Monthly Archives

April 2016

Friday’s Five – 4-22-16

Dear Coastal,

Our new series, “The Power of Words” really struck a chord this past Sunday!  In fact, over 60 people signed up for the “30 Day No-Cursing Challenge.”  I got an email from a business owner at our church who shared our challenge with his staff.  The response he got was amazing.  In fact, here was one response, “I will accept as well.  I admit I struggle with this at times.  It’s easy to fall into the trap because we are surrounded by this everyday with the industry we work in.  That shouldn’t be an excuse.  Thanks for sharing.”  Wow!  If you missed the message, you can listen to it online or you can download our App and listen to it on your smart phone.  This Sunday, I’m going to be talking about when we have to use our words to confront someone else.

I’ve got some exciting personal news to share with you.  Many of you are already aware of this, but I wanted to let the whole church know so you could pray for us.  This coming Monday, Janet and I hop on a plane and head out to Los Angeles to see our daughter Lydia!  We’ll be gone for over a week.  We’ll be there for Lydia’s 25th Birthay!  To say that we’re excited is quite the understatement.  Please keep us in your prayers.

You may be wondering, “Who’s going to preach while you’re away?”  Well, I will only miss one Sunday – May 1st – and Galen Moyer will be preaching for me.  Coastal just happens to be blessed with several people who used to be Pastors.  Galen is one of those guys.  Currently, Galen works for a local Hospice company here in Charleston.  Galen and his wife Perry lead a LIFE Group and serve in our Cafe.  Don’t stay away on May 1st just because I’m not there.  In fact, make sure you come to support and encourage Galen.  I honestly wish I was there to hear him.   He’ll be speaking on using our words to express gratitude.

I can’t wait for this Sunday!  Right now it looks like we’re baptizing around 7 people (maybe more)!  Don’t miss it!  The Bible says that when one person comes to faith all of Heaven throws a BIG PARTY!  Come ready to celebrate this Sunday!  If you are interested in getting baptized, please let us know by simply responding to this email.  If you are getting baptized, make sure you invite friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers!  Your baptism is a great way to reach out to others!

Friday’s 5:

  1. We’re setting our chairs back up in the “worshi-gym-autorium” on Saturday’s (tomorrow) at 9am.  We could definitely use volunteers to help.  If you are interested in being part of a “chair ministry”, please respond to this email.  It’s a great way to get some exercise and serve our church all at the same time!
  2. Want to formalize your commitment to Coastal?  Want officially make Coastal your church family?  Our next Membership Class is Saturday, May 7th, 9am-Noon.  Childcare & light refreshments provided.  Sign up on your Connect Card or online.
  3. Mother’s Day is just around the corner – Sunday, May 8th!  It’s been our tradition to have a Baby/Child Dedication on Mother’s Day.  If you are interested in participating, please let us know.  You can respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card.
  4. If you have not yet turned in any money for a deposit for Student LIFE Camp (June 13-17) for your Student (6th-12th Grade), please see Ryan and do so soon.  Our Students are planning 2 Fundraisers.  The first one is “Zumba Loves WAVES!”  Prisca Denton (who I like to call the Queen of Zumba) has graciously volunteered to host a Zumba event in our gym on Sunday, May 22nd, 2:30-3:30pm.  The event itself is free, but a $5 minimum donation is appreciated and people are encouraged to give more.  Spread the word!  The second event is a Charleston Riverdogs Game on Saturday night, June 4th, 6:30pm.  Tickets are $12 and $5 of that cost will go directly to each student as they sell tickets.  It’s usually a great Church-wide event.  As soon as we get the tickets, our Students will be selling them.
  5. We are in the process of planning out our short Summer Semester (5 weeks) of LIFE Groups.  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting, or if you have a great idea for a Summer Group, please contact us now.  Simply respond to this email, talk to me (Pastor Chris), or see Julie.

All In!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Give TEXT Giving a try!  It’s safe, secure, and simple!  Text any amout to 843-277-8337 and after a 1 step, 1 time sign up process, you are done.  You can then give any amount, any time, from any where.  Give it a try today!  In fact, if you want to give toward a Student going to Summer Camp, you can text the amount, space, and then the word “Camp” and that money will be designated toward Camp.

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Friday’s Five – 4-15-16

Dear Coastal,

I begin a new series this Sunday called, “The Power of Words.”  Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death. . .”  Wow!  Life and death all wrapped up in the words that we speak.  Jesus said that our words are a reflection of our heart.  In fact, Jesus went as far as saying this, “And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak.”  Pretty strong stuff.

My guess is that we all have said things that we regret.  I know I have.  We all could do a better job of weighing our words and using them to bring about LIFE!  So, let’s talk about that for the next several weeks at Coastal.  I really believe that this series has the potential to change lives and strengthen relationships!  Invite and bring a friend to church this week!

