Are you ready for me to freak you out?  Get ready.  Here it comes!  Christmas is just 33 days away!  To kick off the Christmas season, on Sunday, December 1st we’re beginning a brand new series called, “It’s a Wonderful Life?”  The question mark is very intentional.  Because for so many people, from Thanksgiving to New Years is not “the most wonderful time of the year.”  For many people, it’s a season full of depression, stress, discouragement, anxiety, and painful memories.  Well, to help us all discover the true wonderful life available to all of us in Jesus, we’re going to look at four names, four descriptions given to Jesus in a very familiar passage of scripture during this time of year – Isaiah 9:6.  It’s actually an Old Testament prophecy, written some 700 years before the birth of Jesus during a time when there was a lot of turmoil, a lot of unrest, and a lot of fear – in many ways, much like today.  Here’s what it says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Make plans now to invite and bring a friend to to church during this series!

Well, if you haven’t heard yet, this past Sunday we announced that God did a miracle in our midst!  We gave the largest single offering in the history of our church to kick off our “Daring Faith” Campaign – $202,635.80 (that includes over $2,800 in CHANGE)!  Our 3 year commitment grand total was $1,689,886.82!    Actually, the total keeps climbing since the announcement was made on Sunday!  It’s now over $1.7 million after more cards were turned in!  In fact, people are still turning in money and Commitment Cards almost every day!  What a GREAT GOD we serve!  I am so proud of you Coastal!  

By the way, if you haven’t yet turned in a Commitment Card or Sacrificial Offering, it’s not too late to participate.  In fact, many people picked up Commitment Cards on Sunday.  You can either drop it off at the church office any time during the week (8:30am-4pm), put it in one of our offering envelopes and drop it in the mail, or you can even do it all online. Don’t let Satan rob you from being a part of the miracle of this opportunity for growth and blessing that God wants to do in your life.

Now, let me see if I can answer a couple of questions people have had:

1. When do I start my giving toward “Daring Faith”?  Now.  Your Sacrificial Offering was the start of your “Daring Faith” Commitment.  I would encourage you to consider automating your giving.  You can do that through your bank or we can step you through it. 
2. Do I still need to designate the “Daring Faith” portion of my giving? Yes.  Whatever you are giving towards your “Daring Faith” commitment please continue to mark it “DaringFaith.”  If you are using TEXT to Give remember that “DaringFaith” is all one word, no space.  If you are using TEXT to Give, you can’t separate your regular giving and your “Daring Faith” giving in one TEXT.  You’ll have to send them separately.  You can separate your giving through check or PayPal on the memo (ex. $100 tithe, $100 Daring Faith).

Obviously, if you have any other questions please reach out.  I love you Coastal and I am forever grateful for all of you!  “Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.” (2 Corinthians 8:11 NLT)  Let’s go for it Coastal!

See you Sunday!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. We are in the planning stages right now of the 2020 Winter/Spring Semester of LIFE Groups!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group, please sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email.  If you have any questions you can also reach out to Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  LIFE Group Sunday will be January 26th!
2. Christmas might seem like a long way off, but December is just right around the corner!  Our church responded so well to the “Daring Faith” Daily Devotional that we’ve written a daily devotional entitled “The Reason” to help you along during this Christmas season. The devotional will be emailed out to you each morning from December 1st through the 25th. The devotionals cover several Old Testament prophecies, the events around Jesus’ birth, and His character. If you would like to receive the daily devotional please email Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org or check the box on your Connect Card this Sunday.  We pray that this small daily reminder will keep the focus on “The Reason” for the Season!
3. Mark your calendars now! On Friday evening, December 6th, from 6:30-8:30PM, Coastal is having its Volunteer Banquet! This includes all Volunteers and Life Group Leaders and their spouses and children.  If you serve, volunteer, or lead in any capacity at Coastal you are invited!  It will be a time to thank our volunteers, worship, and for Pastor Chris to share a few things from his heart.  Childcare will be provided.  If you plan on coming, please respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Please indicate if you need childcare (how many children & ages) and how many total people will be attending so we can plan accordingly.
4. Our next Saturday Serve is Saturday, December 7th!  Saturday Serve is open to EVERYONE in our community.  You do not need to be a Member of our church to participate.  We meet in the Coastal Café at 8:30am. After a few minutes of getting to know one another, leaders of multiple community projects will brief you on the particulars of the projects they are leading. Afterwards, you’ll choose the project that’s of interest to you and off you’ll go!  All projects are typically finished before lunchtime, so it’s not a sacrifice of your entire Saturday.  Come out and help us tangibly share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with our community!
5. Mark you calendars now!  Along with our regular services on Sunday, December 22nd, we’ll have special Christmas Eve services on Tuesday, December 24th at 3pm, 4:30pm, and 6pm.  Children ages Birth-5th Grade can enjoy a Christmas Party during each service.  If you serve in any Ministry, please contact your Ministry Leader and volunteer to serve now at one of our services.
   
