I want to share something very personal with you today.  As many of you know, my mom, Nancy Rankin, has been in Roper Hospital downtown for nearly two weeks now.  What began with difficulty breathing, heart failure, and fluid buildup has become a much more complicated situation.  After addressing some of her initial issues, the doctors discovered some additional problems with her heart.  And just when we thought we had a direction for treatment, they discovered internal bleeding.  That led to more tests and, ultimately, the discovery of a large cancerous tumor in her colon.

Needless to say, it’s been a difficult couple of weeks for our family.  There are still a lot of unanswered questions.  The doctors are working together to determine the best course of action, especially given the complications involving both her heart and the cancer.  But through it all, my Mom has remained remarkably positive, and we’re continuing to pray, trust God, and take things one day at a time.

And that brings me to something she said to me this week.  As we were talking about Coastal and everything happening with Thrive, my Mom looked at me and said, “Chris, I hope I live long enough to see you preach in the new building.”  I’ll be honest.  That one got me.  Not just because of everything she’s going through, but because it reminded me of something I’ve been thinking about throughout this entire Thrive journey.  Some of the most important things we do in life are things we may never live long enough to see completed.

Think about that.  Parents plant seeds in their children, praying they’ll grow into men and women who love Jesus.  Grandparents plant seeds of faith, hoping those seeds will continue growing in their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Teachers plant seeds in their students.  Friends plant seeds of encouragement in one another.  And churches plant seeds of faith, generosity, sacrifice, and service that can impact generations of people they’ll never meet.

That’s how God’s Kingdom works.  Someone plants.  Someone waters.  And God brings the growth.  The Apostle Paul put it this way in 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”  I love that verse because it reminds me that our responsibility is to be faithful with the planting.  The harvest belongs to God.  And sometimes, we get to enjoy the harvest of seeds we’ve planted.  Other times, someone else gets to enjoy it.

Think about Coastal for a moment.  Thirty-six years ago, when we planted this church, there was no campus.  No Worship Center.  No Coastal Kidz.  No Student Ministry.  No Outpost.  No LIFE Groups.  There was simply a vision God had placed in our hearts and a handful of people willing to take a step of faith.  They planted.  They prayed.  They served.  They sacrificed.  They gave.  And today, we’re enjoying a harvest that began with seeds planted decades ago.

But here’s what I don’t want us to miss.  The seeds we’re planting today aren’t just for us.  They’re for the people coming behind us.  For the child who will hear about Jesus in a classroom that hasn’t been built yet.  For the teenager who will discover God’s purpose for their life.  For the marriage that will be restored.  For the family that will find hope.  For the person who will walk through our doors years from now and give their life to Jesus.  We don’t know their names yet.  We haven’t seen their faces.  But God knows every single one of them.  And that’s why we plant.  That’s why we sacrifice.  That’s why we give.  That’s why we keep moving forward in faith.  Because we’re not just building something for today.  We’re planting something for eternity.

This Sunday, as we continue our Thrive series, I’m going to be sharing a message called “Planting In Faith.”  We’re going to talk about some powerful principles from God’s Word about sowing and reaping, planting and harvesting, and what it means to trust God with the seeds He’s placed in our hands.  And here’s something I’ve been reminded of personally this week – sometimes the most meaningful seeds we plant are planted through tears.  Psalm 126:5 says, “Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.”  

I don’t know everything the days ahead hold for my mom. I don’t know all the answers to the questions our family is facing right now.  And I certainly don’t know everything God has planned for Coastal in the years ahead.  But I do know this.  God is faithful.  And I want to spend whatever time He gives me planting seeds that will make an eternal difference.  For my family.  For our children.  For our church.  For people I’ll never meet.  And for generations that will come after us.

Mom, I sure hope you get to sit in that new Worship Center and hear me preach one day.  But regardless of what the future holds, I know this:  The seeds of faith we plant today will continue bearing fruit long after we’re gone.  And Coastal, that’s what Thrive is really all about.  As we continue our 40 Day Fast and prepare for Commitment Sunday on November 8th – just three weeks away – I want to encourage you to ask God a simple question, “Lord, what seeds are You asking me to plant today that could make an eternal difference tomorrow?”  I can’t wait to worship with you Sunday!  And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your prayers for my mom and our family.  They mean more than you know.  Healthy things grow.  Healthy things THRIVE.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I can’t wait to see you Sunday!

Thriving Together!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, October 16th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  TOMORROW, Saturday, October  17th, 7:30am-9am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Build:  This is a BIG project that could use LOTS of Volunteers.  “Sleep In Heavenly Peace” has a motto – “No Child Sleeps On the Floor In Our Community!”  Come be a part of the bed building process and make a big IMPACT in the life of children right here in our own community.  Meet at Coastal, TOMORROW, Saturday, October 17th, 9am-12noon.
   The Boutique Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Monday, October 19th, 10:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at The Outpost on Tuesday, October 20th, 12pm-3pm – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, October 21st, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sweat & Serve:  Come help unload the Coastal Box Truck filled with our weekly food pickup!  Heavy lifting required (40+lbs).  Wednesday, October 21st, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   The Market Organize & Prep:  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, October 21st, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution Set-Up:  Come unload, sort, and stage supplies for our distribution the following day!  Wednesday, October  21st, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required!  Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community.  This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, October 21st, 5pm-8pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Wednesday, October 21st, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution:  Come help distribute food to the wonderful residents of Brighton Place!  Thursday, October 22nd,10am-12noon.  Meet at Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Serving in the Market & the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds and clothes an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help serve our community (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, October 22nd, 10am-2pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, October 23rd, 3:30pm-6pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. THRIVE 24-HOUR PRAYER VIGIL – NOVEMBER 5-6! As we prepare for one of the biggest Sundays in the history of Coastal, Commitment Sunday, November 8th, we’re calling our entire church family to come together in PRAYER! Beginning Thursday, November 5th at 7:00 PM, we’ll kick off a 24-Hour Prayer Vigil, setting aside time to seek God’s guidance, provision, and blessing over this next season of ministry.
   
   We believe that great moves of God begin with prayer! So we’re asking you to sign up for a time slot and help us cover these 24 hours in prayer. You can SIGN UP HERE, and then please indicate on your Connect Card this Sunday that you’ll be participating with us. Before we take our next BIG step of faith, let’s get on our knees together! We can’t wait to see what God is going to do!
   
3. THIS Saturday, October 17, CSM is hosting a CSM Serve Day!  Coastal is passionate about being the hands and feet of Jesus, and our Student Ministry wants to take that calling seriously.  We’re planning a full day of serving opportunities, teaching, worship, and fun!  We want students to see that they don’t have to wait until they’re older to be a part of what God is doing at Coastal—they can make a difference right now!
   
   We’re also inviting parents and guardians to join us for the day.  We’ll start early Saturday morning, serve together, gather for a time of worship and teaching around midday, serve again in the afternoon, and then wrap up the day with some fun!  We will provide food and the event is completely free! Sign up everyone who plans to attend by clicking this link!
   
4. Interested in going public with your faith through Baptism? Sign up on your Connect Card or on our website to be baptized any Sunday or at our next Beach Baptism (“Polar Plunge”) on Folly Beach on Saturday, November 21st at 10am. 
   
5. WOW, COASTAL! ALL 1,500 SHOEBOXES ARE GONE!  What an incredible response to Operation Christmas Child! In just a couple of weeks, our church family has picked up ALL 1,500 SHOEBOXES to fill with toys, gifts, and supplies for children around the world! Way to go, Coastal! I love your generosity and your heart for reaching people with the love of Jesus!
   
   But don’t worry if you didn’t get a shoebox—it’s NOT too late to participate! Simply find a shoebox of your own, wrap it, fill it with gifts and supplies, and bring it back to Coastal by Sunday, November 22nd. Remember, every shoebox represents an opportunity to share the love of Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel with a child who may have never heard it before. And what a GREAT opportunity to involve your own children and teach them about generosity and missions! Let’s not just reach our goal of 1,500 boxes—let’s BLOW RIGHT PAST IT! Thank you, Coastal, for being a church that loves to GIVE and GO!

P.S. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, November 14th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided! 

Four weeks from yesterday, on Sunday, November 8th, our church family will gather for what I believe will be one of the most significant Sundays in the 36-year history of Coastal Community Church.  THRIVE COMMITMENT SUNDAY!

I want you to go ahead and circle that date on your calendar.  Make plans to be here.  Begin preparing your heart.  Because I’m praying and believing that November 8th is going to be a BIG DAY in the life of our church!  Over these past several weeks, we’ve been on an incredible spiritual journey together.  We’ve been praying, fasting, studying God’s Word, meeting in LIFE Groups, and asking God to stretch our faith and enlarge our vision.  And now we’re approaching a defining moment in that journey.  A moment when we’re going to move from praying and dreaming to committing and sacrificing.  A moment when we’re going to say, individually and collectively, “God, we’re ALL IN!”

What Exactly Is Commitment Sunday?  On Sunday, November 8th, we’re asking everyone who calls Coastal home to come prepared to do two things: 1. Bring Your First Fruits Sacrificial Offering.  This is our initial, above-and-beyond gift toward Thrive.  And I want to challenge you to think and pray BIG.  I’m asking every person and every family at Coastal to prayerfully consider giving the largest sacrificial offering you’ve ever given.  I realize that’s a bold challenge. I don’t make it lightly.  But I also believe we’re standing at a defining moment in the life of our church.  And defining moments often require extraordinary faith and sacrifice.  For some, that might mean giving from savings.  For others, it might mean postponing a purchase, adjusting priorities, or making a significant change in how you spend your money.  The amount will look different for every person and every family.  Equal sacrifice doesn’t mean equal amounts.  What represents genuine sacrifice for one family may look very different for another.  But here’s what I’m asking: Don’t simply give what’s convenient. Ask God what would require faith.

2. Turn In Your Three-Year Commitment Card.  In addition to our First Fruits Offering, we’re asking everyone to make a prayerful, sacrificial financial commitment to Thrive over the next three years.  This is what you believe God is leading you to give, above and beyond your regular tithes and offerings, toward the vision He’s placed before our church.  Again, this isn’t about pressure. It’s about prayer.  It’s not about what someone else is giving. It’s about what God is asking you to do.  I want you to spend these next four weeks talking about it, praying about it, and listening for God’s direction.  If you’re married, pray about it together. If you have children, involve them in the conversation.  Let them see what it looks like to trust God, give generously, and sacrifice for something bigger than ourselves.

What About Our Annual Christmas Offering?  I also want to make sure everyone understands something important.  There will be NO separate Annual Christmas Offering this year.  Instead, we’re incorporating our heart for Missions and Outreach directly into Thrive.  10% of EVERYTHING given to Thrive will go directly to Missions and Outreach!  I absolutely LOVE that!  Because while we’re expanding our facilities to reach more people here at Coastal, we’re also continuing to invest in reaching people outside our walls.  Through our local outreach ministries, mission partners, and opportunities to share the love of Jesus with people in need, we’re going to continue making an impact in our community and around the world.  Thrive isn’t just about making room for more people to come to us. It’s about reaching more people wherever they are!

Why Are We Doing This?  I want to remind you of something I’ve said throughout this entire campaign:  Buildings are tools. People are the purpose.  We’re not doing this simply because we want a bigger building.  We’re doing this because we believe God has called us to reach more people.  We see full worship services, crowded hallways, growing children’s ministries, and families looking for a place to belong.  But I believe God sees something even greater.  He sees the people who aren’t here yet.  He sees children who will hear about Jesus in classrooms that haven’t been built yet.

He sees teenagers who will discover God’s purpose for their lives.  He sees marriages restored, families strengthened, addictions broken, and people finding hope in Jesus Christ.  He sees people who will be baptized years from now because we were willing to step out in faith today. That’s what this is about.  ONE more person.  ONE more family.  ONE more life changed by Jesus.  And that’s worth sacrificing for!  So Here’s My Challenge for the Next Four Weeks  Don’t wait until November 8th to start preparing.  Start praying NOW.  Continue participating in our 40 Day Fast.  Spend time in God’s Word. Stay engaged with your LIFE Group and Thrive Devotional.  And ask God some very specific questions:  “God, what do You want to do through me?”  “What would genuine sacrifice look like for me and my family?”  “What am I holding on to that You might be asking me to surrender?”  “God, how can I be part of reaching the next generation for Jesus?”  And then listen.  

Because my greatest prayer isn’t simply that we raise a certain amount of money.  My greatest prayer is that every person who calls Coastal home will take a significant step of faith.  I want us to grow in our trust in God.  I want us to experience the joy of generosity.  I want us to discover what happens when ordinary people surrender themselves completely to an extraordinary God.  Thirty-six years ago, Coastal began with a dream, a step of faith, and a handful of people willing to trust God.  And every major step forward in our history has required people to pray, sacrifice, and believe that God could do more than we could accomplish on our own.

Now it’s our turn.  One day, people we haven’t even met yet will be impacted by the decisions we make during these next four weeks.  That’s an incredible privilege. And an incredible responsibility.  Coastal, I love you. I love what God has done through our church. And I believe with all my heart that our best days of reaching people for Jesus are still ahead of us.  So mark your calendar.  SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH. THRIVE COMMITMENT SUNDAY.  Bring your First Fruits Sacrificial Offering.  Bring your Three-Year Commitment Card.  Bring a heart that’s ready to trust God.  And let’s make it a day we’ll never forget!  Healthy things grow. Healthy things THRIVE!

I love you, Coastal!
Pastor Chris

There’s a big difference between being interested in something and being committed to it.  We’re interested in getting healthier.  Interested in having a great marriage.  Interested in growing spiritually.  Interested in getting our finances in order.  Interested in making a difference with our lives.  But interest says, “I’ll do it when it’s convenient.”  Commitment says, “I’ve made a decision.”  At some point, every meaningful change in our lives requires us to move from “I’d like to” to “I will.”

Think about marriage.  There’s a moment when dating, talking, dreaming, and planning eventually lead to standing in front of each other and saying, “I do.”  That’s commitment.  You stop keeping your options open. You make a decision. You put a stake in the ground and say, “I’m all in.”  

And I think the same thing is true spiritually.  Over these first few weeks of Thrive, we’ve been praying, dreaming, growing, fasting, and asking God what He wants to do in us and through us.  But eventually, faith requires a decision.  Romans 6:13 says, “Give yourselves completely to God… and use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.”  I love that phrase, “Give yourselves completely to God.”  Not halfway.  Not when it’s convenient.  Not just the parts of our lives we’re comfortable surrendering.  Completely.

That’s what we’re going to talk about this Sunday in Week 5 of Thrive.  The message is called, “ALL IN.”  And I want to challenge you to come Sunday asking one simple question, “God, what would it look like for me to be ALL IN?”  All in with my faith.  All in with my family.  All in with my church.  All in with serving.  All in with generosity.  All in with whatever God is asking me to do.

And that brings me to an important reminder.  FOUR WEEKS FROM SUNDAY, Sunday, November 8th is Commitment Sunday.  This will be one of the most important Sundays of our entire Thrive journey, and I want to make sure everyone understands exactly what we’re asking our church family to do that day.  On Commitment Sunday, we’re asking everyone who calls Coastal home to prayerfully bring two things:  1. Your First Fruits Offering.  This is the first sacrificial gift toward your Thrive commitment—the amount you believe God is leading you to give on Commitment Sunday.  2. Your Three-Year Commitment Card.  This is your prayerful commitment of what you believe God is asking you to give to Thrive over the next three years.

And I want to make sure everyone is aware of something else as you pray and plan.  There will NOT be a separate Annual Christmas Offering this year.  Typically, our Christmas Offering gives us an opportunity to make a significant impact through Missions and Outreach.  This year, that generosity is being built directly into Thrive.  Ten percent of EVERYTHING given to Thrive will go directly to Missions and Outreach.  I love that.  As we make room for more people here at Coastal, we’re also continuing to reach beyond the walls of our church.  So when you give to Thrive, you’re not simply helping us build a new Worship Center, expand Coastal Kidz, or create more space on our campus.  You’re feeding people.  You’re serving people.  You’re supporting missions.   You’re reaching people in our community and beyond with the love of Jesus.  That has been part of the heart of Thrive from the very beginning.

That’s it.  There’s no pressure and no predetermined amount.  This is between you and God.  That’s why these next four weeks are so important.  Don’t wait until November 8th to start asking God what He wants you to do.  Pray now.  Seek Him during our 40 Day Fast.  Talk about it with your spouse and family.  Stay engaged with the Thrive Devotional, your LIFE Group, and Sunday worship.  And keep asking, “God, what do You want to do through me?”

My prayer is that when we arrive on November 8th, we won’t simply be filling out cards or giving an offering.  We’ll be responding to what God has already been saying to us.  And remember why we’re doing all of this.  It’s not about a building.  Buildings are tools.  People are the purpose.  It’s about making room for ONE more person to meet Jesus.  One more child.  One more student.  One more family.  One more life changed by the Gospel.  

So Coastal, we’re four weeks away.  Let’s keep praying.  Let’s keep seeking.  Let’s keep growing.  And let’s be ready to say, “God, whatever You’re asking of me—I’m ALL IN.”  Healthy things grow.  Healthy things THRIVE.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I can’t wait to see you Sunday!

Thriving Together!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   NHC Fellowship & Hospitality Project:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and snacks and more!  TODAY, Friday, October 9th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   The Boutique Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, October 9th;  Monday, October 12th, 10:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   2nd Saturday Meal: TOMORROW, Saturday, October 10th, 9am-12noon.  Come serve with us at the church as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: TOMORROW, Saturday, October 10th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.  1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, October 12th, 1:30pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, October 13th, 8am-12pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Bingo and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, October 13th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Sweat & Serve:  Come help unload the Coastal Box Truck filled with our weekly food pickup!  Heavy lifting required (40+lbs).  Wednesday, October 14th, 9am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Market Organize & Prep:  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, October 14th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required!  Kid Friendly Project.  Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community.  This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, October 14th, 5pm-8pm.
   Charleston Vets Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Charleston Vets on Wednesday, October 14th, 5:30-8pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Serving in the Market & the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds and clothes an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help serve our community (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, October 15th, 10am-2pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Delivery:  This team from Coastal will help to deliver beds, alongside brand-new linens, to well deserving but underserved children all over Charleston. There will be some light lifting and assembly required but will be heavy on both love and encouragement. We’ll bring comfort, love, and encouragement to the families we serve. Meet at Coastal on Thursday, October 15th, 6pm-8pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, October 16th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  Saturday, October  17th, 7:30am-9am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Build:  This is a BIG project that could use LOTS of Volunteers.  “Sleep In Heavenly Peace” has a motto – “No Child Sleeps On the Floor In Our Community!”  Come be a part of the bed building process and make a big IMPACT in the life of children right here in our own community.  Meet at Coastal,  Saturday, October 77th, 9am-12noon.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. I’m excited to share some great news with you about the future of Coastal Kidz!  A few weeks ago, Aly shared with our Coastal Kidz volunteer team that, after much prayer and consideration, she had made the decision to step down from her role as our Children’s Director so she could devote more time and attention to her family.  I want you to know how incredibly grateful I am for Aly and the way she has led and loved our children, families, and volunteers. She has built an amazing team, and God has used her leadership to help Coastal Kidz grow and thrive.  And the good news is — Aly isn’t going anywhere!  Coastal is still home for Aly and her family, and she will continue serving as our Children’s Director through the end of 2026.
   
   But today, I get to share another piece of really exciting news.  We have hired our next Children’s Director — and we didn’t have to look very far!  I’m thrilled to announce that Morgan Wessel will be stepping into the role of Children’s Director for Coastal Kidz!  One of the things I love most about this transition is that we get to promote from within.  Morgan isn’t new to Coastal or Coastal Kidz.  She and her husband, Toby, have been married for 14 years and have attended Coastal since 2015.  They have four beautiful children — Olivia, Caroline, Rhodes, and Dottie — and their entire family is invested in Coastal Kidz.  Toby serves, their children serve, and even Morgan’s parents serve! Morgan has been serving at Coastal for nearly a decade.  Over the years, she has led our MomCo group, our Embrace Grace Support Group, and served faithfully on the Coastal Kidz team.  This past year, she stepped into the role of Preschool Coordinator, serving alongside Aly and helping lead one of the most important areas of our children’s ministry.  So Morgan already knows our kids.  She knows our families.  She knows our volunteers.  She knows our culture.  And most importantly, she loves Jesus and has a heart for helping children know and follow Him.
   
   Over the next few months, Aly and Morgan will lead Coastal Kidz together, giving us the opportunity for a healthy, intentional transition through the end of the year.  I couldn’t ask for a better situation.  And I want to say something else:  Coastal Kidz has an AMAZING team!  Morgan and Aly are surrounded by incredible leaders like Janet, Natalie Faust, Tracy Gundy, and an army of faithful teachers, assistants, and volunteers who show up every week to love our kids and help them discover who Jesus is.
   
   As our church continues to grow and as we prepare for everything God has ahead for Coastal Kidz, I am incredibly excited about this next chapter.  Please join me in thanking Aly for the tremendous job she has done and in welcoming and encouraging Morgan as she steps into this new role.  I love seeing God raise up leaders from within our own church family.  And I believe with all my heart . . . the best is yet to come!
   
3. On Saturday, October 17, CSM is hosting a CSM Serve Day!  Coastal is passionate about being the hands and feet of Jesus, and our Student Ministry wants to take that calling seriously.  We’re planning a full day of serving opportunities, teaching, worship, and fun!  We want students to see that they don’t have to wait until they’re older to be a part of what God is doing at Coastal—they can make a difference right now!
   
   We’re also inviting parents and guardians to join us for the day.  We’ll start early Saturday morning, serve together, gather for a time of worship and teaching around midday, serve again in the afternoon, and then wrap up the day with some fun!  We will provide food and the event is completely free! Sign up everyone who plans to attend by clicking this link!
   
4. Interested in going public with your faith through Baptism? Sign up on your Connect Card or on our website to be baptized any Sunday or at our next Beach Baptism (“Polar Plunge”) on Folly Beach on Saturday, November 21st at 10am. 
   
5. WOW, Coastal! Last Sunday we kicked off our Operation Christmas Child Shoebox collection, and you responded in a BIG way! Around 1,200 shoeboxes have already gone home with Coastal families to be filled with toys, gifts, and supplies for children around the world. That means we only have about 300 BOXES LEFT to reach our goal of 1,500! If you didn’t get one last Sunday—or maybe you grabbed a few and decided you can do a few more—stop by the Welcome Center this Sunday and pick them up while they last. Remember, every shoebox is so much more than a box of gifts. It’s an opportunity to share the love of Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel with a child who may have never heard it before. And parents, this is a GREAT way to involve your children and teach them about generosity, missions, and the true meaning of Christmas. Let’s finish strong, Coastal! Grab those last 300 boxes this Sunday and let’s pack all 1,500!  Filled shoeboxes need to be returned by Sunday, November 22nd.

P.S. New to Coastal?  Join us in the Coastal Chapel THIS Sunday, October 11th immediately following the 11:30am service for our next Newcomer’s Reception. Learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, and get plugged in. Lunch & childcare are provided.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.

I want to give you a little assignment today.  Look up.  Seriously.  Sometime tonight, walk outside and look at the stars.  There’s a reason I’m asking you to do that.  Thousands of years ago, a man named Abraham was struggling to believe a promise God had made to him.  God had promised that Abraham would become the father of a great nation.  There was just one rather significant problem.  Abraham didn’t have a son.  And he wasn’t getting any younger.  

Everything Abraham could see seemed to contradict everything God had promised.  So God did something interesting.  Genesis 15 says that God took Abraham outside and told him, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.  So shall your offspring be.”  I love that.  God gave Abraham something to look at.  Every night when Abraham stepped outside, there was the reminder, “God made me a promise.”  Every star became a visual reminder that his present circumstances weren’t the end of his story.

And I wonder if sometimes we need the same thing.  Because it’s incredibly easy to allow what we see right now to determine what we believe about tomorrow.  We look at the bank account.  We look at the diagnosis.  We look at what’s happening with our children.  We look at our marriage.  We look at our age.  We look at our past.  We look at everything that hasn’t happened yet.  And without realizing it, our circumstances begin shrinking our vision.

But God was essentially saying to Abraham, “Stop looking only at what is.  Start looking at what I have promised could be.”  Maybe somebody reading this needs to hear that today.  Your current circumstances don’t get the final word.  Your past doesn’t get the final word.  Your limitations don’t get the final word.  God does.

That’s one of the things I’m praying happens during this Thrive journey.  I don’t simply want God to expand our campus.  I want God to expand our vision.  I want us to begin seeing people who aren’t here yet.  Children who haven’t walked through the doors yet.  Students who haven’t met Jesus yet.  Families who haven’t found hope yet.  Lives that haven’t been changed yet.  Right now, we can’t see their faces.  But God can.

And maybe that’s true personally for you as well.  Maybe there’s something God wants to do in your life that you can’t see yet.  Maybe there’s a next chapter you haven’t imagined.  Maybe there’s someone God wants you to reach.  Maybe there’s a step of faith He’s asking you to take.  Maybe your best days of Kingdom impact aren’t behind you at all.  Maybe they’re still ahead.

So sometime tonight, look up.  And while you’re looking at those stars, pray a simple prayer, “God, don’t let what I see today limit what I believe You can do tomorrow.  Enlarge my vision.  Help me see what You see.”  That’s what we’re going to talk about this Sunday as we continue Thrive with a message I’m calling “Seeing What God Sees.”  And here’s a little preview:  Let the size of your God determine the size of your dream.  I’ll see you Sunday!  Healthy things grow. Healthy things THRIVE.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I can’t wait to see you Sunday!

Thriving Together!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, October 2nd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Boutique Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, October 2nd;  Monday, October 5th;  Friday, October 9th, 10:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is TOMORROW, Saturday, October 3rd.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   The Market Organize & Prep:  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, October 7th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sweat & Serve:  Come help unload the Coastal Box Truck filled with our weekly food pickup!  Heavy lifting required (40+lbs).  Wednesday, October 7th, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution:  Come help distribute food to the wonderful residents of Brighton Place!  Thursday, October 8th,10am-12noon.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   VA Stand Down for Homelessness: Our Outreach team is known for loving our veterans and feeding the community!  We have the opportunity to do both of those things by participating in the VA Stand Down for Homelessness again this year!  We will be feeding everyone in attendance. This is a busy event where you can anticipate people ready to eat and chat. Let’s feed our veterans together!  Thursday, October 8th, 10am-2pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Serving in the Market & the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds and clothes an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help serve our community (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, October 8th, 10am-2pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   NHC Fellowship & Hospitality Project:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and snacks and more!  Friday, October 9th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   2nd Saturday Meal: Saturday, October 10th, 9am-12noon.  Come serve with us at the church as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, October 10th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.  1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Every Sunday, our First Impressions Team works hard to make people feel like our welcomed, expected guests in our home – from the moment they arrive, until they leave.  And if you can smile, if you love people, and can say, “Good morning!  Welcome to Coastal!”, we’d love for you to join the Team!
   
   One of our biggest needs right now is Golf Cart Drivers. With more people parking farther from the building, our golf carts are an important part of helping guests, families, and those who need a little extra assistance get to and from the building.  It’s simple, it’s fun, and it’s a great way to serve!  If you can drive a golf cart and share a smile, we’ve got a spot for you!  If you’re interested in serving on the First Impressions Team or driving a golf cart, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff, sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, or sign up online right now.
   
3. On Saturday, October 17, CSM is hosting a CSM Serve Day!  Coastal is passionate about being the hands and feet of Jesus, and our Student Ministry wants to take that calling seriously.  We’re planning a full day of serving opportunities, teaching, worship, and fun!  We want students to see that they don’t have to wait until they’re older to be a part of what God is doing at Coastal—they can make a difference right now!
   
   We’re also inviting parents and guardians to join us for the day.  We’ll start early Saturday morning, serve together, gather for a time of worship and teaching around midday, serve again in the afternoon, and then wrap up the day with some fun!  We will provide food and the event is completely free! Sign up everyone who plans to attend by clicking this link!
   
4. nterested in going public with your faith through Baptism? Sign up on your Connect Card or on our website to be baptized any Sunday or at our next Beach Baptism (“Polar Plunge”) on Folly Beach on Saturday, November 21st at 10am. 
   
5. Beginning this Sunday, you’ll be able to take home Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes to fill up with toys and gifts.  I know it might seem crazy talking about Christmas in early October, but if you’ve visited any retail stores the last couple of weeks, Christmas displays are already out.  Well, one of our favorite missions that we support here at Coastal is Operation Christmas Child (OCC) – sharing the love of Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel through gifts & supplies in a simple shoebox for children in troubled countries/areas all around the world. Our Welcome Center will be filled with the shoeboxes ready to take home each Sunday (until they’re gone).  There will be an insert in the bulletin this Sunday with suggested items to fill the box.  This would be a GREAT opportunity for you to teach your children about generosity, the true meaning of Christmas, and the love of Jesus.  Help us reach our goal of packing 1500 SHOEBOXES this year and share the love of Jesus (and the Gospel in their own language) with children all around the world!  Pray about how many boxes your family would be willing to pack, step out in faith, grab a BUNCH of shoeboxes on Sunday, and help us do just that!  Shoeboxes must be filled and returned by Sunday, November 22nd.

P.S. New to Coastal?  Join us in the Coastal Chapel on Sunday, October 11th immediately following the 11:30am service for our next Newcomer’s Reception. Learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, and get plugged in. Lunch & childcare are provided.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card. 

I want you to think about a simple question today:  What do you want your future self to be grateful you started today?  Maybe it’s taking better care of your health.  Maybe it’s finally getting serious about your finances.  Maybe it’s investing more intentionally in your marriage or your children.  Maybe it’s spending time with God every day, serving, joining a LIFE Group, forgiving someone, or taking a step of faith you’ve been putting off.

The truth is, most of the things that make a difference in our lives don’t happen accidentally.  Nobody accidentally gets in great shape.  Nobody accidentally builds a great marriage.  Nobody accidentally becomes financially healthy.  And nobody accidentally grows into a mature follower of Jesus.  The person you become tomorrow is being shaped by the decisions you make today.  Paul understood that.  That’s why he often compared the Christian life to running a race.  In 1 Corinthians 9:24, he says, “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!”  I love those last 3 words:  Run to win! 

There’s a big difference between someone who goes for an occasional jog and an athlete training for a race.  One is simply getting some exercise.  The other has a finish line in mind.  The difference is intentionality.  And I wonder how many of us are intentional about our careers, our vacations, our finances, our hobbies, and our plans – but when it comes to our spiritual lives, we’re mostly just hoping everything works out.  We drift.  We get distracted.  We tell ourselves, “Someday I’ll get serious about that.”  But “someday” has a way of becoming years.

Here’s something worth remembering:  You don’t drift into the life God created you to live.  At some point, you have to decide what matters most.  You have to decide what is worth your time, your energy, your sacrifice, and your very best.  That’s really what Thrive is about.  Yes, we’re asking God to expand our reach as a church.  We’re making room for more people, more children, more students, and more opportunities to share Jesus.  But I also believe God wants to use this season to deepen our roots.  Before God does something through us, He often wants to do something in us.

And that’s one of the reasons I’m so excited about our 40 Day Fast beginning this Monday, September 28th.  Fasting is intentional.  It’s making a deliberate decision to give something up so we can make more room for God.  It’s saying, “God, for these 40 days, I want to turn down the volume on something in my life so I can hear Your voice more clearly.”  For some of you, that may mean fasting from a particular food or meal.  For others, it might be social media, television, entertainment, shopping, or something else that consumes your time and attention.  The specific thing you give up isn’t nearly as important as what you do with the space it creates.