On Saturday at 4pm (tomorrow) we’re hosting a Memorial Service for Ethan Shaff.  Ethan was a 26 year old young man who died on Easter Sunday of a drug overdose in Denver, Colorado.  Most of you didn’t know him.  However, Ethan and his family were all a part of our church from the very beginning.  In fact, Ethan was born 3 weeks before our church started.  I was in the hospital room, right before he was born.  Ethan was “raised” in our church.  I baptized him.  About 10 years ago, Ethan, his mom Barb, and little brother Logan, all moved out to Denver to start a new life.  While most of you didn’t know Ethan personally, many of you are very familiar with his story – addiction, recovery, relapse.  Please pray for Barb & Logan.  If you’re an addict, there is hope and there is help.  We have a church full of people who have been right where you are at and are willing to walk with you every step of the way.  If you know an addict, don’t give up on them.  Pray for them and keep reaching out to them.  Remember, we are all sinners saved by grace.  I could use a few volunteers to help with the service on Saturday.  Let me know if you’re available.

Friday’s 5:

  1. We’re setting our chairs back up in the “worshi-gym-autorium” on Saturday’s (tomorrow) at 9am.  We could definitely use volunteers to help.  If you are interested in being part of a “chair ministry”, please respond to this email.  It’s a great way to get some exercise and serve our church all at the same time!
  2. We’re having a Wedding Shower for Ryan Spell & Gracie Beechler this Sunday night at 6pm at the church (in the new building).  Everyone is invited!  Hamburgers & hotdogs, mac & cheese, baked beans, cole slaw, and cake will be served!  Come out and enjoy the fun!
  3. The Red Cross Blood Mobile Unit will be at Coastal this Sunday!  Make plans to donate blood (you get a cookie and get to save a life)!
  4. 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.
  5. Want to formalize your commitment to Coastal?  Want officially make Coastal your church family?  Our next Membership Class is Saturday, May 7th, 9am-Noon.  Childcare & light refreshments provided.  Sign up on your Connect Card or online.

All In!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Mother’s Day is just around the corner – Sunday, May 8th!  It’s been our tradition to have a Baby/Child Dedication on Mother’s Day.  If you are interested in participating, please let us know.  You can respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card.

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Friday’s Five – 4-8-16

Dear Coastal,

Every year, this past weekend, is what I like to call, “The Busiest Weekend In Charleston!”  There was the Bridge Run, Flowertown Festival, Cajun Festival, the start of the Volvo Car Open (formerly known as the Family Circle Cup Tennis Tournament), Hootie & the Blowfish Concert, and Phantom of the Opera.  And then on top of that it was the last weekend of Spring Break in Charleston County and Final Four Weekend.  Whew!  My guess is that you and your family probably participated in at least one of those things.

Spring has definitely Sprung and we are now headed full steam into Summer.  As you make plans for the Summer and specifically for your children and students, don’t forget to mark your calendar for two things: VBS and Student LIFE Camp.  The dates & times for VBS (4 year old – 5th Grade) are July 11-15, 6-8pm.  At Coastal we like to say that VBS is “all hands on deck.”  In other words, to pull off the AWESOME VBS we do here at Coastal, we need everyone who considers Coastal their home to serve/volunteer in some way.  As it gets closer Janet (our Children’s Director) will post all of the different volunteer opportunities.  There will be a VBS Planning Meeting for people who want to help organize VBS on Wednesday night, April 20th during WAVES 6.2.SIX (6:30-8pm).

And then if you have a Student (6th-12th Grade) make sure you put Student LIFE Camp on their Summer Calendar.  The dates of Student LIFE Camp are June 13-17.  Student LIFE Camp is like a Christian Conference for Students on steroids!  A couple of thousand students all converge on Wake Forest campus for worship and messages all geared toward them.  Plus there is a missions element where our students will be serving the community during the day.  It is both time and money well spent for your student.  The total cost is $370.  A $60 deposit is due by Sunday, April 17th to hold their spot.  For more information, to answer any questions, or to donate $ to sponsor a student please contact Ryan Spell – ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 843-442-8985.

Friday’s 5 (okay – 6):

  1. A couple of new LIFE Groups have just started:  Men’s Basketball & Co-Ed Volleyball!  Men’s Basketball is on Monday Nights, 6pm-9pm.  Volleyball is Tuesday Nights, 6:30pm-8pm, Childcare Provided on Tuesday nights for Volleyball.
  2. We’re setting our chairs back up in the “worshi-gym-autorium” this Saturday at 9am.  We could definitely use volunteers to help.  If you are interested in being part of a “chair ministry”, please respond to this email.
  3. 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 this Sunday, April 10th.  Go to our website and sign up today!
  4. 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.
  5. The Red Cross Blood Mobile Unit will be at Coastal on Sunday, April 17th!  Sign up at the Welcome Center Kiosk and make plans to donate blood (you get a cookie and get to save a life)!
  6. 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.  If you haven’t already done so, make sure you download our FREE Coastal Community Church app!  Go to your app store and search for Coastal Community Church of Charleston (look for our logo) and download our app.  It’s a great way to listen to our messages, spread the Word, and keep up with all things Coastal.

