Monthly Archives

October 2015

Friday’s Five – 10-9-15

Dear Coastal,

Has this been a wild and crazy week or what?  I don’t know if it’s just me and I’m getting old, but I’ve been off on my days all week.  Well, I’m pretty sure that today is still Friday and that means the weekend is upon us and it’s time for my Friday 5.

Please, please continue to pray for and look for ways to serve those in our community still hurting from the rain and flooding, especially those in the Columbia area and all over our state beyond.

Canceling services this past Sunday was definitely the right call to make, but I’ve missed you!  I’ve seen many of you at the office or in a Group, but quite frankly, I’ve missed my church family!  Remember, if it doesn’t matter to you, please make an effort to attend the 8:45am or 11:45am service.  The 10:15am service has been standing room only.  If you typically give weekly or on the first of the month, I simply want to encourage you to be faithful in your giving and to help us make up any shortfall from this past Sunday.  Times like these are great opportunities to try out online or mobile giving.  We might not have had services, but our bills keep coming.

Here are 5 other things to remember:

  1. Please feel free to give toward our Benevolence Fund.  We use this money to help people in need – times just like these.  You can designate your gift, “benevolence” on your check, paypal, receipt, or even through texting an amount and then the word “benevolence” to 843-277-8337.  We will use money from this fund to help Crosstowne Christian Church.
  2. New to Coastal?  Sign up for our next Newcomer’s Lunch – Sunday, October 25th, immediately after the 11:45am service (approx. 1pm).  It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Coastal, meet other new people and our staff, enjoy a great meal, and discover possible next steps.  Repsond to this emai or sign up online!
  3. Interested in getting more involved at Coastal?  Want to learn the “inside scoop”?  Attend our next FUEL Gathering, Saturday, October 17th, 10am-Noon.  Childcare provided. Cafe will be open.  FUEL is a time of fellowship, worship, and information for all Ministry Leaders, Volunteers, and those who are interested in serving – basically everyone who considers Coastal their home!  It’s kind of a “family meeting” – a behind the scenes talk from me, our staff, and several leaders about what’s going on and coming up at Coastal.  If you’re in town, make every effort to come.
  4. October is Operation Christmas Child month!  Begin bringing toys, games, supplies, etc. that can fit in a shoebox to church during the month of October.  Also, start gathering your shoeboxes.  There is an insert in the bulletin with more information.  Our Packing Party will be at the church on Friday, November 13th, 6:30pm-8:30pm.
  5. This is a great opportunity to fill our Food Pantry at Coastal.  Bring non-perishable food items to church this Sunday!  Let’s completely restock our Food Pantry and be prepared to feed those people in need in our community.  We have plenty of beans and corn.  We really need canned fruits, pastas, sauces, dry goods, and cereals.

All In!  LOVE CAN!  Game On!

Pastor Chris

Uncategorized

FUEL Rescheduled & Other Things

Dear Coastal,

I just wanted to let you know that we have decided to postpone our FUEL meeting one week until Saturday, October 17th, 10am-11:45am.  What is FUEL and who is invited?  FUEL is a time of fellowship, worship, and information for all Ministry Leaders, Volunteers, and those who are interested in serving – basically everyone who considers Coastal their home!  It’s kind of a “family meeting” – a behind the scenes talk from me, our staff, and several leaders about what’s going on and coming up at Coastal.  Childcare is provided and our Cafe will be open.  With the transition into our new facility coming up, I feel that it’s important that we’re all on the same page and it’s hard to share all of that on a Sunday morning.  Please try to come!

Here are several other things people have asked about:

– Several people have mentioned reaching out to Crosstowne Christian Church on Bees Ferry Rd.  Their facility was completely flooded and they lost everything – a total loss.  I talked with their Pastor, Paul Rienzo.  Right now they are overwhelmed (in a positive way) with the outpouring of offers of assistance from our community and beyond.  They will begin meeting this Sunday at the IMAX cinema at Citadel Mall.  They will be compiling a list of supplies and needs as they go portable.  As soon as I get that list, we will pass it on and see how we can help.  They did have insurance and are meeting with their insurance company now to assess their situation financially.  They are also working closely with Seascoast to assess needs and assist with the outpouring of help.  I talked to Josh Surratt from Seacoast and expressed our desire to be a part of that assistance.  So again, as soon as I know, you will know.

– This is a great opportunity to fill our Food Pantry at Coastal.  Bring non-perishable food items to church this Sunday!  Let’s completely restock our Food Pantry and be prepared to feed those people in need in our community.  We have plenty of beans and corn.  We really need canned fruits, pastas, sauces, dry goods, and cereals.

– We do not have the space for a clothes closet.  Good Will, Salvation Army, and the Red Cross are still the best bet for clothes and household items.

– Please feel free to give toward our Benevolence Fund.  We use this money to periodically help people in need – times just like these.  You can designate your gift, “benevolence” on your check, paypal, receipt, or even through texting an amount and then the word “benevolence” to 843-277-8337.  We will use money from this fund to help Crosstowne Christian Church.

– Obviously, we cancelled services this past Sunday.  However, just like you, our bills, salaries, & expenses were not cancelled.  They keep coming regardless of our meeting schedule.  I simply want to encourage you to be faithful in your giving and to help us make up any shortfall from this past Sunday.  Times like these are great opportunities to try out online or mobile giving.

