Probably the most asked question I get lately is, “When are we moving in to our new facility?” Typically, my answer is, “As soon as I know, you will know. And right now. . . I just don’t know.” Several weeks ago, I mentioned that this weekend, October 3rd, was a possibility. Well, that possibility has come and gone. However, we are making big strides every day and we are getting very, very close. Every Thursday afternoon I have an OAC Meeting (Owner, Architect, Contractor) and after this week’s meeting, there is a very strong possibility that we’ll have a temporary CO (Certificate of Occupancy) sometime at the end of next week. Now, there are still several things that have to fall into place, but as I said, we are very, very close. I really think our first Sunday fully occupying our new space will either be October 17th or 24th. Once we get our CO, we still need about a week to move in all of “our stuff” and make sure all of our rooms and technology are ready and prepared for operation. So once all that takes place, we’ll announce our Open House Party and Grand Opening Sunday Celebration!
I actually think it will be quite funny and fitting if we do get our CO sometime next weekend. Why you ask? Well because we’ll be in week 4 of our series on the Fruit of the Spirit, and I’ll be preaching on PATIENCE!! Does God have a sense of humor or what? This whole process has definitely been a lesson in patience. But before we get to patience, this Sunday I’ll be talking about peace. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace. . .” The Bible refers to God as the “God of peace.” Jesus is called the “Prince of Peace.”
The last year and a half has been anything but peaceful. Just the opposite. Turn on the news, and what do you see? Terrorist bombings, school shootings, racial tension, and political hatred and division. In fact, you honestly find yourself asking this question: “Well, if Jesus is the Prince of Peace, did He fail?” At the conclusion of Jesus’ ministry, before He goes back to Heaven, Jesus said this, John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” And then in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus came to bring peace. He said it Himself. So, again, did Jesus fail?
Well, I think it all depends on how do you define peace? The world defines peace as the absence of conflict, the absence of trouble. But obviously, Jesus had something else in mind. In fact, back in those verses in John, He said, “And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. In this world you will have trouble.” So that can’t be the kind of peace He’s talking about.
I meet and talk to a lot of people. You could say that comes with my job. It’s really rare to find people who are at peace. I talk to people all the time. I meet people who are busy. I meet people who are stressed out. I meet people who are tired, who are beat down, relationally, financially, and emotionally. I rarely meet people who are totally at peace, at peace with themselves, at peace with the world, and at peace with God. What about you? That really is the question of the day, are you at peace? How would you answer that question? Think it through. Are you at peace in the different areas of your life? Are you at peace relationally, financially, emotionally, physically? Are you at peace with yourself? Are you at peace with the other people in your life – your family, your friends, your co-workers? And most importantly, are you at peace with God? Don’t miss this Sunday as we continue this discussion. I love you Coastal and I love being your Pastor! See you Sunday!
PEACE!
Pastor Chris
- If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception. Our next Newcomers Reception is THIS Sunday, October 3rd, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service (at approximately 12:30pm). This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. You can respond to this email or sign up on our website.
- Coastal’s CARE Team coordinates baskets, meals, and cards for those in our church and community who need additional encouragement. The CARE Team will be hosting an information and training session on Sunday, October 10th at 6pm for anyone who is currently serving or interested in joining the Team. RSVP to rachel@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
- 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, October 2nd (TOMORROW). 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’re coming, park over at Orange Grove Middle School and walk over. It looks like they’ll be paving our new drive & road on Saturday!
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, Saturday, October 9th, 10am-1pm.
Soldier’s Angels – We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, October 12th, 8am-1pm. Meet at:1113 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. Charleston (Elks Lodge).
Tricounty Family Ministries – We will be assisting with their Emergency Grocery Distribution, Wednesday, October 13th, 9:45am-12:30pm. Meet at: 2105 Cosgrove Ave. North Charleston.
Joseph Floyd Manor Tailgate – Our Tailgate will be rolling and serving our friends downtown at the Joseph Floyd Manor – Thursday, October 14th, 9:30am-12:30pm. (Meet at the church at 9:30am)
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. - Coastal is hosting “Celebrate Christmas at Joseph Floyd Manor” on Saturday, December 18th! Are you interested in serving on the Planning Team as we prepare to host a Christmas Party to remember for the residents of Joseph Floyd Manor? Let us know on your Connect Card, and we’ll reach out to you with more details.
- Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, November 13th, 9-11:30am. 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.
P.S. Right now it looks as though they will probably be paving our new road and drive at the church this Saturday! That’s a huge step as we move closer to opening up our new facility! However, it does mean that on Saturday, we need everyone to park over at Orange Grove Middle School and walk over for Saturday Serve. Thanks in advance for your flexibility, servant’s heart, and PATIENCE!!
