Check out the progress pictures above of our new facility (thanks to the Speer family for the drone shots)!  Things are really starting to take shape.  If it’s been a while since you’ve seen our campus, come by and I’d love to give you a tour.  None of this would be possible without your consistent generous giving!  Thank you for your faithfulness! 

This Sunday, I’ll be wrapping up our “Bridges” series (and yes, I will be preaching).  I’ll be talking about how once we cross the bridge of faith, God then uses us to be bridge builders to the world around us.  We become bridge builders where we live, work, parent, and play.  In a way, it’s like a family trait that gets passed down to us from our Heavenly Father.  You and I are to be constantly building bridges to reach out to people who are disconnected from God.

And then on the following Sunday, Mother’s Day, May 9th, we kick off a new series I’m excited about (I know, I get excited about every series we do) called, “Conversations.”  A couple of years ago I read a really good book on communication called, “Crucial Conversations:  Tools For Talking When Stakes Are High.”  Well, the idea for this series is that there are several “crucial conversations” that every parent needs to have with their children — not letting anyone steal their identity, forming healthy friendships, following Jesus in a digital age, and holding on to your faith (just to name a few). Kids can easily get confused between what the world says and what God says.  And if you’re a parent, you might feel unprepared to have difficult, yet crucial conversations with your kids. In this series you’ll get practical advice for talking with your kids about the stuff that matters.  But trust me, even if you aren’t a parent, the truths you’ll learn from this series will help you grow in your own faith and find significance in the God who created you.  It’s going to be a great series to kick off on Mother’s Day and take us to the Summer.

And speaking of Mother’s Day – invite and bring your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers!  It’s going to be a BIG DAY!  We have a gift for all the Moms (and women), fun giveaways at the end of each service, a photo booth, Baby/Child Dedication during the service, and FREE Kona Ice!  

Now, there are two things I need your help with.  One is parking.  Actually, you can start helping with parking this Sunday.  As more and more people are making their way back to church that means more parking spaces are needed.  I am asking all of our regular attenders to start parking as far away as possible so that when a guest shows up on our campus they can easily find a parking space. Typically in our early Sunday morning Volunteer Meeting I tell all our Volunteers, “The further away you park, the more you love Jesus.”  So where am I asking you to park?  There is plenty of parking at Oakland Elementary School, down the first drive right past the Greenway.  There is also parking available behind the Middle School where our Coastal Kidz container is located.  Again, think with our Guests in mind.  When our construction is completed, we’ll have more parking available.

The other thing I need your help with is our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry (Birth – 5th Grade).  It’s been so awesome the last several weeks, seeing more and more people starting to return to in-person worship.  But more people means more kids which means more volunteers.  I want to invite you to check out Coastal Kidz and see if this is the place for you to start serving. Teaching a child about Jesus or caring for a little one so their parents can grow closer to Jesus is not only alot of fun, but you are also making an eternal IMPACT.  Most of our Coastal KIdz volunteers serve once or twice a month.  

If you used to serve in Coastal Kidz and just now started coming back to in-person worship, we’re ready for you to jump back in.  In fact, this Spring & Summer is going to be the perfect time to prepare our Coastal Kidz Volunteers before the Grand Opening of our new Children’s Facility in the Fall!  If you are interested in Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry, simply respond to this email, indicate it on your Connect Card, or directly contact our Children’s Director, Janet Rollins, at janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 843-442-8299.

