@longboatislandchapel.org).

Come and enjoy the Garden this Christmas season! Bring your friends and family for special evenings of musical events or just to stroll the pathways and enjoy the serenity and joy the Garden brings to all! Our magical Christmas Garden is open until 9 p.m. every evening through December 31st.


TONIGHT! SPECIAL NOTE: The Brian Gurl Trio will perform in the Sanctuary

at 6 p.m.


Thursday, December 5th at 6 p.m. - Lido Beach Commodores-Jazz ensemble will perform in the Garden. Dress warmly.

Prayer Group

Thursday, December 5

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

Thursday, December 5

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.

Memoirs Writing Group

Wednesday, December 11

10:00 a.m. (Zoom)


Our Memoirs Writing Group offers a nurturing space for individuals to reflect on their lives, share their experiences, and connect with others through the art of writing.


Contact Barbara Koetsier for details at barbarakoetsier@gmail.com.

Holiday Bazaar-Food and Crafts

Sunday, December 15

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shook Fellowship Hall


Enjoy shopping for gifts and treats before and after Worship!


Contact Sue Reese at suedreese@aol.com for further details about becoming a vendor or volunteering to help.

 

Chapel Book Club

In the Time of the Butterflies

by Julia Alvarez


Monday December 16

Noon-Lazy Lobster - LBK


Come to the meeting with a question or discussion point regarding the book.


Please sign up at the Welcome Center or

contact June Hessel at: junehessel@live.com, for a seat reservation.

Early Bird Dinner Theater Event

January 23, 2025


  • Enjoy a round-trip motorcoach ride, early dinner/play, "Love...or Best Offer."
  • Bus departs from the Chapel at 9 a.m.
  • Sign-up sheet available in Shook Fellowship Hall or call the Chapel office at

941-383-6491.

  • Payment of $119 (per person) is due by December 20, payable to, Tours4you.

We are told this play will be hilarious!

Contact Val Evanko at 330-806-2351 or val.evanko@gmail.com

Pictures of the Week

1st Sunday of Advent Worship in the Sanctuary. The Shifting Sands group represented our first candle, which is Hope.

Rev. Brock is addressing the Thanksgiving dinner crowd.

Chef David's feast.

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped!

The Gift of Giving Toy Drive. Shown here with about 1/2 of

all the toys collected.

Thanksgiving Pies!

Thank you to all who donated desserts!

A plateful of deliciousness!

Hospitality food needed!


With the busy season approaching, we are in need of snacks and treats to be donated for the hospitality table 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 last week at Sunday Worship!


Jamie and Richard Engel, Becky Jones, and Becky Lietzau

Welcome Back Snowbirds!


We are happy to have you back! You will see things are changing around here as renovations 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 for Chapel hurricane recovery - $189,878.21.

Remaining balance in Reserves (for hurricane recovery) - $155,060.62.


(Still Needed: Sanctuary Air Conditioners, 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: $241,477

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!