There is no doubt that many people today are hurting, hopeless, and afraid.  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 – where we live, work, parent, and play.  It’s a month long emphasis that kicks off every Summer at Coastal, and it literally starts TOMORROW – June 1st!

Summer of IMPACT is where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service. Given the 37 different serving opportunities, there is literally something for everyone.  Nearly every serving opportunity is family friendly.  We’ll be serving veterans, the homeless, the elderly & sick, children in crisis, those who struggle with drug & alcohol addictions and more.  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: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions/.  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!!
https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions/

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. Join us this Saturday for Saturday Serve!  Show up at the church at 8:30am, hear our Leaders pitch several different projects, and then GO SERVE!

Typically, Memorial Weekend officially marks the end of the school year and the beginning of Summer.  But no matter when your child gets out of school this year,  I am seriously excited about all the awesome things happening at Coastal this Summer – the biggest of which is Summer of IMPACT!  If you and your family haven’t yet signed up for multiple projects, it’s time to do so!  And I seriously encourage you to spread the word with your friends, neighbors, family, and co-workers, especially those people in your life who don’t have a church or who aren’t even believers.  Why?  Because God created everyone with the desire to be a part of something bigger than yourself and to make a difference.  And believe it or not, most churches don’t have a very good reputation for serving and loving their communities unconditionally.  So leverage Summer of IMPACT as way to include those who might not darken the door of a church yet, but would be willing to volunteer in the community.  Don’t you see?  Not only is Summer of IMPACT an opportunity to serve and bless our community and you, but it is also an opportunity for outreach!  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.

Another reason I’m excited about the Summer here at Coastal is that on Sunday, June 12th, we kick off one of our favorite sermon series traditions here at Coastal – “AT THE MOVIES”!  It’s where we take current or popular movies and use them as a hook to talk about spiritual truth.  ALL 1st Time Guests (and the person who invited them – YOU) will receive a FREE Movie Ticket to Citadel Mall Theater throughout the entire series!  There will be popcorn, movie trailers, and cool giveaways!  We’ll also be taking anyone who is available to see the new “Minions” movie on Wednesday, July 6th, 10am at the Citadel Mall Theater.  And we’re picking up the cost of the ticket!  It’s our way to thank you and bless our community (your friends – yes, please invite and bring friends).  

But the best part of our “At the Movies” kick-off on June 12th is that it’s also the day of our Beach Baptism out at Folly Beach County Park at 5pm (see below)!  Come out early (traffic might be an issue) and make it a fun day for your entire family (parking at the County Park on Sunday is $15, with a County Park Pass it’s free)!    If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up online, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Either way, come out and celebrate with your Coastal family!

Father’s Day on Sunday, June 19th! There will be FREE Kona Ice for everyone, a gift for all the guys, and some fun giveaways (yes, probably MEAT) at the end of each service!  We’re also super excited to be bringing back VBS this year (see below) – July 11th-15th, 6-8pm, for 4 year olds-5th Grade!  Make sure you register your kids, sign up to serve, and help spread the word!  Oh, and on top of all of that (Summer of IMPACT, At the Movies, Beach Baptism, Father’s Day, VBS), our Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) just unveiled their Summer Calendar (see below) with a ton of events, activities, and service projects!

As you can see, it’s going to be a great Summer at Coastal!  The only thing that’s potentially missing right now is. . .YOU!  We can only provide the opportunities for connections, community, and service.  You have to make the choice to participate.  I hope you will!  I love YOU, I love being your Pastor, I love what we get to do together, and I can’t wait to see you on Sunday!

LIFE & LOVE! 
Pastor Chris

P.S. Coastal, while I truly am excited about this Summer, my also heart breaks for the many families in our nation who are grieving as they walk through “the valley of the shadow of death.”  I don’t have quick, easy answers – there aren’t any.  At times it’s hard to comprehend the evil that exists and persists in this world.  But I do know that because of what Jesus accomplished through the cross and the empty tomb, that sin, death, and evil have ultimately been defeated.  I know that this is not my home, that I’m just passing through, and so are you.  Because of Jesus, there is still hope – not in this world, but in Him.  And so in the meantime, I will weep with those who weep, I will mourn with those who mourn, and I will rejoice with those who rejoice.  I will also be moved into Kingdom action.  I will pray.  I will serve.  I will love.  I will give.  I will share.  I will point as many people as possible to Jesus – the only one who can truly change the condition of the human heart (the real problem).  And that’s why what we do as a church matters.  