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   Saturday Serve –  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is tomorrow, May 1st.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!  Make plans NOW to be there!
   PINK House –  The PINK House is a community center in the Ardmore subdivision in West Ashley.  We are going to be putting on a community Tailgate Party and Clothing Distribution, Saturday, May 8th, 10am-1pm. 
   Soldier’s Angels – We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, May 11th, 8am-1pm.
   Tricounty Family Ministries –  We will be assisting with their Emergency Grocery Distribution, Wednesday, May 12th, 9am-12noon.
   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
2. Are you grieving the loss of a spouse or do you know someone who is?  You are invited to join our FREE “Loss of a Spouse” Seminar through our Grief Share Support Group on Tuesday, June 1st, 6:30-8:30pm at Coastal.  Discover practical advice, support, prayer, and encouragement from others who’ve been there.  Learn what to expect in your grief and how to cope with life without your spouse.  Register at www.griefshare.org or call Freeda (540-903-5030) or Sue (616-443-6553).
3. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 13th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith.  At Coastal we call it “going public” and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized simply respond to this email or sign up on our website.  
4. One of the ways our church marks the coming of Summer is through “SUMMER OF IMPACT!”  For the entire month of June, our church will saturate Charleston with a variety of outreach projects almost every day!  What better way to show that we are followers of Jesus than by serving the people right here in our community!  The 2021 Summer of IMPACT Catalog with all the details is now available online.  Check out all the different opportunities and sign up today!  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
5. If you would like your family to participate in the Baby/Child Dedication on Mother’s Day (May 9th) or Father’s Day (June 20th), sign up on your Connect Card.  Include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending.  Coastal’s Baby Dedication is a special time for our parents and children. The purpose of our Baby Dedication is not for the child’s salvation or commitment to Christ. It is more of a prayer/renewal time for the parents as they commit to raise their child the way God wants them to and a time of prayer for the child to grow to be the man or woman God has called them to be. It is also a time for our church family to commit to you, the parents, to be the support that you need.  Most people think of a Baby Dedication as just for our newborns, but we’ve had all different ages participate. If you’ve never had that special prayer time for you and your child, we’d love for you to sign up and participate.
   
   P.S. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, May 16th, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service (at approximately 12:30pm).  This will also be available online!  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.

My little girl came home this week.  Okay, she’s not so little anymore.  She’s married and turns 30 next week.  We had a great visit.  Before she came, she told Janet she wanted to learn to sew this week.  My son-in-law Andrew LOVES my grilling.  So as you can imagine, we’ve both been in heaven this week – sewing, grilling, and loving on our kids.  In fact, as I type these words, they just left minutes ago and headed back to their home in Knoxville, TN.  We hugged, cried, and waved good bye.  Family.  There’s nothing like it.  

When I went off to college (years ago), my only contact with friends and family back home was a pay phone in my dorm hallway and handwritten letters.  I kept a jar of quarters in my room for those late night phone calls and always looked forward to one of the guys in the dorm answering the pay phone and calling out, “Phone call for Chris!”  For those of you under 30, google “pay phone” to see what I’m talking about.  By the time my daughter went off to college and then out to Los Angeles, to say that I was thankful for all the technology changes that allowed us to talk at any time or to “see” each other via Zoom or FaceTime would be quite the understatement.  And now, even though they are a lot closer in Knoxville, we so look forward to those phone calls, even if just for a minute or two to check in.  However, as thankful as I am for all the technology, nothing compares to when I get to physically see and hug my little girl.

That’s kind of how I feel about church online.  When the world shut down, I can’t begin to express my gratitude for all the technology we’ve invested in that enables us to communicate, “see” each other, and stay connected.  And it’s not going way – it’s here to stay.  It is a great tool that we will continue to invest in, develop, and leverage for the Kingdom.  However, it’s not a replacement for the gathered church.  It’s not the same as actually seeing each other in person, worshipping together, hugging each other.  I saw a family of 5 last Sunday that I had not seen in person in over a year.  It’s hard to describe the emotion that welled up inside of me as I hugged each one of them.  Honestly, it was kind of like seeing my daughter this week.  Why?  Because we’re family.  

So, I’ll say this as simply as I can.  It’s time for many of you to come back to in-person worship.  It’s time.  Sure, there are a few of you who are genuinely immunocompromised or caring for those who are.  But many of you have simply gotten out of the habit.  You are out and about in the community, your kids are in school (in person) and in sports, you’re going to restaurants, Costco, Wal-Mart, and grocery stores.  It’s simply become easy and convenient just to stay home on Sunday morning and “watch it online.”  But it’s not the same.  It’s not.  If you’re concerned, wear a mask and come to the 11:15am service. I say it all the time and I sincerely mean it – I love you Coastal and I love being your Pastor.  A Pastor is a Shepherd and sometimes a Shepherd has to call the sheep home.  Come home.   