I think that’s about it!  I love you and I’m so thankful to be your Pastor and to serve our church and community together with you!

All In!  Love Can!  Game On!

Pastor Chris

Uncategorized

Our Response

Dear Coastal Friends & Family,

Well, it looks like we made it through the worst sustained rainfall in the history of recorded weather activity in our country.  Unbelievable.  I say “made it” realizing that in most areas the waters have not yet receded and our friends in the midlands, upstate, and further up the coast are still reeling from flooding rivers and rains.  All I mean to say is that it at least looks like the worst of the rain for the Charleston area is over and that the sun will make an appearance tomorrow.  To say that our city has been through a lot this year is quite the understatement.

What now?  What can we do to help?  Well, first and most importantly, pray.  Prayer really does work.  Prayer is not the last resort, “Well, all we can do now is pray.”  No, prayer is our first response.

But prayer should also, always lead us into action.  As you get out and about and start assessing (many are just beginning this process) and networking with neighbors, friends, and family, keep an open heart to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  And then simply obey His voice.

Communicate.  If there is a need that you’re aware of, that together we can make an impact, please let us know.  Send an email.  Give us a call.  Talk about it in your LIFE Group.  That’s a great place for action.  We are going to do our best to put people and needs together as we become aware of them.  We can’t help everyone, but we can help someone.  And together we can help more.  We’ll also do our best to partner with and support other churches and organizations doing the same.  We’re in this together.

Simply put – be the church!  We say it all the time.  But it’s not just a slogan.  It’s a way of life.  This is our time to shine, to serve, to love, to clean, to lend a neighbor a helping hand, to be a shoulder to cry on, to listen, and to give.  Charleston is a special place with special people.  My experience is that the majority of our community will rise to the occasion and pull together.  Let’s simply be a part of that movement.  And when and if someone asks why – point them to Jesus!

Smile, be positive, and gracious today and in the days to come!  People respond to tragedy in different ways.  Let’s lead the way in simple human kindness.  Put away judgement and “snarkiness.”

Oh, and for those of you who have asked, our church facility itself, both old and new, is fine.  No flooding and no damage.  In fact, if you’re still without power and need a place to chill, hop on the internet, or cook a hot meal, give us a call and come on by.  It’s just a tool.  And the Rollins family, we’re all doing great!  Thanks for asking!  Thanks for praying – for Coastal, Charleston, and our entire State!  I love you Coastal!  I love what we get to do together!  I missed you yesterday and can’t wait to see you this week and on Sunday!

All In!  Love Can!  Game On!
Pastor Chris

Uncategorized

Friday’s Five – 10-2-15

Dear Coastal,

One of the things that made last weekend so special was the family that we helped with the bedding need came to church on Sunday.  After the service, the mom told me how much she enjoyed our service and that she wanted to thank our church for the beds and supplies for her children.  I was almost in tears as she told me how one of her boys told her it was the best night of sleep he ever had and that he didn’t want to get out of bed!  Thank you Coastal for serving and for giving.  Whether it’s children at Oakland Elementary School, gifts for Operation Christmas Child, or supporting our Students going to the Winter Retreat – change the life of a child, change the world!

Our 10:15am service has been standing room only lately.  At first that can be fun and exciting, but eventually it does get a little difficult, especially on our guests.  If it really doesn’t matter to you, please make an effort to attend the 8:45am or 11:15am service (we have Newcomer’s Lunch immediately after the 3rd service this week).  I promise we’re doing our best to work on a solution!  I’m praying we’ll be in before Christmas!

Do your best to stay dry this weekend (good thing we had our Baptism last Saturday).  Don’t let the rain keep you from church on Sunday!  Our 1st Impression’s Team will be out in full force with plenty of umbrellas!

Here are 5 other things to remember:

  1. If you made a commitment to purchase chairs for our new facility, please try to fulfill your commitment during the month of October.
  2. New to Coastal?  Sign up for our next Newcomer’s Lunch – THIS Sunday, October 4th, immediately after the 11:45am service (approx. 1pm).  It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Coastal, meet other new people and our staff, enjoy a great meal, and discover possible next steps.  Repsond to this emai or sign up online!
  3. Interested in getting more involved at Coastal?  Want to learn the “inside scoop”?  Attend our next FUEL Gathering, next Saturday, October 10th, 10am-Noon.  Childcare provided.  FUEL is for all Ministry Leaders, Volunteers, and anyone interested in serving.
  4. October is Operation Christmas Child month!  Begin collecting toys, games, supplies, etc. that can fit in a shoebox.  Also, start gathering your shoeboxes.  You can bring your items and shoeboxes to church during the month of October.  There will be an insert in the bulletin with more information.  Our Packing Party will be at the church on Friday, November 13th, 6:30pm-8:30pm.
  5. Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) Winter Retreat, January 15-18th in Pigeon Forge, TN.  $175 per student.  $75 deposit due November 8th.  $100 balance due December 13th.  See Michael for more information.

All In!  LOVE CAN!  Game On!

Pastor Chris

Uncategorized

Online Connect Card

  • If this is your 1st or 2nd time joining us, we'd love to mail you a little more information about Coastal along with a thank you for tuning in today.