Dear Coastal,

Well Coastal, it’s finally upon us – Easter weekend is here!  It’s after 7pm on Friday and I’m just now stealing away a few minutes to send out my weekly email.  I have to admit, this new chapter that we’re embarking on has been quite emotional, especially today, seeing our new facility filled with all our chairs!  And it’s not just the new facility – our current building has seen a huge makeover for our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry.  I can’t wait for you to see everything!

Believe it or not, it’s still not too late to invite someone to church.  Go through your phone contacts and facebook friends – who could you send a personal message to?  Ask God to lay a burden on your heart to reach out to someone.

I’m also emotional because I’ve been thinking about all of the people who have had a hand in this project – so MANY of YOU!  There are so many people to thank.  First of all, I want to thank all of the people who 3 years ago decided to step out in faith, go ALL IN, and give sacrificially to this project.  All of this happened and continues to happen, because of your generous, consistent, sacrificial giving – period.  And God will reward you for it.  And then there all the countless contractors, engineers, sub-contractors, designers, and skilled craftsmen (including several from our church) who had hand in this job.  And then there are all the volunteers – from the cleaning, hauling, moving, setting up, to the sound & lighting.  I’ve always said that we have the best volunteers at Coastal and this project has proved that to be true.  And then there is Eddie Evans & Ricky Spell.  Words truly can not express my gratitude to these two men and all that they have given and done to see this project through.  The time, effort, energy, hard work, blood, sweat, and even tears that they have poured into this project has been truly inspirational.  Please make the effort to express your thanks to these two men.  They would NEVER ask for it, but as your Pastor, I’m asking you to thank them.  Trust me, they deserve it.

While Easter is going to be awesome, I’ll be the first to admit that we’re really just going to be figuring things out for a few weeks – systems, storage, best practices, etc.  So be patient, helpful, and considerate.  And just like when you move in to a new home, you develop a “punch list” of things that need to be done.  We’ll be doing the same thing.  Again, be patient, helpful, and considerate.  We’re already developing a fairly long list of things that we’re going to be working on.  Just remember, all projects require time and usually money.

So now that we have the new building, what’s next?  We’re going to fill it and we’re going to use it!  It’s simply a tool that enables us to continue to grow and reach more people and that helps us to love and serve our growing church family and community for the glory of God.  And then . . . we’re already praying and thinking about the next step!  But for now, at least for this weekend, let’s celebrate the Risen Savior and give thanks for God’s faithfulness in bringing our church to this next chapter.  And I can think of no better way to give thanks than by inviting and bringing a friend with you to church on Sunday.

Friday’s 5:

1. As far as Easter Sunday or any Big Day goes, you know the drill:  come early, park far away, greet everyone, volunteer to serve, go out of your way to be helpful to our guests, and give generously.
2. New to Coastal?  Like to learn more about our church and meet other new people?  Sign up for our next Newcomer’s Lunch, immediately after the 3rd service on Sunday, April 10th.  Go to our website and sign up today!
3. We are planning a Baptism Service in our new building for Sunday, April 24th!  If you are interested in getting baptized, please let us know on your Connect Card or sign up online.
4. We could still use a few voluteers here tomorrow from 9am-Noon.  The new Welcome Center and Bathrooms need to be swept, wiped down, and swiffered.  We also need a large trash pile to be moved to the dumpster.  And all the black silt fencing along the new sidewalk can be removed.
5. We’re having a Wedding Shower for Ryan Spell (our Youth Pastor In Residence) and Gracie Beechler on Sunday, April 17th, from 6-7:30pm.  They are registered at Amazon.com.

All In!  Love Can!  Game On!

Pastor Chris
(PC)

P.S.  Even if you don’t have children in Coastal Kidz, make sure you check out all the changes and improvements in our current facility.  If I were a kid, this is the place I’d want to be on Sundays!

Dear Coastal,

Easter Sunday and our Grand Opening (March 27th) countdown is now 9 days away (single digits)!  What can I say, that I haven’t already said?  All of the tools, all of the stuff we’ve done and said and given you to encourage you to invite someone to church, is useless unless you actually use it and invite someone.  We’re NOT responsible for their decision, but WE ARE responsible to make the ask, to sow the seed.

Well, I know a lot of you (myself included) have been wondering if we were going to be able to have a soft opening in our new building this Sunday.  That is looking less and less likely.  In fact, I was holding off on sending my Friday 5 until we knew something more definitive.  It’s nothing on our end, we’re just waiting for a couple more officials to sign off on things.  It could still happen by the end of business today, but again it’s not looking good for that right now.  If any of that changes, I’ll send out a quick email, social media blast to let you know.

However, the good news is that we are looking great for Easter Sunday and that’s what’s most important!  Either way, you will notice a lot of changes on the outside – landscaping, mulch, NEW PARKING LOT & ROAD!  By the way DO NOT drive on the new road or park in the new parking lot over the weekend.  They want it to set up good for 2 days (Saturday & Sunday).

Friday’s 5:

1. We’re looking for Security Team volunteers!  The Security Team is led by Bryan Miller, a former SC State Trooper.  If you are interested in learning more about the Security Team and possibly volunteering, you can respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, email Bryan directly at bryan.bcmill@gmail.com or call him at 843-296-2991.
2. New to Coastal?  Like to learn more about our church and meet other new people?  Sign up for our next Newcomer’s Lunch, immediately after the 3rd service on Sunday, April 10th.  Go to our website and sign up today!
3. We are planning a Baptism Service in our new building for Sunday, April 24th!  If you are interested in getting baptized, please let us know on your Connect Card or sign up online.
4. As our church expands and grows, we want to expand our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry.  To do this, we are wanting (and needing) to start a new class.  Each time we expand and start a new class, we typically need a minimum of 12-18 volunteers (teachers & assistants) willing to serve 1-2 services a month.  If you are interested in being a part of this growing and rewarding Ministry, please respond to this email or contact Janet Rollins at 843-442-8299 or janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
5. Parents and Students (6th-12th Grade), don’t forget that WAVES House Party (a hangout time for our Students with games, bonfire, food, and fun) meets tonight, 6pm-9pm at the church!  Invite and bring a friend!  The student who brings the most friends gets a PRIZE!  For more information contact Ryan Spell 843-442-8985, ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

All In!  Love Can!  Game On!