We’re in this series right now on the 23rd Psalm.  Slowly read these words once more and find comfort:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   Summer of IMPACT!!!! – Summer of IMPACT kicks off on June 1st! It’s a month-long effort (the entire month of June) where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we normally do all throughout the year, but ON STEROIDS for the month of June!  There is something for everyone – from serving through our existing partnerships with non-profit organizations all over Charleston like the Lowcountry Food Bank, Soldiers Angels, the Ronald McDonald House, Carolina Youth Development Center, Charleston Vets, The Pink House, Patriots Villas, and Lowcountry Orphan Relief, to sewing lap throws for the residents of Joseph Floyd Manor, to feeding, clothing, and bringing supplies to literally hundreds of hungry, hurting, and homeless people all over Charleston. There are opportunities nearly every day of the month. You simply sign-up and then show-up. It’s that easy.  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized. 
   
   So here’s what I am asking you to do RIGHT NOW:
   
   Click on this link: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions/
   
   Take a look at all the opportunities. Find the project(s) right for you and then sign up today! You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want directly from our website.
   
   As always, 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. If you would like your family to participate in the Baby/Child Dedication on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19th, please respond to this email.  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. 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.
3. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 12th, 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!  In fact, the whole church is invited out to Folly to celebrate!  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, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.
4. Summer for Coastal Student Ministry is officially here! Check out the calendar above for all the fun things planned as well as a weekly Bible study through the book of James!  If you have any questions, please reach out to our Youth Pastor, Jacob Bonetti – jacob@coastalcommunitychurch.org or . It’s going to be a great Summer for our Students!
5. We are so excited about Vacation Bible School at Coastal this year! After COVID & Construction, VBS is back and will be better than ever in our brand new facility!  The dates & times for VBS this year are Monday, July 11th – Friday, July 15th, 6pm-8pm!  This year’s theme is “Make Waves – What you do today, can change the world around you!”  VBS at Coastal is ALL HANDS ON DECK!  In other words, it takes EVERYONE to pull off a great VBS for our church and our community.  There will be greeters, security, snacks, registration, teachers, games, worship, decorations, nursery, crafts – in other words, something for EVERYONE!  If you are interested in serving in any capacity, please go to our website and sign up today!  To register your child, ages 4 year olds – 5th Grade, go to https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/vbs/ and sign them up today!  If you have any questions, contact Janet Rollins at janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 843-442-8299.
   
   P.S.S. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Monday night, June 6th, 6-8:30pm. 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.

For those of you who like, “True Crime Stories,” I’ve got a little story of my own to share.  This past Saturday was “Double Tailgate Day” at Coastal.  In other words, both Box Trucks were out in use in the community, feeding and serving those in need.  One Truck was at Charleston Vets and the other one was at The Pink House.  I went to the Pink House.  After we got back to the church, I stuck around to help unload and clean up.  After everyone left, I went over my sermon for Sunday.  When I went outside to go to my car, I was surprised to find our last remaining coyote (the other 3 “coyote decoys” have already been stolen) on top of my car!  My first thought was this was some sort of prank.  I took a picture and sent it to the Staff – thinking maybe they knew who the culprit was (okay, maybe I thought one of them did it – haha!).  No one had a clue.  When I got home, I pulled up our video cameras and “watched the tape.”  The culprits were two young boys.  They rode their bikes down the drive behind the church, saw the coyote, and decided to destroy it – or at least try to.  Then they threw it in the woods and left.  But before they left, they got another idea, went back to the woods, retrieved the coyote, and threw it on top of my car.  Then they picked up some rocks and threw them at my car.  Needless to say, I wasn’t too happy watching all this transpire.  In fact, I wanted to drive over to the church, ride around the neighborhood, and find these two boys.  But I simmered down and honestly was a little too tired to head back to the church, and waste the rest of my Saturday on what would probably be a useless search.

