Monthly Archives

February 2018

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Friday’s Five – 2-23-18

Dear Coastal,

How about the weather this week in Charleston!?  I LOVE IT!  I hope you’ve been able to eat your lunch outside or maybe take a walk.  I don’t know about you, but I’m chomping at the bit for TIME CHANGE (just a couple of weeks away) and the longer days!

The other thing this weather has gotten me excited about is EASTER AT COASTAL!  I can’t wait!  Last year we had 3 services and broke 1,000 in attendance for the first time in the history of our church!  This year we’re having 4 services: Friday, March 30, 7pm;  Sunday, April 1st, 8am, 9:30am, 11:15am.  Our goal is to break 1200!  We’re using FREE Tickets for our Easter services!!  Not only are they a great invite tool, but they also help us to gauge when a particular service is going to be full.  You can register for your FREE Easter Service Tickets from our website:  www.EasterAtCoastal.com.  Spread the word and start registering NOW!

Whatever you do, don’t miss this Sunday at Coastal!  It’s “D-Day!”  We’re in week 3 of “Financial Freedom” and we’re going to be talking about getting out of debt!  (By the way, 291 people are participating in this year’s Easter Fast!)

Friday’s 5:

  1. Our next Newcomer’s Reception is THIS Sunday, February 25th, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website or simply by responding to this email now.  This is a great opportunity for anyone new to Coastal to meet our Staff, our Ministry Leaders, and learn more about Coastal!  It’s a great introduction to Coastal!
  2. Looking for a way to serve our community and make an IMPACT?  Come and be a part of Saturday Serve!  Saturday Serve meets the first Saturday of every month (the next one is March 3rd) at 8:30am in the Welcome Center.  They explain all the different opportunities that day, pray, and then send everyone off.  For more information or to share any ideas or to be added to a “Saturday Serve” Group, contact Kiersten Brown 918-798-7299 or  kbrown@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  You can also visit our website each month to check out the different areas of service:  https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/missions-outreach/.
  3. Want to feel more comfortable in sharing your story and your faith with people God puts in your life?  Want to feel like you’re ready and prepared to make an IMPACT?  Then sign up for our IMPACT Seminar, Friday night, March 9th, 6pm-9pm at the church. We’ll provide childcare and food!  Sign on up on your Connect Card or respond to this email (we already have 67 people registered!).
  4. Digital Giving allows you to give as God blesses you.  There are multiple ways to give digitally at Coastal.  You can give through our website, our App, or TEXT any amount to 843-277-8337!  It’s simple, safe, secure, and convenient!  Give it a try today!
  5. Don’t forget that Coastal has a fully stocked Food Bank. If you or any one you know is in need, please drop by and pick up some food – Monday-Friday 9am-4pm.  Spread the word!

Freedom!

Pastor Chris

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Friday’s Five – 2-16-18

Dear Coastal,

What an amazing week at Coastal!  First of all, we had a great kick-off to our “Financial Freedom” series – lots of excitement, lots of energy, lots of guests, and most importantly 2 more people gave their life to Christ!  This Sunday we’ll be talking about breaking free from the bondage of materialism.  Don’t miss it!

So far 225 people have already signed up to participate in our Easter Fast!  Wow!  The Easter Fast begins this Sunday, February 18th and continues until Good Friday, March 30th.  A Fast is a period of time where you give up something physical to focus yourself spiritually.  What do you fast?  Well, it’s different for different people.  It’s probably the thing that first comes to mind when you start considering to fast. It might be some form of technology or social media that seems to have a stronghold in your life.  It could be television.  It might be some specific type of food or food group – sugar, caffeine, sodas, meat, etc (if you have any health concerns, please consult a doctor).  It could be drinking or smoking.  It could be time – where you get up earlier each day for 40 days and have a quiet time.  It could be gossip or negative words.  You decide that for 40 days nothing negative will come out of your mouth.  It could be worry.  You pray.  You decide.  Read through Matthew 6:16-18.  Don’t make a big deal or a fuss about it.  Don’t post it on Facebook.  If you would like to share with us what you decide to fast, you can, but you don’t have to.  If you haven’t already signed up to join with us, simply respond to this email or you can sign up on Sunday on your Connect Card.  We’ll be adding you to a specific email group and will send out weekly notes of encouragement and information over the course of the fast.

The other exciting thing about this week is that our 2018 Winter/Spring LIFE Group Semester has started!  From all reports, we’ve had a great week!  But don’t worry, it’s still not too late to join a Group. In fact, you can check out our 2018 Winter/Spring Semester LIFE Group Catalog online and sign up today!

