WOW – what a great kick off to “Christmas at Coastal” this past Sunday!  All the decorations were a huge hit, we had a big crowd (955), lots of guests, a Newcomer’s Reception, our new Coastal Christmas ornament (still have plenty if you didn’t get one), and we had our 113th Baptism of the year!  It just doesn’t get any better than that!

This Saturday, TOMORROW, there are 3 great serving opportunities.  First of all, we are Tailgating downtown at Joseph Floyd Manor.  In addition to our normal tailgating fun, we’ll be doing a couple of special “Christmas things” – providing a stocking with goodies, and a coffee & hot chocolate bar for all the residents!  If you are interested in serving, you can sign up online, and meet at the church at 10am.

Next, we are providing a Children’s Craft Station at two large neighborhoods in West Ashley (Boltlon’s Landing AND Carolina Bay) for their Christmas Festivals!  For the Bolton’s Landing project (10am-1pm), we’ll meet at the church at 9am.  For the Carolina Bay project (2pm-5pm) we’ll meet at the Carolina Bay Park at 1pm.  Not only is this a great opportunity to represent Coastal and to love on a neighborhood in West Ashley, but it’s also an opportunity to invite people to our Christmas Eve services!  Sign up for either project online.

And then, on Saturday, December 16th, we’re hosting Christmas at Charleston Vets!  It’s a Christmas Party with music, a home-cooked meal, Christmas gifts, stockings, and coffee & hot chocolate bar.  This will largely be the only Christmas these veterans will get. In other words, Coastal is Charleston Vet’s Christmas.

And as always, you guys never cease to amaze me!  The food for this event has already been accounted for and ALL the Gift Tags have been taken from the Gift Tag Tree.  If you took a Gift Tag, please return the gifts, unwrapped with the gift tag from the tree, no later than Wednesday, December 13th.  But there are two ways left to help: 

1.  Link for Stocking Stuffers Signup

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E45A5A92FA0F58-46334575-christmas

2.  Signup to serve at the event (or any of our other outreach events)! coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions

A couple more exciting things:  On Monday and Tuesday of this coming week, we’re meeting with LS3P (our Architects) as we begin to make plans for our next building – a worship space that will seat approximately 1000 people!  And finally, Aly Huggins is our new Assistant Children’s Director, working alongside my wife Janet.  She was already serving in Coastal Kidz as our Elementary Coordinator and now she’s moving into this new role.   Exciting stuff!  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS: 
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, December 8th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, December 8th & Friday, December 15th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Joseph Floyd Manor Tailgate: Saturday, December 9th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then head downtown to put on a Tailgate for the residents of Joseph Floyd Manor.
   Bolton’s Landing Holiday Market Serve Team: Saturday, December 9th, 9am-1pm.  We’re setting up tents and tables with Christmas Crafts for the children of Bolton’s Landing.  Meet at the church.
   Carolina Bay Christmas Festival Serve Team: Saturday, December 9th, 1pm-5pm.  We’re setting up tents and tables with Christmas Crafts for the children/families of Carolina Bay.  Meet at the park at Carolina Bay.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, December 12th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, December 14th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Packing & Staging Christmas at Charleston Vets:  Come help us get everything ready for our Christmas Party out at Charleston Vets!  Friday, December 15th, 6-7pm, at the church.
   Christmas Party at Charleston Vets:   It’s a Christmas Party with music, a home-cooked meal, Christmas gifts, stockings, and coffee & hot chocolate bar.  This will largely be the only Christmas these veterans will get.  In other words, Coastal is Charleston Vet’s Christmas.  Saturday, December 16th, 10am-2pm. Meet at the church.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, December 19th, 12pm-3pm.
   
   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. Don’t forget, we’re having  4 Christmas Eve Services: Saturday, December 23rd,  4pm & 6pm and Sunday, December 24th, 4pm & 6pm (no Sunday morning services on the 24th).  Please be in touch with your LIFE Team Leaders about serving!  During all 4 services our Coastal Kidz are encouraged to wear their PJ’s and enjoy pizza and a Christmas Movie with a message!
   
3. There is a Coastal Security Team Meeting TOMORROW, Saturday, December 9th, 10:30am-11:30am at the church.  This meeting is for all current Security Team Members or those interested in serving.  Lunch (hamburgers & hotdogs) provided immediately following the meeting.  Please email Brigette Callahan to let us know you plan on attending.
   
4. Don’t forget to give to this year’s Annual Christmas Offering!  Much of our Outreach is funded every year through our Christmas Offering.  Our goal is $125,000.  Every gift counts, every gift matters.  Among other things we are using the offering to purchase another Box Truck for Clothing Distribution, New Life Children’s Home in Peru, VBS, a Sudan Mission Trip, & Soldier’s Angels Food Distribution.  The money is also used for Benevolence & General Outreach.  If you have any  questions, don’t hesitate to ask.  The easiest and fastest way to give to the Christmas Offering is through TEXTing the word “GIVE” to 843-571-1777 and then follow the simple instructions.  Just make sure you designate your gift “Christmas.”
   
5. There will be two informational meetings with Q&A in between services in the Chapel THIS Sunday, December 10th. Please stop by to meet with Pastor Scott and hear about the trip, cost, and dates for our Peru Mission Trip in 2024!

P.S. We are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you are interested in leading a Group.  Training for new Spring LIFE Group Leaders will be offered in-person on Tuesday, January 16th, 6:30-8pm or Saturday, January 20th, 9-10:30am.  Returning Leader’s Training will be online on Thursday, January 25th, 8-8:45pm.  All Leaders only need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card.

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” – at Coastal that is!  I can’t wait for you to see our campus over the weekend!  You’re definitely going to want to get a family picture!  

There  are so many exciting things happening at Coastal:

– First of all, tomorrow is SATURDAY SERVE!  Show up at Coastal at 8:30am, hear a “pitch” from the Leaders of 8 different projects, choose where you want to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and then go serve!  I seriously can’t think of a better way to start the Christmas season!  

– And then on Sunday, we kick off our “Christmas at Coastal” series!  Over the next 3 weeks we’re using the 3 different “angelic encounters” (Zechariah & Elizabeth, Mary & Joseph, the Shepherds) to tell the Christmas story.  As always, you won’t want to miss it!  This Sunday also happens to be “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day” (see below).

– On Saturday, December 9th, there are 3 more serving opportunities.  You can serve on a Tailgate at Joseph Floyd Manor.  Or you can help with a Children’s Christmas Craft Station at either Bolton’s Landing or Carolina Bay.  If you live in either neighborhood, we’d especially love your help (see details below).  The cool part is that both neighborhoods reached out to our church to help.  Of course, we said yes!  

– On Saturday, December 16th, we’re hosting Christmas at Charleston Vets!  It’s a Christmas Party with music, a home-cooked meal, Christmas gifts, stockings, and coffee & hot chocolate bar.  This will largely be the only Christmas these veterans will get. In other words, Coastal is Charleston Vet’s Christmas.

Here are some specific ways you can help with Christmas at Charleston Vets:

1.  Link for Meal Signup (We’re providing pulled pork BBQ)

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E45A5A92FA0F58-46306447-christmas

2.  Link for Stocking Stuffers Signup

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E45A5A92FA0F58-46334575-christmas

3.  Christmas at Charleston Vets “Gift Tag Tree” in the lobby, outside the auditorium on Sunday, December 3rd and December 10th. Secure a tag with “wish list items” for veterans at Charleston Vets. Return the gifts, unwrapped with the gift tag from the tree, no later than Wednesday, December 13th. Volunteers will be available at the tree, at all three services on the 3rd and the 10th to help with questions and assisting with signing up.

4.  Signup to serve at the event (or any of our other outreach events)! coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions

– 4 Christmas Eve Services: Saturday, December 23rd,  4pm & 6pm and Sunday, December 24th, 4pm & 6pm (no Sunday morning services on the 24th).  Please be in touch with your LIFE Team Leaders about serving!

– And finally, during all of this, don’t forget to give to this year’s Annual Christmas Offering!  As you can see, there is so much Outreach that happens at Coastal.  Much of it is funded every year through our Christmas Offering.  Our goal is $125,000.  What we’ve  discovered is that we reach our goal when EVERYONE participates.  We can’t all give the same amount, but we can all make a sacrifice.  Every gift counts, every gift matters.  When you give, simply use the keyword, “Christmas.”  

Coastal, let’s leverage this season and all the miracles associated with it!  Invite & bring a friend each week of this series and on Christmas Eve.  Invite someone to come and serve our community with you.  Let’s make this the best Christmas ever!  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS: 
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, December 1st;  Monday, December 4th; Friday, December 8th, 9:30am-11:30am.  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 TOMORROW, Saturday, December 2nd.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, December 8th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, December 8th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Joseph Floyd Manor Tailgate: Saturday, December 9th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then head downtown to put on a Tailgate for the residents of Joseph Floyd Manor.
   Bolton’s Landing Holiday Market Serve Team: Saturday, December 9th, 9am-1pm.  We’re setting up tents and tables with Christmas Crafts for the children of Bolton’s Landing.  Meet at the church.
   Carolina Bay Christmas Festival Serve Team: Saturday, December 9th, 1pm-5pm.  We’re setting up tents and tables with Christmas Crafts for the children/families of Carolina Bay.  Meet at the park at Carolina Bay.
   
   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. This Sunday is “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day!”  That’s right, on Sunday, December 3rd, come to Coastal in your “ugliest” Christmas Sweater (or just fun, festive Christmas attire)!  It’s going to be a lot of fun, and we’ll even have a gift for you!  Don’t forget, we’re having  4 Christmas Eve Services: Saturday, December 23rd,  4pm & 6pm and Sunday, December 24th, 4pm & 6pm (no Sunday morning services on the 24th).
   
3. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Thursday, December 7th, 6-9pm in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Dinner & childcare provided!
   
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is THIS Sunday, December 3rd, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
5. There will be two informational meetings with Q&A in between services in the Chapel on Sunday, Dec. 10. Please stop by to meet with Pastor Scott and hear about the trip, cost, and dates for our Peru Mission Trip in 2024!

P.S. We are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you are interested in leading a Group.

I just want to take a moment to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving and tell you how very thankful I am for you and for the privilege and honor of being your Pastor.  Paul’s words in Philippians 1:3 are very real to me, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.”

Each year brings with it ups and downs, joys and sorrows, big & small changes – and 2023 has been no exception.  Through it all, it is my prayer that we are a grateful people and just a little bit more like Jesus.  It is my prayer, that in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of today and this weekend, that you will choose to see all the blessings in your life and be reminded that the greatest of those is that you belong to Jesus!  

Read Ephesians 1:3-8 and be reminded of just some of your blessings today: “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.  Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.  God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.  So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.  He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.  He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.”  

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!  We begin decorating our facility for Christmas next week and kick off our “Christmas at Coastal” series on Sunday, December 3rd.  Take advantage of this season and this series and invite your friends to church! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pastor Chris

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.”

On Monday of this week, we delivered over 900 Shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child to the local OCC distribution site!  Your love and generosity never cease to amaze me!  On Tuesday, while our Volunteers were serving at Soldier’s Angels Food Distribution, I had the privilege of sharing with their organization’s leaders that, as a result of our Christmas Offering, our church was going to fully fund half of next year’s Food Distribution (6 of the 12).  To say that they were excited and grateful is an understatement!  Yesterday, we reached out to Mike Kennedy with the New Life Children’s Home in Peru and told him that we’re planning on sending them $10,000 from our Christmas Offering.  Again, I wish you could hear the excitement and gratitude in his response!

So Coastal, it’s now time to start giving!  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777).  You can give your gift over the next 9 weeks (starting this Sunday, Nov. 19th – Jan. 14th) at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing or our website.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 4 Christmas Eve Services (Saturday, December 23rd,  4pm & 6pm and Sunday, December 24th, 4pm & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering.  Again, this year’s goal is $125,000!  The money will be going to purchase another Box Truck for Clothing Distribution, New Life Children’s Home in Peru, VBS, a Sudan Mission Trip, & Soldier’s Angels Food Distribution.  The money is also used for Benevolence & General Outreach.  If you have any  questions, don’t hesitate to ask.  The easiest and fastest way to give to the Christmas Offering is through TEXTing the word “GIVE” to 843-571-1777 and follow the simple instructions.  Just make sure you designate your gift “Christmas.”

Tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 11am out at Folly Beach, I’ll be taking a “polar plunge” and Baptizing at least another 5 people (we’ve already Baptized 105 people this year)!  Not only would I love for you to come out and celebrate with these people, but if you’d like to join them and get Baptized, please respond to this email and let me know.  We’ll be at the Folly Beach County Park (not the pier).  The only requirement for Baptism is that you’ve given your life to Christ.  It is an act of obedience, a public declaration of your faith.  It beautifully symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.  It also symbolizes new life and a washing away of our sins.  Again, if this is your next step, what are you waiting on?  If the beach in November is not your thing, we can be ready any Sunday, any service – just let us know!  

If you haven’t heard yet, we’re having 4 Christmas Eve Services: Saturday, December 23rd,  4pm & 6pm and Sunday, December 24th, 4pm & 6pmI Please note, there will be NO SERVICES on Sunday morning of Christmas Eve, December 24th.  Instead, there will be 4 identical Christmas Eve services spread out over 2 days – 2 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday, both at 4pm & 6pm.  Reach out to your Ministry Leader and start signing up to serve.  Big Days and Special Services mean “all hands on deck.”  Yesterday, we walked through the Christmas Eve Service itself with Pastor Ryan & Tim, our Music Director.  I’ll just say it’s going to very powerful!  You won’t want to miss it!  Please start praying about who you will be inviting and bringing to Coastal!  But don’t wait for Christmas Eve to invite your friends.  This whole Christmas season is a great opportunity to reach out to friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE,
Pastor Chris

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, November 17th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Coffee & Doughnuts at the “Giving Thanks to Veterans” Charity Match –  Saturday, November 18th, 6am-9:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, November 21st, 12pm-3pm.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, November 24th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, December 1st & Monday, December 4th, 9:30am-11:30am.  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, December 2nd.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, December 8th, 8:30am-11am.  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. December is just around the corner!  And it’s not too early to start planning for Coastal’s “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day!”  That’s right, on Sunday, December 3rd, come to Coastal in your “ugliest” Christmas Sweater!  It’s going to be a lot of fun, and we’ll even have a gift for you!  We’re also having  4 Christmas Eve Services: Saturday, December 23rd,  4pm & 6pm and Sunday, December 24th, 4pm & 6pm (no Sunday morning services on the 24th).
   
3. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Thursday, December 7th, 6-9pm in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Dinner & childcare provided!
   
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, December 3rd, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
5. Oakland Elementary School Teacher Classroom Wishlist Tags!  This Sunday, November 19th is the last day to bring back your gift items for Oakland Elementary School.  You can drop off your items at the kiosk just outside the auditorium.  Thank you in advance for your generosity!

P.S. We are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you are interested in leading a Group.

I can’t thank our Worship Team, Tech Team, & Prayer Team enough for an amazing, inspiring, and encouraging Night of Worship!  If you were there (and around 350+ people were!), you know it was just a simple night of worship and response.  We took communion, people prayed together, and 6 more people were Baptized (3 were Baptized on Sunday)!  In fact, we have now Baptized 105 people this year!  On Saturday morning, November 18th, at 11am, I’m going to be Baptizing 4 people out at Folly Beach (their idea).  Yes, it’s November, and yes, the water is going to be cold – but I can’t wait!  If you want to take the “polar plunge” with them and get Baptized out at the Beach, respond to this email to let me know, and I’ll give you the details. 

There is something else exciting getting ready to happen at Coastal that I want to share with you – our 11th Annual Christmas Offering!  Over the years, this offering has made a huge IMPACT on our ministry!  

For example, in the past our Christmas Offering has enabled us to:

– fully fund “Summer of IMPACT”

– dig & power a well for a community in Haiti 

– re-roof our entire building   

– renovate a home for a family on Wadmalaw Island

– fully fund VBS – pay for our Easter Outreach

– Oakland Elementary School Annual T-Shirt

– Student Ministry Camp & Retreat

– Box Trucks for Community Outreach

– renovate our Chapel

– a new 15 passenger Van

– sound equipment

God has used our church and the Christmas Offering to do all of that and so much more!   Well, beginning Sunday, November 19th, through Sunday, January 14th (9 weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s Christmas Offering.  

To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777).  You can give your gift during those 9 weeks (Nov. 19th – Jan. 14th) at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing, or our website.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 4 Christmas Eve Services (Saturday, December 23rd,  4pm & 6pm and Sunday, December 24th, 4pm & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering.

Why a Special Offering?  It’s a way for us to grow in our faith and to prepare us for what God wants to do through our church in a bigger way in 2024.  It’s a way for us to sacrifice together as a church family and give generously.  Christmas is all about giving.  Many people during this time of year are in fact looking for opportunities to give.  And there is no better place to give than to your local church.

What is our goal and where is the money going?  Our overall goal is $125,000!  Is that a big goal?  Yes!  Can we reach it?  Absolutely!  As always, I am very excited about where this year’s money will be going and the potential Kingdom impact.  The money will be used for another Box Truck for Clothing Distribution, New Life Children’s Home in Peru, VBS, Sudan Mission Trip, & Soldier’s Angels Food Distribution.  The money is also used for Benevolence & General Outreach.  Let me specifically explain each project for this year’s offering:

Box Truck.  We now have 2 Tailgating Box Trucks and 1 Clothing Distribution Box Truck.  To put it simply, we are in need of another Box Truck for giving away clothes.  We still have volunteers using their vans and vehicles to transport clothes.  Another Coastal Box Truck would meet a huge need!

VBS.  VBS at Coastal is AWESOME!  We see hundreds of children and don’t charge a thing.  We don’t see it as an expense.  We see it as an investment – an investment in the next generation, an investment in the Kingdom.

Peru Mission – New Life Children’s Home.  A portion of this year’s Christmas Offering will go to providing Christmas for all the children in the orphanage and their workers.  It will also help cover expenses and salaries for the Children’s Home. 

Sudan – Empower One.  As a church, we are looking at getting involved with a new mission organization called Empower One.  They are planting churches and reaching one of the largest unreached people groups in the world – the Sudan in Africa.  We hope to send a small Team there in 2024.

Soldier’s Angels Monthly Food Distribution.  Through the Low Country Food Bank, Soldier’s Angels provides approximately 70 lbs. of groceries to 200+ local veterans who find themselves facing food insecurity.  Coastal already provides Volunteers each month who help with organizing, sorting, preparing, and loading the food.  We will be footing the bill for half (6) of this year’s Food Distributions!

How much should you give?  Prayerfully consider giving a gift that will stretch your faith and include your whole family.  For some people, coming up with “extra” money is difficult.  We’ve learned that as we give, God provides.  Maybe you decide to give up eating out or buying coffee for 9 weeks and give that money to the Christmas Offering.  Maybe you sell something or have a yard sale.  For some people $1000 above your regular giving is a huge sacrifice.  For others, it’s not.  Someone might decide to cover the whole cost for the Box Truck, VBS, or any of our other projects.  

Just like our Giving Campaigns over the years and all the other Christmas Offerings we’ve done in the past, we can’t all give the same amount, but TOGETHER, we can ALL make a sacrifice.  That’s when God does a miracle, when together we ALL step out in faith. 

Remember, this offering should be over and above what you regularly give.  If you’re not regularly giving (weekly, monthly), use this time of year to start.  If you’re not tithing (10% of your gross income), step out in faith and start tithing.  Reaching this goal will be a celebration of what God can do through us as together we stretch our faith.

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Chris Rollins

PS – If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  The easiest and fastest way to give to the Christmas Offering is through TEXTing the word “GIVE” to 843-571-1777 and follow the simple instructions.  Just make sure you designate your gift “Christmas.” 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS 
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  TODAY, Friday, November 10th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, November 10th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor: TOMORROW, Saturday, November 11th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, November 14th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, November 15th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, November 16th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, November 16th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, November 17th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Coffee & Doughnuts at the “Giving Thanks to Veterans” Charity Match –  Saturday, November 19th, 6am-9:30am.  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. Operation Christmas Child (OCC) – Okay everyone, this is it!  This Sunday, November 12th, is the last day to bring back your Operation Chistmas Child Shoeboxes!! 
3. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Thursday, December 7th, 6-9pm in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Dinner & childcare provided!
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, December 3rd, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
5. Oakland Elementary School Teacher Classroom Wishlist Tags!  ALL tags have been taken.  So now, simply purchase the items and return them to the church (tagged, but not wrapped) by Sunday, November 19th.  Questions?  Contact Rachel at rachel@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  Thank you in advance for your generosity!

P.S. We are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you are interested in leading a Group.

P.S.S. December is just around the corner!  And it’s not too early to start planning for Coastal’s “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day!”  That’s right, on Sunday, December 3rd, come to Coastal in your “ugliest” Christmas Sweater!  It’s going to be a lot of fun, and we’ll even have a gift for you!  We’re also having  4 Christmas Eve Services: Saturday, December 23rd,  4pm & 6pm and Sunday, December 24th, 4pm & 6pm (no Sunday morning services on the 24th).

It’s hard to believe that this week marks TWO YEARS since we’ve been in our new facility!!  Let that sink in for just a moment.  Look at the pictures above – just a small, small sampling during construction.  Our new facility has literally affected almost everything we do in such a positive way, and it gets used almost every day of the week.  Two years ago, during the first 4 weeks in October, our average Coastal Kidz attendance was 104.  This year, those same 4 weeks, Coastal Kidz has averaged 236!  Our overall attendance average 2 years ago during the first 4 weeks of October was 495.  This year, those same 4 weeks, our overall attendance has been 927 (in September we were over 1000 two different times)! All of that in just 2 years!  

What’s funny to me, is that in some ways, we already take all of it for granted – like this is just the way it’s always been.  I understand how that happens, but I never want to do that.  Sure, buildings and facilities are just tools.  But when they are leveraged for ministry and for the Kingdom, they can make a huge IMPACT!  And for me, they also symbolize our faith.  They are something tangible and physical that remind me that a group of people decided to step out in faith and trust God, that we believed that God wasn’t finished with us, that He wants us to keep growing and keep reaching our community, and leave a legacy for the generations to come.  I never want to forget that, and I never want to take any of that or our growth for granted.  

It also reminds me of the generosity of our church, that a group of people dared to believe God with their finances and sacrificially give above and beyond to make it happen!  But do you know what else it reminds me?  That God’s not finished with us, that there is more to be done, there are more people to reach with the Gospel, there are more children to share Jesus with, there are more hurting people to heal, more hungry people to feed, more people to clothe, more lives to change.  

And guess what?  Last week, I had a meeting with LS3P, our architect, to begin the process of planning for our next building phase – a dedicated worship space that seats close to 1000 people and more Coastal Kidz space!  We probably won’t get started on that for at least another year, but we learned a long time ago, that you’ve got to start planning early.  But I can see it!  Can you?  It’s obvious to me that God is not finished with Coastal, and He’s not finished with YOU!  So join us in this mission to share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world!  Step out in faith and attempt something great for God!  Keep reaching out and inviting your friends and neighbors to join us at Coastal!  Keep giving your money generously and sacrificially to support the vision and mission here!  Keep serving and loving our community with us!  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!  And I can’t wait to see you Sunday!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS 
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, November 3rd, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Chair Set-Up:  Come and help set up our chairs in the auditorium, TOMORROW, Saturday, November 4th, 7:30am. 
   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, Saturday, November 4th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Blood Drive:  THIS Saturday, TOMORROW, November 4th, 8:30am-1:30pm (during Saturday Serve), our church is hosting a Blood Drive!  The Blood Connection mobile truck will be in our parking lot.  Go online and schedule an appointment!  Let’s help our community!
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Monday, November 6th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, November 9th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, November 10th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, November 10th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, November 11th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   
   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. Operation Christmas Child (OCC) – sharing the love of Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel through gifts & supplies in a simple shoebox for children in troubled countries/areas all around the world!  You guys are AMAZING!  We had 1000 shoeboxes that we were handing out – and they are ALL gone!  So now we’re simply asking you to fill the boxes you took home and then bring them back to the church between now and Sunday, November 12th.  Way to go Coastal! 
   
3. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – THIS Wednesday night, November 8th, 6:30-8pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.
   
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, December 3rd, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
5. Oakland Elementary School Teacher Classroom Wishlist Tags!  ALL tags have been taken.  So now, simply purchase the items, and return them to the church (tagged, but not wrapped) by Sunday, November 19th.  Questions?  Contact Rachel at rachel@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  Thank you in advance for your generosity!

P.S. Grief Share will be hosting a free, one night event THIS Monday, November 6th, at 2pm OR 6pm, called, “Surviving the Holidays.”  This event will help you discover how to deal with the difficult emotions of the holiday season, give helpful tips on how to survive social events, and discover hope for the future.  Contact Sue Muoio at s.muoio@outlook.comwith questions or register at www.griefshare.org. 

The story goes that when the British and French were fighting in Canada in the 1750s, Admiral Phipps, commander of the British fleet, was told to anchor outside Quebec and to wait for the British land forces to arrive so he could support them when they attacked the city.  As the admiral waited, he became annoyed by the statues of the saints on the towers of a nearby cathedral, and so he commanded his men to shoot at them with the ships’ cannons.  When the signal was finally given to attack, the admiral was  helpless because he had used up all his ammunition shooting at the “saints.”

Unfortunately, the same could be said about a lot Christians today.  God calls on us to do something great for Him, but often we have nothing left to give because we’ve used up all our energy attacking each other.  The Apostle Paul said in Galatians 5:15, “But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.”  

Don’t miss this Sunday as I’ll be wrapping up Romans 14, where the Apostle Paul addresses how Christians relate to each other when it comes to non-essential, debatable issues.  Romans 14:13, “So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.”  The message here is clear:  love will not put a stumbling block in our brother or sister’s path.  That’s the whole point of this passage.  It all comes down to whether or not we are acting in love.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!  See you Sunday!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Today, Friday, October 27th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, October 27th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Today, Friday, October 27th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Chair Set-Up:  Come and help set up our chairs in the auditorium, TOMORROW, Saturday, October 28th, 8pm.  Many hands make for quick and light work!  Usually Chair Set-Up is in the morning, but because of the CSM Conference it’s in the evening this week – 8pm.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, November 3rd, 9:30am-11:30am.  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, November 4th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Blood Drive:  On Saturday, November 4th, 8:30am-1:30pm (during Saturday Serve), our church is hosting a Blood Drive!  The Blood Connection mobile truck will be in our parking lot.  Check out the insert in your bulletin on Sunday and use the QR Code to schedule an appointment!  Let’s help our community!
   
   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. Operation Christmas Child (OCC) – sharing the love of Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel through gifts & supplies in a simple shoebox for children in troubled countries/areas all around the world!  You guys are AMAZING!  We had 1000 shoeboxes that we were handing out – and they are ALL gone!  So now we’re simply asking you to fill the boxes you took home and then bring them back to the church between now and Sunday, November 12th.  Way to go Coastal!
   
3. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – Wednesday night, November 8th, 6:30-8pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.
   
4. The Way Young Adult Gathering – All young adults (college to 30ish) are invited to join us this Wednesday night in the Chapel at 6:30pm. There will be dinner along with worship, a message, and table discussions with other young adults. Invite a friend and come hang out with us!
   
5. Oakland Elementary School Teacher Classroom Wishlist Tags!  ALL 150 tags have been taken.  So now, simply purchase the items, return them to the church (tagged, but not wrapped) by Sunday, November 19th.  Questions?  Contact Rachel at rachel@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  Thank you in advance for your generosity!

P.S. Grief Share will be hosting a free, one night event on Monday, November 6th, at 2pm or 6pm, called, “Surviving the Holidays.”  This event will help you discover how to deal with the difficult emotions of the holiday season, give helpful tips on how to survive social events, and discover hope for the future.  Contact Sue Muoio at s.muoio@outlook.com with questions or register at www.griefshare.org. 

This past Sunday, as we are making our way through Romans, we found ourselves at the end of Romans 13 where Paul is telling us to live and love with a sense of urgency.  Romans 13:11-12, “This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here.”  Paul is saying, “Hey!  It’s time to wake up!  You don’t know when Jesus will come again or call you home!  It’s time to be a living sacrifice NOW.  It’s time to be dedicated to God NOW.  It’s time to use your spiritual gifts, it’s time to be rightly related to each other, it’s time to start loving the way God would have us love.  The time is NOW!  Wake up!”

And we don’t know, do we, when Jesus will come again or call us home?  I saw reminders of that truth several times this week alone.  Pastor Scott’s 93 year old Grandpa (Kathy Love’s Dad) passed away.  They left early this morning for his funeral tomorrow in Illinois.  Tracy Gundy’s 49 year old brother, Eric Russo, died this week. He had been in a week long coma from a stroke that was brought on by a slow bleed at his brain stem.  He leaves behind a wife and two children.  I met with Tracy and her family yesterday to talk about his funeral on Monday.  Dawn & Raef Judd were in Tennessee this past weekend visiting her cousin in the hospital who was in serious condition from a freak mountain bike accident.  They were literally getting ready to head home when they found out that her cousin’s brother, who was driving in from Atlanta with his girlfriend, was in a car accident that killed the girlfriend.  They were just 15 minutes from the hospital and now were being brought to that same hospital by ambulance.  All this week, all reminders that we don’t know when our time is up in this life, and God calls us home.

I don’t know when Jesus will return, but I see everything that’s happening in Israel and around the world and wonder if “that day” is soon approaching.  In Matthew 24 Jesus said, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. . . And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. . . Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. . . But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. . .Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”  Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.”

By the way, please join me in praying for Israel.  In Psalms 122:6-9 David said this, “Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.  O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces.  For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “May you have peace.”  For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.”

Again, I don’t know if “that day” is today or even tomorrow.  But I do agree with the Apostle Paul, that it’s time for the people of God, the church, to wake up and live with a sense of urgency.  In 2 Peter 3:14-15, Peter said this, “And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.  And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.”

I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And until Jesus comes again or calls us home, let’s be faithful in sharing and experiencing the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world – so that more people would be saved!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Chair Set-Up:  Come and help set up our chairs in the auditorium, TOMORROW, Saturday, October 21st, 8am.  Many hands make for quick and light work!
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, October 26th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, October 27th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, October 27th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, October 27th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, November 3rd, 9:30am-11:30am.  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, November 4th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   
   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. Operation Christmas Child (OCC) – sharing the love of Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel through gifts & supplies in a simple shoebox for children in troubled countries/areas all around the world!  You guys are AMAZING!  We had 1000 shoeboxes that we were handing out.  As of today, I think we might have about 20 left!  So now we’re simply asking you to fill the boxes you took home and then bring them back to the church between now and Sunday, November 12th.  Way to go Coastal!
   
3. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – Wednesday night, November 8th, 6:30-8pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.
   
4. Attention Coastal!  On Saturday, November 4th, 8:30am-1:30pm (during Saturday Serve), our church is hosting a Blood Drive!  The Blood Connection mobile truck will be in our parking lot.  Check out the insert in your bulletin on Sunday and use the QR Code to schedule an appointment!  Let’s help our community!
   
5. Oakland Elementary School Teacher Classroom Wishlist Tags!  Choose a classroom wishlist tag in the Welcome Center (we only have about 40 left), purchase the items, return them to the church (tagged, but not wrapped) by Sunday, November 19th.  Questions?  Contact Rachel at rachel@coastalcommunitychurch.org

P.S. Grief Share will be hosting a free, one night event on Monday, November 6th, at 2pm or 6pm, called, “Surviving the Holidays.”  This event will help you discover how to deal with the difficult emotions of the holiday season, give helpful tips on how to survive social events, and discover hope for the future.  Contact Sue Muoio at s.muoio@outlook.com with questions or register at www.griefshare.org.

One of the things I love about our church is its generosity!  We see it in so many ways – our people’s consistent generous giving, all of our Outreach, Giving Campaigns over the years, special offerings (VBS, Christmas), Food Bank, Clothing, Operation Christmas Child, Peru, and just ALL the stuff and resources we give away (too many to name).  One of the ways that generosity is displayed is through our relationship with Oakland Elementary School.  It is a beautiful, special relationship that has been forged over 19 years of serving, giving, and loving.  Just in the last 2 weeks alone we hosted their Fun Run (for the entire school) on our campus, had almost 30 volunteers go through a Training to become Reading Partners at the school, provided clothes for a child in need, and gave earbuds/headphones to an entire grade level.  

Well, one of the things that has become a yearly tradition for us is our Oakland Elementary School Teacher Wishlist Tree/Tags.  The Tree and Tags (pictured above) are located in the Welcome Center in front of the auditorium.  Each tag represents a need in a classroom (paper, pens, notebooks, markers, wipes, snacks, etc. – nothing too expensive).  And if you know Teachers, you know they are notorious for taking care of the needs themselves, making do, or even worse, going without.  We don’t want to let that happen!  And this is what I also know about Teachers: they are so overwhelmed with joyful gratitude for the small act of kindness.  So, pick up aTag or Tags in the lobby this Sunday, purchase the items, and return them (tagged, but not wrapped) by Sunday, November 19th.  We will distribute the items as they come in.  If you have any questions about your items, contact Rachel Speer.  Oh, we are also collecting bags of candy for their Trunk or Treat!  You can drop off the bags of candy between now and Sunday, October 22nd.  Their Trunk or Treat is at the school on Thursday, October 26th, 5pm-7pm, and is open to the community.

One last thing – don’t miss this Sunday!  It’s going to be a special day in the life of our church.  We will be officially recognizing and setting apart 4 new Elders at Coastal:  Chris Ranew, Dustin Speer, Ricky Spell, and Scott Whitaker.  Feel free to reach out to these guys and give them some encouragement! 

I love you Coastal and I love your generous hearts!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love sharing and experiencing the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus with you, here in Charleston and around the world!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

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, October 13th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Ronald McDonald House On the Go Meal Kits:  Today, Friday, October 13th, 6:30-7:30pm, we will be packing “On the Go Meal/Snack Bags” for the residents of the Ronald McDonald House.  Meet at Coastal.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor: Tomorrow, Saturday, October 14th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, October 17th, 12pm-3pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, October 18th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, October 19th, 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. Operation Christmas Child (OCC) – sharing the love of Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel through gifts & supplies in a simple shoebox for children in troubled countries/areas all around the world!  We are asking our church (YOU) to simply pray and ask God how many shoeboxes He wants you to fill, take home the shoeboxes we provide, pack them as a family, and then bring back your completed boxes to the church between now and Sunday, November 12th.  Our kiosk in the Welcome Center will be filled with the remaining shoeboxes ready to take home each Sunday (until they’re gone).  There will be an insert in the bulletin this Sunday with suggested items to fill the box.  We only have 290 boxes remaining out of the 1000!  Way to go Coastal! 
   
3. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – Wednesday night, November 8th, 6:30-8pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.
   
4. Attention Coastal!  On Saturday, November 4th, 8:30am-1:30pm (during Saturday Serve, our church is hosting a Blood Drive!  The Blood Connection mobile truck will be in our parking lot.  Check out the insert in your bulletin on Sunday and use the QR Code to schedule an appointment!  Let’s help our community!
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Thursday, October 19th, 6-9pm in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Dinner & childcare provided!

P.S.  We could still use some Small Group Leaders & Host Homes for the Coastal Student Ministry Conference that we’re hosting the weekend of October 27th-29th.  This truly is an opportunity to make an eternal impact in the lives of the next generation for Jesus!  I am trusting and believing that you will respond!  If you have any questions, if you would be interested in being a Host Home, or if you would be willing to be a Small Group Leader, please reach out to Pastor Jacob at jacob@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

I know it might seem crazy talking about Christmas in early October, but if you’ve visited any retail stores the last couple of weeks, Christmas displays are already out.  Well, one of our favorite missions that we support here at Coastal is Operation Christmas Child (OCC) – sharing the love of Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel through gifts & supplies in a simple shoebox for children in troubled countries/areas all around the world.  What we are asking our church (YOU) is to simply pray and ask God how many shoeboxes He wants you to fill, take home the shoeboxes we provide, pack them as a family, and then bring back your completed boxes to the church between now and Sunday, November 12th.  

Our kiosk in the Welcome Center will be filled with the remaining shoeboxes ready to take home each Sunday (until they’re gone).  There will be an insert in the bulletin this Sunday with suggested items to fill the box.  This would be a GREAT opportunity for you to teach your children about generosity, the true meaning of Christmas, and the love of Jesus.  Help us reach our goal of packing over 1000 shoeboxes this year and share the love of Jesus (and the Gospel in their own language) with children all around the world!  Pray about how many boxes your family would be willing to pack, step out in faith, grab a few shoeboxes on Sunday, and help us do just that!