   P.S. If you took home a shoebox to fill for Operation Christmas Child, don’t forget to bring it back with you to church no later than this coming Sunday. 

Well, if you haven’t heard yet, this past Sunday we announced that God did a miracle in our midst!  We gave the largest single offering in the history of our church for our “Daring Faith” Campaign – $202,635.80 (that includes over $2,800 in CHANGE)!  Our 3 year commitment grand total was $1,689,886.82!    Actually, the total keeps climbing since the announcement was made on Sunday!  It’s now over $1.7 million after more cards were turned in!  In fact, people are still turning in money and Commitment Cards almost every day!  What a GREAT GOD we serve! 

I am so proud of you Coastal!  In 2 Corinthians 8, the Apostle Paul is describing the generosity of the Christians in Macedonia.  He could have very easily been writing about you.  Listen to what he wrote, “For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.”  Notice that they gave themselves first to the Lord, then, the byproduct of that action was their generosity.  That’s you Coastal!  That’s you!

By the way, if you haven’t yet turned in a Commitment Card or Sacrificial Offering, it’s not too late to participate.  In fact, many people picked up Commitment Cards on Sunday.  You can either drop it off at the church office any time during the week (8:30am-4pm), put it in one of our offering envelopes and drop it in the mail, or you can even do it all online. Don’t let Satan rob you from being a part of the miracle of this opportunity for growth and blessing that God wants to do in your life.

Now, let me see if I can answer a couple of questions people have had:

1. When do I start my giving toward “Daring Faith”?  Now.  Your Sacrificial Offering was the start of your “Daring Faith” Commitment.  I would encourage you to consider automating your giving.  You can do that through your bank or we can step you through it. 
2. Do I still need to designate the “Daring Faith” portion of my giving? Yes.  Whatever you are giving towards your “Daring Faith” commitment please continue to mark it “DaringFaith.”  If you are using TEXT to Give remember that “DaringFaith” is all one word, no space.  If you are using TEXT to Give, you can’t separate your regular giving and your “Daring Faith” giving in one TEXT.  You’ll have to send them separately.  You can separate your giving through check or PayPal on the memo (ex. $100 tithe, $100 Daring Faith).
3. When will we break ground?  We are hoping to break ground in either late March or early April.  It would be great to get started right before Easter – our 30th Anniversary!  The permitting process in Charleston is a SLOW process.  But we have an excellent, experienced Team working on our behalf.  Trust me, as soon as we know, you will know.  We will keep you updated along the way.

Obviously, if you have any other questions please reach out.  

Oh, and one more example of your generosity during “Daring Faith” – OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD!  On Saturday you guys wrapped and packed 756 shoeboxes!  And then on Sunday you took home several hundred more shoeboxes to fill – pushing us well over 1,000 boxes this year!!  By the way, if you took home a box, you can drop it off at Coastal during the week or bring it with you to church no later than this Sunday.  

I love you Coastal and I am forever grateful for all of you!  “Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.” (2 Corinthians 8:11 NLT)  Let’s go for it Coastal!

See you Sunday!
Pastor Chris

P.S.  If you haven’t done so already, make sure you sign up for our Daily Christmas Devotional that will start Sunday, December 1st and go all the way to Christmas Day.  And if you volunteer or serve in any capacity at Coastal, make plans to attend our Volunteer Banquet on Friday night, December 6th, 6:30pm-8:30pm.  Childcare and Dinner provided!  You can sign up for both things by responding to this email or on your Connect Card on Sunday.

This Sunday, November 17th, is appropriately called, “Miracle Sunday!”  I can’t wait to announce the true miracle that God did through our church for our Daring Faith Giving Campaign!  Come prepared to cheer and celebrate and make some noise!  I’m absolutely serious!  Wear your Team colors, bring some pom-poms, bring some noise makers!  No matter the Team you’re representing, I promise you we’re all going to celebrate what God did in our midst!  Outside there will be Tailgaters, Jump Castles, and plenty of Food (Barbecue & Chili – all FREE)!  