Friday’s 5:

  1. Looking for a way to serve our community and make an IMPACT?  Come and be a part of Saturday Serve!  Saturday Serve meets the first Saturday of every month (the next one is March 3rd) at 8:30am in the Welcome Center.  They explain all the different opportunities that day, pray, and then send every off.  For more information or to share any ideas or to be added to a “Saturday Serve” Group, contact Kiersten Brown 918-798-7299 or  kbrown@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  You can also visit our website each month to check out the different areas of service:  https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/missions-outreach/.
  2. Want to feel more comfortable in sharing your story and your faith with people God puts in your life?  Want to feel like you’re ready and prepared to make an IMPACT?  Then sign up for our IMPACT Seminar, Friday night, March 9th, 6pm-9pm at the church. We’ll provide childcare and food!  Sign on up on your Connect Card or respond to this email (we already have 38 people registered!).    

  3. Our next Newcomer’s Reception is Sunday, February 25th, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website or simply by responding to this email now.  This is a great opportunity for anyone new to Coastal to meet our Staff, our Ministry Leaders, and learn more about Coastal!  It’s a great introduction to Coastal!
  4. We’re having 4 Easter Services this year:  Friday, March 30, 7pm, Sunday, April 1st, 8am, 9:30am, 11:15am.  Our goal is to break 1200!  Start praying now!
  5. The mom who was attacked and had her child abducted this week on John’s Island is a part of Coastal’s MOPS (Mother’s of Preschoolers) Group.  It was such a miraculous answer to prayer that the little girl was found and returned to her family.  Please continue to pray for the Todd family as they recover and put the pieces of their family back together.  Our MOPS ministry organized meals for the famliy (already full) and is now collecting restaurant (close to MUSC downtown) gift cards.  If you would like to donate a gift card or help with other possible needs, please contact Carol Wessel:  843-725-8670 or  carolwessel@hotmail.com.

FREEDOM!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Have 30 minutes you could spare on a Saturday morning?  Enjoy getting a little exercise, hanging out with some cool people, making an IMPACT?  Come help set up the chairs in our “worshi-gym-a-torium” Saturday morning (tomorrow) at 9am!

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Friday’s 5 and a Personal Thank You!

Dear Coastal,

Wow!  All I can say is that God must be up to something big this Sunday!  I’m definitely not one of those Pastors who sees a demon behind every bush, BUT, I do believe in Spiritual Warfare and I know that we are in a battle and that Satan doesn’t like it when people come to know Jesus and lives are changed and set free!  And that’s exactly what’s happening at Coastal!

Thursdays for me are typically “Service Run-Through” Day.  I preach my sermon to 4 or 5 people from my Staff, receive feedback, and we go over everything for Sunday.  But not yesterday.  I got a call from my Mom sometime after 5am in tears asking me to come take her to the hospital.  She told me that she thinks she’s having a heart attack.  In somewhat of a groggy state, I jumped up, told her I would be right there, and started getting dressed.  Once I cleared the cobwebs I quickly called her back and told her to call 911.  I called Christopher and Lizzy who live just around the corner from Mom and told them to head on over.  When I got to her home, the ambulance was already there and I followed my Mom to the Hospital.  To make a long story short, she WAS having a heart attack.  The cardiologist did a heart cath and put in a stent to open a blocked artery.  The Doctor said everything went great and we are expecting a full recovery.  It’s possible she will go home over the weekend.  I can’t say enough great things about all the wonderful people at Roper Hospital!

But most importantly, I can’t say enough about all of you, our church family!  To say that we felt your prayers yesterday, would be such an understatement.  I talk all the time about the importance of having 3 o’clock in the morning friends – well, I’m blessed to have more of those than any man deserves.  I can’t thank you enough for all the texts, emails, and calls.  Several people dropped by throughout the day and Ricky Spell was probably 30 minutes behind me, met us in the ER and stayed with me until my Mom came out of surgery and he could see her for himself.  Many more people offered to come down and help in any way possible. Thank you!  Thank all of you!  Coastal you never cease to amaze me!  I am constantly humbled and blown away by your love!