On a personal note, I want to thank everyone for the love shown to my wife Janet while her mom has been in the hospital in North Georgia.  She’s not home from the hospital just yet, but she has definitely improved, and we hope she’ll be home soon.  Her name is Nancy (just like my mom).  Please continue to keep her recovery in your prayers.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes today, Friday, October 6th, 9:30am-11:30am.  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 tomorrow, Saturday, October 7th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve! 
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Monday, October 9th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, October 10th, 9:30am-11:30am.  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, October 13th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Ronald McDonald House On the Go Meal Kits:  On Friday, October 13th, 6:30-7:30pm, we will be packing “On the Go Meal/Snack Bags” for the residents of the Ronald McDonald House.  Meet at Coastal.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, October 14th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   
   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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is this Sunday, October 8th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
3. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – Wednesday night, November 8th, 6:30-8pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.
   
4. Attention Coastal!  Our church is collecting large bags of individually wrapped candy to help with Oakland Elementary School’s Trunk or Treat.  Their Trunk or Treat is Thursday, October 26th, 5pm-7pm, and we are collecting candy beginning this Sunday through, Sunday, October 22nd.  You can drop your candy off at the bin on the kiosk in front of the auditorium.
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Thursday, October 19th, 6-9pm in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Dinner & childcare provided!

P.S. If you live in Carolina Bay, Shadowmoss, Village Green, or one of several other West Ashley neighborhoods that get a monthly neighborhood magazine, make sure you check out our ad for the many Support Groups we offer at Coastal.  One of those Support Groups is “Grief Share.”  They will be hosting one of their annual seminars called, “Surviving the Holidays.”  It’s a free, one time event on Monday, November 6th at 2pm or 6pm that will help participants prepare for difficult emotions this Holiday Season and discover hope for the future.  Contact Sue (616-443-6553) with questions or register today at www.griefshare.org.

I want to let you know about something exciting happening in Coastal Student Ministry!   We are putting on and hosting our first ever CSM Conference called “Serve Weekend 2023!”  If you are a parent of a student or have any Middle or High School students in your life, trust me, you want them to be a part of it!  This event is happening October 27-29 (Friday night-Sunday Morning) at Coastal. It’s a three day event that costs $50. Click this link to register your student right now!  This event will be full of diving into God’s Word, worship, service, games, and hanging out with each other.  Students will get to serve on a service project on Saturday and will spend Friday and Saturday night at a host home of a member of the church with their small group.  We are expecting God to move in big ways in the heart of Students.  If you have any questions, if you would be interested in being a host home for a small group of students, if you would be willing to serve or lead over the weekend in any capacity, or if you would like to provide a $ scholarship for Students to attend, please reach out to Pastor Jacob at jacob@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  The picture above is from CSM on Sunday nights where they are now regularly seeing over 60 Students each week!

I’ve had the chance to visit several of our LIFE Groups this week.  Our Pastors and Staff help serve as Coaches, visiting our various LIFE Groups, and encouraging our Leaders.  And let me just say that our Leaders are doing a fantastic job!  My heart is so full this week, seeing people all over Charleston gathering together, digging into God’s Word, praying together, and just doing LIFE together!

And speaking of LIFE Groups, God is up to something in my Wednesday morning Men’s Group!  We had 41 men this past Wednesday morning at 7am at the church!  Our Men’s Group has a pretty simple format.  We provide coffee and typically some biscuits for breakfast.  We gather together as a large group for some announcements and praises.  Then we break up into small groups where we dig into God’s Word and discuss that week’s sermon.  We also ask 2 questions:  How are doing? & How can we pray for you?  That’s it.  But that in no way describes the laughter, the camaraderie, and the fellowship that we experience.  It’s one of the most looked forwarded to things I do.  41 MEN!  God is moving!  Join us this Wednesday men – you need this!  

I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, September 29th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Oakland Reading Partners Orientation:  We’re looking for volunteers to be a part of a Reading Program at Oakland Elementary School.  Orientation and Training Meeting, Wednesday, October 4th, 1-2:30pm (see #3 below).
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, October 6th, 9:30am-11:30am.  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, October 7th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve! 
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Monday, October 9th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, October 10th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Ronald McDonald House On the Go Meal Kits:  On Friday, October 13th, 6:30-7:30pm, we will be packing “On the Go Meal/Snack Bags” for the resident of the Ronald McDonald House.  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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, October 8th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
3. Looking for an exciting and rewarding opportunity to make a real IMPACT in the next generation right here in our community?  Join the Oakland Elementary School Reading Partners Team!  As a Reading Partners Volunteer at Oakland Elementary School, you’ll work closely with a K-5th Grade Student who is struggling with reading.  You’ll help provide one-on-one tutoring and support through structured lessons and engaging activities – all of which is provided through Reading Partners.  If you are interested, RSVP on your Connect Card for the Orientation & Training Event at Coastal THIS Wednesday, October 4th, 1-2:30pm.
   
4. Coastal Young Adult ministry is having its first monthly worship night THIS Wednesday, October 4th at 7:00pm in the Chapel!  This event, being called “The Way,” is for anyone from college age to early 30’s to attend. There will be worship, message, discussion, & community!
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Thursday, October 19th, 6-9pm in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Dinner & childcare provided!

P.S. If you live in Carolina Bay, Shadowmoss, Village Green, or one of several other West Ashley neighborhoods that get a monthly neighborhood magazine, make sure you check out our ad for the many Support Groups we offer at Coastal.  One of those Support Groups is “Grief Share.”  They will be hosting one of their annual seminars called, “Surviving the Holidays.”  It’s a free, one time event on Monday, November 6th at 2pm or 6pm that will help participants prepare for difficult emotions this Holiday Season and discover hope for the future.  Contact Sue (616-443-6553) with questions or register today at www.griefshare.org.

It’s been another exciting week at Coastal!  First of all, our new semester of LIFE Groups started this week!  I’ve heard nothing but GREAT things!  Personally, I lead a Wednesday morning Men’s Group, and we had 32 men our first week!  It was so great to see everyone and get started again!  We have awesome LIFE Group Leaders, and I can’t wait to hear the stories of community, connection, and life change!  Many of our Groups are full, but for those that aren’t, it’s still not too late to join.  Go to our website and sign up today!  We’ve now had over a 1000 signups for LIFE Groups – our largest ever!

And then, of course, we jumped back into our sermon series, “A Revolution of Faith,” on the book of Romans.  As a part of this series, we’re emailing out a daily devotional (Monday-Friday) as we make our way through the book of Romans.  The Pastors/Staff are writing the devotionals and doing a GREAT job!  I hope you’ll include them as a part of your daily devotional life.

Several things have happened recently that have reminded me of the brevity, the mystery, and the purpose of life.  First of all, we hosted a funeral at our church last Saturday for a 22 year old young man who died tragically in a motorcycle accident.  Funerals are always difficult, but they are especially emotional when it’s for a young adult.  Earlier this week an 18 month old little boy from our church had a stroke and has been in MUSC Children’s Hospital.  Our church has rallied around this family praying for their little boy.  Are you ready for this?  On Wednesday night, this little boy literally went from the NICU of the Children’s Hospital, to being SENT HOME!  The Doctors were amazed!  He’ll be on a journey of tests and therapies, but it is nothing short of a miracle!  You can imagine the roller coaster of emotions this family has been on.  And then a Pastor friend of mine that I’ve known since I was 13 years old (he was the Dean of the Camp I went to when I got saved) had a stroke last week and now the family has called in Hospice.  He’s in his early 80’s and has been the Pastor of his church for almost 55 years, faithfully serving and loving Jesus.

I definitely don’t have easy answers for everything that happens in this world.  I don’t understand it all.  But I do know this: life, real life, is too short, too fragile, and too precious, not to be grateful for every moment we have and not to have God right at the center of all of it.  And somehow, someway, our God, if we allow Him, does have the miraculous ability to weave all of it together – the triumphs and the tragedies, the ups and the down – for our good and His glory.  This world is definitely not our home.  We are simply passing through.  But in the meantime, let’s make the most of every opportunity, let’s live life to the fullest, and let’s love people and point them to Jesus!  Hug your family tight today and remind them how much you love them!  And speaking of love – I love YOU Coastal!  I am humbled that I get to be your Pastor!  And until Jesus calls me home or comes again, I am grateful for every second we get to spend together on this side of eternity living for Jesus!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, September 22nd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, September 22nd, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, September 28th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, September 22nd and 29th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Oakland Reading Partners Orientation:  We’re looking for volunteers to be a part of a Reading Program at Oakland Elementary School.  Orientation and Training Meeting, Wednesday, October 4th, 1-2:30pm (see #3 below).
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, October 6th, 9:30am-11:30am.  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, October 7th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve! 
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Monday, October 9th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, October 10th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Ronald McDonald House On the Go Meal Kits:  On Friday, October 13th, 6:30-7:30pm, we will be packing “On the Go Meal/Snack Bags” for the resident of the Ronald McDonald House.  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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, October 8th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
3. Looking for an exciting and rewarding opportunity to make a real IMPACT in the next generation right here in our community?  Join the Oakland Elementary School Reading Partners Team!  As a Reading Partners Volunteer at Oakland Elementary School, you’ll work closely with a K-5th Grade Student who is struggling with reading.  You’ll help provide one-on-one tutoring and support through structured lessons and engaging activities – all of which is provided through Reading Partners.  If you are interested, RSVP on your Connect Card for the Orientation & Training Event at Coastal on Wednesday, October 4th, 1-2:30pm.
   
4. Coastal Young Adult ministry is having its first monthly worship night on Wednesday, October 4th at 7:00pm in the Chapel!  This event, being called “The Way,” is for anyone from college age to early 30’s to attend. There will be worship, message, discussion, & community!
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Thursday, October 19th, 6-9pm in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Dinner & childcare provided!

P.S. Join us for Chair Set-Up THIS Saturday, September 23rd at 8am.  With 10 or more people it takes less than 30 minutes.  I hope you’ll join us!

First of all, I just want to say what an AWESOME LIFE GROUP SUNDAY we had this past Sunday!  I can’t thank all of our LIFE Group Leaders enough for all of their hard work and creativity!  They “knocked it out of the park!”  The excitement, fun, and enthusiasm in the room was unbelieveable!  Plus, are you ready for this? So far we’ve had over 649 individual adults sign up for LIFE Groups and over 981 total signups (meaning some of you LOVE you some LIFE Groups and have signed up for multiple groups – haha)!  That’s AWESOME!  We also had 1070 people in attendance this past Sunday!  

Don’t forget that this Sunday, September 17th, we jump back into our Romans series, “Join the Revolution!”  For the next 11 weeks, we’ll be going through Romans 12-16.  After 11 chapters earlier this year of deep and profound theology about what God has done for us in Christ, these last 5 chapters of Romans become very practical.  They’re all about how we should live out these great truths in our everyday lives!  So don’t miss any of it!  We’ll also be emailing out a daily devotional, Monday-Friday that will coincide with each week’s passage from Romans.  I’m praying that God will use this series and this semester as a great season of growth in your life and in the life of our church. I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together! 

Join the Revolution!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   VA Stand Down for the Homeless:  Coastal will be providing a Tailgate for Veterans attending the VA’s Stand Down for homelessness. Today, Friday, September 15th, 10am-1:30pm.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, September 19th, 12pm-3pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, September 20th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, September 21st, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, September 22nd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, September 22nd, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, September 29th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Oakland Reading Partners Orientation:  We’re looking for volunteers to be a part of a Reading Program at Oakland Elementary School.  Orientation and Training Meeting, Wednesday, October 4th, 1-2:30pm (see #3 below). 
   
   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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, October 8th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
3. Looking for an exciting and rewarding opportunity to make a real IMPACT in the next generation right here in our community?  Join the Oakland Elementary School Reading Partners Team!  As a Reading Partners Volunteer at Oakland Elementary School, you’ll work closely with a K-5th Grade Student who is struggling with reading.  You’ll help provide one-on-one tutoring and support through structured lessons and engaging activities – all of which is provided through Reading Partners.  If you are interested, RSVP on your Connect Card for the Orientation & Training Event at Coastal on Wednesday, October 4th, 1-2:30pm.
   
4. CSM (Coastal Student Ministry – 6th-12th Grade) is officially back for their Fall semester! They meet on Sunday nights, 5:30pm-7pm (doors open at 5pm), for games, worship, a message, and small groups.  Bring your Students, and we encourage them to invite a friend!  They won’t want to miss it!  If you have any questions, you can email Pastor Jacob at jacob@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Thursday, October 19th, 6-9pm in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Dinner & childcare provided!

P.S. Now that school is back in session and all of our LIFE Groups get started next week, we are stacking and packing all of our chairs each Sunday after the 11:30am service and setting them up each Saturday morning.  Many of our LIFE Groups will be signing up for Chair Set Up each Saturday, but we could always use help.  The first Saturday of each month, chair Set-Up is at 7:30am (one hour before Saturday Serve).  The second Saturday of each month, Chair Set-Up is at 9am (one hour before Double Tailgate).  All other Saturdays, Chair Set-Up is at 8am.  For example, THIS Saturday, September 16th we’ll be setting up chairs at 8am.  Saturday, September 23rd at 8am.  And Saturday, September 30th at 8am.  With 10 or more people it takes less than 30 minutes.  I hope you’ll join us!

The next couple of weeks are going to be exciting at Coastal with 2 BIG DAYS!  First of all, this Sunday, September 10th is LIFE Group Sunday!! What is LIFE Group Sunday you ask?  For those of you who are new to Coastal, let me explain.  Our Sunday morning worship service is pretty much the same, but just a little shorter.  We do that because we want to make plenty of time before and after each service for you to visit a table/booth representing each one of our 55 different LIFE Groups (kind of like a Job/College Fair, but for Groups)!  You’ll be able to meet other people checking out all the Groups, meet the different Group Leaders, and ask any questions you might have.  Our Cafe will be open and serving coffee and cupcakes!  The Groups will have their favorite candy at their tables and there will even be FREE Kona Ice outside for everyone!  I promise it will be a great day and a lot of fun!  But most importantly, SIGN UP FOR A LIFE GROUP!  In fact, many of our LIFE Groups are filling up fast.  Go online and sign up today!  

And then, on Sunday, September 17th, we jump back into our Romans series, “Join the Revolution!”  From Sunday, September 17th, through Sunday, November 26th, we’ll be going through Romans 12-16.  In the first 11 chapters of Romans, we dealt with a lot of theology.  And now in these final chapters, that theology becomes very practical.  I love how this section begins.  In fact, Romans 12:1-2 is one of my favorite passages in the entire Bible, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  WOW!  As I like to say, “That’ll preach!”  So don’t miss any of it!  We’ll also be emailing out a daily devotional, Monday-Friday that will coincide with that week’s passage from Romans.  And then to top it all off, LIFE Groups begin the week of September 17th as well! 

And speaking of practical, here are some very practical things I’m asking you to do.  1. Pray.  Pray that God would use our church and our people to draw people to Himself as we lift up the name of Jesus!  Pray for me and my messages.  Pray that the Holy Spirit would move in a mighty powerful way!  2. Pull out the stops, and invite and bring a friend to church with you, especially over the next two weeks!  I recently shared an interesting quote from Steve Jobs (co-founder of Apple Computer) with our Staff, “Most people never pick up the phone and call. Most people never ask, and that’s what separates the people who do things from the people who just dream about them.”  Step out in faith, be bold, and make the ask!  3. If at all possible, consider going to the 8:30am service or the 11:30am service to make more room in the 10am service.  4. Park over at Oakland Elementary School.  This simple gesture will make the transition time between services go so much smoother.  See you and your friends on Sunday!  By the way, I absolutely LOVE IT when you introduce your friends to me!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together! 

 LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, September 8th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, September 8th, 9:30am-11:30am.  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 TODAY, Friday, September 8th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  TOMORROW, Saturday, September 9th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals That Heal:  TOMORROW, Saturday, September 9th, 4:30-6:45pm.  Online signup required. Contact Rachel Speerfor more info.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, September 12th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, September 14th, 11:30am-1pm.  
   VA Stand Down for the Homeless:  Coastal will be providing a Tailgate for Veterans attending the VA’s Stand Down for homelessness.  Friday, September 15th, 10am-1:30pm.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, September 19th, 12pm-3pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, September 20th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, September 21st, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, September 22nd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, September 22nd, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston. 
   
   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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, October 8th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
3. Looking for an exciting and rewarding opportunity to make a real IMPACT in the next generation right here in our community?  Join the Oakland Elementary School Reading Partners Team!  As a Reading Partners Volunteer at Oakland Elementary School, you’ll work closely with a K-5th Grade Student who is struggling with reading.  You’ll help provide one-on-one tutoring and support through structured lessons and engaging activities – all of which is provided through Reading Partners.  If you are interested, RSVP on your Connect Card for the Orientation & Training Event at Coastal on Wednesday, October 4th at 1pm.
   
4. CSM (Coastal Student Ministry – 6th-12th Grade) is officially back for their Fall semester! They meet on Sunday nights, 5:30pm-7pm (doors open at 5pm), for games, worship, a message, and small groups.  Bring your Students, and we encourage them to invite a friend!  They won’t want to miss it!  If you have any questions, you can email Pastor Jacob at jacob@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Thursday, October 19th, 6-9pm in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Dinner & childcare provided!

P.S. We set a goal back in January to Baptize 100 people this year!  We are now at 95!  What about you?  Is Baptism your next step in your journey of faith?  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  In the New Testament, people believed and then they were Baptized.  Baptism in and of itself doesn’t “make” you a Christian, it just shows that you are one.  It’s a symbol that beautifully pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.  And at Coastal, we are ready to Baptize you any Sunday, any service.  Sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or go to website and sign up today.  After you sign up, someone from our Staff will contact you and answer any of your questions. 

So, have you signed up for a LIFE Group yet?  If you haven’t heard, we have unveiled our 2023 Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalog!  And just like college, your favorite classes (LIFE Groups) will fill up fast!  Some, in fact, have already reached capacity.  So, go to our website right now, check out all the different Groups and sign up today.  Most of our Groups start the week of September 17th.  Next Sunday, September 10th, is LIFE Group Sunday (see below)!  Don’t miss it – it’s always a lot of fun!

This weekend is Labor Day weekend.  Most people have Monday off from work.  A lot of people will be taking that last hurrah, that last getaway, that last trip to the beach this weekend, before the rhythm and routine of the Fall sets in.  Even though schools have been back in session for almost 2 weeks now, Labor Day weekend feels like the end of Summer and beginning of the Fall.

So let me ask you, what does the rhythm and routine of your life look like right now?  And most importantly, where does your spiritual life fit in? Is it a small piece of the pie that you’re desperately trying to fit in to an already overcrowded, busy schedule?  Or is it the most important thing, permeating every part of your life, the priority through which everything else flows?  Does the rhythm and routine of your life include reading your Bible, gathering together regularly with your church family in worship, LIFE Group, fellowship, prayer, giving, serving?

Here’s the good news.  You choose the rhythms and routines of your life.  You set the priorities.  If you don’t, the urgent will always win the day.  And the urgent, regardless of how pressing it feels in the moment, is usually not the most important.  For example, join a LIFE Group this semester.  Make it a part of the rhythm of your life.  I can already hear some of your excuses.  And here is the biggest one of all.  “But Pastor Chris, I just don’t have the time.  I’m too busy.”  Hear this with all the love I can muster.  You have time to do whatever it is you value – tv, social media, sports, hobbies.  It’s just not that important to you yet.  So, as we move into the Fall, think about what matters most in this life, let that determine your values and priorities, and in turn let those values and priorities set or reset the rhythms and routines of your life.

One last thing – who have you been inviting to church with you?  You never know the power of a simple invitation.  Next Sunday, September 10th, is LIFE Group Sunday, always a great opportunity to invite people to Coastal!  It’s  a chance to share with people just how much we value community.  And then on Sunday, September 17th, we jump back into our Romans series as we finish up this powerful book!  Pray about who you will be inviting.  Step out in faith, be bold, and make the ask!  See you over the weekend!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together! 

 LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, September 1st, 9:30am-11:30am.  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 TOMORROW, Saturday, September 2nd.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, September 8th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, September 8th, 9:30am-11:30am.  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, September 8th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, September 9th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals That Heal:  Saturday, September 9th, 4:30-6:45pm.  Online signup required. Contact Rachel Speer for more info.
   
   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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, October 8th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
3. All Young Adults are invited to join us on Wednesday, September 6th, at 6pm for our Fall Kick-Off Event!  We will meet on the Coastal front lawn for a low-country boil with lawn games and music!  Spread the word – invite and bring a friend!  For more information, please contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
4. CSM (Coastal Student Ministry – 6th-12th Grade) is officially back for their Fall semester! They meet on Sunday nights, 5:30pm-7pm (doors open at 5pm), for games, worship, a message, and small groups.  Bring your Students, and we encourage them to invite a friend!  They won’t want to miss it!  If you have any questions, you can email Pastor Jacob at jacob@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. LIFE Group Sunday is September 10th!  After each Sunday service you’ll be able to check out all the Groups offered this semester, browse the tables in the Welcome Center representing those Groups, meet the different Group Leaders, and ask any questions you might have!  It’s a BIG Day here at Coastal and a LOT of fun!  Invite and bring a friend and don’t miss it!

P.S. Okay, this picture is obviously not our church, and not our 10am service, BUT, we’re growing and the 10am service is starting to reach capacity!  You could greatly help us out by attending either the 8:30am service or the 11:30am service (especially for LIFE Group Sunday, September 10th).  And no matter which service you attend, please sit to the front of each section and leave available seating on the end of each row. We also need help with parking.  Please leave our small parking lot out front and the parking closest to Coastal over at Orange Grove for guests and new people.  And then truthfully, park as far away as possible.  Park in Oakland’s parking lot (take a right immediately past the Greenway, before you get to Orange Grove).  Both of these small steps with enable our church to continue to grow and make room for more people.  

WOW!  WOW!  WOW!  What an amazing weekend we had at Coastal last week!  Of course, it all started with Community Outreach.  On Friday we had a Tailgate at Patriot Villas.  On Saturday morning we went downtown and helped Mt. Carmel UMC with their Back to School Supply Giveaway.  We gave away food, clothes, and school supplies!  Also on Saturday, we had 41 people go through our Membership Class – our largest ever!  And then on Sunday morning we had 983 in attendance!  On Sunday afternoon we baptized another 28 people out on Folly Beach!  And get this, back in January I announced that our BHAG (BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS GOAL) for this year was to baptize 100 people.  Are you ready for this?  We are now officially at 94 people being baptized for the year (I’m pretty sure we’re going to break 100 – haha)!

It’s just amazing what’s happening at Coastal right now!  But we’re just getting started!  This coming Sunday, in your bulletin, you’ll be receiving your  2023 Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalog and you can start signing up for a Group!  Actually, many of you have probably already received one in the mail.  Our mantra here at Coastal during LIFE Group sign-up is that there are multiple ways to sign up for a Group (online, Connect Card, sign-up sheets), but you only have to sign up one time, one way.  And yes, you can sign up for multiple Groups!

I love what we do here at Coastal on Sunday mornings!  I do!  I love everything about it.  I love the music.  I love watching people come to faith.  I love all of our LIFE Teams and our Sunday morning Volunteers.  Sunday mornings at Coastal is an exciting place to be.  I don’t understand how you would ever want to miss it.  But. . . there is one weakness with a crowd.  It’s hard to grow in a crowd.  You don’t live out/walk out your faith in a crowd.  You need community.  And that’s what our LIFE Groups are all about!  This semester, we have 55 different LIFE Groups to choose from – activity Groups, study Groups, support Groups, and more!  There is something for EVERYONE, every day of the week!  Unless otherwise indicated, most Groups begin the week of September 17th and last 8-12 weeks.  Make sure you check out our catalog and start signing up today!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love being in community with you!  

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  TODAY, Friday, August 25th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, August 25th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, August 25th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, September 1st, 9:30am-11:30am.  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, September 2nd.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, September 8th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, September 8th, 9:30am-11:30am.  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, September 8th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, September 9th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals That Heal:  Saturday, September 9th, 4:30-6:45pm.  Online signup required. Contact Rachel Speer for more info.
   
   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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is THIS Sunday, August 27th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
3. All Young Adults are invited to join us on Wednesday, September 6th, at 6pm for our Fall Kick-Off Event!  We will meet on the Coastal front lawn for a low-country boil with lawn games and music!  Spread the word – invite and bring a friend!  For more information, please contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
4. CSM (Coastal Student Ministry – 6th-12th Grade) is returning THIS Sunday, August 27 from 5:30PM-7:00PM (doors open at 5PM). We are kicking off this year’s CSM in STYLE!  We will have a fun filled introductory night where students will be able to fellowship together and have a great time!  There will be pizza;  the gym will be full of fun stuff to do;  we will have a game truck; and there will be bubble soccer!  We pray this will be a great time for students to reconnect with each other as well as their leaders after a long summer. We’d love for your student to be there, and we encourage them to invite a friend! They won’t want to miss it!  If you have any questions, you can email Pastor Jacob at jacob@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
   
5. LIFE Group Sunday is September 10th!  After each Sunday service you’ll be able to check out all the Groups offered this semester, browse the tables in the Welcome Center representing those Groups, meet the different Group Leaders, and ask any questions you might have!  It’s a BIG Day here at Coastal and a LOT of fun!  Invite and bring a friend and don’t miss it!

P.S. We are GROWING!  As a result of that growth, I need you to help me with 4 things, especially as we prepare for the Fall.  Here are the 4:  parking, seating, service choice, and volunteering.  Parking – leave our small parking lot out front for guests and new people.  And then truthfully, park as far away as possible.  Park in Oakland’s parking lot (take a right immediately past the Greenway, before you get to Orange Grove).  We send the Golf Carts that way.  We’ve still got some space available in the field behind the church as well and down the first drive, but Oakland’s Parking Lot has plenty of room.  Seating – sit to the front and center of each section of chairs.  This makes it so much easier for those with 1st Impressions who are ushering.  Service Choice – our 10am service is quickly reaching capacity.  We don’t have room for more chairs.  What we really need is for some of you to move to the 8:30am or 11:30am service.  Volunteering – to meet the needs of a growing church, requires a large and growing number of volunteers (especially Coastal Kidz).  So, if you’re not serving on Sunday mornings, start serving.  By the way, these are GREAT problems to have!  In fact, they’re not problems, they are opportunities.  Keep praying, keep inviting, keep serving and together let’s “make more room for Jesus!”

I’M BACK!  Janet and I got back from our vacation earlier this week.  We went to Knoxville, TN to see our daughter and her husband, and then we drove up to Cincinnati, OH to see some life long friends.  We had a great time, but as always, it’s also good to be home!  

Speaking of home, for every home or family to thrive and function well, there are certain things that have to get done.  In other words, we all have to pitch in and do our part.  Well, the same is true of a church family.  For OUR Coastal family to grow, thrive, and function well, there are certain things that have to get done.  We call those “things” – ministry.  And at Coastal, all of those ministry opportunities take place through our LIFE Teams.  For the month of August, there has been a real push on finding a place to serve in the family here at Coastal on Sunday mornings.  In fact, we’ve said, if you call Coastal your home, you should be able to answer this question, “What is my ministry and where am I serving on Sunday mornings?”   

Well, I’d like to highlight one possible LIFE Team for you to serve on here at Coastal – our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry (Birth – 5th Grade).  We strongly believe that if our church is going to continue to grow, we must have a growing, thriving Children’s Ministry.  We also believe that if you help change the life of a child, you change the world!  Simply put, join Coastal Kidz and be a WORLD CHANGER!  The truth is that Coastal Kidz is simply trying to keep up with the growth of our church!  And because of that, there are so many opportunities for both men and women to serve – from Child Check-In, to Lead Teacher, to Classroom Assistants, to holding babies in Nursery.  In fact, because of the growth of our church, we’re even looking at the possibility of using our Chapel on Sunday mornings for Coastal Kidz and adding another classroom.  But for that to happen we need MORE volunteers – YOU!  So, stop what you’re doing right now, go to our website and sign up to get involved with Coastal Kidz!  As always, if you have any questions, or would just like to see what happens on a Sunday morning in Coastal Kidz, reach out to our Children’s Director, Janet Rollins at janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 843-442-8299.

Whether it’s Coastal Kidz, Prayer Team, Security, Tech, Worship, First Impressions, Cafe, or Online Engagement (whew!) – you should be serving!  But you should be serving, not just because there is a need (there is always a need).  You should be serving because this is your FAMILY!  Sign up today or this Sunday!

One last thing, Teachers have made their way back to their classrooms, and Students will be joining them this Wednesday in Charleston County!  One of the things that Janet and I look forward to every year is seeing all the first day of school pictures on social media!  No matter what school looks like for you and your family this year – public, private, charter, homeschool, or even college – will you join me in praying for our Teachers, Students, and Parents?  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love making an IMPACT with you right here in our community!  

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, August 23rd, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock –  Thursday, August 24th, 11:30am-1pm.  As you know, our church feeds A LOT of people!  Come help us prep Coastal’s Food Pantry!
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, August 25th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, August 25th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, August 25th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, September 1st, 9:30am-11:30am.  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, September 2nd.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   
   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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is NEXT Sunday, August 27th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
3. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is TOMORROW, Saturday morning, August 19th, 9am-11:45am in the Chapel. You can respond to this email or sign up on our website.  Breakfast & childcare provided!
   
4. CSM (Coastal Student Ministry – 6th-12th Grade) is returning NEXT Sunday, August 27 from 5:30PM-7:00PM (doors open at 5PM). We are kicking off this year’s CSM in STYLE!  We will have a fun filled introductory night where students will be able to fellowship together and have a great time!  There will be pizza, the gym will be full of fun stuff to do, we will have a game truck, and there will be bubble soccer!  We pray this will be a great time for students to reconnect with each other as well as their leaders after a long summer. We’d love for your student to be there, and we encourage them to invite a friend! They won’t want to miss it!  If you have any questions, you can email Pastor Jacob at jacob@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. All of our FALL LIFE GROUP information is in and our new catalog will be available NEXT Sunday, August 27th!  Training for new Fall Life Group Leaders will be offered in-person this Monday, August 21st, 6:30-8pm or Saturday, August 26th, 9-10:30am.  Returning Leaders’ Training will be online on Thursday, August 24th from 8-8:45pm.  All Leaders only need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card.  If you have any questions, please email Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

P.S. We are planning our 2nd BEACH BAPTISM of the Summer out at Folly Beach County Park THIS Sunday, August 20th, 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, 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.

I love our volunteers here at Coastal – I do!  I truly believe we have some of the best volunteers any church could imagine.  I think the reason we have a high number of committed volunteers here at Coastal is two-fold.  People will serve when they fall more deeply in love with Jesus.  Service is an outflow of a love relationship with Jesus.  The key is to grow in your love for Jesus and when you do, you’ll understand who He has made you to be, and then you’ll WANT to serve Him by serving others.  What do we say here at Coastal?  We don’t want to “guilt” you into serving or giving.  Instead we want to “GRACE” you into it, because of all that He has done for you.  You are loved more than you can imagine – you are treasured more than you know.  Let His love for you become the motivation for your serving and giving!

Here’s the other reason I believe we produce a lot of committed volunteers.  We consistently teach that the Christian life is fundamentally a life of servanthood.  That’s our primary position – servant.  Jesus is our Master and we are His servants.  Whatever He says goes.  In our world where we are the center of the universe and everything revolves around me and my needs, we have to continually remind ourselves that we serve God by serving others, by putting others ahead of ourselves.  And even in the modern church where we have created a culture of finding a church that offers the best and the most and “I didn’t get anything out of that service” and “I’m burned out” and “I’m too busy” and “I’ve served my time,” somewhere in all of that, we have forgotten that we are here to glorify God, reach out to people who are far from Him, and to be a servant to all.  It’s not about you.  It’s about Him.  Matthew 20:26-28, “Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

We talk about life all the time here.  We exist to share and experience what?  The LIFE and LOVE of Jesus.  Jesus came that we might have LIFE and have it more abundantly.  Well, Jesus said something very interesting about LIFE in Luke 9:23-25, “Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me.  If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it.  But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life.  And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose or forfeit your own soul in the process?”  Jesus is saying that we find our lives not by focusing on ourselves, but by giving away our lives for the sake of Him.

The month of August, as we move into the Fall, we’re focusing on finding a place to serve in the family here at Coastal on Sunday mornings.  It’s real simple.  If you call Coastal your home, ask yourself this question – what is my ministry and where am I serving on Sunday mornings?  Whether it’s Coastal Kidz, 1st Impressions, our Cafe, the Security Team, the Tech Booth, the Prayer Team or countless other opportunities, there is a place for you!  Go to our website, check out all the different opportunities to serve, and sign up today!  Or, this Sunday, make sure you sign up on your Connect Card, or at all the different LIFE Team Sign-up Sheets just outside the auditorium.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love serving alongside of you!  

In His Service & Yours!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, August 11th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.  
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  TODAY, Friday, August 11th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, August 11th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Chair Set-Up: We’ll be setting up our chairs for worship, TOMORROW, Saturday, August 12th, 9am!
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  TOMORROW, Saturday, August 12th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, August 15th, 12pm-3pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, August 17th, 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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, August 27th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
3. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, August 19th, 9am-11:45am in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Breakfast & childcare provided!
   
4. CSM (Coastal Student Ministry – 6th-12th Grade) is returning on Sunday, August 27 from 5:30PM-7:00PM (doors open at 5PM). We are kicking off this year’s CSM in STYLE!  We will have a fun filled introductory night where students will be able to fellowship together and have a great time!  There will be pizza, the gym will be full of fun stuff to do, we will have a game truck, and there will be bubble soccer!  We pray this will be a great time for students to reconnect with each other as well as their leaders after a long summer. We’d love for your student to be there, and we encourage them to invite a friend! They won’t want to miss it!  If you have any questions, you can email Pastor Jacob at jacob@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. All of our FALL LIFE GROUP information is in and our new catalog and will be available on Sunday, August 27th!  Training for new Fall Life Group Leaders will be offered in-person on Monday, August 21st, 6:30-8pm or Saturday, August 26th, 9-10:30am.  Returning Leaders’ Training will be online on Thursday, August 24th from 8-8:45pm.  All Leaders only need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card.  If you have any questions, please email Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

P.S. We are planning our 2nd BEACH BAPTISM of the Summer out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, August 20th, 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, 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.

Our church is GROWING!  You can track it, and see it in every measurable category – attendance, Baptisms, serving, giving, and Groups.  And if what we’re seeing, even over the Summer, is any indication of what’s to come, this Fall is going to be CRAZY exciting!  I believe we’re going to start seeing over 1,000 people in-person on a regular basis each Sunday (we’re already seeing that on special days)!  One such example of growth – we’ve gone from 38 LIFE Groups last semester (our biggest number ever) to 54 LIFE Groups this Fall!  I’ve already made the call to our architects at LS3P to begin the process of preparing the plans for our next building phase on our campus – an 800-1000 seat auditorium!  Now, we’re not ready to start building just yet, but what we’ve learned is that in the City of Charleston, it’s best to get “all your ducks in a row” and be prepared as early as possible so that you’re ready when it’s time to pull the trigger.  We also need to pay down our current loan and get prepared financially (eventually another Giving Campaign).  So if you’ve got a few million (or thousand) dollars laying around, and you want to make a Kingdom IMPACT, let’s talk!  You think I’m joking – haha!  

But as we prepare for the Fall and all that God is doing here at Coastal, here’s what I really want you to do:  ask yourself this question – what is my ministry and where am I serving on Sunday mornings?  For the month of August, we’re focusing on everyone, who calls Coastal home, finding a place to serve on Sunday mornings.  At Coastal, we call our Ministries – LIFE Teams.  Simply put, with the growth of our church – we need you (and you need this too)!  

Sunday morning is still the primary way in which new guests get connected to our church.  And to create an environment where those people feel like our welcomed, expected guests in our home, it requires a large and growing volunteer army.  Are you serving in that army?  Now, we don’t want to guilt anyone into serving.  Instead we want to “grace” you into it.  I want you to be so overwhelmed and blown away by the undeserved love, grace, and blessing of God that you are begging us for a place to serve on Sunday morning!