Use that time to pray.  Spend more time in God’s Word.  Keep up with the Thrive Devotional.  Pray specifically for our church, for the people God wants us to reach, and for what God wants to do in your heart during this season.
 Don’t just give something up.  Make room for Someone greater.  So as we begin these 40 days together, here’s a great question to ask:  “God, what could I set aside for the next 40 days so I can give You more of my attention and more of my heart?”  Because ultimately, that brings us back to the bigger question:  Am I giving God my best – or simply what’s left?  My leftover time.  My leftover attention.  My leftover energy.  My leftover resources.  My leftover heart.

This Sunday, we’re going to look at three surprising pictures the Bible gives us for what it looks like to give God our best.  And I think they’re going to challenge all of us to look differently at how we’re living the life God has given us.  Until then, think about that question:  What do you want your future self to be grateful you started today?  And maybe even more importantly:  What do you want to look back on one day and be grateful you gave to God?  Let’s run to win.  Healthy things grow.  Healthy things THRIVE.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I can’t wait to see you Sunday!

Thriving Together!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, September 25th, 4pm-6:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Boutique Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Monday, September 28th; Friday, October 2nd, 10:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, September 28th, 1:30pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   The Market Organize & Prep:  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, September 30th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sweat & Serve:  Come help unload the Coastal Box Truck filled with our weekly food pickup!  Heavy lifting required (40+lbs).  Wednesday, September 30th, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, September 30th, 5pm-8pm.
   Serving in the Market & the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds and clothes an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help serve our community (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, October 1st, 10am-2pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Delivery Project:  This team from Coastal will help to deliver beds, alongside brand-new linens, to well deserving but underserved children all over Charleston. There will be some light lifting and assembly required but will be heavy on both love and encouragement. We’ll bring comfort, love, and encouragement to the families we serve. Meet at Coastal on Thursday, October 1st, 6pm-8pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, October 2nd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is Saturday, October 3rd.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. During the remainder of our Thrive Campaign, we’ll use this place to update/remind everyone about all things Thrive:
   
   First of all, we just added a THRIVE page to our website!  Much of what you see below (Devotional, Campaign Info Meeting) can be found there.
   
   As part of our THRIVE Series, we are asking our entire church to participate in a 40 Day Fast.  Beginning THIS Monday, September 28th, choose something to deny yourself physically as we use these 40 days to draw closer to God and THRIVE in our faith.
   
   So, have you signed up for a THRIVE LIFE Group yet?  While Groups have just gotten started and some are full, it’s still not too late to join one.  Our 2026 Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalog is available online. So, go to our website right now, check out all the different Groups and sign up today.
    
   Our Thrive Daily Devotional began last week.  Although most people did pick up a copy of the Devotional, we ran out of the physical copies, but we will have more this Sunday.  In the meantime, if you would like to follow along you can do so HERE with a digital download of the devotional.
   
   If for some reason you were unable to make it to one of our THRIVE Campaign Info Meetings, led by Pastor Chris – no worries!  We’ve got good news – we recorded it for you!  👉 WATCH THE THRIVE CAMPAIGN INFO MEETING HERE!  Grab a cup of coffee, sit down together as a family, and hear the heart, vision, and details behind Thrive.
   
3. On Saturday, October 17, CSM is hosting a CSM Serve Day!  Coastal is passionate about being the hands and feet of Jesus, and our Student Ministry wants to take that calling seriously.  We’re planning a full day of serving opportunities, teaching, worship, and fun!  We want students to see that they don’t have to wait until they’re older to be a part of what God is doing at Coastal—they can make a difference right now!
   
   We’re also inviting parents and guardians to join us for the day.  We’ll start early Saturday morning, serve together, gather for a time of worship and teaching around midday, serve again in the afternoon, and then wrap up the day with some fun!  We will provide food and the event is completely free! Sign up everyone who plans to attend by clicking this link!
4. Interested in going public with your faith through Baptism? Sign up on your Connect Card or on our website to be baptized any Sunday or at our next Beach Baptism (“Polar Plunge”) on Folly Beach on Saturday, November 21st at 10am. 
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is THIS Saturday (tomorrow), September 26th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided! 

P.S. New to Coastal?  Join us in the Coastal Chapel on Sunday, October 11th immediately following the 11:30am service for our next Newcomer’s Reception. Learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, and get plugged in. Lunch & childcare are provided.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card. 

What miracle do you need God to do in your life right now?  Maybe it’s in your marriage.  Maybe it’s with one of your children.  Maybe it’s your finances, your health, your future, or a relationship that seems beyond repair.  Maybe there’s an area of your life where you’ve done everything you know to do, and you’ve simply run out of answers.

Throughout Scripture, there are moments when God’s people find themselves facing something they cannot possibly accomplish on their own.  One of my favorites happens in Joshua 3.  The Israelites had finally arrived at the Jordan River.  The Promised Land was on the other side, but there was a problem: the river was at flood stage.  There was no bridge.  No boat.  No human solution.  And before God did anything miraculous, Joshua gave the people an interesting instruction, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.” (Joshua 3:5)

In other words, get ready.  God is about to do something.  I love that.  God was going to perform the miracle, but the people had a part to play in preparing for it.  And then came the step of faith.  The priests carrying the Ark had to actually step into the water before the river stopped flowing.  God could have stopped the river first.  He could have let them see dry ground before asking them to move.  But He didn’t.  They had to trust Him enough to take the next step before they could see what God was going to do.

I wonder how often we’re waiting for God to show us the miracle while God is waiting for us to take the next step of faith.  That’s especially meaningful to me as we walk through Thrive together.  We are asking God to do something much bigger than any one of us could accomplish on our own.  But Thrive isn’t only about what God wants to do through our church.  I believe He also wants to do something in us.

So let me ask you again:  What miracle are you asking God for?  And maybe an even better question is:  How are you preparing for it?  This Sunday, we’re going to look at one of the greatest miracles Jesus ever performed and discover four simple principles for how we can “Prepare for a Miracle.”  Between now and then, pray.  Come expectant.  Bring your Bible.  Bring someone with you.  And maybe come asking God one simple question:  “Lord, what step of faith are You asking me to take?”  I can’t wait for Sunday. Healthy things grow.  Healthy things THRIVE.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I can’t wait to see the miracle God does in and through our church!

Thriving Together!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, September 18th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Boutique Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute! TODAY, Friday, September 18th;  Monday, September 21st, 10:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  TOMORROW, Saturday, September 19th, 7:30am-9am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   Hollywood Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of We-Fold-It, we are able to serve the community of Hollywood by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  TOMORROW, Saturday, September 19th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Hollywood Clothing Distribution:  The third Saturday of each month, there is a clothing distribution for the those in need in Hollywood. We will get the opportunity to take one of our Mobile Outreach Clothing Vehicles out to distribute clothing while loving on those we encounter. This is an amazing project to join and get a glimpse of what our Clothing Ministry here at Coastal does!! TOMORROW, Saturday, September 19th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Bingo and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, September 22nd, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   The Market Organize & Prep:  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, September 23rd, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution Set-Up:  Come unload, sort, and stage supplies for our distribution the following day!  Wednesday, September  9th, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Sweat & Serve:  Come help unload the Coastal Box Truck filled with our weekly food pickup!  Heavy lifting required (40+lbs).  Wednesday, September 23rd, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Brighton Place Tailgate:  Come help put on a Tailgate for the wonderful residents of Brighton Place!  Wednesday, September 23rd, 6pm-8:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, September 16th, 5pm-8pm.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution:  Come help distribute food to the wonderful residents of Brighton Place!  Thursday, September 24th,10am-12noon.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Serving in the Market & the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds and clothes an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help serve our community (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, September 24th, 11am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, September 25th, 4pm-6:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. During the remainder of our Thrive Campaign, we’ll use this place to update/remind everyone about all things Thrive:
   
   First of all, we just added a THRIVE page to our website!  Much of what you see below (Devotional, Campaign Info Meeting) can be found there.
   
   As part of our THRIVE Series, we are asking our entire church to participate in a 40 Day Fast.  Beginning NEXT Week, Monday, September 28th, choose something to deny yourself physically as we use these 40 days to draw closer to God and THRIVE in our faith.
   
   So, have you signed up for a THRIVE LIFE Group yet?  While Groups have just gotten started and some are full, it’s still not too late to join one.  Our 2026 Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalog is available online. So, go to our website right now, check out all the different Groups and sign up today.
   
   Our Thrive Daily Devotional began this past Monday.  Although most people did pick up a copy of the Devotional, we ran out of the physical copies on Sunday.  We have ordered more that should arrive next week, but, in the meantime, if you would like to follow along you can do so HERE with a digital download of the devotional.
   
   If for some reason you were unable to make it to one of our THRIVE Campaign Info Meetings, led by Pastor Chris – no worries!  We’ve got good news – we recorded it for you!  👉 WATCH THE THRIVE CAMPAIGN INFO MEETING HERE!  Grab a cup of coffee, sit down together as a family, and hear the heart, vision, and details behind Thrive.
   
3. On Saturday, October 17, CSM is hosting a CSM Serve Day!  Coastal is passionate about being the hands and feet of Jesus, and our Student Ministry wants to take that calling seriously.  We’re planning a full day of serving opportunities, teaching, worship, and fun!  We want students to see that they don’t have to wait until they’re older to be a part of what God is doing at Coastal—they can make a difference right now!
   
   We’re also inviting parents and guardians to join us for the day.  We’ll start early Saturday morning, serve together, gather for a time of worship and teaching around midday, serve again in the afternoon, and then wrap up the day with some fun!  We will provide food and the event is completely free! Sign up everyone who plans to attend by clicking this link!
   
4. Interested in going public with your faith through Baptism? Sign up on your Connect Card or on our website to be baptized any Sunday or at our next Beach Baptism (“Polar Plunge”) on Folly Beach on Saturday, November 21st at 10am. 
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, September 26th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided! 

P.S. New to Coastal?  Join us in the Coastal Chapel on Sunday, October 11th immediately following the 11:30am service for our next Newcomer’s Reception. Learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, and get plugged in. Lunch & childcare are provided.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card. 

Coastal, THIS IS IT!  This Sunday is a BIG DAY!  After months of praying, planning, preparing, and talking about it, we officially begin our THRIVEjourney together!  Our new THRIVE message series begins this Sunday (and yes, I’m preaching – haha).  Our LIFE Groups begin meeting this coming week.  Our THRIVE Daily Devotional begins on Monday.  And in just a couple of weeks, on Monday, September 28th, we’ll begin our 40 Day Fast together.  In other words – IT’S TIME TO THRIVE!  And I can’t wait!

This Sunday, I’m going to be talking about something that I believe is absolutely foundational to everything we’re going to experience together over these next 10 weeks:  FAITH!  And here’s a little preview.  Faith has a lot to do with how you SEE things.  Two people can look at the exact same circumstances and see two completely different things.  One sees obstacles.  The other sees opportunities.  One sees everything that could go wrong.  The other sees everything God could do.  One sees through the eyes of FEAR. The other sees through the eyes of FAITH.

There’s a great story in 2 Kings 6 that I love.  The prophet Elisha and his servant wake up one morning and discover that an enemy army has surrounded their city.  Horses.  Chariots.  Soldiers.  Everywhere.  Elisha’s servant takes one look and panics.  And honestly, who could blame him?  All he could see was the enemy.

But Elisha saw something completely different.  He told his servant, “Don’t be afraid!  For there are more on our side than on theirs!” (2 Kings 6:16)  Now, I’m sure his servant was thinking, “Elisha, I’m not great at math, but I’m pretty sure that’s not true!”  But then Elisha prayed one of my favorite prayers in the Bible, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” (2 Kings 6:17)  And God did.  Suddenly, the servant could see what Elisha had seen all along.  The hills surrounding them were filled with horses and chariots of fire – the army of God!

Here’s what I love about that story.  God didn’t suddenly show up.  He was already there.  The servant simply couldn’t see Him.  And I wonder how often that’s true for us?  We see the problem.  We see the obstacle.  We see the bills.  We see the diagnosis.  We see the broken relationship.  We see the uncertainty.  We see all the reasons something can’t happen.  And sometimes what we really need isn’t for God to change what’s around us.  We need God to change what we SEE.  “Lord, open my eyes!”  Help me see my circumstances from Your point of view.  Help me see beyond my fear.  Help me see beyond what’s right in front of me.  Help me see what YOU can do!

That’s FAITH.  And that’s where we’re going to begin this Sunday as we kick off THRIVE.  My primary text will actually come from Numbers 13 & 14, where 12 spies looked at the exact same land, the exact same giants, and the exact same obstacles – but they didn’t all SEE the same thing.  Ten saw through eyes of fear.  Two saw through eyes of faith.  And it changed everything.

Coastal, as we stand together looking toward the future, I want us to be a church that sees with eyes of FAITH!  Not because there aren’t challenges.  Not because there aren’t obstacles.  Not because we have all the answers.  But because God is bigger than anything standing in front of us!

So here’s my challenge for you this weekend:  DON’T COME ALONE!  Who is the ONE person you could invite to join you this Sunday?  A neighbor.  A coworker.  A friend.  A family member.  Someone who’s going through a difficult season and desperately needs to be reminded that what they can see right now isn’t the whole story.  Invite them!  Bring them with you!  And let’s pack out all three services – 8:30am, 10am, & 11:30am!  And don’t forget: pick up your THRIVE Daily Devotional if you haven’t already, get connected to a LIFE Group, and come ready for everything God wants to do in us and through us during this season.

I’ve been praying for this Sunday.  I’ve been praying for YOU.  I’ve been praying for the people you’re going to invite.  And I’ve been praying a very simple prayer for all of us, “Lord, open our eyes and let us see!”  Let’s see what God sees.  Let’s walk by FAITH.  Let’s make room for ONE MORE.  And let’s THRIVE!  I LOVE YOU, COASTAL!  I love being your Pastor!  And I can’t wait to see what God does as we take this journey together!

Thriving Together!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   NHC Fellowship & Hospitality Project:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and snacks and more!  TODAY, Friday, September 11th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   The Boutique Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute! TODAY, Friday, September 11th;  Monday, September 14th;  Friday, September 18th, 10:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   2nd Saturday Meal: Saturday, September 12th, 9am-12noon.  Come serve with us at the church as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, September 12th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, September 14th, 1:30pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at The Outpost on Tuesday, September 15th, 12pm-3pm – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, September 16th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Market Organize & Prep:  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, September 16th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sweat & Serve:  Come help unload the Coastal Box Truck filled with our weekly food pickup!  Heavy lifting required (40+lbs).  Wednesday, September 16th, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, September 16th, 5pm-8pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Wednesday, September 16th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Serving in the Market & the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds and clothes an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help serve our community (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, September 17th, 11am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Delivery:  This team from Coastal will help to deliver beds, alongside brand-new linens, to well deserving but underserved children all over Charleston. There will be some light lifting and assembly required but will be heavy on both love and encouragement. We’ll bring comfort, love, and encouragement to the families we serve. Meet at Coastal on Thursday, September 17th, 6pm-8pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, September 18th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  Saturday, September 19th, 7:30am-9am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   Hollywood Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of We-Fold-It, we are able to serve the community of Hollywood by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  Saturday, September 19th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Hollywood Clothing Distribution:  The third Saturday of each month, there is a clothing distribution for the those in need in Hollywood. We will get the opportunity to take one of our Mobile Outreach Clothing Vehicles out to distribute clothing while loving on those we encounter. This is an amazing project to join and get a glimpse of what our Clothing Ministry here at Coastal does!!  Saturday, September 19th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. So, have you signed up for a LIFE Group yet?  Our 2026 Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalog is available. And just like college, your preferred classes (LIFE Groups) are filling up fast!  So, go to our website right now, check out all the different Groups and sign up today.  Most of our Groups start this coming week – the week of September 13th. |
   
3. If for some reason you were unable to make it to one of our THRIVE Campaign Info Meetings, led by Pastor Chris – no worries!  We’ve got good news – we recorded it for you!
   
   👉 WATCH THE THRIVE CAMPAIGN INFO MEETING HERE! 
   
   Grab a cup of coffee, sit down together as a family, and hear the heart, vision, and details behind Thrive.  And the timing couldn’t be better, because…THRIVE STARTS THIS SUNDAY!
   
4. Interested in going public with your faith through Baptism? Sign up on your Connect Card or on our website to be baptized any Sunday or at our next Beach Baptism (“Polar Plunge”) on Folly Beach on Saturday, November 21st at 10am. 
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, September 26th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided! 

P.S. New to Coastal?  Join us in the Coastal Chapel on Sunday, October 11th immediately following the 11:30am service for our next Newcomer’s Reception. Learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, and get plugged in. Lunch & childcare are provided.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.

Wow!  What an AMAZING Sunday at Coastal this past week!  It was LIFE Group Sunday, and once again, you guys absolutely knocked it out of the park!  We had 1,561 people in person and another 1,013 online!  The excitement, energy, and enthusiasm in the Welcome Center were incredible.  I can’t thank all of our LIFE Group Leaders enough for the hard work, creativity, and heart you put into making Sunday so special.  And are you ready for this?  So far, we’ve had almost 1,100 LIFE Group signups!  That’s AWESOME!

Why does that matter so much?  Because I’ve said it over and over again: healthy things grow.  Healthy things THRIVE!  And one of the ways we grow spiritually is by getting connected with other people who are growing too. Some of our LIFE Groups are already full, but many still have room.  So if you haven’t signed up yet, go to our website, check out the catalog, and find your Group today!  Unless otherwise noted in the catalog, LIFE Groups begin the week of September 13th.

And speaking of September 13th, GET READY – IT’S GOING TO BE A BIG DAY!  On Sunday, September 13th, we officially kick off “THRIVE: Expanding Our Reach, Deepening Our Roots.”  We’ve been talking about it.  We’ve been praying about it.  We’ve been preparing for it.  And now it’s time to THRIVE!

Over the last 14 days, I personally completed 12 THRIVE Campaign Info Meetings, and 669 people attended!  Let me just tell you, the excitement and enthusiasm have been incredible!  I loved getting to share the vision, answer questions, hear your stories, and talk together about what God has done through Coastal and where we believe He is leading us next.  And I want to make sure you hear this: we want EVERYONE who calls Coastal home to be a part of this journey.  If you weren’t able to attend one of the meetings, don’t worry.  We’re working on scheduling a live “make-up” meeting, and we’ll also provide a link to the recorded presentation so you can watch it on your own time.

But September 13th isn’t simply the beginning of a new sermon series.  It’s the beginning of a journey we’re going to take TOGETHER.  That week, our LIFE Groups will begin walking through THRIVE together.  And this Sunday, you’ll be able to pick up your very own copy of our THRIVE Daily Devotional Guide.  The daily devotionals begin Monday, September 14th, immediately following our series kickoff.  

And then, on Monday, September 28th, we’ll begin our 40 Day Fast together as a church.  I want to encourage you to start thinking and praying about that NOW.  Fasting is simply choosing to deny ourselves something physically so that we can focus more intentionally on growing spiritually.  It’s saying, “God, I want You more than I want this.”  For some of you, that might mean fasting from a meal each day, sweets, soft drinks, coffee, or a particular kind of food.  For others, it might mean stepping away from social media, television, streaming, video games, or something else that consumes a lot of your time and attention.

The specific thing you give up isn’t nearly as important as what you do with the space it creates.  When you feel the hunger… PRAY.  When you instinctively reach for your phone… PRAY.  When you would normally spend that time watching television or scrolling… open your THRIVE Daily Devotional, read God’s Word, and PRAY.  Don’t just give something up.  Replace it with something that draws you closer to Jesus.  So start asking God now: “What could I deny myself physically for 40 days so that I can grow spiritually?”

Imagine what could happen if hundreds and hundreds of us spent 40 days intentionally seeking God together!  Think about that for a moment.  We’ll worship together.  We’ll hear God’s Word together.  We’ll pray together.  We’ll fast together.  We’ll meet in LIFE Groups together.  And we’ll ask God to grow us and stretch us together.  Because THRIVE isn’t ultimately about a building.  It’s about becoming the people God has called us to be.  Yes, we’re dreaming about making room for more people. Yes, we’re dreaming about a new Worship Center, more room for Coastal Kidz, more space for people to connect, and even greater opportunities to serve our community.

But buildings are simply tools.  PEOPLE are the purpose.  It’s about ONE MORE person meeting Jesus.  ONE MORE family finding a church home. ONE MORE child discovering that God loves them.  ONE MORE student finding Christian community.  ONE MORE person getting connected in a LIFE Group.  ONE MORE person discovering their purpose and using their gifts to serve others.  And I believe with all my heart that God is preparing Coastal for what comes next.

So, Coastal, HERE WE GO!  Pick up your THRIVE Daily Devotional this Sunday.  Get signed up for a LIFE Group.  Start praying about your 40 Day Fast.  If you missed a THRIVE Info Meeting, watch for information about the make-up meeting and recording.  And most importantly, begin praying:  “God, what do You want to do IN me during this THRIVE season, and what do You want to do THROUGH me?”  Because healthy things grow.  Healthy things THRIVE!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I can’t wait to see what God does as we take this journey together!

Thriving Together!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, September 4th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Boutique Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute! TODAY, Friday, September 4th, 10:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is TOMORROW, Saturday, September 5th.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, September 8th, 8am-12pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Bingo and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, September 8th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   The Market Organize & Prep:  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, September 9th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution Set-Up:  Come unload, sort, and stage supplies for our distribution the following day!  Wednesday, September  9th, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Charleston Vets Fellowship:  Charleston Vets is home to 35 struggling, local veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation. Join us as we head out to connect with these veterans, share an evening meal, laugh alongside them, play some lively rounds of Bingo and share a devotion to help them grow closer to the Lord!  Wednesday, September 9th, 5:30pm-8pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution:  Come help distribute food to the wonderful residents of Brighton Place!  Thursday, September 10th,10am-12noon.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Serving in the Market & the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds and clothes an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help serve our community (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, September 10th, 11am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   NHC Fellowship & Hospitality Project:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and snacks and more!  Friday, September 11th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   2nd Saturday Meal: Saturday, September 12th, 9am-12noon.  Come serve with us at the church as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, September 12th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.  1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. So, have you signed up for a LIFE Group yet?  Our 2026 Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalog is available. And just like college, your preferred classes (LIFE Groups) are filling up fast!  So, go to our website right now, check out all the different Groups and sign up today.  Most of our Groups start the week of September 13th.
   
3. Don’t miss Saturday Serve!  Want to get involved in all the Outreach here at Coastal!  The best place to start and see an overview of what we do is SATURDAY SERVE!  Saturday Serve meets the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is THIS Saturday, September 5th.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!  Go to our website and sign up today!
   
4. Parents, don’t forget there is NO CSM this Sunday, September 6th.  Also, mark your calendars on Saturday, October 17th for Coastal Student Ministry Serve Day!  More information coming soon!
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, September 26th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided! 

P.S. New to Coastal?  Join us in the Coastal Chapel on Sunday, October 11th immediately following the 11:30am service for our Newcomer’s Reception. Learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, and get plugged in. Lunch & childcare are provided.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card. 

This past Sunday night, 119 Middle and High School Students showed up for the kickoff of Coastal Student Ministry!  119!  I absolutely LOVE that!  And as we walk through this season of THRIVE, I can’t help but think about something you’ve heard me say over and over again:  Healthy things grow.  They THRIVE!  And one of the clearest signs of a healthy, thriving church is that it is always reaching the next generation for Jesus!

Think about it.  The Church is always just one generation away from extinction.  If we ever stop reaching children and students, if we stop investing in them, loving them, teaching them God’s Word, and helping them build a faith of their own – eventually, we die.  That’s why what happened Sunday night matters so much.  Our students live in a world that is constantly discipling them.  Every day, they’re being told what to believe, what to value, where to find their identity, and what will make them happy.  Social media is discipling them.  Their friends are discipling them.  Our culture is discipling them.  The question isn’t whether our students are being influenced.  The question is who is influencing them.

That’s why they need the Church!  They need a place where they can laugh and have fun, but also a place where they can worship.  They need a place where they can hear God’s Word and ask honest questions.  They need godly adults who know their names and care about their lives.  And they desperately need other students around them who are also learning what it means to follow Jesus.

That’s what CSM (Coastal Student Ministry) is all about!  Every Sunday night, our 6th–12th graders gather from 5:30–7pm (doors open at 5pm).  They’ll play games, worship together, hear a message from our Youth Pastor, Jacob. They will also break into small groups where they can talk, share, ask questions, pray, and grow together.

Jacob sent me this after Sunday’s kickoff, “Best part of the night was when we paused to pray.  Saw a few students leading their group in prayer.  Four of our students also shared with the whole group why they love CSM.” THAT’S what gets me excited!  Yes, I’m thrilled that 119 students showed up.  I look forward to seeing 150 and then 200!  Healthy things grow!  But ultimately, we’re not just trying to grow a crowd.  We’re trying to grow disciples.  We’re praying for students who know Jesus, love Jesus, serve Jesus, invite their friends to know Jesus, and aren’t ashamed to live for Jesus!

So parents, let me encourage you: make CSM a priority for your student. I know schedules are crazy.  I know there are practices, games, homework, jobs, family commitments, and a thousand other things competing for their time.  But there are very few investments you can make in your son or daughter that are more important than putting them in an environment where their faith can grow and where they can build friendships with other students who are growing in theirs.

They may tell you they don’t know anybody.  Bring them anyway.  They may tell you they’re tired.  Bring them anyway.  They may tell you they’d rather stay home.  Bring them anyway.  Because someday, they may just thank you for it.  Coastal, this is why we THRIVE.  This is why we keep growing.  This is why we keep making room.  This is why we keep reaching.  Because there is another 6th grader who needs a place to belong.  Another high school student who needs someone to pray with them.  Another teenager who needs to hear that their identity isn’t found in what the world says about them, but in what Jesus says about them.  And there is always ONE MORE student who needs Jesus!  Let’s keep making room for them.  Let’s THRIVE!

Thriving Together!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, August 28th, 4pm-6:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Boutique Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Monday August 31st; Friday, September 4th, 10:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sweat & Serve:  Come help unload the Coastal Box Truck filled with our weekly food pickup!  Heavy lifting required (40+lbs).  Wednesday, September 2nd, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd..
   The Market Organize & Prep:  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, September 2nd, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Serving in the Market & the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds and clothes an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help serve our community (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, September 3rd, 11am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Delivery Project:  This team from Coastal will help to deliver beds, alongside brand-new linens, to well deserving but underserved children all over Charleston. There will be some light lifting and assembly required but will be heavy on both love and encouragement. We’ll bring comfort, love, and encouragement to the families we serve. Meet at Coastal on Thursday, September 3rd, 6pm-8pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, September 4th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is NEXT Saturday, September 5th.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. So, have you signed up for a LIFE Group yet?  If you haven’t heard, we just unveiled our 2026 Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalog!  And just like college, your preferred classes (LIFE Groups) will fill up fast!  So, go to our website right now, check out all the different Groups and sign up today.  Most of our Groups start the week of September 13th. 
   
3. Don’t miss Saturday Serve!  Want to get involved in all the Outreach here at Coastal!  The best place to start and see an overview of what we do is SATURDAY SERVE!  Saturday Serve meets the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is Saturday, September 5th.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!  Go to our website and sign up today!
   
4. THIS Sunday, August 30th, is LIFE Group Sunday!  Before and after each service you’ll be able to visit a table/booth representing each one of our 81 different LIFE Groups (kind of like a Job/College Fair, but for Groups)!  You’ll be able to meet other people checking out all the Groups, meet the different Group Leaders, enjoy some fun snacks, ask any questions you might have, and most importantly, sign up for a LIFE Group!  I promise it will be a great day and a lot of fun!
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, September 26th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided!

P.S. If you haven’t already done so, please sign up to attend one of our 5 remaining Thrive Campaign Information Meetings.   To make it easy for everyone who calls Coastal home to attend one of these meetings, Pastor Chris is leading 12 different meetings (with childcare and refreshments), over the course of 2 weeks, at different times.  Pastor Chris will share:  

– Why we’re launching THRIVE.  
– The vision God has placed on our hearts.  
– What we’re planning to build and why.
– How much it is expected to cost.
– How we believe God will provide.
– And he’ll answer any questions you may have.

No one will be asked to make a financial commitment at these meetings.  You’ll simply have the opportunity to hear the vision and discover how you can be a part of it.

Here is a list of those 12 meetings.  Sign up online, or sign up on your Card on Sunday.  Just pick one!  Click the link below and sign up today.

8 – Saturday, August 29th, 10am-11:30am, Auditorium  (childcare – refreshments)
9 – Sunday, August 30th, 5:30pm-7pm, Chapel  (childcare – pizza) 
10 – Young Adults, Monday, August 31st, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel (no childcare – refreshments) 
11 – Tuesday, September 1st, 12pm-1:30pm, Chapel  (no childcare – lunch)
12 – Wednesday, September 2nd, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel (childcare – refreshments) 

Woohoo!  I’ve got GREAT NEWS!  Our 2026 Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalog is officially available!  You’ll receive a hard copy on Sunday, and it’s available online right now!  And if we have your up-to-date contact information, you should even get one mailed to your home.  If you end up with more than one, don’t throw it away – give it to a friend!

But let me tell you why I’m especially excited about LIFE Groups this Fall. We’re going to THRIVE together!  Beginning Sunday, September 13th, I’ll be kicking off our new series, “Thrive: Expanding Our Reach, Deepening Our Roots.”  And this semester, every one of our LIFE Groups will be studying the same material together, based on the Sunday messages.  I absolutely LOVE that!

That means hundreds and hundreds of people all across our community will hear the same message on Sunday and then gather in homes and Groups throughout the week to talk about it, dig deeper into God’s Word, pray together, encourage one another, and figure out how to put what we’re learning into practice.

So this semester, choosing a LIFE Group is actually pretty simple.  You’re not really choosing WHAT you want to study – you’re choosing WHERE, WHEN, and WITH WHOM you want to grow!  Some Groups will still be geared toward a particular stage of life or group of people – Young Adults, Young Married, Senior Adults, Men, Women, etc.  But we’re all going to be studying the same thing and moving in the same direction.

And here’s what I really want you to understand: Thrive is about so much more than a building.  Yes, part of Thrive is about expanding our reach – making room for ONE more child, ONE more student, ONE more family, ONE more person who needs Jesus.  But it’s also about deepening our roots. Because healthy things don’t just grow bigger.  Healthy things grow deeper. That’s what I want for every person who calls Coastal home.  I want us to grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus.  I want us to grow deeper in God’s Word.  I want us to grow deeper in prayer.  I want us to grow deeper in our relationships with one another.  And LIFE Groups are one of the best environments we have for that kind of growth.

Remember, our LIFE Groups are for EVERYONE, whether you’re a member of Coastal, an occasional attender, brand new, or you’ve never even attended one of our Sunday services.  We’re called Coastal COMMUNITY Church for a reason!  Invite your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family to join you.  You can view the catalog AND sign up for a Group online right now.  In fact, that’s probably the easiest way to sign up.  Once you register, your Group Leader will contact you before the semester begins.  Unless otherwise noted in the catalog, Groups begin the week of September 13th and run for 10 weeks.