It seems I am reminded all the time of the brevity and frailty of life.  You just never know what the next moment will bring and how quickly life can change.  So . . . what do we do?  What’s our response?  Do we fret, worry, complain, or hide from the world?  I don’t think so.  I think we’re called to remain faithful, to make the most of every opportunity, to cherish each moment as a gift, to live on mission, to love, to serve, to boldy share the Good News of the Gospel with as many people as possible.  That’s the only thing that really matters after it’s all said and done.  One day God will call all of us home.  Am I grateful that yesterday wasn’t my Mom’s Homecoming?  You betcha!  But . . . one day He will call each of us home OR one day the sky will split, the Trumpet will sound, Jesus will will return, and He will call ALL of His children home and EVERY knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of all!  I think about those days a lot.  I can’t wait to see Him face to face!  But, He’s obviously not done with me or my Mom just yet.

Oh, and don’t worry, my sermon IS ready for Sunday!  Like I said, I’m pretty sure God is going to do some amazing things at Coastal this week!  This Sunday, February 11th – we’re kicking off “Financial Freedom!”  Obviously, every Sunday is big here at Coastal in the sense that every Sunday is important, every Sunday we share the Gospel, and each week we encourage you to invite and bring your friends.  But, pull out all the stops, do whatever it takes, and make that extra push to get your friends to church this Sunday!  During this series, we’re going to be talking about things like, “How Do I Find Financial Peace?  How Do I Get Out of Debt?  How Do I Save in this Economy?  How Do I Make Wise Financial Decisions?”  We all need this.  We’re so serious about helping people find Financial Freedom that this Sunday we’re doing a “Debt-Free” Giveaway in both services – where we give away $500 to help pay down someone’s debt! 

So what can you do to help make this Sunday a success?

  1. Pray!  Pray for the people you are inviting.  Pray for all the people our church will be inviting – the large postcards that hit West Ashley this week.  Pray for people to come to know Jesus.  Pray for me & my messages.  Pray for our staff.  Pray for our volunteers.  Beg God to draw people to Himself through our church.
  2. Invite!  It’s time to put everything we talked about in our IMPACT series into practice.  Make it a personal goal to invite and bring so many people.  Send emails.  Send personal messages on facebook and other social media.  Share my Facebook post.  Use our invite cards.
  3. Welcome!  Go out of you way to speak to & welcome all of our guests (or anyone you don’t know).  Help us treat everyone as our welcome, expected guests in our home.  Remember, guests are GIFTS from God!  Help us treat everyone that way!
  4. Consider serving!  A new series & new people means we need more and more volunteers.  If you’re not already serving somewhere, it’s time to start!  Our 1st Impressions Team is a great place to get started.  Give Chris Ranew our 1st Impressions LIFE Team Leader a call or send him an email – 706-941-2044, chrisranew@gmail.com.  Our Children’s Ministry is also a great place to serve on Sunday morning.  Contact Janet, our Children’s Ministry Director:  843-442-8299 or janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
  5. Give.  Special Days incur extra expenses.  Come prepared to give generously.  Or better yet, you can give any time using any of the different ways we have to give at Coastal – our website, texting (843-277-8337), or our app.  Maybe those of you who are out of debt will consider subsidizing our Debt Free Giveaway!
  6. 4 More Things to Consider on the day of the “Big Day” itself.  Parking:  the further away you park, the better.  Please park at Oakland (even at the new Oakland) and save the closer parking for guests.  Service times:  the key is come to the service that your guests are coming to.  BUT THIS IS IMPORTANT, come early!  Everything goes smoother (Child Check-In, coffee, getting a seat, helping our guests) when you come a little earlier.   Seating:  no matter which service you come to, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE sit to the front and center of each section.  This makes more room for people as they come in.  And finally, everyone PLEASE FILL OUT A CONNECT CARD!

Whew!  I think that’s about it (I know, that’s a lot more than 5 things)!  Sunday is going to be AWESOME!  Most importantly, people are going to come to Jesus!  Like I’ve said Coastal, let’s pray and beg God like it all depended on Him.  But then let’s work, invite, and share like it all depends on us.  Then let’s walk by faith and trust God with the results – today and every day!

See You & Your Friends Sunday!  Again, thank you and I love you all!

(In my best William Wallace “Braveheart” voice) FREEDOM!

Pastor Chris

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Financial Freedom!

Dear Friend,

I just wanted to personally invite you to a brand new message series that kicks off this coming Sunday, February 11th, at Coastal Community Church.  The series is called, “Financial Freedom.”  We’re going to be talking about things like, “How Do I Find Financial Peace?  How Do I Get Out of Debt?  How Do I Save in this Economy?  How Do I Make Wise Financial Decisions?”  This series has the potential to make a huge IMPACT in our community!