Over the next month, you’ll see a LIFE Team insert with all the different ministries in the bulletin, you’ll hear from different LIFE Team volunteers on stage, in the pre-show, and online.  There will be sign up sheets on the kiosk outside the auditorium, and you can sign up on your Connect Card.  But the simplest way to enlist in that LIFE Team army is to go to our website, check out all the different LIFE Teams, and click on the ones that interest you!  I promise our Leaders will quickly follow up with you, and you’ll experience the joy of serving!  It’s that easy to get started!  Just one person, one service, once a month, makes a HUGE impact!  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together in our community, our world, and right here in our church on Sunday mornings!  See you over the weekend!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY Friday, August 4th (and Monday, August 7th & Friday, August 11th), 9:30am-11:30am.  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 tomorrow, Saturday, August 5th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, August 8th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, August 10th, 11:30am-1pm.  
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, August 11th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, August 11th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, August 12th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   
   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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, August 27th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
3. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, August 19th, 9am-11:45am in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Breakfast & childcare provided!
   
4. CSM (Coastal Student Ministry – 6th-12th Grade) is returning on Sunday, August 27 from 5:30PM-7:00PM (doors open at 5PM). We are kicking off this year’s CSM in STYLE!  We will have a fun filled introductory night where students will be able to fellowship together and have a great time!  There will be pizza, the gym will be full of fun stuff to do, we will have a game truck, and there will be bubble soccer!  We pray this will be a great time for students to reconnect with each other as well as their leaders after a long summer. We’d love for your student to be there, and we encourage them to invite a friend! They won’t want to miss it!  If you have any questions, you can email Pastor Jacob at jacob@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. All of our FALL LIFE GROUP information is in and our new catalog will be available on Sunday, August 27th!  Training for new Fall Life Group Leaders will be offered in-person on Monday, August 21st, 6:30-8pm or Saturday, August 26th, 9-10:30am.  Returning Leaders’ Training will be online on Thursday, August 24th from 8-8:45pm.  All Leaders only need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card.  If you have any questions, please email Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

P.S. We are planning our 2nd BEACH BAPTISM of the Summer out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, August 20th, 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, 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.

The reports coming from our Peru Missions Team have been so exciting!  They’ve been building homes, passing out Bibles and blankets, feeding people, and sharing the Good News of the Gospel.  They’ve seen joy in the midst of unspeakable poverty, and they’ve had experiences and made friends that will last a lifetime and beyond!  And if you’re receiving this email, more than likely, you’ve been a part of it all and helped make this trip possible!  How you ask?  Through your generous & consistent giving!  In the months ahead we’ll be praying about how to strengthen our relationship with the Mission in Peru.  And yes, we’ll definitely be going back, as we continue to share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world!  Our Team will be returning on Saturday (tomorrow).  Please keep their safe return in your prayers.  Like you, I can’t wait to see them and hug their necks on Sunday!  And I can’t wait to send more people back to Peru and other places around the world!  Pray about personally joining us on our next trip!

While they’ve been in Peru, I’ve been in Washington, DC this week for my Pastor’s Coaching meeting.  I’ve only been to DC once in my life (about 30 years ago), but really didn’t get to see much.  On this trip I got the chance to see the Museum of the Bible, the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the WWII Memorial, the MLK Jr. Memorial, and the Smithsonian Museum of American History.  It seems like a lot, but it really was just the tip of the iceberg of things to see and experience in Washington, DC.  

Probably the most moving place I got to visit was Arlington National Cemetery and the changing of the Guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Over 400,000 Veterans are buried at Arlington.  It was a humbling and sobering experience.  It also made me very grateful for all the Veterans we have at Coastal and to be a part of a church that loves and serves the hurting, hungry, and homeless Veterans in our community.  I realize that we are facing a lot of problems in our country today and that the divisions seem to be greater and deeper than ever before, but I believe we still have much to be grateful for in our great country.  I am so thankful to God for the birth of our Nation and the privilege that was mine to be born here in the land of the free and home of the brave.  I will be making my way back home today (Friday).  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together right here in our community, our Nation, and all over this world!  See you Sunday!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday (TODAY), July 28th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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 (TODAY), July 28th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday (TODAY), July 28th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, August 4th (and Monday, August 7th & Friday, August 11th), 9:30am-11:30am.  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, August 5th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, August 8th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Thursday, August 10th, 11:30am-1pm.  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, August 11th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, August 11th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, August 12th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   
   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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, August 27th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
3. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, August 19th, 9am-11:45am in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Dinner & childcare provided!
4. The whole church is invited to a Special Worship Service!  This Sunday night, July 30th, at 6pm, we are having an Ordination Service to ordain Jacob Bonetti into full time Christian Ministry as a Pastor.  Jacob has been our Youth Pastor here at Coastal for over a year now and has done an excellent job.  God’s call on his life is evident and obvious to all, and it’s time to officially recognize it.  We’d also encourage you to bring him a card with a handwritten note of encouragement.  There will be a table for cards & any gifts (not required). Childcare (Nursery & Preschool) will be provided during the service.  There will be a brief reception immediately following the service.  Please respond to this email if you plan on attending (so we can plan on food) and let us know if you need childcare (how many children). 
5. We are in the FINAL planning stages for our FALL LIFE GROUPS!  If you are Leading a LIFE Group this semester, please turn in all your Group information to Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.orgthis week.
   
   Training for new Fall Life Group Leaders will be offered in-person on Monday, August 21st, 6:30-8pm or Saturday, August 26th, 9-10:30am.  Returning Leaders’ Training will be online on Thursday, August 24th from 8-8:45pm.  All Leaders only need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card.

P.S. We are planning our 2nd BEACH BAPTISM of the Summer out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, August 20th, 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, 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.

This Sunday, July 23rd, I’ll be kicking off another favorite Summer Sermon Series tradition here at Coastal –“Summer Reading”!  “Summer Reading” is where we pick a group of books for you to read over the Summer, and then the subject matter of each of those books becomes the sermon topic for that particular Sunday.  Now before some of you freak out, thinking that I’ve gone heretical, thrown out the Bible, and I’m now preaching from other books instead of the Bible, throw away your email and simmer down.  That’s not what we’re doing.  We’re not preaching from the books themselves.  If anything, I think you’ll discover that during this series you will find yourself compelled to go to scripture as we point people to the truth of His Word and a deeper relationship with God.  

Here is the Book List and the order in which we will be using them:

Created to Dream by Rick Warren
Out of the Cave by Chris Hodges
The Problem of Jesus by Mark Clark
Don’t Hold Back by David Platt
Please Sorry Thanks by Mark Batterson
The Bible Made Easy for Kids by Dave Strehler
Jesus Loves Me by John Dickerson

So, I hope you’ll pick up one or two or all of them and read them over the Summer.  After all:  Leaders are what?  Readers!  Retired Admiral James Stavridis of the US Navy once said this, “The single best way a leader can learn and grow is through reading.  So many of our best leaders develop and enhance their ability to lead through endless contact with books.”

One last thing, please keep our Peru Missions Team (25 people) in your prayers!  They leave tomorrow and will return next Saturday, July 29th.  Pray for them and the people of Peru they will be serving.  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!  See you Sunday!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, July 26th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock –  Thursday, July 27th, 11:30am-1pm.  As you know, our church feeds A LOT of people!  Come help us prep Coastal’s Food Pantry!
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, July 28th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, July 28th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, July 28th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, August 4th, 9:30am-11:30am.  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, August 5th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   
   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. Coastal Student Ministry – Attention all Parents of a rising 6th grader:  Tonight, July 21, 7-8:15pm, there will be a parent meeting in the Chapel. Pastor Jacob will provide food and the meeting will detail the mission of Coastal Student Ministry and cover what a typical night at CSM looks like! This meeting is important because you will not only learn “what” Coastal Student Ministry does, but you will learn the “why” behind everything your student will experience!  If you and your student plan to attend, RSVP by emailing Pastor Jacob at jacob@coastalcommunitychurch.org. 
   
   One more thing! Pastor Jacob is always looking for adults who want to invest in students either through leading biblical discussions in small groups or by something as simple as welcoming students to their Sunday evening gatherings! If you’re not currently serving in student ministry in some way, would you prayerfully consider this possibility? It’s a tremendous way to make a difference and you will most definitely be blessed by joining our awesome CSM volunteer team! If you’re interested at all, you can check the “Student Ministry” box on your Connect Card on Sunday morning or you can email Pastor Jacob at jacob@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
3. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, August 19th, 9am-11:45am in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Dinner & childcare provided!
   
4. The whole church is invited to a Special Worship Service!  On Sunday night, July 30th, at 6pm, we are having an Ordination Service to ordain Jacob Bonetti into full time Christian Ministry as a Pastor.  Jacob has been our Youth Pastor here at Coastal for over a year now and has done an excellent job.  God’s call on his life is evident and obvious to all, and it’s time to officially recognize it.  We’d also encourage you to bring him a card with a handwritten note of encouragement.  There will be a table for cards & any gifts (not required). Childcare (Nursery & Preschool) will be provided during the service.  There will be a brief reception immediately following the service.  Please respond to this email or let us know on your Connect Card if you plan on attending (so we can plan on food) and let us know if you need childcare (how many children). 
   
5. We are in the FINAL planning stages for our FALL LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, active groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this Fall?  The Fall Semester begins in September and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you are interested in leading a Group.
   
   Training for new Fall Life Group Leaders will be offered in-person on Monday, August 21st, 6:30-8pm or Saturday, August 26th, 9-10:30am.  Returning Leaders’ Training will be online on Thursday, August 24th from 8-8:45pm.  All Leaders only need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card.

P.S. We are planning our 2nd BEACH BAPTISM of the Summer out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, August 20th, 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, 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.

WOW!  WOW!  WOW!  I can not say enough great things about VBS this week!  First of all, it has been the largest VBS we’ve ever had, with 335 children in attendance and approximately 200 volunteers!  And speaking of volunteers, I know I say this all the time, but we really do have the best volunteers on the planet!  We could not do all that our church does without you!  And you’ve done so much this week, with excellence, joy, and enthusiasm!  I am proud to be your Pastor!  I’ve just loved hearing all the stories this week of children learning about and loving Jesus.  That’s why we do what we do!  By the way, this is also why we give sacrificially here at our church.  And this is why we’ll continue to walk by faith and trust God for big things – so that we can reach the next generation for Jesus!  Honestly, the real question is, what does VBS look like next year at Coastal with another 50-100 kids?  And yes, the obvious question is, “When do we get started on our next building?”  Don’t worry, when the time is right, we’ll step out in faith and get started on that next phase (sooner than later).

Speaking of giving sacrificially, right now (not counting tonight’s offering) our VBS offering this week is over $13,000!  And 8 grocery carts are filled with food for our Food Pantry!

And VBS is not quite over yet!  Tonight is our Party and Closing Program!  From 6pm-7pm (weather permitting) we’ll be outside for hotdogs, Kona Ice, and jump castles.  And then at 7pm we’ll come inside for songs and a slide show!  It’s all FREE, and you’re invited to join us!

One last note about VBS.  To pull off a week long event of this magnitude, with this many moving parts, this many kids, and this many volunteers, requires great leadership.  I know she’s my wife, but Janet Rollins, our Children’s Director, is a great leader!  Like all great leaders, she is quick to defer and point to all of her leaders and volunteers.  But Janet, I’m proud of you – GREAT JOB!  I love you Janet, I love being your husband, and I am truly humbled by what we get to do together!

Shining the Light of Jesus with You!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  TODAY, Friday, July 14th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, July 14th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals That Heal:  Saturday, July 15th, 4-6pm.  Online signup required. Contact Rachel Speer for more info.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, July 18th, 12pm-3pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night –  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, July 20th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, July 26th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock –  Thursday, July 27th, 11:30am-1pm.  As you know, our church feeds A LOT of people!  Come help us prep Coastal’s Food Pantry!
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, July 28th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, July 28th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, July 28th, 4-6pm.  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. Peru Missions Trip Needs – There are 25 people from Coastal going on a Missions Trip to Peru, July 22nd-29th.  Not only are we sending them with $10,000 to build 10 homes, but there are still several other needs the group has, that we can help meet:
   
   20 – #11 wrenches (ratchet style preferably)
   20 – 1000 piece bags of candy (tootsie rolls or similar – soft candy is best just not milk chocolate because it melts)
   
   If you can help with any of these items, go to the following Sign-up Genius link and sign up today:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040948AAA72EA4F94-peru
   
   Bring these items to the church this Sunday, July 16th.  If you have any questions, email Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
3. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, August 19th, 9am-11:45am in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Dinner & childcare provided!
   
4. The whole church is invited to a Special Worship Service!  On Sunday night, July 30th, at 6pm, we are having an Ordination Service to ordain Jacob Bonetti into full time Christian Ministry as a Pastor.  Jacob has been our Youth Pastor here at Coastal for over a year now and has done an excellent job.  God’s call on his life is evident and obvious to all, and it’s time to officially recognize it.  We’d also encourage you to bring him a card with a handwritten note of encouragement.  There will be a table for cards & any gifts (not required). Childcare (Nursery & Preschool) will be provided during the service.  There will be a brief reception immediately following the service.  Please respond to this email or let us know on your Connect Card if you plan on attending (so we can plan on food) and let us know if you need childcare (how many children). 
   
5. We are in the planning stages for our FALL LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, active groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this Fall?  The Fall Semester begins in September and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you are interested in leading a Group.
   
   Training for new Fall Life Group Leaders will be offered in-person on Monday, August 21st, 6:30-8pm or Saturday, August 26th, 9-10:30am.  Returning Leaders’ Training will be online on Thursday, August 24th from 8-8:45pm.  All Leaders only need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card.

P.S. We are planning our 2nd BEACH BAPTISM of the Summer out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, August 20th, 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, 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.

I just wanted to personally invite you to a special worship service that we are having at Coastal.  On Sunday night, July 30th, at 6pm, we are having an Ordination Service to ordain Jacob Bonetti into full time Christian Ministry as a Pastor.  Jacob has been our Youth Pastor here at Coastal for over a year now and has done an excellent job.  God’s call on his life is evident and obvious to all, and it’s time to officially recognize it.  For those of you who’ve never been to an Ordination Service, it’s a special night of worship and prayer.  And I promise you’ll walk away inspired to serve in greater ways in the Kingdom.  

Even if you don’t have a Student in Jacob’s Ministry, Jacob is one of your Pastors on Staff here at Coastal, and I’d love for you to come.  I’d also encourage you to bring him a card with a handwritten note of encouragement.  There will be a table for cards & any gifts (not required). Childcare (Nursery & Preschool) will be provided during the service.  There will be a brief reception immediately following the service.  Please respond to this email if you plan on attending (so we can plan on food) and let us know if you need childcare (how many children). 

Much Love! 
Pastor Chris

Woohoo!  The best week of the Summer for Kids is finally here!  If you’ve been out of the country or under a big rock, VBS starts this coming Monday-Friday night, July 10th-14th, 6-8:15pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade!  There will be a closing program on Friday night, July 14th, for children & parents with hotdogs, Kona Ice, jump castles, all outside from 6-7pm – all FREE!  And then at 7pm we’ll come inside for songs and a slide show!  This year’s theme is “Stellar – Shining Jesus’ Light.”  If you haven’t already done so, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILD ONLINE NOW. This really makes the check-in/registration process go so much smoother when VBS begins. Online Registration will be closed THIS Sunday night, July 9th at 6pm. After that, you will only be able to register at our campus each night in-person before VBS. So, the time is NOW – please register here: https://churchteams.com/m/Register.asp?a=alFlVEY3ajI2L3M9

Why am I personally so passionate about VBS?  Well, when I was a young kid, the Summer after my dad died, a friend invited me to VBS, and the following week, at Camp, I gave my life to Jesus and answered the call to be a Pastor.  My life was forever changed by a simple invitation from a friend, by that friend’s mom who picked me up each and every night and brought me to VBS, by a church willing to make the investment, by a bunch of volunteers who gave up their week to make an IMPACT in a young kid’s life.  

What about you?  What are you doing next week that’s going to potentially change a child’s life and change the world?  Will it require a sacrifice of your time?  Absolutely.  Will it mean that by the end of the week, you’ll be exhausted?  You bet.  Will you be unable to get the VBS songs out of your head for the rest of the year?  That’s a given!  But I make no apologies in challenging you to join us next week as a VBS Volunteer, because Jesus said that we find true life when we give our lives away.  I’m a product of a loving church and a loving, giving group of volunteers who sacrificed and made a difference in my life.  And now as a by-product of that sacrifice – so are you.  I promise you, you’ll be glad you served, and it will be one of the best experiences of your life!
   
So here’s what I’m asking you to do.  If you don’t already have a place to serve next week, please go to our website and sign up today.  You can also serve by staying after church this Sunday and help us stack and pack the chairs and move some furniture around the building to prep and decorate for VBS.  We’ll also need some volunteers to help set up the chairs on Thursday night after VBS to get ready for our Friday night Closing Program.  And then, of course, we’ll be tearing everything down and cleaning up on Friday night after VBS to get everything ready for Sunday.  There are still a few food needs for the week.  If you are able to help provide any of these last remaining items, go sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0844a9a82da4fe3-coastal1#/.  

Even if you can’t personally serve next week because of work or you’re out of town, there is still something everyone can do to be a part of this LIFE changing experience in a very tangible way – through your generous giving!  While our VBS is completely FREE, it does cost something.  However, at Coastal we don’t consider it an expense – it’s an investment, in children and the Kingdom!  The children and families of VBS will be asked to do 2 things as a part of our VBS Mission this week (and you can join them).  There will be a canned goods/non-perishable food drive/competition.  This will help supply our Food Bank which feeds hundreds of families in our community.  We’ll also be taking up an offering that our Peru Missions Team will use to build 10 homes in Peru!  Our goal is $10,000!  So, be gathering up your canned goods and pray about what God would have you give.  You can give this Sunday, each day during the week of VBS, or next Sunday.  Simply use the keyword “VBS.”  If you have any questions about VBS, please reach out to our Children’s Director, Janet Rollins at janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 843-442-8299.

And finally, I just want to thank everyone for all the love you’ve shown me, your Pastor, this past week for my Birthday!  I am now 56 years old!  I am constantly overwhelmed by all the expressions of love shown to me and my family!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Coastal is not just a church that I attend or a job where I work.  It’s a family that I’m a part of!  I say it all the time, but I sincerely mean it – I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I am truly humbled by what we get to do together and that I am a part of it!

Shining the Light of Jesus with You!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, July 7th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor: TOMORROW, Saturday, July 8th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, July 11th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, July 14th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, July 14th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals That Heal:  Saturday, July 15th, 4-6pm.  Online signup required. Contact Rachel Speer for more info.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, July 18th, 12pm-3pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night –  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, July 20th, 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. Peru Missions Trip Needs – There are 25 people from Coastal going on a Missions Trip to Peru, July 22nd-29th.  Not only are we sending them with $10,000 to build 10 homes (see VBS offering above), but there are several other needs the group has, that we can help meet:
   
   20 – #11 wrenches (ratchet style preferably)
   20 – 1000 piece bags of candy (tootsie rolls or similar – soft candy is best just not milk chocolate because it melts)
   20 – soccer balls (deflated) with air pumps and spare needles
   
   If you can help with any of these items, go to the following Sign-up Genius link and sign up today:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040948AAA72EA4F94-peru
   
   You can drop these items off at the church, between now and Sunday, July 16th.  If you have any questions, email Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
3. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, August 19th, 9am-11:45am in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Dinner & childcare provided!
   
4. Beginning the week of July 10th, Coastal will be emailing out Mid-Year Giving Statements.  To make sure you receive yours, please TEXT the keyword “ME” to 843-571-1777 to view and update your contact information.  Mid-Year giving Statements are something we’ve done over the years here at Coastal as an opportunity for you to see, mid-year, where you are in your giving.  It’s also an opportunity for me as your Pastor to thank you for being part of our effort to “share and experience the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world!”  We couldn’t do what we do without your faithful, consistent, generous giving – period.  We are 100% fully funded by your giving.  If you have any questions about your statement, please reach out to our Financial Administrator Kathy Love at finance@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. We are in the planning stages for our FALL LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, active groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this Fall?  The Fall Semester begins in September and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you are interested in leading a Group.

P.S. Our “Summer Reading” series begins July 23rd!  “Summer Reading” is where we as a Staff pick out 7 books worth reading over the Summer, and then each week we use the subject matter of one of the books as the subject of that week’s message.  You can see the books and the dates in the graphic above.  We’ll have a small number of each book available for purchase at the church (until they are sold out).  Or simply pick up the books yourself through Amazon and enjoy!  Remember – leaders are readers!

Technically, another Summer of IMPACT is in the books!  I say technically, because although today is the last day of June, Summer of IMPACT culminates tomorrow, July 1st, with Saturday Serve!  I hope you can join us tomorrow morning at 8:30am.  I know we say this every year, and we’ve said it over and over this month, but it really has been the BEST SUMMER OF IMPACT EVER!  Please pray for all the seeds of love that were planted, that they will bear much fruit for years to come!  Much thanks goes to Chris Jones, our Pastor of Outreach here at Coastal.  As you can tell, much prayer, planning, organization, and preparation, have all gone into Summer of IMPACT.  And part of what makes Chris Jones such a good leader is that he knows that none of it would be possible without all of our great Project Leaders and the countless volunteers (YOU) who willingly, joyfully served all month long.  But, as you know, even as June comes to a close, serving never comes to a close at Coastal.  Serving and loving our community is not relegated to one day or even one month at Coastal.  It’s something we do all year round!  In fact, you can continue to go to our website and see outreach projects lined up all the way through the end of the year!  

Okay Coastal, VBS is now 1 week away from this Monday night: July 10th-14th, 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  Are you ready for this?  We already have 261 children pre-registered!  

There are 4 Big Needs:

1.  VOLUNTEERS!  With that many children, it’s “ALL HANDS ON DECK!”  Go to our website and sign up today: https://churchteams.com/m/Register.asp?a=VEpxLzRBYW5TVDA9 I can promise you 2 things – you’ll be exhausted at the end of the week and you’ll say it was the BEST week of the Summer!

2.  FOOD!  At Coastal, we try to provide a mini meal for our VBS snacks since we meet during many families’ dinner time. If you are able to help provide any of these last remaining items (still need French Bread, Mac ‘n Cheese, Hot Dogs, Buns, Chips), go here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0844a9a82da4fe3-coastal1#/ to sign up.

3.  PRE-REGISTRATION! If you haven’t already done so, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILD ONLINE NOW. This really makes the check-in/registration process go so much smoother when VBS begins. Our Registration Team is already working hard at gathering all the information and putting groups of children together. Online Registration will be closed Sunday night, July 9th at 6pm.  After that, you will only be able to register at our campus each night in-person before VBS. So, the time is now, please register here: https://churchteams.com/m/Register.asp?a=alFlVEY3ajI2L3M9

4. NON-PERISHABLE FOOD/MONEY!   These 2 needs are actually a part of the week of VBS itself – our Mission for the week – but I want to go ahead and make you aware.  The children and families of VBS will be asked to do 2 things as a part of our VBS Mission.  There will be a canned goods/non-perishable food drive/competition.  This will help supply our Food Bank which feeds hundreds of families in our community.  We’ll also be taking up an offering that our Peru Missions Team will use to build 10 homes in Peru!  Our goal is $10,000!  So, be gathering up your canned goods and pray about what God would have you give.  Any money given above and beyond the $10,000 will be used for Coastal Outreach.

If you have any questions about VBS, please reach out to our Children’s Director, Janet Rollins at janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

I love YOU, I love being your Pastor, I love what we get to do together, and I can’t wait to see you and your friends this weekend!

Making An IMPACT With You!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, TODAY, June 30th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, Saturday, July 1st.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, July 7th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, July 8th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, July 11th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, July 14th, 8:30am-11am.  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. Peru Missions Trip Needs – There are 25 people from Coastal going on a Missions Trip to Peru, July 22nd-29th.  Not only are we sending them with $10,000 to build 10 homes (see VBS offering above), but there are several other needs the group has, that we can help meet:
   
   20 – #11 wrenches (ratchet style preferably)
   20 – 1000 piece bags of candy (tootsie rolls or similar – soft candy is best just not milk chocolate because it melts)
   20 – soccer balls (deflated) with air pumps and spare needle
   
   You can drop these items off at the church, between now and Sunday, July 16th.  If you have any questions, email Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
3. As a fun way to celebrate the Summer and our “At the Movies” series, we’d like to take any children from our church and their friends (and children at heart) to the 10:30am special showing of the new “Little Mermaid” movie at Citadel Mall Cinema, this Wednesday, July 5th – ON US (concessions on you)!  Doors open at 9:45am.  RSVP on your Connect Card or respond to this email with a number of tickets you need.
   
4. Beginning the week of July 10th, Coastal will be emailing out Mid-Year Giving Statements.  To make sure you receive yours, please TEXT the keyword “ME” to 843-571-1777 to view and update your contact information.  Mid-Year giving Statements are something we’ve done over the years here at Coastal as an opportunity for you to see, mid-year, where you are in your giving.  It’s also an opportunity for me as your Pastor to thank you for being part of our effort to “share and experience the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world!”  We couldn’t do what we do without your faithful, consistent, generous giving – period.  We are 100% fully funded by your giving.  If you have any questions about your statement, please reach out to our Financial Administrator Kathy Love at finance@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. We are in the planning stages for our FALL LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, active groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this Fall?  The Fall Semester begins in September and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you are interested in leading a Group.

P.S. Our “Summer Reading” series begins July 23rd!  “Summer Reading” is where we as a Staff pick out 7 books worth reading over the Summer, and then each week we use the subject matter of one of the books as the subject of that week’s message.  You can see the books and the dates in the graphic above.  We’ll have a small number of each book available for purchase at the church (until they are sold out).  Or simply pick up the books yourself through Amazon and enjoy!  Remember – leaders are readers!

It was another awesome day at Coastal this past Sunday!  Evidently, our men love them some IBC Root Beer and Beef Sticks!  And evidently, our people love inviting their friends to church – we had 23 1st Time Guest Connect Cards filled out, and we gave away 54 movie tickets!  Our in-person attendance was 1015 people (another 714 online)!  Oh, and between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day we dedicated 37 children!  Wow!  Keep it up Coastal – keep inviting and bringing your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors (and keep having those babies – haha)!

Next week is the last full week of Summer of IMPACT, culminating next Saturday, July 1st with Saturday Serve.  There are still plenty of opportunities left to serve during this final week of SOI.  Don’t let this last week go by without YOU being a part of it.  Go to our website, check out the remaining projects, and sign up today!  But, as you know, even as June comes to a close, serving never comes to a close at Coastal.  In fact, when you sign up to serve for SOI, you probably noticed that we’ve got projects lined up all the way through the end of the year!!  

VBS is now 2 weeks away from this Monday night: July 10th-14th, 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  We already have 231 children pre-registered!  There are 4 Big Needs:

1.  VOLUNTEERS!  Go to our website and sign up today: https://churchteams.com/m/Register.asp?a=VEpxLzRBYW5TVDA9 I can promise you 2 things – you’ll be exhausted at the end of the week and you’ll say it was the BEST week of the Summer!

2.  FOOD!  At Coastal, we try to provide a mini meal for our VBS snacks since we meet during many families’ dinner time. If you are able to help provide any of these last remaining items, go here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0844a9a82da4fe3-coastal1#/ to sign up.

3.  PRE-REGISTRATION! If you haven’t already done so, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILD ONLINE NOW. This really makes the check-in/registration process go so much smoother when VBS begins. Our Registration Team is already working hard at gathering all the information and putting groups of children together. Online Registration will be closed Sunday night, July 9th at 6pm.  After that, you will only be able to register at our campus each night in-person before VBS. So, the time is now, please register here: https://churchteams.com/m/Register.asp?a=alFlVEY3ajI2L3M9

4. NON-PERISHABLE FOOD/MONEY!  Now, these 2 needs are actually a part of the week of VBS itself – our Mission for the week – but I want to go ahead and make you aware.  The children and families of VBS will be asked to do 2 things as a part of our VBS Mission.  There will be a canned goods/non-perishable food drive/competition.  This will help supply our Food Bank which feeds hundreds of families in our community.  We’ll also be taking up an offering that our Peru Missions Team will use to build 10 homes in Peru!  Our goal is $10,000!  So, be gathering up your canned goods and pray about what God would have you give.

If you have any questions about VBS, please reach out to our Children’s Director, Janet Rollins at janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

I love YOU, I love being your Pastor, I love what we get to do together, and I can’t wait to see you and your friends this weekend!

Making An IMPACT With You!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, June 23rd, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, June 23rd, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, June 23rd, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Build-A-Bed Project:  We will be building and assembling beds for children in need in the Charleston Community.  TOMORROW, Saturday, June 24th, 10:30am-1pm, at Coastal.
   Ronald McDonald House On the Go Meal Bags:  On Tuesday, June 27th, 6:30-7:30pm, we will be packing “On the Go Meal/Snack Bags” for the resident of the Ronald McDonald House.  Meet at Coastal.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, June 28th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Charleston Vets –  Thursday, June 29th, 6am-9am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Summer Sewing Project:  Join us as we make quilts for the “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” bunk beds and for the NICU at East Cooper Medical Center.  All sewing levels welcome – beginners to veterans!  Thursday, June 29th, 6-8pm.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, June 30th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, July 1st.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   
   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. Summer of IMPACT Project Highlight: Saturday Serve – All of our SOI projects (see above) are important, but each week we’re going to highlight one.  The next Saturday Serve is July 1st (technically after SOI), but it does serve to close out Summer of IMPACT.  On Saturday, July 1st, be at Coastal at 8:30am, listen to our Leaders share about their projects, and then pick the one where you want to serve.  It’s that simple.  So if you’re able and available, sign up today!
   
3. As a fun way to celebrate the Summer and our “At the Movies” series, we’d like to take any children from our church and their friends (and children at heart) to the 10:30am special showing of the new “Little Mermaid” movie at Citadel Mall Cinema, Wednesday, July 5th – ON US (concessions on you)!  Doors open at 9:45am.  RSVP on your Connect Card or respond to this email with a number of tickets you need.
   
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is THIS Sunday, June 25th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
5. We are in the planning stages for our FALL LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, active groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this Fall?  The Fall Semester begins in September and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you are interested in leading a Group.

P.S. Our “Summer Reading” series begins July 23rd!  “Summer Reading” is where we as a Staff pick out 7 books worth reading over the Summer, and then each week we use the subject matter of one of the books as the subject of that week’s message.  You can see the books and the dates in the graphic above.  This Sunday, June 25th, we’ll have a small number of each book available for purchase at the church.  Or simply pick up the books yourself through Amazon and enjoy!  Remember – leaders are readers!

First of all, before I jump into this Sunday and Father’s Day, let me just say that this past Sunday was truly AMAZING!  We had a great kickoff to our “At the Movies” series with 946 people in person and another 841 people online.  We had lots and lots of guests, gave away lots of movie tickets, and ate A LOT of popcorn!  But the best part of last week was definitely Sunday afternoon at Folly Beach where WE BAPTIZED 46 PEOPLE!!  That’s the most people we’ve ever baptized at any one time, and a ton of people came out early, enjoyed time at the beach, and celebrated with us!  It was truly miraculous – something I will never take for granted!  

I know I say this every year (because it’s true), but this has already been our BEST SUMMER OF IMPACT EVER!  The energy, excitement, and enthusiasm with all the different projects has been so high you can almost reach out and touch it!  Each and every project has gone so well – great leaders, lots of volunteers, and lots of NEW volunteers!  And we are just past the mid-way point.  There are still lots of opportunities left.  Go to our website, check out the remaining projects, and sign up today!  

One thing for you to consider about Summer of IMPACT:  it is your generous, consistent giving that enables our church to do all that we do – including Summer of IMPACT.  This month alone we’re putting on 11 different Tailgate Parties, feeding literally hundreds and hundreds of people in our community.  Our church gladly buys all the food and supplies for these and other projects.  But when I say the church, keep in mind that means YOU.  YOUare the church.  People tend to travel and go on vacations over the Summer, which is great (Janet and I are looking forward to getting away later this Summer).  Just remember that the Ministry and IMPACT of Coastal continues whether you’re here on a Sunday or not.  And everything we do is made possible by your consistent, generous giving.  You can give through our website or simply text “GIVE” to 843-571-1777.

This Sunday is FATHER’S DAY!  And yes, it’s going to be AWESOME!  There will be FREE Kona Ice for everyone, Baby/Child Dedication, a gift for all the guys, and some fun giveaways (yes, probably MEAT) at the end of each service!  Don’t miss it!  Invite and bring your friends!  And remember, every 1st time guest (and the person who invited them – YOU) gets a FREE Movie Ticket to Citadel Mall Theater during our entire “At the Movies” series!  

VBS is now 3 weeks away from this Monday night: July 10th-14th, 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  We already have 177 children pre-registered!  This year’s theme is a Space Theme, and we can’t wait to blast off with you and your friends!  Start registering your children now!   Yes, we accept walk-up registrations, but it is SO HELPFUL if you go ahead and pre-register your children.  To pull off an event of this magnitude, for this many nights, it is ALL HANDS ON DECK!  In other words, we need YOU to volunteer.  Go to this link and start signing up to serve at VBS!  If you’d like to help with all the food, snacks and paper products for VBS, here is the Sign-Up Genius link for that: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0844a9a82da4fe3-coastal1#/

I love YOU, I love being your Pastor, I love what we get to do together, and I can’t wait to see you and your friends this weekend!

Making An IMPACT With You!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Carolina Youth Development Tailgate –  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the students at CYD today, Friday, June 16th, 10:45am-1:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Kids Summer Party at Mt. Carmel UMC downtown –  We will be putting on a Tailgate and Party (crafts & games) for the children downtown at Mt. Carmel UMC on Saturday, June 17th, 10am-2pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, June 20th, 2:30pm-5pm.
   Coastal Meals On Wheels Project:  Pastor Chris (PC) will be leading this Project.  We’re boxing up 250 meals that will then be delivered to Patriot Villas, Charleston Vets, and Joseph Floyd Manor.  We also need volunteers to sign up to cook and bring the food that we will then box up and deliver.  Here’s the SignUp Genius link for the food:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0844a9a82da4fe3-coastal2#/  Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, June 21st, 6pm-8pm.
   Joseph Floyd Manor Tailgate:  JFM provides low income housing for many elderly and disabled residents in downtown Charleston.  We’ll be sending a Tailgate there with food and clothing on Thursday, June 22nd, 10am-1pm. Meet at Coastal.
   Summer Sewing Project:  Join us as we make quilts for the “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” bunk beds and for the NICU at East Cooper Medical Center.  All sewing levels welcome – beginners to veterans!  Thursday, June 22nd, 6-8pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, June 23rd, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, June 23rd, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, June 23rd, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Build-A-Bed Project:  We will be building and assembling beds for children in need in the Charleston Community.  Saturday, June 24th, 4-6pm.  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. Summer of IMPACT Project Highlight: Kids Summer Party at Mt. Carmel UMC downtown – All of our SOI projects (see above) are important, but each week we’re going to highlight one.  On Saturday (TOMORROW), June 17th, 10am-2pm, we’ll be hosting a Tailgate & Kids Party at Mt. Carmel UMC downtown.  Just like our regular Tailgate Parties we’ll have food and clothes.  But there will also be a lot of crafts, games, and activities for the children – great project for the whole family.   So if you’re able and available, sign up today!
   
3. As a fun way to celebrate the Summer and our “At the Movies” series, we’d like to take any children from our church and their friends (and children at heart) to the 10:30am special showing of the new “Little Mermaid” movie at Citadel Mall Cinema, Wednesday, July 5th – ON US (concessions on you)!  Doors open at 9:45am.  RSVP on your Connect Card or respond to this email with a number of tickets you need.
   
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, June 25th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
5. We are in the planning stages for our FALL LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, active groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this Fall?  The Fall Semester begins in September and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you are interested in leading a Group.

P.S. Our “Summer Reading” series begins July 23rd!  “Summer Reading” is where we as a Staff pick out 7 books worth reading over the Summer, and then each week we use the subject matter of one of the books as the subject of that week’s message.  You can see the books and the dates in the graphic above.  On Sunday, June 25th we’ll have a small number of each book available for purchase at the church.  Or simply pick up the books yourself through Amazon and enjoy!  Remember – leaders are readers!