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief –  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there, TODAY, Friday, April 23rd, 9am-11am. We meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Tricounty Family Ministries –  We will be assisting with their Emergency Grocery Distribution, Wednesday, April 28thh, 9am-12noon.
   Saturday Serve –  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is Saturday, May 1st.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!  Make plans NOW to be there!
   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
2. Are you grieving the loss of a spouse or do you know someone who is?  You are invited to join our FREE “Loss of a Spouse” Seminar through our Grief Share Support Group on Tuesday, June 1st, 6:30-8:30pm at Coastal.  Discover practical advice, support, prayer, and encouragement from others who’ve been there.  Learn what to expect in your grief and how to cope with life without your spouse.  Register at www.griefshare.org or call Freeda (540-903-5030) or Sue (616-443-6553).
3. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach on Sunday, June 13th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith.  At Coastal we call it “going public” and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized simply respond to this email or sign up on our website.
4. One of the ways our church marks the coming of Summer is through “SUMMER OF IMPACT!”  For the entire month of June, our church will saturate Charleston with a variety of outreach projects almost every day!  What better way to show that we are followers of Jesus than by serving the people right here in our community!  The 2021 Summer of IMPACT Catalog with all the details is now available online.  Check out all the different opportunities and sign up today!  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
5. If you would like your family to participate in the Baby/Child Dedication on Mother’s Day (May 9th) or Father’s Day (June 20th), sign up on your Connect Card.  Include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending.  Coastal’s Baby Dedication is a special time for our parents and children. The purpose of our Baby Dedication is not for the child’s salvation or commitment to Christ. It is more of a prayer/renewal time for the parents as they commit to raise their child the way God wants them to and a time of prayer for the child to grow to be the man or woman God has called them to be. It is also a time for our church family to commit to you, the parents, to be the support that you need.  Most people think of a Baby Dedication as just for our newborns, but we’ve had all different ages participate. If you’ve never had that special prayer time for you and your child, we’d love for you to sign up and participate.
   
   P.S. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, May 16th, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service (at approximately 12:30pm).  This will also be available online!  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.

Life.  Despite all of our knowledge and all of the medical and scientific advances, from the very beginning to the very end, life is so very fragile and mysterious.  This past week I saw that spectrum up close and personal.  I met and prayed with a young couple from our church struggling with the pain and heartache of miscarriage – the beginning of life.  I also met and prayed with a wife and her 13 year old son who just lost their husband and father to a sudden heart attack – the end of life.  

Even though we know the passages that are often quoted at times like these that talk about heavenly mansions and new bodies and that life is just a mist or a vapor, that is here for a moment and then gone – it is difficult when that mansion and that new body and that mist is made personal and real and given a name.  The name of the man who died of a heart attack was Chris Osteen.  He got up early Tuesday morning, fixed Walker, his son, breakfast and took him to school, as was his custom.  He came home and breathed his last breath.  He was 50 years old.  I have known Chris, his wife Brandi, and their son Walker for the past 10 years.  Brandi & Walker came to Coastal this past Easter and walked across the Bridge.  Brandi indicated on her Connect Card that she walked across the Bridge because she needed to be reminded of the hope of heaven.  Little did she know on Easter Sunday just how real that Bridge walk would become.  

But we don’t know, do we?  We never do.  I was 13 years old, just like Walker, when my Dad died.  Honestly, all of it at the time was a blur.  I was hurt, angry, and lost.  I remember a lot of adults, who I didn’t really know, saying a lot things to me.  But at the end of the day, I just wanted my Dad back.  I don’t have easy answers for the wonderful couple who just so desperately want to have a baby and can’t, or for the 13 year old boy who wants to know why his dad will never get to see him hit a home run or teach him to drive.  I get upset when Christians offer 2 cent answers to million dollar questions.  What I’ve learned is that what people really need in moments of deepest grief is simply to know that you’re there for them – in whatever way they need.  

It took me a while, but I eventually learned that God did not cause my Dad to die.  He did, however, use his death in a powerful way in my life.  He brought something very beautiful out of it.  My guess is that a lot of adults said those same things to me when I was Walker’s age.  But at the time, I just needed someone to love me, to be there for me, after the service was over, after the food was gone, and after everyone else went on with there lives.  And I’m so very thankful, that by the grace of God, He put those people in my life.  That’s the beauty of true fellowship, of the church – people who, over time, walk out the truth that God’s love for you is big enough to handle your pain, your grief, your doubt and even your anger.  They just keep loving you through it.  