Well, on Sunday morning, I was doing what I normally do before church, standing in our Gather space, welcoming everyone as they come through our front door.  Just a few minutes before the first service started, an older woman with two young boys comes through the front door.  “OH MY GOODNESS, IT’S THEM,” I thought to myself!  The criminals have returned to the scene of the crime!  I recognized them from the video!  So I walked up to them and with great enthusiasm said, “Good morning boys!  How are you doing?”  They said nothing.  Their Great Grandmother said, “Say something boys.  The preacher is talking to you.”  Still nothing.  I stooped down and said, “What did you do this weekend?  No, I want to know what you did YESTERDAY, here at our church.”  You should have seen their eyes – wide as saucers!  Their Great Grandmother knew something was up and laid into them, “What did you boys do?  You told me you were going to play basketball!”  Still nothing from the boys.  I said, “Tell her.  Tell her what you did.”  Still nothing.  I said, “That’s okay, I’ll tell you exactly what you did.  I watched the whole thing on video.”  I then proceeded to retell their every move.  And when I got to the part about throwing the coyote on top of the car, I leaned in a little closer and said, “And that car, was MY car.  And then you picked up rocks and threw them at MY car.”  At that dramatic moment, one of the boys broke silence, stepped back, pointed his finger at his brother and shouted, “He did it!  It was his idea!  He did it!”

Needless to say, their Great Grandmother was mortified and livid.  After the service, she gave me their mom’s name and phone number. I called their Mom on Monday.  We had a great conversation.  She assured me that they were being disciplined and that her boys would be back at church and would be giving me a proper apology.  She’s a single mom, with two other small children with special needs, trying to do the best she can, living with her Grandmother, their Great Grandmother, right around the corner from the church.  I told her that I believed that God was going redeem this whole story and use it as a turning point in her boy’s lives.  The Mom and Grandmother wanted me to come up with something for the boys to do here at the church.  So, on Saturday, June 4th, they will be coming with me to our next Saturday Serve.  I will put them to work and take them with me to the North Charleston Tailgate where they will help feed and clothe those in our community who have far, far less than they do.

In the grand scheme of things, this was just a small infraction by 10 year old boys.  Most of us can probably remember quite a few things we did in our younger days, much, much worse.  And most of us probably wish we had learned a few lessons early in life.  Hopefully, prayerfully, they will learn a lesson about grace and God’s love (and, don’t mess with Pastor Chris – haha!).  They’re actually students at Oakland.  And on Tuesday morning when I was passing out coffee & doughnuts to the Teachers, they sought me out and spoke with me.  What’s really interesting is that on that Friday – before the incident – I was the Substitute Teacher in their younger brother’s classroom (my substitute teaching stories are the subject for another day).  But my point is, it’s amazing how God weaves the stories of our lives together, stories of redemption and hope.  Pray for these boys and their family.  Pray that God would open our eyes and hearts to see opportunities all around us to be used in His unfolding story of redemption.  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I can’t wait to see you on Sunday!

LIFE & LOVE! 
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate –  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, May 26th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   
   Summer of IMPACT!!!! – Summer of IMPACT kicks off on June 1st! It’s a month-long effort (the entire month of June) where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we normally do all throughout the year, but ON STEROIDS for the month of June!  There is something for everyone – from serving through our existing partnerships with non-profit organizations all over Charleston like the Lowcountry Food Bank, Soldiers Angels, the Ronald McDonald House, Carolina Youth Development Center, Charleston Vets, The Pink House, Patriots Villas, and Lowcountry Orphan Relief, to sewing lap throws for the residents of Joseph Floyd Manor, to feeding, clothing, and bring supplies to literally hundreds of hungry, hurting, and homeless people all over Charleston. There are opportunities nearly every day of the month. You simply sign-up and then show-up. It’s that easy.  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  So here’s what I am asking you to do RIGHT NOW:
   
   Click on this link: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions/
   
   Take a look at all the opportunities. Find the project(s) right for you and then sign up today! You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want directly from our website.
   