WOW!  WOW!  WOW!  What an amazing kick off to “Summer of IMPACT” – so many Volunteers, such great Leaders, so many lives touched and seeds planted!  On Saturday Serve alone, this past Saturday, we had over 170 Volunteers tackle 7 different projects!  But we’re just getting started!  After this weekend, we’ll be halfway through the 45 different projects.  There’s still plenty of different projects left.  Simply click on this link: Summer of IMPACT, take a look at all the different opportunities, find the project(s) right for you, and then sign up today!

I know I say this a lot – but don’t miss this Sunday at Coastal!  We’re kicking off a favorite sermon series tradition here at Coastal – “At the Movies!”  We’ve been doing this series for 14 years.  Collectively, more guests come to this series than any other!  People LOVE movies!  So leverage that, use our Invite Cards, microwave popcorn invitations, and invite and bring your friends to church.  ALL 1st Time Guests will receive FREE Movie Tickets to Citadel Mall Theater (and the person who invited them – YOU) throughout the entire series.  There will be popcorn, movie trailers, a photo booth, and cool giveaways!  Like I said, “DON’T MISS THIS SUNDAY & BRING A FRIEND!”  This year’s series theme is “Movies With A Message.”  While most of the movies we’re using aren’t currently in the theaters, you can still see them all on the various streaming services, and each one has a powerful message.  The 6 movies we’re using this year are:  Jesus Revolution, Saving Private Ryan, Up, Greyhound, Hidden Figures, and Miracle.

Last Sunday our attendance was 938!  Let’s see how many times during this series we can break 1000!!  Don’t forget to please park over at Oakland Elementary School (down the first drive, past the Greenway, on the right).  Also, as our church continues to grow, we are in need of Sunday morning volunteers, especially 1st Impressions & Coastal Kidz!  If you served in the past or during a big day like Easter – we need you!  Reach back out to your Ministry Leader, and make their day by volunteering to serve.  If you’ve never volunteered before – there is a place for YOU!  Respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.   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

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Today, Friday, June 9th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  TOMORROW, Saturday, June 10th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Charleston Vets –  Wednesday, June 14th, 6am-9am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Summer Sewing Project:  Join us as we make quilts for the “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” bunk beds and for the NICU at East Cooper Medical Center.  All sewing levels welcome – beginners to veterans!  Thursday, June 15th, 6-8pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night –  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, June 15th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Carolina Youth Development Tailgate –  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the students at CYD on Friday, June 16th, 10:45am-1:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Kids Summer Party at Mt. Carmel UMC downtown –  We will be putting on a party for the children downtown at Mt. Carmel UMC on Saturday, June 17th, 10am-2pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, June 20th, 2:30pm-5pm.
   Coastal Meals On Wheels Project:  Pastor Chris (PC) will be leading this Project.  We’re boxing up 250 meals that will then be delivered to Patriot Villas, Charleston Vets, and Joseph Floyd Manor.  We also need volunteers to sign up to cook and bring the food that we will then box up and deliver.  Here’s the SignUp Genius link for the food:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0844a9a82da4fe3-coastal2#/  Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, June 21st, 6pm-8pm.
   
   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. Summer of IMPACT Project Highlight: Joseph Floyd Manor Tailgate – All of our SOI projects (see above) are important, but each week we’re going to highlight one.  On Saturday (TOMORROW), June 10th, 10am-1pm, we’ll be hosting a Tailgate Party at Joseph Floyd Manor.  We have been serving at JFM for many years now.  To those who have never served at JFM, it is a public housing facility located in downtown Charleston. It is home to predominantly elderly and/or disabled residents.   So if you’re able and available, sign up today!
   
3. Don’t miss Father’s Day this year at Coastal, Sunday, June 18th!  We’ll have a fun gift for all the men, giveaways at the end of each service, and FREE Kona Ice.  We’re also having another Baby/Child Dedication on Father’s Day.  If you would like your family to participate, sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday OR sign up online. Include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending.
   
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, June 25th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
5. Our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park is Sunday, June 11th, at 5pm.  Right now we have 39 people getting Baptized!!  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, 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.

P.S. Attention Coastal –  VBS is only 4 weeks away – July 10th-14th, 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  We already have 150 children pre-registered!  This year’s theme is a Space Theme, and we can’t wait to blast off with you and your friends!  You can start registering your children now!  You can also start signing up to serve at VBS!

This weekend, of course, marks the beginning of  “Summer of IMPACT”! Yesterday we had teams of Volunteers SERVING at Neighbor’s Together and SEWING at the church. Neighbors Together provides assistance, resources, and food to the homeless in our community.  And then the sewing volunteers are making blankets for the babies at the NICU at East Cooper Hospital and comforters for the Sleep In Heavenly Peace Beds.  Between those projects and the ones today and during Saturday Serve tomorrow, we’re kicking off SOI with 12 projects this weekend alone!  But we’re just getting started!  There’s still plenty of different projects left.  Simply click on this link: Summer of IMPACT, take a look at all the different opportunities, find the project(s) right for you, and then sign up today!

One great opportunity tomorrow is Saturday Serve!  We meet at the church at 8:30am, hear a “pitch” from the leaders of the different projects that day, pray, and then you pick what you want to do and go serve.  It’s THAT easy!  And it’s the backbone of all our serving at Coastal.  We would love to see you in the morning!  The June Saturday Serve is basically a big pep rally for SOI!

Also, don’t forget that we kick-off “AT THE MOVIES” next Sunday, June 11th!  “At the Movies” is where we take current or popular movies and use them as a hook to talk about spiritual truth.  ALL 1st Time Guests will receive FREE Movie Tickets to Citadel Mall Theater (and the person who invited them – YOU) throughout the entire series.  There will be popcorn, movie trailers, a photo booth, and cool giveaways!  Make sure you pick up the microwave popcorn invite tool this weekend to invite your friends to the series.  As a part of the series, we’re also taking anyone who is available to see the new Little Mermaid movie on Wednesday, July 5th, 10am at the Citadel Mall Theater!  I love YOU, I love being your Pastor, I love what we get to do together, and I can’t wait to see you at Saturday Serve and again on Sunday!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Oakland Elementary School Graduation:  We need Greeters, Hosts, & Golf Cart Drivers as we open our doors for our community. Today, Friday, June 2nd, 8am-11am.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, June 2nd, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Carolina Voyager School Graduation:  We need Greeters, Hosts, & Golf Cart Drivers as we open our doors for our community.  Today, Friday, June 2nd, 4pm-7pm.
   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, Saturday, June 3rd.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Orange Grove Middle School Graduation:  We need Greeters, Hosts, & Golf Cart Drivers as we open our doors for our community.  Monday, June 5th, 8am-11:30am.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Monday, June 5th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, June 6th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Ronald McDonald House Meals That Heal:  Tuesday, June 6th, 4-6pm.  Online signup required. Contact Rachel Speer for more info.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, June 7th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Neighbors Together Project:  Help serve the homeless or those at risk in our community.  Meet at 2105 Cosgrove Ave. Thursday, June 8th, 10am-1pm.
   Summer Sewing Project:  Join us as we make quilts for the “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” bunk beds and for the NICU at East Cooper Medical Center.  All sewing levels welcome – beginners to veterans!  Thursday, June 8th, 6-8pm.
   Ronald McDonald House On the Go Meal Bags:  On Thursday, June 8th, 6:30-7:30pm, we will be packing “On the Go Meal/Snack Bags” for the resident of the Ronald McDonald House.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, June 9th, 8:30am-11am.  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. Summer of IMPACT Project Highlight: Soldier’s Angels – All of our SOI projects (see above) are important, but each week we’re going to highlight one.  On Tuesday, June 6th, 8am-1pm, we’ll be helping Soldier’s Angels and their Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution.  We have been serving with Soldiers Angels now for 4 years!  This Tuesday will be extra special in that our church is actually sponsoring this month’s event.  In other words, we paid for the food that will be distributed to the 200+ Veterans (your generous, consistent giving makes that possible)!   Yes, it’s during the week, yes, it will take up half your day, and yes, it will be hot.  But, YES, you better believe that you will receive far more than you will give!  So if you’re able and available, sign up today!  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   
3. Don’t miss Father’s Day this year at Coastal, Sunday, June 18th!  We’ll have a fun gift for all the men, giveaways at the end of each service, and FREE Kona Ice.  We’re also having another Baby/Child Dedication on Father’s Day.  If you would like your family to participate, sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday OR sign up online. Include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending. 
   
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, June 25th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
5. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 11th, 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, 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.

P.S. Attention Coastal –  VBS is only 5 weeks away – July 10th-14th, 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  This year’s theme is a Space Theme, and we can’t wait to blast off with you and your friends!  You can start registering your children now!  You can also start signing up to serve at VBS!

Typically, Memorial Weekend officially marks the end of the school year and the beginning of Summer.  But no matter when you or your child gets out of school this year, the month of June always means one thing at Coastal – Summer of IMPACT!  That’s right, and June 1st is THIS COMING THURSDAY!  Now if you are fairly new to Coastal or you’ve been in hibernation, Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June (45 different projects)!  There is something for everyone (including children).  There are opportunities nearly every day of the month. You simply sign-up and then show-up.  It’s that easy.  Like everything we do at Coastal, each outreach project has a leader and each project is well-organized and fully funded.

In fact, the first weekend alone of Summer of IMPACT there are 12 different projects to choose from – Thursday: Neighbor’s Together, a Sewing Project;  Friday: Oakland Graduation, Clothing Team Organize & Sort, Carolina Voyager Graduation;  Saturday:  Saturday Serve (7 different projects)!  We even have a new color “Be the church!” t-shirt & SOI sunglasses for everyone!   

So, it’s time to stop talking about it, and start doing it!  Here’s what I am asking you to do RIGHT NOW:

Click on this link: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions/

Scroll down and click on the big blue, “CLICK HERE TO SERVE” button.  That will take you directly to the sign up/registration page.  Take a look at all the opportunities.  Find the project(s) right for you and then sign up!  You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want directly from our website.  And by the way, you don’t even have to call Coastal your home to participate! Invite and bring your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to serve!  If you are looking to make an IMPACT in our community, if you want to make a difference this Summer, this is the way to do it!  Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!   If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor.  And I love what we get to do together!  See you on Sunday!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

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, May 26th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to homeless and hungry downtown!  Today, Friday, May 26th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   SUMMER OF IMPACT:  Summer of IMPACT is the entire month of June!  Go to our website and start signing up TODAY (see above)! https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions/
   Neighbors Together Project:  Help serve the homeless or those at risk in our community.  Meet at 2105 Cosgrove Ave. Thursday, June 1st, 10am-1pm.
   Summer Sewing Project:  Join us as we make quilts for the “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” bunk beds and for the NICU at East Cooper Medical Center.  All sewing levels welcome – beginners to veterans!  Thursday, June 1st, 6-8pm.
   Oakland Elementary School Graduation:  We need Greeters, Hosts, & Golf Cart Drivers as we open our doors for our community.  Friday, June 1st, 8am-11am.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, June 2nd, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Carolina Voyager School Graduation:  We need Greeters, Hosts, & Golf Cart Drivers as we open our doors for our community.  Friday, June 1st, 4pm-7pm.
   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, June 3rd.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Orange Grove Middle School Graduation:  We need Greeters, Hosts, & Golf Cart Drivers as we open our doors for our community.  Monday, June 5th, 8am-11:30am.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Monday, June 5th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, June 6th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Ronald McDonald House Meals That Heal:  Tuesday, June 6th, 4-6pm.  Online signup required. Contact Rachel Speer for more info.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, June 7th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Neighbors Together Project:  Help serve the homeless or those at risk in our community.  Meet at 2105 Cosgrove Ave. Thursday, June 8th, 10am-1pm.
   Summer Sewing Project:  Join us as we make quilts for the “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” bunk beds and for the NICU at East Cooper Medical Center.  All sewing levels welcome – beginners to veterans!  Thursday, June 8th, 6-8pm.
   Ronald McDonald House On the Go Meal Bags:  On Thursday, June 8th, 6:30-7:30pm, we will be packing “On the Go Meal/Snack Bags” for the resident of the Ronald McDonald House.  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. On Sunday, June 11th, 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.  This year’s theme is, “Movies With A Message.”  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! 
   
3. Back by popular demand (well, popular demand might be a stretch)!  But either way, PC & Janet’s Cooking Show is BACK!  Join them on Facebook LIVE on PC’s Facebook page, this Tuesday, May 30th, 8pm.  They’ll be cooking a meal (and giving it away), talking all things Coastal, and having a lot of FUN!
   
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, June 25th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
5. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 11th, 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, 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.

P.S. Attention Coastal –  VBS is only 6 weeks away – July 10th-14th, 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  This year’s theme is a Space Theme and Astronaut Joe (pictured above) can’t wait to see you and your friends!  You can start registering your children now!  You can also start signing up to serve at VBS!

P.S.S. We’re having another Baby/Child Dedication on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 18th.  If you would like your family to participate, sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday OR sign up online. Include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending.

Wow – we had an amazing Mother’s Day this past Sunday!  We had 17 families participate in Baby/Child Dedication (we have another Baby/Child Dedication coming up Father’s Day).  We had lots and lots of guests!  And we had 1166 people in attendance (and another 804 online)!  The first picture above is our Gathering Space in between services!  I sent that picture to our Facilities Manager, Ricky Spell, with the caption, “We’re going to need a bigger boat!”  Between the Flower Bar, the Photo Booth, the T-Shirt, Kona Ice, the Give-aways, and the service itself – I hope every woman walked out of Coastal on Sunday feeling special and BEAUTIFUL!  Oh, and speaking of Beautiful, if you’re wondering who was the mastermind behind our Photo Booth & Flower Bar – it was April Price.  Thanks David & April for using your gifts and talents for the Kingdom!

I am seriously excited about all the awesome things happening at Coastal this Summer – the biggest of which is Summer of IMPACT (see below)!  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 a 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.

This Sunday, Coastal is taking 800 people to the Charleston Riverdogs Game!  We only have approximately 20 tickets left to give away – so reach out to Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org with your name and how many tickets you need – first come-first serve!

Another reason I’m excited about the Summer here at Coastal is that on Sunday, June 11th, 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!  More about that later, but for now, mark June 11th on your calendar, and start praying about who you will be inviting and bringing to church!  Between all of this, plus Beach Baptism (see below), Father’s Day, VBS (see below), Camp, our “Summer Reading” series, and a Missions Trip to Peru, it’s going to be a Summer to remember.  Make the most of all of it!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor.  And I love what we get to do together!  See you on Sunday!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Today, Friday, May 19th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, May 24th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   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 26th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, May 26th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   
   SUMMER OF IMPACT:  Summer of IMPACT is the entire month of June!  Go to our website and start signing up TODAY (see below)! https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions/
   
   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. Summer of IMPACT is now less than 2 weeks away!  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 do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June (over 40 different projects)!  There is something for everyone (including children).  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! You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want directly from our website.  And by the way, you don’t even have to call Coastal your home to participate! Invite and bring your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to serve!  If you are looking to make an IMPACT in our community, this is the way to do it!
   
3. Drivers Wanted!  The Coastal Van travels to Charleston Vets and Patriot Villas every Sunday to pick up veterans who want to attend services at Coastal. These veterans, without volunteers behind the wheel, would not have the transportation to attend church. We’re looking for drivers. If you are willing to sacrifice an hour of your time for the veterans we serve, we’d love to hear from you. Two serving opportunities are available each week. The first shift is from 8:30 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. taking the van from Coastal to Charleston Vets and Patriot Villas to pick-up the vets for the 10am service. The second shift is from 11:00 a.m. until noon transporting the vets back to Charleston Vets and Patriot Villas. If you’d be interested in serving on the team, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at chrisjones@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
4. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is THIS Monday evening, May 22nd, 6pm-8:45pm in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Dinner & childcare provided!
   
5. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 11th, 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, 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.

P.S. Attention Coastal –  VBS is only 7 weeks away – July 10th-14th, 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  This year’s theme is a Space Theme and Astronaut Joe (pictured above) can’t wait to see you and your friends!  You can start registering your children now!  You can also start signing up to serve at VBS!

P.S.S. Our Youth Pastor, Jacob Bonetti, has an exciting announcement for Coastal Student Ministry this Fall!  Go to their Instagram page to check it out and see their Summer Calendar. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jacob at jacob@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

Alright everyone – this Sunday, May 14th, is Mother’s Day!  It’s going to be a BIG DAY at Coastal!  And when I say, “BIG DAY”, you should instinctively know what that means.  It means you pull out all the stops and leverage this weekend for the Kingdom!  It means 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 – it means you invite and bring your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers!  

It really IS going to be a fun day!  We have a gift for all women (not just moms), a fun giveaways at the end of each service (SPA PACKAGE), a photo booth, a Flower Bar (make your own flower bouquet), Baby/Child Dedication during each service, and FREE Kona Ice for everyone!  And Ladies, my message is all about how God sees you as BEAUTIFUL!

A BIG DAY also means, “all hands on deck” for our Volunteers!  The second picture above is all of our First Impressions & Prayer Team Volunteer Lanyards!  We have so many Volunteers in First Impressions alone that we had to create this new space (behind the black buffet line/hallway in the kitchen).  But don’t think for a second that now that our 6 Easter Weekend services have come and gone that the need for Volunteers isn’t as great anymore.  Not at all!  In fact, now with 3 services EACH Sunday, the consistent need is even greater!  In fact, this Sunday with gift giveaways, Photo Booth, and Flower Bar we need even MORE First Impressions Volunteers than normal!  If you’re already on the Team, go to Planning Center and sign up to serve.  Or reach out to Pastor Scott Huff and sign up today!  You can also text him at 859-230-5129.  

That’s true for all of our other Sunday morning LIFE Teams as well – Coastal Kidz, Cafe, Prayer Team, Security, Online Engagement, and Production.  If you’ve served in the past, but it’s been a while, it’s time to serve again.  If you currently serve, will be in town this weekend, but haven’t signed up for this Sunday – go to Planning Center or reach out to your LIFE Team Leader and sign up today!  If you’re new to Coastal and wondering if there is a need or if we have room for you,  the answer is a resounding, “YES!”  Go to our website, choose a place to serve, and sign up today!  And by the way, the best recruiters for serving are not Pastors, emails, or announcements!  It’s those of YOU who currently serve and know the joy and fulfillment that comes from serving!  Reach out to someone who is currently not serving on Sunday morning and get them to join your Team!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  I love what we get to do TOGETHER!  And I can’t wait to see you over the weekend (Double Tailgate Saturday & Mother’s Day)! 

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

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, May 12th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  TOMORROW, Saturday, May 13th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals That Heal:  TOMORROW, Saturday, May 13th, 4-6pm.  Online signup required. Contact Rachel Speer for more info.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, May 16th, 2pm-5pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, May 19th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, May 24th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.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 26th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, May 26th, 4-6pm.  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. Summer of IMPACT is just around the corner!  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 do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June (over 40 different projects)!  There is something for everyone (including children).  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! You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want directly from our website.  And by the way, you don’t even have to call Coastal your home to participate! Invite and bring your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to serve!  If you are looking to make an IMPACT in our community, this is the way to do it!
   
3. Coastal Day at the Riverdogs!  Join us on Sunday, May 21 at 5pm at Joe Riley Park for the Charleston Riverdogs Baseball Game. Tickets are FREE (our Gift to YOU) and will be distributed digitally (you MUST have an email to receive the tickets). Parking at the stadium is also FREE on that day.  Please submit your name, email, and number of tickets on your Connect Card OR by simply emailing Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  We only have approximately 50 tickets left to give away (we’re capping it at 800) – so first come-first serve!
   
4. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Monday evening, May 22nd, 6pm-8:45pm. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Dinner & childcare provided!
   
5. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 11th, 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, 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.

P.S. Coastal VBS – July 10th-14th, 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  This year’s theme is a Space Theme!  You can start registering your children now!  You can also start signing up to serve at VBS!

P.S.S. There is a family from our church (Dan & Susan Neidhardt) who have developed a heart for the people of Ukraine and the refugee crisis there. In fact, they currently have two mothers and their sons from the Ukraine living with them. They have been with them for 2 months now, and it has been a greatly rewarding experience. You might have met them at church. They have recently been in touch with another woman who will be coming to the States and needs a place to stay temporarily while they look for more permanent housing. The woman comes from the Cherkasy region, which has been under recent attacks. Her parents are farmers and just want her safe. Dan & Susan have talked to her. She is educated and understands English. They are simply trying to get the word out and see if anyone has a room or apartment she can use temporarily. If you are interested in learning more about how you might help, please feel free to reach out to Dan & Susan directly at 843-442-3695.

The picture above is one of the Teachers from Oakland Elementary School.  She’s holding Shrimp & Grits and one of Janet’s homemade cheddar cheese biscuits.  This has become an annual Teacher Appreciation Week tradition, and it’s just one of the many things that we’ve done this week to celebrate the heroes across the street from our church.  And all of it is made possible through your consistent, faithful generosity!  

In fact, that’s true of ALL the Outreach that our church does.  We couldn’t do it without YOU!  And speaking of Outreach & YOU, it’s time for YOU to start signing up for 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 do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  There is something for everyone (including children).  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! You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want directly from our website.  And by the way, you don’t even have to call Coastal your home to participate! Invite and bring your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to serve!  If you are looking to make an IMPACT in our community, this is the way to do it!

One last thing, and it also has to do with money, making an IMPACT, and your generosity.  Jessica & Jon Zawko, who led our Financial Peace University LIFE Group this past semester, shared some exciting news with me.  Their LIFE Group (just 14 people) paid off $43,108 in personal debt this semester!  They also put away $27,343 in savings!  Is that AWESOME or what?  I’m so proud of them!  You say, “Okay Pastor Chris, I see the money and making an IMPACT part, but what does that have to do with generosity?”  Well, did you know that we purchased a Ramsey Site License and all of the Financial Peace University resources are provided to you for FREE (we also did that for two high schools here in Charleston)?  That’s right!  People are hurting and struggling with their finances today, and we want to provide real help and resources.  Simply go to our Resources page on our website and look for Financial Tools.  It will take you to a sign up page with our passcode.  Again, ALL of that could not be done without YOU and your generous, consistent giving to our church!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  I love what we get to do TOGETHER!  And I can’t wait to see you over the weekend (Saturday Serve & Sunday morning)! 

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

If we’re not friends on Facebook or Instagram – give me a follow!
https://www.facebook.com/chris.rollins
On Instagram:  jampastorchris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday (Today), May 5th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, today, Friday, May 5th (and Friday, May 12th), 9:30am-11:30am.  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 tomorrow, Saturday, May 6th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, May 9th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Charleston Vets Potluck: Wednesday, May 10th, 6-8pm.  We need help with preparing the meal.  Everything needs to be at the church ready to serve by 5pm on May 10th. Questions can be directed to the Project Leaders, Peggy & Eddie Schwacke:  peggy031220@outlook.com  
   Here is the online signup for food: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E45A5A92FA0F58-charleston3
   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 12th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, May 13th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals That Heal:  Saturday, May 13th, 4-6pm.  Online signup required. Contact Rachel Speer for more info.
   
   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. Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14th, is going to be AWESOME at Coastal!  There will be fun giveaways, free Kona Ice, a family photo station, and baby & child dedication during all 3 services. If you would like your family to participate in the baby/child dedication, sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday OR sign up online. Include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending.
   
   We also need your help with a special project for Mother’s Day at Coastal. We need PICTURES of the mother’s in your life (like the one above) – moms with kids, grandmothers, daughters and grandkids!  They don’t have to be anything fancy.  We would just like to use them to put the women in our lives front and center on Mother’s Day.  You can send them by email to ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
3. Coastal Day at the Riverdogs!  Join us on Sunday, May 21 at 5pm at Joe Riley Park for the Charleston Riverdogs Baseball Game. Tickets are FREE (our Gift to YOU) and will be distributed digitally (you MUST have an email to receive the tickets). Parking at the stadium is also FREE on that day.  Please submit your name, email, and number of tickets on your Connect Card OR by simply emailing Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  We only have approximately 125 tickets left to give away (we’re capping it at 800)!
   
4. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Monday evening, May 22nd, 6pm-8:45pm. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Dinner & childcare provided!
   
5. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 11th, 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, 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.

P.S. Coastal VBS – July 10th-14th, 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  This year’s theme is a Space Theme!  You can start registering your children now!  You can also start signing up to serve at VBS!

Word is getting out about what God is doing here at Coastal!  I’ve been down in Florida part of this week for my Pastor’s Coaching Meeting.  Two of the Pastors from my Group, one from Austin, TX, and one from Cincinnati, OH, have scheduled trips to Charleston to visit our church in June.  They want to experience what we’re doing first hand, ask questions, and see what next steps they might take back to their own church.  Sure, there are plenty of much larger churches in their area (even in our area), but sometimes it’s better and more relatable to learn from someone who is maybe only 2 or 3 steps or stages ahead of you, than it is from someone who is 20 steps ahead of you.

And speaking of the “word getting out”, I want to share a story with you that I shared at last Sunday’s VIP Volunteer Meeting about the power of a simple invitation.  Evidently, Claire Moody, a member of our Worship Team, had left some “You’re Invited” cards at her workplace break room.  Well, it just so happened that one of her co-workers had just been talking with her husband that day about their need to find a church.  She shows up in the break room and picks up one of those cards and came to church on Easter Sunday with her family.  As they stand for worship, she looks up and sees Claire, her co-worker, on stage, helping to lead worship!  SHE HAD NO IDEA!  They met up after church and were both in tears of joy!  And not only did they attend Easter, but they came back, and they have family moving to the area right around the corner from our church.  And one of them wants to get Baptized!!  I unknowingly met them the following Sunday after church and asked them how they found our church.  The woman smiled and said, “Well, it’s kind of a funny story. . .,” and she proceeded to tell me what I just shared with you!,

Again, the power of a simple invitation!  People all around us are searching, and God is preparing the soil of their hearts.  He’s simply looking for people to plant seed, people who are prayerful and faithful and will extend a simple invitation.  2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”  Tell Him to search no further!  Say, “God use me!  My heart is fully committed to You and Your Kingdom!  I will keep serving, keep loving, keep giving, and keep inviting!”  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do TOGETHER!  

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

If we’re not friends on Facebook or Instagram – give me a follow!
https://www.facebook.com/chris.rollins
On Instagram:  jampastorchris

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, Friday (TODAY), April 28th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday (TODAY), April 28th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, May 5th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, May 5th, 9:30am-11:30am.  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, May 6th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, May 9th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Charleston Vets Potluck: Wednesday, May 10th, 6-8pm.  Sign up online to serve and then an email will be sent to volunteers about signing up to bring food. 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. On Mother’s Day, May 14th, Coastal will celebrate all the women in our lives with fun giveaways, free Kona Ice for all ages, a family photo station, and baby & child dedication during all 3 services. If you would like your family to participate in the baby/child dedication, sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday OR sign up online. Include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending.
3. Coastal Day at the Riverdogs!  Join us on Sunday, May 21 at 5pm at Joe Riley Park for the Charleston Riverdogs Baseball Game. Tickets are FREE (our Gift to YOU) and will be distributed digitally (you MUST have an email to receive the tickets). Parking at the stadium is also FREE on that day.  Please submit your name, email, and number of tickets on your Connect Card beginning this Sunday OR by simply emailing Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is THIS Sunday, April 30th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today or on your Connect Card on Sunday!
5. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 11th, 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, 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.

P.S. 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 MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  There is something for everyone.  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! You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want directly from our website.  And by the way, you don’t even have to call Coastal your home to participate! Invite and bring your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to serve!  If you are looking to make an IMPACT in our community, this is the way to do it! 

P.S.S. Mark your calendars now – July 10th-14th, from 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  This year’s theme is a Space Theme!  You can start registering your children now!  You can also start signing up to serve at VBS! Check out the flyer in your bulletin this weekend for more information!

This Sunday, during the 11:30am service, we’re having another Baptism!  I want to tell you a little bit about the story of the man we’ll be Baptizing.  His name is Stephen Ziker.  Stephen is Jewish.  He has been attending Coastal now for a little over a year.  Stephen’s first connection to Coastal was, of all things, our Sewing Group.  Stephen’s wife of 48 years passed away last year.  She was a believer, and while her faith was something that she shared with their children, it was not something that she and Stephen had shared together.  His wife loved to sew and had a lot of fabric and equipment in their home (equipment that over the years Stephen helped fix and maintain).  After her passing, to maintain a connection with his wife, and to help with the grieving process, Stephen taught himself to sew and got involved in our Sewing Group.  Through Evalyn, Beth, and others in the Sewing Group, they directed this hurting, grieving man to Coastal’s Grief Share Group.  

Grief Share was exactly what Stephen needed.  It helped him process his grief and put him on a path of discovery and questions about God and faith.  Now, between Sue, Freeda, Kim, and everyone in Grief Share and all his new sewing buddies, Stephen was surrounded with new, loving, supportive Christian friends who kept inviting him to come and check out Coastal on Sunday mornings.  

And check out Coastal he did.  Stephen started attending Coastal regularly and got involved in the life of our church.  He had many questions.  He started attending various LIFE Groups and meeting with me on a regular basis.  We bought him a new Study Bible which he started reading.  He also read, “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel and even joined Pastor Ryan’s LIFE Group on Lee Strobel’s other book, “The Case for Faith.”  Honestly, over the past year, between Sunday morning sermons, LIFE Groups, meetings with me, Sue & Freeda, and several others, Stephen probably heard the Gospel presented and explained more than anyone I know.  He even came to our Evangelism Training Seminar!  I actually called him out on that one a little bit – a Jewish unbeliever, who is still considering the claims of Christ on his life, coming to a training where you learn to share your story, share your faith, and invite people to church – haha!  

But for whatever reason, he just wasn’t ready to surrender and open up his heart to Jesus.  But then on the afternoon of Friday, March 24th, during a phone conversation with his daughter (who is also a believer living in Charlotte), the floodgates of Stephen’s heart opened up and he received Jesus as his Lord and Savior!  He sent me, Sue, and Freeda the following email to tell us the Good News:  

• “During my Friday discussion session this afternoon with my daughter Jeri, the Lord saw fit to help me Open my Heart to Jesus and the Holy Spirit . . .Thank you for all your prayers, support, understanding, and teachings as the Lord has drawn me out of the depths of my Despair and Anguish last year into The Light of the Holy Spirit!  There certainly are NO Coincidences!  My steps have clearly been guided to this moment today.  Thank you for your wonderful kindness, prayers, and guidance through this most difficult time in my life!  In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – Amen!

Coastal, I share that story with you for several reasons.  First, and most importantly, so that you can celebrate with all the Angels in Heaven that someone who was once lost is now found (Luke 15)!  But I also share that story to remind you not to lose hope or give up on anyone.  No one is beyond the grace of God!  Keep praying!  Keep loving!  Keep serving!  Keep inviting!  Stephen’s story is a great example of the “chain of salvation.”  What I mean by that is that God used many, many people, experiences, and circumstances as a link in the chain of Stephen coming to faith.  And if you serve or give or are involved in any capacity at Coastal, you too were a link in that chain.

Stephen was actually volunteering this week in our office.  We both shared how excited we are about his Baptism this Sunday.  And then Stephen shared something with me that I will never forget.  He said, “Pastor Chris, I don’t know how to explain it, but I have a sense joy and peace in my life I’ve never had before.  It’s like I’m a brand new person!”  You are Stephen!  You are!  Coastal – that right there is why we do what we do, and it never gets old!  I love you Coastal (and I love you, my new Brother Stephen)!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do TOGETHER!  

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

If we’re not friends on Facebook or Instagram – give me a follow!
https://www.facebook.com/chris.rollins
On Instagram:  jampastorchris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:|
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday (TODAY), April 21st, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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 28th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, April 28th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, May 5th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, May 5th, 9:30am-11:30am.  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, May 6th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, May 9th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Charleston Vets Potluck: Wednesday, May 10th, 6-8pm.  Sign up online to serve and then an email will be sent to volunteers about signing up to bring food. 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. On Mother’s Day, May 14th, Coastal will celebrate all the women in our lives with fun giveaways, free Kona Ice for all ages, a family photo station, and baby & child dedication during all 3 services. If you would like your family to participate in the baby/child dedication, sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday OR sign up online. Include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending.
3. Coastal Day at the Riverdogs!  Join us on Sunday, May 21 at 5pm at Joe Riley Park for the Charleston Riverdogs Baseball Game. Tickets are FREE (our Gift to YOU) and will be distributed digitally (you MUST have an email to receive the tickets). Parking at the stadium is also FREE on that day.  Please submit your name, email, and number of tickets on your Connect Card beginning this Sunday OR by simply emailing Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is NEXT Sunday, April 30th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today or on your Connect Card on Sunday!
5. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 11th, 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, 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.
   

P.S. 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 MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  There is something for everyone.  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! You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want directly from our website.  And by the way, you don’t even have to call Coastal your home to participate! Invite and bring your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to serve!  If you are looking to make an IMPACT in our community, this is the way to do it! 

P.S.S. Mark your calendars now – July 10th-14th, from 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  This year’s theme is a Space Theme!  You can start registering your children now!  You can also start signing up to serve at VBS! Check out the flyer in your bulletin this weekend for more information!

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 – Worship/Production, Coastal Kidz, Security, Cafe, Prayer, 1st Impressions – all 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 we could not do what we do without you!  

Going into the weekend, I seriously had no idea how many people to expect in attendance in-person.  Last year we had over 1700 (our largest attendance ever at that time) and so our goal for this year was to break 2000.  Well, this year we set a new Coastal attendance record with 2,218 people in-person over the weekend!  And then we had another 1301 online – for a grand total of 3519!

We had a ton of 1st Time Guests – people who were invited by a friend or who saw an ad, received a post card, or found us online.  In fact, we gave away 66 1st Time Guest Bags, had 67 1st & 2nd Time Guest Connect Cards filled out (those bags & cards represent hundreds of people), and 13 Decisions made!   Like I said, WOW!  Thank you Jesus!!  All Glory to God!

Now, let me say this – Easter has come and gone, but Jesus is still alive, and there is still a sense of urgency!  Keep praying, keep inviting, keep serving, keep reaching out.  People still need Jesus, and He is still the hope of the world.  And if the people you invited didn’t come, don’t get discouraged and don’t give up.  And for those of you who came for the first time or maybe came back for the first in a long time, keep coming!  You are welcome at Coastal!  This week, we’ll be digging into Romans 8 – one of the greatest chapters in the Bible!  Don’t miss it!

And don’t forget that we go to our new Sunday morning worship services times this week – 8:30am, 10am, and 11:30am.  

If you took home and put up a Yard Sign, please pick them up and return them to the church.  And if you see any others, out and about in the community, make sure you grab those as well and drop them off at the church.  We really try to do our best to reuse them each Easter.

And as I’m sure you realize, the opportunities to serve on Sunday, don’t go away now that Easter has come and gone.  In fact, now with 3 services, the need is even greater than before!  So if serving on Easter was a first for you, we’d love for you to serve again!  If you’re a veteran volunteer, consider serving more often, while we welcome and onboard our new volunteers.  Reach out to your Ministry Leaders or go to Planning Center and sign up to serve today!  And don’t forget, YOU are the best recruiters for new volunteers!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together! 

With Much Love & Gratitude!
Pastor Chris 

If we’re not friends on Facebook or Instagram – give me a follow!
https://www.facebook.com/chris.rollins
On Instagram:  jampastorchris

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, Friday (TODAY), April 14th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals That Heal:  Saturday, April 15th, 4-6pm.  Online signup required. Contact Rachel Speer for more info.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, April 18th, 2pm-5pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, April 19th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night –  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, April 20th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, April 21st, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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 28th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, April 28th, 4-6pm.  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. On Mother’s Day, May 14th, Coastal will celebrate all the women in our lives with fun giveaways, free Kona Ice for all ages, a family photo station, and baby & child dedication during all 3 services. If you would like your family to participate in the baby/child dedication, sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday. Include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending.
   
3. Coastal Day at the Riverdogs!  Join us on Sunday, May 21 at 5pm at Joe Riley Park for the Charleston Riverdogs Baseball Game. Tickets are FREE (our Gift to YOU) and will be distributed digitally (you MUST have an email to receive the tickets). Parking at the stadium is also FREE on that day.  Please submit your name, email, and number of tickets on your Connect Card beginning April 23 Or by simply emailing Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, April 30th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today or on your Connect Card on Sunday!
   
5. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 11th, 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, 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.