And don’t miss LIFE GROUP SUNDAY, August 30th!  Join us at 8:30am, 10am, or 11:30am.  Before and after all three services, you’ll be able to walk around, check out our 80 LIFE Groups, meet the Group Leaders, ask questions, and find the Group that’s right for you.  Think Job Fair or College Fair, but for LIFE Groups!  We’ll have snacks, lots of people to meet, and even FREE KONA ICE outside for everyone!

So go ahead and start looking through the catalog today.  Pick a day.  Pick a time.  Pick a location.  Pick some people to do life with.  And sign up!  Don’t just come to church this Fall.  Get connected.  Grow deeper.  Make some friends.  And let’s THRIVE together!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I can’t wait to see what God does in us and through us this Fall!

LIFE Is Better Together!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, August 21st, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Boutique Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Monday August 24th, 10:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, August 24th, 1:30pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, August 25th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution Set-Up:  Come unload, sort, and stage supplies for our distribution the following day!  Wednesday, August  26th, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Sweat & Serve:  Come help unload the Coastal Box Truck filled with our weekly food pickup!  Heavy lifting required (40+lbs).  Wednesday, August 26th, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   The Market Organize & Prep:  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, August 26th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Brighton Place Tailgate & Clothing Distribution:  Come help distribute clothes and put on a Tailgate for the wonderful residents of Brighton Place!  Wednesday, August 26th,10am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution:  Come help distribute food to the wonderful residents of Brighton Place!  Thursday, August 27th,10am-12noon.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Serving in the Market & the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds and clothes an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help serve our community (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, August 27th, 11am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, August 28th, 4pm-6:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. COASTAL STUDENT MINISTRY KICKOFF – THIS SUNDAY NIGHT, AUGUST 23RD, 5:30PM-7PM (DOORS OPEN AT 5PM)!!   I can’t believe it’s finally here!  We are so excited to kick off the Fall semester and all that God has in store for our students. I pray you’re as excited as I am!  This semester, we’re challenging students to take their next step in their walk with Christ, and our amazing group of adult leaders are committed to discipling students and helping them grow in their faith.
   
   We want your student to attend kickoff because so many of those life-changing conversations begin with something simple: a student showing up, having fun, and building relationships with other students and their leaders.  That’s a big part of why we make Kickoff such a big night!
   
   This year’s kickoff is themed as a Glow Night.  The doors open at 5pm. We’ll have a night packed with glow-themed games and activities, food & prizes, bubble soccer outside, glow face paint, glow sticks, and more.  There are plenty of opportunities for students to connect with friends and CSM leaders.
   
   Students are encouraged to wear white, neon, or other bright colors so they can glow under the black lights!  Don’t worry if they don’t have anything glow-themed—we’ll have plenty of glow supplies for them to use.  Kickoff is also the perfect opportunity to invite a friend!  We want students to start the school year connected to CSM and surrounded by people who will encourage them as they follow Jesus.
   
   Please register by clicking the link below so we can plan for food and activities: REGISTER FOR GLOW NIGHT
   Pastor Jacob Bonetti
   
3. Grieving the death of a spouse?  Or do you know someone who is?  Find help at a “Loss of a Spouse Seminar.”  The loss of a spouse can change someone’s life forever.  The daily emotions and challenges can seem too hard to bear.  Join this encouraging and free seminar and let us help.  Monday, August 24th, 2pm OR 6pm (2 different sessions), in the Coastal Cafe area.  Register online at Griefshare.org.
   
4. We have officially opened our new Kindergarten & 1st Grade room!  Opening this new classroom means we can spread our children out a little more, create a better environment for learning, improve safety, and make room for the continued growth God has been bringing our way.  This new classroom ALSO creates new opportunities to serve!  As more children come through our doors, we need more and more loving, caring volunteers who are willing to invest in the next generation.  We are looking for both Leaders and Assistants in our classrooms.
   
   To learn more or to set up a time to observe a class, contact our Children’s Director, Aly Huggins, at aly@coastalcommunitychurch.org, or stop by the Child Check-In desk on any given Sunday and ask for Aly. 
   
5. Just a friendly reminder to always be thinking about bringing Food & Clothes for The Outpost.  Since opening The Outpost, the number of families we are helping in our community has multiplied exponentially!  While we used to see approximately 6 families on any given Thursday at our church at the Food Pantry, we are now serving 50+ families at The Outpost!  As a result, we are always in need of non-perishable food to restock “The Market” and clothes for “The Boutique”!  Drop your donations in the bin/shopping cart at Coastal on Sunday mornings, or Monday-Thursday, 9-4, at the church office.  Your donations, big or small, make a huge impact on families in need in our community.

P.S. If you haven’t already done so, please sign up to attend one of our Thrive Campaign Information Meetings.   To make it easy for everyone who calls Coastal home to attend one of these meetings, Pastor Chris is leading 12 different meetings (with childcare and refreshments), over the course of 2 weeks, at different times.  Pastor Chris will share:  

– Why we’re launching THRIVE.  
– The vision God has placed on our hearts.  
– What we’re planning to build and why.
– How much it is expected to cost.
– How we believe God will provide.
– And he’ll answer any questions you may have.

No one will be asked to make a financial commitment at these meetings.  You’ll simply have the opportunity to hear the vision and discover how you can be a part of it.

Here is a list of those 12 meetings.  Sign up online, or sign up on your Card on Sunday.  Just pick one!  Click the link below and sign up today.

1 – Friday, August 21st, 6:30pm-8pm, Auditorium  (childcare – pizza) 
2 – Saturday, August 22nd, 9am-10:30am, Auditorium  (childcare – refreshments) 
3 – Sunday, August 23rd, 12:45-2:15pm, Auditorium  (childcare – pizza) 
4 – Sunday, August 23rd, 5:30pm-7pm, Chapel  (childcare – pizza) 
5 – Wednesday, August 26th, 9am-10:30am, Chapel  (no childcare – refreshments) 
6 – Wednesday, August 26th, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel  (childcare – refreshments) 
7 – Thursday, August 27th, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel  (childcare – refreshments) 
8 – Saturday, August 29th, 10am-11:30am, Auditorium  (childcare – refreshments)
9 – Sunday, August 30th, 5:30pm-7pm, Chapel  (childcare – pizza) 
10 – Young Adults, Monday, August 31st, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel (no childcare – refreshments) 
11 – Tuesday, September 1st, 12pm-1:30pm, Chapel  (no childcare – lunch)
12 – Wednesday, September 2nd, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel (childcare – refreshments) 

Coastal, what an incredible Sunday!  This past Sunday we baptized another 33 people at the beach!  That brings our total to 167 baptisms so far this year!  I hope we never get used to saying numbers like that.  Every one of those 167 people has a name, a story, a family, and a life that has been changed by Jesus.  That’s why we do what we do!

And here’s something else that absolutely blows me away.  This past Sunday, right in the heat of the summer, we had 1,474 people in attendance!  Our 10am service was at 77% capacity.  And as exciting as that is, it also means that as we head into the Fall, we need to do what Coastal has always done: make room for ONE more.

For some of you, making room might mean moving from the 10am service to either the 8:30am or 11:30am service.  If you have the flexibility to do that, I’m asking you to seriously consider it.  Your willingness to change service times could literally make room for a new family walking through our doors for the very first time.

For others, making room means parking at Oakland Elementary School.  It’s your first right, just past the Greenway, before you reach our campus.  There’s a huge parking lot with plenty of spaces, and our Golf Cart Team will even pick you up and give you a ride!  Every car we move over there opens up a space on our campus for a guest, a young family, or someone who may be coming to church for the first time in a long time.  What do I always say, “The more you love Jesus, the further away you’ll park!”  Haha!

And we’re making room for ONE more in Coastal Kidz too!  We recently opened our new classroom, and it has already made an immediate impact by spreading out the number of children in our classrooms and creating more space for kids and families.  And of course, more children also means more opportunities for people to step up and serve!

Coastal, this is what healthy churches do.  Healthy things grow.  Healthy things thrive.  And when God entrusts us with growth, our response is to keep making room.  One more child.  One more student.  One more family.  One more person who needs Jesus.  That’s what those 167 baptisms represent.  And I believe there are a whole lot more “ONE’s” still out there!  So let’s keep serving.  Let’s keep inviting.  Let’s keep giving.  Let’s keep adjusting.  And let’s keep doing whatever it takes to make room for ONE more!  I love you, Coastal.  I love being your Pastor.  And I love what God has called us to do together!

In His Service & Yours!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   NHC Fellowship & Hospitality Project:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and snacks and more!  TODAY, Friday, August 14th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  TOMORROW, Saturday, August 15th, 7:30am-9am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   The Boutique Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Monday, August 17th;  Monday August 24th, 10:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at The Outpost on Tuesday, August 18th, 12pm-3pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, August 19th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sweat & Serve:  Come help unload the Coastal Box Truck filled with our weekly food pickup!  Heavy lifting required (40+lbs).  Wednesday, August 19th, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Market Organize & Prep:  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, August 19th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Wednesday, August 19th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Delivery:  This team from Coastal will help to deliver beds, alongside brand-new linens, to well deserving but underserved children all over Charleston. There will be some light lifting and assembly required but will be heavy on both love and encouragement. We’ll bring comfort, love, and encouragement to the families we serve. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, August 19th, 6pm-8pm.
   Serving in the Market & the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds and clothes an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help serve our community (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, August 20th, 11am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, August 21st, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. All LIFE Group leaders are required to complete a training session each semester.  You only need to attend 1 of the 2 remaining options.  Please sign up for your choice on the links below.  LIFE Group Sunday is on Sunday, August 30th and LIFE Groups will begin the week of September 13th-19th.
   – New Leaders Training, Saturday, August 15th, 9am-10:30am
   – Returning Leaders Training, Sunday, August 16th, 8pm-9pm ONLINE
   
   Contact Pastor Scott Huff  if you have any questions.
   
3. Grieving the death of a spouse?  Or do you know someone who is?  Find help at a “Loss of a Spouse Seminar.”  The loss of a spouse can change someone’s life forever.  The daily emotions and challenges can seem too hard to bear.  Join this encouraging and free seminar and let us help.  Monday, August 24th, 2pm OR 6pm (2 different sessions), in the Coastal Cafe area.  Register online at Griefshare.org.
   
4. AUTOMATE WHAT’S IMPORTANT!  Think about how many important things in our lives we automate.  We automate our mortgage or rent, utilities, insurance, savings, subscriptions, and all kinds of other payments.  Why?  Because when something is important, we don’t want to forget it or leave it to chance.
   
   The same can be true of our giving.  Automating your giving is a simple way to make generosity intentional and consistent.  It’s not about taking the heart out of giving.  In fact, it can be a way of deciding ahead of time, “God comes first.”
   
   If Coastal is your church home and you regularly give, consider setting up your giving to happen automatically.  You can do that through your personal bank by setting up a recurring check to Coastal, or you can use our online giving option and simply select “recurring.”  Automate what’s important. Put God first.  Live generously.
   
5. Newcomer’s Reception: If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, August 16th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 

P.S. If you haven’t already done so, please sign up to attend one of our Thrive Campaign Information Meetings.   To make it easy for everyone who calls Coastal home to attend one of these meetings, Pastor Chris is leading 12 different meetings (with childcare and refreshments), over the course of 2 weeks, at different times.  Pastor Chris will share:  

– Why we’re launching THRIVE.  
– The vision God has placed on our hearts.  
– What we’re planning to build and why.
– How much it is expected to cost.
– How we believe God will provide.
– And he’ll answer any questions you may have.

No one will be asked to make a financial commitment at these meetings.  You’ll simply have the opportunity to hear the vision and discover how you can be a part of it.

Here is a list of those 12 meetings.  Sign up online, or sign up on your Card on Sunday.  Just pick one!  Click the link below and sign up today.

1 – Friday, August 21st, 6:30pm-8pm, Auditorium  (childcare – pizza) 
2 – Saturday, August 22nd, 9am-10:30am, Auditorium  (childcare – refreshments) 
3 – Sunday, August 23rd, 12:45-2:15pm, Auditorium  (childcare – pizza) 
4 – Sunday, August 23rd, 5:30pm-7pm, Chapel  (childcare – pizza) 
5 – Wednesday, August 26th, 9am-10:30am, Chapel  (no childcare – refreshments) 
6 – Wednesday, August 26th, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel  (childcare – refreshments) 
7 – Thursday, August 27th, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel  (childcare – refreshments) 
8 – Saturday, August 29th, 10am-11:30am, Auditorium  (childcare – refreshments)
9 – Sunday, August 30th, 5:30pm-7pm, Chapel  (childcare – pizza) 
10 – Young Adults, Monday, August 31st, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel (no childcare – refreshments) 
11 – Tuesday, September 1st, 12pm-1:30pm, Chapel  (no childcare – lunch)
12 – Wednesday, September 2nd, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel (childcare – refreshments) 

One of the things I love most about Coastal is that we’re not just a church that people attend.  We’re a church that people take real ownership.  Every single Sunday, before most of us even arrive, hundreds of volunteers have already been serving.  They’ve set up and prayed over classrooms, set up chairs, brewed coffee, parked cars, greeted guests, run cameras, held babies, led worship, checked in children, prepared communion, welcomed first-time guests, and served in dozens of ways that most people never even notice.  They don’t do it for recognition.  They do it because they love Jesus and they love people.  In fact, listen to just part of an email I received this week from one of our awesome volunteers, “I feel incredibly blessed to be part of such a wonderful church family.  I thank God for Coastal and for allowing me to play even a very small part in what He is doing in and through you and this church. It is a joy and a privilege to serve alongside such faithful and caring people.”  Wow!

As many of you know, our theme this year is THRIVE.  We’ve been saying that healthy things grow, healthy things expand their reach, and deepen their roots.  I think that’s true spiritually as well.  One of the greatest ways we deepen our roots in Christ is by serving others.

It’s interesting that the deeper your roots go, the less your life revolves around you.  Our culture constantly tells us to ask, “What’s in it for me?”  Jesus taught us to ask a different question, “How can I serve?”  In fact, Jesus said of Himself, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)  If our Savior came as a servant, it shouldn’t surprise us that one of the primary ways we become more like Him is by serving others.

I’ve watched this happen over and over again through the years. Someone begins serving because there’s a need. But before long, they discover friendships they never expected, purpose they never knew they were missing, and joy that comes from making an eternal difference.  They don’t just help Coastal grow – they grow themselves.  That’s how God’s Kingdom works. As we give ourselves away, God deepens our roots.

As we head into the Fall, I’d encourage everyone who calls Coastal home to ask and answer one simple question, “Where am I serving?”  If you’re already serving, thank you, thank you, thank you!  You truly are making an eternal difference every single week.  You are a link in the chain of people coming to faith and growing in their faith.  If you’re not serving yet, maybe this is the time to take that next step.  Whether it’s Coastal Kidz, Students, First Impressions, the Café, Production, Safety, Prayer, Parking, or one of our many other ministry teams, there is a place for you.  It’s so simple at Coastal to jump in and start serving.  Sign up on the back of your Connect Card this Sunday or go to our website and sign up today!

Healthy things grow.  Healthy things expand their reach.  Healthy things deepen their roots.  One of the best ways to put down deeper roots at Coastal is to stop simply attending and start serving.  I love you, Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love serving alongside of you!

In His Service & Yours!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, August 7th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Boutique Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, August 7th;  Monday, August 10th, 10:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   2nd Saturday Meal: Saturday, August 8th, 9am-12noon.  Come serve with us at the church as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, August 8th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.  1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, August 10th, 1:30pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, August 11th, 8am-12pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Bingo and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, August 11th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution Set-Up:  Come unload, sort, and stage supplies for our distribution the following day!  Wednesday, August  12th, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Unload the Box Truck at Brighton Place:  Come help unload the Coastal Box Truck filled with our weekly food pickup for residents of Brighton Place! Heavy lifting required (40+lbs).  Wednesday, August 12th, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   The Market Organize & Prep:  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, August 12th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Charleston Vets Fellowship:  Charleston Vets is home to 35 struggling, local veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation. Join us as we head out to connect with these veterans, share an evening meal, laugh alongside them, play some lively rounds of Bingo and share a devotion to help them grow closer to the Lord!  Wednesday, August 12th, 5:30pm-8pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution:  Come help distribute food to the wonderful residents of Brighton Place!  Thursday, August 13th,10am-12noon.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Serving in the Market & the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds and clothes an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help serve our community (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, August 13th, 11am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   NHC Fellowship & Hospitality Project:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and snacks and more!  Friday, August 14th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  Saturday, August 15th, 7:30am-9am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. All LIFE Group leaders are required to complete a training session each semester.  You only need to attend 1 of the 3 options.  Please sign up for your choice on the links below.  LIFE Group Sunday is on Sunday, August 30th and LIFE Groups will begin the week of September 13th-19th.
   – New Leaders Training, Thursday, August 13th, 6:30pm-8pm
   – New Leaders Training, Saturday, August 15th, 9am-10:30am
   – Returning Leaders Training, Sunday, August 16th, 8pm-9pm ONLINE
   Contact Pastor Scott Huff  if you have any questions.
   
3. Since opening “The Outpost,” the number of families we are helping in our community has multiplied exponentially!  While we used to see approximately 6 families on any given Thursday at our church at the Food Pantry, we are now serving 45+ families at The Outpost!  As a result, we are always in need of food to restock “The Market” and clothes for “The Boutique”!  
   
   Right now “The Market” could use:  canned chicken and tuna (OUR BIGGEST NEED), cereal, jelly, corn, and pasta sauce.  “The Boutique” is in need of school uniforms, men’s shirts (larger sizes), and  men’s pants (all sizes).  If you’re cleaning out your closet or making a store run, we’d love for you to keep The Outpost in mind.  Every donation goes directly to someone in our community in need.  Drop your donations in the bin/shopping cart at Coastal on Sunday mornings, or Monday-Thursday, 9-4 (church office on the side).  Your donations, big or small, make a huge impact on families in need in our community.
   
4. We are having our 2nd BEACH BAPTISM of the Summer out at Folly Beach County Park THIS Sunday, August 9th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website. 
   
5. Newcomer’s Reception: If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, August 16th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today.

P.S. If you haven’t already done so, please sign up to attend one of our Thrive Campaign Information Meetings.   To make it easy for everyone who calls Coastal home to attend one of these meetings, Pastor Chris is leading 12 different meetings (with childcare and refreshments), over the course of 2 weeks, at different times.  Pastor Chris will share:  

– Why we’re launching THRIVE.  
– The vision God has placed on our hearts.  
– What we’re planning to build and why.
– How much it is expected to cost.
– How we believe God will provide.
– And he’ll answer any questions you may have.

No one will be asked to make a financial commitment at these meetings.  You’ll simply have the opportunity to hear the vision and discover how you can be a part of it.

Here is a list of those 12 meetings.  Sign up online, or sign up on your Card on Sunday.  Just pick one!  Click the link below and sign up today.

1 – Friday, August 21st, 6:30pm-8pm, Auditorium  (childcare – pizza) 
2 – Saturday, August 22nd, 9am-10:30am, Auditorium  (childcare – refreshments) 
3 – Sunday, August 23rd, 12:45-2:15pm, Auditorium  (childcare – pizza) 
4 – Sunday, August 23rd, 5:30pm-7pm, Chapel  (childcare – pizza) 
5 – Wednesday, August 26th, 9am-10:30am, Chapel  (no childcare – refreshments) 
6 – Wednesday, August 26th, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel  (childcare – refreshments) 
7 – Thursday, August 27th, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel  (childcare – refreshments) 
8 – Saturday, August 29th, 10am-11:30am, Auditorium  (childcare – refreshments)
9 – Sunday, August 30th, 5:30pm-7pm, Chapel  (childcare – pizza) 
10 – Young Adults, Monday, August 31st, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel (no childcare – refreshments) 
11 – Tuesday, September 1st, 12pm-1:30pm, Chapel  (no childcare – lunch)
12 – Wednesday, September 2nd, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel (childcare – refreshments) 

One of the things I love most about Coastal is that we’re always looking for ways to make room for one more person.  This Sunday is another one of those moments.  We are excited to finally open our brand new classroom in Coastal Kidz for Kindergarten – 1st Graders this weekend!

Over the past few months, we transformed Aly’s old office and our previous Food Pantry into one large additional classroom for our Children’s Ministry. Opening this room allows us to break down our age groups to be more developmentally appropriate while we help children grow in their faith through play, worship, Bible stories, activities, prayer, and building relationships.  It may not seem like a huge announcement, but it’s actually a pretty big deal. 

It’s a big deal because Coastal Kidz, especially during the 10am service time, has been bursting at the seams!  But honestly, there have been times when that’s even true in the other services as well.  The new classroom means we can spread our children out a little more, create a better environment for learning, improve safety, and make room for the continued growth God has been bringing our way.  What’s especially exciting is how this all came together.  When we opened The Outpost, we were able to relocate our Community Food Pantry.  That freed up a room inside our main building.  Then, in a tremendous act of servant leadership, Aly Huggins, our Children’s Director, willingly gave up her office so those two spaces could be combined into one large classroom for our kids.  I love that!  Because that’s Coastal – people continually sacrificing their own comfort and preferences so someone else can experience the love of Jesus (people parking further away, people choosing to come to the 1st or 3rd service)!

Of course, this new classroom also creates new opportunities to serve.  As more children come through our doors, we need more and more loving, caring volunteers who are willing to invest in the next generation (see some of those Volunteers in the pictures above and below).  We are looking for both Leaders and Assistants in our classrooms.  Leaders maintain the flow of the service time and lead the portion of the lesson that is done in a whole group.  Assistants support the lead teacher, engage with kids through conversation and play, and facilitate a group of about 6-8 kids during small group time.  All volunteers are equipped with lesson plans and materials needed for the activities that help reinforce the Bible lesson.  We ask our volunteers to prayerfully consider serving two times a month during one service in order to build consistency and relationships with the kids.  I honestly can’t think of many greater investments you could ever make with your life.

To learn more or to set up a time to observe a class, contact our Children’s Director, Aly Huggins, at aly@coastalcommunitychurch.org, or stop by the Child Check-In desk on any given Sunday and ask for Aly.  Thank you for being a church that continues to make room for one more child, one more family, one more life to be changed by Jesus.  I love you, Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I absolutely love making room for ONE more with you!

In His Service & Yours!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   The Boutique Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, July 31st;  Monday, August 3rd, 10:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, July 31st, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is THIS Saturday, August 1st.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   Unload Food Delivery:  With our partnership with the Lowcountry Food Bank, we are looking for willing muscles, hands & hearts to help us unload the Coastal Box Truck loaded with our weekly food pickup from the Food Bank.  Wednesday, August 5th, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Market Organize & Prep:  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, August 5th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Delivery:  This team from Coastal will help to deliver beds, alongside brand-new linens, to well deserving but underserved children all over Charleston. There will be some light lifting and assembly required but will be heavy on both love and encouragement. We’ll bring comfort, love, and encouragement to the families we serve. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, August 5th, 6pm-8pm.
   Serving in the Market & the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds and clothes an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help serve our community (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, August 6th, 11am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, August 7th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   2nd Saturday Meal: Saturday, August 8th, 9am-12noon.  Come serve with us at the church as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, August 8th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.  1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. All LIFE Group leaders are required to complete a training session each semester.  You only need to attend 1 of the 3 options.  Please sign up for your choice on the links below.  LIFE Group Sunday is on Sunday, August 30th and LIFE Groups will begin the week of September 13th-19th.
   
   – New Leaders Training, Thursday, August 13th, 6:30pm-8pm
   – New Leaders Training, Saturday, August 15th, 9am-10:30am
   – Returning Leaders Training, Sunday, August 16th, 8pm-9pm ONLINE
   
   Contact Pastor Scott Huff  if you have any questions.
   
3. Since opening “The Outpost,” the number of families we are helping in our community has multiplied exponentially!  While we used to see approximately 6 families on any given Thursday at our church at the Food Pantry, we are now serving 45+ families at The Outpost!  As a result, we are always in need of food to restock “The Market” and clothes for “The Boutique”!  
   
   Right now “The Market” could use:  canned chicken and tuna (OUR BIGGEST NEED), cereal, jelly, corn, and pasta sauce.  “The Boutique” is in need of school uniforms, men’s shirts (larger sizes), and  men’s pants (all sizes).  If you’re cleaning out your closet or making a store run, we’d love for you to keep The Outpost in mind.  Every donation goes directly to someone in our community in need.  Drop your donations in the bin/shopping cart at Coastal on Sunday mornings, or Monday-Thursday, 9-4 (church office on the side).  Your donations, big or small, make a huge impact on families in need in our community.
   
4. We are planning our 2nd BEACH BAPTISM of the Summer out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, August 9th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.
   
5. Newcomer’s Reception: If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, August 16th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 

P.S. If you haven’t already done so, please sign up to attend one of our Thrive Campaign Information Meetings.   To make it easy for everyone who calls Coastal home to attend one of these meetings, Pastor Chris is leading 12 different meetings (with childcare and refreshments), over the course of 2 weeks, at different times.  Pastor Chris will share:  
– Why we’re launching THRIVE.  
– The vision God has placed on our hearts.  
– What we’re planning to build and why.
– How much it is expected to cost.
– How we believe God will provide.
– And he’ll answer any questions you may have.
No one will be asked to make a financial commitment at these meetings.  You’ll simply have the opportunity to hear the vision and discover how you can be a part of it. Here is a list of those 12 meetings.  Sign up online, or sign up on your Card on Sunday.  Just pick one!  Click the link below and sign up today.

1 – Friday, August 21st, 6:30pm-8pm, Auditorium  (childcare – pizza) 
2 – Saturday, August 22nd, 9am-10:30am, Auditorium  (childcare – refreshments) 
3 – Sunday, August 23rd, 12:45-2:15pm, Auditorium  (childcare – pizza) 
4 – Sunday, August 23rd, 5:30pm-7pm, Chapel  (childcare – pizza) 
5 – Wednesday, August 26th, 9am-10:30am, Chapel  (no childcare – refreshments) 
6 – Wednesday, August 26th, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel  (childcare – refreshments) 
7 – Thursday, August 27th, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel  (childcare – refreshments) 
8 – Saturday, August 29th, 10am-11:30am, Auditorium  (childcare – refreshments)
9 – Sunday, August 30th, 5:30pm-7pm, Chapel  (childcare – pizza) 
10 – Young Adults, Monday, August 31st, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel (no childcare – refreshments) 
11 – Tuesday, September 1st, 12pm-1:30pm, Chapel  (no childcare – lunch)
12 – Wednesday, September 2nd, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel (childcare – refreshments) 

This week Janet and I slipped away for a few days to visit our son and daughter-in-law in New York (In two weeks we’ll see our daughter and son-in-law in Tennessee).  Like many parents whose children live away from home, we’re incredibly thankful for FaceTime, texting, and all the technology that helps us stay connected.  We can “see” each other almost anytime we want.  But can I tell you something?  Sometimes Mom and Dad just need to lay eyes on their kids.  Sometimes you need a hug.  Sometimes you need to sit around the table together, laugh, ask questions, tell stories, and simply enjoy being in the same room.  You’ll take what you can get, but there’s just no substitute for being there together.  

As I was flying home today, I found myself thinking that’s exactly how I feel about our upcoming Thrive Information Meetings.  Yes, you can hear bits and pieces on Sunday mornings.  Yes, you can read the Thrive Magazine alone, by yourself, later.  But there are some things that are simply better experienced together.  That’s why Janet and I would love for every person who calls Coastal home to attend one of these “family meetings.”

One of my favorite moments from this past Sunday wasn’t while I was preaching.  It was what happened afterward.  As people began leaving the Worship Center, I watched families stop, pull out their phones, and sign up for one of our Thrive Information Meetings.  Conversations were happening everywhere.  People were excited.  They were asking questions.  They wanted to know more.

As I write this, more than 225 people have already signed up.  Can I tell you why that encourages me so much?  It’s not because we filled up a bunch of meeting slots.  It’s because I believe our church family senses what I’ve been sensing for quite some time – that God is doing something special among us.

On Sunday I shared with you that I truly believe God is handing us another seed.  For 36 years we’ve simply tried to plant every seed God has entrusted to us.  Sometimes we’ve seen the harvest quickly.  Other times we’ve had to wait.  But every single time God has been faithful.  That’s why these Thrive Information Meetings are so important.  They’re not about asking for money.  They’re not about pressuring anyone into making a commitment.  In fact, there won’t be any commitments made or money given at any of these meetings.

They’re simply an opportunity for us to gather together as a church family and talk about what we believe God is calling us to do next.  I’ll share the vision, explain the plans and process in detail, answer your questions, and together we’ll begin praying about what our next step should be.  If Coastal is your church home, I’m asking you to be there.  I have the privilege of serving as your Pastor, but this isn’t “my” church.  It’s OUR church.  And I genuinely want everyone to hear the vision firsthand.  After all, sometimes there’s just no substitute for being in the room.

If you haven’t signed up yet, would you take just a minute and do that today? We have 12 different meetings available, and I’m confident you’ll find one that works with your schedule.

Sign up now online, or sign up on your Thrive Card on Sunday.  Just pick one!

1 – Friday, August 21st, 6:30pm-8pm, Auditorium  (childcare – pizza) 
2 – Saturday, August 22nd, 9am-10:30am, Auditorium  (childcare – refreshments) 
3 – Sunday, August 23rd, 12:45-2:15pm, Auditorium  (childcare – pizza) 
4 – Sunday, August 23rd, 5:30pm-7pm, Chapel  (childcare – pizza) 
5 – Wednesday, August 26th, 9am-10:30am, Chapel  (no childcare – refreshments) 
6 – Wednesday, August 26th, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel  (childcare – refreshments) 
7 – Thursday, August 27th, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel  (childcare – refreshments) 
8 – Saturday, August 29th, 10am-11:30am, Auditorium  (childcare – refreshments)
9 – Sunday, August 30th, 5:30pm-7pm, Chapel  (childcare – pizza) 
10 – Young Adults, Monday, August 31st, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel (no childcare – refreshments) 
11 – Tuesday, September 1st, 12pm-1:30pm, Chapel  (no childcare – lunch)
12 – Wednesday, September 2nd, 6:30pm-8pm, Chapel (childcare – refreshments) 

I honestly can’t wait to sit down with you, open up the Thrive Magazine together, and share what God has placed on our hearts.  I have a feeling that one day we’ll look back on these meetings and realize we were watching another one of those “gradually, then suddenly” moments unfold right in front of us.  I hope you’ll be in the room when it happens.  

One last thing, please keep our Peru Missions Team in your prayers!  They leave tomorrow morning and will return next Saturday.  Pray for them and the people of Peru they will be serving. I love you, Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I absolutely love watching God write the next chapter of our story together!

In His Service & Yours!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, July 24th, 4pm-6:00pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, July 27th, 1:30pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Bingo and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, July 28th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   The Market Organize & Prep:  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, July 29th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Serving in the Market & the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds and clothes an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help serve our community (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, July 30th, 11am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Boutique Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Friday, July 31st, 10:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, July 31st, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is Saturday, August 1st.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. We are in the final days of needing all of the details finalized for our Fall LIFE Groups.  ALL details must be turned in by THIS Sunday, July 26th. Please fill yours out soon if you haven’t already done so. You can click HERE to submit those details.  All LIFE Group leaders are required to complete a training session each semester.  You only need to attend 1 of the 3 options.  Please sign up for your choice on the links below.  LIFE Group Sunday is on Sunday, August 30th and LIFE Groups will begin the week of September 13th-19th.
   
