First of all, I just want to thank everyone for all the prayers for my knee surgery yesterday!  If you didn’t see my Facebook post, I had surgery to repair a torn meniscus and ACL.  The surgery went great and now I’m home recovering!  The doctor said to stay off my knee for a couple of days and then not to do anything high impact for about 2 weeks until the sutures come out.  Then I should be good to go, back in the gym, and doing all the things that I enjoy!  So please keep praying for a speedy recovery!  Right now my plans are to be in church on Sunday.  The good news is that Pastor Scott was already scheduled to preach (that way I don’t have to walk up and down the steps of the stage).  

Make sure if you’re watching our services online that you tune in early – 9:15am & 11am – to watch our little “LIVE Pre Worship Service Show!”  We started it this past Sunday and already learned a few things to improve it for this week.  It’s our way to keep everyone online engaged and informed.  Each week we’ll introduce/interview someone from Coastal, let you know about upcoming events, and as always, have a lot of fun.

I’m really excited to tell you about our next sermon series after “At the Movies!”  On Sunday, July 12th, along with about 20+ churches in the Charleston area we’re going to be doing a 3 week series called, “UNDIVIDED.”  Each week we’re all going to be looking at a different part of Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”  It’s going to be a great unifying series for the entire Charleston community as we listen & learn and continue the conversation about unity, racial harmony, and being a voice for the voiceless for the world around us.  As always – don’t miss it!

Thanks again for all the love – the texts, messages, and most importantly the prayers!  It all means so much to me and Janet! 

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. One of the changes you’ve probably noticed since we opened up our building is that we are no longer handing out Bulletins (Announcement Sheet, Connect Card, Offering Envelope, etc.).  We put a Connect Card & Offering Envelope in the seat pocket of each chair.  However, the easiest way to stay connected, see all the announcements, listen to our messages, and fill out a Connect Card, is through our App.  Yes, if you didn’t already know it, Coastal has a FREE App you can download for your phone or mobile device.  Download it today from your App Store!  If you’re searching for it, make sure you search for “Coastal Community Church of Charleston or Coastal CC Charleston” (There are other Coastal Community Churches around the country).  If it’s been a while since you checked out the App, open it up!  We’ve updated it and made some improvements!
2. New to Coastal?  Join us THIS Saturday morning, June 27th, at 9am for an ONLINE Zoom Newcomers Meeting that we’re calling “Coffee with Coastal.”  Join us virtually from the comfort of your own home to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people, and discover next steps.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’ll be attending (we will send you the Zoom link).
3. Did you know that Coastal has a YouTube Channelwhere you can watch all of our past services – complete with worship & sermons?  Check it out and subscribe today!  Our YouTube Channel is going to be a great place to post new construction updates when our building gets started.
4. At some point later this Summer our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry will be GOING PORTABLE and meeting across the street at Orange Grove Middle School (where everyone parks).  One of the ways that you can help is to join a new Ministry Team called “Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team.”  Our Set-Up Team will be the ones who unload our trailer (located behind Orange Grove) and set up our Coastal Kidz Classrooms and environments on Sunday mornings before church and then break down everything and load up the trailer after both services are over. If you are interested in serving on this team you can respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
5. The Operation Christmas Child “donation of the month” for June are balls, soccer balls, pumps.  You can now drop off OCC items at church on Sunday mornings or during the week. If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
   
   P.S. Interested in officially making Coastal your church family!  Sign up for the next Membership Class!  And for our next Membership Class, we’re going to do something we’ve never done before – we’re going to offer BOTH a virtual online & in-person Membership class simultaneously!  It’s going to be Saturday morning, July 11th, 9am-11:30am.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sundays or right now from our website.

That’s right – this Sunday is Father’s Day!  We’re planning a very special day for Dads!  First of all, we’re in week 3 of our Summer Series, “At the Movies!” I’ll be using the movie “1917” as a hook to talk about the characteristics of a hero from the Bible – David. We have another Baptism in the 11:15am service (after Baptizing 25 people this past Sunday)! We’re also debuting a little live 10 minute pre-service “show” before each service on Sunday (tune in at 9:15am or 11am to watch it). And if all that weren’t enough, we have a fun gift for all the men on Sunday! You can choose from one of 3 Meat “Rubs” or Seasonings from one of my personal favorite BBQ companies – appropriately named “Meat Church”! And yes, we will be giving away some meat to 2 lucky winners after each service! Spread the word! Invite and bring someone to church this Father’s Day!

