Chapel Leadership

Senior Pastor - Rev. Brock Patterson

Longboat Island Chapel Senior Pastor (Pastor Brock)

Pastor Brock finds his greatest joy in seeing others discover God’s unconditional love for them! A passionate teacher, Brock brings fresh meaning and timeless truth to those familiar with the church while communicating with relevance to those who are brand new. He enjoys caring for people outside of the church walls, whether they’ve quit attending church, have never attended church, or don’t “fit the mold” in other church environments.

Brock’s ministry at The Chapel began in November 2020, bringing his background in church planting and growth to Longboat Key. Under Brock’s leadership, The Chapel has begun many new programs, ministries, and educational opportunities, including Christmas in the Garden, Advent and Lent Challenges, extensive Bible studies (including Zoom and YouTube), facility renovation and restoration, and enhanced audio and video streaming of all services and events. Embracing The Chapel’s “Gather and Give” ministries, Brock has deepened our partnerships, especially with area schools, nonprofits, local government agencies, and community outreach organizations.

Brock served for many years as an executive in Corporate Finance and is a recognized leader in church planting. His ecumenical journey is a natural fit for The Chapel and Longboat Key – raised in the Baptist Faith, attending Catholic schools and Baylor University, and ministry experiences in the United Methodist Church, Cumberland Presbyterian tradition, and non-denominational churches.

Brock enjoys serving with our town events and working with our city leaders to ensure emergency readiness. He regularly leads prayer for local government agencies, social groups, and large gatherings, and enjoys working with the Longboat Key Ministerium (interfaith). An avid fisher and lifelong outdoorsman, he actively supports conservation in Manatee and Sarasota Counties (CCA) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Born and raised in Arkansas, Brock is a proud father of two, grandfather of two, and loving sibling of four. Though still an Arkansas Razorback fan, Pastor Brock is delighted to make his home on Longboat Key.

Click here to Email Rev. Brock Patterson

Rev. Bill Friederich

Care Pastor

Reverend Bill Friederich has been an ordained minister since 1977, graduating with Masters Degrees in Theology and Christian History from Wheaton Graduate School in Wheaton, Ilinois. He also completed a Master of Divinity degree from Bangor Theological Seminary in Bangor, Maine.

Rev Bill served as Assistant Chaplain at a U S Army stockade in Germany, and a Missionary in Germany and Italy. He was a Campus Chaplain at the University of Maine, as well as Director of Admissions for Bangor Seminary. While in Maine he served UCC churches in Northeast Harbor, Seal Harbor, and Castine before moving to Florida. His most recent pastorate was at Longboat Island Chapel where he served as Senior Pastor for five years. He and his wife Bah reside in Bradenton, enjoying sun and sand. Both are accomplished musicians, enjoy good food and delight in visits with their granddaughter!

Click here to Email Rev. Bill Friederich

Chapel Staff

Becky Lietzau

Office Manager

Becky joined us in 2023! A transplant from Wayzata, MN, Becky has lived in Florida since 2018, starting off in Cape Coral and later moving to Bradenton in 2020. She has two grown children and two grandchildren still living in the cold tundra. She went back to college at age 53 to complete a BA degree in professional writing.

Her motto’s are:

You are NEVER too old to learn something new or to follow your dreams!
BELIEVE in God’s spiritual energy and lift yourself to it.

Click here to Email Becky

Alyssa Adamson

Worship Director

Alyssa Adamson has been singing at Longboat Island Chapel since Fall of 2022. She has been a singer since she could talk. She began voice lessons at age 7, and performed in community choirs and community theatre productions throughout her childhood. Alyssa obtained a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Florida Southern College and then a Master’s degree in Music Therapy from Florida State University.

Alyssa has been a music teacher since 2015, and now teaches Elementary Music and Sixth Grade Choir at Pine View School in Osprey, FL. She is also the director of the Venice Youth Chorus and has recently taught Music Together classes for young children ages 0-5 and their families. Alyssa enjoys singing for any occasion, and especially enjoys using her voice for worship.

In her free time, Alyssa likes to spend time with her family, including her husband, stepson, and two beautiful daughters, who all also enjoy visiting the chapel with her. She is very excited to continue to bring music to the Longboat Island Chapel, and she is thankful to call the chapel members her family.

Click here to Email Alyssa

Susan Schaefer

Business Manager

Susan Schaefer re-located to Florida from Michigan in 2009. She retired after 22 years from the Admissions Office of Central Michigan University. The skills utilized in her position of Office Manager are utilized daily at the Longboat Island Chapel. She and her husband Bruce became members of the Chapel in 2009, and Susan was hired in 2011.

Click here to Email Susan

Jerry Schaller

Chapel Custodian

Jerry is originally from Augusta, Georgia and has an associate degree in Parks Management from Lake City Community College. Prior to coming to the Chapel he worked for a company that installs and repairs windows. His custodial duties include setting up rooms for group meetings, multiple interior and exterior building maintenance as well as various projects on the grounds of the Chapel.

Diane Lehman

Wedding Coordinator

Diane joins us once again as our wedding coordinator, as she once served in this capacity for the chapel. Her desire to return was rooted in the love of the Longboat Island Chapel’s mission and people. Diane grew up in Bradenton and graduated from the University of South Florida with a Communications degree. Diane and her husband John have been married for 27 years and are the proud parents of three grown children. Their son Chris is in finance in NYC, daughter Emily is a lawyer in Tampa and the youngest Caroline is a distance runner at the University of Notre Dame.

Diane has worked in event planning, wedding coordination, public relations, and healthcare sales throughout her career. Her expertise will be at the forefront of ensuring that brides and grooms experience a seamless and joyous wedding day. In her spare time, Diane enjoys running, walking the beach, reading, and enjoying time with family. Diane’s favorite motto to live by is, “Carpe Diem”.