   – New Leaders Training, Thursday, August 13th, 6:30pm-8pm
   – New Leaders Training, Saturday, August 15th, 9am-10:30am
   – Returning Leaders Training, Sunday, August 16th, 8pm-9pm ONLINE
   
   Contact Pastor Scott Huff  if you have any questions.
   
3. Hey Coastal, since opening “The Outpost” the number of families we are helping in our community has multiplied exponentially!  We are always in need of food to restock “The Market” and clothes for “The Boutique”!  Right now “The Market” could use:  canned chicken and tuna, cereal, jelly, corn, and pasta sauce.  “The Boutique” is in need of school uniforms, men’s shirts (larger sizes), and  men’s pants (all sizes).  If you’re cleaning out your closet or making a store run, we’d love for you to keep The Outpost in mind.  Every donation goes directly to someone in our community in need.  Drop your donations in the bin/shopping cart at Coastal on Sunday mornings, or Monday-Thursday, 9-4 (church office on the side).  Your donations, big or small, make a huge impact on families in need in our community.
   
4. We are planning our 2nd BEACH BAPTISM of the Summer out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, August 9th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website. 
   
5. Newcomer’s Reception: If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, August 16th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 

P.S. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is THIS Saturday, July 25th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email or sign up on our website (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided! 

As I was walking through VBS this week, I found myself smiling over and over again.  Everywhere I looked there were children laughing, singing, playing games, making crafts, learning Bible verses, and discovering something even more important – that the God who created this incredible world also created them, knows them, loves them, and wants a relationship with them.

Our theme this year has been “Rainforest Falls – Exploring the Nature of God.”  What a beautiful reminder that every waterfall, every towering tree, every colorful bird, and every amazing creature (including Ocelots – didn’t know what that was until this week) points us to an even more amazing Creator.  Romans 1 tells us that creation declares His greatness.  And all week long, hundreds of children have been discovering who God is through the world He made.  What a privilege!

This week has once again reminded me why we do what we do.  Every decoration that was hung, every snack that was served, every game that was played, every lesson that was taught, every Bible that was opened, every song that was sung, and every prayer that was prayed was another opportunity to help a child experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus.

I’ll update all the final numbers after tonight, but already God has done some incredible things! We have had over 350 children, 200+ volunteers, and countless conversations about Jesus throughout the week.  Those numbers matter because every number has a name, every name has a story, and every story matters to God.

I also want to say a heartfelt thank you to every volunteer. I honestly believe we have the greatest volunteers anywhere. You gave up vacation time, worked long hours, sweated through Charleston heat, decorated classrooms, led small groups, checked in families, cleaned up every night, and did it all with joy. Thank you for serving so faithfully. You have made an eternal difference in the lives of these children, and I couldn’t be more grateful or more proud to be your Pastor.

And speaking of making an eternal difference, our children gave hundreds of items of clothes and food, and as of right now (not counting tonight’s offering or anything you’d like to give on Sunday) our VBS offering is right at $6000!  If you’d like to give, the easiest way is to text “VBS” to 843-571-1777.  Every gift counts, every gift matters!  Thank you for your incredible generosity. Every dollar given helps us continue sharing the love of Jesus beyond Charleston and around the world.

Don’t forget that tonight is our VBS Closing Celebration! From 6:00–7:00 PM we’ll enjoy hot dogs, Kona Ice, and inflatables outside (weather permitting), followed by our Closing Program at 7:00 PM inside the Worship Center with music, highlights from the week, and a special slideshow. Whether you had children at VBS or not, I’d love for you to come celebrate what God has done with us.

One final word of appreciation goes to Aly Huggins.  This was her second VBS as our Children’s Director, and she has done an outstanding job leading an incredible team.  Like every great leader at Coastal, she’ll be the first to tell you this week was made possible by an amazing team of staff and volunteers.  But Aly, thank you for your vision, your leadership, your hard work, and your heart for children.  We are so thankful for you.  I love you, Coastal.  I love being your Pastor.  And I absolutely love watching the next generation discover just how great our God is.

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   The Boutique Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, July 17th;  Monday, July 20th, 10:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, July 17th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Hollywood Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of We-Fold-It, we are able to serve the community of Hollywood by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  TOMORROW, Saturday, July 18th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Hollywood Clothing Distribution:  The third Saturday of each month, there is a clothing distribution for the those in need in Hollywood. We will get the opportunity to take one of our Mobile Outreach Clothing Vehicles out to distribute clothing while loving on those we encounter. This is an amazing project to join and get a glimpse of what our Clothing Ministry here at Coastal does!!  TOMORROW, Saturday, July 18th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  TOMORROW, Saturday, July 18th, 7:30am-9am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at The Outpost on Tuesday, July 21st, 12pm-3pm.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution Set-Up:  Come unload, sort, and stage supplies for our distribution the following day!  Wednesday, July 22nd, 9:30am-12noon;  Thursday, July 23rd,10am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Market Sort & Stock at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the Outpost (1050 St. Andrews Blvd.) and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, July 22nd, 10am-12noon.
   Brighton Place Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Brighton Place community (here in West Ashley – near Citadel Mall) on Wednesday, July 22nd, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution:  Come help distribute food to the wonderful residents of Brighton Place!  Thursday, July 23rd,10am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Serving in the Market & the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds and clothes an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help serve our community (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, July 23rd, 11am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, July 24th, 4pm-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. We’re looking for LIFE Group Leaders for this Fall!  If you’ve ever led a Coastal LIFE Group in the past, WE NEED YOU TO LEAD ONE THIS FALL!  If you’ve ever BEEN IN a Coastal LIFE Group before, and have ever considered leading one, this Fall is the time to do it.  Why is this the time to lead a LIFE Group?  Because all of our LIFE Groups will be studying the same material based on simply watching and/or listening to the Sunday morning message.  We’ll provide all the discussion questions and leader materials necessary for facilitating the Group.  In other words, people will be signing up for a Group based primarily on relationships, time and location, and not the different studies.  
    
   If you’ve led a Coastal Group before, go to this link and sign up to lead one today!  We need to have the information about all of our Groups turned in by July 26th, so we can put together and print our LIFE Group Catalog.  You can also sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday.  Contact Pastor Scott Huff  if you have any questions.
   
3. If Coastal is your church home, I want to encourage you to sign up for one of our twelve THRIVE Information Meetings. I personally will be leading each of these meetings.  This will be your opportunity to hear the vision behind the church-wide Spiritual Growth & Giving Campaign called, “THRIVE – Expanding Our Reach & Deepening Our Roots,” ask questions, and see how God is leading us into our next chapter together.  Yes, it’s your chance to see exactly what we’re going to build and how we’re going to do it, but it’s more than that.  It’s really a “family meeting.”  You can sign up on Sunday on a special Thrive Card in your bulletin or you can sign up now online.  You only have to sign up ONE time and ONE way and attend ONE meeting, but we ARE asking everyone who calls Coastal home to attend.  Childcare and refreshments (or pizza) are provided at almost all the meetings.
   
4. We are planning our 2nd BEACH BAPTISM of the Summer out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, August 9th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website. 
   
5. This Sunday, July 19th, Pastor Chris will be kicking off another favorite Summer Sermon Series tradition here at Coastal – “Summer Reading”!  “Summer Reading” is where we pick a group of books (see book list and schedule above) for you to read over the Summer, and then the subject matter of each of those books becomes the sermon topic for that particular Sunday.  We’re not preaching from the books themselves.  If anything, 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.  We hope you’ll pick up one or two or all of the books and read them over the Summer.  After all. . . leaders are what?  Readers!

P.S. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, July 25th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided! 

This week has reminded me just how quickly life can change.  In the span of just a few days, my son had a birthday.  I had the incredible privilege of baptizing a young student that I dedicated when he was a baby.  I visited an older Pastor friend of mine who came home from the hospital and rehab following a stroke.  I officiated a beautiful wedding for a sweet couple from our church.  I stood with one of our Coastal families as we held the funeral for little JC, a precious 5 year-old boy whose life tragically ended far too soon.

Joy and sorrow.  Celebration and heartbreak.  Laughter and tears.  As I reflected on everything that happened this week, my thoughts kept returning to Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.  A time to be born and a time to die.  A time to plant and a time to harvest.  A time to kill and a time to heal.  A time to tear down and a time to build up.  A time to cry and a time to laugh.  A time to grieve and a time to dance.”

Solomon reminds us that there is “a time for every activity under heaven.” Sometimes all of those seasons seem to collide in the very same week.  One of the things I love most about God’s church is that we get to walk through every one of those seasons TOGETHER.  Think about it – we celebrate births, birthdays, baptisms, and weddings.  We gather around hospital beds.  We comfort grieving families.  We pray for one another.  We laugh together.  We cry together.  We remind one another that, no matter what season we find ourselves in, God is faithful and He never leaves us.

As I look ahead to next week, I’m reminded that another season is about to begin.  On Monday evening our campus will be filled with hundreds of children for Vacation Bible School.  They’ll laugh, sing, play games, make friends, memorize Scripture, and most importantly, hear about the love of Jesus.  While many of us are in different seasons of life, these children are just beginning their journey.  What an incredible privilege we have to plant seeds of faith that will bear fruit for years to come.  VBS is about planting seeds in children today.  Our Thrive Campaign that we will launch this Fall is about creating room for those children, and countless others, to continue growing for generations to come.  Throughout the campaign we’ll be asking God to help us expand our reach and deepen our roots so that future generations will have the opportunity to know and follow Christ.  We’re not simply building a building.  We’re investing in people we may never meet this side of heaven.

Ecclesiastes reminds us that life is made up of seasons.  Some are joyful.  Some are painful.  But every season is an opportunity to trust God and to join Him in what He’s doing.  Thank you for allowing Janet and me to walk through every season of life with you.  It truly is one of the greatest privileges of our lives.  I love you, Coastal.  I love being your Pastor.  And I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us next.

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING SUMMER OF IMPACT OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   NHC Fellowship & Hospitality Project:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and snacks and more!  TODAY, Friday, July 10th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   2nd Saturday Meal: TOMORROW, Saturday, July 11th, 9am-12noon.  Come serve with us at the church as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: TOMORROW, Saturday, July 11th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.  1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Boutique Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Monday, July 13th;  Friday, July 17th, 10:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, July 13th, 1:30pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, July 14th, 8am-12pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Bingo and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, July 14th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, July 15th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Market Organize & Prep:  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, July 15th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Wednesday, July 15th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Serving in the Market & the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds and clothes an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help serve our community (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, July 16th, 11am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, July 17th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Hollywood Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of We-Fold-It, we are able to serve the community of Hollywood by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  Saturday, July 18th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Hollywood Clothing Distribution:  The third Saturday of each month, there is a clothing distribution for the those in need in Hollywood. We will get the opportunity to take one of our Mobile Outreach Clothing Vehicles out to distribute clothing while loving on those we encounter. This is an amazing project to join and get a glimpse of what our Clothing Ministry here at Coastal does!!  Saturday, July 18th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  Saturday, July 18th, 7:30am-9am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. We’re looking for LIFE Group Leaders for this Fall!  If you’ve ever led a Coastal LIFE Group in the past, WE NEED YOU TO LEAD ONE THIS FALL!  If you’ve ever BEEN IN a Coastal LIFE Group before, and have ever considered leading one, this Fall is the time to do it.  Why is this the time to lead a LIFE Group?  Because all of our LIFE Groups will be studying the same material based on simply watching and/or listening to the Sunday morning message.  We’ll provide all the discussion questions and leader materials necessary for facilitating the Group.  In other words, people will be signing up for a Group based primarily on relationships, time and location, and not the different studies.  
    
   If you’ve led a Coastal Group before, go to this link and sign up to lead one today!  We need to have the information about all of our Groups turned in by July 26th, so we can put together and print our LIFE Group Catalog.  You can also sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday.  Contact Pastor Scott Huff  if you have any questions.
   
3. VBS is now just 3 days away: starting this Monday night, July 13th-17th, 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  We already have 337 children pre-registered!  But there are still 5 Big Needs: 
   
   1. Simply put, we need MORE VOLUNTEERS – YOU!  To pull off a VBS like we do at Coastal, reaching 300+ children, it requires A LOT of people.  GO TO OUR WEBSITE AND SIGN UP TODAY!   You can also TEXT “vbsvolunteer” to 843-571-1777 to volunteer.  There is a place for you! By the way, childcare for our volunteers is provided on site.  
   
   2. VOLUNTEER TRAINING!  If you’re volunteering make sure you sign up for our last VBS Training!  Sunday, July 12th, 4pm-6pm.  Childcare is available. 
   
   3.   If you haven’t already done so, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILD ONLINE.  This really makes the check-in/registration process go so much smoother when VBS begins.  Online Registration will be close TONIGHT,  Friday, July 10th at 6pm.  After that, you will only be able to register at our campus each night in-person before VBS.  You can also TEXT “vbs2026” to 843-571-1777 to register your child.
   
   4. SNACKS, PROPS, & SUPPLIES!  Each night of VBS we provide a snack time for the kids.  We’re also in need of several props/decorations and supplies for the week.  If you are interested in helping to provide either one, go to this sign-up Genius link and sign up today.
   
   5. MONEY & MISSION!  There are two parts to this year’s VBS Offering!  1. We will be collecting money to send with our Peru Missions Team this Summer!  We hope to send them with at least $25,000 for building projects & supplies.  2. We will also be challenging our children and families to bring food and clothes for The Outpost.  Our church feeds and clothes many hurting people in our community.  For the food, please bring any non-perishable food.  For the clothes, please bring these specific clothing items: men’s, women’s, and kids’ underwear in 2ct or 4ct, as well as new kids’ shoes, and kids school uniforms.  There will be a little “competition” each night between the Teams for who brings the most food/clothes and the most money.  You can begin giving financially now through the week of VBS.  Simply designate your offering “VBS.”
   
   If you have any questions about VBS, please reach out to Aly Huggins. It really is one of the BEST weeks of the Summer!  I hope you’ll be a part of it!
   
4. We are planning our 2nd BEACH BAPTISM of the Summer out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, August 9th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.
    
5. On Sunday, July 19th, Pastor Chris will be kicking off another favorite Summer Sermon Series tradition here at Coastal – “Summer Reading”!  “Summer Reading” is where we pick a group of books (see book list and schedule above) for you to read over the Summer, and then the subject matter of each of those books becomes the sermon topic for that particular Sunday.  We’re not preaching from the books themselves.  If anything, 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.  We hope you’ll pick up one or two or all of the books and read them over the Summer.  After all. . . leaders are what?  Readers!

P.S. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, July 25th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided! 

First of all, I just want to thank everyone for all the love you’ve shown me this week for my birthday! On Wednesday I turned 59 years young, and once again I have been overwhelmed by your kindness, your cards, your messages, your prayers, and your encouragement. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!  I say it often because it’s true.  Coastal is not simply a church I attend or a place where I work.  It is my family.  It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve as your Pastor these past 36 years.  Janet and I love you dearly, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity God has given us to lead and serve alongside you.  I truly mean it every time I say it – I love you, Coastal.  I love being your Pastor.  And I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us next.  I sincerely believe the best is yet to come and we’re just getting started!

This Independence Day is especially significant as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  For two and a half centuries, God has shown incredible grace to our nation.  While we recognize that America faces many challenges and that our differences often seem deeper than ever, I still believe we have so much to thank God for.  I am grateful for the freedoms we enjoy, for those who have sacrificed to protect them, and for the incredible privilege of living in this country.

As we celebrate our nation’s independence, may we also remember our complete dependence on God.  Our hope has never rested in government, politics, or the economy.  Our hope is found in Jesus Christ alone.  He is our strength, our foundation, and the source of every lasting blessing.  As God’s people, may we continue to humble ourselves before Him, seek His face, obey His Word, and pray for our nation with both conviction and compassion.
 
The Bible reminds us that this world is not our permanent home. We are citizens of a greater Kingdom.  Yet until the Lord comes again or calls us home, He has left us here with a purpose.  We are called to be salt and light, to love our neighbors, to share the Gospel, to serve our communities, and to point people to the only freedom that lasts forever.

1 Timothy 2:1-6, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.”  Those words are just as relevant today as they were when Paul first wrote them.  As followers of Christ, we are called to pray for our leaders, pray for our nation, and pray for the people around us, regardless of our differences.  Our ultimate mission has never changed.  We want to see people come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

As we gather with family and friends this Independence Day weekend, let’s thank God for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.  But even more importantly, let’s celebrate the freedom that can only be found through Jesus Christ. Political freedom is a wonderful gift. Spiritual freedom is an eternal one.

I hope you and your family have a safe and meaningful Fourth of July.  Enjoy the celebrations, thank those who have served our country, and take a few moments to pray for America.  Ask God to continue to pour out His grace on our nation, to bring spiritual awakening to our communities, and to use His Church to be a light in a world that desperately needs hope.

Happy Independence Day!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING SUMMER OF IMPACT OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Before you check out the list of outreach projects below, please note that there will be NO SATURDAY SERVE TOMORROW, Saturday, July 4th.  Don’t worry, there are plenty of outreach projects before and after Independence Day to choose from.  So go to our website, check them out and sign up today!
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, July 3rd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Clothing Ministry Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Monday, July 6th;  Friday, July 10th, 10:30am-12:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution Set-Up:  Come unload, sort, and stage supplies for our distribution the following day!  Wednesday, July 8th, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Market Sort & Stock at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the Outpost (1050 St. Andrews Blvd.) and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, July 8th, 10am-12noon.
   Charleston Vets Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’re going to play Bingo, share a meal, and have a devotion.  Come on out and love on those who have sacrificed so much for us.  Wednesday, July 8th, 5:30pm-8pm.  Meet at The Outpost  – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution:  Come help residents of Brighton Place meet their grocery needs!  Thursday, July 9th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at Brighton Place.
   Serving in the Market & the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds and clothes an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help serve our community (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, July 9th, 11am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   NHC Fellowship & Hospitality Project:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and snacks and more!  Friday, July 10th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   2nd Saturday Meal: Saturday, July 11th, 9am-12noon.  Come serve with us at the church as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, July 11th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.  1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. We are in the planning stages for our THRIVE CAMPAIGN FALL LIFE GROUPS!  This is the easiest time to lead a Group.  All of our Groups will be studying the same material based off of our sermons.  We provide the material, you facilitate the Group.  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this Fall?  The Fall Semester begins in September and lasts 10 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff  if you are interested in leading a Group.
   
3. VBS is now just 1 week away from this coming Monday night: July 13th-17th, 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  We already have 310 children pre-registered!  But there are still 5 Big Needs: 
   
   1. Simply put, we need MORE VOLUNTEERS – YOU!  To pull off a VBS like we do at Coastal, reaching 300+ children, it requires A LOT of people.  GO TO OUR WEBSITE AND SIGN UP TODAY!   You can also TEXT “vbsvolunteer” to 843-571-1777 to volunteer.  There is a place for you! By the way, childcare for our volunteers is provided on site.  
   
   2. VOLUNTEER TRAINING!  If you’re volunteering make sure you sign up for one our VBS Trainings!  Pick one of the following dates and click on it to sign-up:   Thursday, July 9th, 6:30-8:30pm;  Sunday, July 12th, 4pm-6pm.  Childcare is available. 
   
   3.   If you haven’t already done so, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILD ONLINE.  This really makes the check-in/registration process go so much smoother when VBS begins.  Online Registration will be closed Friday night, July 10th at 6pm.  After that, you will only be able to register at our campus each night in-person before VBS.  You can also TEXT “vbs2026” to 843-571-1777 to register your child.
   
   4. SNACKS, PROPS, & SUPPLIES!  Each night of VBS we provide a snack time for the kids.  We’re also in need of several props/decorations and supplies for the week.  If you are interested in helping to provide either one, go to this sign-up Genius link and sign up today.
   
   5. MONEY & MISSION!  There are two parts to this year’s VBS Offering!  1. We will be collecting money to send with our Peru Missions Team this Summer!  We hope to send them with at least $25,000 for building projects & supplies.  2. We will also be challenging our children and families to bring food and clothes for The Outpost.  Our church feeds and clothes many hurting people in our community.  For the food, please bring any non-perishable food.  For the clothes, please bring these specific clothing items: men’s, women’s, and kids’ underwear in 2ct or 4ct, as well as new kids’ shoes, and kids school uniforms.  There will be a little “competition” each night between the Teams for who brings the most food/clothes and the most money.  You can begin giving financially now through the week of VBS.  Simply designate your offering “VBS.
   
   If you have any questions about VBS, please reach out to Aly Huggins. It really is one of the BEST weeks of the Summer!  I hope you’ll be a part of it!
   
4. We are planning our 2nd BEACH BAPTISM of the Summer out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, August 9th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.
   
5. On Sunday, July 19th, Pastor Chris will be kicking off another favorite Summer Sermon Series tradition here at Coastal – “Summer Reading”!  “Summer Reading” is where we pick a group of books (see book list and schedule above) for you to read over the Summer, and then the subject matter of each of those books becomes the sermon topic for that particular Sunday.  We’re not preaching from the books themselves.  If anything, 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.  We hope you’ll pick up one or two or all of the books and read them over the Summer.  After all. . . leaders are what?  Readers!

P.S. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, July 25th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided! 

It was another awesome day at Coastal this past Sunday!  Evidently, our church loves them some WINGS & FRIES!  That will definitely continue to be a Father’s Day tradition at Coastal!  Our attendance was 1529 (up 400 from just 2 years ago) and we had another 1622 online!  And between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day we dedicated 48 children!  Wow!  Keep it up Coastal – keep inviting and bringing your friends, family, co-workers, classmates, and neighbors (and keep having those babies – haha)!

Another Summer of IMPACT is almost in the books!  I say almost, because there are still 8 more projects left as we close out the month of June.  I know we say this every year, but it really has been the BEST SUMMER OF IMPACT EVER!  The 77 different projects in June saw a total of over 1154 volunteers and 2970 volunteer hours!  Please pray for all the seeds of love that were planted, that they will bear much fruit for years to come!  Much thanks goes to Chris Jones, our Executive Pastor who oversees the Outreach here at Coastal and our Outreach Assistant Morgan Spell.  As you can tell, much prayer, planning, organization, and preparation have all gone into Summer of IMPACT.  And none of it would be possible without all of our great Project Leaders and the countless volunteers (YOU) who willingly, joyfully served all month long.  

But, as you know, even as June comes to a close, serving never comes to a close at Coastal.  Serving and loving our community is not relegated to one day or even one month at Coastal.  It’s something we do ALL YEAR round!  It’s a part of the culture here.  In fact, you can go to our website to see and sign up for outreach projects lined up all the way through the end of the year!  
 
Okay Coastal, speaking of the serving culture here at our church, we have a need that I need to share with you.  One of the greatest blessings we’ve quickly seen this year is watching God use The Outpost to make a real difference in people’s lives.  Since opening The Outpost, the number of individuals and families we’re serving has grown dramatically.  Right now, as we learn new systems, we’re only open to the public one day each week (Thursdays 11am-1:30pm), and yet even yesterday we served 45 families!  WOW!  By the way, the families we are serving are not just “out there” in the community.  We are also serving many people from within our own church family.

As we continue expanding this ministry and prepare to open The Outpost on additional days in the future (and eventually another Outpost), this need will only increase.  So today, I’d like to ask for your help in two specific areas:

1. Food – The Market
We are constantly in need of nonperishable food items.  While we’re grateful to now be an Agency Food Bank partner, which allows us to purchase food at greatly reduced prices, that supply only supplements what we need.  Not only are we providing food directly to families who visit The Outpost each week, but we’re also helping stock 19 different Blessing Boxes throughout our community on a regular basis.  The simplest way to help?  The next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a few extra items and bring them to church.

2. Clothing – The Boutique
There was a season when we told people we didn’t need women’s and children’s clothing because we had such an abundance and a lack of storage space.  In fact, our greatest need at the time was men’s clothing.  That is simply no longer the case. Today, we need it ALL:  men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing of all sizes, including school uniforms. Every week, families come through our doors looking for practical help, and these clothing donations make a tremendous difference.  So take a few minutes this weekend to go through your closets.  If there are clean, gently used clothes you no longer need, consider donating them Coastal.

Drop-Off Times for Food & Clothing:
– Sundays at Coastal (there is a clothing bin & grocery cart in the Welcome Center)  
– Monday–Thursday, 9am–4pm, at the church office
– Wednesdays at The Outpost, 9:30am-11:30pm (Outpost organization day)
– Thursdays at The Outpost, 11am–1:30pm (open to the community)

Thank you for helping us be the hands and feet of Jesus right here in our own community. Every bag of groceries, every can of food, every shirt, pair of shoes, or jacket becomes a tangible expression of God’s love to someone who needs hope.  TOGETHER, we’re making a difference – one person, one family at a time.  Coastal, I love YOU!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love loving our community to Jesus with you!

Much, Much Love & Gratitude!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING SUMMER OF IMPACT OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Before you check out the list of outreach projects below, please note that there will be NO SATURDAY SERVE on Saturday, July 4th.  Don’t worry, there are plenty of outreach projects before and after Independence Day to choose from.  So go to our website, check them out and sign up today!
   
   Summer of IMPACT!  EVENT HIGHLIGHT:  Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Build:  This is a BIG project that could use LOTS of Volunteers.  “Sleep In Heavenly Peace” has a motto – “No Child Sleeps On the Floor In Our Community!”  Come be a part of the bed building process and make a big IMPACT in the life of children right here in our own community.  Meet at Coastal TOMORROW,  Saturday, June 27th, 8am-12noon.
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, June 26th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Build:  We’re building beds for children in our community. Meet at Coastal on Saturday, June 27th, 8am-12noon. (see note above)
   West Ashley Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of Sudsy Seagull, we are able to serve the community of West Ashley by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  TOMORROW, Saturday, June 27th, 9am-12noon.  Meet at Sudsy Seagull Coin Laundry, 2325 Ashley River Rd.
   Blessing Box Repair & Refill: TOMORROW, Saturday, June 27th, 2pm-4:30pm.  As a church, through the generosity of our members, we built 7 Blessing Boxes a few years ago and maintain another 12! This summer, we are looking to repair, repaint and restock these boxes. If you are looking for a handy-person project, this is a great one for you!  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Ronald McDonald House Grab & Go Meal Kit Packing Party:  Our team will assist the Ronald McDonald House in its mission by packing “Grab & Go” Meal Kits for families staying at the house. This kid-friendly effort will help provide families with something to eat while supporting their loved ones during longer stays in the hospital.  Sunday, June 28th, 3pm-5pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, June 29th, 6pm-8pm.  Meet at JFM.
   My Preemie & Yours:  My Preemie and Yours (MPAY) is a local nonprofit that supports families with babies in the NICU at MUSC. In some of the hardest moments of a family’s life, NICU nurses provide not only expert care but also comfort, patience, and hope.  We are partnering with MPAY to assemble appreciation gifts and handwritten notes for 100 NICU nurses, thanking them for the compassion and dedication they show to the tiniest patients and their families every day. It’s a tangible way we can share Christ’s love and encouragement with those who faithfully care for the smallest and vulnerable members of our community.  Tuesday, June 30th, 6pm-7:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Game Night:  Our church enjoys a remarkable relationship with the veterans at Patriot Villas – a facility where we have been serving for years.  We will be sending a team out to have a game night. This evening will be designed to fellowship & love on these amazing veterans. Come out, bring your family, and let’s play a game! Tuesday, June 30th, 6-8pm.  Meet at PV.
   The Market Sort & Stock at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the Outpost (1050 St. Andrews Blvd.) and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, July 1st, 10am-12noon.
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Delivery Project:  This team from Coastal will help to deliver beds, alongside brand-new linens, to well deserving but underserved children all over Charleston. There will be some light lifting and assembly required but will be heavy on both love and encouragement. We’ll bring comfort, love, and encouragement to the families we serve. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, July 1st, 6pm-8pm.
   Serving in the Market at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, July 2nd, 11am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Serving in the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal clothes an enormous amount of people.  This team receives, inspects, sorts, and prepares thousands of items of donated clothing every single month to ensure our outreach teams are ready to assist those in need in our community.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd., Thursday, July 2nd, 11am-1:30pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, July 3rd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. We are in the planning stages for our THRIVE CAMPAIGN FALL LIFE GROUPS!  This is the easiest time to lead a Group.  All of our Groups will be studying the same material based off of our sermons.  We provide the material, you facilitate the Group.  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this Fall?  The Fall Semester begins in September and lasts 10 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff  if you are interested in leading a Group.
   
3. VBS is now just 2 weeks away from this coming Monday night: July 13th-17th, 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  We already have 278 children pre-registered!  But there are still 4 Big Needs: 
   
   1. Simply put, we need MORE VOLUNTEERS – YOU!  To pull off a VBS like we do at Coastal, reaching 300+ children, it requires A LOT of people.  GO TO OUR WEBSITE AND SIGN UP TODAY!   You can also TEXT “vbsvolunteer” to 843-571-1777 to volunteer.  There is a place for you! By the way, childcare for our volunteers is provided on site.  
   
   Also, if you’re volunteering make sure you sign up for one our VBS Trainings!  Pick one of the following dates and click on it to sign-up:  Saturday, June 27th, 9:30am-11:30am;  Thursday, July 9th, 6:30-8:30pm;  Sunday, July 12th, 4pm-6pm.  Childcare is available. 
   
   2.   If you haven’t already done so, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILD ONLINE.  This really makes the check-in/registration process go so much smoother when VBS begins.  Online Registration will be closed Friday night, July 10th at 6pm.  After that, you will only be able to register at our campus each night in-person before VBS.  You can also TEXT “vbs2026” to 843-571-1777 to register your child.
   
   3. SNACKS, PROPS, & SUPPLIES!  Each night of VBS we provide a snack time for the kids.  We’re also in need of several props/decorations and supplies for the week.  If you are interested in helping to provide either one, go to this sign-up Genius link and sign up today.
   
   4. MONEY & MISSION!  There are two parts to this year’s VBS Offering!  1. We will be collecting money to send with our Peru Missions Team this Summer!  We hope to send them with at least $25,000 for building projects & supplies.  2. We will also be challenging our children and families to bring food and clothes for The Outpost.  Our church feeds and clothes many hurting people in our community.  For the food, please bring any non-perishable food.  For the clothes, please bring these specific clothing items: men’s, women’s, and kids’ underwear in 2ct or 4ct, as well as new kids’ shoes, and kids school uniforms.  There will be a little “competition” each night between the Teams for who brings the most food/clothes and the most money.  You can begin giving financially now through the week of VBS.  Simply designate your offering “VBS.”
   
   If you have any questions about VBS, please reach out to Aly Huggins. It really is one of the BEST weeks of the Summer!  I hope you’ll be a part of it!
   
4. Calling All Coastal Artists!  As we prepare for our 2026 Church-Wide Spiritual Growth/Giving Campaign, we are looking for Artists from within our congregation to submit pages for the Coastal Coloring Book!  All submissions will need to be turned no later than June 30. 
   
5. On Sunday, July 19th, Pastor Chris will be kicking off another favorite Summer Sermon Series tradition here at Coastal – “Summer Reading”!  “Summer Reading” is where we pick a group of books (see book list and schedule above) for you to read over the Summer, and then the subject matter of each of those books becomes the sermon topic for that particular Sunday.  We’re not preaching from the books themselves.  If anything, 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.  We hope you’ll pick up one or two or all of the books and read them over the Summer.  After all. . . leaders are what?  Readers!