I know it probably seems like a long time since we’ve talked about Daring Faith & our new building project (check out this video to get a quick refresher of what we’re about to build).  Lots of things have been happening behind the scenes.  While the permitting process in Charleston is historically a painstakingly slow process, it has become exponentially slower during this pandemic.  However, it’s quite possible that we will finally have approval and break ground later this Summer.  Trust me, I’ll let you know as soon as we get the word.  Our Staff has been busy prepping our old building for demolition/construction (cleaning our offices, moving things into storage, clearing out attics, etc.).  You see when construction begins, we will lose access to our entire old building – offices & Coastal Kidz – for approximately 10 months.  That means that on Sunday morning our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry will be GOING PORTABLE and meeting across the street at Orange Grove Middle School.  Don’t worry, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes with a company called, “Portable Church” to make this move as smooth and easy as possible.  

One of the ways that you can help is to join a new Ministry Team called “Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team.”  Our Set-Up Team will be the ones who unload our trailer (located behind Orange Grove) and set up our Coastal Kidz Classrooms and environments on Sunday mornings before church (or possibly on Saturday mornings during chair set-up) and then break down everything and load up the trailer after both services are over.  We’ll have a “practice run” and Open House at least a week before the move officially takes place.  If you are interested in serving on this team you can respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.

I would also encourage you to continue to give toward Daring Faith – our Giving Campaign that finances this entire project.  If you’re new to Coastal and have no idea what Daring Faith is all about you can check out our Daring Faith page on our website to learn all about it.  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.  You can separate your giving through check or PayPal on the memo (ex. $100 tithe, $100 Daring Faith).

These are exciting times at Coastal!  As the world seems to grow darker, it simply allows our light to shine brighter!  I truly believe that!  I love you Coastal, and I love being your Pastor!  Hold on to your fork – the best is yet to come!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. One of the changes you’ve probably noticed since we opened up our building is that we are no longer handing out Bulletins (Announcement Sheet, Connect Card, Offering Envelope, etc.).  We put a Connect Card & Offering Envelope in the seat pocket of each chair.  However, the easiest way to stay connected, see all the announcements, listen to our messages, and fill out a Connect Card, is through our App.  Yes, if you didn’t already know it, Coastal has a FREE App you can download for your phone or mobile device.  Download it today from your App Store!  If you’re searching for it, make sure you search for “Coastal Community Church of Charleston or Coastal CC Charleston” (There are other Coastal Community Churches around the country).  If it’s been a while since you checked out the App, open it up!  We’ve updated it and made some improvements!
2. New to Coastal?  Join us on Saturday morning, June 27th, at 9am for an ONLINE Zoom Newcomers Meeting that we’re calling “Coffee with Coastal.”  Join us virtually from the comfort of your own home to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people, and discover next steps.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’ll be attending (we will send you the Zoom link).
3. Did you know that Coastal has a YouTube Channelwhere you can watch all of our past services – complete with worship & sermons?  Check it out and subscribe today!  Our YouTube Channel is going to be a great place to post new construction updates when our building gets started.
4. TONIGHT, June 19th at 8:30pm we’re going to show a FREE movie on the lawn on a giant screen!  The movie we’re showing is the Disney/Pixar movie “Onward.”  Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy the evening with your family!  Bring your own drinks and snacks – the church will provide FREE hotdogs and Kona Ice (come out at 8pm to claim your spot and get your food)!
5. The Operation Christmas Child “donation of the month” are balls, soccer balls, pumps.  You can now drop off OCC items at church on Sunday mornings or during the week.  And make sure that you sign up for all the OCC events during “Summer of IMPACT”.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
   
   P.S. Interested in officially making Coastal your church family!  Sign up for the next Membership Class!  And for our next Membership Class, we’re going to do something we’ve never done before – we’re going to offer BOTH a virtual online & in-person Membership class simultaneously!  It’s going to be Saturday morning, July 11th, 9am-11:30am.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sundays or right now from our website.

It was so great seeing so many of you in person this past Sunday!  Somebody commented that even though some of the elements, extra steps, and procedures were different, it was just nice to have something in their life that was back to “normal.”  Now, I wouldn’t say it’s back to “normal” yet, but for me it was definitely nice preaching with people in the room and worshipping with my Coastal family!  I appreciate everyone being so flexible and gracious!  But again, there are many who are not quite ready for larger in-person gatherings yet.  We completely understand and will continue to do what we do online.  If you were there in-person on Sunday, you saw some of the improvements we’ve made to enhance our online capabilities (more cameras, better lighting, expanded Tech Booth).  By the way, all of those improvements cost money.  It is your consistent, generous giving that enables us to do everything we do.  So whether you’re with us in-person or online, I want to encourage you to continue to be faithful in your giving.