P.S. 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 MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  There is something for everyone.  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! You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want directly from our website.  And by the way, you don’t even have to call Coastal your home to participate! Invite and bring your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to serve!  If you are looking to make an IMPACT in our community, this is the way to do it! 

P.S.S. Mark your calendars now – July 10th-14th, from 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  This year’s theme is a Space Theme!  You can start registering your children now!  You can also start signing up to serve at VBS! Check out the flyer in your bulletin this weekend for more information!

“911, what’s your emergency?”  Well, it’s not an emergency, but that’s how many people were at Coastal this past Sunday – 911!  If these last few weeks are any indication of what’s going to happen this weekend – it’s going to be amazing!  That’s right – THIS WEEKEND!  Easter is finally 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!  I can’t wait to celebrate that with you and your friends & family this weekend:  Friday (TONIGHT), April 7th, 7pm; Saturday (TOMORROW), April 8th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 9th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am.

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 this weekend!  You never know the power of a simple invitation.  42 years ago a friend from school invited me to church.  One week later, 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 Days like Easter, especially Sunday morning.  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!  Remember, it’s not about you. 

PRAY!  Pray for everyone who has and still will receive an invitation to come to church.  Pray that not only will they say yes, but that their hearts will be open and receptive to the Gospel.  Pray for me, my voice, my energy, and my message.  Pray for our Worship/Tech Team.  Pray for Coastal Kidz and all the children they will see over the weekend.  Pray for all of our Volunteers that they will be ambassadors for Jesus and His church this weekend and all of our Guests will feel like our welcome, expected Guests in our home.  And speaking of Guests, make sure you escort yours to Guest Services to receive their free gift (“Bag of Swag”).  Fill out a Connect Card (yes – there will be giveaways at the end of each service) and encourage your Guests to do the same.  As a Staff and as a church, we started working on and planning for Easter back in January.  Yes, there is still time to invite people, but for the most part the work has been done.  Now, we continue to pray like it all depends on God.  We walk by faith and trust Him.  And then we celebrate the results!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I can’t wait to celebrate with you! 

He Is Risen!
Pastor Chris 

If we’re not friends on Facebook or Instagram – give me a follow!
https://www.facebook.com/chris.rollins
On Instagram:  jampastorchris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday (TODAY), April 7th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday (TODAY), April 7th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island. 
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday (TOMORROW), April 8th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, April 11th, 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, April 14th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals That Heal:  Saturday, April 15th, 4-6pm.  Online signup required. Contact Rachel Speer for more info.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, April 18th, 2pm-5pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, April 19th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night –  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, April 20th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, April 21st, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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 28th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, April 28th, 4-6pm.  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. On Mother’s Day, May 14th, Coastal will celebrate all the women in our lives with fun giveaways, free Kona Ice for all ages, a family photo station, and baby & child dedication during all 3 services. If you would like your family to participate in the baby/child dedication, sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday. Include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending.
   
3. Don’t forget, that beginning this Easter Sunday forward, our new Sundaymorning service times will be:  8:30am, 10am, and 11:30am!  As our church continues to grow, this is simply the next step for us to accommodate that growth and enable us to continue to grow!
   
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, April 30th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today or on your Connect Card on Sunday!
   
5. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 11th, 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 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.

P.S. 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 MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  There is something for everyone.  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! You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want directly from our website.  And by the way, you don’t even have to call Coastal your home to participate! Invite and bring your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to serve!  If you are looking to make an IMPACT in our community, this is the way to do it! 

P.S.S. Mark your calendars now – July 10th-14th, from 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  This year’s theme is a Space Theme!  You can start registering your children now!  You can also start signing up to serve at VBS! Check out the flyer in your bulletin this weekend for more information!

It was another exciting day at Coastal this past Sunday!  We had two salvations (one on Friday & one on Sunday).  We had 2 more baptisms (14 now for the year).  We had 6 people renew their commitment to Jesus, and one person wants to talk to someone about being a follower of Jesus!  We had 14 1st & 2nd Time Guest Connect Cards filled out, and we already had people who came because they got one of our postcards in the mail or saw us serving at Carolina Bay!  WOW!  God is up to something special at Coastal, and I can’t wait to see what He’s going to do over the Easter Weekend next week!

Now, obviously there has been a big build up for Easter, but don’t think for a second that everything slows down and comes to a screeching halt after Easter at Coastal.  In fact, just the opposite is true.  In fact, here are 4 things that I’m excited about that I want to share with you:

– Mother’s Day, May 14th, is going to be awesome!  Ladies (all women, not just moms), you are going to LOVE your gift this year from the church!  And yes, there will be Kona Ice, Giveaways, and a Photo Booth.  But Mother’s Day (and Father’s Day) means Baby/Child Dedication at Coastal.  We’re capping each service at 10 families per service, so sign up this weekend for the service of your choice – first come, first serve!

– SUMMER OF IMPACT!  If you’ve been at Coastal over a Summer, you know what this is all about.  It’s basically the Outreach/Serving projects we do during the month ON STEROIDS for the month of June!  This year there are over 40 different projects – something for everyone, almost every day of the month of June.  You’ll get to see a calendar insert on Easter Sunday!

– BEACH BAPTISM!  This is always a special highlight of the year!  We usually have a Beach Baptism at the beginning of the Summer and the end of the Summer.  Our first one will be Sunday, June 11th, 5pm, at Folly Beach County Park.  If you are interested in getting Baptized at the Beach, you can go to our website and sign up today!

– VBS AT COASTAL! Mark your calendars now – July 10th-14th, from 6-8:15pm each night for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  This year theme is a Space Theme!  You’ll be able to start registering your children and signing up to serve Easter weekend!

Wow!  And that’s just 4 things around the corner I’m excited about!  It doesn’t even include our annual kick off of “At the Movies”, Summer Camp for our Students, a Missions Trip to Peru, and there might even be another Coastal Day at the River Dogs on the horizon!  Plus there is something we’re already working on for the Fall that I believe God is going to use in a powerful way in our church – but I’ll save that for another Friday 5!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together! 

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

If we’re not friends on Facebook or Instagram – give me a follow!
https://www.facebook.com/chris.rollins
On Instagram:  jampastorchris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, THIS MORNING, Friday, March 31st, 9:30-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Family Serve Night:  TONIGHT, Friday, March 31st, 6-7:30pm, we will be packing “On the Go Meal/Snack Bags” for the resident of the Ronald McDonald House. Don’t be late. It goes fast.
   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, Saturday, April 1st.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, April 7th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, April 7th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island. 
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, April 8th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, April 11th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   
   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. Well, it’s time – time to make the ask and invite your friends to church this Easter!  Our Easter services are now officially ONE WEEK AWAY!  Hopefully by now you’re well aware that we’re having 6 identical services over three days (see times and dates above).  And speaking of making the ask, what’s the worst thing that can happen?  They say no.  And by the way, just because someone says no, keep praying, keep loving, keep serving, look for the open door and ask again later.  But think for a moment about the best thing that could happen.  You could be used by God to literally affect someone’s eternity.  It’s possible that they hear the Good News of the Gospel and give their life to Jesus!  We have the opportunity to literally change the trajectory of entire generations by a simple ask.  Don’t  believe me?  You’re a part of Coastal today because a friend invited me to church when I was 13 years old.  One week later from that ask, I gave my life to Jesus and felt God’s call for ministry.  Make the ask! 
   
   For those of you on Social Media, please go to our Easter at Coastal webpage and click on the “Download Shareable Easter Invite Images” button.  A zip file containing a folder of different images will automatically download on your computer.  These are great images to use on Facebook and Instagram to get the word out and invite people to Coastal for Easter!
   
   And while you’re on our Easter At Coastal page, make sure you go ahead and register for the service you and your family and friends are planning to attend!  That way we can let people know when a service is reaching capacity.  Make sure you connect with your LIFE Team Leader and sign up now to serve at one or more of our services (see contact info. below).  If you are not currently serving in a Ministry, Easter is a great time to get started!
   
3. Don’t forget, beginning Easter Sunday forward, our new Sunday morning service times will be 8:30am, 10am, and 11:30am.  Our church continues to grow, and this is simply the next step for us to accommodate that growth and enable us to continue to grow.  With that growth comes new opportunities to serve on Sunday mornings.    
   
   You can sign up to serve on your Connect Card this Sunday or you can go to our website right now and sign up today: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/serve/ 
   
   You can also contact our LIFE Team Leaders directly (contact info below).  Each one of our LIFE Team Leaders are AWESOME, and they will step you through the process. I promise you that what you will receive in return, is far greater than any sacrifice you think you will make.  Sign up today!
   
   Janet Rollins: Coastal Kidz
   janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org
   843-442-8299
   
   Chris Ranew: 1st Impressions
   chrisranew@gmail.com
   706-941-2044 
   
   Matt & Kathy Beam: Cafe
   mattbeam13@yahoo.com
   843-296-0203
   
   Bryan Miller: Security Team
   bryan.bcmill@gmail.com
   843-296-2991
   
   Pastor Chris Jones: Prayer Team
   chrisjones@coastalcommunitychurch.org
   843-870-4613
   
   Pastor Ryan Spell: Tech & Online Engagement
   ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org
   843-442-8985
   
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, April 30th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
5. Coastal is looking to hire an Administrative Assistant.  This would be a part time, hourly position – approximately 24 hours a week, Monday-Thursday, 9am-3pm.  This person would would work closely with Rachel Speer, supporting our Pastors and Staff, and managing our office reception area.  If you are interested, please submit a resume to info@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

P.S. One of Coastal’s largest areas of growth is in our online community. Every week, over 650 people gather online through our website, YouTube, and Facebook to engage in our Sunday Services. In order to make these experiences the best we possible can, we need a team of people ready and waiting to answer questions, discuss the message, guide people through next steps and really just be the “friendly face” of Coastal for these people. The best part is that you can even serve from home! All of the tools needed are ready made for you! We just simply need you in order to replicate the welcoming and friendly environment that Coastal is known for online. To be a part of this team simply reach out to Pastor Ryan at ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org. 

This past Sunday was just amazing!  We had 822 in-person and 704 online!  We had a ton of guests, gave away a lot of “swag bags”, gave away ALL of our new t-shirts (don’t worry we’re ordering more), and gave out all of our Easter at Coastal signs!  We also had 1 person indicate that they wanted to talk to someone about being a follower of Jesus and 6 others recommit their lives to Jesus!  And get this, in the first service there were 45 KIDS in the 1st-3rd Classroom in Coastal Kids!  In fact Coastal Kidz had 239 on Sunday – the most they’ve ever had on a Sunday, except for Easter!  By the way, that’s the other reason we’re adding a 3rd service beginning Easter Sunday – to make more room in Coastal Kidz.  And then Sunday night we closed out the day with our IMPACT Evangelism Training Seminar.  It was AWESOME, and 80 people turned out for it!  It really was a great day!

I want to share something with you that happed as a result of my sermon several weeks ago.  It was the end of our “Relationship Rescue” series, and in my message I said this, “Do you want the same kind of home life that you see in most families today?  Then just keep doing what most people do.  Make your children the focus of your home.  Don’t discipline them.  Be their friend first.  Who cares how much screen time they have?  Make sports and travel ball a priority over church and Youth Group.”  Well evidently that last single sentence struck a chord with several people.  One parent in particular shared with me how they made a point that week not to miss LIFE Group because of sports.  And then this happened.  Evidently something was scheduled on a Sunday, and this parent told the coach that they couldn’t make it because of church.  The coach said this, “What are your priorities?”  Wow!  This parent handled it well (probably better than I would have).  But the real disturbing, disappointing thing happened next.  The coach said, “In 7 years of coaching, I’ve never once had one parent complain, speak up, or say anything about church being a conflict.”

Now, I share all of that, not to make a point about youth sports or travel ball.  Although Janet and I have said for years, that if all the parents who are Christians would simply put their foot down and refuse to practice, play games, or tournaments on Sunday, it wouldn’t happen.  But apparently, at least according to one coach, no one does.  The real point I’m making and the point I was making in my sermon was, “If you want what everyone has, just keep doing what everyone is doing.”  That applies to your family, your finances, your marriage, your sex life, your body, everything.  The world is drifting further and further away from Christ.  That’s not surprising.  But we, as followers of Jesus, are called to stand out, to be set apart, to be different from the rest of the world.  1 Peter 2:9 says this, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”  Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

I wholeheartedly believe that as the world around us gets darker and darker, that the light of Christ will shine brighter and brighter!  I believe that these difficult days are simply opportunities for the true church and followers of Jesus to rise up and point people to the only real Hope – our Risen Savior and King Jesus!  But we can’t do that if we’re not following Him, living for Him, and becoming more and more like Him day by day.  And when we do that, we WILL stand out, we WILL be different, not because we think we’re better than anyone, but simply because we’re forgiven sinners who have found the Savior.  And now it’s our job to share what we’ve found with the world around us – to love them, serve them, and invite them to a place where they to can discover Jesus!  Who are you inviting to Coastal this Easter?  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together! 

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

If we’re not friends on Facebook or Instagram – give me a follow!
https://www.facebook.com/chris.rollins
On Instagram:  jampastorchris

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, March 24th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to homeless and hungry downtown! Today, Friday, March 24th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Carolina Bay Spring Fling/Easter Egg Hunt: On Saturday, March 25th, 2-5pm, Coastal will be providing a Kids Craft area for all the children.  Meet at Carolina Bay park at 1:30pm to help with set-up. 
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, March 29th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, March 31st, 6-7:30pm.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Family Serve Night:  On Friday, March 31st, 6-7:30pm, we will be packing “On the Go Meal/Snack Bags” for the resident of the Ronald McDonald House.
   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, April 1st.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, April 7th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, April 7th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   
   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. You know the drill by now – INVITE, INVITE, INVITE!  Go to Easter at Coastal and download our shareable graphics to use on Social Media.  And while you’re there don’t forget to let us know which service you plan on attending by reserving your spot.  It lets us know when a service reaches capacity.  We really want to encourage our people to attend on Friday and Saturday, to make more room on Sunday.  If you need to come that Sunday, please try to come to the 8:30am or the 11:30am service.  Typically, the 10am service is PACKED!  But most importantly, as we always say, come to the service that you can get your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to come to.
   
3. Don’t forget, beginning Easter Sunday our new Sunday morning service times will be 8:30am, 10am, and 11:30am.  Our church continues to grow and this is simply the next step for us to accommodate that growth and enable us to continue to grow.  With that growth comes new opportunities to serve.    
   
   Our biggest needs are probably Coastal Kids and 1st Impressions, but each one of our Sunday morning LIFE Teams (Cafe, Security, Prayer) will need new Sunday morning Volunteers.  You can sign up to serve on your Connect Card this Sunday or you can go to our website right now and sign up today: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/serve/  Each one of our Ministry Leaders are AWESOME, and they will step you through the process. I promise you that what you will receive in return, is far greater than any sacrifice you think you will make.  Sign up today!
   
4. Being a member of Coastal is really about being part of a family. The next Membership Class is THIS Saturday (TOMORROW), March 25th, from 9-11:30am. If you haven’t signed up, you can still come.  Simply respond to this email and let us know if you need childcare.
   
5. Attention All Student Ministry Parents!  Registration is open for Fuge Summer Camp in Greenville, SC – July 3-8.  Join hundreds of Students from all over the Southeast for amazing music, messages specifically for teenagers, and great games and recreation!  Total cost for the week is $350 per student (friends are invited to join too).  Parent information meeting THIS Sunday, March 26th immediately after the 1st service in the Chapel.

P.S. I want to challenge you to give a sacrificial gift, above and beyond over the Easter Weekend.  Big days like this incur extra expenses – advertising, direct mail, supplies, etc.  At Coastal, however, we look at all of this as an investment – an eternal Kingdom investment, planting seeds to reach our community for Jesus.  And we could not do it without your generous, consistent giving!  Thank you in advance for your generosity! 

It’s now just 3 WEEKS UNTIL EASTER!  It’s time – time to start putting out those Yard Signs, making those phone calls, sending those texts, extending those invitations!  Go to Easter at Coastal and download our shareable graphics to use on Social Media.  And while you’re there don’t forget to let us know which service you plan on attending by reserving your spot.  It lets us know when a service reaches capacity.  We really want to encourage our people to attend on Friday and Saturday, to make more room on Sunday.  If you need to come that Sunday, please try to come to the 8:30am or the 11:30am service.  Typically, the 10am service is PACKED!  But most importantly, as we always say, come to the service that you can get your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to come to.  

Don’t forget, beginning Easter Sunday our new Sunday morning service times will be 8:30am, 10am, and 11:30am.  Our church continues to grow and this is simply the next step for us to accommodate that growth and enable us to continue to grow.  With that growth comes new opportunities to serve.  At Coastal we never guilt or pressure anyone into serving.  We definitely challenge people to serve, but we make no apologies for that, because Jesus said you experience true life when you give your live away in service of others.  As we say at Coastal, “we don’t want to guilt you into serving, we want to grace you into serving.”  

However, with all of that said, it’s time to have a “family meeting” so to speak, and to be honest with you.  All of those things I just shared are true, but you also need to know that with Easter Weekend approaching and adding a third service, there is definitely a huge need for Sunday morning Volunteers.  One of the things that I have always loved about our church, is that if I simply share the need with our church, that our church faithfully responds.  I am sharing the need and asking you to respond.  Our biggest needs are probably Coastal Kids and 1st Impressions, but each one of our Sunday morning LIFE Teams (Cafe, Security, Prayer) will need new Sunday morning Volunteers.  You can sign up to serve on your Connect Card this Sunday or you can go to our website right now and sign up today: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/serve/  Each one of our Ministry Leaders are AWESOME, and they will step you through the process. I promise you that what you will receive in return, is far greater than any sacrifice you think you will make.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Today, Friday, March 17th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, March 21st, 2pm-5pm.
   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, March 24th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to homeless and hungry downtown! Friday, March 24th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Carolina Bay Spring Fling/Easter Egg Hunt: On Saturday, March 25th, 2-5pm, Coastal will be providing a Kids Craft are for all the children.  Meet at Carolina Bay park at 1:30pm to help with set-up. 
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, March 29th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, March 31st, 6-7:30pm.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Family Serve Night:  On Friday, March 31st, 6-7:30pm, we will be packing “On the Go Meal/Snack Bags” for the resident of the Ronald McDonald House. 
   
   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. ALIVE AFTER 55 (a new Coastal Group)!  Our “Youthful Seniors” are launching a new fellowship group at Coastal!  In their own words, “It will give all of us ‘Older Folks’ a chance to come together in Fellowship.”  We will be hosting an event the THIRD SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH. Times and locations will differ.  The first gathering is a MEET AND GREET POT LUCK THIS Saturday, March 18TH, 11:30 – 1:00, in the Coastal Café area.  Bring your favorite dish, meet folks your own age, fellowship and have some fun.  Please email or text Steve & Karen Laughlin if you’re available and what you’d like to bring:  Karenlaughlin2626@gmail.com / 509 539 5815.
3. HIS Sunday, March 19th, 5pm-8pm, we’re hosting an IMPACT Evangelism Training Seminar.  Childcare and Dinner provided.  Come learn practical tools to help equip you to share your story, share your faith, and invite people to church without fear!  RSVP on your Connect Card. 
4. Being a member of Coastal is really about being part of a family. The next Membership Class is NEXT Saturday, March 25th, from 9-11:30am. Sign up on your Connect Card and indicate if you’ll need childcare.
5. Attention All Student Ministry Parents!  Registration is open for Fuge Summer Camp in Greenville, SC – July 3-8.  Join hundreds of Students from all over the Southeast for amazing music, messages specifically for teenagers, and great games and recreation!  Total cost for the week is $350 per student (friends are invited to join too).  Parent information meeting NEXT Sunday, March 26th immediately after the 1st service in the Chapel.

P.S I want to challenge you to give a sacrificial gift, above and beyond over the Easter Weekend.  Big days like this incur extra expenses – advertising, direct mail, supplies, etc.  At Coastal, however, we look at all of this as an investment – an eternal Kingdom investment, planting seeds to reach our community for Jesus.  And we could not do it without your generous, consistent giving!  Thank you in advance for your generosity! 

We had such a great Newcomer’s Reception this past Sunday – 37 people!  I never want to take for granted all the new people who are coming to our church each and every week.  God is definitely up to something, using our church to draw people to Himself.  But He uses churches and people that are ready, receptive, and realize that church is not all about me and my needs and my preferences.  It’s about others, reaching out to the ONE, the person who might not yet have a personal relationship with Jesus.  It’s about doing whatever it takes, short of sin, to see people come to know Him.  And that’s the other thing that I am forever grateful for – that we have a whole bunch of people at Coastal who get that, people who pray for our church and the lost, who regularly and consistently invite and bring people to church, who serve and volunteer, who give generously and consistently.  I usually wait to the end of article to say it, but I’m going to say it now, “I truly love you Coastal.  I love being your Pastor.  And I love what we get to do together!”

Here’s your official Easter Countdown: the first of our 6 Easter Services is now 28 days away!  Here is the schedule:  Friday, April 7th, 7pm;  Saturday, April 8th, 4:30 & 6pm;  Sunday, April 9th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am!  Make sure you pick up all the Easter Invite Tools this Sunday: tickets, invite cards, & yard signs!  And make sure you go to Easter at Coastal and let us know which service you plan on attending.  And while you’re there, make sure you download our shareable graphics to use on Social Media.  We really want to encourage our Coastal people to attend on Friday and Saturday, to make more room on Sunday.  If you need to come that Sunday, please try to come to the 8:30am or the 11:30am service.  Typically, the 10am service is PACKED!  But the most important thing is to come to the service that you can get your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to come to.  And talk to your Ministry Leaders now and please volunteer for multiple services.  6 services means that it’s “All Hands On Deck.”  We need everyone!  And if you’re not serving on Sunday morning yet, Easter is a great time to start.  Sign up to volunteer on your Connect Card this Sunday, and we’ll get you plugged in.  It will be one of the most worthwhile things you do, being used by God to be a link in the chain of people taking next steps and coming to know Jesus!

One last thing, on Saturday, March 25th, from 2-5pm, our church will be participating in the Carolina Bay Spring Fling/Easter Egg Hunt!  We’ll be providing a craft area for all the children.  We’ll have our Coastal tents, tables, and supplies for 300 children!  Here’s what we need – VOLUNTEERS!  Now, there are A LOT of Coastal people who live in Carolina Bay.  If you would be willing to be a volunteer and simply welcome and greet people, help children at a craft table, and be a Coastal Ambassador, please respond to this email.  Even if you can help for an hour or two, just let me know.  And you don’t have to live in Carolina Bay to help – anyone is welcome!

What makes this opportunity even more exciting is that our church is going to be featured in the next Carolina Bay Neighbors and Shadowmoss LivingMagazines!  There will be an exclusive article about our church and a full page ad for Easter!  Be on the lookout for it!  Those two magazines go to Carolina Bay, Bolton’s Landing, the Pointe at Rhode’s Crossing, Shadowmoss, Village Green, Hickory Hill, MacLaura Hall, and Magnolia Bluff,  Be on the lookout for it!  I know I said it earlier, but I just can’t help it – I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

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, March 10th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston. 
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, March 10th, 9am-11am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Tomorrow, Saturday, March 11th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals That Heal:  Saturday, March 11th, 4-6pm.  Meet at 81 Gadsden Street, downtown Charleston.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, March 14th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night –  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, March 16th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, March 17th, 8:30am-11am.  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. ALIVE AFTER 55 (a new Coastal Group)!  Our “Youthful Seniors” are launching a new fellowship group at Coastal!  In their own words, “It will give all of us ‘Older Folks’ a chance to come together in Fellowship.”  We will be hosting an event the THIRD SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH. Times and locations will differ.  The first gathering is a MEET AND GREET POT LUCK on Saturday, March 18TH, 11:30 – 1:00, in the Coastal Café area.  Bring your favorite dish, meet folks your own age, fellowship and have some fun.  Please email or text Steve & Karen Laughlin if you’re available and what you’d like to bring:  Karenlaughlin2626@gmail.com / 509 539 5815.
   
3. On Sunday, March 19th, 5pm-8pm, we’re hosting an IMPACT Evangelism Training Seminar.  Childcare and Dinner provided.  Come learn practical tools to help equip you to share your story, share your faith, and invite people to church without fear!  RSVP on your Connect Card. 
   
4. Being a member of Coastal is really about being part of a family. The next Membership Class is Saturday, March 25th, from 9-11:30am. Sign up on your Connect Card and indicate if you’ll need childcare.
   
5. WE NEED FOOD!  Surely by now you know that our church feeds an ENORMOUS amount of people through our Community Food Bank.  People come to our church for food throughout the week, and then we also push out a lot food through our Blessing Boxes, Tailgates, etc.  Where does all that food come from?  Well, some comes from other groups and a few seasonal food drives from outside organizations.  But by far, MOST of it comes from YOU, our Coastal family.  Food can be dropped off during the week during Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm.  Or you can simply bring it with you to church on Sundays.  Some people have actually starting ordering it through Amazon and having it shipped directly to the church (460 Arlington Dr., Charleston, SC 29414).  
   
   Here is a current list of our most pressing needs: jelly, soups of all kinds, cereal (boxed), ramen, individual snacks, canned protein, canned pasta meals (ravioli, spaghetti, etc.), oatmeal.  
   
   We also now provide perishables in our refrigerator and freezer such as: milk, cheese, eggs, ground beef, chicken, pork chops, fruit.  Thank you Coastal!  You are making an IMPACT!! 

P.S. Don’t forget that it’s Time Change Sunday this weekend!  Your clocks will “spring forward” one hour.  Yes, you’ll lose an hour on Sunday, and yes, your kid’s inner clock will be “out of whack”, but we’ll get those longer days of Spring & Summer!  But don’t use this as an excuse to miss church on Sunday!

I just wanted to personally invite you to sign up for our “Making An IMPACT” Evangelism Seminar on Sunday, March 19th, 5pm-8pm.  Childcare and Dinner provided.  

I’ll be honest with you, I hate including the word “Evangelism” in any kind of announcement about a training or seminar, not because I don’t believe in evangelism, but because of all the images and fear it sparks in people’s minds.  So let me be clear, this is NOT about knocking on doors and asking people you don’t know, if they died tonight would they go to heaven or hell?  This is not about standing on a street corner and preaching.  

It’s about learning to share your own personal story and sharing your faith (how you became a Christian), with the people God puts in your life, where you live, work, parent, and play.  It’s about learning the power of a simple invitation to church that promises to partner with you and share the Good News of the Gospel.  We simply believe that every Christian should have the confindence to do these things.  And over time, if you’ve earned the right, built a relationship, prayed for the open door, all of us will have an opportunity to do just that.  We just want you to feel empowered to do so when the time arrives.  That’s what this Seminar is all about.   

And if you’ve taken it before (it’s been about 5 years since we last did it), there’s nothing wrong with a little refresher.  Plus, at Coastal, you know we’re going to have fun and feed you well while doing it!  I hope you’ll sign up!  This is a great way to prepare our hearts and minds for Easter! 

You can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or go to this link and sign up today: https://churchteams.com/m/Register.asp?a=dlhuRWtUc01Uc1k9  

Have a great week!  See you over the weekend! 

Pastor Chris “PC” 

Are you ready for this?  Easter Weekend is now just over one month away – 35 days to be exact!  If you haven’t heard (or you’ve been under a rock), this year we are having 6 services over 3 days:  Friday, April 7th, 7pm;  Saturday, April 8th, 4:30 & 6pm;  Sunday, April 9th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am! .  This Sunday, be prepared to take home Easter Invite Tools: tickets, invite cards, & yard signs!  We have over 200 EasterAtCoastal.com yard signs that we want to saturate Charleston with this year!  Pick up several and then strategically place them in neighborhoods, shopping centers, high traffic areas, and intersections.  Take a picture of your sign and share it on social media with the hashtag:  #easteratcoastal.  All of this is designed for you to use to invite your friends to Easter at Coastal this year!  

By the way, the tickets are invite tools that we’ve used for many years now with our service times.  Obviously, you and your friends don’t need a ticket to attend a service.  They’re simply great little invite cards for you to give away.  We would however, like to know which of our 6 services you and your friends are planning on attending.  So, go to Easter at Coastal and sign up today!  Encourage your friends to do the same.  That way we can spread everyone out and let you know when a service is reaching capacity (the more people who sign up for Friday & Saturday services the better).  Start spreading the word and register today!

Make sure you reach out to your Ministry Leader NOW to let them know when you can serve over the Easter Weekend!  Services like these require “all hands on deck.”  Consider attending one of the services and then serving at multiple services.  If you aren’t serving anywhere right now, Easter is a great time to start!  Respond to this email, sign up online, or on your Connect Card on Sunday, and we’ll direct you to a Ministry.

Also, I want to challenge you to give a sacrificial gift, above and beyond over the Easter Weekend.  Big days like this incur extra expenses.  At Coastal, however, we look at it as an investment – a Kingdom investment, planting seeds to reach our community for Jesus.  

So many people are hurting and searching for hope right now.  In fact, that’s what our Easter message and series is all about (Romans 8).  Let’s do everything in our power to leverage this Easter for Jesus!  And as always Coastal, let’s work, share, and invite like it all depends on us.  Let’s pray like it all depends on God. And then let’s walk by faith, trust God for the outcome, and celebrate the results!  If together we do that, then this will be the best Easter ever!

Tomorrow is one of my FAVORITE days of the month – SATURDAY SERVE!! Be at the church at 8:30am, sign-in, get some coffee, get a Coastal t-shirt if you don’t have one, listen to a “pitch” from one of our GREAT Leaders, pray, and then GO SERVE!  It’s that simple and that AWESOME!  If you know, you know.  If you’ve never been, join us tomorrow and experience it for yourself!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  TODAY, Friday, March 3rd, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, March 3rd, 9:30am-11:30am.  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 TOMORROW, Saturday, March 4th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   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, March 10th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston. 
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, March 10th, 9am-11am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, March 11th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals That Heal:  Saturday, March 11th, 4-6pm.  Meet at 81 Gadsden Street, downtown Charleston.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, March 14th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night –  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, March 16th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, March 17th, 8:30am-11am.  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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is THIS Sunday, March 5th, in our Chapel 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.  Childcare & Pizza provided.  You can sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
   
3. On Sunday, March 19th, 5pm-8pm, we’re hosting an IMPACT Evangelism Training Seminar.  Childcare and Dinner provided.  Come learn practical tools to help equip you to share your story, share your faith, and invite people to church without fear!  RSVP on your Connect Card. 
   
4. Being a member of Coastal is really about being part of a family. The next Membership Class is Saturday, March 25th, from 9-11:30am. Sign up on your Connect Card and indicate if you’ll need childcare.
   
5. Attention Young Adults!  All single, young adults from college age to early 30s are invited to join us this Thursday night, March 9th, at Coastal from 6:30-8:30pm for some volleyball. Doors will open at 6pm for anyone who wishes to bring their own food and hang out with others before.

P.S. Beginning Easter Sunday, April 9th Coastal will be adding a third service permanently!  To do this, we MUST HAVE MORE VOLUNTEERS especially in Coastal Kidz!  If you’ve ever given it any thought, NOW is the time to jump in!  Reach out to Janet.  She would love to show you around and explain all the different roles and opportunities.  And if Coastal Kidz is not for you, there are plenty of other opportunities – Cafe, Security, 1st Impressions, Prayer Team, Tech, and Worship.  Go to our website and sign up today!  You can also sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.

It’s that time of the year again – preparing our hearts and minds for Easter!  I really believe that this is going to be an Easter Weekend to remember at Coastal! One of the ways that we prepare ourselves for Easter at Coastal is by participating in an Annual 40 Day Easter Fast! The Fast begins on this Monday, February 27th and goes through Good Friday, April 7th!  Fasting is simply denying yourself something physical for a set period of time for the spiritual purpose of focusing on prayer, the Word, repentance, and your relationship with God. Jesus said, “When you fast . . .”  In other words, Jesus meant for fasting to be a regular part of the Christian lifestyle.  I would encourage you to get your whole family involved and make it a powerful spiritual experience.  

What do you choose to fast?  It’s different for different people.  It’s probably the thing that first comes to mind when you start considering to fast. It might be some form of technology or social media that seems to have a stronghold in your life.  It could be television.  It might be some specific type of food – sugar, caffeine, sodas, meat, etc.  It could be drinking or smoking.  It could be time – where you get up earlier each day for 40 days and have a quiet time.  It could be gossip or negative words.  You decide that for 40 days nothing negative will come out of your mouth.  It could be worry.  You pray.  You decide.  Read through Matthew 6:16-18.  Don’t make a big deal or a fuss about it – just do it!

One thing that I’m asking everyone to pray for during your fast, is the people you’re going to be inviting and bringing to one of our 6 services over Easter weekend:  Friday, April 7th, 7pm;  Saturday, April 8th, 4:30 & 6pm;  Sunday, April 9th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am!  And not just the people you’re going to be inviting, but for all the people our church as a whole will be reaching out to through social media, direct mail, and yard signs.  Our goal is to have over 2000 people in person over Easter Weekend!  Let’s work, invite, and serve like it all depends on us.  Let’s pray like it all depends on God.  Then let’s trust God, walk by faith, and together, celebrate the results!

Our Spring semester of LIFE Groups started this week!  I’ve heard nothing but GREAT things!  Personally, I lead two different Groups, and it was so great to see everyone and get started!  We have awesome leaders, and I can’t wait to hear the stories of community, connection, and change!  Many of our Groups are full, but for those that aren’t, it’s still not too late to join.  Go to our website and sign up today!  

One last thing, don’t forget to bring in your Wish List items (school/classroom supplies and gifts) for Oakland Elementary School this Sunday!  Drop them off in the lobby outside the auditorium tagged but not wrapped.  We’ve been delivering the gifts that have already come in, and it’s just amazing to see the gratitude and joy from the Teachers at Oakland!  You’re making a difference Coastal! I love you!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

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, Friday (TODAY), February 24th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry” –  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown! Friday (TODAY), February 24th, 4-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, March 3rd, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, March 3rd, 9:30am-11:30am.  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, March 4th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   
   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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is NEXT Sunday, March 5th, in our Chapel 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 sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
   
3. On Sunday, March 19th, 5pm-8pm, we’re hosting an IMPACT Evangelism Training Seminar.  Childcare and Dinner provided.  Come learn practical tools to help equip you to share your story, share your faith, and invite people to church without fear!  RSVP on your Connect Card. 
   
4. Coastal’s Annual 40 Day Easter Fast begins THIS Monday, February 27th, and goes through Good Friday, April 7th!  Start thinking now about what you’re going to give up to help prepare yourself spiritually for Easter.  Sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or respond to this email to receive weekly encouraging emails and devotionals specific to the Fast.
   
5. Attention Young Adults!  Join us in the Coastal Chapel on THIS Sunday, February 26th, immediately following the 11:15am service for lunch.  Go to this link and RSVP today!

P.S. Beginning Easter Sunday, April 9th Coastal will be adding a third service!  To do this, we MUST HAVE MORE VOLUNTEERS especially in Coastal Kidz!  If you’ve ever given it any thought, NOW is the time to jump in!  Reach out to Janet.  She would love to show you around and explain all the different roles and opportunities.  And if Coastal Kidz is not for you, there are plenty of other opportunities – Cafe, Security, 1st Impressions, Prayer Team, Tech, and Worship.  Go to our website and sign up today!  You can also sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.

I know sometimes I must sound like a broken record, but it was another amazing Sunday at Coastal this past week!  It was LIFE Group Sunday and the kickoff of “Relationship Rescue.”  We had 869 people in-person and another 751 online!  I’m glad we added chairs – we needed it!  I want to thank everyone who parked at Oakland and those of you who shifted from the 9:30am service to the 11:15am service – please keep it up!  I can’t thank all of our LIFE Group Leaders enough for all of their hard work and creativity!  They “knocked it out of the park” again!  The excitement, fun, and enthusiasm (and food) in the room was palpable!  Plus, are you ready for this, so far we’ve had over 500 individual adults sign up for LIFE Groups and over 800 total signups (meaning some of you LOVE you some LIFE Groups and have signed up for multiple groups – haha)!  That’s AWESOME!

While some of our LIFE Groups are already full, many are not.  So go to our website, check out the catalog, and sign up for a LIFE Group today!  Once you sign up for a LIFE Group, your Group Leader will contact you with all the important information.  Most LIFE Groups begin this coming week.  If you have any questions about Groups, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff.  