P.S. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, July 25th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided! 

Next week is the last full week of Summer of IMPACT.  There are still plenty of opportunities left to serve during this final week of SOI.  Don’t let this last week go by without YOU being a part of it.  Go to our website, check out the remaining projects, and sign up today!  But, as you know, even as June comes to a close, serving never comes to a close at Coastal.  At Coastal, we don’t just serve during the Holidays, or a couple of big days during the year, or even just during the month of June.  Serving and loving our community is a part of the DNA of our church.  It’s something we do all year round.  In fact, when you signed up to serve for SOI, you probably noticed that we’ve got projects lined up all the way through the end of the year!!  
 
VBS is now 3 weeks away from this Monday night: July 13th-17th, 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  We already have 237 children pre-registered!  But there are still 4 Big Needs:

1. Simply put, we need MORE VOLUNTEERS – YOU!  To pull off a VBS like we do at Coastal, reaching around 300 children, it requires A LOT of people.  Please GO TO OUR WEBSITE AND SIGN UP TODAY!   You can also TEXT “vbsvolunteer” to 843-571-1777 to volunteer.  There is a place for you! Childcare for volunteers is provided. 
 
2.   If you haven’t already done so, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILD ONLINE.  This really makes the check-in/registration process go so much smoother when VBS begins.  Online Registration will be closed Friday night, July 10th at 6pm.  After that, you will only be able to register at our campus each night in-person before VBS.  You can also TEXT “vbs2026” to 843-571-1777 to register your child.
 
3. SNACKS, PROPS, & SUPPLIES!  Each night of VBS we provide a snack time for the kids.  We’re also in need of several props/decorations and supplies for the week.  If you are interested in helping to provide either one, go to this sign-up Genius link and sign up today.
 
4. MONEY!  There are two parts to this year’s VBS Offering!  1. We will be collecting money to send with our Peru Missions Team this Summer!  We hope to send them with at least $25,000 for building projects & supplies.  2. We will also be challenging our children and families to bring food and clothes for The Outpost.  Our church feeds and clothes many hurting people in our community.  For the food, please bring any non-perishable food.  For the clothes, please bring these specific clothing items: men’s, women’s, and kids’ underwear in 2ct or 4ct, as well as new kids’ shoes. There will be a little “competition” each night between the Teams for who brings the most food/clothes and the most money.  You can begin giving financially now through the week of VBS.  Simply designate your offering “VBS.”
 
If you have any questions about VBS, please reach out to Aly Huggins. It really is one of the BEST weeks of the Summer!  I hope you’ll be a part of it!  I love YOU, I love being your Pastor.  And I love what we get to do together.  I can’t wait to see you and your friends this Sunday for FATHER’S DAY!

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING SUMMER OF IMPACT OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   One of the ways our church marks the beginning of Summer every year is through something called Summer of IMPACT!  If you are fairly new to Coastal, Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort (the entire month of June) where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we normally do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  In fact, there are over 70 projects this year and there is something for everyone.  You simply sign-up and then show-up.  It’s that easy.  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  Check out all the projects next week listed below!   All the projects are loaded on our website and you can start signing up TODAY! 
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, June 19th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Clothing Ministry Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, June 19th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   NHC Fellowship & Hospitality Project:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and snacks and more!  TODAY, Friday, June 19th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  Saturday, June 20th, 7:30am-9am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   Hollywood Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of We-Fold-It, we are able to serve the community of Hollywood by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  Saturday, June 20th, 7:30am-10:30am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Hollywood Clothing Distribution:  The third Saturday of each month, there is a food distribution for the elderly out in Hollywood. We will get the opportunity to take one of our Mobile Outreach Clothing Vehicles out to distribute clothing while loving on those we encounter. This is an amazing project to join and get a glimpse of what our Clothing Ministry here at Coastal does!!  Saturday, June 20th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Ronald McDonald House Grab & Go Meal Kit Packing Party:  Our team will assist the Ronald McDonald House in its mission by packing “Grab & Go” Meal Kits for families staying at the house. This kid-friendly effort will help provide families with something to eat while supporting their loved ones during longer stays in the hospital.  Saturday, June 20th, 9am-11am;  Sunday, June 28th, 3pm-5pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, June 22nd, 2pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, June 23rd, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution Set-Up:  Come unload, sort, and stage supplies for our distribution the following day!  Wednesday, June 24th, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Market Sort & Stock at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the Outpost (1050 St. Andrews Blvd.) and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, June 24th, 10am-12noon.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, June 24th, 5pm-8pm.
   Brighton Place Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Brighton Place community (here in West Ashley – near Citadel Mall) on Wednesday, June 24th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Delivery Project:  This team from Coastal will help to deliver beds, alongside brand-new linens, to well deserving but underserved children all over Charleston. There will be some light lifting and assembly required but will be heavy on both love and encouragement. We’ll bring comfort, love, and encouragement to the families we serve. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, June 24th, 6pm-8:30pm.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution:  Come help residents of Brighton Place shop for their grocery needs!  Thursday, June 25th, 10:15am-12:15pm.  Meet at Brighton Place.
   Serving in the Market at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, June 25th, 11am-1pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Serving in the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal clothes an enormous amount of people.  This team receives, inspects, sorts, and prepares thousands of items of donated clothing every single month to ensure our outreach teams are ready to assist those in need in our community.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd., Thursday, June 25th, 11am-1pm.
   VBS Prep Project:  Help prepare props and decorations to transform our campus for VBS.  Meet at Coastal, Thursday, June 25t, 6pm-8pm.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, June 26th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Build:  We’re building beds for children in our community. Meet at Coastal on Saturday, June 27th, 8am-12noon.
   West Ashley Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of Sudsy Seagull, we are able to serve the community of West Ashley by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  Saturday, June 27th, 9am-12noon.  Meet at Sudsy Seagull Coin Laundry, 2325 Ashley River Rd.
   Blessing Box Repair & Refill: Saturday, June 27th, 2pm-4:30pm.  As a church, through the generosity of our members, we built 7 Blessing Boxes a few years ago and maintain another 12! This summer, we are looking to repair, repaint and restock these boxes. If you are looking for a handy-person project, this is a great one for you!  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
2. We are in the planning stages for our THRIVE CAMPAIGN FALL LIFE GROUPS!  This is the easiest time to lead a Group.  All of our Groups will be studying the same material based off of our sermons.  We provide the material, you facilitate the Group.  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this Fall?  The Fall Semester begins in September and lasts 10 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff  if you are interested in leading a Group.
   
3. Father’s Day is THIS Sunday, June 21st!  As always, it’s going to be a great celebration at Coastal with a gift for all the men, grilled WINGS outside under a tent, fun giveaways at the end of each of our services, FREE Kona Ice for everyone, a Family Photo Booth, and Baby & Child Dedication during all 3 services!  If you would like your family to participate in the Baby & Child Dedication, sign up  right now online.  Include your child’s full name and the service you will be attending.  Baby/Child Dedication is a special time for parents to commit their children to the Lord and to renew their commitment as parents to raise their children in a Christ centered home. 
   
4. Calling All Coastal Artists!  As we prepare for our 2026 Church-Wide Spiritual Growth/Giving Campaign, we are looking for Artists from within our congregation to submit pages for the Coastal Coloring Book!  All submissions will need to be turned no later than June 30.
   
5. As a fun way to celebrate the Summer and our “At the Movies” series, we’d like to take any children from our church and their friends (and children at heart) to the 10am special showing of the new “Toy Story 5” movie at Citadel Mall Cinema, Tuesday, June 23rd – ON US (concessions on you)!  Doors open at 9:30am.  RSVP on your Connect Card or respond to this email with the number of tickets you’ll need.  We’ll meet you at the front door of the Theater on June 23rd!
   
   Don’t forget that as we continue our current sermon series, “AT THE MOVIES” that ALL 1st Time Guests (and the person who invited them – YOU) will receive a FREE Movie Ticket to Citadel Mall Theater!  Make sure you pick up the microwave popcorn invite tool this weekend to invite your friends to the series.

P.S. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, July 25th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided! 

This past Sunday, I stood on the beach and watched 92 people publicly declare their faith in Jesus through baptism.  Ninety-two. As I looked up and down the shoreline, I couldn’t help but think, “This is why we do what we do!”  Every baptism represents a changed life, a changed family, and a changed future.  And it’s just one more reminder that God is moving in and through our church in amazing ways.

If you’ve been around Coastal for any length of time, you’ve seen it.  You’ve felt it.  You’ve been a part of it.  God is growing something special here. Healthy things grow.  They THRIVE.  That’s why, this Fall, we will begin a church-wide Spiritual Growth/Giving Campaign called, “Thrive: Expanding Our Reach, Deepening Our Roots.”  You’ll be hearing much more about it in the weeks ahead.  Toward the end of the summer every individual and family will receive a Thrive Campaign Magazine that explains the vision, the process, what we’re building, how much it will cost, and how each of us can participate.

Take a look at the Thrive Campaign Logo above.  Notice the oak tree.  That’s intentional.  Majestic oak trees define the landscape of the Charleston Lowcountry.  We have a large beautiful one right here on our campus.  For years it has stood as a reminder of strength, stability, and growth.  Oak trees don’t become mighty overnight.  Their roots run deep.  And because they are deeply rooted, their branches can spread wide, providing shelter, beauty, and life for generations.

That’s the picture behind Thrive.  We believe God is calling Coastal to deepen our roots in Christ, in prayer, in generosity, and in our commitment to His mission right here in our community.  At the same time, He is calling us to expand our reach—to create more opportunities for more people to share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus in Charleston and around the world.  The oak tree also reminds us that what we’re doing isn’t just for ourselves.  Many of us enjoy the shade of trees we didn’t plant.  The sacrifices, prayers, generosity, and faith of those who came before us helped create the church we enjoy today. 

Well, now it’s our turn, our opportunity, our privilege, to plant seeds that will bless future generations.  And that’s really what Thrive is all about.
Yes, we’re talking about a new worship center, more classrooms, and additional space. But that’s not ultimately what we’re building.  Buildings are simply tools.  We’re creating space for future baptisms, future salvations, future marriages restored, future children discipled, future missionaries sent, future families strengthened, future generations reached with the good news of the Gospel.  In many ways, we’re planting seeds whose full harvest many of us may never completely see.  But that’s how the Kingdom of God works.  One generation plants.  Another generation harvests.  And all of it brings glory to God.

One of the ways we’ll celebrate the Thrive journey is by giving every family a small plant to nurture and watch grow throughout the campaign.  It’s a simple reminder that healthy things grow when they’re cared for, rooted, and given room to flourish.  My prayer is that every time you water that plant, you’ll remember what God wants to do in us.  Because nobody looks at a seed and sees an oak tree.  But God does.  He sees what can happen when His people trust Him, obey Him, and take a step of faith together.

What makes Thrive different is that it’s not simply a building or giving campaign. It’s a spiritual growth journey for our entire church family. Beginning the week of September 13th, our Sunday morning messages and all of our LIFE Groups will move through the same Thrive study together.  Every group, every ministry, and every generation will be focused on the same Biblical truths and spiritual challenges.  Then, from September 28th through November 6th, we’ll participate in a 40-Day Fast and Devotional Journey, culminating in a 24-Hour Prayer Vigil on November 5th–6th and Commitment Sunday on November 8th.

Yes, part of this journey includes taking the next step as a church by building a new worship center and expanding our Coastal Kidz space so we can continue reaching more people for Jesus.  But the real goal is much deeper than that.  We want to deepen our roots in Christ.  We want to grow in faith.
We want to become more generous, more prayerful, more united, and more dependent on God.  In short, we want to THRIVE.  For now, I’m simply asking you to begin praying.  Pray for our church.  Pray for our leadership. Pray for the people God will reach in the years ahead because of the steps of faith we take today.  And pray that God would prepare all of our hearts for what He wants to do—not just through us, but in us.  I truly believe God has positioned Coastal for such a time as this.  Hold on to your fork, the best is yet to come!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love watching God deepen our roots and expand our reach together! 

 Thriving With You!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING SUMMER OF IMPACT OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   One of the ways our church marks the beginning of Summer every year is through something called Summer of IMPACT!  If you are fairly new to Coastal, Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort (the entire month of June) where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we normally do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  In fact, there are over 70 projects this year and there is something for everyone.  You simply sign-up and then show-up.  It’s that easy.  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  Check out all the projects next week listed above!   All the projects are loaded on our website and you can start signing up TODAY! 
   
   Clothing Ministry Sort & Stock:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, June 12th;  Monday, June 15th;  Friday, June 19th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   2nd Saturday Meal: TOMORROW, Saturday, June 13th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us at the church as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: TOMORROW, Saturday, June 13th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.  1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Blessing Box Repair & Refill: TOMORROW, Saturday, June 13th, 2pm-4:30pm.  As a church, through the generosity of our members, we built 7 Blessing Boxes a few years ago and maintain another 12! This summer, we are looking to repair, repaint and restock these boxes. If you are looking for a handy-person project, this is a great one for you!  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   First Responders Appreciation:  As a way of saying thanks to our community’s first responders, we’ll open our doors to provide a continental styled breakfast to area firefighters, police officers, EMTs and more. They will be able to come, relax, enjoy fellowship, and some great food while we thank them for their hard work in keeping our community safe. The event is family friendly and is a great opportunity to showcase our church to those who serve our city.  Monday, June 15th, 9am-11am at Coastal.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, June 15th, 2pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at The Outpost on Tuesday, June 16th, 12pm-3pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Game Night:  Our church enjoys a remarkable relationship with the veterans at Patriot Villas – a facility where we have been serving for years.  We will be sending a team out to have a game night. This evening will be designed to fellowship & love on these amazing veterans. Come out, bring your family, and let’s play a game! Tuesday, June 16th, 6-8pm.  Meet at PV.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, June 17th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   The Market Organize & Prep:  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, June 17th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Kid Friendly Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, June 17th, 5pm-8pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Wednesday, June 17th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Delivery Project:  This team from Coastal will help to deliver beds, alongside brand-new linens, to well deserving but underserved children all over Charleston. There will be some light lifting and assembly required but will be heavy on both love and encouragement. We’ll bring comfort, love, and encouragement to the families we serve. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, June 17th, 6pm-8:30pm.
   Serving in the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal clothes an enormous amount of people.  This team receives, inspects, sorts, and prepares thousands of items of donated clothing every single month to ensure our outreach teams are ready to assist those in need in our community.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd., Thursday, June 18th, 11am-1:30pm.
   Serving in the Market at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, June 18th, 11:30am-1pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Serve at Lowcountry Food Bank:  Come spend a couple of hours with us as we serve in the LCFB warehouse!  Thursday, June 18th, 1pm-3pm.  Meet at: Lowcountry Food Bank, 2864 Azalea Dr, North Charleston, SC 29405.
   Joseph Floyd Manor Grocery Distribution:  Come help residents of JFM meet their food needs!  We will unload, set up, and distribute food to all the residents at JFM.  Thursday, June 18th, 5pm-7:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, June 19th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   NHC Fellowship & Hospitality Project:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and snacks and more!  Friday, June 19th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  Saturday, June 20th, 7:30am-9am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   Hollywood Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of We-Fold-It, we are able to serve the community of Hollywood by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  Saturday, June 20th, 7:30am-10:30am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Hollywood Clothing Distribution:  The third Saturday of each month, there is a food distribution for the elderly out in Hollywood. We will get the opportunity to take one of our Mobile Outreach Clothing Vehicles out to distribute clothing while loving on those we encounter. This is an amazing project to join and get a glimpse of what our Clothing Ministry here at Coastal does!!  Saturday, June 20th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Ronald McDonald House Grab & Go Meal Kit Packing Party:  Our team will assist the Ronald McDonald House in its mission by packing “Grab & Go” Meal Kits for families staying at the house. This kid-friendly effort will help provide families with something to eat while supporting their loved ones during longer stays in the hospital.  Saturday, June 20th, 9am-11am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Mark your calendars now – Coastal’s VBS is July 13th-17th, 6-8:15pm for children 4 years old – 5th Grade.  This year’s theme is, “Rainforest Falls – Exploring the Nature of God!” Registration for Volunteers and children is open!  Go to our website and register today!
   
3. Newcomer’s Reception: If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is this Sunday, June 14th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 
   
4. Calling All Artists!  As we prepare for our 2026 Church-Wide Spiritual Growth/Giving Campaign, we are looking for Artists from within our congregation to submit pages for the Coastal Coloring Book!  All submissions will need to be turned no later than June 30. 
   
5. Don’t forget that as we continue our current sermon series, “AT THE MOVIES” that ALL 1st Time Guests (and the person who invited them – YOU) will receive a FREE Movie Ticket to Citadel Mall Theater!  Make sure you pick up the microwave popcorn invite tool this weekend to invite your friends to the series.  We’ll also be taking the kids (and anyone who wants to come) to a FREE movie (Toy Story 5) on Tuesday, June 23rd at 10am at Citadel Mall Theater (doors open at 9:30am)! 

P.S. We are in the planning stages for our THRIVE CAMPAIGN FALL LIFE GROUPS!  This is the easiest time to lead a Group.  All of our Groups will be studying the same material based off of our sermons.  We provide the material, you facilitate the Group.  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this Fall?  The Fall Semester begins in September and lasts 10 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff  if you are interested in leading a Group.

P.S.S. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21st!  As always, it’s going to be a great celebration at Coastal with a gift for all the men, grilled WINGS outside under a tent, fun giveaways at the end of each of our services, FREE Kona Ice for everyone, a Family Photo Booth, and Baby & Child Dedication during all 3 services!  If you would like your family to participate in the Baby & Child Dedication, sign up on your Connect Card this weekend or right now online.  Include your child’s full name and the service you will be attending.  Baby/Child Dedication is a special time for parents to commit their children to the Lord and to renew their commitment as parents to raise their children in a Christ centered home.

This year is a very special milestone at Coastal for two of our Pastors. Both Pastor Ryan Spell and Pastor Scott Huff are marking ten years of ministry on our staff!  As I reflected on that this week, I was reminded what an incredible blessing that is—not only for them, but for our entire church family.  In today’s ministry world, long-term staff stability is becoming increasingly rare.  Yet for ten years these two men have faithfully served, led, invested in people, and helped carry the mission of Coastal forward.  Their gifts are different, their personalities are different, and their ministry journeys are different, but they share the same commitment to Christ, His Church, and the people of Coastal.

Pastor Ryan has faithfully served our students, our worship ministry, and our production teams with excellence, humility, and a heart for Jesus. Pastor Scott has invested in countless students, families, leaders, and ministries, always willing to step into whatever role is needed to help move our church forward.

I honestly believe one of the reasons God has blessed Coastal through the years is the strength, health, and stability of our Staff Team.  Healthy churches are built by faithful people serving faithfully over time, and we have been blessed with leaders who have done exactly that.

I also want to express our gratitude to their wives, Lori Huff and Gracie Spell. Ministry is never a solo calling.  So much of what happens on a church staff is only possible because of the sacrifices, encouragement, flexibility, and support of spouses who often serve behind the scenes without recognition.  We are deeply grateful for the ways they have invested in our church family through the years.

The church will be honoring Pastor Ryan and Pastor Scott with a gift.  But I hope you’ll take a moment to thank them personally and let them know how God has used their ministry to impact your life and the lives of countless others over the years – Pastor Ryan Spell  /  Pastor Scott Huff.

Most of all, let’s thank God for His faithfulness. Ten years is a wonderful milestone, but I truly believe the best is yet to come. God continues to open new doors, create new opportunities, and expand our influence for His Kingdom. I’m grateful for where we’ve been, excited about where we are, and filled with anticipation for where God is leading us next.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love the Pastors, Staff, and Volunteer Team that we get to do LIFE with here at Coastal!  And I can’t wait to see you on Sunday for the kick-off of “At the Movies” and our Beach Baptism! 

With Much Love & Gratitude!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   NHC Fellowship & Hospitality Project:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and snacks and more!  TODAY, Friday, June 5th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, June 5th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, June 5th; Monday, June 8th, Friday, June 12th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is TOMORROW, Saturday, June 6th.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   Beach Baptism:  Come out and help serve those who are getting baptized by hosting, welcoming, and signing in those who are participating.  Sunday, June 7th, 3:30pm-6pm, Folly Beach County Park.  Look for the Coastal Box Truck!
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, June 8th, 2pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, June 9th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, June 9th, 8am-12pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   The Market Sort & Stock at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the Outpost (1050 St. Andrews Blvd.) and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Wednesday, June 10th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, June 10th, 5pm-8pm.
   Charleston Vets Tailgate:  Charleston Vets is home to 35 struggling, local veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation. Join us as we head out to connect with these veterans, share an evening meal, laugh alongside them, play some lively rounds of Bingo and share a devotion to help them grow closer to the Lord!  Wednesday, June 10th, 6pm-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Delivery Project:  This team from Coastal will help to deliver beds, alongside brand-new linens, to well deserving but underserved children all over Charleston. There will be some light lifting and assembly required but will be heavy on both love and encouragement. We’ll bring comfort, love, and encouragement to the families we serve. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, June 10th, 6pm-8:30pm.
   Serve at Lowcountry Food Bank:  Come spend a couple of hours with us as we serve in the LCFB warehouse!  Wednesday, June 10th, 9am-12noon.  Meet at: Lowcountry Food Bank, 2864 Azalea Dr, North Charleston, SC 29405.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution Set-Up:  Come unload, sort, and stage supplies for our distribution the following day!  Wednesday, June 10th, 9:30am-12noon.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Brighton Place Grocery Distribution:  Come help residents of Brighton Place shop for their grocery needs!  Thursday, June 11th, 10:15am-12:15pm.  Meet at Brighton Place.
   Serving in the Market at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, June 11th, 11:30am-1pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Serving in the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal clothes an enormous amount of people.  This team receives, inspects, sorts, and prepares thousands of items of donated clothing every single month to ensure our outreach teams are ready to assist those in need in our community.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd., Thursday, June 11th, 11:30am-1pm
   Kid Friendly Market Team:  Children get the opportunity to sort and organize and serve in our Market Ministry.  Thursday, June 11th, 6pm-7:30pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Picnic Table Build at Charleston Vets:  Calling all “Handymen & Handywomen.  Come help build and assemble picnic tables for our Veterans at Charleston Vets.  Meet at Charleston Vets  – 8102 Millstone Dr., North Charleston.  Thursday, June 11th, 6pm-8pm.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Mark your calendars now – Coastal’s VBS is July 13th-17th, 6-8:15pm for children 4 years old – 5th Grade.  This year’s theme is, “Rainforest Falls – Exploring the Nature of God!” Registration for Volunteers and children is open!  Go to our website and register today!
   
3. What’s your Next Step at Coastal?  Here’s a great one for those of you who are new:  
   – Newcomer’s Reception: If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, June 14th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 
   
4. One of the ways our church marks the beginning of Summer every year is through something called Summer of IMPACT!  If you are fairly new to Coastal, Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort (the entire month of June) where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we normally do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  In fact, there are over 70 projects this year and there is something for everyone.  You simply sign-up and then show-up.  It’s that easy.  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  Check out all the projects next week listed above!   All the projects are loaded on our website and you can start signing up TODAY! 
   
5. THIS Sunday, June 7th, we kick off one of our favorite sermon series traditions here at Coastal – “AT THE MOVIES”!  In fact, this is our 17th year doing the series!  If you’re new to Coastal, don’t worry. We’re not preaching from the movies themselves.  We simply use them as a hook to talk about spiritual truth straight from God’s Word.  As always, there will be popcorn, movie trailers, and cool giveaways!  Make sure you pick up the microwave popcorn invite tool this weekend to invite your friends to the series.  ALL 1st Time Guests (and the person who invited them – YOU) will receive a FREE Movie Ticket to Citadel Mall Theater throughout the entire series! So mark Sunday, June 7th, on your calendar, and start praying about who you will be inviting and bringing to church during the series!  We’ll also be taking the kids (and anyone who wants to come) to a FREE movie (Toy Story 5) on Tuesday, June 23rd at 10am at Citadel Mall Theater (doors open at 9:30am)! 

P.S. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park THIS Sunday, June 7th, at 5pm.  In fact, we now have 86 people signed up to get Baptized!!  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.

P.S.S. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21st!  As always, it’s going to be a great celebration at Coastal with a gift for all the men, grilled WINGS outside under a tent, fun giveaways at the end of each of our services, FREE Kona Ice for everyone, a Family Photo Booth, and Baby & Child Dedication during all 3 services!  If you would like your family to participate in the Baby & Child Dedication, sign up on your Connect Card this weekend or right now online.  Include your child’s full name and the service you will be attending.  Baby/Child Dedication is a special time for parents to commit their children to the Lord and to renew their commitment as parents to raise their children in a Christ centered home.

While many of you are reading this email, I’ll likely be heading to MUSC Citadel Mall for my echocardiogram heart test.  This test will reveal my heart’s current ejection fraction (EF) number — essentially measuring how effectively my heart is pumping blood throughout my body. Back in January, when I was unexpectedly hospitalized with heart failure, that number was 19. A normal EF is usually somewhere between 50–70. Needless to say, after 5 months of prayer and medication, Janet and I are excited to see what Friday’s test reveals.

More than anything, I’m grateful.  Grateful for your prayers.  Grateful for your encouragement.  Grateful for your kindness toward our family.  Grateful for a church that genuinely cares for one another.  Many of you have walked this journey with us from the very beginning. You prayed when things were uncertain. You checked in. You sent texts, cards, meals, encouragement, and love. You carried burdens with us. And I can honestly say: I have felt the strength of the prayers of God’s people.

Physically, I truly do feel so much better than I did back in January, and I’m believing in faith that Friday’s results will reflect that improvement.  But whatever the number turns out to be, I have already settled something in my heart:  God is good.  God is faithful.  And I will rejoice in His plan.

Ironically, just as we approached this important week, we encountered another unexpected health scare.  Late Monday night/early Tuesday morning, I had to be rushed by ambulance to the MUSC Emergency Room because of sudden, excruciating back pain that left me immobilized.  After CT scans, an MRI, and a very long night and day at the hospital, doctors believe it is likely severe thoracic muscle spasms connected to pinched nerves.  The good news in all of it?  While examining everything else, they said my heart looked great.  After finally getting home late Tuesday night, even simple things like walking, standing, sleeping, or getting from one room to another became extremely difficult and painful. Thankfully, I’m slowly improving, but I would sincerely appreciate your continued prayers over the next few days — especially that the pain continues to subside and that I’m able to comfortably make it to Friday’s echocardiogram appointment.

This entire season has reminded me of so many things:  Life is fragile. People are hurting all around us.  Medical workers and first responders are gifts from God.  Prayer matters.  The presence of others matters.  And the Church is meant to be a family — not just a place we attend.  It has also reminded me how incredibly blessed I am by my wife. Janet has cared for me with unbelievable strength, patience, and selflessness through all of this. I truly could not ask for a more loving caregiver or faithful partner, and I thank God for her every single day.

One of the unexpected gifts of suffering is that it deepens our empathy.  When you walk through pain personally, you begin to see hurting people differently.  You notice them more.  You slow down more.  You pray differently.  You appreciate every act of kindness more deeply.

So thank you, Coastal, for being the kind of church that lives out the love of Jesus in practical ways.  Thank you for walking with us.  I’m looking forward to sharing the results with you on Sunday — and no matter what they are, we’ll continue trusting the Lord together.  Trust me, this hits a little differentlythis week – I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I can’t thank you enough for this journey we get to go on together!  And I can’t wait to see you on Sunday (hopefully, I’m preaching – “What Would Jesus Say to the Voter?”)! 

 With Much Love & Gratitude!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, May 29th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, June 1st, 2pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd., on Tuesday, June 2nd, 12pm-3pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, June 3rd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, June 3rd, 5pm-8pm.
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Delivery Project:  This team from Coastal will help to deliver beds, alongside brand-new linens, to well deserving but underserved children all over Charleston. There will be some light lifting and assembly required but will be heavy on both love and encouragement. We’ll bring comfort, love, and encouragement to the families we serve. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, June 3rd, 6pm-8:30pm.
   North Charleston VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, June 3rd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Patriot Villas & Charleston Vets Grocery Packing Party:  Many of our friends at Charleston Vets and Patriot Villas struggle with food insecurity. Through our partnership with the Lowcountry Food Bank, we’re hoping to alleviate some of that worry for them. Each month, we will gather to pack boxes for veterans at both housing facilities identified as needing assistance in this department. Once our boxes are packed, we will load a Coastal vehicle to hand deliver these boxes to each veteran.  Thursday, June 4th, 9am-11am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Serving in the Market at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, June 4th, 11:30am-1pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Serving in the Boutique at The Outpost:  Coastal clothes an enormous amount of people.  This team receives, inspects, sorts, and prepares thousands of items of donated clothing every single month to ensure our outreach teams are ready to assist those in need in our community.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd., Thursday, June 4th, 11:30am-1pm
   Serve at Lowcountry Food Bank:  Come spend a couple of hours with us as we serve in the LCFB warehouse!  Thursday, June 4th, 1-3pm.  Meet at: Lowcountry Food Bank, 2864 Azalea Dr, North Charleston, SC 29405.
   NHC Fellowship & Hospitality Project:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and snacks and more!  Friday, June 5th, 10am-12noon.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, June 5th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Friday, June 5th; Monday, June 8th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is Saturday, June 6th.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Mark your calendars now – Coastal’s VBS is July 13th-17th, 6-8:15pm for children 4 years old – 5th Grade.  This year’s theme is, “Rainforest Falls – Exploring the Nature of God!” Registration for Volunteers and children is open!  Go to our website and register today!
   
3. What’s your Next Step at Coastal?  Here are two possible next steps:
   
   – Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is THIS Sunday, May 31st, from 5pm-8pm, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email or sign up on our website.  Dinner & childcare provided!
   
   – Newcomer’s Reception: If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, June 14th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 
   
4. One of the ways our church marks the beginning of Summer every year is through something called Summer of IMPACT!  If you are fairly new to Coastal, Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort (the entire month of June) where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we normally do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  In fact, there are over 70 projects this year and there is something for everyone.  You simply sign-up and then show-up.  It’s that easy.  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  All the projects are loaded on our website and you can start signing up TODAY!
   
   Don’t Miss This!! One of the ways we kick off Summer of IMPACT is through a Coastal Night of Worship – Wednesday night, June 3rd, 6:30-8pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.
   
5. On Sunday, June 7th, we kick off one of our favorite sermon series traditions here at Coastal – “AT THE MOVIES”!  In fact, this is our 17th year doing the series!  If you’re new to Coastal, don’t worry. We’re not preaching from the movies themselves.  We simply use them as a hook to talk about spiritual truth straight from God’s Word.  As always, there will be popcorn, movie trailers, and cool giveaways!  Make sure you pick up the microwave popcorn invite tool next weekend to invite your friends to the series.  ALL 1st Time Guests (and the person who invited them – YOU) will receive a FREE Movie Ticket to Citadel Mall Theater throughout the entire series!  We’ll also be taking the kids (and anyone who wants to come) to a FREE movie (Toy Story 5) on Tuesday, June 23rd at 10am at Citadel Mall Theater (doors open at 9:30am)! So mark Sunday, June 7th, on your calendar, and start praying about who you will be inviting and bringing to church during the series! 

P.S. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 7th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.