This Sunday at Coastal is going to be one of those powerful days!  For our “At the Movies” series we’re going to use the movie, “Just Mercy” to talk about racism.  Chris Singleton, whose mother, Sharonda Coleman Singleton, was murdered by Dylan Roof at Mother Emanuel AME Church here in Charleston on June 17th, 2015, will be our special guest speaker.  Spread the word!  Invite someone to attend (either online or in-person).  If you’re inviting guests, we would strongly encourage you to attend the 11:15am service as it is typically the smaller service.

As I said this past Sunday, the easiest, the simplest, and yet the most effective way to be God’s representatives in this world is through our service.  It’s our small acts of love and kindness, done consistently, over time that change the world.  And it’s then that we’re most like Jesus.  And right now, here at Coastal, we have an opportunity to unite together as one and make an IMPACT in our world through something we call Summer of IMPACT.  Click on this link: www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/outreach.  Take a look at all the opportunities. Find the project(s) that is right for you and sign up today!  Stop complaining about how terrible the world is and actually do something about it.  If you want to make a real difference in our community, this is it!  I truly believe that everyone who calls Coastal home can sign up for at least one event.  Do it today!

I love you Coastal!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. THIS SUNDAY, June 14th, 5pm out at Folly Beach County Park (not The Pier) we’re having our Beach Baptism!  Come out early (traffic might be an issue) and make it a fun day for your entire family!  If you are interested in being Baptized, simply respond to this email, go to our website and sign up online, or sign up on your Online Connect Card on Sunday.  Even if you’re not being Baptized, come on out to the beach and celebrate with those who are!  (Please note – parking at the Park without a Gold Pass is $15)
2. New to Coastal?  Join us on Saturday morning, June 27th, at 9am for an ONLINE Zoom Newcomers Meeting that we’re calling “Coffee with Coastal.”  Join us virtually from the comfort of your own home to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people, and discover next steps.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’ll be attending (we will send you the Zoom link).
3. Did you know that Coastal has a YouTube Channelwhere you can watch all of our past services – complete with worship & sermons?  Check it out and subscribe today!  Our YouTube Channel is going to be a great place to post new construction updates when our building gets started.
4. On Friday night, June 19th at 8:30pm we’re going to show a FREE movie on the lawn on a giant screen!  The movie we’re showing is the Disney/Pixar movie “Onward.”  Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy the evening with your family!  Bring your own drinks and snacks – the church will provide FREE hotdogs and Kona Ice (come out at 8pm to claim your spot and get your food)!
5. The Operation Christmas Child “donation of the month” are balls, soccer balls, pumps.  You can now drop off OCC items at church on Sunday mornings or during the week.  And make sure that you sign up for all the OCC events during “Summer of IMPACT”.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
   
   P.S. Interested in officially making Coastal your church family!  Sign up for the next Membership Class!  And for our next Membership Class, we’re going to do something we’ve never done before – we’re going to offer BOTH a virtual online & in-person Membership class simultaneously!  It’s going to be Saturday morning, July 11th, 9am-11:30am.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sundays or right now from our website.

Hopefully, you’ve heard by now that starting THIS SUNDAY,June 7th, we’reopening up our campus again for in-person worship!  I hope you’re as excited about this as I am!  I can’t wait to see everyone!  The truth is, however, there are probably some who aren’t that excited about it.  I get it, I really do.  Some are cautious, nervous, scared, or maybe even upset.  And then there are those who are upset that we even shut down in the first place.  As you know, people are all over the spectrum on this issue, and everyone has experts on their side.  I learned a long time ago that you can’t please everyone.  My job as a leader is to prayerfully take it all in, listen to God, and to humbly, faithfully walk in the direction I believe He is leading.  My only request is that we all extend to one another the grace, kindness, and love that we hope to receive. And if we can all do that, we will stand out as a bright shining light in a very dark world.  That’s supposed to be the miracle of the church – that we love one another.  And that’s what makes Coastal so special!  So, join us in person this Sunday if you’re ready.  If not, join us online.  Either way – let’s love one another and the world around us!

And speaking of this Sunday, we’re also kicking off a new sermon series, a favorite Summer tradition here at Coastal – “At the Movies!”  “At the Movies” is where we use current or popular movies as a hook or a spring board to talk about spiritual truth.  And this year we’ll be using movies that you can watch from home on Amazon or Netflix.  In fact, instead of movie tickets, we’ll be giving away $5 Amazon Gift cards to all 1st time guests and the friend that invited them (YOU)!  This Sunday’s movie is, “Star Wars – the Rise of Skywalker,” and I’ll be talking about unity, something we all need to hear right now. 