The big push between now and Easter Weekend will be Sunday morning Volunteers!  Oh, speaking of Easter Weekend, we’re having six Easter Services over 3 days:  Friday, April 7th, 7pm;  Saturday, April 8th, 4:30 & 6pm;  Sunday, April 9th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am!  Our goal is to have over 2000 people in person over Easter Weekend!  Start praying now for the people you will be inviting and for the people the church will be reaching out to through all of our advertising.  And don’t forget that those Easter Sunday service times will be our new services times moving forward from Easter.  But again, to pull that off, all of our Sunday morning Ministries will need new Volunteers – especially Coastal Kidz!  If you would be interested in serving in Coastal Kidz, please reach out to Janet.  She would love to give you a tour and explain all the different opportunities to serve.  Don’t forget, if you change the life of a child, you change the world!  Be a world changer!  If Coastal Kidz isn’t for you, check out all of the different places to serve on our website, and sign up today!

I’ll be in week 2 of “Relationship Rescue” this Sunday, and I’ll be talking about SEX!  Some of you are excited, some of you are nervous – haha!  “What’s Pastor Chris going to say?  And has Janet previewed his jokes?” Well, you’ll have to be there to find out!  But my real goal for this Sunday is to help lead people to the cross, to help those people who walk around with pain, and shame, and guilt, to help lead them to a blood stained cross so they can receive forgiveness and a new beginning.  I’m hoping this Sunday will be a turning point in your spiritual life.  And not just in your spiritual life, but in your relationships, and in your marriage.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Today, Friday, February 17th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, February 21st, 2pm-5pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, February 22nd, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, February 24th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry” –  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to homeless and hungry downtown! Friday, February 24th, 4-6pm.  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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, March 5th, in our Chapel 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 sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
   
3. On Sunday, March 19th, 5pm-8pm, we’re hosting an IMPACT Evangelism Training Seminar.  Childcare and Dinner provided.  Come learn practical tools to help equip you to share your story, share your faith, and invite people to church without fear!  RSVP on your Connect Card.
    
4. Coastal’s Annual 40 Day Easter Fast begins Monday, February 27th, and goes through Good Friday, April 7th!  Start thinking now about what you’re going to give up to help prepare yourself spiritually for Easter.  Sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or respond to this email to receive weekly encouraging emails and devotionals specific to the Fast.
   
5. Attention Young Adults!  Join us in the Coastal Chapel on Sunday, February 26th, immediately following the 11:15am service for lunch.  RSVP on your Connnect Card or through this link!

P.S. Friends of Dale Wallingford are invited to a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, February 18th (tomorrow) in the Coastal Auditorium.  If you have one, wear a Hawaiian shirt in Dale’s honor.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks for non-perishable food or monetary donations be made to the Coastal Food Pantry (a Ministry close to Dale’s heart).

P.S.S. Coastal has a HUGE heart for Oakland Elementary School and its Teachers!  Choose a Classroom Wishlist Tag in the lobby this Sunday (we still have a few left), purchase the items, and return them (tagged but not wrapped) by next Sunday, February 26th.  We will distribute the items as they come in.  If you have any questions about your items, contact Rachel Speer.

Well, if you missed the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT this past Sunday, it’s that beginning Easter Sunday, April 9th, we’ll be adding a third service!   Our new service times, Easter Sunday forward, will be 8:30am, 10am, & 11:30am.  Between now and then, we’ll be adding more chairs and doing everything we can to make room for our Guests.  The reality is that our church is GROWING!  Two weeks ago the 9:30am service had 365 people in-person.  It was slammed!  We added more chairs and roped off the rear seating so that as soon as the service started, we could release those chairs for people trying to find a seat.  Well, I don’t know if you remember it or not, but last Sunday was one of those rainy, dreary days – days Pastors hate.  Honestly, I was thinking that we added all these chairs and roped off the rear section for nothing – we would have a “down” day because of the weather.  Boy do I have little faith!  We had 379 in that first service – more than the week before!

If all of that is any indication at all, this Sunday is going to be CRAZY!  First of all, it’s LIFE Group Sunday!  Go to our website, check out the catalog, and sign up for a LIFE Group today! Once you sign up for a LIFE Group, your Group Leader will contact you before the semester begins.  Unless otherwise stated in the catalog, all Groups begin the week of February 19th.  If you have any questions about Groups, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff.  But this Sunday is going to be so much fun!  You’ll get to check out all the Groups, meet the leaders, and enjoy a lot of great food!

This Sunday is also the kick-off of a new series, “Relationship Rescue!”  Whether you’re single, married, children or no children – everyone can use a little help in their relationships.  Each week we’ll be diving into God’s word and throwing you a “life preserver” to help navigate the difficult waters.  It’s going to be a great series!  So here’s what I need you to do.  Most importantly, pray!  Pray for me, my message, that people will take next steps, and see Jesus lifted up!  And then, invite and bring friends!  I always want you to invite people, but BIG Days, like this Sunday, are the perfect time to pull out all the stops and invite and bring your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to church.  Pray like it all depends on God and then invite and reach out like it all depends on you!

I’m also asking you to consider coming to the 11:15am service.  Even with extra chairs, the 9:30am service is at capacity (especially days like this Sunday).  And then come early and sit to the front and center of each section.  It’s also becoming more and more important to start using the Oakland Elementary School parking lot – the lot immediately to the right, once your go over the Greenway, right before you get to our campus.  There is plenty of parking there, and it makes for a smoother transition between the services.

VOLUNTEER!  Big Days require more volunteers, especially on LIFE Group Sunday (many of our Volunteers are LIFE Group Leaders and will be at their tables).  So, reach out to your LIFE Team Leader and volunteer to serve.  With adding a third service, we MUST HAVE MORE VOLUNTEERS especially in Coastal Kidz!  If you currently serve in Coastal Kidz, please consider serving in an extra service.  If you’re a parent of a child in Coastal Kidz, consider serving.  If you’ve ever given it any thought, NOW is the time to jump in!  Reach out to Janet.  She would love to show you around and explain all the different roles and opportunities.  And if Coastal Kidz is not for you, there are plenty of other opportunities – Cafe, Security, 1st Impressions, Prayer Team, Tech, and Worship.  Go to our website and sign up today!  You can also sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  I don’t want to “guilt” anyone into serving.  I want to “grace” you into serving!  I want you to be so overwhelmed with the love and mercy of God, with all the good gifts He’s given to you, that your only natural response is to WANT to give back to Him.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

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, February 10th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston. 
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes today, Friday, February 10th, 9am-11am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, February 11th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals That Heal:  Saturday, February 11th, 4-6pm.  Meet at 81 Gadsden Street, downtown Charleston.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, February 14th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night –  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, February 16th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, February 17th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, February 21st, 2pm-5pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, February 22nd, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, February 24th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry” –  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to homeless and hungry downtown! Friday, February 24th, 4-6pm.  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. Coastal’s Daddy Daughter Dance is TONIGHT, February 10th, 6-8pm!  The cost is a suggested donation of $10 per person (all proceeds are being generously donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).  Go to this linkand register today!  It’s going to be a night to remember with great music, dancing, food, pictures, and fun!
   
3. On Sunday, March 19th, 5pm-8pm, we’re hosting an IMPACT Evangelism Training Seminar.  Childcare and Dinner provided.  Come learn practical tools to help equip you to share your story, share your faith, and invite people to church without fear!  RSVP on your Connect Card. 
   
4. Coastal’s Annual 40 Day Easter Fast begins Monday, February 27th, and goes through Good Friday, April 7th!  Start thinking now about what you’re going to give up to help prepare yourself spiritually for Easter.  Sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or respond to this email to receive weekly encouraging emails and devotionals specific to the Fast.
   
5. Attention Young Adults!  Join us in the Coastal Chapel on Sunday, February 26th, immediately following the 11:15am service for lunch.  RSVP on your Connnect Card or through this link!

P.S. Friends of Dale Wallingford are invited to a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, February 18th in the Coastal Auditorium.  If you have one, wear a Hawaiian shirt in Dale’s honor.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks for non-perishable food or monetary donations be made to the Coastal Food Pantry (a Ministry close to Dale’s heart).

P.S.S. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, March 5th, in our Chapel 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 sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.

WOW!  This past Sunday we had right at 800 people in-person on our campus!  The 9:30am service alone had 365 people!  We’re pretty sure that’s the most people in-person in one service excluding Easter!  The reality is that means that the 9:30am service is full, and people are having a hard time finding a place to sit when they come in.  Beginning this Sunday, we’re going to do our best to make a few changes to help the situation.  First of all, we are going to add a few more chairs here and there.  We’re going to do a better job of actually ushering people as they come in (please be willing to scoot down a row when asked).  We’re going to rope off the very back section of chairs close to the wall and the first few rows on the back of the section as soon as you walk in.  This will force people to sit closer to the front.  And then as soon as the service begins, we’ll open up those back rows making it easier for people coming in late to find a seat.  As always, we need people to come early and sit to the front and center of each section, leaving the ends open. We also need people willing to start coming to the 11:15am service, which is much smaller in attendance and has plenty of room.

We’re also asking you to start parking at the Oakland Parking Lot, not Orange Grove, and definitely NOT the parking lot immediately in front of the auditorium.  The Oakland Parking Lot is the very large parking lot to the right, immediately past the Greenway, right before you get to our church.  There is PLENTY of parking back there, and it makes more room for our Guests, and it makes a smoother transition between services.  There is also some field parking available behind the church.

Coastal, our church is GROWING, and all of these little things that we’re doing and asking you to do are becoming very important as we head into the Spring and leading up to Easter.  In fact, next Sunday, February 12th is both LIFE Group Sunday AND we’re kicking off a new series called, “Relationship Rescue” – it’s going to be a BIG DAY!  Not only are we asking you to pull out the stops and invite your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers, but we are also mailing out a postcard that will go to THOUSANDS in our community!  So, please help us out and do your part as Coastal continues to grow and reach people in our community with the good news of the Gospel!  In fact, this Sunday I’m making a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT about something we’ll be doing soon to help with our continued growth!  Don’t miss it!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, TODAY, February 3rd, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, TODAY, February 3rd, 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 THIS Saturday, February 4th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   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, February 10th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston. 
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, February 10th, 9am-11am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, February 11th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals That Heal:  Saturday, February 11th, 4-6pm.  Meet at 81 Gadsden Street, downtown Charleston.
   
   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. Save the Date!  Coastal’s Daddy Daughter Dance will be on Friday night, February 10th, 6-8pm!  The cost is a suggested donation of $10 per person (all proceeds are being generously donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).  Go to this link and register today!  It’s going to be a night to remember with great music, dancing, food, pictures, and fun!
   
3. We just unveiled our 2023 Spring Semester LIFE Group Catalog (it’s available online too)! We would love for you to check out all of our different Groups (there’s something for everyone) and sign up to join a LIFE Group this semester (10-12 weeks)!  Not only can you view the catalog online, but you can sign up for a Group online!  Once you sign up for a group, your Group Leader will contact you before the semester begins.  Unless otherwise stated in the catalog, all Groups begin the week of February 19th.  If you have any questions about Groups, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff.
   
4. Coastal’s Annual 40 Day Easter Fast begins Monday, February 27th, and goes through Good Friday, April 7th!  Start thinking now about what you’re going to give up to help prepare yourself spiritually for Easter.  Sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or respond to this email to receive weekly encouraging emails and devotionals specific to the Fast.
   
5. Attention Young Adults!  Join us in the Coastal Chapel on Sunday, February 26th, immediately following the 11:15am service for lunch.  RSVP on your Connnect Card or through this link!

P.S. Coastal has a HUGE heart for Oakland Elementary School and its Teachers!  Choose a Classroom Wishlist Tag in the lobby this Sunday, purchase the items, and return them (tagged but not wrapped) by Sunday, February 26th.  We will distribute the items as they come in.  If you have any questions about your items, contact Rachel Speer.

As you can see from the picture above, Pastor Scott Huff is excited!  But it’s not his Kentucky Wildcats that he’s excited about – it’s the 2023 LIFE Group Catalog that he’s holding!  That’s right, this Sunday you’ll receive a copy.  In fact, you should also be receiving one in the mail (feel free to use one as an invitation and give it away).  Like Scott, I’m so excited about LIFE Groups this semester.  Once again, we have the most Groups we’ve ever had in one semester – 38!  There is something for EVERYONE – activity Groups, study Groups, support Groups, and more!  Every semester this is a huge undertaking, putting all of this together.  A huge thanks to all of our LIFE Group Leaders, stepping up and stepping out in faith to lead.  A huge thanks to Pastor Scott for overseeing all of it and leading this Ministry well.  And a huge thanks to Rachel Speer!  She is so much more than an Office Manager.  She actually designed and put together the physical catalog itself.  And as you’ll see, she did a fantastic job! 

I truly believe it’s going to be a great semester of LIFE Groups, but what makes it great is YOU – signing up and joining one (or two or three – haha).  I love what we do here on Sunday mornings!  I do!  I love the music.  I love watching people come to faith.  I love all of our LIFE Teams and our Sunday morning Volunteers.  But. . . there is one glaring weakness with a crowd.  It’s hard to grow in a crowd.  You don’t live out/walk out your faith in a crowd.  You need community.  You and I were created for community, for relationships.  And at Coastal, the best place to do that is through our LIFE Groups!  You’ll have several weeks to check out the catalog and get signed up.  LIFE Group Sunday (like a job/college fair, but for LIFE Groups) will be Sunday, February 12th – always a BIG Day at Coastal!  And unless otherwise indicated, most Groups begin the week of February 19th and last 8-12 weeks.  And if you want to get an early jump, go to our website, check out our catalog and start signing up today! 

If you’re looking for a great Group to join, let me tell you about mine (they’re all great)!  I’m involved in two LIFE Groups this semester.  I lead a Wednesday morning Men’s Group that meets at the church on Wednesday mornings, 7-8am.  It’s probably the longest running Group we’ve had.  I’ve been leading some version of it for about 25+ years.  It’s for men from all walks of life – young/old, married/single, kids/no kids.  I provide the coffee and some sort of breakfast (usually sausage & egg biscuits).  We break into smaller groups, dig into that week’s sermon a little deeper, and then the guys share how they’re doing spiritually and how we can pray for each other.  It’s one of the best hours of my week.  If you’re a man, looking for fellowship with other men, and want to grow in your walk with the Lord, I’d love for you to join my Group.

And then the other Group that I’m leading this semester is actually a Group that Janet and I lead together.  We meet on Wednesday nights, 6:30pm-8pm in the Coastal Chapel.  We decided to meet on Wednesday nights at the Chapel so that any parents who are bringing Students to Student Ministry could easily stay for Group without having to go back and forth.  BUT, it’s definitely not just for Student Ministry parents.  It’s for anyone who wants to hang out with me and Janet and dive a little deeper into that week’s message (it’s listed as a Dive Deeper Sermon Follow-Up Group in the catalog).  We’ll also laugh together, eat together, serve together, and pray together!  If Wednesday night works for you, Janet and I would love for you to join our Group! 

I also want to thank everyone who has been praying for my voice.  If you were in church this past Sunday or heard my sermon, you know that by the end of second service I had pretty much lost my voice.  I went to the Doctor on Monday and evidently I have an ear infection that went to my nose/throat.  I feel fine – just sound terrible.  But after some antibiotics for the infection, a LOT of fluids, and trying to rest my voice (the hardest part for me – haha), I’m sounding much better.  But please keep me and my voice in your prayers as I wrap up this section of Romans on Sunday. I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!  The Best Is Yet To Come!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

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, January 27th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry” –  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to homeless and hungry downtown! Today, Friday, January 27th, 4-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, February 3rd, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, February 3rd, 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, February 4th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   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, February 10th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston. 
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, February 10th, 9am-11am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, February 11th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals That Heal:  Saturday, February 11th, 4-6pm.  Meet at 81 Gadsden Street, downtown Charleston.
   
   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. Save the Date!  Coastal’s Daddy Daughter Dance will be on Friday night, February 10th, 6-8pm!  The cost is a suggested donation of $10 per person (all proceeds are being generously donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).  Go to this link and register today!  It’s going to be a night to remember with great music, dancing, food, pictures, and fun!
   
3. Grieving or know someone who is?  Our GriefShare support group begins its 13 week cycle on Monday night, February 6th, 6-7:30pm.  Contact Sue Muoio for more information.
   
4. Some Exciting News!  Don’t forget that simply because you are a part of the Coastal family, ALL of Dave Ramsey’s best selling resources and tools are available to you for FREE!  You have access to everything for an entire year at your own pace, on your own schedule.  Here’s the link – sign up today!  
   
   But that’s not all!  Because of your generosity, we’ve also provided a Sponsorship for West Ashley High School & St. Johns High School.  That means that all Student and Teacher material for their Foundations in Personal Finance course, for an unlimited number of students, for a full year, is being provided by Coastal!  It teaches the 5 foundations of personal finance.  We want to be known as a generous church, and we also want to do everything we can to equip our church AND community to experience true financial peace in these difficult times!  
   
   Oh, and guess what?  We also have a Financial Peace LIFE Group this semester for that extra in-person Group accountability!  They will be meeting on Monday nights, 6:30pm at the church.  Sign up today!
   
5. Attention Young Adults!  Join us in the Coastal Chapel on Sunday, February 26th, immediately following the 11:15am service for lunch.  RSVP on your Connnect Card!

P.S. You should be receiving your 2022 Year End Giving Statement from our church this week in the mail.  Our church changed its Database Management Software, so if you gave all year long you will receive two statements.  Simply add them together and that is your complete giving statement.  If you have any questions about your statement or don’t receive yours, please reach out to our Financial Administrator at 843-571-1777 ext. 106 or finance@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  Your consistent, faithful, generous giving enables our church to make its IMPACT.

The last two weeks we’ve averaged almost 750 people in-person (and another 623 online)!  The 9:30am service is just about at capacity in-person.  You know the drill – I need some people who are willing to be “missionaries” and start attending the 11:15am service to make room.  We’re not quite ready to add a 3rd service. . . yet.  But it’s coming.  But before we do, we need to leverage the two services we have.  And as always, please, please sit the front and center of each section.  This makes it easer on our ushers (Chris Ranew & Scott Huff – haha) trying to find seats for people during the first service.  And please park as far away as possible.  Start utilizing Oakland Elementary School’s parking lot (down the first drive just past the Greenway).  That’s where I park.  These are all great “problems” to have.  Honestly, they’re not problems at all – they’re opportunities.  They’re opportunities for God to see where our priorities are at – ourselves, or the Kingdom.

The only real barrier right now to adding a 3rd service is volunteers.  If you’re not serving right now, it’s time to start.  But the reason to serve is not because there is a slot to fill.  Don’t serve out of guilt or pressure.  Serve out of love.  Serve out of gratitude.  We serve because that’s where we find and experience LIFE!  Jesus said that we find true life when we give our lives away in service to others.  It’s also through serving that we become a link in the chain that leads people to Christ.  It’s also through serving that we get connected and grow in fellowship with our church family.  My point is, if you’re not serving, it’s time to start.  And don’t ever think that ANY ministry is “full” or doesn’t have room for you.  There is always room for more!  So, go to our website and sign up to serve today!

One of the reasons we need to start making these service adjustments is that a new series is coming up, and then Easter is just around the corner!  I’m super excited about this next series kicking off on February 12th.  It’s called, “Relationship Rescue.”  If there is one area of our lives that we constantly need help with, it’s in our relationships.  And I believe that the church ought to be a safe place where we can come and talk about love and sex and dating and marriage and parenting!  It’s here that we ought to be able to take an honest and uncensored look at what the Bible has to say about these things.  I truly believe that during this series we’re going to see marriages restored and relationships rekindled.  We’re going to help people find new hope to cope with the relationship pressures that we all face.  And most importantly, I believe that people are going to find Jesus!  Make a commitment now to be here for the entire series and to invite someone to come with you.  

Psalm 144:7 is kind of a theme verse for this series.  It says, “Reach down from heaven and rescue me; rescue me from deep waters.”  It’s a prayer of rescue.  Have you ever found yourself in deep waters when it comes to a relationship?  We all have.  Maybe at some time in your life, you prayed a prayer like this, “God, reach down and take away this relationship pain.  God, reach down and restore my marriage.  God, reach down from heaven and take away my loneliness, deliver me and give me hope.”  Well, each week of the series we’re going to look at some principles from God’s Word (our “lifeline”) and discover what you should know and do when you’re in the middle of a relational storm.  We’re going to talk about friendships, dating, marriage, sex, and parenting.  So, whether you’re single, married, or single again, old, young, kids or no kids, this series is for you!  And most importantly, start praying about who you’re going to invite and bring to the series!

And finally, I’ve got some more GREAT NEWS!  We reached and surpassed our Christmas Offering Goal – $137371.63!  Wow!  Just WOW!  Your generosity never ceases to amaze me Coastal!  It is your consistent (not just at Christmas or special occasions), generous (above and beyond) giving that enables our church to do all that it does here, in the community, and around the world!  And speaking of around the world, we just found out that a large portion of our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes were delivered to Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire (both in Western Africa)!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, January 25th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Hope Center Tailgate (Adults Only Project):  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Wednesday, January 25th, 3pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, January 27th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry” –  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to homeless and hungry downtown! Friday, January 27th, 4-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, February 3rd, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, February 3rd, 9am-11am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   
   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. Save the Date!  Coastal’s Daddy Daughter Dance will be on Friday night, February 10th, 6-8pm!  The cost is a suggested donation of $10 per person (all proceeds are being generously donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).  Go to this link and register today!  It’s going to be a night to remember with great music, dancing, food, pictures, and fun!
   
3. Grieving or know someone who is?  Our GriefShare support group begins its 13 week cycle on Monday night, February 6th, 6-7:30pm.  Contact Sue Muoio for more information.
   
4. Attention Coastal – our 2023 SPRING LIFE GROUP CATALOG will be available in just a couple of weeks!  You’ll be able to check out all the different Groups offered this semester and start signing up!  Also, for those of you who are leading Groups this semester, don’t forget that LIFE Group Leader Training will be offered in person on Monday, January 23rd, 6:30-8pm or Saturday, January 28th, 9-10:30am.  Returning Leader Training will be online on Thursday, January 26th, 8-8:30pm.  ALL Leaders need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card.  For more details or to answer any of your questions, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff. 
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is THIS Saturday morning (tomorrow), January 21st, 9-11:30am. You can respond to this email or sign up on our website.  You can join us either in-person or online through Zoom.

P.S. Parents – save the date and mark your calendars NOW!  Coastal’s 2023 VBS dates are July 10th-14th, Monday-Friday, 6-8:15pm!  VBS is for children ages 4 years old through 5th grade.  This year’s theme is a space theme – “Stellar – Shine Jesus’ Light.”  If you would be interested in leading any part of VBS, or if you have any questions, contact Janet Rollins.

This Sunday is the last day to give toward our annual Christmas Offering and we are still just short of our goal of $125,000.  Each year this offering is used to do some incredible things, and this year is no different.  One of those things was to provide Christmas – gifts and a meal – to all of the children and staff at New Life Children’s Home in Peru.  In fact, with this money we were also able to provide a small bonus to the Staff and a day trip for all the children to the beach!  Above and below are just two pictures of what your generous giving provided!  The exciting part is that’s where we’re going this Summer on our Mission’s Trip!

One more exciting update on our Christmas Offering – we purchased our new 15 Passenger Van!!  It still needs to be wrapped, but we’ve already used it to take volunteers to the North Charleston Tailgate this past Saturday for Saturday Serve.  In fact, I’ll be driving it tomorrow for Double Tailgate Day, taking volunteers to Charleston Vets!  And I CAN’T WAIT to share with the Veterans there the good news – we’ll be ready to pick them up for church THIS SUNDAY!!  If you are interested in being one of our Van Drivers for Sunday pickup, reach out to Chris Jones.

We’ve still got a major project to accomplish with the Christmas Offering – replacing our PA System in the auditorium.  We hope to have that done by Easter as we prepare to see over 2000 people in-person on our campus!  So, we’re not done, but I wanted you to see what your generous giving has already accomplished.  If you haven’t given yet, give this weekend.  If you have already given, but want to see us reach and surpass our goal, give this weekend.  Use the keyword, “Christmas.”  It is your generous, consistent giving that enables our church to do all that it does right here in our Community and around the world!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes TODAY, Friday, January 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, TODAY, Friday, January 13th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, January 14th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night –  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, January 19th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, January 20th, 8:30am-11am.  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. Save the Date!  Coastal’s Daddy Daughter Dance will be on Friday night, February 10th, 6-8pm!  More details to come!
   
3. This is it!  This Sunday is the last day to give toward our annual Christmas Offering and right now we are still just a little short of our goal of $125,000!  We are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to reach this goal.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777).  You can give your gift at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing (text “give” to 843-571-1777), or our website.  With this year’s offering we are purchasing a 15 passenger van, sound equipment, golf carts, and buying Christmas gifts for all of the children of the New Life Children’s Home in Peru. 
   
4. Attention Coastal – our 2023 SPRING LIFE GROUP CATALOG will be available in just a couple of weeks!  You’ll be able to check out all the different Groups offered this semester and start signing up!  Also, for those of you who are leading Groups this semester, don’t forget that LIFE Group Leader Training will be offered in person on Monday, January 23rd, 6:30-8pm or Saturday, January 28th, 9-10:30am.  Returning Leader Training will be online on Thursday, January 26th, 8-8:30pm.  ALL Leaders need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card.  For more details or to answer any of your questions, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff.
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, January 21st, 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. Please keep Coastal’s Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) in your prayers this weekend!  Jacob will be taking 40 Students plus Volunteers to Pigeon Forge, TN for their “Strength to Stand” Conference and Winter Retreat!  They leave today and will return on Monday!

Wow, wow, wow!  What a great start to 2023 as we BAPTIZED 7 PEOPLE during our service last Sunday!  It was a powerful and moving celebration!  And as I said last Sunday, “7 down, 93 to go!”  You see, last year we Baptized 61 people.  Well, last week I set a B.H.A.G.  (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) of Baptizing 100 people in 2023!  We talk a lot about Next Steps at Coastal.  As we say, “Everyone has a Next Step to take in their faith.”  Maybe your next step is Baptism.  We are ready any service, any Sunday.  You simply need to let us know.  You can do that one of two ways:  sign up on your Connect Card any Sunday or sign up on our website. 

But what is Baptism and why is it important?  Well, first of all, let me simply say this – Jesus did it, He commanded it, and that settles it!  Baptism is the outward expression of the inward conversion that God has done in our heart by faith.  It is a physical act, a physical ceremony that depicts an awesome spiritual reality. Now, in and of itself, Baptism doesn’t save you.  It’s your faith in Christ that does that.  And if you haven’t given your life to Christ and you get Baptized, you’re just getting wet.  Baptism, you see, is a beautiful picture of that salvation.  

Let me illustrate it this way.  35 years ago, Janet and I were married and the two of us exchanged rings as a symbol of the vows we made to each other on our wedding day.  So the ring that I wear is very special to me.  But listen, that ring is not my marriage.  When I come home after work and walk through the door, I don’t expect Janet to kiss my wedding ring!  When I’m out of town missing Janet, snuggling up with my wedding ring has never done a thing for me!  My ring is not my marriage.  In fact, I could take off my wedding ring and I’m still married to Janet.  But what would you think about a guy who took off his wedding ring any tme he went out of town or out to dinner?  And what do you think God thinks of a Christian who is unwilling to be associated with Him in the most public and simple way?  You see, I’m proud of my association with my wife.  I’m not going to hide it.  I want the world to know.  She said yes.  I’m hers, she’s mine, and she’s some kind of wonderful.  You see, I feel that way about God too.

Sure, you can go to heaven without being Baptized.  Don’t believe me?  There was a thief on the cross.  He died next to Jesus.  Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”  And guess what?  He wasn’t Baptized.  So it’s not Baptism that saves you and gets you into heaven.  It’s not my wedding ring that makes me married.  It’s a symbol of what’s already happened in my life, and I’m proud to tell the world.  Baptism is me saying, “I’m unashamed to be connected to You Jesus.  I want to be associated with you publically.  I want to be known as Yours, and I want the world to know.”  That’s the beauty of Baptism.  Again, you can go to heaven without being Baptized, but why would you want to?  It’s the most beautiful expression of your love, devotion, and obedience to Christ.  And maybe, it’s your next step!  Like I said, 7 down and 93 to go!  

Maybe you’re new to our church and your next step is our Newcomer’s Reception (see below).  Maybe you’ve been coming to Coastal for a while and you’re ready to officially make our church family, YOUR church family.  Then your next step is our Membership Class (see below).  And guess what?  Whatever your next step might be, we are honored to walk on this journey with you!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!  This Sunday, we’ll be jumping back into our Romans series – can’t wait to see you!

Walking With You!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas – TODAY, Friday, January 6th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes TODAY, Friday, January 6th, 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 TOMORROW, Saturday, January 7th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve! 
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, January 10th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes Friday, January 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, January 13th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, January 14th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   
   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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is THIS Sunday, January 8th, in our Chapel 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 sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
   
3. Our goal for our 10th Annual Christmas Offering is $125,000!  And guess what?  We’re almost there!!  There are only 2 more weeks to give toward the Christmas Offering – this Sunday and next Sunday, January 15th.  We are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to reach this goal.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777).  You can give your gift during these next 2 weeks at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing (text “give” to 843-571-1777), or our website.  With this year’s offering we are purchasing a 15 passenger van, sound equipment, golf carts, and buying Christmas gifts for all of the children of the New Life Children’s Home in Peru.
   
4. SPRING LIFE GROUP LEADER TRAINING! Training for new Spring LIFE Group Leaders will be offered in person on Monday, January 23rd, 6:30-8pm or Saturday, January 28th, 9-10:30am.  Returning Leader Training will be online on Thursday, January 26th, 8-8:30pm.  ALL Leaders need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card.  For more details or to answer any of your questions, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff. 
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, January 21st, 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. Come help with setting up all the chairs in the auditorium!  With 8 to 12 people it takes less than 30 minutes.  Typically our LIFE Groups help with Chair Set Up, but in between LIFE Group Semesters, we need help.  So, here are the dates and times for the month of January:  this Saturday, January 7th at 7:30am (then stay for Saturday Serve);  Saturday, January 14th at 9am (then stay for Double Tailgate Day);  Saturday, January 21st at 8am;  Saturday, January 28th at 8am.

Happy New Year everyone – well almost!  2023 is just about here!  But guess what?  No matter what 2023 brings, Jesus is still on the throne, God is still in control, and our mission is still the same: “to share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world!” 

I sincerely hope you and your family have had a wonderful Christmas!  And let me say how awesome our Christmas Eve services were at Coastal!  We had our largest Christmas Eve services ever  – 1182 people in person!  I want to thank all of our volunteers who served so joyfully!  We could not do what we do without you!  I especially want to thank all of our Tech Team & Worship Team who came very early and were here for all 3 services over 2 days!  There is just something special about lighting candles and worshipping together.  (If you’re available, we’ll be taking down all of our Christmas decorations this Tuesday at 9am.  We could use your help!)

For those of you who have had some time off from work this week, I hope you’ve been able to rest, refresh and enjoy spending time with family.  Janet and I are up in Knoxville, TN visiting our daughter and her husband.  We’ll be back in town tomorrow.  Don’t forget that we only have 1 in-person service this Sunday – 9:30am.  But you’re not going to want to miss it.  First of all, I’m going to be doing something that used to be a Coastal tradition, but I haven’t done in a while.  As we kick off the new year, I’m going to be preaching a message called, “The Year In Review & The Year Ahead.”  It gives us a moment to reflect on the past, to celebrate the past, but then to turn the page, to close that chapter, and move forward.  Philippians 3:13-14, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.”

And then most importantly, we’re going to have a Baptism Service this Sunday!  I know of at least 6 people (maybe 10) who are getting Baptized.  I can’t think of a better way to kick off the new year!  If you’d like to join them, respond to this email or sign up online!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!  Hold on to your fork Coastal – the best is yet to come!

Happy New Year!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas – Friday, January 6th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes Friday, January 6th, 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, January 7th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve! 
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, January 10th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes Friday, January 13th, 9am-11am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   
   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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is NEXT Sunday, January 8th, in our Chapel 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 sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
   
3. Our goal for our 10th Annual Christmas Offering is $125,000!  And guess what?  We’re more than half-way there!!  Now through Sunday, January 15th (3 weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s Christmas Offering.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777).  You can give your gift during these next 3 weeks (until January 15th) at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing (text “give” to 843-571-1777), or our website.  With this year’s offering we are purchasing a 15 passenger van, sound equipment, golf carts, and buying Christmas gifts for all of the children of the New Life Children’s Home in Peru.
   
4. SPRING LIFE GROUP LEADER TRAINING! Training for new Spring LIFE Group Leaders will be offered in person on Monday, January 23rd, 6:30-8pm or Saturday, January 28th, 9-10:30am.  Returning Leader Training will be online on Thursday, January 26th, 8-8:30pm.  ALL Leaders need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card.  For more details or to answer any of your questions, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff. 
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, January 21st, 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. New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday this year – THIS Sunday, January 1st, 2023! And to celebrate we’re having a Baptism Service! We can’t think of a better way to start the new year right, than by being buried with Christ through Baptism, and being raised to walk in the new life (Colossians 2:12). It’s a new life for a new year! There will only be one service this Sunday – 9:30am. If you would like to participate sign up on our website!

So, are you ready for Christmas?  Well, ready or not, it’s ALMOST here!  Which means of course, that we’re having the FIRST of our 3 Christmas Eve Services, TONIGHT at 7pm!  And then 2 more services tomorrow, Saturday, December 24th, 4:30pm & 6pmI I hope you are ready to invite & bring your friends!  Remember, it’s not too late to invite someone.  Make the ask!  What’s the worst thing that could happen?  Better yet – what’s the BEST thing that could happen?  Think through all your contacts – social media, work, neighbors, friends, family – and invite them to come!

Also, Christmas Eve services are one of those times where it is “all hands on deck.”  In other words, if you serve in ministry and you’re not out of town, we NEED YOU TO SERVE.  Contact your Ministry Leader and let them know which services you are available ASAP.  Every ministry needs plenty of volunteers (and extra volunteers) to pull off Christmas Eve and create a welcoming atmosphere.

Pray for me & my message.  Pray that people give their lives to Jesus and get saved!  Pray for our Worship Team that they would lead people to worship Jesus.  Pray for all our Ministry Volunteers, that they would serve Jesus by serving others.

Here are a few other important reminders:

• Be helpful, friendly and welcoming to all our guests!
• Introduce yourself & talk to people you don’t know.
• This is important – park over at Oakland to make more room for guests.  The further away you park, the better.
• Fill out your Connect Card.  This encourages others to do the same (yes, we’re giving away Christmas Hams at the end of each service). 
• Sit to the front & center of each section of the auditorium.
• Coastal Kidz (Birth-5th Grade) will be fully operational during all 3 services.
• If you are serving during a service, PLEASE COME EARLY.  Our V.I.P. Volunteer meeting will be at 6:15pm tonight and 3:45pm on Saturday in the Gathering Space as usual.

Don’t forget that our entire offering on Christmas Eve (all 3 services) will go toward our Christmas Offering!  Prayerfully consider what you and your family can give.  You might also consider making a year end sacrificial gift. 

Well, I think that’s about it.  For those of you who are traveling or out of town – HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!  Safe travels and please keep us in your prayers!  And remember, if you can’t make it in person, you will be able to watch all of our services live online.  Can’t wait to see the rest of you and your guests tonight and tomorrow!  Also, don’t forget that there are NO IN-PERSON SERVICES this Sunday, Christmas Day – ONLINE ONLY (9:30am, 11:15am, 6pm – all online)!

Merry Christmas Eve!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas – Friday, January 6th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes Friday, January 6th, 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, January 7th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve! 
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, January 10th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes Friday, January 13th, 9am-11am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   
   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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, January 8th, in our Chapel 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 sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
   
3. Our goal for our 10th Annual Christmas Offering is $125,000!  And guess what?  We’re almost half-way there!!  Now through Sunday, January 15th (4 weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s Christmas Offering.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777).  You can give your gift during these next 4 weeks (until January 15th) at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing (text “give” to 843-571-1777), or our website.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 3 Christmas Eve Services (Friday, December 23rd, 7pm, Saturday, December 24th, 4:30pm, & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering.  With this year’s offering we are purchasing a 15 passenger van, sound equipment, golf carts, and buying Christmas gifts for all of the children of the New Life Children’s Home in Peru.
   
