Dear Coastal,

I just wanted to let you know that we have decided to postpone our FUEL meeting one week until Saturday, October 17th, 10am-11:45am.  What is FUEL and who is invited?  FUEL is a time of fellowship, worship, and information for all Ministry Leaders, Volunteers, and those who are interested in serving – basically everyone who considers Coastal their home!  It’s kind of a “family meeting” – a behind the scenes talk from me, our staff, and several leaders about what’s going on and coming up at Coastal.  Childcare is provided and our Cafe will be open.  With the transition into our new facility coming up, I feel that it’s important that we’re all on the same page and it’s hard to share all of that on a Sunday morning.  Please try to come!

Here are several other things people have asked about:

– Several people have mentioned reaching out to Crosstowne Christian Church on Bees Ferry Rd.  Their facility was completely flooded and they lost everything – a total loss.  I talked with their Pastor, Paul Rienzo.  Right now they are overwhelmed (in a positive way) with the outpouring of offers of assistance from our community and beyond.  They will begin meeting this Sunday at the IMAX cinema at Citadel Mall.  They will be compiling a list of supplies and needs as they go portable.  As soon as I get that list, we will pass it on and see how we can help.  They did have insurance and are meeting with their insurance company now to assess their situation financially.  They are also working closely with Seascoast to assess needs and assist with the outpouring of help.  I talked to Josh Surratt from Seacoast and expressed our desire to be a part of that assistance.  So again, as soon as I know, you will know.

– This is a great opportunity to fill our Food Pantry at Coastal.  Bring non-perishable food items to church this Sunday!  Let’s completely restock our Food Pantry and be prepared to feed those people in need in our community.  We have plenty of beans and corn.  We really need canned fruits, pastas, sauces, dry goods, and cereals.

– We do not have the space for a clothes closet.  Good Will, Salvation Army, and the Red Cross are still the best bet for clothes and household items.

– Please feel free to give toward our Benevolence Fund.  We use this money to periodically help people in need – times just like these.  You can designate your gift, “benevolence” on your check, paypal, receipt, or even through texting an amount and then the word “benevolence” to 843-277-8337.  We will use money from this fund to help Crosstowne Christian Church.

– Obviously, we cancelled services this past Sunday.  However, just like you, our bills, salaries, & expenses were not cancelled.  They keep coming regardless of our meeting schedule.  I simply want to encourage you to be faithful in your giving and to help us make up any shortfall from this past Sunday.  Times like these are great opportunities to try out online or mobile giving.

I think that’s about it!  I love you and I’m so thankful to be your Pastor and to serve our church and community together with you!

All In!  Love Can!  Game On!

Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal Friends & Family,

Well, it looks like we made it through the worst sustained rainfall in the history of recorded weather activity in our country.  Unbelievable.  I say “made it” realizing that in most areas the waters have not yet receded and our friends in the midlands, upstate, and further up the coast are still reeling from flooding rivers and rains.  All I mean to say is that it at least looks like the worst of the rain for the Charleston area is over and that the sun will make an appearance tomorrow.  To say that our city has been through a lot this year is quite the understatement.

What now?  What can we do to help?  Well, first and most importantly, pray.  Prayer really does work.  Prayer is not the last resort, “Well, all we can do now is pray.”  No, prayer is our first response.

But prayer should also, always lead us into action.  As you get out and about and start assessing (many are just beginning this process) and networking with neighbors, friends, and family, keep an open heart to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  And then simply obey His voice.

Communicate.  If there is a need that you’re aware of, that together we can make an impact, please let us know.  Send an email.  Give us a call.  Talk about it in your LIFE Group.  That’s a great place for action.  We are going to do our best to put people and needs together as we become aware of them.  We can’t help everyone, but we can help someone.  And together we can help more.  We’ll also do our best to partner with and support other churches and organizations doing the same.  We’re in this together.

Simply put – be the church!  We say it all the time.  But it’s not just a slogan.  It’s a way of life.  This is our time to shine, to serve, to love, to clean, to lend a neighbor a helping hand, to be a shoulder to cry on, to listen, and to give.  Charleston is a special place with special people.  My experience is that the majority of our community will rise to the occasion and pull together.  Let’s simply be a part of that movement.  And when and if someone asks why – point them to Jesus!

Smile, be positive, and gracious today and in the days to come!  People respond to tragedy in different ways.  Let’s lead the way in simple human kindness.  Put away judgement and “snarkiness.”

Oh, and for those of you who have asked, our church facility itself, both old and new, is fine.  No flooding and no damage.  In fact, if you’re still without power and need a place to chill, hop on the internet, or cook a hot meal, give us a call and come on by.  It’s just a tool.  And the Rollins family, we’re all doing great!  Thanks for asking!  Thanks for praying – for Coastal, Charleston, and our entire State!  I love you Coastal!  I love what we get to do together!  I missed you yesterday and can’t wait to see you this week and on Sunday!

All In!  Love Can!  Game On!
Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal,

One of the things that made last weekend so special was the family that we helped with the bedding need came to church on Sunday.  After the service, the mom told me how much she enjoyed our service and that she wanted to thank our church for the beds and supplies for her children.  I was almost in tears as she told me how one of her boys told her it was the best night of sleep he ever had and that he didn’t want to get out of bed!  Thank you Coastal for serving and for giving.  Whether it’s children at Oakland Elementary School, gifts for Operation Christmas Child, or supporting our Students going to the Winter Retreat – change the life of a child, change the world!

Our 10:15am service has been standing room only lately.  At first that can be fun and exciting, but eventually it does get a little difficult, especially on our guests.  If it really doesn’t matter to you, please make an effort to attend the 8:45am or 11:15am service (we have Newcomer’s Lunch immediately after the 3rd service this week).  I promise we’re doing our best to work on a solution!  I’m praying we’ll be in before Christmas!

Do your best to stay dry this weekend (good thing we had our Baptism last Saturday).  Don’t let the rain keep you from church on Sunday!  Our 1st Impression’s Team will be out in full force with plenty of umbrellas!

Here are 5 other things to remember:

1. If you made a commitment to purchase chairs for our new facility, please try to fulfill your commitment during the month of October.
2. New to Coastal?  Sign up for our next Newcomer’s Lunch – THIS Sunday, October 4th, immediately after the 11:45am service (approx. 1pm).  It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Coastal, meet other new people and our staff, enjoy a great meal, and discover possible next steps.  Repsond to this emai or sign up online!
3. Interested in getting more involved at Coastal?  Want to learn the “inside scoop”?  Attend our next FUEL Gathering, next Saturday, October 10th, 10am-Noon.  Childcare provided.  FUEL is for all Ministry Leaders, Volunteers, and anyone interested in serving.
4. October is Operation Christmas Child month!  Begin collecting toys, games, supplies, etc. that can fit in a shoebox.  Also, start gathering your shoeboxes.  You can bring your items and shoeboxes to church during the month of October.  There will be an insert in the bulletin with more information.  Our Packing Party will be at the church on Friday, November 13th, 6:30pm-8:30pm.
5. Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) Winter Retreat, January 15-18th in Pigeon Forge, TN.  $175 per student.  $75 deposit due November 8th.  $100 balance due December 13th.  See Michael for more information.

All In!  LOVE CAN!  Game On!

Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal,

I told you “Game On!” was going to be awesome!  I can’t thank our Staff and all our Volunteers enough for all their hard work.  We have an awesome team at Coastal.  It was just a FUN day and everything fit together and communicated the message that it’s not “Game Over”, it’s “Game On!”  A special thanks to everyone who Tailgated.  You guys went above and beyond!  It was definitely something that we will do again.  And yes, the votes are in, but you’ll have to wait until Sunday for us to announce the winner.

– Keep inviting and bringing your friends.  I love, love, love meeting your friends that you invited!  This is a great series for your friends to hear that God has a wonderful plan for their lives.

– LIFE Groups began this week!  And from all reports it’s been a great start!  It’s still not too late to join a Group.  Sign up today on our website.

– I want to thank those of you who donated “bedding stuff” and money to the LOVE CAN Help A Child need this past week.  Everything has been taken care of and now has to be delievered and set up.  They are going to be meeting at the church at 1pm to take the bedding & supplies to the family.  They need a couple of men to help with the moving, loading, and set up.  They could also use some help with childcare at the church for the children of the families who will be serving.  It all should take about an hour & a half.  If you are interested in serving, please call Morgan Verdery at 706-717-0029.

Here are 5 other things to remember:

1. Our last Beach Baptism Service of the year will be this Saturday (tomorrow morning), at 11am at Folly Beach County Park.  Respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up online.  We have free parking passes available at church.  Come and celebrate with those getting Baptized!
2. New to Coastal?  Sign up for our next Newcomer’s Lunch – Sunday, October 4th, immediately after the 11:45am service (approx. 1pm).  It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Coastal, meet other new people and our staff, enjoy a great meal, and discover possible next steps.  Repsond to this email, sign up online, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
3. Interested in getting more involved at Coastal?  Want to learn the “inside scoop”?  Attend our next FUELGathering, Saturday, October 10th, 10am-Noon.  Childcare provided.  FUEL is for all Ministry Leaders, Volunteers, and anyone interested in serving.
4. October is Operation Christmas Child month!  Begin collecting toys, games, supplies, etc. that can fit in a shoebox.  Also, start gathering your shoeboxes.  You can bring your items and shoeboxes to church during the month of October.  There will be an insert in the bulletin with more information.  Our Packing Party will be at the church on Friday, November 13th, 6:30pm-8:30pm.
5. Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) Winter Retreat, January 15-18th in Pigeon Forge, TN.  $175 per student.  $75 deposit due November 8th.  $100 balance due December 13th.  See Michael for more information.

All In!  LOVE CAN!  Game On!

Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal,

I can’t wait to see you and your friends for “Game On!” this Sunday!  It’s not too late to “make the ask” and invite someone to come.  What’s the worst that can happen?  They say, “No.”  Then you keep loving, keep serving, and keep praying.  And when the time is right, you invite again.  But if they say, “Yes!”, it could change their life forever and beyond!

You know the drill – Sunday is going to be awesome!  We’ve gone to great lengths to do our part to make it special.  But we need you to do your part.  Warmly welcome everyone you see.  Make it a point to talk to people you don’t know.  Smile.  Be helpful.  Pick up trash.  Park as far away as you can.  Sit to the FRONT & CENTER of each section in our auditorium.  If at all possible, come to the 8:45am service or the 11:45am service.  But most importantly, come to the service your invited guests will attend.

This past year, with the help and heart of Morgan Verdery, Amy Mark, and Vanessa Lopez, we started an ongoing ministry initiative called, “Love Can Help A Child.”  The focus of the ministry is meeting the needs of orphans, foster children, and chldren in our community in need.  Long term we hope to be a part of solving the foster child crisis in our community.  Right now we have a couple of families who are going through the Foster Family or Respite Care certification process.  I was overwhelmed by the response of our church to collecting backpacks/school supplies and providing Birthday Presents for all Foster Children with birthday’s in September.

One of the places we wanted to continue to grow in our involvement is at Oakland Elementary School.  Simply put, we made the offer that if there are children in need at Oakland, we would love to be a part of meeting those needs.  Well, we got a call this week about some children who were sleeping on the floor and needed bedding.  I made a couple of calls, the need was put on the Coastal Women’s Facebook page (Coastal Community Church Women’s Group), and in less than 24 hours, everything was either taken care of, or being arranged (we still need about $300)!  It all happened so fast, I knew many of you wouldn’t even be aware of it.  That happens a lot around here.  People are serving, loving, and sharing in our community, meeting needs in Jesus name!  I am so thankful to be a part of a church that genuinely cares about the community in which we live.

If you would like to help meet the $300 need, simply give on Sunday, designating the money, “Love Can.”  Any surplus money we collect will go to that Ministry.

Here are 5 other things to remember:

1. Woohoo!  LIFE Groups begin this coming week!  It’s not too late to sign up.  There are 3 ways to sign up for a LIFE Group, but you only have to sign up 1 time/1 way.  You can sign up on your Connect Card, on the LIFE Group Table in the Welcome Center, or online.  Sign up today!
2. Our last Beach Baptism Service of the year will be on Saturday, September 26th at 11am at Folly Beach County Park.  Respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up online.  We have free parking passes available at church.
3. We are helping to support Touching Lives Ministry and their goal to bring a child from Kenya to MUSC for care.  We are not asking for money – simply clean out your closet and place used shoes or purses/pocket books in the container in the Welcome Center.  See Gracie Beechler for more information.
4. New to Coastal?  Sign up for our next Newcomer’s Lunch – Sunday, October 4th, immediately after the 11:45am service (approx. 1pm).  It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Coastal, meet other new people and our staff, enjoy a great meal, and discover possible next steps.  Repsond to this email, sign up online, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
5. Feel free to make and bring your favorite appetizer and give it to a Tailgater to help feed the crowd on Sunday!

All In!  LOVE CAN!  Game On!  (I think I see a pattern!)

Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal,

I hope you’re getting pumped up about our new series, “Game On!” that we’re kicking off next Sunday, September 20th!  Pull out all the stops, do whatever it takes and invite and bring your friends to church!  Wear your favorite team jersey/shirt!  There will be a Tailgating Competition on our front lawn during all 3 services (so come early and plan to hang out after the service).  Respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card if you’d like to partcipate in the Tailgating Competition.  There will be prizes, giveaways, and the Kona Ice Truck!  We even have real tickets for you to use as invite cards for your friends!  It’s going to be an awesome day you won’t want to miss!

I can’t thank everyone enough for committing to pay for ALL 400 chairs we need for our new worship space so quickly!  Simply pay for your chair/chairs by the beginning of October.  Several people have asked me if there is anything else that isn’t covered in our loan that we need to pay for in the new building.  Yes, there is, mainly our kitchen appliances/supplies and the remodeling of our Coastal Kidz room/new Child-Check-In area.  We will price these needs out and hopefully have a pretty accurate figure next week.  Every dollar given to the new building, the All In Campaign, and these specific needs helps us to make a smooth transition and continue to grow and reach as many people as possible with the good news of the Gospel.

Here are 5 other things to remember:

1. Most of our LIFE Groups begin the week of September 20th!  It’s not too late to sign up.  There are 3 ways to sign up for a LIFE Group, but you only have to sign up 1 time/1 way.  You can sign up on your Connect Card, on the LIFE Group Table in the Welcome Center, or online.  Sign up today!
2. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and officially becoming a Member of our church family?  Our next Membership Class is Monday night, September 14, 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and refreshments provided.  Respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up online.
3. Our last Beach Baptism Service of the year will be on Saturday, September 26th at 11am at Folly Beach County Park.  Respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up online.  Maybe you don’t want to wait until September 26 and you don’t want to get baptized at the beach, well I’ve got GREAT news for you!  We’re actually having a Baptism this Sunday!  We have a couple of students who wanted to get baptized now, so we’re doing it on Sunday.  Love for you to join us!  If you want to get baptized this Sunday, please respond to this email.
4. We are helping to support Touching Lives Ministry and their goal to bring a child from Kenya to MUSC for care.  Please place used shoes or purses/pocket books in the container in the Welcome Center.  See Gracie Beechler for more information.
5. New to Coastal?  Sign up for our next Newcomer’s Lunch – Sunday, October 4th, immediately after the 11:45am service (approx. 1pm).  It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Coastal, meet other new people and our staff, enjoy a great meal, and discover possible next steps.  Repsond to this email, sign up online, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.

All In!

Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal,

First of all, don’t forget this Sunday is a part of Labor Day weekend and we will only be having 2 Sunday morning services – 8:45am and 10:15am.

Even in the rain, LIFE Group Sunday was awesome!  I was so proud of all of our LIFE Group Leaders – their booths, the food, their enthusiasm – they really did a great job!  Most importantly A TON of poeple signed up for LIFE Groups!  Remember, there are 3 ways to sign up, but you only have to sign up one time/one way.  You can sign up at the LIFE Group Table in the Welcome Center, you can sign up on your Connect Card, or you can sign up online.   Online registration is available here.  Most of our LIFE Groups begin the week of September 20th.

Speaking of September 20th, we’re kicking off a new Fall series on that day called “Game On!”  Pull out all the stops, do whatever it takes and invite and bring your friends to church!  It’s a sports/football theme so wear your favorite team jersey/shirt!  The big idea of the series is that God wants to use you!  It’s going to be a great series to help prepare our whole church for all of the changes and growth coming with our new facility this Fall.

One of the fun things that we’re doing on that day is having a “Tailgating Competition” on our front lawn!  We already have 9 people signed up!  We want people to go all out and be as elaborate as possible in rooting for their favorite sports team!  It will be a great way to invite and bring our friends and a great way to fellowship and feed people between and after services.  Please respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday if you’d like to participate.  By the way, pick up as many “Tickets” on Sunday as you need to invite your friends to the 20th!

Here are 5 other things to remember:

1. We only need commitments for about another 50 chairs for our new facility.  Let us know how many chairs you/your family intend to purchase on your Connect Card.  We’re asking everyone to buy a chair for every member of their family and the friends they will invite.  Chairs need to be paid in full by the beginning of October.  Cost – $50 per chair.  Please desginate your gift “chairs.”  You can pay for the chairs on Sunday mornings, online, or through TEXTing.
2. Our regular Student Ministry 6.2.SIX kicks off the school year with a Back to School Bash on Wednesday night, September 9th!  There will be FUN, FOOD, & GAMES!  You, your 6th-12th Grade Student, and their friends won’t want to miss it!
3. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and officially becoming a Member of our church family?  Our next Membership Class is Monday night, September 14, 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and refreshments provided.
4. Our last Beach Baptism Service of the year will be on Saturday, September 26th at 11am at Folly Beach County Park.  Respond to this email or let us know on your Connect Card if you want to get Baptized.
5. Everyone volunteers at Coastal and we always need more volunteers!  So, where is your ministry and where do you serve?  Like to get involved?  Respond to this email and we’ll help you find a place to volunteer.

All In!

Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal,

Last week I changed the title of my Friday Email to “From My Heart To Yours” to see if more people would read it.  I’m not sure if it worked or not but I did get an email response from someone who said that they do read my emails (not always on Friday), but when they saw the new title they read it immediately thinking someone died.

This past Sunday, we had 500 people in attendance – no “Big Day”, no special event, no Holiday service – just a regular Sunday with 500 in attendance!  Wow!  I can’t wait to see what happens this Fall!  I can’t wait to see what happens when we move into our new building!  Keep inviting!  Keep reaching out!  Keep loving!  Keep serving!  Keep working like it all depends on us, pray like it all depends on God, walk by faith, and then let’s trust God with the results!  Numbers ARE important, but each number represents a real PERSON!

This Sunday is LIFE Group Sunday!  During and between each service you’ll have a chance to go and browse the LIFE Group Tent, enjoy great snacks, meet Leaders, register for a LIFE Group, and vote for your favorite display!  It’s a lot of fun – you won’t want to miss it!  Online registration is available now.

We’re kicking off a new series called “Game On!” on September 20th!  Pull out all the stops, do whatever it takes and invite and bring your friends to church on that day!  Yes, it’s a sports/football theme so wear your favorite team jersey/shirt!  The big idea of the series is that God wants to use you!  You will learn how to fulfill God’s mission for your life by serving others and giving your life to something bigger than yourself.  You will learn how to make a difference in your family, our community, our church and in the world.  It’s going to be a great series to help prepare our whole church for all of the changes and growth coming with our new facility this Fall.

One of the fun things that we want to do on that day is have a “Tailgating Competition”!  We’d like to have a minimum of a dozen different entries.  We will set it up out on the front lawn of the church.  Back up your truck (if you have one), put up your tent, and set out your food!  We will give away a grand prize for best overall Tailgating Experience.  We want people to go all out and be as elaborate as possible in rooting for their favorite sports team!  It will be a great way to invite and bring our friends and a great way to fellowship and feed people between and after services.  Please respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday if you’d like to participate.

Here are 5 other things to remember:

1. Don’t forget to let us know how many chairs you/your family intend to buy for the new building.  We’re asking everyone to buy a chair for every member of their family and the friends they will invite.  Chairs need to be paid in full by the beginning of October.  Cost – $50 per chair.  Please desginate your gift “chairs.”  You can pay for the chairs on Sunday mornings, online, or through TEXTing.  Right now we still need about 100 chairs.
2. There will only 2 Services on Labor Day weekend, Sunday, September 6th (8:45am & 10:15am).
3. Our regular Student Ministry 6.2.SIX kicks off the school year with a Back to School Bash on Wednesday night, September 9th!  There will be FUN, FOOD, & GAMES!  You, your 6th-12th Grade Student, and their friends won’t want to miss it!
4. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and officially becoming a Member of our church family?  Our next Membership Class is Monday night, September 14, 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and refreshments provided.
5. Our last Beach Baptism Service of the year will be on Saturday, September 26th at 11am at Folly Beach County Park.  Respond to this email or let us know on your Connect Card if you want to get Baptized.