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Coastal Serving Opportunity

Dear Coastal,

I’m sure you’ve noticed how much our Children’s Ministry is growing and the wonderful facelift their facilities received as we moved into our new building.  It’s AWESOME!  Well, Janet informs me that our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry (Birth-5th Grade) could use about 25 more volunteers!  That’s a good problem for a church to have.  However, I need YOU to help be the solution for the problem.

But here’s one thing I’ve learned about getting people to serve and volunteer.  Only a very small percentage of people will respond to need.  In other words, churches constantly begging people to fill a spot simply based on need doesn’t work doesn’t work longterm.  You can only pull on people’s heartstrings and show pictures of little Suzy and little Johnny without a teacher so many times.

The answer?  Creating a Volunteer/Servant Culture in the church.  Everyone who considers Coastal their church home ought to be able to answer this question, “What is my ministry?  Where do I serve?”  In other words, it’s a stewardship issue.  I serve not just because there is a need, but because I’m a follower of Jesus and followers of Jesus serve.  This is MY church family.  And my church family is stronger and healthier and has a greater impact when everyone uses their time, gifts, passions, and abilities to serve God by serving others.

So, if you are not already involved in a specific Ministry on Sunday mornings, would you please consider serving our Children (Birth-5th Grade)?  We need Teachers, Assistants, Nursery Volunteers, and more.  Even one class, one service, once a month makes a huge difference.  Simply respond to this email, let us know on your Connect Card, or contact Janet Rollins directly at 843-442-8299 or janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org if this might be your place of service.  If you’re not sure, Janet would love to give you a tour, answer any questions you might have, and even let you observe the different classrooms.  If you discover Children’s Ministry is not your place of service, she’ll even help you find another place to serve.

All In!  Love Can! Game On!

Pastor Chris

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Friday’s Five – 4-1-16

Dear Coastal,

I have to admit – I love the week of Spring Break here in Charleston County for one main reason: MORNING TRAFFIC IS SO MUCH BETTER!  Okay, I know that was pretty random, but I hope you and your family are having a wonderful Spring Break.  If you’ve been out of town and weren’t here for Easter, I can’t wait for you to return and see our new place!

Speaking of the new place, I lied.  We’ve already begun to move the chairs!  I told you on Easter Sunday we were going to wait one week and then start moving them (giving everyone a break for Easter).  However, our Students used the facility on Wednesday night so we moved them.

Since lots of people have asked, let me explain what we’ll do each week (at least for now) with the chairs.  Immediately after the 3rd service we will ask everyone to stack the chairs (6 high).  We will line the front of the stage with a row of chairs for seating (and to keep people from sitting on the stage, scuffing the front with their shoes).  Until we move our container over and get it ready, we will have volunteers then move the stacks to the corner of the gym next to the sound booth and the exit door.  Last Sunday we put out approx. 525 chairs.  For now we will put out approx. 350 chairs.  The remainder of our chairs are already in our storage room.

So if you would like to volunteer to help move the stacks (with our chair dolly), stay or come back immediately after the 3rd service on Sundays (around 1pm).  This Saturday, around 8pm, immediately after a Student event, we will be setting the chairs back up.  We’re still trying to figure out what will be our regular system for cleaning the floor and setting the chairs up from week to week.  Some of that will depend on what we have going on that week (like the Student event on Saturday for example).  But we will keep you informed and will definitely need volunteers.  Right now it looks like sometime on Saturday will be the best time to put the chairs back out.

On another note, I’m sure you’ve noticed how much our Children’s Ministry is growing.  It’s AWESOME!  Well, Janet informs me that our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry could use about 25 more volunteers!  That’s a good problem for a church to have.  However, I need YOU to help be the solution for the problem.  Everyone who considers Coastal their church home ought to be able to answer this question, “What is my ministry?  Where do I serve?”  If you are not already involved in a specific Ministry on Sunday mornings, would you please consider serving our Children?  We need Teachers, Assistants, Nursery Volunteers, and more.  Even one class, one service, once a month makes a huge difference.  Simply respond to this email, let us know on your Connect Card, or contact Janet Rollins directly at 843-442-8299 or janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org

Friday’s 5:

  1. A couple of new LIFE Groups start this week:  Men’s Basketball & Adult Co-Ed Volleyball!  Men’s Basketball is on Monday Nights, 6pm-9pm.  Volleyball is Tuesday Nights, 6:30pm-8pm, Childcare Provided on Tuesday nights for Volleyball.
  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. A couple of WAVES Student Ministry Announcements:  this Saturday (tomorrow) 5pm-8pm, Basketball & Movie Night (popcorn & pizza) at the church.  Student LIFE Camp deposit ($60) due by April 17th.
  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.  We have new keys for our new building and our current building (your old key will no longer work).  If you need a key because of ministry or Groups, please see Pastor Chris or Julie.

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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.