4. SPRING LIFE GROUP LEADER TRAINING! Training for new Spring LIFE Group Leaders will be offered in person on Monday, January 23rd, 6:30-8pm or Saturday, January 28th, 9-10:30am.  Returning Leader Training will be online on Thursday, January 26th, 8-8:30pm.  ALL Leaders need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card.  For more details or to answer any of your questions, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff.
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, January 21st, 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. New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday this year – Sunday, January 1st, 2023! And to celebrate we’re having a Baptism Service! We can’t think of a better way to start the new year right, than by being buried with Christ through Baptism, and being raised to walk in the new life (Colossians 2:12). It’s a new life for a new year! There will only be one service that day – 9:30am. If you would like to participate, sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up on our website!

I just wanted to personally invite you to attend one of our 3Christmas Eve Services this Friday & Saturday at Coastal – in-person OR online!  Our service times are: Friday, December 23rd, 7pm; Saturday, December 24th, 4:30pm & 6pm.  We’re going to sing some of your favorite Christmas songs, I’m going to share a message that God has laid on my heart, and we’re going to light candles to remember that Jesus is the Light of the World.  The whole service will last just under an hour.  I promise you, it will be just what you need to start Christmas off right!

While you enjoy a special Christmas Eve worship service, your children will be enjoying a Coastal Kidz (Birth – 5th Grade) Christmas Celebrationcomplete with a Bible story, games, crafts, and snacks. If your children would like to wear their pjs, great, but if you would rather have them dress up to get that great photo in front of our Christmas trees, that’s great too.

Also, it’s not too late to invite and bring friend!  People expect to be invited to Christmas Eve services!  Call up that friend, reach out to someone on social media, and invite them to be your guest.  You never know the power of a simple invitation.  This could be the first day of the rest of their life with Jesus!  Can’t wait to see you and your guests in-person OR online!

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Chris

P.S.  Our entire offering on Christmas Eve is going toward our Annual Christmas Offering!  Our Christmas Offering helps to fund most of the community outreach we do here at Coastal.  As always, you can also give to our church through our website, or simply text “GIVE” to 843-571-1777 and follow the simple instructions. We could not do all that we do in the community without YOU!

I’m so excited about tomorrow morning!  I hope you are too!  It’s finally here – Christmas at Charleston Vets! Tomorrow, Saturday, December 17th, 10am-2pm, we’ll descend on Charleston Vets in North Charleston and provide the Veterans there with a Christmas Party like no other:  a home-cooked Christmas meal, a Christmas stocking packed full of home-baked Christmas cookies, Christmas gifts for every Veteran, a coffee and hot chocolate bar, a craft table so the kids can make gifts for the Veterans, Christmas music and more!  At this point, everything (food, gifts, stockings) has been accounted for and taken care of – thank you, thank you, thank you!  The only thing left to do is to simply come and serve.  And no doubt we will have an abundance of volunteers.  But that’s okay, because it’s a PARTY and the more the merrier!  If you plan on coming, it would help us out if you signed up on our website:  www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions.  And if you’re coming to serve, why not be a double blessing and show up at 9am to help with chair set-up.  A huge shout out goes to Eddie & Peggy for leading an awesome team of volunteers to pull off this Party!

I also want to share with you 2 things that happened this week that you were a part of, that you might not be aware of.  We have a very special relationship with Oakland Elementary School, the Elementary School across the street from our church.  We have been consistently giving, loving, and serving Oakland for the past 18 years.  One of the things that we’ve done for the past 7 years is provide an Oakland T-Shirt for the entire school (600+ people) at Christmas.  Here is what Elizabeth Nicodin, the Principal, wrote on their Facebook page, “Today is my absolute favorite day….Family Picture Day, year 7! We didn’t let the rain stop us from taking our annual Oakland family picture. Every year Coastal Community Church gifts all of our family with a new Orca t-shirt. Coastal has become a part of our Oakland family over the years and we are so grateful for all of the love they show us. Thank You just doesn’t seem adequate – we love you and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for our cool new shirts!”

And then, speaking of schools, on Tuesday of this past week, our church hosted Carolina Voyager Charter School’s Winter Concert.  Pastor Ryan Spell and his Tech Team were there providing a 1st class production and environment for the school and their guests.  And speaking of guests!  We’re pretty sure we had the largest single service attendance for the concert – over 600 people!  Needless to say, it was standing room only, with people in the overflow gather space.  

Coastal, that’s over 1200 people who were exposed to the love and generosity of our church this week!  And all of that, and so much more, is made possible by the loving service and generous, consistent giving of our church – YOU!  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love that we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

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, December 16th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Christmas at Charleston Vets:  (See above) Come and serve and be a part of an AWESOME Christmas Party at Charleston Vets, Saturday, TOMORROW, December 17th, 10am-2pm.  Meet at the church at 10am (or at 9am for chair set-up).
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, December 20th, 3pm-6pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, December 21st, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas – Friday, January 6th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes Friday, January 6th, 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, January 7th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve! 
   
   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’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, January 8th, in our Chapel 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 sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
   
3. Our goal for our 10th Annual Christmas Offering is $125,000!  And guess what?  We’re almost half-way there!!  Now through Sunday, January 15th (5 weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s Christmas Offering.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777).  You can give your gift during these next 5 weeks (until January 15th) at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing (text “give” to 843-571-1777), or our website.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 3 Christmas Eve Services (Friday, December 23rd, 7pm, Saturday, December 24th, 4:30pm, & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering.  With this year’s offering we are purchasing a 15 passenger van, sound equipment, golf carts, and buying Christmas gifts for all of the children of the New Life Children’s Home in Peru. 
   
4. SPRING LIFE GROUP LEADER TRAINING! Training for new Spring LIFE Group Leaders will be offered in person on Monday, January 23rd, 6:30-8pm or Saturday, January 28th, 9-10:30am.  Returning Leader Training will be online on Thursday, January 26th, 8-8:30pm.  ALL Leaders need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card.  For more details or to answer any of your questions, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff.
    
5. Coastal Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) will be having their Christmas Party TODAY, Friday, December 16 from 7-8PM. Doors will open at 6:15 for food and hanging out. They will have a White Elephant Gift exchange so bring a $5 dollar gift in a gift bag. They will provide a few gifts for people who cannot bring one.
   
   And then on Wednesday, December 21 they will be going to the moviesfor FREE at Citadel Theater! The movie starts at 6:30pm. This is a great opportunity for your Student to invite some friends. They’re going to see the new Puss in Boots (Shrek) movie. Students will need to bring money for concessions because that will NOT be provided by the church.
   
   P.S. New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday this year – Sunday, January 1st, 2023! And to celebrate we’re having a Baptism Service! We can’t think of a better way to start the new year right, than by being buried with Christ through Baptism, and being raised to walk in the new life (Colossians 2:12). It’s a new life for a new year! There will only be one service that day – 9:30am. If you would like to participate, sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up on our website!

We had such a great kick-off to our “Christmas at Coastal” series on Peace this past Sunday!  We had a great attendance (over 700 in person and another 500 online), lots of guests, lots people we haven’t seen in a while, and I saw lots of people taking family Christmas pictures in front of our Christmas trees!  I know I sound like a broken record, but please leverage this time of year, pull out all the stops, and invite and bring someone to church in December.  In this post Christian culture that we live in today, Christmas still carries with it a sense of mystery, intrigue, wonder, and the miraculous in people’s minds.  And whether or not they even recognize that it’s Jesus and only the Peace that He offers that they are searching for – they ARE searching.  They are searching for anything that might fill that hole in their soul, something bigger than themselves that will give meaning and significance.  The truth is that we were all created with that longing and we will never be satisfied until we find our satisfaction, meaning, purpose, and significance in a personal relationship with Him.  

And once you’ve experienced that for yourself (and I know many of you have), you have a mission, a reason for living – to share that message with the people God brings into your life.  So, who are you praying for this Christmas?  Who are you inviting to Coastal?  Who are you inviting and bringing to one of our 3 Christmas Eve services (Friday, December 23rd, 7pm, and Saturday, December 24th, 4:30pm, & 6pm)?  Because we make this promise, this commitment – if you invite and bring them to Coastal, they will see and experience Jesus and hear the Good News of the Gospel.  We either believe that people are dying and going to Hell without Jesus . . . or we don’t.  And if we do, it shapes everything we do.  Acts 20:24, “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”

Coastal, don’t forget, we are a Battleship, not a Cruise Ship.  For those of you who have been on Cruises, you know that once you get on that ship, it’s all about you, your needs, your wants.  Food? Drinks? Sun? Relaxation?  Sit back and let us take care of you.  Forget everyone and everything you left behind.  A  Battleship, however, is quite different.  There is a Commander.  You have a mission.  You’re working together to fight a common enemy, and take back territory that was stolen.  You won’t leave anyone behind and together you’ll do anything it takes to rescue those behind enemy lines.  It’s not about you and your needs, it’s about the mission.  And you will sacrifice everything you have to see that mission accomplished.  Sadly, more churches and Christians behave like they’re on a Carnival Cruise than on a Battleship for God.  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love that we get to lock arms, march out into this world, beat down the gates of Hell, and rescue people one life at a time together!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris  

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  today Friday, December 9th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes today Friday, December 9th, 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, December 9th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Joseph Floyd Manor Tailgate:  Saturday, December 10th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, December 13th, 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, December 16th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   
   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. We’re planning for Christmas at Charleston Vets! On Saturday, December 17th, we’ll descend on Charleston Vets in North Charleston and provide the veterans with a Christmas Party like no other:  a homecooked Christmas meal, a Christmas stocking packed full of home-baked Christmas cookies, Christmas gifts for every veteran, a coffee and hot chocolate bar, a craft table so the kids can make gifts for the veterans, Christmas music and more!
   
   Want to help? Sign up to serve by going to: www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions
   
   All of the gift tags on our “Adopt-A-Vet” Christmas Tree have been taken!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Please bring your gifts back to church this Sunday, December 11th, wrapped or in a gift bag with the Vet tag attached.
   
3. Our goal for our 10th Annual Christmas Offering is $125,000!  Now through Sunday, January 15th (6 weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s Christmas Offering.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777).  You can give your gift during these next 6 weeks (until January 15th) at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing (text “give” to 843-571-1777), or our website.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 3 Christmas Eve Services (Friday, December 23rd, 7pm, Saturday, December 24th, 4:30pm, & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering.  With this year’s offering we are purchasing a 15 passenger van, sound equipment, golf carts, and buying Christmas gifts for all of the children of the New Life Children’s Home in Peru.
   
4. SPRING LIFE GROUP LEADERS! If you are interested in Leading, Co-Leading, or Hosting a Spring 2023 LIFE Group, sign up on your Connect Card.  For more details or to answer any of your questions, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff. 
   
5. Calling all 55+ youthful seniors – you’re invited to a potluck style Christmas Luncheon THIS Monday, December 12th, 11:30am-1pm in the Coastal Chapel!  Contact Peggy Austin or Karen Laughlin for more details.
   
   P.S.  New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday this year – Sunday, January 1st, 2023! And to celebrate we’re having a Baptism Service! We can’t think of a better way to start the new year right, than by being buried with Christ through Baptism, and being raised to walk in the new life (Colossians 2:12). It’s a new life for a new year! There will only be one service that day – 9:30am. If you would like to participate, sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up on our website!

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” – at Coastal that is!  I can’t wait for you to see our campus over the weekend!  These pictures don’t do it justice.  You’re defiinitely going to want to get a family picture!  I’d like to thank Teresa Spell for all her hard work.  She’s the vision behind all the decorations.  And then the Staff and a group of awesome volunteers were the muscle!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  And if you look closely in the 3rd picture you might just see another member of the manger scene that wasn’t mentioned in the original Christmas story in Luke 2 (that wasn’t a part of Teresa’s vision – haha!).

Our “Christmas at Coastal” series kicks off THIS Sunday, December 4th!  The focus of the series this year is on PEACE.  I don’t know about you, but at times Christmas seems anything but peaceful.  Now honestly, much of it we seem to bring on ourselves.  Just think about what we do.  During this time of the year we decide to have more parties during this one month than all the rest of the year combined.  I don’t know why we do it, but we do this to ourselves.  During this one month of the year, besides all these parties we say let’s write a little personal note to every person we’ve ever met in our lives and send them a card.  And as if that weren’t enough we entirely redecorate our house on the inside and on the outside.  Then during this time of the year we try to buy a special gift for every person that we love.  And then – we bake!  How often do you bake?  But you do it during this time of the year!  Then right in the middle of it, as if all of this wasn’t crazy enough, we say, “Let’s let the kids out of school for two weeks.”  No wonder we’re stressed out!

But guess what?  The very 1st Christmas was anything but peaceful.  It was a time of fear and unrest and paranoia and turmoil.  Sounds a lot like today doesn’t it?  In fact, fast forward to 2022.  This year has been anything but peaceful.  I don’t think any of the “end of year stories” that will be flooding the media at the end of this month will use the word “peaceful” to describe 2022.  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:  “If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, did He fail?” Well, it all depends on how do you define “peace”?  The world defines peace as the absence of conflict.  I think Jesus had something different in mind.  And I honestly think that God’s peace is exactly what people are truly searching for today.  Come to Coastal this month and discover God’s gift for you this Christmas and all year round – PEACE. 

Don’t forget that our 3 Christmas Eve Candlelight Services will be on Friday, December 23rd, 7pm, and Saturday, December 24th, 4:30pm, & 6pm.  Please be in touch with your LIFE Team Leaders about serving!  On Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25th, our services will be online only.  Leverage this season and all the miracles associated with it and invite and bring a friend each week of this series and on Christmas Eve.  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!  And I can’t wait to see you over the weekend!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris  

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  today Friday, December  2nd & Friday, December 9th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes today Friday, December 2nd and Friday, December 9th, 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 tomorrow, Saturday, December 3rd.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night –  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, December 8th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, December 9th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Joseph Floyd Manor Tailgate:  Saturday, December 10th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church.
   
   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. We’re planning for Christmas at Charleston Vets! On Saturday, December 17th, we’ll descend on Charleston Vets in North Charleston and provide the veterans a homecooked Christmas meal, a Christmas stocking packed full of home-baked Christmas cookies, Christmas gifts for every veteran, a coffee and hot chocolate bar, a craft table so the kids can make gifts for the veterans, Christmas music and more!
   
   Want to help? First you can sign up to serve by going to: www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions.
   You can also help to prepare the meal. Go to this link to see what we need and then sign up to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044FA4A929A1FA7-veterans
   You can also help with baking cookies for the stockings. To help lend a hand with the baking, you can sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044FA4A929A1FA7-christmas
   
   Lastly, there are only a few more gift tags on our “Adopt-A-Vet” Christmas Tree. Grab an ornament to help provide Christmas gifts for the veterans. We’ll provide you with a list of sizes and favorites for each vet. So many ways to serve, make an eternal impact, and a memorable Christmas for these local vets!
   
3. Our goal for our 10th Annual Christmas Offering is $125,000!  Now through Sunday, January 15th (7 weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s Christmas Offering.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777).  You can give your gift during these next 7 weeks (until January 15th) at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing (text “give” to 843-571-1777), or our website.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 3 Christmas Eve Services (Friday, December 23rd, 7pm, Saturday, December 24th, 4:30pm, & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering.  With this year’s offering we are purchasing a 15 passenger van, sound equipment, golf carts, and buying Christmas gifts for all of the children of the New Life Children’s Home in Peru.
   
4. SPRING LIFE GROUP LEADERS! If you are interested in Leading, Co-Leading, or Hosting a Spring 2023 LIFE Group, sign up on your Connect Card.  For more details or to answer any of your questions, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff. 
   
5. Calling all 55+ youthful seniors – you’re invited to a potluck style Christmas Luncheon on Monday, December 12th, 11:30am-1pm in the Coastal Chapel!  Contact Peggy Austin or Karen Laughlin for more details.
   
   P.S. New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday this year – Sunday, January 1st, 2023! And to celebrate we’re having a Baptism Service! We can’t think of a better way to start the new year right, than by being buried with Christ through Baptism, and being raised to walk in the new life (Colossians 2:12). It’s a new life for a new year! There will only be one service that day – 9:30am. If you would like to participate, sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up on our website!

Okay, okay, we’re not really having a “Black Friday Sale” at Coastal!  I just thought it might be a fun way to get you to open and read my “Friday 5.”  I know how some of you get when you hear the word SALE!  I hope you and your family truly had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday!  Today is traditionally called “Black Friday.”  And then next week we have “Cyber Monday” and “Giving Tuesday”!  Regardless of what labels we assign these days, the reality is that more people will buy more STUFF online this weekend and over the next month than any other time of the year. That’s not a bad thing, BUT it isn’t eternal.  Our church exists to share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston & the world – and that IS eternal!

So, while you’re shopping online today and over the next month, why not consider doing one of 2 things.  And here’s my CYBER OFFER: 100% of your investment will go to reaching people for Jesus!

1. Go here and give to God through the local church from our website. The investment is eternal.  It lasts way longer than a big screen, toy, or new shoes.
   
2. Give toward our Christmas Offering – simply use the keyword “Christmas” (see below).  Each and every gift counts – small and large.  We can’t all give the same amount, but we can each sacrifice.  And when all of us do that together, that’s when God does a miracle.  Our goal this year is $125,000.

Many people give to Coastal with their smartphone through TEXTING!  Simply text the word “GIVE” to 843-571-1777 and follow the simple instructions.  GIVE IT A TRY!  You can give any amount, any where, any time, any place.  It is not billed to your phone.  It is through your Bank/Credit Card that you register.  It is simple, safe, and secure.

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, 9:30AM or 11:15AM!   We kick off our “Christmas at Coastal” series NEXT Sunday, December 4th.  Take advantage of this season and this series and invite your friends to church!  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!  And I can’t wait to see you over the weekend!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Hope Center Tailgate (Adults Only Project):  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, November 29th, 3pm-6pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, December  2nd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes Friday, December 2nd, 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, December 3rd.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   
   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. We’re planning for Christmas at Charleston Vets! On Saturday, December 17th, we’ll descend on Charleston Vets in North Charleston and provide the veterans a homecooked Christmas meal, a Christmas stocking packed full of home-baked Christmas cookies, Christmas gifts for every veteran, a coffee and hot chocolate bar, a craft table so the kids can make gifts for the veterans, Christmas music and more!
   
   Want to help? First you can sign up to serve by going to: www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions.
   
   You can also help to prepare the meal. Go to this link to see what we need and then sign up to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044FA4A929A1FA7-veterans
   
   You can also help with baking cookies for the stockings. To help lend a hand with the baking, you can sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044FA4A929A1FA7-christmas
   
   Lastly, we’ll have a table in the rear of the auditorium beginning THIS Sunday, November 27th, with an “Adopt-A-Vet” Christmas Tree. Grab an ornament to help provide Christmas gifts for the veterans. We’ll provide you with a list of sizes and favorites for each vet. So many ways to serve, make an eternal impact, and a memorable Christmas for these local vets!
   
3. Our goal for our 10th Annual Christmas Offering is $125,000!  This Sunday, through Sunday, January 15th (8 weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s Christmas Offering.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777).  You can give your gift during these next 8 weeks (Nov. 27th – Jan. 15th) at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing (text “give” to 843-571-1777), or our website.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 3 Christmas Eve Services (Friday, December 23rd, 7pm, Saturday, December 24th, 4:30pm, & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering.  With this year’s offering we are purchasing a 15 passenger van, sound equipment, golf carts, and buying Christmas gifts for all of the children of the New Life Children’s Home in Peru.
   
4. SPRING LIFE GROUP LEADERS! If you are interested in Leading, Co-Leading, or Hosting a Spring 2023 LIFE Group, sign up on your Connect Card.  For more details or to answer any of your questions, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff. 
    
5. If you would like to help decorate our facility for Christmas, please be at the church THIS Monday, November 28th at 9am (this is not for children).  Our Christmas at Coastal series kicks off on Sunday, December 4th! Our 3 Christmas Eve services will be on Friday, December 23rd, 7pm, and Saturday, December 24th, 4:30pm, & 6pm.  Please be in touch with your LIFE Team Leaders about serving!  On Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25th, our services will be online only.
   
   P.S. New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday this year – Sunday, January 1st, 2023! And to celebrate we’re having a Baptism Service! We can’t think of a better way to start the new year right, than by being buried with Christ through Baptism, and being raised to walk in the new life (Colossians 2:12). It’s a new life for a new year! There will only be one service that day – 9:30am. If you would like to participate, sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up on our website!

Happy Thanksgiving!  1 Thessalonians. 5:16-18 says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  Be sure to notice the last part of verse 18, look at it again, “this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  There aren’t a lot of passages in the Bible that specifically spell out, “this is God’s will for you,” but this is one of them.  Think about that.  This specifically is God’s will for all of us – that we rejoice always, that we pray continually, and that we give thanks in all circumstances.  In the original Greek language, they could be translated, “continually rejoice, continually pray, and continually give thanks.” 

That’s really where the challenge lies, doesn’t it?  I mean, we would have no problem if it said, “Rejoice sometimes, pray occasionally, and give thanks when you feel like it.”  It’s the words, “Always”, “Continually”, and “In all circumstances” that trip us up.  And the implication is that the real impact of the gospel will be seen in those times when we don’t feel very joyful, when we don’t want to pray, or when we can’t think of a reason to be thankful.  That’s where we discover if our faith is real or if it’s just a show.

Let’s be honest, this is a challenging verse: for the person who’s recently been divorced; the person who had a miscarriage; the person whose body is devastated by the treatments they are receiving;  the person who feels like they are barely existing in a job filled with difficulties and disappointments; the person who is overwhelmed by financial demands; the person who has to helplessly watch their child suffer;  the person who lives with a cloud of depression;  the person who has recently stood at the freshly dug grave of someone they love; or the person who feels suffocated by their loneliness.

In each of those situations, the idea of “giving thanks in all circumstances” is beyond difficult!  In fact, it seems impossible.  So what is Paul saying?  Well, let me tell you what he’s NOT saying, he’s not asking us to pretend.  Jesus openly WEPT over the death of His friend Lazarus.  And that Greek word isn’t used anywhere else in the entire New Testament.  It literally means that Jesus spontaneously burst into tears, that He was overcome with grief.  Jesus was the most thankful person who ever lived, but that didn’t keep Him from deeply identifying with human sorrow, suffering, and death.  So this is definitely not about pretending or denying.

Nor is Paul saying that we’re to give thanks FOR all circumstances.  Obviously we shouldn’t be thankful for evil or injustice or any of the many things that grieve God’s heart.  BUT, we are to be thankful IN all circumstances.  And that’s an important distinction.  The implication is NOT that everything that happens to us is good.  But rather, regardless of what happens – HE is still good!  And for the believer, JUST THAT provides us with a lifetime of reasons to be thankful.

Each year brings with it ups and downs, joys and sorrows, big & small changes – and 2022 has been no exception.  Through it all, it is my prayer that we are a grateful people and just a little bit more like Jesus.  It is my prayer, that in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of today and this weekend, that you will choose to see all the blessings in your life and be reminded that the greatest of those is that you belong to Jesus!  I can’t tell you how very thankful I am for you and for the privilege and honor of being your Pastor.  Paul’s words in Philippians 1:3 are very real to me, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.”

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!  We have 2 services – 9:30am & 11:15am.  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together! 

Happy Thanksgiving!
Pastor Chris 

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.”

This past Wednesday night our Student Ministry (6th-12 Grade) had an AWESOME Thanksgiving Party – games, fire pits, a traditional sit down Thanksgiving meal, and a great message on Gratitude (see pictures above and below)!  You know one thing that I’m grateful for?  Our Youth Pastor Jacob Bonetti and his heart for Students, the Word of God, and Coastal!  And parents YOU need to make sure your Student and their friends are here on Wednesday nights (6pm – Doors Open for Food & Games, 6:30-8pm – Message & Small Groups)!  Now, they won’t be meeting this coming Wednesday night (the night before Thanksgiving), but start making it a priority.  It’s amazing to me how parents will go to great lengths, spending lots of money and time, to make sure their kids are involved in all kinds of things and get them to those things (things that really won’t make ANY eternal difference), but won’t put the same amount or more effort in getting them to church.  Parents, if this applies to you, I’m calling you out!  Let’s do better.  Also, registration is now OPEN for their Winter Retreat!  They’ll be going to the Strength to Stand Student Conference in Pigeon Forge TN, January 13-16.  Cost is $150.  If you’d like to sponsor a Student, please see Jacob.  Deadline for signups and payment is December 31st.  Not only does Coastal have a great Youth Pastor, but we have a great Team of Volunteers who give of their time and energy to love and serve our Students.  If we are going to be a growing and thriving church on into the future, we have to make children and students a priority! If you have any questions about Student Ministry here at Coastal, or would like to learn how you can get involved, please reach out to our Youth Pastor Jacob Bonetti.  It could possibly be one of the most rewarding things you do with your life.  In fact, you are here today, Coastal is here today, because a friend invited me to Youth Group, a Youth Group with a great Youth Pastor and a great group of volunteers who loved me and showed me Jesus!  And I am eternally grateful for them!

I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!  And I can’t wait to see you over the weekend!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris  

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  TODAY, Friday, November 18th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Hope Center Tailgate (Adults Only Project):  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, November 29th, 3pm-6pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, December  2nd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes Friday, December 2nd, 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, December 3rd.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   
   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. With Thanksgiving fast approaching we’re already planning for Christmas at Charleston Vets! On Saturday, December 17th, we’ll descend on Charleston Vets in North Charleston and provide the veterans a homecooked Christmas meal, a Christmas stocking packed full of home-baked Christmas cookies, Christmas gifts for every veteran, a coffee and hot chocolate bar, a craft table so the kids can make gifts for the veterans, Christmas music and more!
   
   Want to help? First you can sign up to serve by going to: www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions.
   You can also help to prepare the meal. Go to this link to see what we need and then sign up to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044FA4A929A1FA7-veterans
   You can also help with baking cookies for the stockings. To help lend a hand with the baking, you can sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904044FA4A929A1FA7-christmas
   
   Lastly, we’ll have a table in the rear of the auditorium beginning next Sunday, November 27th, with an “Adopt-A-Vet” Christmas Tree. Grab an ornament to help provide Christmas gifts for the veterans. We’ll provide you with a list of sizes and favorites for each vet. So many ways to serve, make an eternal impact, and a memorable Christmas for these local vets!
   
3. Our goal for our 10th Annual Christmas Offering is $125,000!  Beginning this Sunday, through Sunday, January 15th (9 weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s Christmas Offering.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777).  You can give your gift during those 9 weeks (Nov. 20th – Jan. 15th) at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing (text “give” to 843-571-1777), or our website.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 3 Christmas Eve Services (Friday, December 23rd, 7pm, Saturday, December 24th, 4:30pm, & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering.  With this year’s offering we are purchasing a 15 passenger van, sound equipment, golf carts, and buying Christmas gifts for all of the children of the New Life Children’s Home in Peru. 
   
4. SPRING LIFE GROUP LEADERS! If you are interested in Leading, Co-Leading, or Hosting a Spring 2023 LIFE Group, sign up on your Connect Card.  For more details or to answer any of your questions, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff. 
   
5. If you would like to help decorate our facility for Christmas, please be at the church on Monday, November 28th at 9am (this is not for children).  Our Christmas at Coastal series kicks off on Sunday, December 4th! Our 3 Christmas Eve services will be on Friday, December 23rd, 7pm, and Saturday, December 24th, 4:30pm, & 6pm.  Please be in touch with your LIFE Team Leaders about serving!  On Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25th, our services will be online only.

P.S. New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday this year – Sunday, January 1st, 2023! And to celebrate we’re having a Baptism Service! We can’t think of a better way to start the new year right, than by being buried with Christ through Baptism, and being raised to walk in the new life (Colossians 2:12). It’s a new life for a new year! There will only be one service that day – 9:30am. If you would like to participate, sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up on our website!

There are LOTS of exciting things going on this weekend at Coastal!  Please see all the different things below.  I hope to see you tonight for our “Night of Worship,” tomorrow for “Double Tailgate Day” & Thanksgiving at JFM, and of course Sunday morning Worship!

But there is something else exciting getting ready to happen at Coastal that I want to share with you – our 10th Annual Christmas Offering!  Over the years, this offering has made a huge IMPACT on our ministry!  

For example, in the past our Christmas Offering has enabled us to:

– fully fund our “Summer of IMPACT” 

– complete a well for a community in Haiti 

– re-roof our entire building    

– renovate a home for a family on Wadmalaw Island

– fully fund our Summer VBS 

– pay for our Easter Outreach

– Oakland Elementary School Annual T-Shirt 

– Student Ministry Camp & Retreat

– 2 Box Trucks for Community Outreach 

– renovate our Chapel

God has used our church and the Christmas Offering to do all of that and so much more!   Well, beginning NEXT Sunday, November 20th, through Sunday, January 15th (9 weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s Christmas Offering.  

To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777).  You can give your gift during those 9 weeks (Nov. 20th – Jan. 15th) at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing, or our website.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 3 Christmas Eve Services this year (Friday, December 23rd, 7pm & Saturday, December 24th, 4:30pm & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering.

Why a Special Offering?  It’s a way for us to grow in our faith and to prepare us for what God wants to do through our church in a bigger way in 2023.  It’s a way for us to sacrifice together as a church family and give generously.  Christmas is all about giving.  Many people, during this time of year, are in fact looking for opportunities to give.  And there is no better place to give than to your local church.

What is our goal and where is the money going?  Our overall goal is $125,000!  Is that a big goal?  Yes!  Can we reach it?  Absolutely!  As always, I am very excited about where this year’s money will be going and the potential Kingdom impact.  The money primarily will be used for a 15 Passenger Van, Sound Equipment, New Life Children’s Home in Peru, & Golf Carts.  

Let me specifically explain each: 

15 Passenger Van.  What’s the most consistently asked question from the residents of Joseph Floyd Manor, Charleston Vets, and Patriot Villas?  Especially after they get to know us and see us on a regular basis?  Answer:  Do you provide any kind of transportation to your church?  Do you have a van that picks up people and brings them to Coastal?  How awesome would it be to have a regular pick up at some of these places that we serve and be able to bring them to Coastal?!  We could also use it to take volunteers to different sites.  And then of course it would come in handy for Student Ministry and multiple other opportunities.

Golf Carts.  If you’ve ever ridden in one of our Golf Carts, you know they’re in pretty rough shape – not a very good “first impression.”  These Golf Carts get used all the time, each and every Sunday transporting people to and from our Parking Lots (at Orange Grove & now Oakland) to our Auditorium.

Peru Mission – Christmas for New Life Children’s Home.  We are planning a missions trip this Summer, July 22nd-29th, to the New Life Children’s Home in Peru (see below).  A portion of this year’s Christmas Offering will go to providing Christmas Gifts & a Christmas Meal for all the children in the orphanage (30-40 children) and their workers. 

Sound Equipment.  One of the most vital elements of our Sunday Morning service is our worship. Our current PA system (speakers) was purchased along with the construction of our “worship-gym-atorium,” and for a while now has been slowly worsening. We have continued to replace parts and service equipment, when possible, but it is time for us to make the jump and purchase a new system.  This new system will be specifically designed for our auditorium in order to give everyone, no matter where you are sitting, the best experience possible. We’ve come to realize quickly at Coastal that the equipment we have is incredibly important for our Sunday morning experience. But it’s not just that. It is important for how we are able to serve our neighbors and our community.

How much should you give?  Prayerfully consider giving a gift that will stretch your faith and include your whole family.  For some people, coming up with “extra” money is difficult.  We’ve learned that as we give, God provides.  Maybe you decide to give up eating out or buying coffee for 9 weeks and give that money to the Christmas Offering.  Maybe you sell something or have a yard sale.  For some people $1000 above your regular giving is a huge sacrifice.  For others, it’s not.  Someone might decide to cover the whole cost for the Van or the Sound Equipment.  One person actually approached me last Sunday and told me that they would like to give a $10,000 matching gift to this year’s Christmas Offering to get it started!  How exciting is that?!  

Just like our “Daring Faith” Giving Campaign and all the other Christmas Offerings we’ve done in the past, we can’t all give the same amount, but TOGETHER, we can ALL make a sacrifice.  That’s when God does a miracle, when together we ALL step out in faith. 

Remember, this offering should be over and above what you regularly give.  If you’re not regularly giving (weekly, monthly), use this time of year to start.  If you’re not tithing (10% of your gross income), step out in faith and start tithing.  Reaching this goal will be a celebration of what God can do through us as together we stretch our faith.  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!  And I can’t wait to see you over the weekend!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

PS – If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  The easiest and fastest way to give to the Christmas Offering is through TEXTing the word “GIVE” to 843-571-1777 and follow the simple instructions.  Just make sure you designate your gift “Christmas.”

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, Friday, November 11th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & THANKSGIVING at Joseph Floyd Manor (see below):  Saturday, November 12th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, November 15th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night –  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, November 17th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal. 
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, November 18th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   
   THANKSGIVING at Joseph Floyd Manor:  In addition to serving the veterans at Charleston Vets on November 12th, we’ll be also hosting Thanksgiving at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM).  All of the food and items for the home cooked Thanksgiving Meal have been signed up for (thank you guys so much)!  But we always need plenty of hands onsite to pull it off.  Meet at the church Saturday, at 10am.
   
   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. Okay everyone – this is it!   All filled shoeboxes are due back to Coastal for Operation Christmas Child – THIS Sunday, November 13th!  This is a GREAT opportunity for you to teach your children about generosity, the true meaning of Christmas, and the love of Jesus.  Help us reach our goal of packing over 1000 shoeboxes this year and share the love of Jesus with children all around the world!
3. Join us TONIGHT for Coastal’s Night of Worship – 7-8:30pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.
4. Coastal has an awesome Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade)!  They meet on Wednesday nights – 6pm Doors Open for Food & Games, 6:30-8pm for Message & Small Groups.  This coming Wednesday night, November 16th they are having a Thanksgiving Party!  Come enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Meal, fire pits, and FUN!  Also, Registration is now OPEN for the Winter Retreat!  They’ll be going to the Strength to Stand Student Conference in Pigeon Forge TN, January 13-16.  Cost is $150.  Deadline for signups and payment is December 31st.  If you have any questions about the Winter Retreat or Student Ministry, please reach out to our Youth Pastor Jacob Bonetti.
5. PERU MISSIONS TRIP INFORMATION MEETING!  Join us in the Chapel immediately after the 11:15am service THIS Sunday, November 13th for an information meeting about the July 22nd-29th Missions Trip to Peru!  Pizza & Childcare provided.
   
   P.S. DON’T FORGET – we offer our Coastal Members and regular attendees free access to RightNow Media, an online church video library.  It’s just one of the many ways to express our generosity to our church family.  Essentially, RightNow Media is a Netflix for Bible studies with videos for kids, students, singles, parents and married couples by teachers like Dave Ramsey, John Piper, Max Lucado, Tim Tebow, and more. All the content can be accessed from any computer or smart television and through the RightNow Media app on a phone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV, etc.  If you haven’t already  done so, click here to set up your account!

If you’re like me, it’s hard to believe that IT’S NOVEMBER!  For most people, the beginning of November means that the Holidays – Thanksgiving & Christmas – are fast approaching.  But for many people, the Holidays are not the “happiest time of the year.”  They are very difficult and very painful (see #3 below).  On top of that, people are just on edge.  Tempers are short.  Times are tough.  Budgets are TIGHT.  And prices have SKYROCKETED!  

Well, earlier this week I was doing some pre-marital counseling with a young engaged couple from our church.  We’ve been making our way through the book, “Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts” by Les & Leslie Parrott (good resource by the way).  We were on the chapter, “Do You Know How to Fight A Good Fight?”  One of the points the authors make is that the biggest stress in most marriages, the thing that most couples fight about is still money (big surprise right?).  