All In!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  If you are a nursing mom or have a crying baby, we want you to know that there is a room available to you right off of our Nursery with the service “piped in.”

Dear Coastal,

This past Sunday was so incredible!  We baptized 14 people in the ocean at Folly Beach!  I think we’ve baptized right at 38 people so far in the past 7 months!  Each and every person has such an awesome story. That we get to be a small part of it, is so overwhelming.

One of my favorite stories from Sunday’s baptism was little Emily White.  Emily is 8 years old.  Her family has been coming to Coastal for about 7 years.  2 years ago Emily’s dad, Delma, passed away.  I baptized Delma at Folly Beach about 5 years ago.  Just before the Baptism on Sunday, Emily’s mom, Melissa, spread some of Delma’s ashes in the ocean.  It was very powerful to say the least.

In my message this past Sunday, I talked about how all of heaven and all of the angels throw a big party when one lost sinner comes home and the church ought to reflect that.  I’d like to think that Delma was partying in heaven watching his little girl get baptized!  Keep it up Coastal!  Keep loving!  Keep serving!  Keep sharing!  Keep inviting!

We have 11 people from Coastal leaving on a Missions Trip today to Peru (Michael Wright, Jennifer Smith-Glover, Pam Gross, Ben Bargiel, Gracie Beechler, Ryan Spell, Eve/Kaycee/Kristal Blumenstock, Heather Olson, Anna Projanowska + Scott Huff and Pam’s neice).  Among the many wonderful adventures and opportunities they will experience, they will be serving at the New Life Children’s Home, a ministry of Pastor Mike Kennedy and Peru Missions. Please keep them, their trip, and their families in your prayers. Pray for LIFE change – theirs and the lives of the people they will serve.

Here are 5 other things to remember:

1. The final Summer Event for our Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) is a night at Frankie’s Fun Park on Wednesday, August 12th, 6-9pm!  They will be meeting at Frankie’s Fun Park – 5000 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston.  Cost:  Parents/students can go to this link http://www.frankiesfunpark.com/charleston/attractions/ to find out pricing for each attraction. There is no admission cost, you just pay per attraction. All of the activities and prices are found on the attached link.
2. Charleston County Schools begin Monday, August 17th!  Please keep all of our Teachers, Students, and Parents in your prayers!  Pray especially for Oakland Elementary School our Community Partner!  We LOVE Oakland!
3. If you are leading a LIFE Group this semester, Julie needs all of your Group Info turned in ASAP!  Study Name, Leaders Names, Email/phone #, Day/Time/Location, Childcare Y/N, 2-3 sentence description of LIFE Group Studay.   julie@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
4. There is a mandatory LIFE Group Leader Training on Saturday, August 22nd, 10am-Noon for all Leaders & Assistants.  Childcare and light refreshments provided.
5. Our regular Student Ministry 6.2.SIX kicks off the school year with a Back to School Bash on Wednesday night, September 9th!  There will be FUN, FOOD, & GAMES!  You, your 6th-12th Grade Student, and their friends won’t want to miss it!

I LOVE OUR CHURCH!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Don’t forget to purchase “your chairs” for the new building.  Cost – $50 per chair.  Please desginate your gift “chairs.”  We’re asking everyone to buy a chair for every member of their family and the friends they will invite.

Dear Coastal,

Is it hard to believe that today is the last day of July?  The Summer is just whizzing by!  School will be back before you know it.  I do hope you’re having a great Summer.  I hope you’ve been able to take some time off from work, do something fun, and spend some time with friends and family.  If you go out of town and miss a Sunday service, our App is a great way to stay up with our messages, events, and announcements.  It’s completely FREE.  Simply go to your App Store, search for Coastal Community Church of Charleston SC, and download the App.  You’ll see our logo.  You can also go here:  http://get.theapp.co/473b.

Our new building is really starting to take shape.  Keep the process, the financing, and the people involved in your prayers.  Like I announced last Sunday, there are several key components that are our responsibility financially, not the bank’s.  They include some of the sound/lighting, the new kitchen appliances, the remodeling of our existing Coastal Kidz room for child check-in & a new kids room, AND chairs for our auditorium.  The chairs alone will cost around $20,000 (approx. $50 per chair).

Where is all the money for those projects coming from?  Us!  You & me!  For those of you who made a commitment to give to our All In Campaign, I want to challenge you to continue to give sacrificially and generously to the very end.  For those of you who are new to Coastal, especially in the last 2 years, we need you to jump in and start giving.  Consider making a commitment above and beyond your regular giving to our new building.  That’s what we did for All In and that’s how we’re doing what we’re doing right now – plain and simple.  Every gift counts and every gift matters.  Pray about how many chairs you and your family can purchase.  At the very least help purchase a chair for you, your family, and the friends you will invite.  Our new space will seat around 600.  To save a little money we’ll be adding 400 chairs to our existing 200.  If you’re giving toward our new chairs, simply use the word, “chairs” to designate your gift.  In fact, you can even give through texting.  Simply text the amount and then the word “chairs”.

We’re also still in the search process for a new Youth Pastor.  Please keep that in your prayers.  It’s a slow process, but we want to find the right person.  However, the good news is that we have some of the greatest high capacity volunteers in our Student Ministry.  They are each ready to step up and make sure that Student Ministry doesn’t miss a beat this Fall.  In fact, with the help of our Staff, they are planning and preparing for a great 6.2.SIX Back to School Kick-Off/Bash on Wednesday night, September 9th!  There will be FUN, FOOD, & GAMES!  You, your 6th-12th Grade Student, and their friends won’t want to miss it!

Here are 5 other things to remember:

1. There is a LIFE Group Ministry Meeting/Dinner tonight at the church, 6:30pm-8:30pm, for all those serving in our LIFE Group Ministry and for those interested in Leading, Assisting, or Hosting in the Fall semester.  Childcare provided.
2. This is the last Sunday to bring supplies for the Peru Missions Team.  These supplies will be used to bless the New Life Children’s Home in Peru.
3. There is a Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) Bible Study & Cookout on Saturday, August 1st (tomorrow), 5-7pm at Phil & Krista Votaw’s home, 345 Cross St.  Bring a Bible!
4. Our Beach Baptism Service has been rescheduled for Sunday, August 2nd, 5pm at Folly Beach County Park.  You can sign up by responding to this email or signing up online.
5. LOVE CAN Foster – Birthday’s For All!  We are helping to provide Birthday Gifts for kids in Foster Care.  Grab a balloon off the poster at church and bring the gifts to Coastal by August 15th (wrapped & tagged).

I LOVE OUR CHURCH!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Did you know that there is a Coastal Community Church Women’s Facebook page?  Look it up and join!  It’s a great way for the women of Coastal to keep in touch, stay connected, and serve one another.

Dear Coastal,

VBS is less than 2 weeks away, Monday night, July 21st – Friday night, July 24th, 6-8pm!  We like to say at Coastal that VBS is “all hands on deck.”  What that means is that to pull off an excellent VBS we need everyone at Coastal who considers Coastal their home to help in some way.

Most importantly, we need you to pray.  Pray for all the children we will see for VBS.  Typically, we serve & minister to approximately 175 individual kids the week of VBS.  It is a great time in the life of a child to introduce or reinforce the love and message of Jesus.

Invite.  Be that parent in your neighborhood, in your community that brings a van load of kids to VBS each night.  You are potentially making an eternal difference in the life of that child – change a child, change the world!  Use social media to invite your friends’ kids.  Encourage them to pre-register! 

Serve.  Many, many of you have already signed up to serve in some capacity.  We still need about 8 more Crew Leaders and 2 more Nursery Volunteers.  Respond to this email if you can meet any of these needs and someone will contact you.  Maybe you can’t come all 5 nights;  drop by when you can come and Janet will put you to work.  You won’t regret it.

And finally, if you haven’t yet done so, PLEASE PRE-REGISTER your child.  This greatly helps with preparing our crews and getting ready for a great week of VBS!  Even if your child can’t come each night, still bring them whenever you can come.  Many children can’t come each night.  And it still helps to PRE-REGISTER!

Here are 5 other things to remember:

1. New to Coastal?  Interested in learning more about the church and meeting other new people?  Come to our next Newcomer’s Lunch, this Sunday, July 12th immediately after the 3rd (11:45am) service.  Lunch and childcare provided.  You can sign up on our website or by responding to this email.
2. VBS Crew Leader Orientation Meeting on Monday night, July 13th, 7pm at the church.
3. LOVE CAN Foster  – School Supplies Drive.  For the month of July, we will have a box in the Welcome Center to collect new backpacks and school supplies for kids in Foster Care.  Help start the school year off right for those in need in our community.
4. On Thursday, July 16th, 10am-4pm, our Students (6th-12th Grade) will be spending the day at Whirlin’ Waters!  They will be meeting at and leaving from the church at 9:15am.  Cost – $11.  Lunch will be provided.
5. PLEASE PRE-REGISTER YOUR CHILD for VBS if you haven’t yet done so!

LOVE CAN!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  I’m not sure if I mentioned this yet or not, but if you haven’t done so yet, it would help greatly if you would PLEASE PRE-REGISTER YOUR CHILD for VBS!

P.S.S.  Our Beach Baptism Service has been rescheduled for Sunday, August 2nd, 5pm at Folly Beach County Park.  You can sign up by responding to this email or signing up online.

Dear Coastal,

I am so proud to call Charleston my home.  To quote Joseph in Genesis 50:20, “As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil.”  God was not the cause of what happened on Wednesday night at Emanuel AME Church.  We live in a world of sin, evil, and free will.  Left to ourselves, we all choose to go our own way and that way leads to death.  However, if we let Him, our loving God has a miraculous way of bringing good even out of evil.  What one person meant for our pain, can bring about healing.  What one person meant for our destruction, can make us stronger.  What one person did in the hopes of dividing us, can bring about unity.  What one person did in the hopes of spreading more hatred, can create a revolution of love.  At least I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that that’s exactly what the 9 people who lost their lives on Wednesday night at a Bible Study would want to see happen as a result of their deaths.  And I’m encouraged that I see pictures and hear stories of that all around our beautiful city!

I thought about ditching our series and the sermon I planned this Sunday and going a different direction.  However, it’s Father’s Day and my sermon is all about being a man, a real man, God’s man.  Truthfully, it’s a strong message that’s desperately needed today.  It’s a message that I have no doubt that Pastor Pinckney believed strongly in and proclaimed frequently at Emanuel AME through his words and his walk.  It’s a message that Dylann Roof apparently never heard, saw, or at least acted on.

Don’t miss Father’s Day this Sunday at Coastal!  If you’re a man, get your butt in church!  In fact, invite and bring someone with you.  If you have a man or are raising one, get his butt in church!  If you’re tired of settling for anything less than a Godly man, but are confused as to what that looks like, get your butt in church!

Yes, we’re going to have a lot fun on Sunday – the Kona Shaved Ice Truck will be here!  Yes, we’ll give away some cool stuff!  And yes, we’re also going to take some time to pray for our city, Emanuel AME Church, for the families of those who lost their lives, and for Dylann Roof and those like him full of hate and in need of the love of Christ.  We will also dig into God’s Word and challenge men to rise up and be the men that God has called us to be, to live a life worthy of our calling.  Don’t stay away from church this Sunday!  Don’t be afraid!  Don’t let hate win!  Let’s make Charleston known as the Holy City, not because of the number of steeples across our skyline, but because of the number of people who follow and live for Jesus!

Here are 5 other things to remember:

1. VBS Volunteers Needed!  VBS-July 20-24th, 6-8pm.  VBS at Coastal is “All Hands On Deck!”  In other words, we need EVERYONE to help/volunteer to make it a success!  Please complete the VBS Volunteer Insert in your Bulletin this Sunday and place it in the offering plate.  We need CREW LEADERS!
2. We’re having a Baby/Child Dedication Service on Father’s Day, June 21st during the 3rd Service (11:45am).  If you are interested in participating and haven’t yet signed up, please respond to this email.
3. BEACH BAPTISM – Sunday, June 28th, Folly Beach County Park!  Our Students (6th-12th Grade) are having a Beach Day that same day, 1-5pm, so we’re going to join them for a Church-Wide Baptism Service at 5pm!  If you are interested in being Baptized in the ocean please respond to this email or sign up online.
4. New to Coastal?  Interested in learning more about the church and meeting other new people?  Sign up for our next Newcomer’s Lunch, Sunday, July 12th immediately after the 3rd (11:45am) service.  Lunch and childcare provided.  You can sign up on your Connect Card or on our website.
5. We’re already planning out our Fall Semester of LIFE Groups.  Interested in hosting, assisting, or leading a Group?  Got a great idea for a new group?  Please let us know now.  Simply respond to this email or let us know on your Connect Card.

LOVE CAN!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Going to be out of town this Summer?  Stay consistent in your giving.  Give TEXT Giving (843-277-8337) or online giving a try!

Dear Coastal,

I hope you enjoyed our series kick-off to “At the Movies!” this past Sunday!  I decided to do something different this year, in that I’m picking 6 of my own personal all-time favorite movies.  This past Sunday I used “Rocky” as a springboard to talk about David & Goliath.  This Sunday I’ll be using another one of my all-time favorite movies, but you’ll have to come to church to find out which one.  Don’t forget that all of your friends that you bring to church will get FREE movie tickets in the mail to the Citadel Mall Movie Theater.

Here are 5 other things to remember:

1. Our 2015 Summer Semester of LIFE Groups has started!  It’s still not too late to join.  Check out the groups online and sign up today!
2. VBS Volunteers Needed!  VBS-July 20-24th, 6-8pm.  VBS at Coastal is “All Hands On Deck!”  In other words, we need EVERYONE to help/volunteer to make it a success!  Please complete the VBS Volunteer Insert in your Bulletin this Sunday and place it in the offering plate.  We need CREW LEADERS!
3. Our Students & Volunteers leave for Student LIFE Missions Camp this Monday morning and will return on Friday.  They need to be at the church no later than 8am on Monday.  They will return on Friday approximately 4pm-5pm.  Keep them in your prayers!
4. We’re planning another Baby/Child Dedication Service on Father’s Day, June 21st during the 3rd Service (11:45am).  If you are interested in participating, please respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
5. BEACH BAPTISM – Sunday, June 28th, Folly Beach County Park!  Our Students (6th-12th Grade) are having a Beach Day that same day, 1-5pm, so we’re going to join them for a Church-Wide Baptism Service at 5pm!  If you are interested in being Baptized in the ocean please respond to this email or sign up online.

Going to be out of town this Summer?  Stay consistent in your giving.  Give TEXT Giving (843-277-8337) or online giving a try!

Forever and Always All In!

Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal,

I’m BACK!  For those of you who don’t know, I’ve been gone for the past 2 weeks taking my daughter out to Los Angeles, CA.  It was quite the adventure!  If you’re on Facebook, thanks for putting up with all the pictures and long posts!  It was fun including you in our journey.  While I’m feeling overwhelmed and exhausted right now, it is so good to be back!  I not only missed my family, I missed YOU, my Coastal family!  I really don’t understand how people make it in this world without true community.  The truth is, they don’t, at least not well.  We’ve got it here at Coastal and I’m so thankful for it!

When Janet picked me up from the airport yesterday, our first stop was 460 Arlington Dr.  I wanted to see all the work on our new buidling!  You see, I left the day they started pouring concrete and other than pictures, haven’t seen anything!  WOW!  WOW!  It’s taking shape and looking awesome!  Our faith really is becoming sight.  Again for those of you who have been giving – large OR small – THANK YOU!  It all counts and it all makes a difference.  For those of you who haven’t started giving – what are you waiting on?  Great things are happening here and we get to be a part of it!  Join us!  Start giving now, this weekend.  We still need your help.  Help us finish what God started in us!  Let’s pay the whole thing off in record time!

We are just a little over one week away from our BIG Summer Kick-Off!  On Sunday, June 7th, we roll out one of our favorite series here at Coastal:  “At the Movies!”  It’s where we use current blockbuster movies as a “hook” to talk about spiritual truth and we do it in true Coastal style.  We’ll have a lot of fun, give away a lot of stuff (all 1st time guests get FREE movie tickets to Citadel Mall Theater during the entire series), eat a lot of popcorn, and most importantly point people to Jesus!  Invite and bring your friends!

Here are 5 other things to remember:

1. Our 2015 Summer Semester of LIFE Groups begin in ONE WEEK!  There are 3 ways to sign up (online, Connect Card, LIFE Group Table in Welcome Center).  You only have to sign up 1 time/1 way!  Check out the groups and sign up today!  The Summer Semester begins the week of June 7 and all groups end before VBS in July (4-6 weeks).
2. “Take Me Out To The Ball Game!”  Coastal Day at the Charleston Riverdogs Joe Riley Stadium – Tuesday, June 2nd, 7pm!  Student Summer Camp Fundraiser – Tickets $10.  See Scott to purchase tickets.
3. We are having a “Going Away Party” for Pastor Scott, Lori, & Carly Huff this Sunday night, May 31st, 6pm.  Dinner provided.
4. VBS Volunteers Needed!  VBS-July 20-24th, 6-8pm.  VBS at Coastal is “All Hands On Deck!”  In other words, we need EVERYONE to help/volunteer to make it a success!  Please complete the VBS Volunteer Insert in your Bulletin this Sunday and place it in the offering plate.
5. BEACH BAPTISM – Sunday, June 28th, Folly Beach County Park!  Our Students (6th-12th Grade) are having a Beach Day that same day, 1-5pm, so we’re going to join them for a Church-Wide Baptism Service at 5pm!  If you are interested in being Baptized in the ocean please respond to this email or sign up online.

Love you Coastal!  As always, invite and bring a friend with you this Sunday!

Forever and Always All In!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  We’re planning another Baby/Child Dedication Service on Father’s Day, June 21st during the 3rd Service (11:45am).  If you are interested in participating, please respond to this email.

Dear Coastal,

Let me just say it!  Mother’s Day is going to be awesome at Coastal this Sunday!  First of all we’re having a Baby/Child Dedication throughout the day in all 3 services (right now 20 babies/children).  We have some special gifts that we’re giving away at the end of each service.  The Kona Shaved Ice Truck will be on our campus giving away FREE shaved ice to all women & children!  We’re going to have a photographer outside taking FREE family pictures (weather permitting)!  Either way there will be a photo booth inside to take fun/crazy picutures!

If at all possible, to help with seating, come to the 1st or 3rd service.  In all services, make sure you sit toward the front and center of each section.  Come early and give yourself time for pictures!

Here are 5 other things to remember:

1. Our LOVE CAN Help A Child Interest/Info Meeting is  Saturday, May 16th, 10am-Noon in our auditorium.  This meeting is all about helping to solve the Foster Care problem in Charleston County.  There will be discussion/Info concerning adoption, fostering, and support services.  Please plan on coming.  You can sign up on your Connect Card.  CHILDCAE IS PROVIDED!
2. Our 2015 Summer Semester LIFE Group Catalog is here!  There are 3 ways to sign up (online, Connect Card, LIFE Group Table in Welcome Center).  You only have to sign up 1 time/1 way!  Check out the groups and sign up today!  The Summer Semester begins the week of June 7 and all groups end before VBS in July (4-6 weeks).(Speaking of LIFE Groups, I made a mistake in last weeks Friday 5.  It was Carol Wessel’s “Boss Ladies” who put a “beat down” on the “Winner’s” in the “No More Perfect Mom’s Group” end of the year scavenger hunt!  A great idea and a great group!)
3. “Take Me Out To The Ball Game!”  Coastal Day at the Charleston Riverdogs Joe Riley Stadium – Tuesday, June 2nd, 7pm!  Student Summer Camp Fundraiser – Tickets $10.  See Scott to purchase tickets.
4. Our next Membership Class is Saturday, May 30, 9am-Noon.  Childcare and light refreshments provided.  You can RSVP on your Connect Card or sign up online.
5. We are having a “Going Away Party” for Pastor Scott, Lori, & Carly Huff on Sunday, May 31st, 6pm.  Dinner provided.

Love you Coastal!  As always, invite and bring a friend with you this Sunday!

Forever and Always All In!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Consider giving a gift to our new building project through our TEXTing number.  It’s safe, simple, and secure.  TEXT any dollar amount to 843-277-8337, space, and then type the word “AllIn”.  It would look like this: 100 AllIn.  Yes, it’s THAT EASY!   If you’re new to TEXT giving, you’ll have to take about 2 minutes to set up your bank card.

Dear Coastal,

Don’t you just love Baptism’s at Coastal!  I know I do!  We Baptized another 10 people this past Sunday.  I think that makes 20 so far for 2015!  Our next Baptism will probably be on the Beach!  So be on the lookout for that and let us know if you’d like to participate.