And then on Sunday, June 14th we’re going to use the movie, “Just Mercy” to talk about racism.  In fact, get this, Warner Brothers, for the entire month of June, is offering the movie for FREE online wherever you rent or buy movies.  And I’m excited to announce that Chris Singleton will be speaking at Coastal on that day!  Chris Singleton was a professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization (who played at Charleston Southern) and is an inspirational speaker who has been featured on ESPN’s E:60, Sports Illustrated magazine, and USA Today. Chris’ mother, Sharonda Coleman Singleton, was murdered along with eight other victims at Mother Emanuel AME Church here in Charleston on June 17th 2015 by a white male who wanted to start a race war in the United States. Chris inspired our city and the nation by forgiving the man who murdered his mother.  As you can see, it’s going to be a powerful day!  So start thinking and praying now about the people you’re going to invite!

I love you Coastal, and I can’t wait to see you BOTH online AND in-person this Sunday, June 7th!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. On Sunday, June 14th, 5pm out at Folly Beach County Park we’re having our Beach Baptism!  Come out early (traffic might be an issue) and make it a fun day for your entire family!  If you are interested in being Baptized, simply respond to this email, go to our website and sign up online, or sign up on your Online Connect Card on Sunday.  Even if you’re not being Baptized, come on out to the beach and celebrate with those who are!
2. New to Coastal?  Join us on Saturday morning, June 27th, at 9am for an ONLINE Zoom Newcomers Meeting that we’re calling “Coffee with Coastal.”  Join us virtually from the comfort of your own home to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people, and discover next steps.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’ll be attending (we will send you the Zoom link).
3. Did you know that Coastal has a FREE App for your phone or mobile device? It’s an easy way to stay connected, see all the announcements, listen to or watch our messages, and fill out a Connect Card.  Download it today from your App Store!  If you’re searching for it, make sure you search for “Coastal Community Church of Charleston” or “Coastal CC Charleston” (There are other Coastal Community Churches around the country).  If it’s been a while since you checked out the App, open it up!  We’ve updated it and made some improvements for when we get back into the building and moving forward.
4. On Friday night, June 19th at 8:30pm we’re going to show a FREE movie on the lawn on a giant screen!  The movie we’re showing is the Disney/Pixar movie “Onward.”  Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy the evening with your family!  Bring your own drinks and snacks – the church will provide FREE hotdogs and Kona Ice!
5. Operation Christmas Child has grown so much at Coastal that it is now a YEARLONG Mission of our church!  Each month we will feature a “donation of the month” to help us better prepare for the thousands of boxes we will pack and wrap in the Fall.  This month (June) we are encouraging everyone to bring balls, soccer balls, pumps.  You can now drop off OCC items at church on Sunday mornings or during the week.  You can even pick up shoeboxes & wrapping paper to start wrapping shoeboxes.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
   
   P.S. Don’t let this June pass you by without signing up for Summer of IMPACT!  Click on this link: www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/outreach.  Take a look at all the opportunities. Find the project(s) that is right for you and sign up today. You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want. It’s easy to sign up, and it’s easy to serve. If you are looking to Make an Impact in our community, this is the way to do it!   Sign up and then show-up…it’s literally that easy.  In fact, we’d love for you to join us for Saturday Serve tomorrow at the church at 8:30am.  

Hopefully by now you’ve heard!  We will be gathering back in our church building for ourWorship Services and Coastal Kidz starting THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 7th at 9:30am and 11:15am (while continuing to offer our services online)!

We understand that there will be some who will prefer to still join us for worship from home, and we are excited to continue to provide excellent online worship experiences – 9:30am, 11:15am, and even 6pm.  In fact, for many that may temporarily be the best course of action.  We encourage those who are vulnerable because of pre-existing conditions or caring for those who are to continue to join us online.  We ask that anyone who feels sick or has shown any symptoms of sickness to please join us online.  But either way, in-person or online, we will extend love and grace to everyone and ask you to do the same.

For those who are returning to our building, our plan includes the following:

• All 1st Impressions Team Volunteers will be wearing masks and gloves.  We will have hand sanitizer and hand sanitizing stations throughout the building.  We will have masks and gloves for anyone who wants to wear one. 
• We will be asking our attendees to create space in our auditorium between families.  We will assist by spacing out our seating.
• We will be professionally sanitizing surfaces throughout the building, including our Coastal Kidz areas, under the guidance of CDC standards. 
• Initially (for the month of June), our Cafe will be closed, and the seating in our Welcome Center removed.  When it re-opens over the Summer it will be service only (no self-serve items).
• We have Pre-filled/Pre-Packaged individual communion cups that will be placed at the back of our chairs.  Cups contain both the juice and bread in a single two-part sealed container.  Communion participants peel back one seal to remove the bread and then a second seal for the juice.  We WILL be taking Communion this Sunday and would encourage you to join us online (go ahead and prepare the elements).  
• Connect Cards & Offering Envelopes will be placed in the backs of our chairs and can be turned in at the end of our service as people are exiting.  We will also make our Connect Card and Announcements available online through our App.  We will continue to encourage people to give online, through TEXTing (843-277-8337), or automate their giving through their Bank.
• We will also have contactless entry and exit of the building with our 1st Impression Team opening and closing doors.
• We will all enter the building through the same designated doors before the service and will exit only through all the doors after the service.  After each service is over, if you want to fellowship and connect with others, we’re encouraging everyone to do that outside so we can prep the building for the next service.

Many people have asked what will our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry look like?  Here are just a few of the procedures you can expect to see as well:

• All Coastal Kidz volunteers will wear masks and gloves.
• We will wipe down all chairs, tables, and toys after each service. We will minimize the number of toys in each room to help with this.
• At Child Check-in, volunteers will enter the information on the iPads for stickers.
• We will use non-contact thermometers to take the temperature at child checkin of all children admitted to Coastal Kidz and all Coastal Kidz volunteers.
• All children will either use hand sanitizer or wash their hands before entering the classroom. For smaller children, volunteers will help with this.
• We will space the chairs farther apart in the 1st – 5th grade class and try to keep the younger ones seated farther apart in the other classrooms.
• VIP (Volunteer Meeting) will be outside in the pergola (weather permitting) or in the new building.
• Our Coastal Kidz Online resources will continue to be made available.

For those of you who serve on Sunday mornings (Coastal Kidz, 1st Impressions, Security, Worship Team, Tech Team) please communicate with your Ministry Leader your availability and continue signing up for the month of June.

Coastal, I love you and I love being your Pastor!  I can’t wait to see everyone this Sunday – BOTH online AND in-person!!

LIFE & LOVE,
Pastor Chris

P.S.  We kick off “At the Movies” this Sunday!  Every 1st Time Guest and the person who invited them (you) will receive a $5 Amazon Gift Card (so you can purchase a movie rental – or anything else for that matter)!

There is no doubt that people today are hurting, hopeless, and scared.  What we’ve all seen on the news and social media is just a microcosm of how many people are feeling today.  So Coastal let’s DO something about it!  If you want to make a difference, if you want to change the world, it’s not going to happen by crafting the most shared or liked social media post.  Let me tell you where we can ALL start – SUMMER OF IMPACT!  Summer of IMPACT is all about serving and loving our neighbors, our community.  It’s a month long emphasis that kicks off every Summer at Coastal, and it literally starts today – June 1st!

Summer of IMPACT is where we as a church saturate our city with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service. One way we serve is through our partnerships with non-profit organizations all over Charleston (who need our help NOW more than ever).  We enjoy serving with the Lowcountry Food Bank, Soldiers Angels (Veteran food assistance), the Ronald McDonald House (MUSC housing for patient families), SC Strong (transitional assistance for those previously incarcerated), My Sisters House (shelter for abused women), and Lowcountry Orphan Relief.  We also have ongoing projects here at Coastal where we pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, feed the homeless and hurting at the North Charleston Tailgate, restock our Blessing Boxes with non-perishable food and supplies, and many other projects.

There are opportunities nearly every day of the month.  You simply sign-up and then show-up.  It’s that simple!  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  Click on this link: www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/outreach.  Take a look at all the opportunities.  Find the projects that are right for you and sign up today!

If you are looking to make an Impact in our community, if you want to “be” the change, this is the way to do it!  I truly believe that everyone who calls Coastal home can sign up for at least one event.  But here’s what I would also encourage you to do – invite friends, neighbors, family, and co-workers to join you!  You don’t have to be a member of Coastal to participate.  And get this, you don’t even have to be a believer to participate!  Truthfully, I think this is the best way we have to show people what a difference Jesus truly makes in our lives. So one last time – EVERYONE, GO TO THIS LINK AND SIGN UP TODAY!!
www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/outreach
If you have any questions about Summer of IMPACT and any of the projects, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones – (843) 870-4613.

Sure, these are dark and evil times.  But it’s times like these where the light shines the brightest!  Coastal, that’s you and me!  Let’s be the light for all the world to see!

Shining With You!
Pastor Chris

P.S.  Tonight’s event “Sewing for Kids” has been postponed (it’s actually a weekly event) due to the County wide curfew.  Other evening events will be evaluated if the curfew continues.