Well, it gave me the chance to remind them about something that I want to remind you about (some of you are new and might not be aware of this).  A couple of years ago our church purchased a site license for something called, “Ramsey+”.  In fact, we’re one of the only churches in the country who have done this!  What that means is that YOU have access to ALL of Dave Ramsey’s best selling financial resources and tools for FREE!  This includes 5 classes (Financial Peace, Legacy Journey, Smart Money Smart Kids, the Jump Start Course and a new Budgeting course), the Everydollar+ budgeting tool, and a host of other resources designed to help families track their progress through the baby steps, get out of debt, and experience financial freedom.  All of that and more is FREE for our entire church!  You have access to everything online, at your own pace, on your own schedule.  Simply go to this link (located on our website – Resources/Financial Tools) and sign up today!  Again, here’s the link:
https://www.ramseysolutions.com/ramseyplus/hosts/coastalcommunity?pc=69597500

We see this as an investment in you, your family, your finances, and your future!  It’s also a way to practically express our generosity and love toward you and our community and to be a real practical source of help.  Think about it – what if you were debt free, with money in the bank?  What if you and your spouse were on the same page and weren’t stressed out about your finances?  What if you could have hope for your life, INCLUDING your finances? That’s what Ramsey+ is all about – giving you a plan and hope so you can experience financial peace.

I hope you’ll sign up and access the material.  We want to be known as a generous church, and we also want to do everything we can to equip our church and community to experience true financial peace in these difficult times!  And by the way, we’re able to do things like this because of the generous, consistent giving of our church – YOU!  Thank YOU for your continued generosity!  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!  And I can’t wait to see you at Saturday Serve and in church on Sunday!

Oh, and by the way, this Sunday is Time Change Sunday.  Your clocks will “Fall Back” and you’ll get an extra hour of sleep!  So no one will have an excuse to miss church or be late – haha!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  TODAY, Friday, November 4th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes TODAY, Friday, November 4th, 9am-11am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Chair Set-Up: Come help set up all the chairs in the auditorium this Saturday (tomorrow), November 5th, at 7:30am.
   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, Saturday, November 5th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, November 8th, 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, November 11th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & THANKSGIVING at Joseph Floyd Manor (see below):  Saturday, November 12th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   
   THANKSGIVING at Joseph Floyd Manor:  In addition to serving the veterans at Charleston Vets on November 12th, we’ll be also hosting Thanksgiving at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM). Make plans to not only serve the residents at JFM, but also help with providing a home-cooked meal.  Scan the QR code below to see what we need and to sign up to help!  We’ll need plenty of hands to pull it off and make this a great Thanksgiving out at Joseph Floyd Manor!  You can also click on this link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050e45a5a92fa0f58-thanksgiving1
   
   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. Okay everyone – this is it!   You now have ONE WEEK to bring your filled shoeboxes back to Coastal for Operation Christmas Child – NEXT Sunday, November 13th!  This is a GREAT opportunity for you to teach your children about generosity, the true meaning of Christmas, and the love of Jesus.  Help us reach our goal of packing over 1000 shoeboxes this year and share the love of Jesus with children all around the world!
3. Grief Share will be hosting a free, one night event on Thursday, November 10th, at 6pm, called, “Surviving the Holidays.”  This event will help you discover how to deal with the difficult emotions of the holiday season, give helpful tips on how to survive social events, and discover hope for the future.  Contact Sue Muoio at s.muoio@outlook.com or register at www.griefshare.org. 
4. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is THIS Monday night, November 7th, 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.  Food & Childcare Provided!
5. PERU MISSIONS TRIP INFORMATION MEETING!  Join us in the Chapel immediately after the 11:15am service on Sunday, November 13th for an information meeting about the July 22nd-29th Missions Trip to Peru!  RSVP on your Connect Card for lunch and childcare.
   
   P.S. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – NEXT Friday night, November 11th, 7-8:30pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.

This Sunday, in our “Revolution of Faith” series, I’ll be in Romans chapter 4.  I hope you’re enjoying this series as we make our way through the book of Romans.  But more than just enjoying it, I hope it’s been challenging, convicting, and life changing!  So far, Paul has spent a lot time explaining how we are made right with God by faith alone, in Christ alone – that keeping the law, doing good works, or performing certain religious rituals can’t save you.  Question – if good works can’t save you, what place do they have in the Christian life?  I mean we talk about and actually DO a lot of good works here at Coastal.  Are we wasting our time?  No, not at all!  The greatest confirmation of all that we have been truly saved, is the confirmation of a changed life that is committed to following Jesus.  I don’t want anybody to get the idea that good works have no place in the Christian life.  We are not saved BY our works, but we are saved TO DO good works.  We don’t serve in order to be saved, but we will serve if we truly have been saved.  In fact, the book of James tells us that faith without good works is dead, useless.

Listen to Hebrews 10:23-24, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”  The Greek word for “spur one another on” means “to incite, to provoke, to stir up.”  When I think of stirring something up, I think of a gallon of paint that has been sitting for a long time.  When you open it, the top it watery and the bottom is thick and gooey.  You’ve either got to stick that gallon of paint in a mixer or take a stick and stir it up.  Sometimes we’re just like that gallon of paint.  We’ve been sitting too long, and as a result we’ve gotten kind of “thick on the bottom” (you get the picture).  In other words, we’ve become a spectator in the Christian life.  That’s why the Bible says that we need to consider how we can stir one another up, spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  

So there is definitely a place for good works in the Christian life.  Listen to Titus 3:4-8, “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”  Now notice what immediately follows that beautiful passage on our salvation.  Verse 8, “This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may” (what?) “be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.”

So where do good works, good deeds fit in?  They come in, in the living of the Christian life.  Good works are worthless as far as purchasing our salvation, but they are essential in expressing our salvation, living it out.  So what about you?  Have you gotten a little “thick in the bottom” lately?  Consider this your heavenly mixer to stir you up a bit.  Ask and answer these two questions.  Where am I serving?  What is my ministry?  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!  And I can’t wait to see you Sunday!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

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, Friday (TODAY), October 21st, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Chair Set-Up: Come help set up all the chairs in the auditorium this Saturday (tomorrow), October 22nd, at 8am.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night –  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, October 27th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal. 
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, October 28th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, November 5th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   
   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. Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is all about sharing the love of Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel through gifts & supplies in a simple shoebox with children all around the world!  What we are asking our church (YOU) is to simply pray and ask God how many shoeboxes He wants you to fill, take home the shoeboxes we provide (until they’re gone), pack them as a family, and then bring back your completed boxes to the church between now and Sunday, November 13th.  Our kiosk in the Welcome Center will be filled with the remaining shoeboxes ready to take home each Sunday.  This would be a GREAT opportunity for you to teach your children about generosity, the true meaning of Christmas, and the love of Jesus.  Help us reach our goal of packing over 1000 shoeboxes this year and share the love of Jesus with children all around the world!
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, October 30th, in our Chapel 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 sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
4. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Monday night, November 7th, 6-8:30am. 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.
5. ERU MISSIONS TRIP INFORMATION MEETING!  Join us in the Chapel immediately after the 11:15am service on Sunday, November 13th for an information meeting about the July 22nd-29th Missions Trip to Peru!  RSVP on your Connect Card for lunch and childcare.

P.S. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – Friday night, November 11th, 7-8:30pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.

P.S.S. Grief Share will be hosting a free, one night event on Thursday, November 10th, at 6pm, called, “Surviving the Holidays.”  This event will help you discover how to deal with the difficult emotions of the holiday season, give helpful tips on how to survive social events, and discover hope for the future.  Contact Sue Muoio at s.muoio@outlook.com or register at www.griefshare.org. 

I hope you’re enjoying reading through the Bible this year with your Coastal family.  Part of today’s reading was from Psalm 84.  Listen to these beautiful words again,

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
    Lord Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints,
    for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
    for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home,
    and the swallow a nest for herself,
    where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
    Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
    they are ever praising you.

And then in vs. 10,

10 Better is one day in your courts
    than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Do you hear the longing to be in the presence of God, worshipping Him in His house?  “How lovely is your dwelling place. . . My soul yearns for the courts of the Lord. . . Blessed are those who dwell in your house. . . Better is one day in your courts.”  Now obviously God doesn’t live in a Temple anymore built by human hands, or even a church building for that matter.  He is everywhere, and specifically He dwells in the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit.  However, there is something powerful when believers gather together as the church to worship Him.  Do you have that same desire and yearning to be in God’s presence, with God’s people, to worship Him?  I hope you do.  And I hope you can’t wait for Sunday each week as we gather together for worship!  I hope you come with joy and anticipation!  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!  And I can’t wait to see you Sunday!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

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, Friday (TODAY), October 14th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Family Serve Night:  On Friday night (TONIGHT), October 14th, at 6pm come and help us pack lunch kits for the Veterans at the Charleston VA Medical Center.  This is definitely a kid friendly outreach project.
   Chair Set-Up: Come help set up all the chairs in the auditorium this Saturday (tomorrow), October 15th, at 8am.
   Oakland Elementary School Fun Run: On Tuesday, October 18th, 9:30am-12:30pm, Coastal is hosting Oakland’s Fun Run!  Come help us man a water station and cheer on the students!
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, October 19th, 8:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Hope Center Tailgate (Adults Only Project):  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Thursday, October 20th, 3pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, October 21st, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   
   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. Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is all about sharing the love of Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel through gifts & supplies in a simple shoebox with children all around the world!  What we are asking our church (YOU) is to simply pray and ask God how many shoeboxes He wants you to fill, take home the shoeboxes we provide (until they’re gone), pack them as a family, and then bring back your completed boxes to the church between now and Sunday, November 13th.  Our kiosk in the Welcome Center will be filled with the remaining shoeboxes ready to take home each Sunday.  This would be a GREAT opportunity for you to teach your children about generosity, the true meaning of Christmas, and the love of Jesus.  Help us reach our goal of packing over 1000 shoeboxes this year and share the love of Jesus with children all around the world!
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, October 30th, in our Chapel 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 sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
4. Attention Coastal!  This Sunday is the last Sunday (October 16th) to bring candy for Oakland Elementary School’s Trunk or Treat.  Their Trunk or Treat is Thursday, October 20th, 5pm-7pm.  You can drop your candy off at the bin on the kiosk in front of the auditorium.
5. PERU MISSIONS TRIP INFORMATION MEETING!  Join us in the Chapel immediately after the 11:15am service on Sunday, November 13th for an information meeting about the July 22nd-29th Missions Trip to Peru!  RSVP on your Connect Card for lunch and childcare.

P.S. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – Friday night, November 11th, 7-8:30pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.

P.S.S. Grief Share will be hosting a free, one night event on Thursday, November 10th, at 6pm, called, “Surviving the Holidays.”  This event will help you discover how to deal with the difficult emotions of the holiday season, give helpful tips on how to survive social events, and discover hope for the future.  Contact Sue Muoio at s.muoio@outlook.com or register at www.griefshare.org. 

As I’m sure you can imagine, it’s not often that I’m speechless! Well this past Sunday was definitely one of those moments! The other Pastors on our Staff were all sporting Hawaiian shirts with MY PICTURE all over it (zoom in above)! October evidently is Pastor Appreciation month, and this was their way to “honor” me and have a little (a lot) of fun Coastal style!  My jaws were sore from laughing and smiling so much!  Everyone had a lot of fun with it!  I asked Scott where they got them from. He responded, “Communist China.” And he can’t confirm or deny that my “Name, Image, and Likeness” are now not being used in China to sell various products (think stuffed Koala bears, popsicles, etc.)! I love these guys and I love our church!

In the midst of all of the fun and laughter, I also received a lot of hugs, kind words, and heartfelt notes of encouragement.  I can’t thank all of you enough.  I am truly a blessed man!  However, there is someone behind it all, someone who most people have no idea how much they do, how much they give, and how much they sacrifice – my wonderful, beautiful wife Janet.  I would not be the Pastor I am today, without her.  Coastal wouldn’t be Coastal without her.  Very few people understand the weight and responsibility she carries.  And Janet carries it all with grace and love.  She is a smart, strong, servant leader.  She is my encourager, confidant, counselor, teacher, and proof reader.  Every idea, sermon series, step of faith, new initiative, and staff hire was first run past Janet and her wisdom (okay, I do sneak some of my jokes past her approval – haha).  At some churches, the Pastor’s wife is called the “First Lady” and treated like royalty – not Janet – she would never want that.  Instead, she’s the one on her hands and knees, crawling through the indoor playground cleaning up a “code yellow” on Sunday morning.  She’s also the one doing a hundred other things that no one else will ever see or understand, all the while sharing her husband and family with hundreds of people.  How does the saying go?  “Behind every great man is a great woman.”  I definitely don’t consider myself great, but I do know this – Janet is a great woman and a great Pastor’s wife!

Look again at the picture above, but this time make sure you see Lori Huff, Kim Jones, Hannah Bonetti, and Gracie Spell.  They are the real unseen heroes of our church.  Each one of them has a ministry and a role that no one else can fill.  Each one of them serves, gives, and sacrifices in ways that no one else can understand.  So, again, thank you for all the love and kind words. Just make sure that when you show any love and appreciation to me and the other Pastor’s here at Coastal, you don’t forget the ones who really deserve it – the Pastor’s wives.  I love you Janet, I love being your husband, and I love what we get to do together here at Coastal!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes today, Friday, October 7th, 9am-11am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Chair Set-Up: Come help set up all the chairs in the auditorium this Saturday (tomorrow), October 8, at 9:00am.
   Double Tailgate Day: Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, October 8th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, October 11th, 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, October 14th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Family Serve Night:  On Friday night, October 14th, at 6pm come and help us pack lunch kits for the Veterans at the Charleston VA Medical Center.  This is definitely a kid friendly outreach project.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, October 19th, 8:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Hope Center Tailgate (Adults Only Project):  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Thursday, October 20th, 3pm-6pm.  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. One of our favorite missions that we support here at Coastal is Operation Christmas Child (OCC) – sharing the love of Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel through gifts & supplies in a simple shoebox.  What we are asking our church (YOU) is to simply pray and ask God how many shoeboxes He wants you to fill, take home the shoeboxes we provide, pack them as a family, and then bring back your completed boxes to the church between now and Sunday, November 13th.  Our kiosk in the Welcome Center will be filled with the remaining shoeboxes ready to take home each Sunday (until they’re gone).  This would be a GREAT opportunity for you to teach your children about generosity, the true meaning of Christmas, and the love of Jesus.  Help us reach our goal of packing over 1000 shoeboxes this year and share the love of Jesus with children all around the world!  Pray about how many boxes your family would be willing to pack, step out in faith, grab a few shoeboxes on Sunday, and help us do just that!
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, October 30th, in our Chapel 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 sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
4. Attention Coastal!  Our church is collecting large bags of individually wrapped candy to help with Oakland Elementary School’s Trunk or Treat.  Their Trunk or Treat is Thursday, October 20th, 5pm-7pm, and we are collecting candy through Sunday, October 16th.  You can drop your candy off at the bin on the kiosk in front of the auditorium.
5. PERU MISSIONS TRIP INFORMATION MEETING!  Join us in the Chapel immediately after the 11:15am service on Sunday, November 13th for an information meeting about the July 22nd-29th Missions Trip to Peru!  RSVP on your Connect Card for lunch and childcare.

P.S. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – Friday night, November 11th, 7-8:30pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.

You are specifically receiving this email because you currently give to our church through one of our current giving platforms (PayPal, Texting/Kindrid, or our App/Subsplash).  Many of you have set up recurring gifts (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly).  We are doing away with ALL of those giving platforms by the end of the year and are switching to ChurchTeams Giving.  This switch will save the church time and money, and they offer all of the different ways to give under one umbrella – online, TEXT to give, recurring giving, etc.

So here’s what I need you to do.  Simply click on this link and set up your new giving account and recurring gift.  It’s safe, secure, and super simple.  You can set up automated/recurring giving through a Credit/Debit Card or through your Bank Account.  After your new recurring gift is set up, login to your current giving platform (PayPal, Kindrid/843-277-8337, or our App/Supsplash) and stop/cancel your old recurring gift.  If you need any help or if you would like us to cancel your old recurring gift for you, simply email Rachel Speer on our Staff, and we would be happy to take care of it for you.  

Again, here is the link to get started:  https://www.churchteams.com/m/Give.asp?oID=22264&aID=dFlBM1RRSDJFR0M2dXBIWXk3QUx3dzVqNXJaMnNLQ3M%3D

You can also set it up by texting the keyword “GIVE” to our church number 843-571-1777.

We have not yet shut down any of these other giving platforms, but we are asking you to make the switch as soon as possible.  They will all be shut down by the end of the year. 

Thank you for your continued financial support of Coastal Community Church!  We couldn’t do what we do at Coastal without your generous and consistent giving.

LIFE & LOVE

Pastor Chris

As you read this, my guess is that you’re “hunkered down” to weather whatever has become of Hurricane Ian.  Please know that the Pastors, Staff, and Prayer Team are all praying for you and your family, for your safety and protection.  I’m also praying that we can show the world around us the practical love of Christ through it all, whether we’re at the grocery store or the gas station.  During times of uncertainty, people are on edge. Let’s make sure that as followers of Jesus we exude a calming, joyful presence.  

Right now, all indications are that Saturday is going to be a beautiful day.  That means that we are going to move forward with Saturday Serve! Truthfully, it’s a perfect opportunity to love and serve our community when people might just need it most.  I hope you’ll join us!  Chair Set-Up will be at 7:30am (yes, we’re still planning on having church services on Sunday) and Saturday Serve will be at 8:30am.

Speaking of showing the practical love of Christ to those who need it most, I want to share some exciting news with you.  As a church, we’ve been praying about taking several of our more consistent Outreach Projects to the next level spiritually.  So we started a little “LIFE Group Pilot Project.”  What is that you ask?  Well, we decided to offer a LIFE Group to good folks at Charleston Vets.  Honestly, during the planning stages we weren’t really sure how many of the Veterans would be interested and would show up.  17 Veterans so far have joined the LIFE Group (see the picture above)!!  WOW!!  Our plan is to launch another LIFE Group next semester at another Outreach location.  If you’re interested in being a part of it, please let Chris Jones know.

I know that last Sunday’s message on Romans 1:18-32 evoked a lot of conversations (that’s a good thing).  It’s interesting to hear different people’s take on the message depending on where they are at spiritually and what’s going on in their lives.  Some people seem to think that I preached an entire message on the sinfulness of homosexuality (I did not).  The real point of my message and I believe the real point of the passage is that the good news of the Gospel of Jesus has no meaning, no real impact, until it’s set against the back drop of being under God’s wrath and judgment because of our sin.  Ultimately, it’s about our need for a Savior.  Just know that at Coastal, especially when we are working our way through a book of the Bible, that we are never going to shy away from hard or difficult subjects.  Even the Apostle Peter said this about Paul’s writings, “Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction.” (2 Peter 3:16)  At Coastal, we are always going to stay true to the Word of God, but we are going to do so with grace and love.  And are you ready for this?  Two people gave their lives to Jesus on Sunday and were saved!!  That’s the power of God’s Word and the power of the Gospel!!  And like I said Sunday, no matter your struggle, we are here for you, and we will walk with you through it.  And if you would like to talk about any of these issues and if you need some resources to help you walk through them in 2022, please let me know.  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   Chair Set-Up: Come help set up all the chairs in the auditorium this Saturday (tomorrow), October 1st, at 7:30am.
   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, October 1st.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, October 7th, 9am-11am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Double Tailgate Day – Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, October 8th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Soldier’s Angels – We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, October 11th, 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, October 14th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   
   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. For countless mothers, having enough diapers is a constant struggle. Without diapers, children cannot attend daycare, which may prevent parents from making an income. Diapers are not funded by WIC and SNAP programs, and without this financial assistance, babies are left in their diapers longer, leading to severe diaper rash that could lead to other medical problems. We are partnering with the Junior League of Charleston Diaper Bank. They collect, package and work with partner organizations to distribute diapers to those in need throughout the Lowcountry. We’re collecting diapers and pullups of all sizes this Sunday, October 2nd.  The goal is to collect 1000 diapers!  Drop off donations at the Junior League of Charleston Barrel located in the foyer near the auditorium this Sunday!
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, October 30th, in our Chapel 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 sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
4. Attention Coastal!  Our church is collecting large bags of individually wrapped candy to help with Oakland Elementary School’s Trunk or Treat.  Their Trunk or Treat is Thursday, October 20th, 5pm-7pm, and we are collecting candy beginning this Sunday through, Sunday, October 16th.  You can drop your candy off at the bin on the kiosk in front of the auditorium.
5. To be the best stewards of your giving, Coastal is consolidating our multiple giving platforms under the single umbrella of Church Teams (our new Church Management Platform).  Online Giving and Text Giving through Church Teams is simple, safe, and secure.  It will save the church time and money.  Through Church Teams Online Giving you can set up automated/recurring giving through a Credit/Debit Card or through your Bank Account.  You can even see a report of your giving!  So, if you have already set up recurring giving online through PayPal, Kindrid/Texting, or our Coastal App, we are encouraging you to make that transition now to Church Teams Online Giving.  You can do so at this link, or you can text the keyword “Give” to 843-571-1777 to get started.  If you need any help, our office would be happy to assist. Contact us at 843-571-1777.  Thank you again for your generosity and making an IMPACT here in Charleston AND the world!
   
   P.S. It might seem like a long way off, but we wanted to go ahead and put on your calendar our next Coastal Night of Worship – Friday night, November 11th, 7-8:30pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.

It’s been another exciting week at Coastal!  First of all, our new semester of LIFE Groups started this week!  I’ve heard nothing but GREAT things!  Personally, I lead two different Groups, and it was so great to see everyone and get started!  We have awesome leaders, and I can’t wait to hear the stories of community, connection, and change!  Many of our Groups are full, but for those that aren’t, it’s still not too late to join.  Go to our website and sign up today!

And then, of course, we kicked off our new Fall sermon series, “A Revolution of Faith,” on the book of Romans.  We had  A LOT of 1st time guests and gave a way A TON of 1st Time Guest Gift Bags!  I also want to thank our Pastors/Staff.  As a part of this series, we’re emailing out a daily devotional (Monday-Friday) as we make our way through the book of Romans.  The Pastors/Staff are writing the devotionals and doing a GREAT job!  I hope you’ll include them as a part of your daily devotional life.

And speaking of our Pastors and Staff, I want to share with you some exciting changes and additions.  First of all, you might have noticed several new additions on the stage with our Worship Team lately.  One of those, Jarred Dawkins (JD), will become a more permanent fixture as our main Worship Leader beginning in October.  JD is an energetic Worship Leader who is finishing up his degree at CSU and will be with at least through this year (and who knows what the future holds after that!).  You might have noticed that we’ve “upped our Social Media game” lately!  Well, that’s because Aysia Le has joined our Team as our Social Media Manager.  Aysia works in the world of Social Media and Brand Marketing and has a passion for serving.  My wife Janet is building a Coastal Kidz Leadership Team.  Andrea Bolton will be our Nursery/Toddler Coordinator, Erin Strand will be our Pre-School Coordinator, and Rebecca Valencic will be our Elementary Coordinator.  They will work closely with Janet and help with building a team, scheduling, and classroom prep.

And then last, but not least, this change is not really exciting, but it is a part of the life of any church staff and family.  Ashley Hojnacki (our Office Manager) will be leaving our staff and the family of Coastal.  Her husband Ed has taken a new and exciting position at a company in Michigan, and they will be moving (Ed actually begins his job next week).  The exciting part for them is that they will be very close to both of their families in Michigan.  I know that their families can’t wait to spend more time with Ed & Ashley’s little girl Blake.  Ed & Ashley have been a part of Coastal for 11 years and Ashley has been on our Staff for almost 7 years.  That’s a long time to put up with me and the craziness of a church staff!  Thank you is not enough!  But feel free to reach out to her and express your thanks – ashley@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  And when you see her on Sunday, give her a big hug!  She takes a little bit of Coastal with her, and I’m sure God is going to continue to do great things through them in the years to come.  As a result of her departure, Rachel Speer will be taking on more responsibilities, Kathy Love takes over offering, deposits, and billing, and Dawn Judd becomes our bookkeeper.

A growing and changing church requires a growing and changing staff.  As the Lead Pastor here at Coastal, I am and have been honored to work alongside such an AWESOME Team!  God brings people into our lives for a reason and for a season.  Sometimes we don’t always understand all the reasons.  Sometimes the season is long, sometimes it’s short.  But through it all, it’s my prayer that together we are bringing God glory, accomplishing His purposes in our lives, and day by day becoming a little bit more like His Son Jesus!  Like I always say, “I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!”  See you on Sunday!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

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, September 23rd, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Chair Set-Up: Come help set up all the chairs in the auditorium this Saturday (tomorrow), September 24th, at 8am.
   VA Hospitality Project – This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, September 28th, 8:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate & Game Night –  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, September 29th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal. 
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, September 30th, 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, October 1st.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!
   
   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. For countless mothers, having enough diapers is a constant struggle. Without diapers, children cannot attend daycare, which may prevent parents from making an income. Diapers are not funded by WIC and SNAP programs, and without this financial assistance, babies are left in their diapers longer, leading to severe diaper rash that could lead to other medical problems. We are partnering with the Junior League of Charleston Diaper Bank. They collect, package and work with partner organizations to distribute diapers to those in need throughout the Lowcountry. We’re collecting diapers and pullups of all sizes from now until Sunday, October 2nd.  The goal is to collect 1000 diapers!  Drop off donations at the Junior League of Charleston Barrel located in the foyer near the auditorium doors starting this Sunday!
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, October 30th, in our Chapel 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 sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
4. Attention Coastal!  Our church is collecting large bags of individually wrapped candy to help with Oakland Elementary School’s Trunk or Treat.  Their Trunk or Treat is Thursday, October 20th, 5pm-7pm, and we are collecting candy beginning this Sunday through, Sunday, October 16th.  You can drop your candy off at the bin on the kiosk in front of the auditorium.
5. To be the best stewards of your giving, Coastal is consolidating our multiple giving platforms under the single umbrella of Church Teams (our new Church Management Platform).  Online Giving and Text Giving through Church Teams is simple, safe, and secure.  It will save the church time and money.  Through Church Teams Online Giving you can set up automated/recurring giving through a Credit/Debit Card or through your Bank Account.  You can even see a report of your giving!  So, if you have already set up recurring giving online through PayPal, Kindrid/Texting, or our Coastal App, we are encouraging you to make that transition now to Church Teams Online Giving.  You can do so at this link, or you can text the keyword “Give” to 843-571-1777 to get started.  If you need any help, our office would be happy to assist. Contact us at 843-571-1777.  Thank you again for your generosity and making an IMPACT here in Charleston AND the world!
   
   P.S. P.S.  It might seem like a long way off, but we wanted to go ahead and put on your calendar our next Coastal Night of Worship – Friday night, November 11th, 7-8:30pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.

First of all, I just want to say what an AWESOME LIFE GROUP SUNDAY we had this past Sunday!  I can’t thank all of our LIFE Group Leaders enough for all of their hard work and creativity!  They “knocked it out of the park!”  The excitement, fun, and enthusiasm in the room was palpable!  Plus, are you ready for this, so far we’ve had over 500 individual adults sign up for LIFE Groups and over 800 total signups (meaning some of you LOVE you some LIFE Groups and have signed up for multiple groups – haha)!  That’s AWESOME!

I also want to recognize the winning Groups from our Booth/Display competition.  Each one of these Group Leaders will receive a $50 VISA Gift Card!  Everyone really did an awesome job, but there were definitely a few standouts

Most Creative: Youthful Seniors (Can there be any question here?  I still haven’t recovered from the “Happy Brownies” and seeing those tattoos!  WOW!  Just WOW!)

Most Informative: Celebrate Recovery and Pickleball (Both of these Groups just did a great job of displaying, explaining, and informing everyone about their Group.  Loved Pickle Ball’s snacks as well – pickles and chocolate balls!) 

Best Overall: Single Life (Seriously, from their snacks, virgin mimosas, the decor, their “pitch”, these Ladies just did everything well!  And I’m pretty sure they asked every guy, “Are you single?”)

Best Snacks: Kingdom Values and Jesus Over Everything (I went back to these tables multiple times and so did everyone else.  Great food and great presentation!)

Best Sales Pitch: Ephesians (I think KC was worried no one was going to sign up for her Group, but by the end of the day her Group was full!  She was well prepared and knew what to say to everyone who came by.  I bet, as a Doctor, she has a great bedside manner as well!)

I know Christmas is a long way off (although I have already seen Christmas decorations and supplies out in some stores), but I want to run something by you guys.  We start thinking about our Christmas Offering in early Fall, praying about what God might be leading us to do.  Our goal last year was our largest ever – $125,000.  And like always, you guys exceeded the goal by giving 141,747!  We bought another Box Truck and we remodeled our Chapel – both of which we are fully using today!  Well, one thing that’s been on my heart and I’m sure if you’ve ever been on an Outreach Event, you’ve probably thought about it too.  What’s the most consistently asked question from the residents of Joseph Floyd Manor, Charleston Vets, and Patriot Villas?  Especially after they get to know us and see us consistently?  Answer:  Do you provide any kind of transportation to your church?  Do you have a bus or a van that picks up people and brings them to Coastal?  I think that’s what we’re going to do with part of this years Christmas Offering.  How awesome would it be to have a regular pick up at some of these places and be able to bring them to Coastal?!  We could also use it (or them – haha – already thinking big) to take volunteers to different sites.  And then of course it would come in handy for Student Ministry and multiple other opportunities.  Anyway, that’s just what I’m thinking now, and I wanted to share the idea with you and see what you think.  We’re shopping around and checking prices.  We haven’t decided on the giving goal yet, but I know it will be higher than $125,000 this year!

And finally, speaking of bringing people to Coastal, who are you inviting and bringing with you on Sunday?  I can’t wait!  See #2 below for practical ways you can help make Sunday successful.  Most importantly though, PRAY!  Pray for God to draw people to Himself here at Coastal and to go before us and prepare the hearts of those who will be invited and those who come.  Pray for me and my message and that people will be saved!  Pray for all of our Volunteers and our LIFE Teams, that together we will treat everyone like our welcome, expected guests in our home.  And pray that those who come will return and take next steps to connect to our community.  By the way, I love it when you introduce your friends to me!  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!  See you and your Guests on Sunday!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  TODAY, Friday, September 16th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Chair Set-Up: Come help set up all the chairs in the auditorium this Saturday (tomorrow), September 17th, at 8am.
   Charleston Vets Potluck – Wednesday, September 21st, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Hope Center Tailgate (Adults Only Project) –  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Thursday, September 22nd, at 3pm and the project will conclude by 6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   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, September 23rd, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   VA Hospitality Project – This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, September 28th, 8:30am-12:30pm.  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. THIS Sunday, September 18th, Coastal is kicking off a brand new series on the book of Romans called, “A Revolution of Faith.”  It’s going to be a BIG DAY – a FRIEND DAY!  So, pull out all the stops and invite your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers!  We’re also going to be emailing out a Daily Devotional on Romans, starting this Monday!  So make sure your email address is updated on your Connect Card on Sunday.
   
   On any Big Day there are a few things that you could help us with: parking, seating, and service choice.
   Parking – leave our small parking lot out front for guests and new people.  And then truthfully, park as far away as possible.  Park in Oakland’s parking lot (plenty of parking available).  Take a right immediately past the Greenway, before you get to Orange Grove.  We’ll be glad to send the Golf Carts that way.  We’ve still got some space available in the field behind the church as well.  That’s a great option for early, first service volunteers.  
   Seating – sit to the front and center of each section of chairs.  This makes it so much easier for those with 1st Impressions who are ushering.  
   Service Choice – our 9:30am service is now over 85% capacity!  We can bring in a few more chairs, but not many.  What we really need is for about 50-75 people to move to the 11:15am service.  The Chapel will be open for overflow.  We’re not quite ready to add a 3rd service, but all of these measures will help us in the transition.
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, October 30th, in our Chapel 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 sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
4. ATTENTION COASTAL: LIFE Groups begin this coming week!!  Hopefully by now, you’ve heard from your LIFE Group Leader and you have all the information about your Group.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Pastor Scott Huff.  And guess what?  It’s still not too late to sign up for a LIFE Group!  Many of our Groups are full, but there are still plenty of Groups that have room.  Simply go to our website and sign up today!
5. To be the best stewards of your giving, Coastal is consolidating our multiple giving platforms under the single umbrella of Church Teams (our new Church Management Platform).  Online Giving and Text Giving through Church Teams is simple, safe, and secure.  It will save the church time and money.  Through Church Teams Online Giving you can set up automated/recurring giving through a Credit/Debit Card or through your Bank Account.  You can even see a report of your giving!  So, if you have already set up recurring giving online through PayPal, Kindrid/Texting, or our Coastal App, we are encouraging you to make that transition now to Church Teams Online Giving.  You can do so at this link, or you can text the keyword “Give” to 843-571-1777 to get started.  If you need any help, our office would be happy to assist. Contact us at 843-571-1777.  Thank you again for your generosity and making an IMPACT here in Charleston AND the world!
   
   P.S. It might seem like a long way off, but we wanted to go ahead and put on your calendar our next Coastal Night of Worship – Friday night, November 11th, 7-8:30pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day this past Monday.  I did something on Labor Day that I have never done before.  I got up super early, saw the sunrise on Folly Beach (I’ve done both of those things before – haha), and got to witness a turtle nest inventory with about 40-50 other people!  I don’t know if you’re aware of this or not, but right now there are 98 registered turtle nests on Folly Beach (there are 300 on Kiawah).  And with the help of some very passionate volunteers and the Department of Natural Resources these nests are protected and flourishing.  The whole experience was very informative and quite inspirational.  I’ve seen videos and pictures from other people over the years who just happened to witness countless turtles breaking free from their nest and shells and making the long trek to the ocean.  But I have never witnessed it myself.  Well, upon inspection of this particular nest, the gentleman leading the experience proclaimed this nest to be somewhat of a disappointment.  You see, the eggs in this nest, for whatever reason, were unfertilized.  You could kind of feel the collective sadness from everyone there early that morning.  HOWEVER, there was this one little turtle, from among all the eggs examined that morning who was alive and well, and broke FREE, ready to make the long journey to the ocean.  It was only ONE, but to the crowd gathered that morning, it felt like a thousand! Watching him or her struggle, finally make it to the waves, get pushed back, and head out again, was nothing short of miraculous!  We cheered this little turtle on like it was game day!

I had lots of thoughts about that experience – the miracle of creation, the handiwork of God, the power of community.  But one thing in particular kept coming back – the value of ONE.  In Luke 15, it’s the first and only time that Jesus told three parables, back to back to back, to once and for all explain to the self-righteous Pharisees the purpose of His mission.  Luke 15:1-3, “Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!  So Jesus told them this story. . .”  You see, Jesus was simply being Jesus, doing what He always did, hang out with, even eat with “notorious sinful people.”  And that made the religious establishment angry.  So Jesus told these 3 stories – the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son (the Prodigal Son).  There is a common theme in each one of these stories: something of great value is lost, so much so that it requires an all out search, and then once that which was lost is found, you celebrate.

The value of one.  Who is the ONE in your life?  The truth is you probably have many – friends, neighbors, co-workers, family – where you live, work, parent, and play.  Are you willing to turn everything upside down and do whatever it takes to search for them, to leave the 99 who are already found behind, to longingly, lovingly, even allow the ONE to go their own way, make their own mistakes, while you refuse to lose hope and pray for them to come to their senses and return home? (read the 3 stories)  And when they return will you throw a huge party and celebrate with all of Heaven?  This is why Jesus came – the ONE.  Coastal, this is why we exist – the ONE.  Who is your ONE?  Who are you loving, serving, praying for, inviting, and bringing with you on September 18th?

“In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!. . . In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents. . . We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!”  (Luke 15:7, 10, 32) 

 LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, September 9th, 9am-11am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Chair Set-Up: Come help set up all the chairs in the auditorium this Saturday (tomorrow), September 10th, at 9am (and then stay for Double Tailgate Day at 10am).
   Double Tailgate Day – Charleston Vets & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, September 10th, 10am-1pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Soldier’s Angels – We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, September 13th, 8am-1pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas –  Friday, September 16th, 8:30am-11am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Charleston Vets Potluck – Wednesday, September 21st, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Hope Center Tailgate (Adults Only Project) – Thursday, September 22nd, 3-6pm.  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. On Sunday, September 18th, Coastal is kicking off a brand new series on the book of Romans called, “A Revolution of Faith.”  It’s going to be a BIG DAY – a FRIEND DAY!  So, pull out all the stops and invite your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers!  Use the Invite Cards in your bulletin this Sunday to reach out to someone and make the ask! On any Big Day there are a few things that you could help us with: parking, seating, and service choice.
   Parking – leave our small parking lot out front for guests and new people.  And then truthfully, park as far away as possible.  Park in Oakland’