Okay Coastal, I need to “talk shop” with you for a moment.  If you were here this past Sunday, for the 10:15am service, you know what I’m going to talk about.  The service was COMPLETELY FULL!  In fact, we had to bring in chairs.  First of all, that’s a great problem to have.  I’d rather have this problem than the opposite problem any day of the week.  But it is a problem none the less, because people won’t consistently keep coming if they can’t find a seat.  At first it’s exciting, but then it can get annoying, especially for new people.

So here’s what I need you to do.  If it really doesn’t matter to you, please start coming to the 1st or 3rd service (8:45am or 11:45am).  Now, the priority is always come to the service your guests are coming to.  After that, it’s come to the service that enables you to serve/attend.  But if it really doesn’t make any difference whatsoever, “make room for Jesus”, and come to the 1st or 3rd.  Again, this is a great problem to have and one that we are well aware of and are working on.  To quote a line from one of my favorite movies, “I think we’re going to need a bigger boat!”  We do and can’t build it quick enough!

Speaking of our new buidling, I want to thank those of you who continue to give so faithfully to this project!  I hope you’re getting excited!  I also want to challenge those of you who are new to join in.  Pray about it, talk about it with your family, and together make a giving commitment above and beyond your regular giving to the new building.  You can designate your giving with the words, “New Building” or “All In”.  It looks like they will be pouring the concrete foundation next week!  Like I said this past Sunday, the foundation of this new building was laid almost two years ago when a group of people decided to go, “All In” and give sacrificially.  Well it’s not too late to join in the excitement!  We need all of us giving together to see this project to the end!

Here are 5 other things to remember:

1. Our next Newcomer’s Lunch is Sunday, May 3rd immediately after the 3rd service.  You can sign up online or on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Our Newcomer’s Lunch is a great way for new people to learn more about Coastal, meet other new people and our staff, enjoy a great meal, and discover possible next steps.
2. On Mother’s Day, May 10th, we are having our next Baby/Child Dedication Service.  If you are interested in participating, please respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card so we can be prepared.  By the way, we have some really fun stuff planned for Mother’s Day!  You’re not going to want to miss it!
3. Our LOVE CAN Help A Child Interest/Info Meeting is now scheduled for Saturday, May 16th, 10am-Noon.  This meeting is all about helping to solve the Foster Care problem in Charleston County.  Ther will be discussion/Info concerning adoption, fostering, and support.  Sign up on your Connect Card.
4. We are now in the process of planning our our 2015 Summer Semester of LIFE Groups!  The Summer Semester is only 4-6 weeks long, between the weeks of June 7th and July 12th.  If you have an idea for a LIFE Group or if you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting, please let us know soon.  We need all info no later than Friday, May 1st.
5. Looking for something fun to do for your Elementary Age child (completed 1st-6th grade) this Summer?  Register them for Camp Winshape – the ultimate day camp experience!  June 29th – July 3rd, 7:45am – 5pm, $149 per child.  Register online at winshapecamps.org.

I think that’s it!  Love you Coastal!  This week we continue our LOVE CAN series talking about Patience.  Don’t miss it!  Invite and bring a friend!

Forever and Always All In!

Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal,

WOW!  I feel like we say that a lot around here at Coastal.  And the truth is – we do!  But it’s just that we are amazed at the favor and blessing of God and what He is doing in us and through us these days!  Don’t take that spiritual momentum lightly or for granted – I know I don’t.  Continue to humbly beg God to use you and us together.  Beg Him to draw people to Himself through our ministry.  Invite, love, serve, give, share like it all depended on you.  Pray like it all depends on God.  Walk by faith and trust God for the results!  From Easter Sunday to our 25th Anniversary to 14 people (as of right now) getting baptized this Sunday, it’s all a little overwhelming and amazing!

By the way, speaking of Baptism, if you would like to join in and get baptized this Sunday, we’d love to include you.  Simply respond to this email and let us know.  If you’ve given your life to Jesus, but have not yet been baptized by immersion as a believer, baptism is your next step (you can read more about it here).  It is an outward way of going public with your faith.  Come ready to celebrate!

And speaking of our 25th Anniversary.  I know not all of you are on facebook, so I simply want to paste a thank-you that I posted last week:

“It hasn’t happened very often in my life – I AM SPEECHLESS! I am absolutely humbled and overwhelmed by all of the events of today and this entire week! Coastal, past & present, I love you! I actually leave tomorrow to drive down to Orlando for my Pastor’s Coaching Network meeting. I will be bragging about all of you all week long! They will not be able to shut me up!”

“I really don’t know where to begin and I don’t want to leave anyone out – THANK ALL OF YOU! Today was AWESOME! I honestly didn’t know what to expect about today, but it exceeded all of my expectations. I really believe that Jesus was lifted up today, high and clear! I knew in my heart that God was telling me it was time to give thanks for our past, celebrate this milestone, and march forward together. I am so glad we listened to His voice and now I know why it was so important. Today was a real marker. If you’ve been reading with us through the Old Testament, today was a day that we built an altar to God’s faithfulness that will be remembered for generations to come.”

“My face & eyes are literally sore from smiling and crying so much today. I feel like I was nothing but a crying, bawling, ball of emotions all week and especially today. I’m not even sure what I said all day long. And then I came home and just collapsed. Just seeing all the fun, smiling faces, joy, laughter and excitement of today on Facebook and emails from so many is again overwhelming. I can’t thank you enough for how you all loved on me and my family today. The video, the kind words, the surprise visits, the personalized notes, the personalized gifts (I have to single out a couple of quilts), the church gift from all of you, the hugs, oh the hugs – I LOVE YOU!”

“Coastal, all of you, all of US, we are all trophies of God’s love, faithfulness and grace. We are all a part of His unfolding plan and story. I hope you saw and heard that loud and clear today. Any thanks or recognition directed toward me and my family, is really just a reflection of Him. The best is truly yet to come and the thought of getting to do what we do together, for His glory, is pure JOY! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! LOVE CAN!”

There is A LOT of activity around here today as we get ready for Student Ministry’s GLOW Weekend!  Pastor Scott tells me that we could have as many as 250 Students and Volunteers representing 8 different churches here tonight & tomorrow.  Tonight’s service is from 8-9pm.  Tomorrow morning the Students leave from our campus at 8:30am to serve Charleston and then come back at 3pm for games (inflatables) and a cookout.  There will be a closing worship service from 6-7pm.  Make sure your 6th-12th Grader is here!

Our next Newcomer’s Lunch is Sunday, May 3rd immediately after the 3rd service.  You can sign up online or on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Our Newcomer’s Lunch is a great way for new people to learn more about Coastal, meet other new people and our staff, enjoy a great meal, and discover possible next steps.

On Mother’s Day, May 10th, we are having our next Baby/Child Dedication Service.  If you are interested in participating, please respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card so we can be prepared.

I think that’s about it.  Make sure you notice all of the “underground” activity going on for the new building.  We may be pouring the foundation as early as next week!  I can’t thank those of you enough who continue to give so faithfully to the new building and our All In Campaign.  Up to this point you have truly given by faith.  Well, now your faith will soon be made sight!

LOVE CAN!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  It looks like our LOVE CAN Help A Child Interest Meeting (Foster, Adoption, & Support) will be Saturday, May 16th, in the morning.  We will let you know more information as we work out the details.

Coastal Exists To Share & Experience LIFE – the LIFE of Jesus!

Dear Coastal,

25 years!  25 YEARS!!  I really can’t believe it!  In some ways, it feels like a long time and such a distant memory.  In other ways, it feels like just yesterday and the blink of eye has passed.  I’ll be honest with you, I’ve been trying to hide it as best I can, but I’ve been an emotional wreck this week – in a good way.  I’ve just been overwhelmed with the faithfulness and goodness of God.  I am the poster child for God using the weak and the foolish.  If He can and will use someone like me, He’ll use anyone!  I think in some Bibles my picture is next to 1 Cor. 1:27, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”  I’ve also had the pleasure to talk to a lot of pepople from “back in the day” this week.  Most of them have moved around the country and won’t be able to come to Charleston this weekend, but it’s been so nice to reconnect.

So bear with me on Sunday.  Give me, Janet, and my family hugs!  Janet and I will probably be crying balls of emotion.  We will have a lot of guests with us on Sunday!  Go out of your way to welcome everyone and make everyone feel at home.  Several different people who have meant a lot to me over the years are speaking on Sunday and then I will speak at the end and wrap things up – no notes, no manuscript, just a few things God has laid on my heart.  My guess is that I will be blubbering through all of it.  In case you don’t hear it loud and clear on Sunday – I LOVE YOU!!  THANK YOU for loving me and my family, putting up with me and my mistakes, following me and my flawed, fumbling leadership, and living the adventure of a lifetime and beyond with me and my family!  I truly believe that I am the most blessed man on the planet!

But hear this loud and clear – the other message that God has impressed so strongly on me these last several weeks and months, and one that I hope to be able to share on Sunday, is that WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED!  He is not finished with me, with you, or with Coastal.  As great as the last 25 years have been, our best days are ahead!  Until He returns or calls me home, I will spend my last breath sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with this world!  Let’s lock arms, march forward together, beat down the gates of Hell, and rescue people one life at a time!

Now a few reminders:

• There will only be one service on Sunday – 10:15am.  Come early.
• Even though it’s our Anniversary it will be a GREAT opportunity to invite people.  As always at Coastal, the focus will be on God and His love and faithfulness.  We will point people to Jesus!
• Parking.  Park as far away as possible, leaving the best parking for our guests.  A good place to park will be the New Oakland Elementary School parking lot, just over the greenway take your first right.
• Seating.  It will probably be crowded.  PLEASE sit as close to the front and close together as possible.
• Children.  Elementary School children (Coastal Kidz) will be in the service.  We will provide Nursery and Childcare in the building for all other children.  Child Check-in will be just like we did for Easter Sunday.  If your child is in the service, please take responsibility for your child and their behavior.
• Bugs.  We are treating the fields for ants & mosquitoes, however there is not a lot we can do about gnats.  We will have fans to help keep the air circulating and we will have bug spray.
• Reception.  Immediately after the service and after you get your children, we will all walk to the ball field out back to another tent for a reception/lunch/party!  There will be great food, fun music, and lots of laughter.  Please stay, have fun, and again, go out of your way to make our guest feel welcome.

I think that’s about it!  I can’t wait to see you, your friends, and some of our old friends this Sunday!  This week’s LOVE CAN theme is LOVE CAN Persevere!  If you look up persevere in the dictionary this is what it says:

“verb:  continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success, persist, continue, carry on, go on, keep on, keep going, struggle on, hammer away, be persistent, be determined, see/follow something through, keep at it, press on/ahead, not take no for an answer, be tenacious, stand one’s ground, stand fast/firm, hold on, go the distance, stay the course, plod on, stop at nothing, leave no stone unturned, hang on, plug away, stick to one’s guns, stick it out, hang in there.”

I like that!  LOVE CAN Persevere!  LOVE HAS Persevered here at Coastal for 25 years!  And LOVE WILL CONTINUE to Persevere here at Coastal!

LOVE CAN,

Pastor Chris

Dear Friends & Family of Coastal Community Church,

This Sunday, April 12th, Coastal is celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary!  That right – 25 years of serving, loving, and sharing Jesus with our community!  We are having 1 combined service at 10:15am, out front on our campus underneath a huge tent!  We would LOVE for you to come and celebrate with us!  In fact, the theme of our Anniversary Service is LOVE CAN Persevere!

After the service we’re going to have a reception/party on our ball field underneath another tent!  We’ll even have a D.J. & a Dance Floor!  You don’t have to bring a thing!  We’ll have plenty of food for everyone!  Please make plans to come and be a part of our special day!

LOVE CAN!

Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal,

I’ve got good news on this Good Friday!  If you haven’t already heard, we FINALLY got our full approval from the City of Charleston for our new building plans and were issued our official Building Permit yesterday morning!  Now it’s time to get rolling!  The plumber comes out next week, the electrian after that.  They’ll be working in the ground before we pour concrete.  The steel structure is still on schedule for delivery the very end of April/beginning of May.  There is much to be done between now and then.  Keep the whole process in your prayers.

But the BEST news is that Easter weekend if finally here!  I hope you’re as excited as I am!  You know what to do:

• Pray!!  Pray for all the people we’re inviting to church.  Pray for me.  Pray for all our volunteers.  Pray for our Worship Team.  Pray for the message.  Pray that people get saved!

• Invite!!  It’s time.  Have the courage to actually invite some to church with you!  Make the ask!  Use facebook and social media.  Call or send personal invites to people that you know who come to Coastal but you haven’t seen in a while.

• Warmly Welcome Everyone!!  Everyone is unofficially a part of the First Impressions Team this week!  Smile, talk to people, welcome them, introduce yourself, be helpful and kind. Show people with children where to go.  Our Cafe will be inside as normal.

• Park!!  Park far away – even at the new Oakland Elementary School parking lot.

• Volunteer to serve!!  Give Chris Ranew (1st Impressions) 706-941-2044 & Janet Rollins (Children’s Ministry) 843-442-8299 a call and say, “I’m available this service, put me to work!”

• Seating!!  Under the tent sit close to the front and center of each section.  Make room in the back and on the sides for people as they come in.

Why?  That’s the real important question.  Why pray?  Why invite?  Why reach out?  Why pull out all the stops for Easter Sunday?  Because we believe that people are dead in their sin without Jesus.  Because we believe that LIFE is only found in Jesus.  Because we believe in the power of the resurrection – Easter Sunday, every Sunday, and every day!  Because lost people matter to God and therefore they ought to matter to us!  Because LOVE really CAN change the world – one life at a time!  That’s the why!

I love you!  Can’t wait to see you and your friends on Sunday!

LOVE CAN!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Consider giving a special “ALL IN” offering on Easter Sunday!  For those of you who are new, “All In” is simply the name of our Giving Campaign for the new buildng.  You can help us build our new building by giving above and beyond your regular giving and designating your gift – “ALL IN” or “new building.”  No gift is too small (or too big for that matter) and every gift counts!  We can’t all give the same amount, but together we can all sacrifice and give something.

Coastal exists to share & experience LIFE – the life of Jesus!

Dear Coastal,

Easter Sunday, April 5th is now just 9 days away!  Are you tired of our countdown yet?  Well, believe it or not, we actually had someone call the church this past week and argue with us about the date of Easter.  It was an older woman who apparently had seen one of our Yard Signs and she called to tell us how dumbfounded she was that we could make such a stupid mistake because Easter, “My Dear”, is April 12th!  That’s a Southern thing – to criticize someone and call them “Dear.”  Michael assured her that we had not made a mistake and encouraged her to Google “Easter 2015.”  I’m not sure she knows what Google means, but at least she saw one of our Yard Signs!  And who knows – she just might show up at Coastal!

By the way, I love seeing all the Yard Signs around town this week and I love seeing everyone wear our “LOVE CAN” t-shirts!  Early this week I took one of our shirts to Jeff Watts in the hospital.  He’s the brother of David Watts (one of our bass players).  I knew Jeff would really like the shirt, because of the artistic nature of the shirt (the nod to Andy Warhol) and the simple message:  LOVE CAN.  Jeff was a talented man – a writer, director, and stage designer in the theater world of New York.  Jeff has been battling cancer and my Men’s Group has been praying for him for several years.  He passed away on Wednesday night.  On Thursday morning I got a text Gracen, his sister-in-law, with a picture attached.  It was a picture taken of Jeff, smiling with a friend, on his last day on this earth – wearing his LOVE CAN t-shirt!

Coastal, LOVE really CAN change the world!  I believe that!  Jeff believed that!  Do you?  If you do, then join me in praying for our community.  Join me in reaching out and inviting our friends, neighbors, relatives, and co-workers to church on Easter Sunday, April 5th.  Let’s open up a big ol’ can of LOVE on Charleston!

Here are my FRIDAY 5:

1. Consider giving a special “ALL IN” offering on Easter Sunday!  For those of you who are new, “All In” is simply the name of our Giving Campaign for the new buildng.  You can help us build our new building by giving above and beyond your regular giving and designating your gift – “ALL IN” or “new building.”  No gift is too small (or too big for that matter) and every gift counts!  We can’t all give the same amount, but together we can all sacrifice and give something.
2. On Sunday, April 12th, Coastal will celebrate it’s 25th Anniversary!  There will be one service at 10:15am and a lunch reception/party to follow!  You won’t have to bring a thing!  Just invite & bring friends to join in the fun!
3. We need about 8 more volunteers to care for our children from nursery to kindergarten during our 25th Anniversary Service. Volunteers should be at least 16 years old to adults.  We will pay $20 for this service – 10am-Noon.  If you are interested in helping out or know someone who would, please contact Janet Rollins at: janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 843-442-8299 (cell).
4. On Friday & Saturday, April 17th & 18th, our Student Ministry (6th-12 Grade) will be joining with 6 other area Student Ministries on our campus for a special GLOW Weekend – night of Worship, day of service, cookout, and more!  See Pastor Scott for more details and information.  The event is FREE but Students need to sign up by April 8th.
5. On Sunday, April 19th, we are having our next Baptism Service!  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, respond to this email, or sign up online.

Forever & Always ALL IN!

Pastor Chris (friend me on facebook if we’re not already friends)

Dear Coastal,

Easter Sunday, April 5th is now just 16 days away!  We have multiple invite tools for you to use to invite your friends: our normal “You’re Invited” business cards, an Easter specific invite card, and on top of that, we still have some yard signs available!  Pick up a yard sign and put it in the front of your yard, closest to the street where people can see it, or at a nearby busy intersection.  We also have a FREE “Love Can” t-shirt for everyone at Coastal this Sunday!

Our service times for Easter are the same (8:45am, 10:15am, 11:45am).  However, we are having all 3 services outside, on our property, underneath a BIG TENT!  Pray for good weather.  Pray for our church and everyone that will be invited.  Ask God to use Coastal to draw people to Himself.  Pray for all the people you will be inviting.  Pray for my message.  Pray for the 23,921 mailing invitations that will be going out to all 29407 & 29414 residents of West Ashley.

This Sunday we wrap up our “Happily Ever After?” series by talking about “How to Have A Fair Fight?”  Don’t miss it!

Here are my FRIDAY 5:

1.  On Monday night March 23rd, 7-8:30PM, we will have a meeting for anyone interested in helping to plan, organize, and lead the different areas of VBS. Simply respond to this email if you would like to be part of our planning team.
2. Consider giving a special “ALL IN” offering on Easter Sunday!  For those of you who are new, “All In” is simply the name of our Giving Campaign for the new buildng.  You can help us build our new building by giving above and beyond your regular giving and designating your gift – “ALL IN” or “new building.”  No gift is too small (or too big for that matter) and every gift counts!  We can’t all give the same amount, but together we can all sacrifice and give something.
3. On Sunday, April 12th, Coastal will celebrate it’s 25th Anniversary!  There will be one service at 10:15am and a lunch reception/party to follow!  You won’t have to bring a thing!  Just invite & bring friends to join in the fun!
4. We need about 18 volunteers to care for our children from nursery to kindergarten during our Anniversary 10:15am service so all of our volunteers can participate in the celebration. Volunteers should be at least 16 years old to adults.  We will pay $20 for this service.  If you are interested in helping out or know someone who would, please contact Janet Rollins at: janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 843-442-8299 (cell).
5. On Sunday, April 19th, we are having our next Baptism Service!  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, respond to this email, or sign up online.

Forever & Always ALL IN!

Pastor Chris (friend me on facebook if we’re not already friends)

P.S.  No Yard Work this Saturday morning.  Paul and his guys finished it up for us!

Dear Coastal,

This Sunday is what?  TIME CHANGE SUNDAY!  I know our clocks “spring forward” and we lose an hour, but I can’t wait for the longer days!  We’re also in week 3 of our “Happily Ever After?” series!  I hope you’re enjoying it!

The Easter countdown continues!  Easter is just 4 weeks away – Sunday, April 5th!  I know that there are some churches and Christians who complain about people who only show up at church on Easter.  Not me!  And NOT Coastal!  If you know churches and people like that, tell them to send their guests to Coastal!  Instead of complaining about it, let’s take advantage of it.  Let’s pull out all the stops and make them feel at home and welcome.  And most importantly, let’s share Jesus with them.

So what can you do?  Start praying.  Pray for our church and everyone that will be invited.  Ask God to use Coastal to draw people to Himself.  Pray for all the people you will be inviting.  Pray for my message.  Pray for the thousands of mailing invitations that will be going out to all 29407 & 29414 residents of West Ashley.

Start inviting.  Make a list of everyone you know and start inviting.  Use Social Media.  Send personal messages.  Walk across the hall at your office.  And then be open to the Holy Spirit throughout your day asking Him to put other people in your path that you can invite.  In a couple of weeks we’re going to have Easter Yard Signs available to anyone who would be willing to put one in their yard, especially those of you who live in a busy neighborhood.  The week before Easter, help us blitz West Ashley with the rest of our Yard Signs.