P.S.S. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21st!  As always, it’s going to be a great celebration at Coastal with a gift for all the men, grilled WINGS outside under a tent, fun giveaways at the end of each of our services, FREE Kona Ice for everyone, a Family Photo Booth, and Baby & Child Dedication during all 3 services!

This past Sunday was so very powerful!  We’re in a series called, “What Would Jesus Say?”  And on Sunday I talked about “What Would Jesus Say to the Addict?”  What made the day so powerful, was not me or what I had to say, but the authentic video testimony from about a dozen people in our Celebrate Recovery Ministry.  We used the day to highlight their Ministry.  Celebrate Recovery (CR) meets on Tuesday nights at 6:30pm in our Chapel.  While we always highlight CR in our LIFE Group Catalog and on LIFE Group Sunday with a table, CR is not really a LIFE Group.  It is an ongoing Christian recovery ministry based on Scripture.  And it’s not just for people who struggle with drugs and alcohol.  It’s for anyone struggling with any hurts, habits, hangup, or addictions.  The people who shared their story in the video did an amazing job!  Let’s just say there were a lot of tears on Sunday, a lot of conversations with our CR people at their booth, and a lot of next steps taken.  If you are interested in learning more about CR, their ministry, and what they do, please reach out to Chris Jones (not Pastor Chris Jones – or as we call him around here Chris Jones #2).

On Sunday, June 7th, we kick off one of our favorite sermon series traditions here at Coastal – “AT THE MOVIES”!  In fact, this is our 17th year doing the series!  If you’re new to Coastal, don’t worry, we’re not preaching from the movies themselves.  We simply use them as a hook to talk about spiritual truth straight from God’s Word.  As always, there will be popcorn, movie trailers, and cool giveaways!  Make sure you pick up the microwave popcorn invite tool next weekend to invite your friends to the series.  ALL 1st Time Guests (and the person who invited them – YOU) will receive a FREE Movie Ticket to Citadel Mall Theater throughout the entire series!  We’ll also be taking the kids (and anyone who wants to come) to a FREE movie (Toy Story 5) on Tuesday, June 23rd at 10am at Citadel Mall Theater (doors open at 9:30am)! So mark Sunday, June 7th, on your calendar, and start praying about who you will be inviting and bringing to church during the series! 
 
If you and your family haven’t yet signed up for multiple projects for Summer of IMPACT, it’s time to do so!  And I seriously encourage you to spread the word with your friends, neighbors, family, and co-workers, especially those people in your life who don’t have a church home or who aren’t even believers.  Why?  Because God created everyone with the desire to be a part of something bigger than yourself and to make a difference.  And believe it or not, most churches don’t have a very good reputation for serving and loving their communities unconditionally.  So leverage Summer of IMPACT as a way to include those who might not darken the door of a church, but would be willing to volunteer in the community.  Don’t you see?  Not only is Summer of IMPACT a great opportunity to serve and bless our community and you – but it is also an opportunity for outreach with your friends!  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  I love what we get to do TOGETHER!  And I can’t wait to see you on Sunday!  

 With Much Love & Gratitude!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, May 22nd;  Friday, May 29th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, May 25th;  Monday, June 1st, 2pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, May 26th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Brighton Place Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Brighton Place community (here in West Ashley – near Citadel Mall) on Wednesday, May 27th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Serving in the Market at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, May 28th, 11:30am-1pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, June 2nd, 12pm-3pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, June 3rd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, June 3rd, 5pm-8pm.
   Sleep In Heavenly Peace Bed Delivery Project:  This team from Coastal will help to deliver beds, alongside brand-new linens, to well deserving but underserved children all over Charleston. There will be some light lifting and assembly required but will be heavy on both love and encouragement. We’ll bring comfort, love, and encouragement to the families we serve. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, June 3rd, 6pm-8:30pm.
   
   The Outpost Open House:  Before we open it to the general public, we want to open it to you, our church family, to see and experience.  So, TODAY Friday, May 22nd, 6pm-8pm, we’re having an Open House at The Outpost (1050 St. Andrews Blvd).  We’ll have a Tailgate outside with music, hamburgers & hotdogs.  And then you’ll have a chance to tour The Outpost and see how our church will continue to be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus right here in our community, where we live, work, parent, and play for years to come!
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Mark your calendars now – Coastal’s VBS is July 13th-17th, 6-8:15pm for children 4 years old – 5th Grade.  This year’s theme is, “Rainforest Falls – Exploring the Nature of God!” Registration for Volunteers and children is open!  Go to our website and register today!
   
3. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Sunday, May 31st, from 5pm-8pm, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Dinner & childcare provided! 
   
4. One of the ways our church marks the beginning of Summer every year is through something called Summer of IMPACT!  If you are fairly new to Coastal, Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort (the entire month of June) where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we normally do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  In fact, there are over 70 projects this year and there is something for everyone.  You simply sign-up and then show-up.  It’s that easy.  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  All the projects are loaded on our website and you can start signing up TODAY! 
   
5. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – Wednesday night, June 3rd, 6:30-8pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.

P.S. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 7th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.

Wow — what an amazing Mother’s Day we had this past Sunday at Coastal! We had 1,926 people in attendance (and another 1,179 joining us online)! We had 27 1st & 2nd Time Guest Connect Cards filled out, and most importantly, we celebrated 14 different decisions for Christ!  Between the Photo Booth, the Coastal earrings (Ladies, if you didn’t get a pair, you can pick one up this Sunday at Guest Services), Kona Ice, the giveaways at the end of each service, and the message, “What Would Jesus Say to the Discouraged?” — I hope every woman walked out of Coastal feeling encouraged, appreciated, and deeply loved.

Another highlight from Mother’s Day was that 35 children participated in our Baby/Child Dedication Service — the most we’ve ever had!  To me, that’s another beautiful sign of the growth God is bringing to our church.

As I stood on stage praying over those children and families, I couldn’t help but reflect on what a blessing it has been to pastor Coastal for the past 36 years.  There are now adults in our church that I dedicated as babies, baptized as children or teenagers, married as adults, and who are now standing on this same stage dedicating their own children to the Lord.  Honestly, it’s hard to put into words how special that is for me as a Pastor.

One of the things we say during every dedication service is that while parents have the primary responsibility of discipling their children, the church family also plays an important role in helping raise the next generation to know and follow Jesus. That’s one of the reasons ministries like Coastal Kidz matter so much.  And just like our church is growing, our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry is growing too!  We are currently looking for more volunteers to serve in our Elementary classrooms, as well as in the new Kindergarten/1st Grade room that is currently under construction.

Serving in Coastal Kidz is more than childcare — it’s ministry.  It’s an opportunity to help children grow in faith, feel loved, and discover who God created them to be.  Through simple moments like sharing Bible stories, singing worship songs, playing games, praying together, and building relationships, you can make a lasting impact on a child’s life.  One of the greatest investments we can make as a church is into the next generation.

If you’ve ever considered serving in Coastal Kidz, this is a great season to jump in. To learn more or to set up a time to observe a class, contact our Children’s Director, Aly Huggins, at aly@coastalcommunitychurch.org, or stop by the Child Check-In desk this Sunday and ask for Aly.  Thank you for continuing to make Coastal such a loving, growing, Christ-centered church family. I truly believe our best days are ahead!  

Oh, and speaking of our children, don’t forget to register your children (4 years old – 5th Grade) for VBS this Summer (July 13-17, 6-8:15pm)!  And while you’re doing that, sign up to serve during VBS!  It’s one of the best weeks of the Summer!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love reaching and growing the next generation with you!

 With Much Love & Gratitude!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, May 15th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  TOMORROW, Saturday, May 16th, 7:30am-9am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   Hollywood Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of We-Fold-It, we are able to serve the community of Hollywood by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  TOMORROW, Saturday, May 16th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, May 19th, 12pm-3pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, May 20th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Wednesday, May 20th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Serving in the Market at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to The Outpost and help keep the Market stocked and organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, May 21st, 11:30am-1pm.  Meet at The Outpost – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, May 22nd, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, May 25th, 2pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, May 26th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   
   The Outpost Open House:  Before we open it to the general public, we want to open it to you, our church family, to see and experience.  So, on Friday, May 22nd, 6pm-8pm, we’re having an Open House at The Outpost (1050 St. Andrews Blvd).  We’ll have a Tailgate outside with music, hamburgers & hotdogs.  And then you’ll have a chance to tour The Outpost and see how our church will continue to be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus right here in our community, where we live, work, parent, and play for years to come!
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Do you go to church at Coastal Community Church?  Do you have a “reasonably good” driving record?  Do you typically get yourself to church without harming yourself or others?  Haha – then you might be a good fit for the Sunday Van Drivers Team.  The truth is, we are in desperate need of Sunday morning Van Drivers!  Our Van Drivers pick up residents from several of the communities we serve, bring them to church, and then take them back (2 separate shifts – pick up leave at 8:30am, drop off immediately after 2nd service) using Coastal’s 15 passenger vans.  If this is something you would be interested in, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones and sign up at this link.
   
3. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Sunday, May 31st, from 5pm-8pm, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Dinner & childcare provided! 
   
4. One of the ways our church marks the beginning of Summer every year is through something called Summer of IMPACT!  If you are fairly new to Coastal, Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort (the entire month of June) where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we normally do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  In fact, there are over 70 projects this year and there is something for everyone.  You simply sign-up and then show-up.  It’s that easy.  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  All the projects are loaded on our website and you can start signing up TODAY! 
   
5. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – Wednesday night, June 3rd, 6:30-8pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.

P.S. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 7th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.

P.S.S. We’re currently in search of videographers for ongoing projects at Coastal.  This person would help us on Sundays and other events as we continue to share what God is doing in and through our church. This role would support capturing and producing video content for our digital platforms, including social media and our website.  If you are a videographer – or know someone who would be a great fit – we would love to connect. Feel free to reach out to Pastor Ryan Spell if you are interested.

This Sunday, May 10th, is Mother’s Day!  To make room for everyone we’re having 4 services:  8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm.  We have a gift for all the women, fun giveaways at the end of each service, FREE Kona Ice for everyone, a Family Photo Booth, and Baby & Child Dedication during all 4 services!   It’s a day filled with celebration, gratitude, and for some, a quiet mix of emotions.  For many, it’s a day of joy.  We honor the women who have loved, sacrificed, prayed, and given so much of themselves for others.  Moms, your faithfulness matters more than you know.  But for others, Mother’s Day can carry a weight – grief, disappointment, or discouragement.  Some are missing their moms.  Some are walking through strained relationships.  Others are longing for something that hasn’t come.

That’s why this week’s message, “What Would Jesus Say to the Discouraged?”, feels especially timely.  Because if we’re honest, discouragement touches all of us at different points. It can come from fatigue, from unmet expectations, from criticism, or simply from the wear and tear of life.  Even the most faithful people in Scripture had moments where they felt like giving up.

So what would Jesus say to you, right in the middle of all of that?  He wouldn’t ignore your pain.  He wouldn’t minimize your struggle.  And He certainly wouldn’t walk away.  Instead, He would press in and draw near.  He would remind you that you’re not alone.  He would speak truth where lies have taken root in your mind.  He would offer strength when yours is gone.  And maybe, most importantly, He would call you not to give up.  This Sunday, we’re going to lean into that together.  Whether you’re coming encouraged or barely holding on, I believe Jesus has something personal to say to all of us.

So, I hope you’ll join us – and maybe bring someone who could use a little encouragement right now.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what God has called us to do together! 

 With Much Love & Gratitude!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, May 8th; Monday, May 11th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   NHC Fellowship & Activity:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. Many in these facilities rarely, if ever, receive visitors. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and hot chocolate! This project is a great way to serve those who are always in need of a little extra love!  TODAY, Friday, May 8th, 10am-12pm.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   2nd Saturday Meal: TOMORROW, Saturday, May 9th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: TOMORROW, Saturday, May 9th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, May 11th, 2pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, May 12th, 8am-12pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, May 12th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Charleston Vets Tailgate:  Charleston Vets is home to 35 struggling, local veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation. Join us as we head out to connect with these veterans, share an evening meal, laugh alongside them, play some lively rounds of Bingo and share a devotion to help them grow closer to the Lord!  Wednesday, May 13th, 6pm-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   The Market Sort & Stock at The Outpost:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the Outpost (1050 St. Andrews Blvd.) and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, May 14th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, May 15th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  Saturday, May 16th, 7:30am-9am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   Hollywood Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of We-Fold-It, we are able to serve the community of Hollywood by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  Saturday, May 16th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   
   The Outpost Open House:  Before we open it to the general public, we want to open it to you, our church family, to see and experience.  So, on Friday, May 22nd, 6pm-8pm, we’re having an Open House at The Outpost (1050 St. Andrews Blvd).  We’ll have a Tailgate outside with music, hamburgers & hotdogs.  And then you’ll have a chance to tour The Outpost and see how our church will continue to be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus right here in our community, where we live, work, parent, and play for years to come!
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Do you go to church at Coastal Community Church?  Do you have a “reasonably good” driving record?  Do you typically get yourself to church without harming yourself or others?  Haha – then you might be a good fit for the Sunday Van Drivers Team.  The truth is, we are in desperate need of Sunday morning Van Drivers!  Our Van Drivers pick up residents from several of the communities we serve, bring them to church, and then take them back (2 separate shifts – pick up leave at 8:30am, drop off immediately after 2nd service) using Coastal’s 15 passenger vans.  If this is something you would be interested in, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones and sign up at this link.
   
3. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Sunday, May 31st, from 5pm-8pm, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Dinner & childcare provided! 
   
4. One of the ways our church marks the beginning of Summer every year is through something called Summer of IMPACT!  If you are fairly new to Coastal, Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort (the entire month of June) where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we normally do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  In fact, there are over 70 projects this year and there is something for everyone.  You simply sign-up and then show-up.  It’s that easy.  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  All the projects are loaded on our website and you can start signing up TODAY! 
   
5. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – Wednesday night, June 3rd, 6:30-8pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.

P.S. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 7th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.

P.S.S. We’re currently in search of videographers for ongoing projects at Coastal.  This person would help us on Sundays and other events as we continue to share what God is doing in and through our church. This role would support capturing and producing video content for our digital platforms, including social media and our website.  If you are a videographer – or know someone who would be a great fit – we would love to connect. Feel free to reach out to Pastor Ryan Spell if you are interested.

I just want to take a moment and share with you a few exciting things that have happened recently behind the scenes here at Coastal and to brag on our church.  The first two pictures above are from Teacher Appreciation Week at Oakland Elementary School.  I won’t take the time to tell you everything our church did for the school (you can read all about it on my Facebook page), but suffice it to say they were well loved and appreciated.  Every single day we showered them with either gifts or food (a lot of food), and some days both!  One of my favorite gifts that we gave to every Teacher and Faculty member was a signed copy of a Children’s Book, “God Made Charleston,” written by Coastal’s very own, Abby Cooper!  

The next three pictures above were taken this week from my Pastor’s Coaching Meeting.  I’ve been a part of a Pastor’s Coaching Group for about 16 years now.  It’s a group of 20-25 Pastors from around the country.  We meet for 2 days, 5 times a year for teaching, personal development, and encouragement.  Being a part of this Group has been one of the most impactful things I’ve done over the years for our church and for me personally.  I love these men, many of whom have become some of my best friends.  Most of the time, we gather in Florida, but this past week we met here at Coastal.  So in true Coastal style, we rolled out the red carpet for these Pastors!  We gave them gifts and LOTS of food (something we do very well)!  They were overwhelmed with gratitude and in awe of not only our Staff, but our volunteers!  They left here loved, strengthened, and encouraged!

And then the last picture is really an announcement about the opening of The Outpost (I love the logo)!  Before we open it to the general public, we want to open it to you, our church family, to see and experience.  So, on Friday, May 22nd, 6pm-8pm, we’re having an Open House at The Outpost (1050 St. Andrews Blvd).  We’ll have a Tailgate outside with music, hamburgers & hotdogs.  And then you’ll have a chance to tour The Outpost and see how our church will continue to be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus right here in our community, where we live, work, parent, and play for years to come!

And what I want you to see is that all of that – the gifts and food for the Teachers at Oakland Elementary School and the Pastors from around the country, the remodel/renovations, equipment, food, clothing, and supplies at The Outpost – is all made possible by the generous, consistent giving of our church family – YOU!  We could not do what we do without YOU!  Every gift counts, every gift matters.  Last Sunday my sermon was on, “What Would Jesus Say to the Greedy?”  And one of the things I know Jesus would say (because He said it all the time) is, “Learn to be generous!”  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love being a part of a generous church! 

 With Much Love & Gratitude!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, May 1st; Friday, May 8th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, May 1st;  Monday, May 4th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is TOMORROW, Saturday, May 2nd.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, May 6th, 5pm-8pm.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, May 7th, 11:30am-1pm.
   2nd Saturday Meal: Saturday, May 9th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, May 9th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th!  As always, it’s going to be a great celebration at Coastal with a gift for all the women, fun giveaways at the end of each of our 4 services (8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm), FREE Kona Ice for everyone, a Family Photo Booth, and YES Baby & Child Dedication during all 4 services!  If you would like your family to participate in the Baby & Child Dedication, sign up on your Connect Card this weekend or right now online.  Include your child’s full name and the service you will be attending.  Baby/Child Dedication is a special time for parents to commit their children to the Lord and to renew their commitment as parents to raise their children in a Christ centered home.
   
3. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Sunday, May 31st, from 5pm-8pm, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Dinner & childcare provided! 
   
4. One of the ways our church marks the beginning of Summer every year is through something called Summer of IMPACT!  If you are fairly new to Coastal, Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort (the entire month of June) where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we normally do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  In fact, there are over 70 projects this year and there is something for everyone.  You simply sign-up and then show-up.  It’s that easy.  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  All the projects are loaded on our website and you can start signing up TODAY! 
   
5. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – Wednesday night, June 3rd, 6:30-8pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.

P.S. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 7th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.

I hope you’re enjoying our current sermon series, “What Would Jesus Say?”  as much as I am.  We kicked it off on Easter weekend with, “What would Jesus say to me?”  The following Sunday was, “What would Jesus say to the religious?”  Last week was, “What would Jesus say to the ashamed?”  This Sunday I’ll be preaching on, “What would Jesus say to the greedy?”  There are two types of people in this world.  There are givers and there are takers.  At the end of your time here on earth, your life will be defined with one of those two words – giver or taker, greed or generosity.  The choice is going to be up to you.  And by the way, greed has nothing to do with how much money you have.  You can have little or much and still be a taker, still be greedy. 
 

Gordon Gekko, from the movie Wall Street was wrong.  Greed is not good.  Do you remember the original movie from the the late 80’s and then the remake in 2010?  Michael Douglas plays Wall Street Tycoon, Gordon Gekko, and as he’s about to orchestrate a hostile takeover of another company he makes this now famous speech.  Here’s part of it:  “The point is, ladies and gentleman, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right, greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed, in all of its forms; greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge has marked the upward surge of mankind. And greed, you mark my words, will not only save Teldar Paper, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the USA.”  Wow.
    

But greed is not good.  Greed is deadly.  Now, money in and of itself is not evil.  The Bible never says that.  Money is neutral.  It’s the LOVE of money that’s evil.  Greed is an insatiable desire for more – especially for wealth, power, or possessions – that replaces trust in God and leads a person to put things above God and others.  Greed is living with a closed fist.  We live in a society that is dominated with greed.  It’s closed fist living.  It’s where we say, “It’s mine.  It’s mine.  It’s mine.  And you can’t have it.”

But there is an alternative.  There is another way to live.  The way of Jesus is to live a life of open handed living, a life of generosity, a life where you say, “God, what you have given me is Yours.  It’s all Yours.  And I’m going to use what You have given me for Your Kingdom, and I’m going to make a difference with it for Your glory.”  On Sunday I want to challenge you to live with an open hand.  Don’t miss it!  We need this!  Our world needs this!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love being a part of a generous church! 

 
With Much Love & Gratitude!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown! TODAY, Friday, April 24th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, April 27th, 2pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, April 28th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, April  29th, 5pm-8pm.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, April 30th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, May 1st, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Friday, May 1st, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is Saturday, May 2nd.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th!  As always, it’s going to be a great celebration at Coastal with a gift for all the women, fun giveaways at the end of each of our 4 services (8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm), FREE Kona Ice for everyone, a Family Photo Booth, and YES Baby & Child Dedication during all 4 services!  If you would like your family to participate in the Baby & Child Dedication, sign up on your Connect Card this weekend or right now online.  Include your child’s full name and the service you will be attending.  Baby/Child Dedication is a special time for parents to commit their children to the Lord and to renew their commitment as parents to raise their children in a Christ centered home.
   
3. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Sunday, May 31st, from 5pm-8pm, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Dinner & childcare provided! 
   
4. One of the ways our church marks the beginning of Summer every year is through something called Summer of IMPACT!  If you are fairly new to Coastal, Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort (the entire month of June) where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we normally do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  In fact, there are over 70 projects this year and there is something for everyone.  You simply sign-up and then show-up.  It’s that easy.  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  All the projects are loaded on our website and you can start signing up TODAY! 
   
5. Coastal Student Ministry is headed to FUGE CAMPS at North Greenville University in Greenville, SC and signups are live! Camp is from June 22-27 (Mon-Sat).  We’re excited for an unforgettable week filled with worship, Bible study, recreation, track times (student-selected activities), and of course—the legendary MEGA RELAY!  This week is always a powerful, transformative experience, and we would love for your student to join us!  Spots are limited, so register soon to lock in your student’s spot! Click this link to register now!  Camp Cost: $350.  Payment Deadline: June 6.  Don’t let finances be a barrier—please reach out to Pastor Jacob if cost is a concern.  We’re here to help make it possible for every student to attend!  In fact, if you are interested in providing a scholarship for a student to attend, please see Jacob.  We can’t wait for an incredible week together!

P.S. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 7th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.

Have you ever played the game, “show me your scars?”  You know what I’m talking about, right?  You’re out with a bunch of friends and the topic of fighting or surgery or accidents comes up, and then all of a sudden, out of no where, up comes your shirt or up comes your pants leg and you’re showing off some scar you have.  Basically you say, “I’ll show you my scars, if you show me yours.”  And you try to one up each other with the scars you have.  The winner is the one with the most scars or the most bizarre scars or the one that has the strangest story behind it.

Well this Sunday, we’re going to look at some scars that we can all relate too.  Not the external ones that everyone can see, where you’ve got the cast or the stitches, because if the truth be known, for the most part, those memories fade pretty quickly, you’re able to talk about them, even joke about them, or brag about them.  But on Sunday I want us to look at something even more painful, scars that run much deeper, and are difficult to talk about, the internal hidden scars and wounds that many of us carry around.  This Sunday, as we continue our, “What Would Jesus Say?” we’ll talk about, “What would Jesus say to the ashamed?”

If you’ve come to Coastal for any length of time, you’ve heard me quote verses like John 10:10 where Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;  I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  Or John 8:32 where Jesus said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  Jesus wants you to experience life in all of its fullness.  He wants to set you free!  But again, there are many people and maybe some of you who just feel like, “Not for me.  That sounds great Pastor Chris, and maybe for someone else it is, but not for me.  You don’t know my failures.  You don’t know my past, what I’ve done.”
    

You’re right.  I don’t.  But God does.  And God says that you are worth it.  God says that He’s not finished with you yet.  You see the Bible, at its core, is a story of redemption.  It’s all about Jesus and His sacrifice on your behalf.  It’s all about God going to great lengths, doing whatever it takes to get you back, to draw you to Himself.  And the Bible is full of example after example of men and women who absolutely blew it, completely messed up.  Because of their mistakes, because of their moral failures, they thought that God could never use them again.  They were full of guilt and shame and regrets.  They thought their time was passed.  But over and over again, if they would just simply give their lives over to Him, put their trust in Him –  they were forgiven, restored, and did amazing things.

The Bible says in Isaiah 30:18, “So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion.”  He’s waiting on you to show you His love and compassion.  He’s not mad at you.  He’s not sitting there ready to scold you.  He’s saying, “Come home!”  Some of you have held off because you’re afraid of being rejected.  But there is one person who will never reject you and His name is Jesus.  He’s saying, “Come home.”

If you’ve been secretly overwhelmed by the guilt and shame in your life, please hear this – you can get rid of it today.  You can walk out again with a clear conscious.  Those wounds, those scars, that you carry around because of your guilt and shame, get this, Jesus took them to the cross and the Bible says that by His wounds, by His scars, you are healed.  1Peter 2:24, “He personally carried away our sins in his own body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by his wounds!”  He took a beating so you don’t have to.  His scars can heal your scars, if you let Him.  Come on Sunday and walk out in FREEDOM!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love sharing and experiencing the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with you! 
 
With Much Love & Gratitude!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service! TODAY, Friday, April 17th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. Meet at Coastal on Tuesday, April 21st, 12pm-3pm.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, April 22nd;  Wednesday, April  29th, 5pm-8pm.
   Brighton Place Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Brighton Place community (here in West Ashley – near Citadel Mall) on Wednesday, April 22nd, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, April 23rd;  Thursday, April 30th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, April 24th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, April 27th, 2pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, April 28th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th!  As always, it’s going to be a great celebration at Coastal with a gift for all the women, fun giveaways at the end of each of our 4 services (8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm), FREE Kona Ice for everyone, a Family Photo Booth, and YES Baby & Child Dedication during all 4 services!  If you would like your family to participate in the Baby & Child Dedication, sign up on your Connect Card this weekend or right now online.  Include your child’s full name and the service you will be attending.  Baby/Child Dedication is a special time for parents to commit their children to the Lord and to renew their commitment as parents to raise their children in a Christ centered home.
   
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is THIS Sunday, April 19th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
4. One of the ways our church marks the beginning of Summer every year is through something called Summer of IMPACT!  If you are fairly new to Coastal, Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort (the entire month of June) where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we normally do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  In fact, there are over 70 projects this year and there is something for everyone.  You simply sign-up and then show-up.  It’s that easy.  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  All the projects are loaded on our website and you can start signing up TODAY! 
   
5. THIS Saturday (TOMORROW), April 18th, 11:30AM-2-30PM, Coastal Young Adults will be hosting a Kickball Game and Spring Picnic at First Baptist High School on James Island! We invite all men and women in their 20s and 30s to join us as we enjoy the spring weather, a picnic lunch, and friendly competition. If you have any questions or to sign up, email Dane Clark at youngadults@coastalcommunitychurch.org!

P.S. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 7th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.

Wow – we had an AMAZING Easter Weekend at Coastal!  First of all, I can’t thank all of our Staff & Volunteers enough for all of your hard work – 7 services over 3 days!  All of our Teams – Worship/Production, Coastal Kidz, Security, Cafe, Prayer, 1st Impressions – all knocked it out of the park!  Many, many people were at multiple services, and some were at all 7.  We seriously have the best Volunteers at Coastal, and we could not do what we do without you!  

Going into the weekend, I seriously had no idea how many people to expect in person.  Last year our goal was to break 3000 in person and 2000 online.  We had 3055 in person and 2105 online, for a grand total of 5,160.  This year, I simply hoped that all 7 services would feel full and that we would break last year’s total.  And if you haven’t heard, this year we had . . . . . . . . drumroll please. . . . . . . . . 3363 in person and 2257 online for a grand total of 5,620! 

We had a ton of Guests – people who were invited by a friend, saw an ad, received a post card, or found us online.  In fact, we gave away 102 1st Time Guest Bags at Guest Services, had 126 1st & 2nd Time Guest Connect Cards filled out (those bags & cards represent hundreds of people), we Baptized 2 people over the weekend, 24 more people either expressed interest or signed up to get Baptized, 19 people renewed their commitment to Christ, and finally, 7 people stepped across the line of faith for the first time and gave their life to Christ!   Like I said, WOW!  Thank you Jesus!!  All Glory to God!

Now, let me say this – Easter has come and gone, but Jesus is still alive, and there is still a sense of urgency!  Keep praying, keep inviting, keep serving, keep reaching out.  People still need Jesus, and He is still the hope of the world.  And if the people you invited didn’t come, don’t get discouraged and most importantly, don’t give up.  And for those of you who came for the first time or maybe came back for the first time in a long time, keep coming!  You are welcome at Coastal!  This week, we continue our new series called, “What Would Jesus Say?”  Don’t miss it!

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

And as I’m sure you realize, the opportunities to serve on Sunday don’t go away now that Easter has come and gone.  In fact, as our church continues to grow, the need is even greater than before!  So if serving on Easter was a first for you, we’d love for you to serve again!  If you’re a veteran volunteer, consider serving more often.  Reach out to your LIFE Team Leader or go to Planning Center and sign up to serve today!  And don’t forget, YOU are the best recruiters for new volunteers!

And finally, don’t forget that Mother’s Day is just around the corner, May 10th!  As always, it’s going to be a great celebration at Coastal with a gift for all the women, fun giveaways at the end of each of our 4 services (the same service times we had for Easter:  8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm), FREE Kona Ice for everyone, a Family Photo Booth, and Baby & Child Dedication during all 4 services!  If you would like your family to participate in the Baby & Child Dedication, sign up on your Connect Card this weekend.  Include your child’s full name and the service you will be attending.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!

With Much Love & Gratitude!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, April 10th; Monday, April 13th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   NHC Fellowship & Activity:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. Many in these facilities rarely, if ever, receive visitors. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and hot chocolate! This project is a great way to serve those who are always in need of a little extra love! TODAY, Friday, April 10th, 10am-12pm.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   2nd Saturday Meal: TOMORROW, Saturday, April 11th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor:  TOMORROW, Saturday, April 11th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, April 13th, 2pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of BINGO, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, April  14th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, April 14th, 8am-12pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, April 15th, 5pm-8pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Wednesday, April 15th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, April 15th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, April 16th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, April 17th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th!  As always, it’s going to be a great celebration at Coastal with a gift for all the women, fun giveaways at the end of each of our 4 services (8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm), FREE Kona Ice for everyone, a Family Photo Booth, and YES Baby & Child Dedication during all 4 services!  If you would like your family to participate in the Baby & Child Dedication, sign up on your Connect Card this weekend or right now online.  Include your child’s full name and the service you will be attending.  Baby/Child Dedication is a special time for parents to commit their children to the Lord and to renew their commitment as parents to raise their children in a Christ centered home.
   
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, April 19th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
4. One of the ways our church marks the beginning of Summer every year is through something called Summer of IMPACT!  If you are fairly new to Coastal, Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort (the entire month of June) where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we normally do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  In fact, there are over 70 projects this year and there is something for everyone.  You simply sign-up and then show-up.  It’s that easy.  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  You’ll be able to see a calendar of all the projects this weekend at Coastal and all the projects are loaded on our website and you can start signing up TODAY! 
   
5. On Saturday, April 18th,11:30AM-2-30PM, Coastal Young Adults will be hosting a Kickball Game and Spring Picnic at First Baptist High School on James Island! We invite all men and women in their 20s and 30s to join us as we enjoy the spring weather, a picnic lunch, and friendly competition. If you have any questions or to sign up, email Dane Clark at youngadults@coastalcommunitychurch.org!

P.S. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 7th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.

Woohoo!  It’s finally here!  The first of our 7 services, over the next 3 days, BEGINS TONIGHT!  I can’t wait to celebrate with you and your friends & family!  Our service times are:  Friday (TONIGHT), April 3rd, 7pm;  Saturday (TOMORROW), April 4th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 5th, 8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm.  It’s still looking like our Saturday at 6pm service and Sunday at 12:30pm service are going to be the least crowded services of the seven if you want to avoid the crowds.  So, one last time, if you haven’t done so yet, please go to our website and let us know which service you and your guests will be attending.  Historically, our Sunday, 9:30am & 11am services are PACKED!  We will be adding extra chairs, and we will have our Chapel open and set up for overflow.  So, I need our regular Coastal folks to be prepared to move over to overflow to help make room if necessary.  Remember, it’s not about you.  We’re willing to do whatever it takes to reach as many people as possible.
 