   As always, 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. If you would like your family to participate in the Baby/Child Dedication on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19th, please respond to this email.  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. 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.
3. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 12th, 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!  In fact, the whole church is invited out to Folly to celebrate!  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, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.
4. We’re looking to grow and expand our Online Engagement Team.  Coastal’s Online Engagement Team serves online, every Sunday, during both services.  What do they do?  They greet and serve our guests, regular attenders, and members who are attending our services virtually on Church Online (by way of our church website), Facebook, and on YouTube.  
   
   When you consider the Online Engagement Team think of it as, First Impressions, but online. Our Team members chat in the chatrooms, share thoughts about upcoming events, share moments during the service, pray for people requesting prayer, and provide the same level of excellence we’ve come to expect during our in-person services.  The reality is this, if we’re going to take the online experience to the next level, we’re going to need some additional help. You’ll receive training and can serve as little as once per month or as many times as you like. If you are looking for a great serving opportunity, this might be it!  Reach out to Pastor Ryan Spell (ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org – 843-442-8985) or Pastor Chris Jones (chrisjones@coastalcommunitychurch.org – 843-870-4613) for more information.
5. We are so excited about Vacation Bible School at Coastal this year! After COVID & Construction, VBS is back and will be better than ever in our brand new facility!  The dates & times for VBS this year are Monday, July 11th – Friday, July 15th, 6pm-8pm!  This year’s theme is “Make Waves – What you do today, can change the world around you!”  VBS at Coastal is ALL HANDS ON DECK!  In other words, it takes EVERYONE to pull off a great VBS for our church and our community.  There will be greeters, security, snacks, registration, teachers, games, worship, decorations, nursery, crafts – in other words, something for EVERYONE!  If you are interested in serving in any capacity, please go to our website and sign up today!  To register your child, ages 4 year olds – 5th Grade, go to https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/vbs/ and sign them up today!  If you have any questions, contact Janet Rollins at janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 843-442-8299.
   
   P.S. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Monday night, June 6th, 6-8:30pm. 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.

Wow – we had an amazing Mother’s Day this past Sunday!  We had 13 children participate in Baby/Child Dedication (we have another Baby/Child Dedication coming up Father’s Day – see below).  We had lots and lots of guests!  And we had 842 people in attendance!  Moving forward, especially on Big Days, we’re going to need people to start parking in Oakland Elementary School’s parking lot (not just Orange Grove – which was full).  Oakland’s parking lot (which is a little further away – but MUCH MUCH BIGGER) is located down the first entrance right past the Greenway.  Also, we’re getting ready to open up the field parking in the back of our campus.  Either way, these are good problems (opportunities) to have!

Not only is our church continuing to grow in person, but our online presence is strong and continues to grow – which leads me to a new ministry opportunity.  We’re looking to grow and expand our Online Engagement Team.  Coastal’s Online Engagement Team serves online, every Sunday, during both services.  What do they do?  They greet and serve our guests, regular attenders, and members who are attending our services virtually on Church Online (by way of our church website), Facebook, and on YouTube.  

When you consider the Online Engagement Team think of it as, First Impressions, but online. Our Team members chat in the chatrooms, share thoughts about upcoming events, share moments during the service, pray for people requesting prayer, and provide the same level of excellence we’ve come to expect during our in-person services.  The reality is this, if we’re going to take the online experience to the next level, we’re going to need some additional help. You’ll receive training and can serve as little as once per month or as many times as you like. If you are looking for a great serving opportunity, this might be it!  Reach out to Pastor Ryan Spell (ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org – 843-442-8985) or Pastor Chris Jones (chrisjones@coastalcommunitychurch.org – 843-870-4613) for more information.