Pastor Chris
(PC)

Dear Coastal,

Easter Sunday and our Grand Opening (March 27th) in our new facility is now just 16 days away!  Take advantage of all the different tools that we have to invite people and spread the word about our church and our service – “You’re Invited” business cards, Unshakable books, Easter Sunday/Grand Opening Ticketmaster tickets, and now Yard Signs.

Pick up and read a FREE copy of the little book, The Difference Maker.  It’s all about making a difference in people’s lives by inviting them to church, sharing your story, and sharing your faith.  My life, and as a result, your life, was forever changed simply because a friend invited me to church.  You have the chance to be that kind of Difference Maker this Easter!

We’ve been hoping that we would have our C.O. (Certificate of Occupancy) by next week so that we can have a “soft opening” for our church in our new facility on Sunday, March 20th, the week before Easter Sunday.  Honestly, we won’t know if that’s possible until late next week.  It may or may not happen.  As soon as we know, you will know.  But we are still looking great for Easter!  Please continue to keep this whole process in your prayers.  A LOT will be happening this coming week!  Please continue to give sacrificially!  Everything that we are doing for the new facility and our current facility costs money.  It is your consistent, generous giving that funds this project and Big Days like Easter Sunday.

Friday’s 5:

1. This weekend is “Time Change Weekend”!  Your clocks will “Spring Forward” one hour on Saturday night.  Yes, you lose an hour of sleep, but you gain an hour of daylight!  If you’re tired, sleep in and come to our 11:45am service this Sunday!
2. New to Coastal?  Like to learn more about our church and meet other new people?  Sign up for our next Newcomer’s Lunch, immediately after the 3rd service on Sunday, April 10th.  Go to our website and sign up today!
3. We are planning a Baptism Service in our new building for Sunday, April 24th!  If you are interested in getting baptized, please let us know on your Connect Card or sign up online.
4. As our church expands and grows, we want to expand our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry.  To do this, we are wanting (and needing) to start a new class.  Each time we expand and start a new class, we typically need a minimum of 12-18 volunteers (teachers & assistants) willing to serve 1-2 services a month.  If you are interested in being a part of this growing and rewarding Ministry, please respond to this email or contact Janet Rollins at 843-442-8299 or janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
5. Parents and Students (6th-12th Grade), don’t forget that we are now feeding the Students before WAVES 6.2.SIX on Wednesdays nights, 6-6:26pm.  If you are interested in helping to provide food, please respond to this email or contact Ryan Spell 843-442-8985, ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

All In!  Love Can!  Game On!

Pastor Chris
(PC)

P.S.  I’m praying for those of you who are participating in our Easter Fast!

Dear Coastal,

Easter Sunday/Grand Opening, Sunday, March 27th –  23 days away!  Okay, keep praying, but it’s now time to start inviting people.  We have several tools at the church for you to use – the Unshakable book, “You’re Invited” business cards, Easter Sunday/Grand Opening tickets.  Just think, one small invitation could potentially change someone’s life forever!  You and I have the opportunity to change the trajectory of multiple generations for all eternity!  Yes – I truly belive that much is at stake, each and every Sunday.  In fact, this Sunday I have a free gift for you – a short little book called The Difference Maker.  It’s all about making a difference in people’s lives by sharing your faith.  Make sure you pick up a copy on Sunday and read it.

This past Sunday was awesome!  One of the reasons for that was 137 adults made the decision to particpate in our Easter Fast by denying themselves something physical between now and Easter Sunday, March 27th.  It’s going to be a time of great spiritual growth for our entire church!  Remember, it’s not about whatever the “thing” is that you’re denying yourself – some sort of food, technology, or stronghold.  It’s about turning to God, focusing on Him, and listening to His voice.

Friday’s 5:

1. New to Coastal?  Like to learn more about our church and meet other new people?  Sign up for our next Newcomer’s Lunch, immediately after the 3rd service on Sunday, April 10th.  Go to our website and sign up today!
2. We are planning a Baptism Service in our new building for Sunday, April 24th!  If you are interested in getting baptized, please let us know on your Connect Card or sign up online.
3. As our church expands and grows, we want to expand our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry.  To do this, we are wanting (and needing) to start a new class.  Each time we expand and start a new class, we typically need a minimum of 12-18 volunteers (teachers & assistants) willing to serve 1-2 services a month.  If you are interested in being a part of this growing and rewarding Ministry, please respond to this email or contact Janet Rollins at 843-442-8299 or janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
4. Special Services & Big Days like Easter Sunday & our Grand Opening mean extra expenses.  I just want to challenge and encourage you to be mindful of that and to be faithful in your consistent and generous giving.  Consider giving above and beyond or making a special sacrificial offering during this month before Easter.  Maybe consider giving something special toward our new building as we make final preparations to move in.
5. Parents and Students (6th-12th Grade), don’t forget that we are now feeding the Students before WAVES 6.2.SIX on Wednesdays nights, 6-6:26pm.  If you are interested in helping to provide food, please respond to this email or contact Ryan Spell 843-442-8985, ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

All In!  Love Can!  Game On!

Pastor Chris
(PC)

P.S.  Time Change is not this weekend, but NEXT weekend!  Yeah – longer days are on their way!