On top of all of that, we’re going to have some Baptisms this Sunday!  I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to witness people being “raised to new life” in Jesus!  If you would like to get baptized, simply respond to this email to let us know, and we’ll quickly be in touch.  

So, whatever you do, don’t miss this Sunday!  It’s going to be an AWESOME day to remember!  For those of you who were either out of town or unable to come this past Sunday, you can still turn in your “Daring Faith” Offering and Commitment Card.  People have been doing that all week long.  Just drop by the church office or shoot us an email.  You can even do it all online.  We would love to include your offering and commitment in the grand total that we announce this Sunday, but you can obviously turn both in at any time.

Daring to Believe With You!

Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. It’s finally here – Operation Christmas Child Weekend!  Join us tonight, 4-8pm for an evening of Sorting, Organizing & Setting Up everything for Operation Christmas Child.  And then come back tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 10am for our Wrapping & Packing Party!  If you have any last minute toys and supplies you need to drop them TODAY!
2. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and officially making our church, your church family? Our next Membership Class is  THIS Monday night, November 18th 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and light refreshments are provided.  You can sign up for the class on our website, your Connect Card,or byresponding to this email.
3. Mark your calendars now! On Friday evening, December 6th, from 6:30-8:30PM, Coastal is having its Volunteer Banquet! This includes all Volunteers and Life Group Leaders and their spouses and children.  If you serve, volunteer, or lead in any capacity at Coastal you are invited!  It will be a time to thank our volunteers, worship, and for Pastor Chris to share a few things from his heart.  Childcare will be provided.  If you plan on coming, please respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Please indicate if you need childcare (how many children & ages) and how many total people will be attending so we can plan accordingly.
4. Christmas might seem like a long way off, but December is just right around the corner!  Our church responded so well to the “Daring Faith” Daily Devotional that we’ve written a daily devotional entitled “The Reason” to help you along during this Christmas season. The devotional will be emailed out to you each morning from December 1st through the 25th. The devotionals cover several Old Testament prophecies, the events around Jesus’ birth, and His character. If you would like to receive the daily devotional please email Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org or check the box on your Connect Card this Sunday.  We pray that this small daily reminder will keep the focus on “The Reason” for the Season!
5. We are in the planning stages right now of the 2020 Winter/Spring Semester of LIFE Groups!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group, please sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email.  If you have any questions you can also reach out to Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  LIFE Group Sunday will be January 26th!
   
   P.S. Mark you calendars now!  Along with our regular services on Sunday, December 22nd, we’ll have special Christmas Eve services on Tuesday, December 24th at 3pm, 4:30pm, and 6pm.  Children ages Birth-5th Grade can enjoy a Christmas Party during each service.  If you serve in any Ministry, please contact your Ministry Leader and volunteer to serve now at one of our services.

This past Sunday, November 10th, 2019 will go down as one of those historic days in the life of our church!  Because so many of you “Dared to Believe”, you helped to insure that our church will continue to grow and reach people for Jesus for generations to come.  Our children’s children will talk about this weekend and your faith in our great God!  And I love you for it!

For those of you who were either out of town or unable to come yesterday, you can still turn in your “Daring Faith” Offering and Commitment Card.  Just drop by the church office one day this week or shoot us an email.  You can even do it all online.  We want to include your offering and commitment in the grand total that we announce this coming Sunday (yes you’ll have to wait for Sunday for the Big Announcement)!

For those of you who did not participate because you think your gift and commitment doesn’t matter, you’re wrong.  We’ve said it all along, “Equal Sacrifice, not Equal Gifts.  Every Gift/Commitment matters.  Every Gift/Commitment counts.”  You can still participate. 

For those of you who did not participate because you think, “it’s all about the money”, I’d love a chance to meet with you one on one and share my heart with you one more time.  The truth is this campaign has been about Faith.  And like it or not, the primary way, according to the Bible, that God tests and stretches our faith is through money, through our possessions.  Why do you think it illicits such powerful emotions?  We simply believe that God is not finished with Coastal, and there are more and more people in Charleston that need Jesus.  And if we are going to continue to grow and reach more people, especially children and families, it’s time to address our Children’s space.  It’s that simple. 