This Easter we are having our 3 normal service times, but we are having them outside, on our property, underneath a BIG TENT (larger than any we’ve rented before!).  Pray for good weather.  How many people do you think we can reach this Easter?  Last year we had 651.  Can we do that again?  Can we blow that away?  I don’t know.  Will you do your part?  I believe God is looking for people and churches to draw people to Himself.  Beg God to look no further than you and Coastal!

Here are 5 Things I want you to make note of:

1. $100 deposits are due NOW for Student LIFE Mission Camp.  Camp dates are June 15-19 at Wake Forest University.  Total cost:  $330.  Balance due on May 1st.  Bring your deposit to church on Sunday.
   
   
2. Family Game Night for all Clubhouse & Coastal Kidz Parents and Children, Saturday, March 14th, 5pm-7pm.  Bring board games and $5 for pizza per family!
3. Consider giving a special “ALL IN” offering on Easter Sunday!  For those of you who are new, “All In” is simply the name of our Giving Campaign for the new buildng.  You can help us build our new building by giving above and beyond your regular giving and designating your gift – “ALL IN” or “new building.”  No gift is too small (or too big for that matter) and every gift count!  We can’t all give the same amount, but together we can all sacrifice and give something.
4. On Sunday, April 12th, Coastal will celebrate it’s 25th Anniversary!  There will be one service at 10:15am and a reception/party to follow!
5. On Sunday, April 19th, we are having our next Baptism Service!  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, respond to this email, or sign up online.

Forever & Always ALL IN!

Pastor Chris (friend me on facebook if we’re not already friends)

P.S.  Give digital giving a try – either through our website or through mobile TEXT Giving (843-277-8337)!  They’re both simple, safe, and secure!

Coastal exists to share & experience LIFE – the life of Jesus!

Dear Coastal,

This Sunday is going to be awesome!  Don’t miss it!  We’re in week 3 of “This Is How We Roll” and I’ll be talking about worship.  But it’s also Baby/Child Dedication Day!  Right now we’re going to dedicating 11 different children spread out through the 3 services!  Baby/Child Dedication is all about praying for the child and their parents.  It’s also gives the chance for the parents to recommit their lives to Jesus, to each other, and to raise their child/children in a Christian home.  And it gives the church community a chance to commit to do our part as a support to see that happen.  It’s always very special and a lot of fun!  If you’re interested in participating, but can’t do so this weekend, our next Baby/Chlid Dedication will be Mother’s Day, May 10th.

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT:  Coastal’s 25th Anniversary Service/Celebration will be Sunday morning, April 12th (the Sunday after Easter)!  We’re going to have 1 huge/combined service outside underneath a huge tent on our campus and then we’re going to have a reception/party afterwards! We will worship, sing, & celebrate in true Coastal style! We’d also like to invite anyone and everyone from our past and from afar to come back and celebrate with us, if at all possible!  Reach out to those folks who have moved away that you know.  Let me know if you/they can come! We’re even working on a special rate at one of our area hotels.

Oh, before I forget, I can’t thank you enough for all the food brought last weekend to restock our Food Pantry!  Coastal you’re awesome!  Lots of people get fed throughout the year because of your donation.

Here are 5 Things I want you to make note of:

1. Most of our LIFE Groups BEGIN NEXT WEEK!  You can still sign up for a Group – on your Connect Card, at the LIFE Group table, or on our website!  There are 3 different ways to sign up, but you only have to sign up one way/one time.
2. We need more 1st Impression/parking volunteers!  If you are willing to volunteer, please give Chris Ranew (706-941-2004) or Greg Orr (843-367-4051) a call.  They will put you to work!
3. Our next Newcomer’s Lunch is Sunday, February 22nd, immediately after the 11:45am service (approx. 1pm).  Our Newcomers Lunch is an informal gathering where you will enjoy a great meal, meet other new people, meet our staff, hear Coastal’s story, and learn about possible next steps.  Childcare is provided.  It’s a great next step for those who are new to Coastal!  You can sign up on our website!

4. On Sunday, Februrary 22nd, we kick off a brand new series called, “Happily Ever After.”  It’s a series all about relationships – love, sex, dating, single/married.  You won’t want to miss a single week!  Invite & bring a friend!
5. Believe it or not, Easter Sunday is only 8 weeks away!  Start praying and planting seeds now for all the people you will invite!  We’ll be kicking off a new series on Easter Sunday entitled, “Love Can”!

LOVE YOU!

Pastor Chris (friend me on facebook if we’re not already friends)

P.S.  Give digital giving a try – either through our website or through mobile TEXT Giving (843-277-8337)!  They’re both simple, safe, and secure!

Coastal exists to share & experience LIFE – the life of Jesus!

Dear Coastal,

I love our church!  I know I say that a lot, but it’s true!  I love what we get to do and who we get to do it with – I love you!  This past Sunday was so much fun!  I love LIFE Group Sunday!  I think you got the point on Sunday – we were created to be connected!  You must have gotten it because over 260 adults signed up for a LIFE Group!  And let me just say what an awesome job all of our LIFE Group Leaders did on their booths!  All of you went above and beyond, and it showed (although there were no losers in our voting, we did have some winners that will be announced on Sunday)!  For the next several weeks we will be encouraging everyone to sign up for a Group – on your Connect Card, at the LIFE Group table, or on our website!  There are 3 different ways to sign up, but you only have to sign up one way/one time.  Most Groups begin the week of February 8th!

If you didn’t see the pictures on Facebook or get the Push Notification from our App on your phone, DIRT IS MOVING for the new building!  We’ve got a long way to go, but it’s still very exciting!

Here are 5 Things I want you to make note of:

1. This Sunday, Super Bowl Sunday, February 1st, we are asking everyone to please bring non-perishable food items (canned goods, cereal, box pasta/meals, etc.) with them to church to help re-stock our food pantry.  Our food pantry helps feed many hurting families throughout the month.
2. Our next Baby/Child Dedication is going to be Sunday, February 8th.  If you are interested in participating, please respond to this email with which service you will be in and child’s full name.  (We will have another Baby/Child Dedication on Mother’s Day, May 10th.)
3. We need more parking volunteers!  If you are willing to volunteer, please give Chris Ranew (706-941-2004) or Greg Orr (843-367-4051) a call.  They will put you to work!
4. Our next Newcomer’s Lunch is Sunday, February 22nd, immediately after the 11:45am service (approx. 1pm).  Our Newcomers Lunch is an informal gathering where you will enjoy a great meal, meet other new people, meet our staff, hear Coastal’s story, and learn about possible next steps.  Childcare is provided.  It’s a great next step for those who are new to Coastal!  You can sign up on our website!
   
5. On Sunday, Februrary 22nd, we kick off a brand new series called, “Happily Ever After.”  It’s a series all about relationships – love, sex, dating, single/married.  You won’t want to miss a single week!  Invite & bring a friend!

LOVE YOU!

Pastor Chris (friend me on facebook if we’re not already friends)

P.S.  Give digital giving a try – either through our website or through mobile TEXT Giving (843-277-8337)!  They’re both simple, safe, and secure!

Coastal exists to share & experience LIFE – the life of Jesus!

Dear Coastal,

Don’t miss this Sunday!  Not only is it the second week of “This Is How We Roll,” but it is also LIFE Group Sunday!  What that means is that each one of our 3 services will end a little earlier, giving everyone time to go outside underneath a huge tent to check out all the different LIFE Groups this semester!  Each Group will have a table/display representing their Group.  You’ll be able to mee the leaders, check out the materials, and even enjoy some great snacks!  There will also be a ballot in your bulletin on Sunday where you can vote on the different booths – most creative, most informative, best sales pitch, best snack,etc.  As you can tell, it’s going to be a lot of fun.  You won’t want to miss it!  Invite & bring a friend!  By the way, LIFE Group sign ups are available NOW on our website!

Thanks for being so accommodating in parking across the street in the old Oakland Elemenatary School parking lot!  Everyone did an awesome job!  Keep it up!  We do need more parking volunteers now though.  If you are willing to volunteer, please give Chris Ranew (706-941-2004) or Greg Orr (843-367-4051) a call.  They will put you to work!

Here are 5 Things I want you to make note of:

1. If you are leading, assisting or hosting a LIFE Group, please make plans to attend the LIFE Group Training Class on Saturday, January 24th (tomorrow) from 9am-11am.  Childcare is provided.
2. If you are planning on going on the Peru Mission Trip on August 7-15, please turn in your deposit and see Scott Huff today!  Thanks!
3. On Super Bowl Sunday, February 1st, we are asking everyone to please bring non-perishable food items with them to church to help re-stock our food pantry.  Our food pantry helps feed many hurting families throughout the month.
4. Our next Baby/Child Dedication is going to be Sunday, February 8th.  If you are interested in participating, please respond to this email with which service you will be in and child’s full name.  (We will have another Baby/Child Dedication on Mother’s Day, May 10th.)
5. Our next Newcomer’s Lunch is Sunday, February 22nd, immediately after the 11:45am service (approx. 1pm).  Our Newcomers Lunch is an informal gathering where you will enjoy a great meal, meet other new people, meet our staff, hear Coastal’s story, and learn about possible next steps.  Childcare is provided.  It’s a great next step for those who are new to Coastal!  You can sign up on our website!

LOVE YOU!

Pastor Chris (friend me on facebook if we’re not already friends)

Coastal exists to share & experience LIFE – the life of Jesus!

Dear Coastal,

This coming Sunday we kick off a new series called, “This Is How We Roll.”  For the next 4 or 5 weeks, we’re going to look at the purposes of the church.  And then we’re going to take it a step further, a kind of behind the scenes look and say, “And this is how this looks here at Coastal.  This is what we’re about.  This is how it’s played out here.  This is the culture here.  This is how we roll.”  Because it’s the first Sunday of the series, we’re also going to be giving away some fun stuff at the end of each service!  Invite and bring a friend!  It’s going to be fun!

Hopefully you heard the good new from me this week!  The site work on our property for the new building has begun.  What does that mean for you and me?  We temporarily lose all of our parking on that side of our campus.  We need everyone to start parking in the old Oakland Elementary School parking lot directly across the street from our field.  We want to save our parking at the first entrance side for guests and new people.  I am specically asking that NO VOLUNTEERS park on that first entrance side.  We all need to get healthy in 2015, so the extra steps will do us good!

Here are 5 Things I want you to make note of:

1. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and becoming a Member?  Our next Membership Class is this Monday night, January 19, 6-9pm.  Childcare and light refreshments provided.  RSVP on your Connect Card or on our website.
2. If you are leading, assisting or hosting a LIFE Group, please make plans to attend the LIFE Group Training Class on Saturday, January 24th from 9am-11am.  Childcare is provided.
3. Our LIFE Group brochure for the 2015 Winter/Spring Semester will be available this Sunday!  Take your time, look it over, and be prepared to sign up NEXT Sunday on LIFE Group Sunday, January 25th!  We’ll have a Big Tent outside (with heaters) and all of our Groups will have tables/displays.  You’ll be able to check out all the different groups, meet the leaders, enjoy some great snacks, and sign up for a LIFE Group!  Don’t miss it!
4. On Super Bowl Sunday, February 1st, we are asking everyone to please bring non-perishable food items with them to church to help re-stock our food pantry.  Our food pantry helps feed many hurting families throughout the month.
5. Our next Newcomer’s Lunch is Sunday, February 22nd, immediately after the 11:45am service (approx. 1pm).  Our Newcomers Lunch is an informal gathering where you will enjoy a great meal, meet other new people, meet our staff, hear Coastal’s story, and learn about possible next steps.  Childcare is provided.  It’s a great next step for those who are new to Coastal!  You can sign up on our website!

LOVE YOU!

Pastor Chris (friend me on facebook if we’re not already friends)

P.S.  Do you have or know anyone who has a Golf Cart that’s not being used, maybe sitting in a garage?  We’re looking for a couple more Golf Carts that we could use during construction to help with parking.  Let me know if you have one.

Coastal exists to share & experience LIFE – the life of Jesus!

Dear Coastal Friends & Family,

I’ve got great news to announce!  Our new building project has officially STARTED!!  They pulled up on our property and started on the site work today!

I’ll be honest with you – it really affected me.  All I can say is that it’s been 25 years coming – portable (setting up and breaking down every Sunday) for 14 years, moving here 10 years ago, all the growth over the last 5 years (more than quadrupled in size – 457 on Sunday), and all the hoops over the last year just trying to get started.  When I walked outside, my heart started racing and I got emotional just watching them put up the fencing!  I told Janet I was going to put out some beach lawn chairs, an umbrella, and a fire pit and just sit, watch, and thank the Lord!

Well, I won’t do that, but I am thanking the Lord and I do want to thank YOU!  You are the reason we’re doing this!  Each one of you matters to God and has a story!  Jesus has changed your life and together we get to change the world – one life at a time!  I said it Sunday and I’ll say it again today, the new building is just a tool.  But it’s an important tool that we will leverage for God’s glory to keep reaching more and more people for Jesus!  We will fill it, fill it again, fill it again, and keep filling it until we have to figure out what to do next!  God is not finished with you or with Coastal.  In fact, He’s just getting started!

I also want to thank all of you who keep faithfully giving to Coastal and specifically to this project (“All In”).  You have been giving by faith.  Today your faith begins to become sight!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  We could not be doing this without your faithful, generous, consistent giving – period!  In fact, I want to encourage you to keep it up!  Together, let’s see what we can really give by faith.  Let’s see what God can accomplish through us.

I also want to challenge those of you who are new or who haven’t yet started giving to Coastal or this project.  Join us!  Join in with what God is doing here!  We’ve said it all along – we can’t all give the same amount, but we can all sacrifice together!  Every amount matters – large or small!  I’m believing that we can pay for this building and pay it off in record time!

In fact, just to show your support or excitement or to start giving for the first time, why not give right now through our website or through TEXTing.  Stop what you’re doing and give a gift of Thanksgiving!  After a 1 step sign up, you can give any amount, any time, any where to 843-277-8337.  In fact, add the word “building” or “allin” and it is designated for the new building.

I love you Coastal!  And I love what we get to do together!  I’ll try not to drive you crazy with pictures or updates, but I felt this was an important one.  I’ve said it all along, when I know, you’ll know!  Now you know!  Invite and bring someone with you Sunday – if you do, we’ll let you park down the first entrance!  Haha!

Loving You, Loving Jesus, & Loving Our Community!

Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal,

What a great start to the New Year this past Sunday as we Baptized 5 people!  It was such an awesome day!  My message was called, “The Year in Review,” as we took a look back at 2014.  This Sunday, my message is entitled, “The Year Ahead.”  We’re going to talk about what God has in store for us in 2015.  Don’t miss it!

Oh Coastal, we are soooo close to starting the construction of our new building!  In fact, I’m told that silt fencing, tree protection, the retention pond, and the construction entrance will all begin next week.  Here’s what that practically means for all of us:  we will temporarily lose all of the parking in the field and on that side of our campus.  So here’s what I need you to do.  Start parking in the old Oakland Elementary School parking lot directly across the street from our field.  We want to save our parking at the first entrance side for guests and new people.  I am specically asking that NO VOLUNTEERS park on that first entrance side.  We all need to get healthy in 2015, so the extra steps will do us good!

Here are 5 Things I want you to make note of:

1. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and becoming a Member?  Our next Membership Class is Monday night, January 19, 6-9pm.  Childcare and light refreshments provided.  RSVP on your Connect Card or on our website.
2. If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group in this next semester, we need to hear from you – NOW!  We need all different types of Groups – Study Groups, Service Groups, Social Groups!!  Please respond to this email or give us a call.
3. If you are leading, assisting or hosting a LIFE Group, please make plans to attend the LIFE Group Training Class on Saturday, January 24th from 9am-11am.  LIFE Group Sunday is January 25th!
4. Interested in sponsoring a Student (6th-12th Grade) for this year’s Winter Retreat?  The cost of the retreat per student is $175.  We have several students who could use financial assistance.  Any amount donated would be greatly appreciated.  Please see Pastor Scott for more information.
5. Join me (Pastor Chris & our Staff) as we read through the Bible in 2015.  Pick up a One Year Bible or follow along in exactly the same reading plan at Youversion’s Bible.com site.  Go to – Reading Plans – Whole Bible – and it’s the trademarked plan entitled, “The One Year Bible” Reading Plan.  We also have a facebook group entitled, “Coastal’s One Year Bible Reading Group.”

LOVE YOU!

Pastor Chris (friend me on facebook if we’re not already friends)

Coastal exists to share & experience LIFE – the life of Jesus!

Dear Coastal,

Happy New Year!  I hope you have had a wonderful Christmas and that you have been able to take some time off from work and spend it with family & friends over the last couple of weeks!  I’m not sure I’ll make it to midnight, but at the Rollins home we’re simply chilling out, flipping channels, and listening to neighbhorhood fireworks.  I know – pretty wild & crazy!

Like every year, 2014 has seen it’s share of ups & downs, highs & lows.  My simple prayer is that at the end of it all, we’re a little bit more like Jesus and the fruit of the Spirit is a little bit more evident.  I’m excited about 2015!  I believe this is going to be a year of tremendous growth & change.

One of the things I’m most excited about is reading through the Bible with my Coastal family!  I hope you’re ready to begin tomorrow – January 1st.  Like I said this past Sunday, go ahead and get your resources together ready to meet with God tomorrow!  Come with a reverent, expectant, obedient attitude.  Someone asked me today if there was an audio version of our One Year Bible reading plan.  The answer is yes!  From your phone or computer go to:  oneyearbibleonline.com/audio.  It really couldn’t be any easier – whether you’re reading from the One Year Bible book, listening to the audio, or reading from the One Year Bible app on your phone, the issue isn’t one of availability, it’s one of willingness & obedience.  But it’s also one of grace.  If you miss a day (or two), don’t give up.  Just pick up where you left off and continue.  Don’t slip into legalism and miss the relationship.  It’s not a race to hurry up and finish, it’s a relationship to pursue and develop.

I also wanted to share some exciting news with you!  Isabelle Carpenter, a woman who has been attending Coastal for the past 2 months, gave her life to Jesus on Christmas Eve and is getting baptized this Sunday morning, the first Sunday of the New Year!  In her own words, Isabelle “had been a strong agnostic for many years.”  Her husband is in the military and several people over the years had reached out to her and witnessed to her.  They moved to Charleston and became next door neighbors to Matt & Stacy Curtis (is God amazing or what).  Stacy reached out to her, became her friend, prayed for her, and shared her faith.  She also invited her to Coastal.  Isabelle is getting ready to be out of town for several weeks and Matt & Stacy recently got their orders for the USS Pennsylvania out of Washington State.  Isabelle asked if she could get baptized this Sunday, so that if at all possible, Matt & Stacy could be there before they moved.  Of course we said yes!

So we will be setting up our baptistry for this weekend!  I can’t think of a better way to begin 2015, following Jesus’ example and being Baptized!  Baptism is in fact a beautiful symbol of a new beginning, a fresh start, and the forgiveness of our sins.  If you would like to join Isabelle and get Baptized this Sunday, simply respond to this email and I’ll follow up with you!  To learn more about Baptism you can go to our website.

I was in tears listening to Isabelle share her story with me.  She was so thankful for Coastal, our Worship Team, and Stacy.  One thing that stood out to her was Stacy’s confidence that if Isabelle would truly seek God, she would find Him.  She said she could tell it was a confidence in God and His Word.  Well, Isabelle did seek God and she did find Him.  Coastal that’s why we exist!  That’s why we do what we do!  We don’t just go to church, we are the church!  We are all, together, on a mission, to share and experience the life and love of Jesus with the world!

I love you Coastal!  I love what we get to do!

Happy New Year!

Pastor Chris (friend me on facebook if we’re not already friends)

P.S.  You’ve got a little over an hour to give to Coastal in 2014.  You can still give online or through TEXTING – 843-277-8337.

Dear Coastal,

So, are you ready for Christmas?  Well, ready or not, it’s here!  Which means of course, that we have our 3 Christmas Eve Services, this Wednesday night, 5pm, 6:30pm, or 8pm, ready for you to enjoy and invite & bring your friends!  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?

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 Children’s Ministry Volunteers, that they would teach our children about Jesus.  Pray for all our Ministry Volunteers, that they would serve Jesus by serving others.

Here are a few other reminders:

• Be helpful, friendly and welcoming to all our guests.
• Introduce yourself to people you don’t know.
• Park over at Oakland to make more room for guests.
• Fill out your Connect Card.  This encourages others to do the same. (We’re also giving away some fun gifts at the end of each service!)
• Sit to the front of each section of the auditorium and to the center of each aisle.
• We will be having our normal Children’s Ministry during all 3 services – Nursery, Splash Zone, Clubhouse, & Coastal Kidz.  Not only does this provide more seating for our guests, but Janet and our Volunteers have a wonderful evening planned for our children!  They won’t want to miss out!
• If you are serving during a service, please come early and be in your spot no later than 30 minutes before each service.