Pray for that young couple struggling with infertility and the loss of life at its very beginning.  Be willing to walk through the fire with them.  Pray for the Osteen family and the long road ahead.  Chris’ funeral will be this Sunday at 5pm at Coastal.  Pray for me and our church as we serve and minister to this family.  Hug your loved ones tight tonight and tell them you love them.  And by the way, if you are hurting and struggling with grief and loss, we have a great Support Group at Coastal called Grief Share filled with people willing to walk with you and love you through it.  They meet at the church on Monday nights at 6:30pm.  If you have any questions about the Group, please reach to Sue Muoio at s.muoio@outlook.com.  

I love you Coastal and I love being your Pastor.  No one is guaranteed their next breath.  It’s all a gift from God.  So why not live and love each day like it’s our last!  One day we will all walk across that bridge, and the only thing that will matter is our faith in Jesus.  So until He calls us home or comes again, let’s “share and experience the life and love of Jesus with Charleston and the world!”

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   Suburban Hotel Tailgate –  Let’s make an impact together by serving local veterans and persons transitioning from a local homeless shelter in Charleston into permanent housing at the Suburban Hotel in North Charleston!   Saturday, April 17th, 10am-1pm meet at Coastal in the Welcome Center! This is a project that is suitable for the whole family.
   Soldier’s Angels – We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, April 20th, 8am-1pm.
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief –  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there, Friday, April 23rd, 9am-11am. We meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
2. Interested in officially making Coastal your church family by becoming a Member?  Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning (TOMORROW), April 17th, 9:30am-12noon. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  You can join us either in-person or online through Zoom.
3. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach on Sunday, June 13th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith.  At Coastal we call it “going public” and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized simply respond to this email or sign up on our website. 
4. One of the ways our church marks the coming of Summer is through “SUMMER OF IMPACT!”  For the entire month of June, our church will saturate Charleston with a variety of outreach projects almost every day!  What better way to show that we are followers of Jesus than by serving the people right here in our community!  The 2021 Summer of IMPACT Catalog with all the details is now available online.  Check out all the different opportunities and sign up today!  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
5. If you would like your family to participate in the Baby/Child Dedication on Mother’s Day (May 9th) or Father’s Day (June 20th), sign up on your Connect Card.  Include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending.  Coastal’s Baby Dedication is a special time for our parents and children. The purpose of our Baby Dedication is not for the child’s salvation or commitment to Christ. It is more of a prayer/renewal time for the parents as they commit to raise their child the way God wants them to and a time of prayer for the child to grow to be the man or woman God has called them to be. It is also a time for our church family to commit to you, the parents, to be the support that you need.  Most people think of a Baby Dedication as just for our newborns, but we’ve had all different ages participate. If you’ve never had that special prayer time for you and your child, we’d love for you to sign up and participate.
   
   P.S. Coastal is 100% fully funded by the generous, consistent giving our our people.  We could not do what we do without you!  And whether we gather in-person or online, the ministry and impact of Coastal never ceases.  Your weekly gifts are a vital resource that allow us to continue the work that God has called us to do.  If you need us to mail you offering envelopes or step you through online giving or TEXT Giving (text any amount to 843-277-8337), please respond to this email or call the church office (843-571-1777).  Thank you so much for your continued faithfulness!

Wow – we had an amazing Easter Weekend at Coastal!  First of all, I can’t thank all of our volunteers enough for all of your hard work – 6 services over 3 days!  All of our Teams – Praise & Worship, Tech, Coastal Kidz, Security, Cafe, Prayer, 1st Impressions – knocked it out of the park!  Many, many people were at multiple services and some were at all 6.  We seriously have the best volunteers at Coastal and could not do what we do without you!  We kicked off a new series over the weekend called, “Bridges,” and hundreds of people literally walked across a bridge, representing various next steps in their faith.  It was a very moving moment in each service.  Going into the weekend, I seriously had no idea how many people to expect in attendance in-person.  For the last several months we’ve been averaging around 350 people in-person (about 40% of our pre-covid in-person attendance).  I really thought that if we doubled that in-person (700) it would be a miracle.  Well, we had 1081 people in-person over the weekend!  And then we had another 1175 online – for a grand total of 2256!  