But most importantly, it’s still not too late to make that call, send that email or text, walk across the street or the office, and invite someone to church this weekend!  You never know the power of a simple invitation.  45 years ago a friend from school invited me to church.  One week later, I ended up giving my life to Jesus and committing to full-time Christian ministry!  Simply put, it changed my life!  Who do you know that needs Jesus?

A few other quick reminders about Easter at Coastal:  Parking & Seatingreally is important on Big Days like Easter, especially Sunday morning.  Please, please park as far away as possible (at Oakland Elementary School – the first right immediately past the Greenway) and sit to the front and center of each section.  And this is important – COME EARLY, especially if you or your guests have children to check in!  With more guests on our campus, make sure you’re even MORE gracious, kind, loving, and helpful to everyone!  Again, it’s not about you. 
 
PRAY!  Pray for everyone who has received an invitation to come to church.  Pray that not only will they say yes, but that their hearts will be open and receptive to the Gospel.  Pray for me, my voice, my energy, and my message.  Pray for our Worship/Tech Team.  Pray for Coastal Kidz and all the children they will see over the weekend.  Pray for all of our Volunteers that they will be ambassadors for Jesus and His church this weekend and all of our Guests will feel like our welcome, expected Guests in our home.  And speaking of Guests, make sure you escort yours to Guest Services to receive their free gift.  Fill out a Connect Card (yes – there will be giveaways at the end of each service) and encourage your Guests to do the same.  As a Staff and as a church, we started working on and planning for Easter back in January.  Yes, there is still time to invite people, but for the most part the work has been done.  Now, we continue to pray like it all depends on God.  We walk by faith and trust Him.  And then we celebrate the results!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I can’t wait to celebrate this weekend with you! 
 
He Is Not Here! He Is Risen!
Pastor Chris

(Also – this weekend is our church’s 36th ANNIVERSARY!!  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY COASTAL! The best is yet to come!)

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Before you check out the list of outreach projects below, please note that there will be NO SATURDAY SERVE on Saturday, April 4th.  Don’t worry, there are plenty of outreach projects before and after Easter to choose from, but with 7 services over 3 days and all of the preparations leading up to Easter, it’s simply too much to put on our Volunteers. 
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, April 3rd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, April 3rd;  Monday, April 6th;  Friday, April 10th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  Saturday, April 4th, 7:30am-9:15am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, April 8th, 5pm-8pm.
   Charleston Vets Tailgate:  Charleston Vets is home to 35 struggling, local veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation. Join us as we head out to connect with these veterans, share an evening meal, laugh alongside them, play some lively rounds of Bingo and share a devotion to help them grow closer to the Lord!  Wednesday, April 8th, 6pm-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, April 9th, 11:30am-1pm.
   NHC Fellowship & Activity:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. Many in these facilities rarely, if ever, receive visitors. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and hot chocolate! This project is a great way to serve those who are always in need of a little extra love!  Friday, April 10th, 10am-12pm.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   2nd Saturday Meal: Saturday, April 11th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, April 11th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th!  As always, it’s going to be a great celebration at Coastal with a gift for all the women, fun giveaways at the end of each of our 4 services (8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm), FREE Kona Ice for everyone, a Family Photo Booth, and YES Baby & Child Dedication during all 4 services!  If you would like your family to participate in the Baby & Child Dedication, sign up on your Connect Card this weekend or right now online.  Include your child’s full name and the service you will be attending.  Baby/Child Dedication is a special time for parents to commit their children to the Lord and to renew their commitment as parents to raise their children in a Christ centered home.
   
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, April 19th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
4. One of the ways our church marks the beginning of Summer every year is through something called Summer of IMPACT!  If you are fairly new to Coastal, Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort (the entire month of June) where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we normally do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  In fact, there are over 70 projects this year and there is something for everyone.  You simply sign-up and then show-up.  It’s that easy.  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  You’ll be able to see a calendar of all the projects this weekend at Coastal and all the projects are loaded on our website and you can start signing up TODAY! 
   
5. On Saturday, April 18th,11:30AM-2-30PM, Coastal Young Adults will be hosting a Kickball Game and Spring Picnic at First Baptist High School on James Island! We invite all men and women in their 20s and 30s to join us as we enjoy the spring weather, a picnic lunch, and friendly competition. If you have any questions or to sign up, email Dane Clark at youngadults@coastalcommunitychurch.org!

P.S. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 7th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.

1 WEEK UNTIL EASTER!  Obviously there has been a big build up for Easter weekend, but don’t think for a second that everything slows down and comes to a screeching halt after Easter at Coastal.  In fact, just the opposite is true.  Here are 6 things that I’m excited about that I want to share with you:
 
– The Outpost is almost ready to open!  The Outpost is our off-site space to house and operate our Clothing Ministry and Food Pantry for the community!  It’s 2500 square feet of commercial space located at 1050 St. Andrews Blvd.  Honestly, for those in need of food and clothes it’s going to be more of a Market and Boutique!  As soon as we’re ready to announce the Grand Opening, we’ll let you know!  It also frees up much needed space in Coastal Kidz and allows us to create a room for children with special needs!

– A New Sermon Series kicks off Easter Weekend called, “What Would Jesus Say?”  In a world full of voices begging for our constant attention, there is still one voice that matters most, the voice that made you, the voice that knows you, the voice that can save you, the voice that is still speaking.  In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”  The problem isn’t that Jesus is silent.  The problem is that we’re saturated.  So, what would Jesus say to me (Easter Weekend), to the religious, to the ashamed, to the greedy, to the deconstructing Christian, to the discouraged (Mother’s Day), to the addict, to the angry, and to the voter (yes, we’re going there)?  I really believe it’s going to be a powerful series!

– Mother’s Day, May 10th, is going to be awesome!  In fact, to make room for the anticipated crowd we’re having 4 services!  We’re having the same four service times that we’re having on Easter Sunday: 8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm.  Take your Mom to breakfast/brunch and bring everyone to church! Ladies (all women, not just moms) will receive a gift from the church!  And yes, there will be FREE Kona Ice for everyone, Giveaways, and a Photo Booth.  But Mother’s Day (and Father’s Day) also means Baby/Child Dedication at Coastal.  If you would like your child to participate in the Dedication Service, sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday. Include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending.

– SUMMER OF IMPACT!  If you’ve been at Coastal over a Summer, you know what this is all about.  It’s basically the Outreach/Serving projects we do during any given month ON STEROIDS for the month of June!  This year there are over 70 different projects – something for everyone, almost every day of the month of June.  You’ll get to see a calendar insert on Easter Sunday!

– BEACH BAPTISM!  This is always a special highlight of the year!  We usually have a Beach Baptism at the beginning of the Summer and the end of the Summer.  Our first one will be Sunday, June 7th, 5pm, at Folly Beach County Park.  If you are interested in getting Baptized at the Beach, you can go to our website and sign up today!

– VBS AT COASTAL! Mark your calendars now – July 13th-17th, from 6-8:15pm each night for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  This year’s theme is, “Rainforest Falls – Exploring the Nature of God!”   You’ll be able to start registering your children and signing up to serve over Easter weekend!
 
Wow!  And that’s just 6 of the things around the corner I’m excited about!  It doesn’t even include our annual kick off of “At the Movies”, Father’s Day (WING FEST is coming back), Summer Camp for our Students, and a Missions Trip to Peru!  And yes, keep reading below for all the information on Easter Weekend!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!  Can’t wait to see you Sunday!  I’ll be wrapping up our series on 1 John this weekend.  Don’t miss it!
 
Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:  Before you check out the list of outreach projects below, please note that there will be NO SATURDAY SERVE on Saturday, April 4th.  Don’t worry, there are plenty of outreach projects before and after Easter to choose from, but with 7 services over 3 days and all of the preparations leading up to Easter, it’s simply too much to put on our Volunteers. 
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, March 27th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Hollywood Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of We-Fold-It, we are able to serve the community of Hollywood by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  TODAY, Saturday, March 28th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, April 1st, 5pm-8pm.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, April 2nd, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, April 3rd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Friday, April 3rd;  Monday, April 6th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  Saturday, April 4th, 7:30am-9:15am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th!  As always, it’s going to be a great celebration at Coastal with a gift for all the women, fun giveaways at the end of each of our 4 services (8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm), FREE Kona Ice for everyone, a Family Photo Booth, and YES Baby & Child Dedication during all 4 services!  If you would like your family to participate in the Baby & Child Dedication, sign up on your Connect Card this weekend.  Include your child’s full name and the service you will be attending.  Baby/Child Dedication is a special time for parents to commit their children to the Lord and to renew their commitment as parents to raise their children in a Christ centered home.
   
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, April 19th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
4. ALL THINGS EASTER:
   
   – The most important way we can prepare ourselves and our church for Easter is prayer.  We will be hosting a Prayer Walk at Coastal on Wednesday, April 1st, at 6:30pm.  Come by yourself, with friends & family, or your LIFE Group, and walk our campus, stopping to pray at different stations for all God is going to do in and through our church.  It will be a powerful experience!  Sign up online today and let us know you’re coming.
   
   – We’re also hosting a 24-hour Prayer Vigil from Thursday, April 2nd, beginning at 7pm, until Friday, April 3rd, at 7pm, right before our first of 7 Easter Services. Simply choose the 15 minute time slot(s) you’d like to pray and sign up!  At your designated time, wherever you might be, simply pray. Go to our Sign-Up Genius Link, and pick a slot today!
   
   – Make sure to pick up and take advantage of all the tools we give away to make it easy to invite someone to our Easter Services.  We have tickets, invite cards, and postcards.  Download our Easter shareable social media graphics to use on your Facebook or Instagram pages.
    
   – And don’t forget to go to Easter at Coastal and let us know which service you plan on attending by reserving your spot!  It lets us know when a service reaches capacity.  I know we keep saying it, but we really want to encourage our people (YOU) to attend on Friday and Saturday, to make more room on Sunday.  If you plan to come that Sunday, please try to come to the 8am or the 12:30pm service (go to Easter breakfast/brunch and then come to church).  Whichever service you attend or serve, especially on Sunday, please park at Oakland.  But most importantly, as we always say, come to the service that you can get your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to come to, yes, even if it’s Easter Sunday at 11am!  And obviously, if you’re serving, come to the service that best suits your serving schedule.  Here are the Easter service times:  Friday, April 3rd, 7pm;  Saturday, April 4th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 5th, 8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm.
   
   – To pull off a big weekend like Easter with 7 services, we need 2 things to happen:  1.  We need our current volunteers to serve multiple services. Please keep in mind that Sunday will need the most volunteers.  2. We need new volunteers to start serving!  If you’ve never volunteered before, Easter weekend is a great time to start!  Go to our website and sign up today!  Our LIFE Team Leaders will follow up with you and get you started. 
   
5. On Saturday, April 18th,11:30AM-2-30PM, Coastal Young Adults will be hosting a Kickball Game and Spring Picnic at First Baptist High School on James Island! We invite all men and women in their 20s and 30s to join us as we enjoy the spring weather, a picnic lunch, and friendly competition. If you have any questions or to sign up, email Dane Clark at youngadults@coastalcommunitychurch.org!

P.S. We are excited to announce that we will be having classroom Easter Egg Hunts on Friday, April 3rd and Saturday, April 4th ONLY in Coastal Kidz! Our 2-year-olds through 5th graders will enjoy a mini egg hunt in their rooms during the service time, along with other Easter activities, songs, a Bible lesson, and of course snacks. This is a great opportunity to invite a friend to come to church with you!  You can help by donating pre-fill and sealed Easter eggs! NO NUTS and NO CHOCOLATE please! All eggs must be sealed. Drop off is at the child check-in desk on Sundays or during the week at the Coastal office Monday-Thursday, between 9am-4pm.

2 WEEKS UNTIL EASTER!  Okay Coastal, make sure to pick up and take advantage of all the tools we give away to make it easy to invite someone to our Easter Services.  We have tickets, invite cards, yard signs, social media graphics, and postcards.  But all of those tools are useless unless you actually reach out to someone.  I also hope you’ll access the most powerful weapon you have in your arsenal – prayer – and join us for our Prayer Walk and Prayer Vigil (see below)!  Please pray for all the people everyone from our church will be inviting, pray for all the people who will receive a postcard in the mail or see our yard signs or billboards.  Pray for our services, our Volunteer Teams, our Staff, and my message (my voice – haha).  Pray that many people will respond to the good news of the Gospel and take next steps in their spiritual life.
 
To pull off a big weekend like Easter with 7 services, we need 2 things to happen:  1.  We need our current volunteers to serve multiple services.  Please keep in mind that Sunday will need the most volunteers.  2. We need new volunteers to start serving!  If you’ve never volunteered before, Easter weekend is a great time to start!  And 1st Impressions and Coastal Kidz is a great place to start.  Go to our website and sign up today!  Our LIFE Team Leaders will follow up with you and get you started.  
 
One last thing about Easter – go to Easter at Coastal and let us know which service you plan on attending by reserving your spot!  It lets us know when a service reaches capacity.  I know we keep saying it, but we really want to encourage our people (YOU) to attend on Friday and Saturday, to make more room on Sunday.  If you plan to come that Sunday, please try to come to the 8:00am or the 12:30pm service (go to Easter breakfast/brunch and then come to church).  Whichever service you attend or serve, especially on Sunday, please park at Oakland.  But most importantly, as we always say, come to the service that you can get your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and classmates to come to, yes, even if it’s Easter Sunday at 9:30am or 11am!  And obviously, if you’re serving, come to the service that best suits your serving schedule.  Here are the Easter service times once more:  Friday, April 3rd, 7pm;  Saturday, April 4th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 5th, 8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm.   
 
I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love sharing and experiencing the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with YOU, with Charleston, and the world!  Can’t wait to see you Sunday!  We’re getting toward the end of our 1st John series.  I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.  This week I’ll be in chapter 5.  Don’t miss it!

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, March 20th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Kid Friendly Blessing Bag Packing Party:  Equipping the future of our church, we will be hosting a Kid-Friendly Clothing Night! This project is designed to get our youngest members involved and understanding what our amazing clothing ministry really does for the people of Charleston. This is a great project for families to do together, serving alongside each other, packing and prepping our clothes to be handed out at Clothing Distributions, Tailgates and more! TONIGHT, Friday, March 20th, 6pm-7:30pm. Meet at Coastal.
   Hollywood Clothing Distribution:  We will get the opportunity to take one of our Mobile Outreach Clothing Vehicles out to distribute clothing while loving on those we encounter. TOMORROW, Saturday, March 21st, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  TOMORROW, Saturday, March 21st, 7:30am-9:15am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   Water Missions Walk for LIFE:  We’re building a team to participate in the annual Walk for Water event in North Charleston. There is a $25 -registration fee for the walk that goes directly to Water Mission’s efforts to help people around the world to have access to clean drinking water. We’ll walk as a team, spend time in fun fellowship, and support a great local cause in the community. It is also an excellent opportunity to share our church with the local community and is kid friendly.  TOMORROW, Saturday, March 21st, 8am-11am.  Meet at: Riverfront Park, 1061 Everglades Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, March 23rd, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, March 24th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, March 25th, 5pm-8pm.
   Brighton Place Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Brighton Place community (here in West Ashley – near Citadel Mall) on Wednesday, March 25th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, March 26th; 11:30am-1pm.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, March 27th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Hollywood Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of We-Fold-It, we are able to serve the community of Hollywood by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  Saturday, March 28th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is TOMORROW, Saturday, March 21st, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email or sign up on our website (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided!
   
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, April 19th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
4. The most important way we can prepare ourselves and our church for Easter is prayer.  We will be hosting a Prayer Walk at Coastal on Wednesday, April 1st, at 6:30pm.  Come by yourself, with friends & family, your LIFE Group, and walk our campus, stopping to pray at different stations for all God is going to do in and through our church.  It will be a powerful experience!  Sign up online today and let us know you’re coming.
   
   We’re also hosting a 24-hour Prayer Vigil from Thursday, April 2nd, beginning at 7pm, until Friday, April 3rd, at 7pm, right before our first of 7 Easter Services. Simply choose the 15 minute time slot(s) you’d like to pray and sign up!  At your designated time, wherever you might be, simply pray.  Pray for God to bless the Easter Weekend services, for the Holy Spirit to be with Pastor Chris and his message, for the people you and our church will be inviting to attend, for our First Time Guests and those hearing the message of salvation for the first time, for Coastal Kidz Staff and Volunteers, for our Life Team Leaders and Volunteers, for our Worship & Tech Teams, for churches all over the world, for our country, our national, state, and local leaders, and for your family, your home, and for those in your spheres of influence.  Go to our Sign-Up Genius Link, and pick a slot today!
   
5. On Saturday, April 18th,11:30AM-2-30PM, Coastal Young Adults will be hosting a Kickball Game and Spring Picnic at First Baptist High School on James Island! We invite all men and women in their 20s and 30s to join us as we enjoy the spring weather, a picnic lunch, and friendly competition. If you have any questions or to sign up, email Dane Clark at youngadults@coastalcommunitychurch.org!

P.S. We are excited to announce that we will be having classroom Easter Egg Hunts on Friday, April 3rd and Saturday, April 4th ONLY in Coastal Kidz! Our 2-year-olds through 5th graders will enjoy a mini egg hunt in their rooms during the service time, along with other Easter activities, songs, a Bible lesson, and of course snacks. This is a great opportunity to invite a friend to come to church with you!  You can help by donating pre-fill and sealed Easter eggs! NO NUTS and NO CHOCOLATE please! All eggs must be sealed. Drop off is at the child check-in desk on Sundays or during the week at the Coastal office Monday-Thursday, between 9am-4pm.

P.S.S. On Mother’s Day, May 10th, Coastal will celebrate all the women in our lives with fun giveaways, FREE Kona Ice for all ages, a family photo station, and Baby/Child Dedication in all 4 SERVICES.  Yes, we’re having 4 services just for Mother’s Day: 8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm.  Take your Mom to breakfast/brunch and bring everyone to church!  If you would like your child to participate in the Dedication Service, sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday. Include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending. 

Well, it’s hard to believe but Easter Sunday is 21 days away (19 days until the first of our 7 Easter Services over 3 days)!  That means it’s time – time to start making those phone calls, sending those texts, extending those invitations!  Go to EasterAtCoastal.com and download our shareable graphics to use on Social Media.  And while you’re there, please don’t forget to let us know which service you plan on attending by reserving your spot!  It simply lets us know when a service is reaching capacity.  We really want to encourage our people (YOU) to attend services on Friday, Saturday, or 8am or 12:30pm on Sunday to make more room on Sunday at 9:30am & 11am.  More than likely, those services will be PACKED!      
 
But most importantly, as we always say, come to the service that you can get your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to come to.  If that’s 11am on Easter Sunday, bring them, but come early to get a seat.  And if you’re serving, come to the service that best suits your serving schedule.  Here are the Easter service times:  Friday, April 3rd, 7pm;  Saturday, April 4th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 5th, 8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm.  

Whichever service you attend, make sure you come early and PARK FAR FAR AWAY – haha!  You know my joke by now right?   The more you love Jesus, the further away you’ll park!  That means park at Oakland Elementary School’s parking lot – the first right past the Greenway, before you reach our campus.  And don’t worry, we run our Golf Carts over there to pick you up every Sunday.  I’m seriously considering parking at the empty Hardees on Easter Sunday! 
 
Please talk to your Ministry Leaders now and VOLUNTEER FOR MULTIPLE SERVICES!  7 services means that it’s “All Hands On Deck.”  We need everyone!  If you’re not serving on Sunday morning yet, Easter is a great time to start.  Sign up to volunteer on your Connect Card this Sunday, and we’ll get you plugged in.  It will be one of the most worthwhile things you do, being used by God to be a link in the chain of people taking next steps and coming to know Jesus!  If you’re not sure where to volunteer, 1st Impressions or Coastal Kidz is a great place to start!
 
I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love sharing and experiencing the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with YOU, with Charleston, and the world!  Can’t wait to see you Sunday! 

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, March 13th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   NHC Fellowship & Activity:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. Many in these facilities rarely, if ever, receive visitors. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and hot chocolate! This project is a great way to serve those who are always in need of a little extra love!  TODAY, Friday, March 13th, 10am-12pm.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   2nd Saturday Meal: Saturday, March 14th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, March 14th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. Meet at Coastal on Tuesday, March 17th, 12pm-3pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, March 18th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, March 18th, 5pm-8pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Wednesday, March 18th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, March 19th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, March 20th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Kid Friendly Blessing Bag Packing Party:  Equipping the future of our church, we will be hosting a Kid-Friendly Clothing Night! This project is designed to get our youngest members involved and understanding what our amazing clothing ministry really does for the people of Charleston. This is a great project for families to do together, serving alongside each other, packing and prepping our clothes to be handed out at Clothing Distributions, Tailgates and more!  Friday, March 20th, 6pm-7:30pm. Meet at Coastal.
   Hollywood Clothing Distribution:  We will get the opportunity to take one of our Mobile Outreach Clothing Vehicles out to distribute clothing while loving on those we encounter.  Saturday, March 21st, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  Saturday, March 21st, 7:30am-9:15am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   Water Missions Walk for LIFE:  We’re building a team to participate in the annual Walk for Water event in North Charleston. There is a $25 -registration fee for the walk that goes directly to Water Mission’s efforts to help people around the world to have access to clean drinking water. We’ll walk as a team, spend time in fun fellowship, and support a great local cause in the community. It is also an excellent opportunity to share our church with the local community and is kid friendly.  Saturday, March 21st, 8am-11am.  Meet at: Riverfront Park, 1061 Everglades Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, March 21st, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided! 
   
3. We have EasterAtCoastal Yard Signs located at our building exits. We encourage you to take one, place it in your yard or out in the community, and advertise our Easter services. Once Easter is over, make sure you bring your sign back to a Sunday service or to our office during the week!
   
4. The most important way we can prepare ourselves and our church for Easter is prayer.  We will be hosting a Prayer Walk at Coastal on Wednesday, April 1st, at 6:30pm.  Come by yourself, with friends & family, your LIFE Group, and walk our campus, stopping to pray at different stations for all God is going to do in and through our church.  It will be a powerful experience!  Sign up online today and let us know you’re coming.
   
   We’re also hosting a 24-hour Prayer Vigil from Thursday, April 2nd, beginning at 7pm, until Friday, April 3rd, at 7pm, right before our first of 7 Easter Services. Simply choose the 15 minute time slot(s) you’d like to pray and sign up!  At your designated time, wherever you might be, simply pray.  Pray for God to bless the Easter Weekend services, for the Holy Spirit to be with Pastor Chris and his message, for the people you and our church will be inviting to attend, for our First Time Guests and those hearing the message of salvation for the first time, for Coastal Kidz Staff and Volunteers, for our Life Team Leaders and Volunteers, for our Worship & Tech Teams, for churches all over the world, for our country, our national, state, and local leaders, and for your family, your home, and for those in your spheres of influence.  Go to our Sign-Up Genius Link, and pick a slot today!
   
5. Attention Young Adults!  We’re having a Coastal Young Adults Camping Trip Friday, March 20th – Saturday, March 21st  at James island County Park. There will be fireside devotionals, rock climbing, and a Saturday picnic by the water front.  Don’t miss the fun!  Invite someone to join us!  The cost is $20 to cover food and the camping site reservations.  If you’d like to sign up or have any questions, email Dane Clark at youngadults@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

P.S. DON’T FORGET – we offer our Coastal Members and regular attendees free access to RightNow Media, an online Christian Video Library.  It’s just one of the many ways to express our generosity to our church family.  Essentially, RightNow Media is a YouTube for Bible studies with videos for kids, students, singles, parents and married couples by teachers like Dave Ramsey, John Piper, Max Lucado, Tim Tebow, and more.  All the content can be accessed from any computer or smart television and through the RightNow Media app on a phone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV, etc.  If you haven’t already  done so, click here to set up your account!

More beautiful pictures (above) from yet more Baptisms this past Sunday!  And yes, you guessed it; there’s another Baptism this Sunday!  I don’t know if you’ve noticed it or not, but Baptisms are a regular thing here at Coastal.  In a lot of churches today, there hasn’t been a Baptism in so long they don’t even fill or clean the Baptistry.  It just sits empty and dusty – which might be a pretty good description of some of those churches.  Not at Coastal.  Already in 2026 there have been more Sunday’s with a Baptism than not.  It’s just normal at Coastal.  And I love it!  It’s a sign of growth and life change at a church.  So what about you?  Is that your next step?  What are you waiting on?  Jesus did it.  He commanded it.  And that settles it – at least it should.  At Coastal we practice believer’s Baptism by immersion.  In other words, we don’t Baptize people unless they believe.  That’s the only requirement for Baptism, that you have personally placed your faith and trust in Christ as your Lord and Savior.  An infant can’t do that.  We also Baptize by immersion.  Why?  Simple – it perfectly illustrates the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, Jesus was Baptized that way, and every Baptism in the New Testament was by immersion.  So again, what about you?  We’re ready any Sunday, any service.  And at Coastal it’s a huge celebration!  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or right now on our website and one of our Pastors will follow up with you.
 
Guess what?  This past Sunday night we had 105 people (WOW) come to our “Making An IMPACT” Evangelism Seminar!  They were challenged and equipped to share their story, share their faith, and invite people to church.  

And speaking of inviting people to church – Easter weekend is now officially less than ONE MONTH away!  It’s time to start reaching out to your friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, and family and invite them to join you at one of our 7 Easter Services over Easter Weekend, April 3rd-5th (see all service times below).  Beginning this Sunday, leading up to Easter, you’ll start seeing different tools for you to use to advertise our services and invite your people to church – Yard Signs, Invite Cards, Tickets, Post Cards.  Take them home and start handing them out!  

It’s also time for YOU to go to EASTERATCOASTAL.COM and let us know which service you plan on attending.  If at all possible, help us make room in the Sunday morning 9:30am and 11am services by attending one of the other 5 identical services.  Friday 7pm and Saturday 4:30pm & 6pm are great options for those who might be traveling for Spring Break or have family obligations on Sunday.  But no matter the service you attend, by registering in advance, it helps us know which service is reaching capacity or is full.  So again, go to EASTERATCOASTAL.COM and register today!  You can also download shareable graphics at EASTERATCOASTAL.COM to use on social media.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what God has called us to do together!  Can’t wait to see you Sunday!

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, March 6th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, March 6th;  Monday, March 9th;  Friday, March 13th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is TOMORROW, Saturday, March 7th.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, March 9th, 2pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, March 10th, 8am-12pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, March 10th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, March 11th, 5pm-8pm.
   Charleston Vets Tailgate:  Charleston Vets is home to 35 struggling, local veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation. Join us as we head out to connect with these veterans, share an evening meal, laugh alongside them, play some lively rounds of Bingo and share a devotion to help them grow closer to the Lord!  Wednesday, March 11th, 6pm-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, March 12th, 11:30am-1pm.
   NHC Fellowship & Activity:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. Many in these facilities rarely, if ever, receive visitors. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and hot chocolate! This project is a great way to serve those who are always in need of a little extra love!  Friday, March 13th, 10am-12pm.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   2nd Saturday Meal: Saturday, March 14th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, March 14th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, March 21st, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided!
   
3. Did you know that Coastal has a Podcast?  You can listen to Sunday messages, stream the “Friday 5” email with Pastor Chris (and other guests), and keep up to date with everything happening at Coastal.  We are now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and our Coastal App.  Search “Coastal Community Church”, look for our logo, and give us a follow to keep up with new content. 
   
4. Coastal will be having 7 Easter Services over 3 days: Friday, April 3rd, 7pm;  Saturday, April 4th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 5th, 8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm.  Remember it’s all hands on deck!  Contact your LIFE Team Leader or go on Planning Center and sign up now to serve in multiple services!  If you’ve never volunteered before, Easter weekend is a great time to start!  Go to our website and sign up today!  Our LIFE Team Leaders will follow up with you and get you started. 
   
   The most important way we can prepare ourselves and our church for Easter is prayer.  We will be hosting a Prayer Walk at Coastal on Wednesday, April 1st, at 6:30pm.  Come by yourself, with friends & family, your LIFE Group, and walk our campus, stopping to pray at different stations for all God is going to do in and through our church.  It will be a powerful experience!  Sign up online today and let us know you’re coming.
   
   We’re also hosting a 24-hour Prayer Vigil from Thursday, April 2nd, beginning at 7pm, until Friday, April 3rd, at 7pm, right before our first of 7 Easter Services. Simply choose the 15 minute time slot(s) you’d like to pray and sign up!  At your designated time, wherever you might be, simply pray.  Pray for God to bless the Easter Weekend services, for the Holy Spirit to be with Pastor Chris and his message, for the people you and our church will be inviting to attend, for our First Time Guests and those hearing the message of salvation for the first time, for Coastal Kidz Staff and Volunteers, for our Life Team Leaders and Volunteers, for our Worship & Tech Teams, for churches all over the world, for our country, our national, state, and local leaders, and for your family, your home, and for those in your spheres of influence.  Go to our Sign-Up Genius Link, and pick a slot today!
   
5. Attention Young Adults!  We’re having a Coastal Young Adults Camping Trip Friday, March 20th – Saturday, March 21st  at James island County Park. There will be fireside devotionals, rock climbing, and a Saturday picnic by the water front.  Don’t miss the fun!  Invite someone to join us!  The cost is $20 to cover food and the camping site reservations.  If you’d like to sign up or have any questions, email Dane Clark at youngadults@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

P.S. Did you know that Coastal has a Celebrate Recovery Ministry?  What is Celebrate Recovery you ask?  Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a Bible-based, Christ-centered recovery program for those who struggle with life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. The curriculum takes participants through The 8 Recovery Principles, which are based on the Beatitudes. A hurt, habit, or hang-up is anything that hinders your walk with God. They postpone or prevent genuine fellowship with Him and your loved ones.  You may be thinking that recovery is only for those with alcohol or drug problems. This could not be further from the truth!  Most of life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups can be addressed through this ministry; including problems with anxiety, abuse, anger, grief, depression, guilt and shame, financial insecurity, divorce, dysfunctional families, sexual problems, eating disorders and more!  If you’re ready to find hope and healing join CR every Tuesday evening at 6:30pm in the Coastal Chapel! For more information please contact the CR Ministry Leaders Chris Jones (843.708.5525) and Cary Jones (917.846.0696).

I want to personally invite you to sign up for our “Making An IMPACT” Evangelism Seminar on Sunday, March 1st, 5pm-8pm, in the Coastal Chapel – childcare and dinner provided.  I’ll be honest with you, I hate including the word “Evangelism” in any kind of announcement about a training or seminar, not because I don’t believe in evangelism, but because of all the images and fear it sparks in people’s minds.  So let me be clear, this is NOT about knocking on doors and asking people you don’t know, if they died tonight would they go to heaven or hell.  This is not about standing on a street corner and preaching.
 