Don’t forget that our entire offering on Wednesday night will go toward our “All In” Giving Campaign (the new building)!  Prayerfully consider making a year end sacrifcial gift.  We all can’t give the same amount, but together we can all make a sacrifice.  Our faith will start to become sight in just a couple of weeks when we begin our site work in the new year!  It’s going to be so exciting!  I can’t wait!  I know you can’t either!

Well, I think that’s about it.  Can’t wait to see you and your guests on Wednesday night!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  There will be only 2 services on Sunday, December 28th, 8:45am & 10:15am.

Dear Coastal,

I want to share with you some GREAT NEWS!  I just found out this morning that our new building plans have finally been approved by the final person at the City of Charleston! (In my loudest, wildest, Ric Flair voice) Woo-hoo!  It has been a long and difficult process.  One day I’ll share more about that.

So what exactly does that mean and what’s next? Now we print & deliver the hard copies of all finalized and approved plans to the City of Charleston.  We put up construction fencing and pay someone from the City to verify & approve said fencing.  Final plans are then signed and stamped by the City and Building Permits issued  And then construction begins!

Technically, it’s not “final” approval & building permits, in the sense that we can’t start construction tomorrow. But a HUGE hurdle was crossed today that paves the way for all of that to fall into place!  Praise the Lord!  Praise the Lord!

Like I’ve been saying, “When I know, you’ll know”, and I wanted you to hear the good news from me as soon as possible!  Spend a moment today giving thanks to God for this blessing!  Dream about the new building being filled to capacity multiple times with people needing Jesus!  Invite someone to attend our Christmas Eve service!

And then finally, consider giving a sacrificial gift toward “All In” at our Christmas Eve Service or before the end of the year!  We could not have reached this milestone today without your faithful, generous giving!  Now together, let’s work toward finishing what we started.  Remember, not equal gifts, equal sacrifice.  We can’t all give the same amount, but together we can all sacrificially give!  And when we do that together, that’s when God shows up and does a miracle!

I love you Coastal!

Pastor Chris

Okay Coastal, it’s time to do again what we do best – love our community! I got this message this morning from the Guidance Counselor over at Oakland, “Hey Pastor Chris! I might need some help! We have some tags left on the Oakland Angel Tree and a family turned in their request list yesterday. I hate to keep asking the teachers to spend more money. Did you have any members that wanted to help but didn’t get the chance to get a tag?”

So, I’m sure you know exactly what I did! I went over and took ALL the remaining Angel Tree Tags! We actually had LOTS of people this past Sunday who didn’t get a tag. I know it’s late notice. It would be great to get this stuff by Sunday, but since it’s late we can bring the gifts over no later than Wednesday morning (you could drop everything off here at Coastal by Tuesday).

So, here’s what I’m asking you to do: call the office today by 4:30pm to verbally be given your Angel Tree card information – 843-571-1777. We will then check off that card. If after 4:30pm, call my cell phone – 843-442-8820 – and I’ll give you your card information. Again this is a great way to love and serve the families right in our very own community – to love our neighbors! Share this message! Help get the word out! Now – let’s hear that phone ring all day today!

Dear Coastal Friends & Family,

Don’t miss church this Sunday – let me give you some reasons why!  Thanksgiving has come and gone, it’s the first Sunday of December, and Coastal is kicking off a brand new series entitled, “The Sounds of Christmas.”  Each week we will hear and sing your favorite Christmas songs (and introduce you to a few new ones) and share the real story of Christmas!  Even it’s been a while since you’ve been in church, this is a great time of the year to come back!  You’re always welcome at Coastal!  In fact, invite & bring a friend!  We expect guests!

This Sunday is also Newcomer’s Lunch Sunday!  Immediately after the 11:45am service (approx. 1pm) there is a meal for all those who are new to Coastal.  It’s a great way to learn more about our church, meet other new people & our staff, enjoy a great meal, and discover possible next steps.  You can simply show up on Sunday or let us know you’re coming now on our website.

On Sunday you can also pick up tickets for our Christmas Eve services this year – Wednesday night, December 24th, 5pm, 6:30pm, & 8pm.  Obviously, the tickets are FREE, but they serve as a way to let us know when a service is filling up and a great way to invite friends!  Pick them up Sunday!

Want another great reason to come to church this Sunday?  This Christmas, Coastal is partnering with our neighbors, Oakland Elementary School, to help provide Christmas for over 30 children!  There is a little Christmas Tree in our building with 30 Angel Tree cards on it.  Take a card, purchase the gift, tape the card on the gift, and bring it back to church no later than Sunday, December 14th (one week). You only have one week to make the purchase and bring it back because we will take the gifts over to Oakland the last week of school before they let out for Christmas.

Honestly, most of the gifts are real needs like clothes & shoes. There’s even one that says, “Toothpaste & deodorant for a girl.” There are some fun things too – easy bake oven, skateboard, baby doll, etc. I know we only have 1 week, but I have no doubt we can do this! This is a great way to bless the children right here in our own community and to be a good neighbor to our friends at Oakland! Are you with me?  What a great way to kick off our Christmas series this Sunday!

Hope to see you Sunday & over the Holidays!  Our service times are Sunday morning 8:45am, 10:15am, & 11:45am.

Pastor Chris

Coastal is partnering with our neighbors, Oakland Elementary School, to help provide Christmas for 30 children!  On Sunday, December 7th, there will be a Christmas Tree in the auditorium with 30 Angel Tree cards on it.  Take the card, purchase the gift/gifts, wrap the presents, tape the card on the gift, and bring it back to the tree no later than Sunday, December 14th (one week).  We will take the gifts over the Oakland the following week – the last week of school before Christmas.  This is a great way to bless the children of our community and to be a good neighbor to our friends at Oakland!

Happy Cyber Monday!

I don’t know about you, but my inbox & social media have been inundated with ads for Cyber Monday. The reality is that a lot of people will buy a lot of stuff online today and over the next month. That isn’t a bad thing, but it isn’t eternal. Our church exists to reach people that do not know Jesus and that IS eternal!

So, while you are shopping online today, why not consider doing one of 3 things as we participate in Cyber Monday. And here’s my CyberMonday offer: 100% of your investment will go to reaching people for Jesus.

Dear Coastal,

I’ve said a lot lately about being on the lookout for people who are hurting, especially during this time of the year.  Honestly, part of that might be that just in the last week alone, I have been to two funerals of men who have taken their own life.  Well, because all of that and since this is the Sunday before Thanksgiving, I decided to preach a message about Depression.  I hope you will be there and that you will invite and bring a friend!

Here are 5 Things I want you to make note of:

1. For our Christmas Offering this year, we are encouraging people to give to our “All In” Campaign.  So during the months of November & December, try to give above and beyond your regular giving toward “All In.”  Our entire Christmas Eve offering this year will go toward “All In.”
2. Speaking of Christmas Eve – this Sunday we will have tickets available for our 3 Christmas Eve Services (5pm, 6:30pm, & 8pm).  These serve as a way to let us know when a service is filling up and a great way to invite friends!  Pick them up Sunday!
3. Our next Newcomer’s Lunch is Sunday, December 7th, immediately after the 11:45am service.  Our Newcomer’s Lunch is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet other new people & our staff, enjoy a great meal, and discover possible next steps.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or on our website.
4. Have a great idea for a LIFE Group?  Interested in possibly leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group next semester?  Simply respond to this email or contact one of our Staff.  We are in the process right now of planning out the new semester!
5. Looking for a creative ways to bless others during Christmas?  This Christmas our church is partnering with Oakland Elementary School to help them with their Angel Tree!  As soon as the tree is up and we have more information, we’ll pass it along.  This is a great way for our church to make an impact in our community!

LOVE YOU!

Pastor Chris (PC)

P.S.  Going to be out of town for the Fall or during the Holidays?  Stay consistent in your giving and give TEXT giving a try!  It’s safe, secure, and simple!  TEXT any amount to 843-277-8337 and follow the one step sign up process.

Coastal exists to share & experience LIFE – the life of Jesus!

Dear Coastal,

I want to really challenge you to invite & bring people to church over the next two months.  We talk about Thanksgiving & Christmas being the “happiest time of the year.”  But for most people that’s simply not true.  People are hurting, lonely, hopeless, and need help.  In Christ, we have the answers!  Ask God to help you to see people through His eyes.  Pray for courage and boldness.  And then simply extend the invitation.  We will do our part here at Coastal to lift up Jesus and point people to Him.

Here are 5 Things I want you to make note of:

1. TONIGHT, 6:30pm-8:30pm we are having a LIFE Group Leader Meeting/Oyster Roast for all current and potential Leaders/Assistants/Hosts.  Childcare provided.
2. For our Christmas Offering this year, we are encouraging people to give to our “All In” Campaign.  So during the months of November & December, try to give above and beyond your regular giving toward “All In.”  Our entire Christmas Eve offering this year will go toward “All In.”
3. Speaking of Christmas Eve – this Sunday we will have tickets available for our 3 Christmas Eve Services (5pm, 6:30pm, & 8pm).  These serve as a way to let us know when a service is filling up and a great way to invite friends!  Pick them up Sunday!
4. Interested in going on the Missions Trip to Peru in August, missed the meeting?  See Pastor Scott Huff for more information.
5. Our next Newcomer’s Lunch is Sunday, December 7th, immediately after the 11:45am service.  Our Newcomer’s Lunch is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet other new people & our staff, enjoy a great meal, and discover possible next steps.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or on our website.

Have a great weekend!  Can’t wait to see you and your friends on Sunday!

Pastor Chris (PC)

P.S.  Going to be out of town for the Fall or during the Holidays?  Stay consistent in your giving and give TEXT giving a try!  It’s safe, secure, and simple!  TEXT any amount to 843-277-8337 and follow the one step sign up process.

Coastal exists to share & experience LIFE – the life of Jesus!

Dear Coastal Family & Friends,

This past Sunday, I explained that for several years prior to last year at this time, we announced plans for our Annual Christmas Offering.  Each year we challenged our church, during the months of November and December, to give above and beyond their regular giving and to make a sacrificial gift toward our Christmas Offering. Many people, during this time of year, are in fact looking for charitable opportunities to give.

Each year the money went to the ministries & projects that we believed gave us the greatest opportunity to make the greatest eternal impact.  For example, because of the Christmas Offering we were able to fund the Charleston Egg Drop, Easter Outreach, Student Ministry, Children’s Ministry, updating our website, & VBS.  We were also able to remodel and expand the Women’s Restroom and roof our entire facility.

Because we just started our “All In” Giving Campaign in October of last year and because it is a 2 year campaign, we did not do a Christmas Offering last year and we will not be doing one this year.  However, what we are doing is encouraging everyone to give toward our “All In” Campaign.  Our “All In” Campaign is all about the new building that we hope to get started on here at the close of 2014.  It is a 12,000 square foot multi-purpose building that will seat approx. 450 people!  It is a tool that will enable us to continue to grow and reach more people.  It will have a huge immediate positive impact on all of our ministries.

For those of you who have been and are currently giving – thank you!  We could not have accomplished all that has happened this year without you!  Continue to give faithfullly!  For those of you who are new or who have not yet started giving toward “All In”, I want to challenge you to start during the Thanksgiving/Christmas Season.

In fact, just like the beginning of our “All In” Campaign and just like our Christmas Offering, I want to challenge you to make an end of the year sacrificial gift.  Thanksgiving & Christmas are all about giving.  Some people will choose to give along the way, week by week during November & December.  Others of you will wait to give one large gift at one of our Christmas Eve services.  Our entire offering on Christmas Eve will go toward our “All In” Campaign.

How Can I Give Toward “All In”?  It’s simple to give toward “All In”.   In fact, you can use all the ways we currently have to give at Coastal:

1. You can use our Offering Envelope provided in your bulletin on Sunday morning.  Simply fill in the amount in the grey box next to “Building Fund” and place it in the offering plate.  Or you can take home your Offering Envelope and mail in your gift during the week – postage paid by us.
2. You can use our card swiping machine in the Welcome Center, next to the Cafe.  Simply designate the amount on the receipt that you are giving toward “All In.”
3. You can also give through our website using Paypal (you don’t have to have a Paypal account to use this option – just a Credit/Debit card).  There is a “Purpose” line in Paypal where you can tell us what you are designating toward “All In.”
4. You can also give through TEXTing.  Our giving number is 843-277-8337.  There is a one step sign up process to link your account.  After you do that, TEXT the amount you wish to give, space, and then type the word “AllIN” or “building”.  That money will then be designated toward “All In.”

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.  Our family will be looking through our garage & attic for things we can sell at a Garage Sale or on Craigslist.  We’ve learned that as we give, God provides.  For some people $1000 above your regular giving is a huge sacrifice.  For others, it’s not.  We can’t all give the same amount, but together we can make the same sacrifice.

Remember, this offering should be over and above what you regularly give.  If you’re not regularly giving, use this time of year to start giving.  If you’re not tithing (10% of your income), step out in faith and start tithing.  Remember, God doesn’t want your money, but He does want what it represents – you!  Christmas is a reminder that God gave His very best.  What will you give to Him in return?

Forever All In!

Pastor Chris Rollins

Dear Coastal,

This past Sunday, we kicked off a new series on the life/book of Job.  It really seemed to resonate with a lot people.  My daughter Lydia said, “I never knew Job could be so funny!”  If you’ve downloaded our new church app, you can very easily listen to the message from your phone.  We continue this Sunday with part 2 of his story.  I hope you’ll join us!

Wow – everyone loves a FREE T-SHIRT!  We gave away free, “I LOVE MY CHURCH” Shirts this past Sunday.  We still have large & extra-large available.  You can pick them up this Sunday.

We had a great Membership Class on Monday night!  15 new people committed to Coastal!

Here are 5 Things I want you to make note of:

1. TONIGHT, 6:30pm-8:30pm we are having an “All In” Meeting/Pizza Party  specifically for those people who are new to Coastal over the last year.  I want to give you the opportunity to be a part of what we are doing – what God is doing through Coastal.  We will feed you dinner, provide childcare, and I will explain in detail what we’re doing, how we’re doing it, and how you can help.  Plus you will get to see the latest plans of the new building and hear all the most up to date information of where we are at in the process. If you have not already signed up, but would like to come, please respond to this email.
2. This Saturday morning (TOMORROW), 10am-Noon, we are having our Operation Christmas Child Packing/Wrapping Party!  Don’t miss this fun event for the whole family!  It’s a great way to kick off the Thanksgiving/Christmas Season!  Childcare not provided.
3. If you are a current LIFE Group Leader/Assistant/Host or if you are interested in possibly leading a LIFE Group in the 2015 Winter/Spring Semester, please join us for an Oyster Roast/Info Meeting on Friday Night, November 14th, 6:30pm-8:30pm.  Childcare provided.
4. Interested in going on the Missions Trip to Peru in August, missed the meeting?  See Pastor Scott Huff for more information.
5. If you would like to help plan quarterly activities for our preschoolers and elementary age children beginning in 2015, please contact Melissa Nicholson at (843) 609-5503 or smcknicholson@comcast.net. These activities could be anything from a “Family Game Night” to visiting a nursing home.

Have a great weekend!  Can’t wait to see you and your friends on Sunday!

Pastor Chris (PC)

Coastal exists to share & experience LIFE – the life of Jesus!

If you are interested in possibly Leading, Assisting, or Hosting a LIFE Group in the 2015 Winter/Spring Semester, please join us for an Oyster Roast/Info Meeting on Friday Night, November 14th, 6:30pm-8:30pm.  Childcare Provided.

This Saturday morning, November 8th, 10am-Noon, we are having a Operation Christmas Child party in our auditorium to pack and wrap our shoeboxes for delivery.  Don’t miss this family fun event!  It’s a great way to kick off the Holiday Season!  Childcare is NOT provided.  If you have toys/gifts for the shoeboxes, please bring them before Saturday.

This Friday night, November 7th, 6:30pm-8:30pm, we’re having an “All In” Meeting/Pizza Party specifically for new people who have not yet participated in “All In” and would like to learn more about what we’re doing and how you can help.  Childcare provided.

Dear Coastal,

I’m excited about this Sunday!  We kick off a new series on the book/life of Job!  I’m excited for several reasons:  one, in 25 years of ministry I’ve never preached a series on Job;  two, Job suffered greatly and there are a lot of people who come to Coastal in great pain;  three, God blessed the second half of Job’s life more than the first and God is not done with YOU!

This Sunday is also Time Change Sunday – so you get an extra hour of sleep!  No one should be late!  And we have a small gift for everyone at Coastal this Sunday – an early Christmas present of sorts – a NEW COASTAL T-SHIRT!  If you’re around the church today (Friday) feel free to pick yours up!  It’s a new “I Love My Church” shirt!

Here are 5 Things I want you to make note of:

1. This is the last week to bring gifts for “Operation Christmas Child”!  Bring toys and other items to fill a shoebox. Our wrapping & packing party will be Saturday morning, November 8th, 10am-Noon.
2. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal?  Want to officially join the Coastal family?  Make plans to attend our next Membership Class on Monday night, November 3rd, from 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and refreshments provided.  You can sign up on our website or on your Connect Card.
3. We’re having an “All In” Meeting/Pizza Party on Friday night, November 7th, 6:30pm-8:30pm specifically for new people who have not yet participated in “All In” and would like to learn more about what we’re doing and how you can help.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
4. If you are interested in possibly Leading, Assisting, or Hosting a LIFE Group in the 2015 Winter/Spring Semester, please join us for an Oyster Roast/Info Meeting on Friday Night, November 14th, 6:30pm-8:30pm.
5. My Wednesday Morning Men’s Group is pressure washing the outside of our building on Saturday morning (tomorrow – weather permitting) at 8am.  Love for you to join us, especially if you have a sprayer or a pressure washing machine!

Have a great weekend!  Can’t wait to see you and your friends on Sunday!

Pastor Chris (PC)

P.S.  TEXT Giving is an safe, secure, and simple way to consistently give to Coastal!  It takes one simple step to sign up.  Give it a try today!  Text any amount to 843-277-8337 and get started!

Pastor Chris’ Morning Men’s Group is heading up pressure washing the outside of our building – Saturday morning, November 1st, 8am-10am.  If you have a pressure washing machine or would like to come help, come and join us!

Dear Coastal,

This past Sunday was AWESOME!  Nothing like seeing people take next steps in baptism!  We ended up baptising 16 people.  That means that we have baptized close to 40 people this year!  Some churches don’t see that in a life time.  We also had 460 people in attendance (I think we’ve busted through 400 now) and the largest 2nd service we’ve ever had!  In fact, I know this sounds crazy, but it was too large.  What I mean by that is that is it was too large to sustain.  It’s exciting for a service, but people won’t return long term if they can’t find a place to sit.  We literally had to bring out more chairs and people were still standing.  We’re working on a longer term solution (new building), but we definitely need people to consider coming to the 1st or 3rd service.  Truthfully, with the 1st & 3rd service, we still have room to break 500 in attendance.

Happy Anniversary!  That’s right, it’s been 1 year since we started our “All In” Giving Campaign!  We’re getting so close to breaking ground and seeing your faith become a reality – a new building to reach more people for Jesus!  So keep giving!  Every gift above and beyond your regular giving counts and matters!  Remember, not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice.  If you give using PayPal from our website, you can designate your giving in the “Purpose” line.  Simply designate the amount toward “All In”.  If you give using texting, you can also give to “All In”.  Simply text the amount to 843-277-8337 (a space) and then text the key word “building” or “AllIn” (no spaces).  It’s that simple.  Your giving is very important, especially in the 1st phase of construction (site work, foundation, concrete, downpayment on metal building), as we rely on those funds before we take our first draw from our loan.

We’re having an “All In” Meeting/Pizza Party on Friday night, November 7th, 6:30pm-8:30pm specifically for new people who have not yet participated in “All In” and would like to learn more about what we’re doing and how you can help.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.

Here are 5 Things I want you to make note of:

1. We begin a new series on November 2nd on the book/life of Job!  I’ve never preached on the life of Job, so I’m excited about this series.  I also think that there are a lot of great principles and themes that directly speak to us today in this book.  The tag line for the series is, “Trusting God’s Heart, When You Can Not See His Hand.”
2. The month of October is “Operation Christmas Child” month at Coastal!  Bring shoeboxes, toys, and other items to fill those shoeboxes to church. Our wrapping & packing party will be Saturday morning, November 8th, 10am-Noon.  For more information about the ministry & mission of Operation Christmas Child, please check out their website.
3. If you have any smart phone (iPhone, Android, or Windows), ipad, or tablet, download the new Coastal App!  Simply go to your App Store and search for Coastal Community Church!  It’s FREE!  The App is a great way to spread the Gospel and keep up with all things Coastal!  Make sure you enable push notifications so we can periodically send out important text notices.
4. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal?  Want to officially join the Coastal family?  Make plans to attend our next Membership Class on Monday night, November 3rd, from 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and light refreshments provided.  You can sign up on our website or on your Connect Card.
5. Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 2nd at 2am.  Your clocks “fall back” 1 hour.