Like always, we had a lot of 1st time guests – people who were invited by a friend or who saw an ad, received a post card, or found us online.  But what was also so powerful is that I saw people in each one of our 6 services that I literally haven’t seen in-person in over a year.  Easter was their first time back in-person since the shutdown.  It was very emotional for me as a Pastor/Shepherd and for them – most were in tears.  I expect to see more and more of that in the weeks ahead, people starting to return to in-person worship.  Again, if you are out and about in the community, your kids are in school (in person) and in sports, you’re going to restaurants, the gym, Costco, Wal-Mart, Target and grocery stores. . . it’s time to come back to in-person worship.  Consider this a loving, Pastoral nudge.

Don’t forget that we go back to our regular Sunday morning worship services times this week – 9:30am & 11:15am.  Also, there is no Coastal Kidz set-up or Chair set-up tomorrow as we were able to leave everything up this week for Spring Break.  We will be stacking and packing our chairs and breaking down Coastal Kidz after the 11:15am service on Sunday.  If you took home and put up a Yard Sign, please pick them up and return them to the church.  We really try to do our best to reuse them each Easter.  

If it’s been a while since you’ve been by our campus, I can’t wait for you to see all the progress on our new facility!  It’s really beginning to take shape.  In fact, if you are ever in the area, I’d love to give you a tour!  I love you Coastal!  And I love being your Pastor!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   PINK House –  The PINK House is a community center in the Ardmore subdivision in West Ashley.  We are going to be putting on a community Tailgate Party and Clothing Distribution, Saturday, April 10th, 10am-1pm. 
   Soldier’s Angels – We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, April 13th, 8am-1pm.
   Tricounty Family Ministries –  We will be assisting with their Emergency Grocery Distribution, Wednesday, April 14th, 9am-1pm.
   Suburban Hotel Tailgate –  Let’s make an impact together by serving local veterans and persons transitioning from a local homeless shelter in Charleston into permanent housing at the Suburban Hotel in North Charleston!   Saturday, April 17th, 10am-1pm meet at Coastal in the Welcome Center! This is a project that is suitable for the whole family.
   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
2. Interested in officially making Coastal your church family by becoming a Member?  Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, April 17th, 9:30am-12noon. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  You can join us either in-person or online through Zoom.
3. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach on Sunday, June 13th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith.  At Coastal we call it “going public” and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized simply respond to this email or sign up on our website.  
4. We are excited to announce that Coastal is starting a Celebrate Recovery Support Group/Ministry!  Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind.  If you have a track record of personal recovery and you are interested in possibly serving in this Christ-centered ministry, please let us know on your connect card or you can reach out to Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
5. If you would like your family to participate in the Baby/Child Dedication on Mother’s Day (May 9th) or Father’s Day (June 20th), sign up on your Connect Card.  Include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending.  Coastal’s Baby Dedication is a special time for our parents and children. The purpose of our Baby Dedication is not for the child’s salvation or commitment to Christ. It is more of a prayer/renewal time for the parents as they commit to raise their child the way God wants them to and a time of prayer for the child to grow to be the man or woman God has called them to be. It is also a time for our church family to commit to you, the parents, to be the support that you need.  Most people think of a Baby Dedication as just for our newborns, but we’ve had all different ages participate. If you’ve never had that special prayer time for you and your child, we’d love for you to sign up and participate.
   
   P.S. One of the ways our church marks the coming of Summer is through “SUMMER OF IMPACT!”  For the entire month of June, our church will saturate Charleston with a variety of outreach projects almost every day!  What better way to show that we are followers of Jesus than by serving the people right here in our community!  The 2021 Summer of IMPACT Catalog with all the details will be available both in-person in the bulletin and on our website on Sunday!  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.

