As we enter this Holiday season, Janet and I want to pause – just as we have for the past 35 years – and say thank you! Coastal Community Church is more than a place we gather or work. It is our family. We have watched God do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, and every step of the way, you have been part of this beautiful story.
Psalm 107:1, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” In a world that often moves too quickly, Thanksgiving invites us to slow down, lift our eyes, and remember the goodness and faithfulness of our God. This year, we have so much to be grateful for: lives changed through salvation and baptism, marriages strengthened, families supported, the hurting cared for, our community impacted, God’s provision and protection over our church, and the privilege of worshiping and serving together week after week. When we see all that God has done, our hearts can only cry out and say, “Thank you, Lord!”
But gratitude doesn’t stop in our hearts – it moves into our hands. As followers of Jesus, we express our thankfulness through giving, loving, serving, and sharing.
Thanksgiving is a beautiful opportunity to:
- Speak gratitude out loud to the people who have blessed your life.
- Look for ways to serve, whether in your home, your neighborhood, or our church.
- Practice generosity, remembering that everything we have is a gift from God, to be leveraged for His Kingdom.
- Slow down and reflect, noticing God’s fingerprints on your life over the past year.
Janet and I are deeply grateful for each of you – for your faithfulness, your prayers, your support, and the way you love this church and community. Thirty-five years ago, we never could have imagined the family that Coastal would become. Today, we are humbled and honored to walk this journey with you. From our home to yours, we pray you experience the peace, joy, and Presence of Jesus this Thanksgiving. May gratitude fill your heart, your conversations, and your days ahead.
Whether you and your family are here in Charleston or out of town this weekend, I hope to see you at Coastal on Sunday – in-person or online! Take advantage of this season and invite your friends to church! I am grateful for you! I am grateful I get to be your Pastor! And I am humbled and grateful to be on this journey with you!
Happy Thanksgiving!
P.S. This weekend & the week ahead will see the largest traffic of onlline shopping of the year! While you’re shopping, don’t forget that you can also GIVE ONLINE. You can give through our website, or TEXT the word “GIVE” to 843-571-1777 and follow the simple instructions. This would be a great weekend to give to our Christmas Offering! Simply use the keyword, “Christmas.”