Have a great weekend!  Can’t wait to see you and your friends on Sunday!

Happy Anniversary!

Pastor Chris (PC)

P.S.  A $75 non-refundable deposit for the Student Winter Retreat is due by November 5th.  See Pastor Scott for more info.

Dear Coastal,

Happy Anniversary!  What Anniversary am I referring too?  It has been exactly 1 year since we kicked off our “All In” Campaign!  In fact, here is a quote from an email I sent out 1 year ago about “All In” Commitment Sunday:

“October 20th, 2013 will go down as one of those historic days in the life of our church family!  Because many of you stepped out in faith, because many of you went “All In”, you helped to insure that our church will continue to grow and reach people for Jesus for generations to come.  Our children’s children will talk about this weekend and your faith in our great God!  And I love you for it!”

One week later, Sunday, October 27th, 2013, we made the announcement of what we gave.  Here is an excerpt from the email I sent out afterwards:

“In one of the most difficult and unstable economies and smack dab in the middle of a government shutdown no less, our church gave the largest single Sunday offering in the history of our church for our “All In” Campaign – over $55,000 in cash and over $326,000 in 2 year commitments (for a grand total over $380,000)! Families and children gave over 300lbs. in change! In fact, people are still turning in money and Commitment Cards! What a GREAT GOD we serve!  I am so proud of you Coastal!  2Corinthians 8:3, “For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will.”

It’s been quite a year.  No, we haven’t broken ground yet, but we are very, very close.  We secured a loan for the project.  We’ve been through the painstakingly slow process of Technical Review with the City of Charleston and have submitted for permit.  We have contractors and subcontractors lined up and ready to go.  All of that has happened because of the faithful generosity of those of you who have given toward the new building project – our “All In” Campaign!

Our church has also continued to grow in the past year.  In fact, there are many of you who are reading this email who have never given toward our “AlI In” Campaign – simply because you’re new and don’t know what it’s all about.

If that’s you and you’re interested in learning more about what we’re building and how you can help, this invitation is for you!  On Friday night, November 7th, 6:30pm-8:30pm we are having an “All In” Meeting/Pizza Party at the church and I want to personally invite you to come.  I want to give you the opportunity to be a part of what we are doing – what God is doing through Coastal.  We will feed you dinner, provide childcare, and I will explain in detail what we’re doing, how we’re doing it, and how you can help.  Plus you will get to see the latest plans and hear all the most up to date information of where we are at in the process.

To RSVP, simply respond to this email or you can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  I hope you can come!  These are exciting times at Coastal and we want you to be a part of it!  For those of you who know all about “All IN” and have been giving – thank you!  We would not be where we are at today without you!  Continue in your faithful giving!  Remember, every gift/commitment matters!  Every gift/commitment counts!  What made “All In” so successful was not the “big” giving of a few, but the consistent sacrifice of so many!

Happy Anniversary!

Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal,

I want to give you a little bit of a head’s up on our next series.  As always, I’m very excited about it.  In fact, I’ve never preached on it before.  I’m going to preach a 4 week series on the book/character of Job.  Most people have heard about Job and know something about his story.  You’ve probably heard the phrase, “The patience of Job.” Many people refer to Job when answering the age old question:  why do bad things happen to good people?  Job is all about the sovereignty of God and remaining faithful in the midst of great pain and suffering.  The reality is that life is hard and many of you have experienced great pain.  Well, where is God is all of that and how do we remain faithful?  I’ll kick of the series on Sunday, November 2nd.  The tagline for the series is:  “Trusting God’s heart when you can’t trace His hand.”

Here are 5 Things I want you to make note of:

1. The month of October is “Operation Christmas Child” month at Coastal!  Bring shoeboxes, toys, and other items to fill those shoeboxes to church. Our wrapping & packing party will be Saturday morning, November 8th, 10am-Noon.  For more information about the ministry & mission of Operation Christmas Child, please check out their website.
2. We’re having a Baptism Service in all 3 services this Sunday!  Right now we have 18 people getting baptized!  If you are interested in getting baptized, simply respond to this email or sign up on our website!  We’d love for you to join us!
3. If you have any smart phone (iPhone, Android, or Windows), ipad, or tablet, download the new Coastal App!  Simply go to your App Store and search for Coastal Community Church!  It’s FREE!  The App is a great way to spread the Gospel and keep up with all things Coastal!  Make sure you enable push notifications so we can periodically send out important text notices.
4. Interested in going on a Missions Trip to Peru?  There is an informational meeting this Sunday, October 19th, at 6:30pm at Coastal.  See Pastor Scott Huff for more information.
5. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal?  Want to officially join the Coastal family?  Make plans to attend our next Membership Class on Monday night, November 3rd, from 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and light refreshments provided.  You can sign up on our website or on your Connect Card.

Have a great Saturday!  Can’t wait to see you and your friends on Sunday!

Forever & Always ALL IN!

Pastor Chris (PC)

P.S.  A $75 non-refundable deposit for the Student Winter Retreat is due by November 5th.  See Pastor Scott for more info.

Parents, it’s that time of year again. What am I talking about? Sports! But let’s be honest and admit the obvious, between Fall Ball, Winter Ball, Spring Ball, Travel Teams, and Tournaments, it’s now year round and never ending. And for many parents, striking a balance is a real struggle. I want to share a great blog post by Pastor James Emery White:
http://www.churchandculture.org/Blog.asp?ID=4219
and a recent article from the N.Y. Times of all places:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/17/fashion/team-sports-are-taking-over-kids-lives.html?ref=fashion

Dear Coastal,

It is truly amazing what God is doing at Coastal right now!  In fact, it’s not normal!  Most churches today have either plateaued or are in decline.  I was hoping the kick-off of “The Story of My Life” would finally push us through the 400 barrier and boy did it!  For the kick-off we had 477 and since then we have had 425 and 432!  I’d say we’ve broken through 400 and are heading fast and furious toward 500!  In fact, we have had more guests in this little stretch than we have ever had in the history of our church.  Keep inviting!  Keep reaching out!  Keep sharing!  Let’s work like it all depends on us and then let’s pray like it all depends on God.  Then we’ll walk by faith and trust God with the results!

To quote one of my favorite movies, “I think we need a bigger boat!”  Well, we’re working on it.  We’re getting closer and closer to getting our permit and getting started on our new building.  In the meantime, if possible, come to the 1st or 3rd service.  If you’re in the 2nd service, sit to the front (I promise I don’t bite) and center of each section to make room for more people.

Here are 5 Things I want you to make note of:

1. The month of October is “Operation Christmas Child” month at Coastal!  Bring shoeboxes, toys, and other items to fill those shoeboxes to church. Our wrapping & packing party will be Saturday morning, November 8th, 10am-Noon.  For more information about the ministry & mission of Operation Christmas Child, please check out their website.
2. This Sunday, October 12th, immediately following the 11:45am service we’re having a Newcomer’s Lunch.  Newcomer’s Lunch is a great way for new people to learn more about Coastal, meet other new people and our staff, enjoy a great meal, and discover possible next steps.  You can sign up here on our website.
3. We’re having a Baptism Service in all 3 services on Sunday, October 19th!  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday!
4. If you have any smart phone (iPhone, Android, or Windows), ipad, or tablet, please download the new Coastal App!  Simply go to your App Store and search for Coastal Community Church!  It’s FREE!  The App is a great way to spread the Gospel and keep up with all things Coastal!
5. Interested in going on a Missions Trip to Peru?  There is an informational meeting on Sunday, October 19th, at 6:30pm at Coastal.  See Pastor Scott Huff for more information.

Have a great Saturday!  Can’t wait to see you and your friends on Sunday!

Forever & Always ALL IN!

Pastor Chris (PC)

P.S.  Not only is October, “Operation Christmas Child” month, but we’re also collecting slightly used shoes to help provide water for Kenya.  Simply tie the shoes together and place them in the barrels at church.

Kenneth Hahn, our church counselor, came to our Men’s Group this morning and afterwards shared with me how much he enjoyed it. He also said this, “There’s just something powerful about a group of Men getting together to share and pray together.” I think he’s right! I look forward to every Wednesday morning.  It’s one of my favorite times of the week.  We just have so much fun together!  We laugh so hard every week.  But it’s so much more than that.  Sure, we talk about the weather and work and sports, but we also talk about marriage and raising children and finances and relationships and every day struggles.  I’ve seen men find jobs through our group.  I’ve seen men share money with other hurting families through our group.

Right now we’re reading through 1 Timothy together.  This morning we read the end of chapter one where Paul talks about how he hunted down Christians and that he was the “worst of all sinners.”  But God had mercy on him and used that as an example of His great patience with “even the worst sinners.”  We talked about how our lives are testimonies of God’s patience – if He can save me, He can save anybody.  We also spent some time talking about vs. 19, “Cling tightly to your faith in Christ, and always keep your conscience clear.”  What can we do to “cling tightly” to our faith?  And then we pray together.  The group is short, sweet, and to the point.

Men, if you’re simply looking for some other guys to do life with and grow in your faith with, you can find that here at Coastal. My group meets at 7am on Wednesdays and we have another group that Rudy Polito leads on Thursday nights at 6:30pm at his home in West Ashley. Our groups are made up of real men with real struggles seeking to depend on a real God in the context of relationships. Love for you to join us!

Dear Coastal,

If you had any difficulty getting in touch with me or any of our Coastal Staff this past week, I apologize.  We were all out of town together at a church leadership conference in Atlanta.  We just got back late last night.  We had a blast!  It was a great time of learning, laughter, worship, and so much more for all of us! We’ve all really been going at it pretty hard for a while now, without much of a break.  Conferences really aren’t a break or a vacation (many times they requre more work on both ends), but it was just what we all needed.  It will take some time for all of us to process everything we experienced, but one thing that I know for sure is that I am so very grateful for our Staff – Julie Kelly, Scott Huff, Michael Wright, and my wife Janet (first time Janet has ever got to go to a conference with me)!  Coastal, we are so blessed!

We stayed right around the corner from the conference with one of my life long friends, Leslie & Bo Scrivener.  To say that they treated us like we were staying at a 5 Star Resort would be an understatement!  When talking to Leslie about her hospitality, she humbly said it’s something she got from her mom.  She also said something I won’t forget, “Entertainment is all about you – showing off, making yourself or your home look good for your guests.  Hospitality is all about your guests – making them feel good, taking care of them.”  Oh, one more thing about my friends, Leslie & Bo have been blessed (their own heartfelt words) with twin boys with severe autism.  The boys are now 19.  To watch the servant, agape love they show in their home is truly inspirational.  Like I said, the conference was great and we learned a lot!

Don’t miss tomorrow!  Really loving this new series, “The Story of My Life!”  Hope you are too!  The past two weeks we’ve had almost 50 1st & 2nd time guest Connect Cards filled out!  50!  WOW!  Keep it up Coastal!  Thank you Jesus!  We beg You to continue to use Coastal to draw people to Yourself!

Here are 5 Things I want you to make note of:

1. The month of October is “Operation Christmas Child” month at Coastal!  Bring shoeboxes, toys, and other items to fill those shoeboxes to church. Our wrapping & packing party will be Saturday morning, November 8th, 10am-Noon.  For more information about the ministry & mission of Operation Christmas Child, please check out their website.
2. It’s still not too late to join a LIFE Group!  If you haven’t signed up yet, you can sign up at church on Sunday or right now on our website.
3. We’re having a Baptism Service in all 3 services on Sunday, October 19th!  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday!
4. If you have any smart phone (iPhone, Android, or Windows), ipad, or tablet, please download the new Coastal App!  Simply go to your App Store and search for Coastal Community Church!  It’s FREE!  The App will be a great way to spread the Gospel and keep up with all things Coastal!
5. On Sunday, October 12th, immediately following the 11:45am service we’re having our next Newcomer’s Lunch.  Newcomer’s Lunch is a great way for new people to learn more about Coastal, meet other new people and our staff, enjoy a great meal, and discover possible next steps.  You can sign up here on our website or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.

Have a great Saturday!  Can’t wait to see you and your friends on Sunday!

Forever & Always ALL IN!

Pastor Chris (PC)

P.S.  I want to thank those of you who consistently give electronically to our church: by automatic Bill Pay through your bank, PayPal through our website, or TEXTing 843-277-8337 (give TEXT giving a try if you haven’t done it yet).  No one might see it on Sunday mornings, but God sees it and we are thankful!

Monday was already kind of a melancholy day here in our part of Charleston. They were laying to rest a Police Officer who was shot in the line of duty. I found myself watching/reading the news reports about the processional/service, praying for his family, and giving thanks for those who protect & serve.

And then I got a text from my good friend Buck Wardle simply saying, “Call me, it’s an emergency.” I called and he told me the news, our good friendScott Gamel had died. Honestly, all day long it felt like someone had punched me in the gut.

Scott was my friend. I’ve known Scott since I was 16. Actually, that’s when I first met Buck & Scott. Back then, as everyone knows, they came as a pair. They were traveling for ACC (with Laurie Bryan Wardle & Vicki Gamel – wow, talk about a great team) and like so many others, I was drawn to them. They became my life long friends.

So many Pastors today talk about their “Board of Advisors”. I’ve never had anything official like that – I’ve just had these guys and few other really good Pastor friends (Michael Diamond, Gary Thompson) that I talk to at least once a week, share the ups & downs of life/ministry with, speak truth into each others lives, laugh together, and encourage each other. Scott was a part of that group for me. He was one the groomsmen in my wedding.

Scott was larger than life! FUNNY, oh my gosh, he was funny! He could imitate every Professor at ACC and everyone else for that matter! And he was Smart/Funny too! If you knew Scott, you know what I mean. Man he was smart – so well read! If you were playing any kind of Triva/Pop Culture Game you wanted Scott or maybe Melissa Stinson on your team! To this day, when I’m preparing for messages or studies and I have questions about anything, I still call Scott & Buck – why they let me tag a long with them is still mind boggling! Don’t tell anyone, but we even share each other’s messages from time to time! Well, that’s not quite true. Scott & I could preach 2 sermons from one of Buck’s! And what an obnoxious Alabama fan! I can still remember going to a Bama/Georgia game with Scott, David Workman, and I’m not sure who else, but thinking all of us Bible College Boys were going to get the crap beat out of us because of how loud & obnoxious our friend was in Bama’s last minute victory!

And let’s just be honest, back then, Scott (and Buck) WAS obnoxious. He was arrogant, narrow minded, and legalistic. He was just so smart and funny about it (and I wanted to be just like him). But then that’s what makes Scott and his life so truly amazing and beautiful. The GRACE of God just got ahold of him! And you all know what I mean. I’m not sure exactly when or how it happened. Maybe it was just life or a process or failures or his wonderful wife & children. But got a hold of him it did. Still smart, funny, confident? You better believe it. But now that TRUTH was also full of GRACE – just like Jesus. And we’ve all been a witness to the results. And I am and will continue to be a better man for it. I love you Scott. I love you Vicki. You & the boys will be in my prayers! Carry on New Hope! Scott would expect nothing less. “May the GRACE of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV)

Dear Coastal,

For the last couple of weeks, we’ve been talking about our next “Big Day” coming up, Sunday, September 21st.  I wanted to explain what a “Big Day” is and share with you what you can do to help make it a success.

Obviously, every Sunday is big here at Coastal in the sense that every Sunday is important, every Sunday we share the Gospel, and each week we encourage you to invite and bring your friends.  But a “Big Day” is a strategic day on our church calendar where we tell everyone to pull out all the stops, do whatever it takes, and make that extra push to get your friends to church!  Usually on a “Big Day” we try to break the next attendance barrier and gain momentum for continued growth.

There are several obvious “Big Days” on the calendar – Christmas Eve & Easter come to mind.  We usually put a “Big Day” somewhere in early February.  The holidays are over and it’s a great push for the New Year.  Lately kicking off the Summer with “At the Movies” has been huge for us too.  The Fall “Big Day” works because Summer is finally over, kids are back in school, Labor Day has come and gone, and the football season has started.  What does all that have to do with getting people in church?  One word – routine.  People are back into a routine and they aren’t traveling as much.

So, on Sunday, September 21st we are kicking off a brand new series called, “The Story of My Life.”  Everyone has a story.  Every story matters to God.  It’s the decisions you make every day that determine the story you’re going to tell.  So, live a story worth telling.  During the series we’re going to do our best to emphasize the life change that we regularly see here at Coastal.  Each Sunday we’re going to show a video testimony of a different family/individual.  We really believe that this is going to be a powerful series.  And we’re going to end the series with a Baptism Service!

So what can you do to help make September 21st a success?

1. Pray every day.  Pray for the people you are inviting.  Pray for all the people our church will be inviting.  Pray for people to come to know Jesus.  Pray for me & my messages.  Pray for our staff.  Pray for our volunteers.  Pray for the mailing that we are sending out to all of West Ashley.  Ask God to give you His eyes and His heart to see people and situations the way He does.  Beg God to draw people to Himself through our church.
2. Come and participate in our church wide Prayer Walk on Friday, September 19th, 6-8pm.  Bring your friends and family and walk together around our campus, stopping to read Scripture and pray at 10 different stations.  It’s going to be a very powerful and moving experience.
3. Fast for one week.  For the week of September 14-20 we are asking our church to consider participating in a Fast.  Let me try to answer a few questions you might have about fasting:  First of all, what is fasting?  Fasting is abstaining from something physical for a designated period of time, for spiritual purposes.  Many times in scripture people fasted from food.  But  today, I also believe it is possible to “fast” or give up something else, for example:  television, social media, meat, caffeine, sugar, certain activities/habits, etc.  What is the purpose of fasting?   The primary purpose of fasting is to focus on God and to center our attention on Him. In doing so, we glorify God (Zechariah 7:5).  Fasting can also reveal non-essential things that control us and take precedence in our lives.  It can increase the effectiveness of our prayer and bring guidance from God in decisions (2 Sam. 12:16; Acts 14:23).  Again, the idea is to give up something physical, that you personally would notice or feel, that would remind you to focus on God.  Don’t forget that the purpose of fasting for Christians is not to focus on whatever it is you’re giving up.  The focus is not on ourselves – grumbling and complaining about being hungry (Jesus warned against that) or whatever it is that we’ve denied ourselves.  The focus is on our relationship with God.  Our physical need is to drive us to and remind us of our total dependency on God.  It’s to help clear your mind so you can focus in prayer – in this case praying for the people in your life who need Jesus.
4. Invite!  Make a personal goal to invite and bring so many people.  Use our series invite cards.  Use our little “You’re Invited” business cards.  Send emails.  Send personal messages on facebook and other social media.
5. Fill out a “Story of My Life” Testimony Card.  Each week in your bulletin there will be one of these cards.  Share a few sentences of how Jesus and Coastal has changed your life.  We’re going to pin these cards on a large “picture frame” on display in our auditorium.  With your permission we’re also going to post them on a page on our website.  This will be an awesome witness to other people on just what a difference Jesus can make in your life.
6. Consider serving!  A new series & new people means we need more and more volunteers.  If you’re not already serving somewhere, it’s time to jump in!  We need you!  Our 1st Impressions Team is a great place to get started.  Give Chris Ranew our 1st Impressions Ministry Leader a call or send him an email – 706-941-2044, chrisranew@gmail.com.  Our Children’s Ministry could definitely use more volunteers in Nursery or in any of their classes.  Call Janet, our Children’s Ministry Leader or send her an email – 843-442-8299, janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  Honestly, all of our Ministries need more volunteers!  Give Julie a call at the office and we’ll get you connected – 843-571-1777.
7. 4 Things to Consider on the day of the “Big Day” itself – parking, service time, seating, & name tags.  Parking:  the further away you park, the better.  Please park at Oakland and save the closer parking for guests.  Service times:  the key is come to the service that your guests are coming to.  BUT THIS IS IMPORTANT, if it does not matter, PLEASE come to the 8:45am or the 11:45am service!  The 10:15am service is already standing room only sometimes.  Seating:  no matter which service you come to, PLEASE sit to the front and center of each section.  This makes more room for people as they come in.  Name Tags:  just like we did for “Name Tag Sunday” we’re going to ask EVERYONE (not just guests) to wear a name tag.  There will be Name Tag tables set up around our campus with pens and name tags.  This is a fun way to encourage everyone to meet someone new and to learn people’s names.