Finally – Easter Weekend is here!  Today is Good Friday.  Think about this.  While you were asleep last night/early this morning, nearly 2000 years ago Jesus was captured in the Garden and condemned to die by the Jewish leaders who hated him.  As you were waking up Jesus was being shuffled back and forth between Pilate and Herod for even more trials and abuse. While you were getting dressed, the Roman soldiers were brutally beating Him and putting thorns on His head.  By the time you were on your way to work He was on his way to the cross.  Satan was laughing –  convinced that he won.  It was Friday. . . but here’s the GOOD NEWS – Sunday was coming!  Can’t wait to celebrate that with you and your friends & family this weekend – Friday (tonight), April 2nd, 7pm (this is the only service that will have NO COASTAL KIDZ); Saturday, April 3rd, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 4th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am.  (FREE KONA ICE at the Saturday and Sunday services for the kids!)

It’s still not too late to make that call, send that email or text, walk across the street or the office, and invite someone to church for this weekend!  You never know the power of a simple invitation.  40 years ago a friend from school invited me to church.  I ended up giving my life to Jesus and committing to full-time Christian ministry!  Simply put, it changed my life!  Who do you know that needs Jesus?

A few other quick reminders about Easter at Coastal: Parking & Seating really is important on Big Services like Easter.  Please, please park as far away as possible and sit to the front and center of each section.  And this is important – COME EARLY!  With more guests on our campus, make sure you’re even more gracious, kind, loving, and helpful to everyone!  Treat everyone as your welcomed, expected guest in your home.  I also want to challenge you to give above and beyond this Easter Weekend toward our construction project.  You can give through our website, our App, or TEXT any amount to 843-277-8337. It’s simple, safe, secure, and convenient!   If it’s been a while since you’ve been by our campus, I can’t wait for you to see all the progress on our new facility!  We are just past the midway point and hope to have a Grand Opening in late August or early September!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   Saturday Serve –  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is THIS Saturday (tomorrow), April 3rd.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!  Make plans NOW to be there!
   PINK House –  The PINK House is a community center in the Ardmore subdivision in West Ashley.  We are going to be putting on a community Tailgate Party and Clothing Distribution, Saturday, April 10th, 10am-1pm. 
   Soldier’s Angels – We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, April 13th, 8am-1pm.
   Tricounty Family Ministries –  We will be assisting with their Emergency Grocery Distribution, Wednesday, April 14th, 9am-1pm.
   Suburban Hotel Tailgate –  Let’s make an impact together by serving local veterans and persons transitioning from a local homeless shelter in Charleston into permanent housing at the Suburban Hotel in North Charleston!   Saturday, April 17th, 10am-1pm meet at Coastal in the Welcome Center! This is a project that is suitable for the whole family.
   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
2. Interested in officially making Coastal your church family by becoming a Member?  Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, April 17th, 9:30am-12noon. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  You can join us either in-person or online through Zoom.
3. Is Baptism your next step? The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith.  At Coastal we call it “going public” and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  And at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized simply respond to this email or sign up on our website.  We are also planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach on Sunday, June 13th, at 5pm.  You can also sign up for that on our website.
4. We are excited to announce that Coastal is starting a Celebrate Recovery Support Group/Ministry!  Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind.  If you have a track record of personal recovery and you are interested in possibly serving in this Christ-centered ministry, please let us know on your connect card or you can reach out to Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
5. If you would like your family to participate in the Baby/Child Dedication on Mother’s Day (May 9th) or Father’s Day (June 20th), sign up on your Connect Card.  Include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending.  Coastal’s Baby Dedication is a special time for our parents and children. The purpose of our Baby Dedication is not for the child’s salvation or commitment to Christ. It is more of a prayer/renewal time for the parents as they commit to raise their child the way God wants them to and a time of prayer for the child to grow to be the man or woman God has called them to be. It is also a time for our church family to commit to you, the parents, to be the support that you need.  Most people think of a Baby Dedication as just for our newborns, but we’ve had all different ages participate. If you’ve never had that special prayer time for you and your child, we’d love for you to sign up and participate.
   
   P.S. One of the ways our church marks the coming of Summer is through “SUMMER OF IMPACT!”  For the entire month of June, our church will saturate Charleston with a variety of outreach projects almost every day!  What better way to show that we are followers of Jesus than by serving the people right here in our community!  In the next few weeks, be on the lookout for our 2021 Summer of IMPACT calendar with all the details!  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.