Our mission has always been the same.  It has never changed.  It is my prayer that as a result of participating in the entire campaign, our people have grown in faith, hope, love, and generosity.  And yes, our financial sacrifice will enable us to build a building, a tool to grow and reach more people for Jesus.  I pray you’ll have a change of heart.  I pray that you will trust me and our leadership.  Don’t allow Satan use something so beautiful and exciting as a wedge between you and the church.  You can still participate.

This Sunday, come prepared to cheer and celebrate and make some noise!  I’m serious!  Wear your Team colors, bring some pom-poms, bring some noise makers!  No matter the Team you’re representing, I promise you we’re all going to celebrate Team Jesus and what God did in our midst!  Outside there will be Tailgaters, Jump Castles, and plenty of Food (all FREE)!  As a part of that celebration, we’re going to have some Baptisms this Sunday!  I can’t think of a better thing to do than to witness people being “raised to new life” in Jesus!  If you would like to get baptized, simply respond to this email to let us know, and we’ll be in touch.  So, whatever you do, don’t miss this Sunday!  It’s going to be an AWESOME day!

I Love You Coastal and I Am Forever Grateful for All of You!

Pastor Chris

Woohoo!  It’s finally here!  THIS SUNDAY, November 10th, is “Commitment Sunday”!  For the past 3 months we have met together, talked together, prayed together, learned together, and hopefully grown in our faith together.  And this Sunday we are going to put all of that into practice and sacrificially give and make a 3 year commitment to totally renovate and expand our Coastal Kidz Building and our Welcome Center/Atrium space.  Simply put, this project will enable our church to continue to grow and reach the next generation for Jesus – to leave a legacy for future generations!

So here’s what I need you to bring to church on Sunday:

1. Your Sacrificial Offering.  Hopefully, by now you have prayed and decided what you can sacrificially give.  Make sure you mark it, “DaringFaith.”  If you write a check or use an Offering Envelope, earmark it, DaringFaith.”  If you are using the card swiping machine, tap the down arrow underneath the amount and in the Description write the word, “DaringFaith.”  If you are texting to give (843-277-8337), use the keyword, you guessed it, “DaringFaith” (one word).  

2. Your signed “Commitment Card”.  These are very important.  Your Commitment Card has 3 very important components:  the amount of your sacrificial gift, your 3 year commitment, and the grand total.  Your gift plus the commitment equals your total.  When you are giving toward your Daring Faith commitment over the next 3 years, again, simply use the words, “DaringFaith.”  If you’ve lost your “Commitment Card,” you can pick one up and fill it out on Sunday.  If you can not be here this Sunday, you can drop off your offering and your Commitment Card anytime between now and November 15th, as we want to be able to announce the Grand Total on Miracle Sunday, November 17th!  You can also fill out your Commitment Card online.

3.  Your “Daring Faith” Offering Bank.  For those of you who have been collecting change and filling up your Offering Bank, there will be a large container to empty your bank in the Child Check-in area.  There will be other containers set up in the auditorium at the front of the stage for your Sacrificial Offering & your Commitment Cards.  Instead of passing the blue “Offering Buckets” at the end of the service, we will be inviting everyone at the end of my sermon during the Response/Communion time to come and give your offering, your commitment card, and empty your bank into containers at the front of the stage.  It will be an historic moment in the life of our church!

Some of you still don’t know how much you’re supposed to give, and you’re worried about it.  Stop worrying!  Instead do this:  1. First of all, pray.  Just open your heart to God and say, “Lord, put a figure in my mind that will represent a genuine sacrifice.”  2. If you haven’t done so already, sit down with your family and together, in your Daring Faith Magazine, go over the Guide For Discerning God’s Will In Deciding Your Giving Commitment.  3. If you’ve never tithed before, start there, “God, I’m going to give you the first ten percent.” Make your “Daring Faith” commitment and start tithing. That’s a great way to get started.

Remember, it’s “Equal Sacrifice, NOT Equal Gifts.”  We can’t all give the same amount, but we CAN all make a sacrifice.  And don’t forget, every gift/commitment card counts, every gift/commitment card matters.  Don’t allow Satan to trick you into not participating because you think yours doesn’t matter.  It does!  If you consider Coastal your home, if you have been blessed at all by the ministry of our church, I challenge you to be a part of what God is doing through us so that together we can leave a legacy for the next generation and beyond.