Whew!  I think that’s about it!  September 21st is going to be AWESOME!  People are going to come to Jesus!  I think we’ll break 500 that day!  Like I’ve said Coastal, let’s work, invite, and share like it all depends on us.  But then let’s fast and pray and ask God like it all depended on Him.  And then let’s walk by faith and trust God with the results!

Forever & Always All In!

Pastor Chris

On Sunday, September 21st, we begin a brand new series at Coastal called, “The Story of MY LIFE.”  The idea for the series is that everyone has a story and every story matters to God.  It’s the decisions we make today that determine the story we’ll tell tomorrow.  So live a story worth telling!  During this series we’re going to be highlighting real stories of life change from within our own church family!  It’s going to be awesome!  Start praying now!

On Friday, September 19th, 6-8pm, Coastal is having a Prayer Walk on our campus to pray & prepare for our Big Day – the kick off of our new Fall Series, “The Story of MY LIFE” on Sunday, September 21st.  Bring the whole family and walk around our campus stopping at 10 different prayer/devotion stations.  At each station you’ll be instructed what to do and what to pray for.  This will be a great time of prayer & fellowship for our church!  Make plans to walk with family, friends, LIFE Group, or Ministry Team.   Don’t miss it!

On Sunday, August 31st, Labor Day weekend, Coastal will only be having 2 Worship Services:  8:45am & 10:15am.  There will be no 11:45am service.

At Coastal Community Church, we believe that LIFE is better together!  No one was meant to do life alone!  We were made for community.  In fact, I believe that while most people are looking for a friendly church, what they are really looking for are friends.

At Coastal, we do our best to meet that need through something called LIFE Groups.  Simply put, LIFE Groups are small groups of adults who meet in homes weekly all over Charleston to do LIFE together for a semester (10-12 weeks).  They serve together, have fun together, pray together, play together, and grow in their faith together – wherever they are at in their spiritual journey.  Over time, people meet life long friends in LIFE Groups!

This Sunday is LIFE Group Sunday – and you’re invited!  As always, you’ll enjoy great music.  I’ll share a short message about why being in a group is so important.  And then we’ll give you a chance to check out all the different Groups by visiting a table/booth representing each group underneath a large tent!  You’ll be able to meet other people checking out groups, enjoy some great snacks, have fun, and even sign up for a group!

I hope you can come!  Let’s do LIFE together!

Pastor Chris

On Saturday, August 23rd, 9am-11am, we are having a Training for all LIFE Group Leaders & Assistants at the church.  Childcare & light refreshments provided.  We’ll also be preparing for LIFE Group Sunday on August 24th.

This Saturday, August 16th, 12noon-4:30pm, there will be a end of the Summer cookout & pool party at the Price home – 2483 Vaucluse Rd. in the MacLaura Hall neighborhood off of Hwy. 61 West Ashley.  Invite & bring a friend!

On Sunday, August 17th, at 5pm the entire church (men, women, & children) are invited to a “Wedding/Welcome to Charleston Shower” for our new Worship Pastor & his wife – Michael & Joy Wright!  Feel free to bring to gift to bless the new couple (gifts cards or something that says “Charleston” would be great).  But don’t feel like you have to bring a gift – simply come and fellowship with your church family!  We’re going to have a “Mexican Fiesta” – taco/burrito bar, rice, refried beans, chips, & salsa.  Feel free to bring your favorite Mexican dish to share!

Our entire staff is in the process of organizing & planning out our LIFE Groups for the Fall/Winter Semester.  An important part of this process is making sure we’re all together on the same page, heading in the same direction.  To help us do that, we’re having a “LIFE Group Orientation and Dinner” at the church for all LIFE Group Leaders, Assistants, and Hosts this Friday night, August 1st – childcare provided.  This dinner/meeting is also for anyone interested in leading, assisting, or hosting in the new semester.

We’ll eat from 6:30pm to 7:30pm and our meeting will be from 7:30pm to 8:30pm.  Obviously, we’re trying lure you with dinner (ham, green beans, mac & cheese, desserts), but this is a very important meeting.  Not only will this be a great time for fellowship, it will also be an opportunity for me to cast vision, talk about our LIFE Group expectations, and help us to plan out the upcoming semester.

“Leaders are Readers!”  I wholeheartedly agree with that statement!  On Sunday, July 27th, we begin a brand new series at Coastal called, “Summer Reading.”  The idea for the series is simple.  I pick 6 different books that I consider worthwhile for the church to read.  We provide a small number of the books at a very discounted price and encourage you to read them.  Then, each week we use a different one of the books as a springboard for the message.

Here is a list of the books we’re using:  Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.  It’s a great book on prayer!  Catalyst Leader by Brad Lomenick.  It’s a great book on leadership that our staff is reading together right now.  Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom Rainer.  We used one of his books last year and this one is just as powerful.  The Dude’s Guide to Manhood:  Finding True Manliness in a World of Counterfeits by Darrin Patrick.  The title should speak for itself.  I hope every man (and woman) in our church reads it!  Unglued:  Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions by Lysa Terkeurst.  God gave us emotions to experience life, not destroy it.  It’s a book every woman (and man) ought to read.  And then finally, How to Be Rich by Andy Stanley, a great book on generosity.

Now before some of you freak out thinking that Pastor Chris has gone heretical and soft and has thrown out the Bible and is now preaching from other books or encouraging you to read other books instead of the Bible, throw away your email and take your medication.  That’s not what we’re doing.  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.  Some of you LOVE to read and need very little nudging to pick up a book and read it.  Others of you made a vow after school that you would never read another book again!  And then there is everything in between.  I hope that some of you will read all of the books and that all of you will read at least one of the books.  Growing Christian Leaders are Readers!  Join us this Summer and READ!

We are having a church wide (everyone is invited) Baby Shower for Pastor Scott & Lori Huff on Sunday, July 13, 5pm at the church!  They will have had several Baby Shower’s at this point so we are encouraging everyone to bring Gift Cards (Wal-Mart, Target, Babies-R-Us).  They are expecting a girl!  We will provide a dinner:  hamburgers/hotdogs, chili, baked beans, cole slaw, mac & cheese, cake, & drinks.  No childcare is provided.

If you are new to our church in the last 8 months, this invitation is for you. On Friday night, July 11th, 7-9pm we are having an “All In” Meeting/Dinner at the church and I wanted to personally invite you to come.  You may or may not have heard, but Coastal is in the process of building a new building on our property!  We hope to break ground later this Summer.

This past Fall, we launched into a campaign we called, “All In” that helped us to communicate the vision, the need, and the process of building our new building.  Since you are fairly new to Coastal, I want to give you the opportunity to be a part of what we are doing.  We will feed you dinner, provide childcare, and I will explain in detail what we are doing, how we are doing it, and how you can help.  Plus you will get to see the latest plans and hear all the most up to date information of where we are at in the process.

To RSVP, simply send an email to pastorchris@coastalcommunitychurch.org.   I hope you can come!  These are exciting times at Coastal!

On Wednesday, July 9th, Coastal would like to take any children from our church and their friends (and children at heart) to the 11:45am showing of “How To Train Your Dragon 2” at the Citadel Mall Cinema – on us!  Please send us an email to let us know how many kids you have coming.  Meet us at the Citadel Mall Cinema no later than 11:40am for your free tickets! (All pre-school children must have a chaperone.)  We’re providing the tickets – snacks are on you.  Just something fun we’d like to do for our community!

On Sunday, July 6th (4th of July Weekend), we’re having 1 outdoor worship service underneath a giant tent and then a whole hog barbeque dinner immediately after the service!  We’re providing the meat, drinks, ice, and paper products.  We’re asking everyone else to bring plenty of food to share (potluck/covered dish), sides, desserts, etc.  Stick around after the service, enjoy a great meal, play corn hole, volleyball, and maybe even a pick up game of softball.  As always, invite and bring your family and friends!

This Sunday, June 15th, is Father’s Day!  It’s going to be a great celebration at Coastal that you won’t want to miss!  Pastor Chris will share a message geared toward men from our “At the Movies” series.  We will be giving away gifts to all guys present, plus some special gifts at the end of each service.  There will be a Baby Dedication during the 11:45am service.  And we will be giving away Barbeque Sliders and Root Beer outside underneath a tent!

We are having our next Baby/Child Dedication service on Father’s Day, June 15, during the 11:45am service.

3 John 4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

Baby or Child dedications are special occasions.  The purpose of dedicating a child is just that – to dedicate the raising of a child in a Christian home.  It is a symbolic and public way of acknowledging that children are a gift from God and that we don’t take lightly our responsibility as parents or as a church.

At Coastal we believe that baby dedications are a family affair.  Not only is a child being dedicated to the Lord, but it is also a dedication the parents make –– to raise their children in the training and instruction of the Lord.  It’s a parent’s outward way of giving thanks, sharing joy, and committing to be the mom or dad that God has called them to be.

It is also a way of including the church.  We commit to being a help, an example, and a resource in raising their children.

The Summer is just about here!  To kick off the Summer, on Sunday, June 8th, we roll out one of our favorite series here at Coastal:  “At the Movies!”  It’s where we use current blockbuster movies as a “hook” to talk about spiritual truth and we do it in true Coastal style.  We’ll have a lot fun, give away a lot of stuff (all 1st time guests get FREE movie tickets to Citadel Mall Theater), eat a lot of popcorn, and most importantly point people to Jesus!  Invite and bring your friends!

Attention all Coastal Students!  This Wednesday, May 28th come and compete in the BIG SUR “Student Ultimate Relay”.  High School (wear blue) vs. Middle School (wear red) in the ultimate relay.  Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet.  There will be food!

This Sunday, May 25th (Memorial Weekend), there will only 2 Sunday morning Worship Sevices – 10:15am & 11:45am.  We’ll be continuing our Battlefield series with a message on Temptation.  We’ll also have a time to recognize and pray for those who serve or have served in the Military.  Hope to see you Sunday!

Dear Coastal,

That’s right – only 2 Worship Services this Sunday for Memorial Weekend – 10:15am & 11:45am.  We’ll be continuing our Battlefield series with a message on Temptation.  We’ll also have a time to recognize and pray for those who serve or have served in the Military.  Hope to see you Sunday!

The Summer is just about here!  To kick off the Summer, on Sunday, June 8th, we roll out one of our favorite series here at Coastal:  “At the Movies!”  It’s where we use current blockbuster movies as a “hook” to talk about spiritual truth and we do it in true Coastal style.  We’ll have a lot fun, give away a lot of stuff (all 1st time guests get FREE movie tickets to Citadel Mall Theater), eat a lot of popcorn, and most importantly point people to Jesus!  Invite and bring your friends!

And then to make June 8th even more AWESOME, we’re having a Beach Baptism at Folly Beach County Park at 5pm! If you’d like to get Baptized in the ocean at Folly Beach, you can sign up on Sunday on your Connect Card, you can sign up online, or you can simply respond to this email.  Come early, bring your “beach stuff”, and enjoy the day with your Coastal friends and family!  We’ve got 50 free parking passes to the 1st 50 people that want them!  On the weekend, unless you have a Park Pass that’s a $10 value that we’re giving away for FREE.

Here are 5 more things I want you to know about:

1. LIFE Group Sign-Up has begun!  You can register online today or this Sunday at church.  LIFE Groups begin the week of June 8th!
2. Student LIFE Missions Camp balane due this Sunday!  Please see Pastor Scott with payment and any questions.
3. BIG SUR “Student Ultimate Relay” this Wednesday, May 28th, 6:26pm-8:15pm.  High School (wear blue) vs. Middle School (wear red) in the ultimate relay.  Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet.  There will be food!
4. On Father’s Day, June 15th we are having another Baby/Child Dedication Service during the 11:45am service.  Sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email if you are interested in participating.
5. VBS this year is July 21st-25th!  This year’s theme is, “Weird Animals – Where Jesus’ Love Is One of a Kind.”  Our VBS Closing Program will be Sunday night, July 27th.  We are in need of 100 pool noodles for VBS – green, yellow, orange, purple or blue.  If you’d like to volunteer for VBS, please fill out the VBS Volunteer Insert in the bulletin and place it in the offering plate on Sunday!

Always & Forever All In!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Mark Sunday, July 6th (4th of July Weekend) on your calendars!  We’re going to have 1 combined outdoor service & a barbeque!

Dear Coastal,

Guess what?  Our new Worship Pastor, Michael Wright, is officially here and will begin leading worship full time this Sunday!  He actually got here on Wednesday and led worship for our Students!  His fiance, Joy Brackett, will be in town this weekend as well. We might get to see her from time to time over the Summer and then obviously, she will join Michael after their wedding in late July.  Make an extra effort to be here on Sunday and introduce yourself to them.

And then Coastal, make me proud and simply do what you do best, love on them both and welcome them to Coastal and Charleston!  Over the next month, while he looks for an apartment, Michael will be living with Scott & Lori Huff.  Feel free to invite Michael out to lunch or have him over for dinner – a great way to get to know him.  Or maybe invite him out to some “Charleston thing” with you and your family.  I’m very proud of and excited about the Staff Team we are building here at Coastal!  I hope you are too!

Coastal, I want to brag on you and thank you for a moment.  You guys are such a generous people.  Whether it’s our food pantry, VBS, Student Ministry, a hurting family, Peru, or blessing one of our Staff during a difficult time, your generous, consistent giving never ceases to amaze me.

Which brings me to our “All In” Campaign.  I’ve not really said a lot about the Campaign since it began, but here again, you guys amaze me.  The key to any Giving Campaign is consistency from the entire church family.  And like we said at the very beginning of the Campaign, it’s not equal amounts, it’s equal sacrifice.  We can’t all give the same amount, but we can all pull together and sacrifice.  And every week, seeing the wide variety of gifts coming in from such a wide variety of people for “All In” just blows me away.

Very soon, we hope to announce the closing of our loan and a ground breaking ceremony.  If Easter Sunday taught us anything, it’s that our current facility is not adequate for our growth and the new building is simply a tool that will enable us to continue to grow.  If you are fairly new to Coastal and would like to join in and help us fund our new building (a multi-purpose building that will seat 450-500 people on our property), simply designate your check, offering envelope, pay pal, or text “AllIN” or “Building”.

Here are 5 more things I want you to know about:

1. Our next Membership Class is tomorrow morning, Saturday, May 3rd, 9am-12pm.  Childcare and light refreshments provided.  Even if you haven’t signed up, we take walk-ins!  Our Membership Class is the way you formalize your commitment to Coastal.
2. Coastal Day at the Riverdogs Game!  This Sunday, May 4th, 5pm.  Tickets $10 (Student Ministry Camp fundraiser).  Kids eat free!  Pastor Scott was able to get a few more tickets – see him on Sunday.

3. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11th.  We’re having a Baby Dedication Service during the 11:45am service on Mother’s Day.  If you would like to participate, either respond to this email or indicate on your Connect Card on Sunday.  It’s going to be a great day!  Lots of gifts and giveaways!  Plus we’re going to have a photographer at church taking family photos!
4. Don’t miss SERVEFEST on Saturday, May 17th, 9am-Noon, at Coastal.  Our Servolution LIFE Group is spearheading an opportunity to serve in many different ways and many different organizations around Charleston.  See the insert in your Sunday Bulletin, the table in the Welcome Center, and show up ready to serve on May 17th.
5. Our next Newcomers Lunch is Sunday, May 18th, immediately following the 11:45am service.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or right now on our website.  Our Newcomer’s Lunch is a great way to meet other new people and our Staff, learn more about Coastal and possible next steps, and enjoy a great meal!  Childcare provided.

Always & Forever All In!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Only 2 services on Memorial Weekend Sunday, May 26th (10:15am & 11:45am).  Our next Beach Baptism is Sunday, June 8th, on Folly Beach at 5pm.

Dear Coastal,

In spite of all the elements, we had an AWESOME Easter at Coastal! First of all, I can’t say enough about our AWESOME Volunteers! I know I say that all the time, but I mean it. Each one of our teams knocked it out of the park!

I met so many new people! So many Coastal people proudly introduced me to their friends. I saw some “old friends” as well! One couple was simply walking their newborn baby in a stroller on our street, heard the music, and came to church!

Speaking of the music, it was great to have our new Worship Pastor, Michael Wright, lead worship for us!  The long weekend we spent together more than confirmed his calling to Coastal!

Tons of prayer requests! Lots of new volunteers! Lots of people recommitted their lives to Jesus! And 3 people came alive as they gave their lives to Jesus! Oh and by the way, we had our largest attendance ever – 651! The best is yet to come Coastal! I love you and I love what we get to do together!

Easter was great and it was something that we will build on, but don’t be discouraged if your friends didn’t come to church.  Keep praying!  Keep inviting!  We are not responsible for their responses.  We are responsible for casting seed – so keep casting!

We kick off our new series, “Battlefield” this Sunday!  We’re going to be talking about some of the common enemies that we all face in life and discover how we can defeat them.  (Our own Allen White did the mural on the stage and the graphic for our website.)

Here are 5 more things I want you to know about:

1. Our next Membership Class is next Saturday, May 3rd, 9am-12pm.  Childcare and light refreshments provided.  Sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or register directly from our website here.
2. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11th.  We’re having a Baby Dedication Service during the 11:45am service on Mother’s Day.  If you would like to participate, either respond to this email or indicate on your Connect Card on Sunday.  It’s going to be a great day!  Lots of gifts and giveaways!  Plus we’re going to have a photographer at church taking family photos!
3. Coastal Day at the Riverdogs Game!  Sunday, May 4th, 5pm.  Tickets $10 (Student Ministry Camp fundraiser).  Kids eat free!  Sign up for your Tickets at the kiosk in the Welcome Center and see Pastor Scott for payment and tickets.
4. Don’t miss SERVEFEST on Saturday, May 17th, 9am-Noon, at Coastal.  Our Servolution LIFE Group is spearheading an opportunity to serve in many different ways and many different organizations around Charleston.  See the insert in your Sunday Bulletin and show up ready to serve on May 17th.
5. Our next Newcomers Lunch is Sunday, May 18th, immediately following the 11:45am service.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or right now on our website.  Our Newcomer’s Lunch is a great way to meet other new people and our Staff, learn more about Coastal and possible next steps, and enjoy a great meal!  Childcare provided.

Always & Forever All In!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Only 2 services on Memorial Weekend Sunday, May 26th (10:15am & 11:45am).  Our next Beach Baptism is Sunday, June 8th, on Folly Beach at 5pm.

On Sunday, April 27th, we begin a brand new sermon series entitled, “Battlefield.”  We’re going to be talking about defeating the common enemies that we all face.  Some of those enemies include:  temptation, worry, fear, depression, debt, and porn.  Ultimately, as Christians we know that because of Jesus we have won the victory and we are on the winning team!  But along the way, Satan wants to do everything in his power to make sure we live defeated lives.  In fact, Jesus said that Satan’s job is to, “steal, kill, and destroy.”  However Jesus came “to give life in all of its fullness.”  Our hope is that this series will help you face & defeat the enemy and live in victory!  Don’t miss it!

In spite of the weather and being outside underneath a tent, we experienced an Easter Sunday I will never forget at Coastal! First of all, I can’t say enough about our AWESOME Volunteers! I know I say that all the time, but I really mean it. Each one of our teams knocked it out of the park! They worked long. The worked hard. And they enjoyed every minute of it!

I met so many new people! So many Coastal people proudly introduced me to their friends. I saw some “old friends” as well! One couple was simply walking their newborn baby in a stroller on our street, heard the music, and came to church! Even some of the people I invited came to church!

Speaking of the music, it was great to have our new Worship Pastor Michael Wright lead worship for us! Talk about a “Baptism by Fire!” And he did more than just survive. He did a great job! The long weekend we’ve spent together more than confirms his calling to Coastal! Can’t wait for Joy Brackett to join him in ministry here at Coastal!

I missed my friends Scott Huff & Lori! My heart is heavy for their loss. I know they would have much rather been in Charleston, experiencing Easter at Coastal than mourning the loss of a loved one, but they are right where they need to be – loving on family. Honestly, I wish I could be there with them. Scott is so much more than a Youth Pastor and “the announcement guy” here at Coastal (although he’s not bad at either).

Tons of prayer requests! Lots of new volunteers! Lots of people recommitted their lives to Jesus! And 3 people came alive as they gave their lives to Jesus! Oh and by the way, we had our largest attendance ever – 651! The best is yet to come Coastal! I love you and I love what we get to do together!

On Mother’s Day, May 11th, during the beginning of the 11:45am service (3rd service), Coastal will be having a Baby/Child Dedication Service.  Baby or Child dedications are special occasions.  The purpose of dedicating a child is just that – to dedicate the raising of a child in a Christian home.  It is a symbolic and public way of acknowledging that children are a gift from God and that we don’t take lightly our responsibility as parents.

At Coastal we believe that baby dedications are a family affair.  Not only is a child being dedicated to the Lord, but it is also a dedication the parents make – to raise their children in the training and instruction of the Lord.  It’s a parent’s outward way of giving thanks, sharing joy, and committing to be the mom or dad that God has called them to be.