This Sunday we’re in week 4 of our study through the 23rd Psalm called, “Living In Victory.”  I’ll be talking about living in victory over indecision and discovering God’s will for your life in the process.  Psalm 23:3b says, “He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.”  My guess is that many of you have had to make some major decisions this past year, or you are facing some right now.  Should I hold on, or should I let go?  Should I get in, or should I get out?  Should I get married?  Should I get a new job?  Should I move?  The stress of indecision begins to get to you.  Sometimes even after we make a decision we start second guessing ourselves, “Did I do the right thing?”  And that causes stress.  The good news?  The Good Shepherd not only feeds us, He leads us.  He not only provides, He also guides.  The good Shepherd not only protects, He also directs.  Come this Sunday as we talk about how!

And speaking of this Sunday, I saw this quote that I wanted to share with you:  “One of the best things you can do for your church this Sunday is to sit in the front middle of the room, worship passionately, and respond to your Pastor’s preaching.  10 people like that can change the atmosphere of a whole room and lift hearts heavenward!”  I think they’re right!  Invite and bring someone to church with you this Sunday and bring the energy – I’ll bring mine!  I love you Coastal and I love being your Pastor!

LIFE & LOVE! 
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   Clothing Team –  Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes Friday (TODAY), May 13th, 9am-11am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   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, May 13th, (and again on Friday, May 20th) 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   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, Clothing Distribution, on Saturday, May 14th, 10am-1pm. Meet at Coastal at 10am.
   Charleston Vets Tailgate – We’re hosting a tailgating event at Charleston Vets, Saturday, May 14th, 10am-1pm. Coastal Vets is a transitional housing facility for veterans in North Charleston.  Meet at Coastal at 10am.
   Joseph Floyd Manor Tailgate –  Our Tailgate will be rolling and serving our friends downtown at the Joseph Floyd Manor –  Thursday, May 19th, 10am-1pm. Meet at the church.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate –  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, May 26th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal. 
   
   As always, 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. If you would like your family to participate in the Baby/Child Dedication on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19th, please respond to this email.  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. 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.
3. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 12th, 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, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.
4. One of the ways our church marks the beginning of Summer every year is through something called Summer of IMPACT!  If you are fairly new to Coastal, Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort (the entire month of June) where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we normally do all throughout the year, but ON STEROIDS for the month of June!  
   
   There is something for everyone – from serving through our existing partnerships with non-profit organizations all over Charleston like the Lowcountry Food Bank, Soldiers Angels, the Ronald McDonald House, Carolina Youth Development Center, Charleston Vets, The Pink House, Patriots Villas, and Lowcountry Orphan Relief, to sewing lap throws for the residents of Joseph Floyd Manor, to feeding, clothing, and bring supplies to literally hundreds of hungry, hurting, and homeless people all over Charleston. There are opportunities nearly every day of the month. You simply sign-up and then show-up. It’s that easy.  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized. So here’s what I am asking you to do RIGHT NOW: Click on this link: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions/ Take a look at all the opportunities. Find the project(s) right for you and then sign up today! You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want directly from our website.
5. We are so excited about Vacation Bible School at Coastal this year! After COVID & Construction, VBS is back and will be better than ever in our brand new facility!  The dates & times for VBS this year are Monday, July 11th – Friday, July 15th, 6pm-8pm!  This year’s theme is “Make Waves – What you do today, can change the world around you!”  VBS at Coastal is ALL HANDS ON DECK!  In other words, it takes EVERYONE to pull off a great VBS for our church and our community.  There will be greeters, security, snacks, registration, teachers, games, worship, decorations, nursery, crafts – in other words, something for EVERYONE!  If you are interested in serving in any capacity, please go to our website and sign up today!  To register your child, ages 4 year olds – 5th Grade, go to https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/vbs/ and sign them up today!  If you have any questions, contact Janet Rollins at janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 843-442-8299.
   
   P.S.  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Monday night, June 6th, 6-8:30pm. 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. 

Alright everyone – this Sunday, May 8th, is Mother’s Day!  It’s going to be a BIG DAY at Coastal!  Make sure you come early, park far away, and go out of your way to make our guests feel welcome and at home.  And speaking of guests –  invite and bring your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers!  We have a gift for all the Moms (and a little something for all women), fun giveaways at the end of each service (SPA PACKAGE), a photo booth, Baby/Child Dedication during the service, and FREE Kona Ice for everyone! 