We have 2 services to make it convenient for you:  9:30AM & 11:15AMAs a part of the kick-off of this series, during both services we’re doing a “Debt-Free” Giveaway – where we give away $500 to help pay down someone’s debt!

Also during both of our services we have a great program for children Birth-5th Grade called Coastal Kidz.  Trust me, they will have a blast!  I would also encourage you to invite and bring a friend with you.  We expect guests at Coastal!  Hope to see you this Sunday, February 11th, 9:30am or 11:15am!

FREEDOM!
Pastor Chris

Coastal Community Church
460 Arlington Dr.
Charleston SC 29414

P.S.  If you’re planning on coming (and even bringing friends), I’d love for you to respond to this email to let me know.  I love hearing from you!

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Friday’s Five – 2-2-18

Dear Coastal,

What an amazing LIFE GROUP SUNDAY we had last week (in spite the weather)!  Our LIFE Group Leaders and all of our Volunteers really went above and beyond.  The engergy, excitement, sense of community, the food, the fun (the Pastor Chris body double) – it was such a great day!  And MOST IMPORTANTLY – A LOT OF PEOPLE SIGNED UP FOR A LIFE GROUP!  Right we have over 400 signups in all of our Groups!  And people are still signing up!  In fact, you can check out our 2018 Winter/Spring Semester LIFE Group Catalog online and sign up today!  Most of our Groups begin the week of Febrary 11th.  Spread the word and invite someone to join you!

“Saturday Serve” officially launches TOMORROW!  What is “Saturday Serve” you ask?  Well, the first Saturday of each month we’ll gather at the church at 8:30am and then send off groups of people to love, serve, help our neighbors or different organizations in our community.  And don’t worry, each project will be organized and have a leader.  All you have to do is show up, pick an activity you’re interested in, and serve.  It’s our way to make being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community a priority.    This month, for example, we are collecting any and all Thrift Store Donations (furniture, household items, basically anything you’re getting rid of).  There will be a truck here to collect everything from 9am-12noon.  Those donated items are collected to raise funds for families at My Sister’s House (a shelter for abused women).  There will be a group serving at the Lowcountry Food Bank.  Another group will help beautify a local Community Garden.  We’ll have volunteers serving at Jenkins Orphanage.  And we’ll be putting on a “Tailgate Party” for a Homeless Ministry in North Charleston.  WOW!  For more information or to answer any of your questions, contact Kiersten Brown  918-798-7299 or  kbrown@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  You can also visit our website each month to check out the different areas of service:  https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/missions-outreach/.  See you in the morning!

Friday’s 5:

  1. Interested in offically making Coastal your church home?  Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, February 3rd, 9am-12noon.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.
  2. On Sunday February 11th, we kick off a brand new series called, “Financial Freedom”!  We’re going to talk about things like, “How Do I Find Financial Peace? How Do I Overcome the Desire for More?  How Do I Get Out of Debt?  How Do I Save in this Economy?  How Do I Make Wise Financial Decisions?  How Do I Honor God with My Finances?”  This series has the potential to make a huge IMPACT not only in our church, but in our community!  And as a part of the kick-off of this series, we’re doing a “Debt-Free” Giveaway – where we give away $500 to help pay down someone’s debt (one person in each service)!  Start spreading the word now – invite & bring your ONE!
  3. “Covered In Love” – As a part of making an IMPACT in February, we’re collecting filled out Valentines and blankets now through February 14th (you can drop the items off at the church) to be distributed to a local Assisted Living Center.  We’re also looking for Volunteers to deliver them on Valentine’s Day!  Contact Kiersten Brown for more information – 918-798-7299 or kbrown@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
  4. Want to feel more comfortable in sharing your story and your faith with people God puts in your life?  Want to feel like you’re ready and prepared to make an IMPACT?  Then sign up for our IMPACT Seminar, Friday night, March 9th, 6pm-9pm at the church. We’ll provide childcare and food!  Sign on up on your Connect Card or respond to this email (we already have 38 people registered!).
  5. Our next Newcomer’s Reception is Sunday, February 25th, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website or simply by responding to this email now.  This is a great opportunity for anyone new to Coastal to meet our Staff, our Ministry Leaders, and learn more about Coastal!  It’s a great introduction to Coastal!

Making an IMPACT!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Remember to pray for your ONE!  We will reach our IMPACT goal of 100 Salvations & Baptisms this year ONE life at a time!  Make sure you check out our IMPACT sign this Sunday!

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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.