It is also a way of including the church in this monumentous task and celebrating the gift of our children with them.  We commit to being a help, an example and a resource in raising their children.

If you are interested in participating on May 11th, please contact the church office or sign up on your Connect Card.

Dear Coastal,

Okay, it’s time!  Make the ask!  Easter is now 2 weeks away!  We have multiple invite tools for you to use to invite your friends:  the FREE Tickets (sign up for yours on Sunday or reserve them online today), our normal invite business cards, a large card mailer that will be sent out to all 29414 residents (good for mailing to friends-pick them up at the ticket booth), and a small invite card in your bulletin.

On Sunday, pick up whatever best suits you and people you will be inviting.  On top of that,  we have yard signs available!  Pick up a yard sign and put it in the front of your yard, closest to the street where people can see it.

We had lots and lots of names that were turned in on Sunday.  If you would like us to specifically join you in praying for the people that you’re inviting, write their first names on your Connect Card this Sunday.  Our Staff, Elders, and Prayer Team would love to join you in prayer.

Our service times for Easter are the same (8:45am, 10:15am, 11:45am).  However, we are having all 3 services outside, on our property, underneath a BIG TENT!  We’re calling it an Outdoor Community Easter Service (pray for good weather).  It should be a lot of fun! Our new Worship Pastor, Michael Wright, will be leading worship for us!  He will then join Coastal full time beginning Sunday, May 4th!

Here are 5 more things I want you to know about:

1. We begin a new series right after Easter called, “Battlefield.”  We’re going to take a look at the some of the common enemies that we all face in our Christian life – worry, temptation, pornography, debt.  Can you think of others?
2. Attention all Students:  BIG SUR (“Student Ultimate Relay”), Wednesday, April 16th, 6:26pm-8:15pm!  High School (Wear Blue) VS. Middle School (Wear Red) in the ultimate relay!  Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet!  There will be food!  Invite your friends!
3. Prayerfully consider making a contribution to your “All In” Campaign commitment on Easter Sunday!  If you are new to Coastal and would like more information about our New Building Campaign, see me, respond to this email, or let us know on your Connect Card.
4. We are making preparations for the Summer Semester of LIFE Groups!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group or if you simply have a creative idea for a Group, please respond to this email or indicate it on your Connect Card.
5. Coastal Day at the Riverdogs Game!  Sunday, May 4th, 5pm.  Tickets $10 (Student Ministry Camp fundraiser).  Kids eat free!  Pick up Tickets at the Easter Ticket Booth.

Always & Forever All In!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  We already have 316 tickets that have been reserved for Easter!  That does not include children in our Children’s Ministry!!  RESERVE YOUR TICKETS FOR YOU & YOUR FRIENDS TODAY!

P.S.S. Sign up for Mobile TEXT Giving & give it a try!  843-277-8337

Attention all Students:  Don’t miss  BIG SUR (“Student Ultimate Relay”)!  Wednesday, April 16th, 6:26pm-8:15pm!  High School (Wear Blue) VS. Middle School (Wear Red) in the ultimate relay!  Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet!  There will be food!  Invite & bring your friends!

Dear Coastal,

The Easter countdown continues!  Easter is just 4 weeks away!  The time is now to start praying and inviting!  In fact, if you would like us to specifically join you in praying for the people you are reaching out to, write their first names on your Connect Card this Sunday.  Our Staff, Elders, and Prayer Team would love to join you in prayer.  You can also respond to this email with their names.

Our service times are staying the same for Easter.  However, we are having all 3 services outside, on our property, underneath a BIG TENT (larger than any we’ve rented before!).  We’re calling it an Outdoor Community Easter Service (pray for good weather).  It should be a lot of fun!

Michael Wright, our new Worship Pastor (if you missed the Big Announcement on Sunday), will be leading worship on Easter Sunday!  He will then join Coastal full time beginning Sunday, May 4th!  Woo-hoo!  I’ll share more about Michael later and how we can all help make his transition a smooth one.

Our FREE Tickets for each Easter service have arrived!!  Use them as an invite tool.  You can pick them up this Sunday!  They also help us to gauge when a particular service is going to be full.

Here are 5 more things I want you to know about:

1. Mobile (TEXT) Giving is now available!  Text any amount to 843-277-8337 and follow the instructions!  Give it a try!  it’s safe, simple, and secure!  Even if it’s not going to be the regular way in which you give, I would encourage you to register.
2. Our next Newcomers Lunch is Sunday, March 30th, immediately following the 11:45am service.  This is for anyone new to Coastal who has not been to a Newcomers Lunch.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, respond to this email, or right now on our website.
3. Prayerfully consider making a contribution to your “All In” Campaign commitment on Easter Sunday!  If you are new to Coastal and would like more information about our New Building Campaign, see me or respond to this email.
4. We are already beginning to make preparations for the Summer Semester of LIFE Groups!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group or if you simply have a creative idea for a Group, please respond to this email or indicate it on your Connect Card.
5. Coastal Day at the Riverdogs Game!  Sunday, May 4th, 5pm.  Tickets $10 (Student Ministry Camp fundraiser).  Kids eat free!  See Scott Huff for tickets.

Have a great weekend!  See you and your friends on Sunday as we continue with our series, “Hello, My Name Is”!  We’ll be looking at Jabez!

Always & Forever All In!

Pastor Chris

I’m actually surprised that more people haven’t asked the question yet.  I’ve been asked it a few times, but not as many as I thought I would.  The question is, “Are you doing the Egg Drop this year?”  Maybe people just assume we’re doing it, because, you know, it’s our thing now and we’ve done it for 5 years in a row.  Or maybe people assume we’re not doing it because they haven’t heard anything about it.  Either way, I thought I would answer the question and explain.

After 5 years and literally thousands and thousands of eggs (close to 200,000 plastic candy filled eggs to be exact), Coastal will NOT be doing an Egg Drop this year (2014). The reason why is simple.  Our church is growing and we’re building a new building on our property (the Egg Drop field) to accomodate the growth.  Although we haven’t broken ground yet, we weren’t sure when that would happen when we started the process.  And as you may or may not know, the Egg Drop takes months and months of planning and preparation.  It now looks like we will break ground sometime in June.

So be on the lookout for other churches around the area having one and give them your support!  And thank you for participating faithfully and spreading the word.  And a huge thank you to those of you who have volunteered over the years (you have the t-shirts)!  We could not do what we do without you!  Be on the lookout – you know Coastal!  We will always be looking for creative ways to reach out to and serve our children and community.

As always, we’d love for you to come check out our church! We have 3 services: 8:45am, 10:15am, & 11:45am!  This Easter we’re having an Outdoor Community Easter Service, at those same times, underneath a HUGE tent on our property!  It’s going to be a blast!  We’d love to see you!

Dear Coastal,

Easter is just 5 weeks away!  Did you hear that?  EASTER IS JUST 5 WEEKS AWAY!  I know that there are some churches and Christians who complain about people who only show up at church on Easter.  Not me!  And NOT Coastal!  If you know churches and people like that, tell them to send their guests to Coastal!  Instead of complaining about it, let’s take advantage of it.  Let’s pull out all the stops and make them feel at home and welcome.  And most importantly, let’s share Jesus with them.

So what can you do?  Most importantly, you can start praying.  Pray for our church and everyone that will be invited.  Ask God to use Coastal to draw people to Himself.  Pray for all the people you will be inviting.  Pray for my message.  Pray for the 16,000 mailing invitations that will be going out to all 29414 residents of West Ashley.

Start inviting.  Make a list of everyone you know and start inviting.  Use Social Media.  Send personal messages.  Walk across the hall at your office.  And then be open to the Holy Spirit throughout your day asking Him to put other people in your path that you can invite.  Take home an Easter Yard Sign.  Two weeks before Easter we’re going to have Easter Yard Signs available to anyone who would be willing to put one in their yard, especially those of you who live in a busy neighborhood.  The week before Easter, help us blitz West Ashley with the rest of our Yard Signs.

This Easter we are having our 3 normal service times, but we are having them outside, on our property, underneath a BIG TENT (larger than any we’ve rented before!).  We’re calling it an Outdoor Community Easter Service (pray for good weather).  It should be a lot of fun!  We’re also using tickets for the 3 services as an invite tool.  So as soon as the tickets arrive, you can start reserving seats for the service you will attend.  They also, help us to gauge when a particular service is full.

How many people do you think we can reach this Easter?  Our largest service ever was just over 600.  Can we do that again?  Can we blow that away?  I don’t know.  Will you do your part?  I believe God is looking for people and churches to draw people to Himself.  Beg God to look no further than you and Coastal!

Here are 5 more things I want you to know about:

1. Mobile (TEXT) Giving is now available!  Text any amount to 843-277-8337 and follow the instructions!  Give it a try!  it’s safe, simple, and secure!
2. 1st Impressions Team Dinner/Meeting this Saturday night (tomorrow), 5:30pm at the church.  Dinner & Childcare provided.  This is for anyone currently serving in 1st Impressions or those interested in serving.
3. Prayerfully consider making a contribution to your “All In” Campaign commitment on Easter Sunday!  If you are new to Coastal and would like more information about our New Building Campaign, see me or respond to this email.
4. We are already beginning to make preparations for the Summer Semester of LIFE Groups!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group or if you simply have a creative idea for a Group, please respond to this email or indicate it on your Connect Card.
5. Our next Newcomers Lunch is Sunday, March 30th, immediately following the 11:45am service.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or right now on our website.

Have a great weekend!  See you and your friends on Sunday as we continue with our series, “Hello, My Name Is”!  We’ll be looking at Deborah!

Always & Forever All In!

Pastor Chris

On Friday, March 28th, from 6-9pm, Coastal’s Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) is taking a trip to the Carolina Ice Palace.  The cost is $10 and includes skates.  Meet at the church at 5:15pm if you need a ride.

Join us this Easter, April 20th, at Coastal Community Church for 1 of 3 services, outside on our property, underneath a BIG TENT!  Our service times are the same:  8:45am, 10:15am, or 11:45am.  Invite and bring a friend!  The dress is casual – come as you are.  The messages apply to every day LIFE!  The music is ROCKIN’!  We have an awesome Children’s Ministry during each service for your kids!  You’ll be glad you came!

Register Today for FREE Tickets to the Service you will attend!  The Tickets help us gauge the size of each service and when a particular service might be full.  Feel free to use the tickets to invite your friends!  We will either mail them to you or you can pick them up at Coastal – depending on what you indicate on the Registration Form.  Obviously, no one will be turned away without a ticket.  They are simply a tool to build momentum, track each service, and a way to invite our friends!  See you Sunday!

On Saturday, March 15th, at 6pm, we are having a Dinner/Meeting for all 1st Impression Team members at the church.  It will be a great time of fellowship, training, and vision casting as we prepare for Easter, growth, and our new facility.  The 1st Impression Ministry is an easy “on ramp” for serving and it is also one of the largest, most important ministries at Coastal.  It’s purpose is to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for our guests so that they would return to Coastal and take the next step in their spiritual journey.  We want our guests to feel like our welcome, expected guests in our home.

So don’t miss Saturday, March 15th!  Our menu is:  Barbeque, Mac-n’-cheese, Green Beans, Cole Slaw, Dessert, Tea & Lemonade.  Childcare is provided!  Let us know you’re coming on your Connect Card on Sunday.

Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour – “spring forward” – on Saturday night, March 8th!

Attention Coastal Women:  Don’t miss out on one of this semester’s most exciting Groups – our Yoga Group!  Each week, the group has averaged around 30 women of different skill level and experience – from 1st time beginner to seasoned veteran.  Bring a towel or mat.  Enjoy the fellowship, the prayer time, and the exercise!  Feel free to invite and bring a friend!  See Lori Huff, Tracy Gundy, or Jennifer Smith for more information.

Dear Coastal,

Make sure you check out our new website!  Our old website, though nice & effecient, was just that – a little old.  It was time for an update.  The new website is brighter & cleaner with a few new features and the potential to add others that we will need.  There are also several “behind the scenes” features that you wouldn’t notice.  It’s more secure.  It’s a WordPress site which makes the CMS (content management system) more manageable.  And yes, don’t worry, we will be adding more up to date pictures of our people and events.  That simply takes time.

This Sunday, March 2nd, we kick off a new series called, “Hello, My Name Is.”  We’re going to be looking at some of the lesser known characters in the Bible and how their stories intersect with ours and what their lives can teach us.

We’re going to kick off the series with something called, “Nametag Sunday.”  As you come into the service this week, there will be tables with sharpies and nametags!  We’re asking everyone to please wear a nametag!  It will be a fun way to kick off the series and a great way to invite your friends – because everyone is going to feel like a guest!  And who knows?  You might just meet someone new and remember their name!  So pray – invite – bring!

Here are 5 more things I want you to know about:

1. Our Children’s Director, Janet Rollins, is putting together a VBS Planning Team!  If you are interested in helping to plan and organize VBS this year, shoot Janet an email and let her know – janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org!
2. Parking!  One of the growing pains of a growing church is parking.  Very soon, instead of just greeting people, our 1st Impressions people in the parking lot (large field) will actually be directing traffic.  I need you to help the process by doing a couple of things.  One, follow their direction.  Two, please start parking along the tree line in the large field or over at Oakland Elementary School.  No on at Coastal has “their spot.”  We gladly, willingly give up our spots to make room for others.
3. Prayerfully consider making a contribution to your “All In” Campaign commitment on Easter Sunday!  If you are new to Coastal and would like more information about our New Building Campaign, check the box on the back of your Connect Card or respond to this email.
4. Attention all Students & Parents of Students:  Deposits ($100) for Student Llife Summer Camp are due this Sunday!  Camp dates are June 16-20 at Wake Forest University.  See Pastor Scott for more information.
5. The Peru Summer Mission Trip (June 21-28) deposit ($500) is due this Sunday!  If you don’t have the deposit or are new, but interested in going, please see Pastor Scott for more information.

Have a great weekend!  See you and your friends on Sunday!

Always & Forever All In!

Pastor Chris

One of Coastal’s longstanding LIFE Groups has been my Wednesday morning Men’s Group.  It is always one of my favorite groups and a great way to start the day!  We meet before work for just under an hour.  We read through a book of the Bible, discuss it, and apply it to our lives.  We drink coffee and eat biscuits.  We pray together.  We laugh together – a lot!  We answer 2 questions:  How are you doing?  How can we pray for you?  Iron sharpens iron in this group!  We’d love for you to join us!

Dear Coastal,

One of the marks of a growing, thriving church is change.  There are several changes coming for Coastal I want you to know about.  Some of those changes are small; some are big.  One small change coming is our new sign out front.  The previous sign was destroyed and replaced with a temporary banner.  Our new sign should be ready in about a week. It will be a simple, clean, contemporary look.

Sometime this Spring, we will be going to electronic child check-in for our Sunday morning Children’s Ministry.  Parents will be assigned a number and given a key card that they will swipe and their child’s sticker will be printed.  It is a faster, more efficient way of checking in our children.

Another change in March is really more of an addition.  We will be adding another option for giving to Coastal – texting.  After a very simple one step sign up process, anyone with a smart phone will be able to text any amount, any time, any where, and give to Coastal.  It is simple, safe, and secure.  It is not tied to your phone bill.  It is connected to your Bank/Credit/Debit card that you register.  It’s just another way to make it convenient for people to worship God through their giving.

Probably one of the biggest ways that people find and come to Coastal is through our website.  For a church our size, we have a pretty decent website.  However, we felt like it was time for a change.  Our current website was looking a little dark and dated, so we decided to give it an overhaul.  Look for the unveiling in about a week.

Wow!  Lots of exciting changes!  And those don’t even include our new building and our search for a new Worship Pastor.  Healthy things grow and growth means change.  I’m just excited to be a part of a church that values and embraces change as an asset and not a liability.

On Sunday, March 2nd, we kick off a new series called, “Hello, My Name Is.”  We’re going to be looking at some of the lesser known characters in the Bible and how their stories intersect with ours and what their lives can teach us.

We’re going to kick off the series with something called, “Nametag Sunday.”  I don’t know about you, but we have so many new people each and every week that I have a hard time remembering everyone’s name.  Well, instead of asking only guests to wear Nametags, everyone is going to wear one!  It will be a fun way to kick off the series and a great way to invite your friends – because everyone is going to feel like a guest!  And who knows?  You might just meet someone new and remember their name!  Sunday, March 2nd, start praying and inviting!

Here are 5 more things I want you to know about:

1. Our Children’s Director, Janet Rollins, is putting together a VBS Planning Team!  If you are interested in helping to plan and organize VBS this year, shoot Janet an email and let her know – janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org!
2. Interested in joining Coastal’s Security Team?  Simply respond to this email or check the box on your Connect Card on Sunday.
3. Prayerfully consider making a contribution to your “All In” Campaign commitment on Easter Sunday!  If you are new to Coastal and would like more information about our New Building Campaign, check the box on the back of your Connect Card or respond to this email.
4. We are forming a new team to help serve, host, and clean up at our Newcomer’s Lunches (approx. 6 times a year). If you are interested, please respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
5. Is Social Media – facebook, twitter, instagram – a part of your everyday life?  If the answer is yes, make sure you friend, follow, or add Coastal.  Coastal’s facebook.  Coastal’s twitter.  Coastal’s instagram (brand new).

Have a great weekend!  See you and your friends on Sunday!

Always & Forever All In!

(and yes, make sure you friend)Pastor Chris

This Sunday, February 23rd, Pastor Scott Huff, our Pastor of Student Ministries, will be delivering the message.  Pastor Scott will be closing out our “Collide” series with a message on the Parable of the Talents.  Read Matthew 25:14-30 to be better prepared.

Today is mine and Janet’s 27th Wedding Anniversary!  Our first date was on Valentine’s Day and we got married the next Valentine’s Day!  Janet is the only woman I’ve ever kissed.  So yes, I am a romantic and I love Valentine’s Day.  I told someone to “Have a Happy Valentine’s Day” this week and she snapped back, “You mean, ‘Happy Single Awareness Day’?”  I responded, “Wow!  Well after you feed your cats, mabye you can go out with some friends.”  I told someone else the same thing and got a lecture on a Hallmark/Flower Industry conspiracy.  Another married woman told me, “I told my husband, ‘You better not get me flowers or chocolate on Valentine’s Day!  I don’t want that stuff unless you do it all year long.'”

Okay I get it.  Not everyone feels the same way about Valentine’s Day that I do.  By the way, romance has very little to do with expensive candlelight dinners, flowers, or chocolates.  Romance is simply choosing to love someone exactly the way they need to be loved, expecting nothing in return.  It’s the little things, done consistently, over time.  It’s willingly sacrificing your needs for someone else.  And when you find someone who will do that with you – there’s nothing better.

If that’s the real definition of romance – then in many ways, God is the Great Romantic.  He knows exactly the way each of needs to be loved and He chooses to love us that way, expecting nothing in return.  He does the little things, consistently, over time.  Thank God today for His great love and ask Him to help you to be a better lover!

Don’t forget about the new series we’re kicking off on Sunday, March 2nd called, “Hello, My Name Is.”  We’re going to be looking at some of the lesser known characters in the Bible and how their stories intersect with ours and what their lives can teach us.  We’re going to kick off the series with something called, “Name Tag Sunday.”  I don’t know about you, but we have so many new people each and every week that I have a hard time remembering everyone’s name.  Well, instead of asking only guests to wear Name Tags, everyone is going to wear one!  It will be a fun way to kick off the series and a great way to invite your friends – because everyone is going to feel like a guest!  And who knows?  You might just meet someone new and remember their name!  Sunday, March 2nd, start praying and inviting!

Here are 5 more things I want you to know about:

1. Our Children’s Director, Janet Rollins, is putting together a VBS Planning Team!  If you are intersted in helping to plan and organize VBS this year, shoot Janet an email and let her know – janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org!
2. Our very own Pastor Scott Huff is now a published author!  He is a contributing author to “All Time Verses” a 90 Day Devotional Guide for Students (or adults).  The books are $12.  All proceeds from shirt sales help kids go to Summer Camp.  You can purchase them in the Welcome Center on Sunday.
3. Prayerfully consider making a contribution to your “All In” Campaign commitment on Easter Sunday!  If you are new to Coastal and would like more information about our New Building Campaign, check the box on the back of your Connect Card or respond to this email.
4. We are forming a new team to help serve, host, and clean up at our Newcomer’s Lunches.  If you are interested, please sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
5. Need Counseling or know someone who does?  Coastal provides affordable (donations only), professional, Christian Counseling through the Counseling Ministry of Kenny Hahn.  Contact him directly at 843-732-0245 or visit his website at burdenbearersccm.org for more intormation.

Have a great weekend!  See you and your friends on Sunday!

Always & Forever All In!

Pastor Chris