I was out of town last week for a few days.  I went to Florida for my Pastor’s Coaching Network meeting.  It’s a group of about 25 Pastors from around the country.  We meet 5 times a year for coaching and encouragement.  It was the first time we’ve been back in person in over 2 years.  It was awesome and much needed!  Knowing that I was going to be gone for a few days, I got Pastor Scott to preach for me last week (he did a great job talking about busyness).  Honestly, I was really looking forward to the weekend.  It was the first time in a long time that Janet and I didn’t really have anything going on and I wasn’t preaching.  It was going to be a nice break.  However, that’s not exactly what happened.  I ended up doing two funerals  for 2 men who went to Coastal.  For both of the funerals I shared a message from the 23rd Psalm.  I talked about the very passage I’ll be preaching on this weekend, Psalm 23:3, “He restores my soul.”  

You know, one of the great mysteries of my theology is how can a God we cannot see and touch and hear audibly, but who is real, how can He reach into the ravaged souls of human beings and restore them?  The answer:  I don’t know. . .but I know that He does it.  He’s done it for me, I’ve seen Him do it for countless people, and He can do it for you if you let Him.  There is no crisis, no tragedy, no loss so great that He can’t sustain you and restore you completely and David knew that.  How do I know that David knew that?  Because David lost his son.  In fact, after the death of his child, after weeping and grieving, David said this, “I can’t bring him back.  He can’t come to me, but one day, I can go to him.”  We can’t bring our loved ones back, but we can go to them one day.

At one of the funerals I did last weekend, the Graveside was at the same cemetery on James Island where my Dad was buried when I was 13 years old.  It’s been a long time since I’ve been to my Dad’s grave.  Honestly, I wasn’t sure we could find it – but we did.  As I stared at my Dad’s grave, I had forgotten that he was only 41 years old when he died – 41.  That seems so young to me now.  I was also reminded how God used something so terrible in my life, to bring about so much good.  I was humbled and grateful, and I was reminded that the Good Shepherd can restore our soul if we let him.  Don’t miss this Sunday.  It’s going to be a powerful day!  I love you, I love our church, and I love being your Pastor!      

LIFE & LOVE! 
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   Clothing Team –  Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes Friday (TODAY), May 6th (and again on May 13th), 9am-11am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   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 (TOMORROW), May 7th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am (or come at 7:30am to help with chair set-up), project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!  Two different Tailgate Parties go out from Saturday Serve! 
   Soldier’s Angels – We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, May 10th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   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, May 13th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   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, Clothing Distribution, on Saturday, May 14th, 10am-1pm. Meet at Coastal.
   Charleston Vets Tailgate – We’re hosting a tailgating event at Charleston Vets, Saturday, May 14th, 10am-1pm. Coastal Vets is a transitional housing facility for veterans in North Charleston.  Meet at Coastal at 8:30am.  
   
   As always, 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. If you would like your family to participate in the Baby/Child Dedication on Mother’s Day this Sunday, please respond to this email.  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. 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.
3. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 12th, 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, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.
4. One of the ways our church marks the beginning of Summer every year is through something called Summer of IMPACT!  If you are fairly new to Coastal, Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort (the entire month of June) where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we normally do all throughout the year, but ON STEROIDS for the month of June!  
   
   There is something for everyone – from serving through our existing partnerships with non-profit organizations all over Charleston like the Lowcountry Food Bank, Soldiers Angels, the Ronald McDonald House, Carolina Youth Development Center, Charleston Vets, The Pink House, Patriots Villas, and Lowcountry Orphan Relief, to sewing lap throws for the residents of Joseph Floyd Manor, to feeding, clothing, and bring supplies to literally hundreds of hungry, hurting, and homeless people all over Charleston. There are opportunities nearly every day of the month. You simply sign-up and then show-up. It’s that easy.  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized. So here’s what I am asking you to do RIGHT NOW: Click on this link: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions/
   
   Take a look at all the opportunities. Find the project(s) right for you and then sign up today! You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want directly from our website.
5. 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 THIS Monday, May 9th, 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).
   
   P.S. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Monday night, June 6th, 6-8:30pm. 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.