Daring to Believe With You!
Pastor Chris

Well, it’s finally here!  This Sunday, November 10th is Commitment Sunday!  Honestly, at this point I feel like there’s not a lot more to say that I haven’t already said.  In fact, you should have received an email from me earlier this week going over all the details.  If you haven’t already done so, please take a moment to read it.  If you are going to be out of town or for some reason can’t make it to church this weekend, please turn in your Commitment and Offering online or drop it off any time between now and next Sunday so that we can include it in the announcement total for Miracle Sunday, November 17th. 

So, here’s my simple prayer for this Sunday.  It comes from Philemon 1:6, “And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.” Wow!  How powerful is that?!  That verse perfectly describes what this Sunday is all about.  Slowly read that verse again one more time and let it sink in.

I love you Coastal and I love what we get to do together!  See you Sunday! 

Daring to Believe With You!

Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. This coming January 17-20 our Students are heading back up to Pigeon Forge, TN for the Strength to Stand Conference. It will be an amazing weekend of faith and fellowship led by speakers such as Scott Dawson, Wade Morris, Jonathon Evans and Algernon Tennyson and artists like Rush of Fools, FRVR Free and Hillsong Young & Free. Outside of the conference, they will be staying at one of the largest cabins in TN, enjoying some awesome meals and even going indoor snow tubing. It’s a weekend you won’t want to miss. Cost of the retreat is $250. If you are in need of financial assistance or might be interested in providing a scholarship for a student, contact Pastor Ryan Spell. Also, go ahead and fill out the medical release on the Student Page of our Website to reserve your spot.
2. Christmas might seem like a long way off, but December is just right around the corner!  Our church responded so well to the “Daring Faith” Daily Devotional that we’ve written a daily devotional entitled “The Reason” to help you along during this Christmas season. The devotional will be emailed out to you each morning from December 1st through the 25th. The devotionals cover several Old Testament prophecies, the events around Jesus’ birth, and His character. If you would like to receive the daily devotional please email Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org or check the box on your Connect Card this Sunday.  We pray that this small daily reminder will keep the focus on “The Reason” for the Season!
3. We only have 1 full week left to bring toys and supplies for Operation Christmas Child! Operation Christmas Child is a simple, tangible way to share the love of Jesus with children in need all around the world.  We will be Sorting & Setting Upeverything on Friday, November 15th, 4-8pm.  Our Wrapping & Packing Party will be Saturday morning, November 16th, 10am at the church.  Here are some suggested things to bring:  Hot Wheels cars, children’s jewelry, small balls, stuffed animals, books, noise makers, yo-yo’s, travel size games, cards, small craft kits, stickers, flashlights with batteries, brushes, combs, toothbrushes, hairbands, small notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, solar powered calculators, markers, crayons, colored pencils, pencil sharpeners, rulers, socks (no perishables, liquids, used items, candy, or toys associated with war or fighting).  We could still use some BIG shoeboxes!
4. Sunday, November 17th is Miracle Sunday!  We will make the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT of what God did through us and CELEBRATE!  To do that we’re going to have a Tailgate Party & Outdoor Baptism!  Out on our front lawn after both services we’ll have Tailgaters, jump castles, and outdoor activities for the kids.  We’ll provide the food. If you’d like to Tailgate and haven’t already signed up, simply respond to this email!  Also, please let us know if you would like to get Baptized on this day!  You can respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday!
5. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and officially making our church, your church family? Our next Membership Class is  Monday night, November 18th 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and light refreshments are provided.  You can sign up for the class on our website, your Connect Card,or byresponding to this email.
   
   P.S. We are in the planning stages right now of the 2020 Winter/Spring Semester of LIFE Groups!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group, please sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email.  If you have any questions you can also reach out to Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  LIFE Group Sunday will be January 26th!
   
   P.S.S. Mark your calendars now! On Friday evening, December 6th, from 6:30-8:30PM, Coastal is having its Volunteer Banquet! This includes all Volunteers and Life Group Leaders and their spouses and children.  If you serve, volunteer, or lead in any capacity at Coastal you are invited!  It will be a time to thank our volunteers, worship, and for Pastor Chris to share a few things from his heart.  Childcare will be provided.  If you plan on coming, please respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Please indicate if you need childcare (how many children & ages) and how many total people will be attending so we can plan accordingly.