It’s about learning to share your own personal story and sharing your faith (how you became a Christian) with the people God puts in your life, where you live, work, parent, and play.  It’s about learning the power of a simple invitation to a church that promises to partner with you and share the Good News of the Gospel.  We simply believe that every Christian should have the confindence to do these things.  And over time, if you’ve earned the right, built a relationship, prayed for the open door, all of us will have an opportunity to do just that.  We just want you to feel empowered and confident to do so when the time arrives.  That’s what this Seminar is all about.
  
And if you’ve taken it before, there’s nothing wrong with a little refresher.  Plus, at Coastal, you know we’re going to have fun and feed you VERY well while doing it!  I hope you’ll sign up!  This is a great way to prepare our hearts and minds for Easter!  You can go to this link and sign up today. I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what God has called us to do together!  Can’t wait to see you Sunday!

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, February 27th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, March 4th, 5pm-8pm.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, March 5th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, March 6th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is Saturday, March 7th.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Monday, March 9th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, March 10th, 8am-12pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, March 10th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, March 21st, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided! 
   
3. LIFE Groups for this semester have just gotten started, however it’s still not too late to join one!  While some Groups are full, there are still many that are not.  Go to our website, check out all the different Groups and sign up today!  You’ll be glad you did!  As soon as you sign up, your LIFE Group leader will contact you with alll the information you need. 
   
4. Coastal will be having 7 Easter Services over 3 days: Friday, April 3rd, 7pm;  Saturday, April 4th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 5th, 8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm.  Remember it’s all hands on deck!  Contact your LIFE Team Leader or go on Planning Center and sign up now to serve in multiple services!  If you’ve never volunteered before, Easter weekend is a great time to start!  Go to our website and sign up today!  Our LIFE Team Leaders will follow up with you and get you started. 
   
5. Attention Young Adults!  We’re having a Coastal Young Adults Camping Trip Friday, March 20th – Saturday, March 21st  at James island County Park. There will be fireside devotionals, rock climbing, and a Saturday picnic by the water front.  Don’t miss the fun!  Invite someone to join us!  The cost is $20 to cover food and the camping site reservations.  If you’d like to sign up or have any questions, email Dane Clark at youngadults@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

P.S. Mark your calendars now – Coastal’s VBS is July 13th-17th, 6-8:15pm for children 4 years old – 5th Grade.  This year’s theme is, “Rainforest Falls – Exploring the Nature of God!” 

Well, our Spring semester of LIFE Groups has finally started this week!  I’ve heard nothing but GREAT things!  My Wednesday morning Men’s Group, for example, had 43 MEN show up!  43 Men hungry for fellowship and God!  We meet together as a large group and then we break up into small groups.  It was really AWESOME!  I can’t wait to hear the stories of community, connection, and LIFE change from all of our different Groups!  Many of our Groups are full, but for those that aren’t, it’s still not too late to join.  Go to our website and sign up today! If you have any questions about Groups, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff.
 
There are so many exciting things happening behind the scenes at Coastal right now and I want to give you a couple of quick updates:  

– We’ve begun the remodeling phase of “The Outpost” – Coastal’s Community Outreach Center that will be a hub for Food and Clothing Distribution.  As soon as this phase is complete we’ll announce a “move-in” date where we’ll need plenty of volunteers to help move all of the food and shelving from our current Pantry and all of the clothes and racks from the Laughlin’s home, all to The Outpost.  And then after all of that is complete, we’ll be announcing a “Grand Opening” to the church and the community!  As soon as we know – you will know!  To say that I’m excited to see where this leads and the doors of ministry that it opens is quite the understatement!

– Once that move and opening is complete, we’ll begin a little in house expansion for Coastal Kidz!  The wall between the current Pantry and Aly’s office will come down, and we’re going to create another large room for Coastal Kidz.  This is going to meet a huge need!  It will enable us to break down our age groups even further and relieve several of the classes that are already bursting at the seams.  It also means that we’re going to be able to add a room for children with special needs.  Again, if you are interested in serving in any capacity in Coastal Kidz and making an eternal impact in the next generation for Jesus, there is a place for you!  Reach out to our Children’s Director Aly Huggins.

– And if all of that isn’t enough, we are having meetings now with our Architect, Builder, Engineers, and Lender, all for our future building on our property – a 1200-1300 seat Sanctuary and additional classrooms for Coastal Kidz.  We’re also working behind the scenes to prepare for our church wide Giving Campaign this Fall that will enable our church to fund this big project.  These are exciting times Coastal!  As we like to say, “Hold on to your fork – the best is yet to come!”  I love you Coastal!  I’ve love getting to serve alongside you as your Pastor!  And I love what God has called us to do together – sharing the life and love of Jesus with Charleston and the world! 

In His Service & Yours!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, February 20th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Kid Friendly Blessing Bag Packing Party:  Equipping the future of our church, we will be hosting a Kid-Friendly Clothing Night! This project is designed to get our youngest members involved and understanding what our amazing clothing ministry really does for the people of Charleston. This is a great project for families to do together, serving alongside each other, packing and prepping our clothes to be handed out at Clothing Distributions, Tailgates and more!  TODAY, Friday, February 20th, 6pm-7:30pm. Meet at Coastal.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  TOMORROW, Saturday, February 21st, 7:30am-9:15am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, February 23rd, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, February 24th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, February 25th, 5pm-8pm.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, February 26th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, February 27th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, March 21st, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided! 
   
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is THIS Sunday, February 22nd, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (rescheduled from Sunday, February 1st).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today! 
   
4. Coastal’s Annual 40 Day Easter Fast begins THIS Monday, February 23rd, and goes through Friday, April 3rd!  Start thinking now about what you’re going to give up to help prepare yourself and our church spiritually for Easter.  Sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday to let us know that you will be participating in the fast.
    
   And speaking of Easter – mark your calendars now, Coastal will be having 7 Easter Services over 3 days: Friday, April 3rd, 7pm;  Saturday, April 4th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 5th, 8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm.  Remember it’s all hands on deck!  Sign up now to serve in multiple services!
   
5. There is a Safety Team Meeting for all current Team Members and anyone interested in joining the Team, THIS Saturday, February 21st, at 10am in the Coastal Chapel.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Officer Cody Howlett.

P.S. At Coastal, we believe in making an impact one life at a time. We’re hosting an Impact Evangelism Seminar, Sunday, March 1st, 5pm-8pm, in the auditorium.  Come learn practical tools to help build your confidence to share your faith without fear.  Sign up online or RSVP on your Connect Card, and let us know if you’ll need childcare!  Dinner provided.

It was another amazing Sunday at Coastal this past week!  It was LIFE Group Sunday!   We had 1403 people in-person, 1411 online, and 3 more Baptisms!  I want to thank those of you who have been parking over at Oakland Elementary School (1st drive to the right after the Greenway BEFORE you get to our church) and those of you who shifted from the 10am service to either the 8:30am or the 11:30am service – please keep it up!  It all enables our church to keep growing!  And most importantly, I can’t thank all of our LIFE Group Leaders enough for all of their hard work and creativity!  You guys “knocked it out of the park” once again!  The excitement, fun, and enthusiasm in the room was palpable!  Plus, are you ready for this? So far we’ve had over 1468 total signups for LIFE Groups!  That’s AWESOME!  
 
While some of our LIFE Groups are already full, many are not.  So go to our website, check out the catalog, and sign up for a LIFE Group today!  Once you sign up for a LIFE Group, your Group Leader will contact you with all the important information.  Most LIFE Groups begin THIS coming week.  If you have any questions about Groups, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff.
 
I know Easter sounds like a long way away, but it’s not.  It actually comes earlier this year.  Easter Sunday is April 5th!  The big push between now and Easter Weekend will be Volunteers!  So, reach out to your LIFE Team Leader and start signing up to serve on Planning Center now.  Coastal will be having 7 identical Easter Services over 3 days: Friday, April 3rd, 7pm;  Saturday, April 4th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 5th, 8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm (please make note of the service time changes on Sunday).  

Remember Easter is all hands on deck!  Sign up now to serve in multiple services!  Last year our goal was to have over 3000 people in person and over 2000 online.  We reached both of those with 3055 in person and 2105 online!  I honestly don’t know what this year holds, but I feel like we can beat both of those numbers.  Start praying now for the people you will be inviting and for the people the church will be reaching out to through all of our advertising.  Sign up now for our Impact Evangelism Seminar, Sunday, March 1st, 5pm-8pm.  You’ll learn how to confidently and naturally share your story, share your faith, and invite your friends to church.  I love you Coastal!  I’ve love getting to serve alongside you as your Pastor!  And I love what God has called us to do together – sharing the life and love of Jesus with Charleston and the world! 

In His Service & Yours!

Pastor Chris

*If you’ve noticed that our church app is down, we are aware of it.  It is an app provider/Apple issue and hopefully will be resolved soon.  It is out of our hands.

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, February 13th;  Monday, February 16th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   NHC Fellowship & Activity:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. Many in these facilities rarely, if ever, receive visitors. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and hot chocolate! This project is a great way to serve those who are always in need of a little extra love!  TODAY, Friday, February 13th, 10am-12pm.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   2nd Saturday Meal: Saturday, February 14th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, February 14th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. Meet at Coastal on Tuesday, February 17th, 12pm-3pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, February 18th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, February 18th, 5pm-8pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Wednesday, February 18th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, February 19th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, February 20th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Kid Friendly Blessing Bag Packing Party:  Equipping the future of our church, we will be hosting a Kid-Friendly Clothing Night! This project is designed to get our youngest members involved and understanding what our amazing clothing ministry really does for the people of Charleston. This is a great project for families to do together, serving alongside each other, packing and prepping our clothes to be handed out at Clothing Distributions, Tailgates and more!  Friday, February 20th, 6pm-7:30pm. Meet at Coastal.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  Saturday, February 21st, 7:30am-9:15am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, March 21st, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided!
   
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, February 22nd, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (rescheduled from Sunday, February 1st).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today! 
   
4. Coastal’s Annual 40 Day Easter Fast begins Monday, February 23rd, and goes through Friday, April 3rd!  Start thinking now about what you’re going to give up to help prepare yourself and our church spiritually for Easter.  Sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday to let us know that you will be participating in the fast.
    
   And speaking of Easter – mark your calendars now, Coastal will be having 7 Easter Services over 3 days: Friday, April 3rd, 7pm;  Saturday, April 4th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 5th, 8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm.  Remember it’s all hands on deck!  Sign up now to serve in multiple services!
   
5. There is a Safety Team Meeting for all current Team Members and anyone interested in joining the Team, on Saturday, February 21st, at 10am in the Coastal Auditorium.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Officer Cody Howlett.

P.S. At Coastal, we believe in making an impact one life at a time. We’re hosting an Impact Evangelism Seminar, Sunday, March 1st, 5pm-8pm, in the auditorium.  Come learn practical tools to help build your confidence to share your faith without fear.  Sign up online or RSVP on your Connect Card, and let us know if you’ll need childcare!  Dinner provided.

Okay, let’s try this again!  This Sunday, if you haven’t already received one in the mail, you’ll get a physical copy of the new 2026 Spring Semester LIFE Group Catalog – thus the annual picture above of excited Pastor Scott holding the new catalog!  Pastor Scott oversees our Small Group Ministry and yes, he is excited!  The real question however is, have you signed up for a LIFE Group yet?  Online signups have been open for a couple of weeks now, and just like college, your favorite classes (LIFE Groups) will fill up fast!  Some, in fact, have already reached capacity.  So, go to our website right now, check out all the different Groups and sign up today.  Most of our Groups start the week of February 15th and last 8-12 weeks.  Once you sign up for a LIFE Group, you will get an email from the Group Leader with all the information you need.   

This Sunday, February 8th, is one of my favorite Sundays of the year at Coastal!  It’s LIFE GROUP SUNDAY!  Before and after each service you’ll be able to check out all the 76 different Groups offered this semester, browse the tables in the Welcome Center representing those Groups, meet the different Group Leaders, enjoy some great snacks (I’ll have Brunswick Stew at my Table), ask any questions you might have, and most importantly, sign up for a LIFE Group!  It’s a BIG Day here at Coastal and a LOT of fun (there will even be FREE Kona Ice outside for everyone)!  Invite and bring a friend and don’t miss it!

My sermon this Sunday from 1st John is all about living and loving like Jesus.  And one of the points the Apostle John makes is that must be done in fellowship with other believers.  Notice how personal John makes this.  He doesn’t say, “Love the world in general.”  He says, “Love your brother and sister.”  That assumes proximity.  That assumes relationship.  That assumes life together.  John says, “Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light.”  That’s not theoretical love.  That’s lived-out love.  And that’s why community, real, intentional community, matters so much. Because it’s in fellowship that love becomes practical, obedience becomes visible, and faith becomes formed.  It’s hard to love people you don’t know.  It’s hard to forgive people you never see.  And it’s hard to walk in the light when no one is walking with you.  That’s why LIFE Groups matter here at Coastal and aren’t just another church program.  They’re one of the primary ways we walk in the light together.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love walking in fellowship with you!  JOIN A LIFE GROUP!

In His Service & Yours!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, February 6th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, February 6th;  Monday, February 9th;  Friday, February 13th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is THIS Saturday, February 7th.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   Blood Drive:  Literally give the gift of LIFE!  We still need donors for our community blood drive happening TOMORROW, Saturday, February 7th as a part of Saturday Serve! Click on this link and sign up today! There are still slots available from 8:45am to 1:15pm.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, February 9th, 2pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, February 10th, 8am-12pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, February 11th, 5pm-8pm.
   Charleston Vets Tailgate:  Charleston Vets is home to 35 struggling, local veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation. Join us as we head out to connect with these veterans, share an evening meal, laugh alongside them, play some lively rounds of Bingo and share a devotion to help them grow closer to the Lord!  Wednesday, February 11th, 6pm-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, February 12th, 11:30am-1pm.
   NHC Fellowship & Activity:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. Many in these facilities rarely, if ever, receive visitors. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and hot chocolate! This project is a great way to serve those who are always in need of a little extra love!  Friday, February 13th, 10am-12pm.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   2nd Saturday Meal: Saturday, February 14th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, February 14th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Literally give the gift of LIFE!  We still need donors for our community blood drive happening TOMORROW, Saturday, February 7th as a part of Saturday Serve! Click on this link and sign up today! There are still slots available from 8:45am to 1:15pm.
   
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, February 22nd, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (rescheduled from Sunday, February 1st).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
4. Coastal’s Annual 40 Day Easter Fast begins Monday, February 23rd, and goes through Friday, April 3rd!  Start thinking now about what you’re going to give up to help prepare yourself and our church spiritually for Easter.  Sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday to let us know that you will be participating in the fast.
    
   And speaking of Easter – mark your calendars now, Coastal will be having 7 Easter Services over 3 days: Friday, April 3rd, 7pm;  Saturday, April 4th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 5th, 8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm.  Remember it’s all hands on deck!  Sign up now to serve in multiple services!
   
5. On Friday night, February 13th, 6:30pm-8:30pm, Coastal Young Adults are hosting a Young Adults’ Pickleball Night in Coastal’s gym/auditorium!  Come enjoy food, fellowship, and friendly competition. RSVP here!

P.S. At Coastal, we believe in making an impact one life at a time. We’re hosting an Impact Evangelism Seminar, Sunday, March 1st, 5pm-8pm, in the auditorium.  Come learn practical tools to help build your confidence to share your faith without fear.  Sign up online or RSVP on your Connect Card, and let us know if you’ll need childcare!  Dinner provided.

I’ve got some new and exciting news to share!  Now, I realize that’s a fairly regular occurrence here at Coastal, but this is definitely something new and it’s also pretty big!  Coastal now has off-site space to house and operate our Clothing Ministry and Food Pantry for the community (it’s the right side of the building pictured above)!  It’s 2500 square feet of commercial space located at 1050 St. Andrews Blvd. that we are leasing long term for an unbelievable price!  If you were leaving downtown, coming into West Ashley on St. Andrews Blvd., it’s at “the bend”, where if you continued right you would head to Charlestowne Landing and the Northbridge, and if you went left you would continue on Ashley River Rd., Hwy. 61.  Or for those of you who know everything based on restaurant landmarks, it’s in between Hugh Baby’s and Home Team BBQ.  It’s a busy stretch of road that literally thousands of people pass every day.

Now let me share how this all came about.  On Sunday, January 11th, I preached my annual “Year in Review/Year Ahead” message.  In that message, one of the things I talked about was the growth of our Outreach Ministries and how we were running out of space – that we’ve got to find some off-site space to better serve our community and in particular move our Clothing Ministry out of the Laughlin’s home on Johns Island.  By the way, it’s people like Don & Diane Houle, the original pioneers who started our Clothing Ministry in their home, and Steve & Karen Laughlin, who picked up the baton, and have seen this Ministry and their Team continue to grow and expand – it’s the faith and servanthood of people like these that have built this Ministry from the ground up.  Our Food Pantry Ministry, faithfully led by wonderful servants like Steve & Sue Miller and Linda Polito, are running out of room.  Between having a space for people in need to “shop,” a place to store and stage the almost 20 different Blessing Boxes that we supply in the community, the snacks and goodies we give to kids in need at Oakland Elementary School, and a place to stage and store all the Food Rescue we do, we are all crunched for space.

So, the Monday after I preached that message, I got a call from Teresa Spell.  She asked some questions about what exactly we were looking for and told me about some available space the Doctor that she works for has that might work.  Well, it definitely does!  It’s large enough that we can move our Clothing Ministry and our Food Pantry there.  We can also stage and launch many of our Tailgates, Food Rescue, and smaller Outreach Projects from there.  We’ll also be able to park our Box Trucks there and advertise to the thousands of cars driving by each day.  It also frees up much needed space in our building for Coastal Kidz!  Simply put, it enables our church to better serve the underserved of our community and to multiply the opportunities to serve and volunteer.  It becomes a real “Outpost” into the community for our church (keep that name in mind).

Now, when will all this take place?  We don’t have an official date yet for the Grand Opening (yes, there will be a Grand Opening).  But as soon as we know, you will know.  There is a little bit of remodeling to be done, some equipment to be purchased, and of course, food, supplies, and clothing to be moved.  As all of those things begin to get scheduled and we need help, we’ll let everyone know.  Like everything else we do, we want this place to bring glory to God and to be a reflection of the Bride of Christ, and in particular, our church.  Immediately, we hope it will be open at least two days a week.  As we get into a rhythm and have more volunteers, we hope to expand that.  If this is something you are excited about and would be interested in serving at during the week, please let us know.

By the way, this is only possible because of the generosity of our church, in particular, our Christmas Offering.  Because we exceeded our goal, the funds were readily available to act on this opportunity – so THANK YOU!  We can start purchasing paint, flooring, refrigerators, freezers, an ice maker, and various supplies! 

So what are we calling this place?  Right now, we really like the name, “The Outpost.”  An outpost in early pioneering days was a small, often remote settlement or fort set up on the edge of new explored territory. It served as a forward position – a place of protection, supply, and communication for pioneers, soldiers, or traders pushing into new land. They marked presence, expansion, and intention: “We’re here, and help is coming.”  In short, an outpost was not the destination—it was a strategic foothold on the frontier, holding ground until more help arrived.  I love that!  It also makes it easy to expand into other “territories” – the Hollywood Outpost, the North Charleston Outpost.  You get the idea! 

 I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love being a part of a church that dreams big dreams, steps out in faith, and accomplishes great things for the Kingdom!

In His Service & Yours!
Pastor Chris

Winter Storm Watch:  Like everyone else, we are watching the weather this weekend.  Our general rule of thumb is to use wisdom.  If you feel nervous or unsafe driving, then by all means, stay home and watch our services online.  As of right now, we are still having all three service on Sunday.  If that changes we will let everyone know.

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, January 30th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, February 4th, 5pm-8pm.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, February 5th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, February 6th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Friday, February 6th;  Monday, February 9th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is Saturday, February 7th.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, February 9th, 2pm-3:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, February 10th, 8am-12pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Coastal Kidz is hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Night for our amazing CK Volunteers TONIGHT, Friday, January 30th from 6:30-8:30pm. Please join us for an evening of dinner, conversation, gifts, and honoring all of YOU!  Click this link to sign-up (an option for childcare is included) so we can plan for food. This is not a required event, but one we hope you will partake in. 
   
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is THIS Sunday, February 1st, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
4. So, have you signed up for a LIFE Group yet?  If you haven’t heard, we unveiled our 2026 Spring Semester LIFE Group Catalog!  And just like college, your favorite classes (LIFE Groups) will fill up fast!  Some, in fact, have already reached capacity.  So, go to our website right now, check out all the different Groups and sign up today.  Most of our Groups start the week of February 15th.  
   
   Next Sunday, February 8th, is LIFE GROUP SUNDAY!  Before and after each service you’ll be able to check out all the Groups offered this semester, browse the tables in the Welcome Center representing those Groups, meet the different Group Leaders, enjoy some great snacks, and ask any questions you might have!  It’s a BIG Day here at Coastal and a LOT of fun (there will even be FREE Kona Ice outside for everyone)!  Invite and bring a friend and don’t miss it!  Start signing up for a LIFE Group today!
   
5. On Friday night, February 13th, 6:30pm-8:30pm, Coastal Young Adults are hosting a Young Adults’ Pickleball Night in Coastal’s gym/auditorium!  Come enjoy food, fellowship, and friendly competition. RSVP here!

P.S. Attention ALL Ladies of Coastal (and your friends)!  Coastal’s MomCo is hosting a BINGO Ladies Night Fundraiser on Thursday night, February 12th, 6-8pm in Coastal’s auditorium.  Raffle Tickets are $2 each.  Game Cards – 1st pack for the 6 rounds $10.  Additional Game Packs $5 each.  Food will also be for sale: Pizza, Drink, Snack, Candy, all $1 each.  Cash or Venmo only event.  Please RSVP to Karen Burt at 843-860-6280 or karenenaugle@gmail.com.

Woohoo!  I’ve got a couple of exciting things to share!  First of all, we just unveiled our 2026 Spring Semester LIFE Group Catalog online TODAY!  You’ll receive a hard copy NEXT Sunday, AND you should get a copy in the mail next week as well.  Don’t worry, if you get more than one copy, simply share it with a friend.  But we would love for you to go ahead and check out all of our different Groups (there’s something for everyone) and sign up to join a LIFE Group this semester (8-12 weeks)!  By the way, our LIFE Groups are for everyone – whether you’re a member of our church, an occasional attender, or even if you’ve never attended on a Sunday.   We’re called Coastal COMMUNITY Church and you (and your friends and family) are all a part of our community.  There are all types of Groups – activity, women’s, men’s, support, marriage, Bible study, Young Adults, Senior Adults, and more!
 
By the way, not only can you view the catalog online, but you can sign up for a Group online (probably the best way to sign up)!  Once you sign up for a group, your Group Leader will contact you before the semester begins.  Unless otherwise stated in the catalog, all Groups begin the week of February 15th. 

I also want to invite you to attend LIFE GROUP SUNDAY, on Sunday, February 8th, at Coastal!  We have 3 services – 8:30am, 10am, & 11:30am.  Before and after all 3 services you’ll be able to visit a table/booth representing each one of our 76 different LIFE Groups (kind of like a Job/College Fair, but for Groups)!  There will be snacks, you’ll be able to meet other people checking out all the Groups, meet the different Group Leaders, and ask any questions you might have.  I promise it will be a great day and a lot of fun (there will even be FREE KONA ICE outside for everyone)! Start signing up for a LIFE Group today!

The other thing that I’m excited to share with you is that this Sunday I’m kicking off our new sermon series from the New Testament book of 1 John!  1 John 5:13 sums up the overall purpose of the letter.  He says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”  Isn’t that awesome?  Read that verse one more time.  We don’t have to guess. We don’t have to wonder. We can actually KNOW that we have eternal life!  How many of you would agree that’s pretty important?  Anybody interested in what happens to you after you die?  Anybody interested in where you’re headed after your life here on earth is done?  That’s why John wrote this letter, so that we could be certain about the truths of Christianity and confident in our relationship with Jesus.  I can’t wait to jump in with you this Sunday.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love doing LIFE with you!

LIFE Is Better Together!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, January 23rd;  Friday, January 30th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, January 26th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, January 27th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, January 28th;  Wednesday, February 4th, 5pm-8pm.
   Brighton Place Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Brighton Place community (here in West Ashley – near Citadel Mall) on Wednesday, January 28th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, January 29th;  Thursday, February 5th, 11:30am-1pm.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Coastal Kidz is hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Night for our amazing CK Volunteers on Friday, January 30th from 6:30-8:30pm. Please join us for an evening of dinner, conversation, gifts, and honoring all of YOU!  Click this link to sign-up (an option for childcare is included) so we can plan for food. This is not a required event, but one we hope you will partake in. 
   
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, February 1st, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
4. Interested in making an eternal IMPACT right here in our community, our country, and around the world?  Consider joining Coastal’s Online Engagement Team!  We are looking for Online Hosts to help welcome and connect with over 1000 participants online each week!  If you are interested, email Morgan Spell at morgan@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. You should be receiving your 2025 Year End Giving Statement from our church this week – mail or email.  Please check your records for your Statement’s accuracy and contact us if there are any problems.  Make sure your information is current and correct in our database.  Text the keyword ME to 843-571-1777 to view and update your contact information, manage your giving, access your giving statement, and more!  If you receive an error, that means we do not have your cell phone number in our church system, so go online and fill out your Connect Card with your information.  If you have any questions about your statement, please reach out to our Financial Administrator, Kathy Love, at finance@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  It is your consistent, faithful, generous giving that enables our church to make its IMPACT.

P.S. Attention ALL Ladies of Coastal (and your friends)!  Coastal’s MomCo is hosting a BINGO Ladies Night Fundraiser on Thursday night, February 12th, 6-8pm in Coastal’s auditorium.  Raffle Tickets are $2 each.  Game Cards – 1st pack for the 6 rounds $10.  Additional Game Packs $5 each.  Food will also be for sale: Pizza, Drink, Snack, Candy, all $1 each.  Cash or Venmo only event.  Please RSVP to Karen Burt at 843-860-6280 or karenenaugle@gmail.com.

Well, I’ve got some EXCITING NEWS to share with you!  Our Christmas Offering Goal for this year was $200,000.  Drumroll please . . . .we reached and SURPASSED our Christmas Offering Goal with a grand total of $283,636.05!!  Wow!  Just WOW!  Your generosity never ceases to amaze me Coastal!  It is your consistent (not just at Christmas or special occasions), generous (above and beyond) giving that enables our church to do all that it does here, in the community, and around the world!  Because of your generosity we’ve already been able to install brand new lighting in our auditorium, send money to the New Life Children’s Home in Peru, and pay for half the year of food supply for the Veterans in our community through Soldier’s Angels.  And on top of that, I think I’ll have an exciting announcement to make in a couple weeks that will greatly affect the Outreach and Ministry of our church!

It was great to be preaching back at Coastal this past Sunday!  I was only gone one Sunday, but I don’t know if it was the gravity of the situation or just being in the hospital, but being back at Coastal and preaching was just what the Doctor ordered.  Okay, I’m pretty sure none of my Doctors prescribed that, but I know the Great Physician was with me.  As way of an update, I actually have my first follow up appointment with the MUSC Heart Failure Team later today.  I’m taking all my meds and doing my best to be a good patient.  For the most part, the shortness of breath is gone, but I’m still experiencing fatigue.  That’s to be expected as my heart responds to the medication and regains functionality to be able to pump more blood/oxygen through my body at a more normal rate.  And that’s what I’m humbly asking you to specifically pray for – strength and increased heart function.

This past Sunday we had 1472 people in person and another 1381 online!  By the way, we are always looking for people to join our Online Engagement Team (see below).  We had our 1st Baptism of the new year this past Sunday!  In fact, we had another 6 people make the decision to get Baptized over the coming weeks!  The 10am service this past Sunday was PACKED!  But guess what?  We had over 80 people make the commitment to move to the 1st or 3rd service to make room for ONE more!  Thank you!  This Sunday is a stand alone message that has also become an annual tradition here at Coastal.  It’s on a subject that we all have a next step to take, and that many people and families in our church, community, and country are struggling with and desperately need to hear what God’s Word has to say!  Don’t miss it!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love doing whatever it takes with you to make room for ONE more!  See you Sunday! 

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas: TODAY, Friday, January 16th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Kid Friendly Clothing Packing Party:  Equipping the future of our church, we will be hosting a Kid-Friendly Clothing Night! This project is designed to get our youngest members involved and understanding what our amazing clothing ministry really does for the people of Charleston. This is a great project for families to do together, serving alongside each other, packing and prepping our clothes to be handed out at Clothing Distributions, Tailgates and more!  TODAY, Friday, January 16th, 6pm-7:30pm. Meet at Coastal.
   Hollywood Clothing Distribution:  We will get the opportunity to take one of our Mobile Outreach Clothing Vehicles out to distribute clothing while loving on those we encounter.  TOMORROW, Saturday, January 17th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Hollywood Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of We-Fold-It, we are able to serve the community of Hollywood by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  TOMORROW, Saturday, January 17th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. Meet at Coastal on Tuesday, January 20th, 12pm-3pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, January 21st, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, January 21st, 5pm-8pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Wednesday, January 21st, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, January 22nd, 11:30am-1pm.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, January 23rd, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, January 26th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, January 27th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Coastal Kidz is hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Night for our amazing CK Volunteers on Friday, January 30th from 6:30-8:30pm. Please join us for an evening of dinner, conversation, gifts, and honoring all of YOU!  Click this link to sign-up (an option for childcare is included) so we can plan for food. This is not a required event, but one we hope you will partake in. 
   
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, February 1st, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
4. Interested in making an eternal IMPACT right here in our community, our country, and around the world?  Consider joining Coastal’s Online Engagement Team!  We are looking for Online Hosts to help welcome and connect with over 1000 participants online each week!  If you are interested, email Morgan Spell at morgan@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. Text the keyword ME to 843-571-1777 to view and update your contact information, manage your giving, access your giving statement, and more! If you receive an error, that means we do not have your cell phone number in our church system – fill out your Connect Card with your information and check the “change in contact information” box. Questions about anything Coastal? Simply text your question to the number above and we’ll assist you.

P.S. Attention ALL Ladies of Coastal (and your friends)!  Coastal’s MomCo is hosting a BINGO Ladies Night Fundraiser on Thursday night, February 12th, 6-8pm in Coastal’s auditorium.  Raffle Tickets are $2 each.  Game Cards – 1st pack for the 6 rounds $10.  Additional Game Packs $5 each.  Food will also be for sale: Pizza, Drink, Snack, Candy, all $1 each.  Cash or Venmo only event.  Please RSVP to Karen Burt at 843-860-6280 or karenenaugle@gmail.com.

Well, to be honest, I completely forgot about my Friday 5 email this week.  Actually, between my hospital stay and recovering at home, I think I lost all track of time.  I’m not sure how many times I get to use “heart failure” as an excuse or if I should waste it on something as minor as forgetting an email, but I guess I’m using it! 

I’ll keep this short and sweet.  I came home from the hospital late Monday.  I’m on 7 different medications, most of which are designed to improve the functionality of my heart.  Apparently, for some unknown reason, the left side of my heart has been damaged and is not pumping blood/oxygen to my body like it should.  It has shown up in fluid buildup, shortness of breath, and fatigue – all of which were getting worse.  However, they are quite confident, because of my age, overall health, and other numbers/criteria, these family of medications over time should greatly improve all of that.  In fact, they will test that in 3 months.  Of course, I would add because of the power of prayer.  God has already answered so many prayers and has shown up in so many powerful ways through this whole ordeal.  While I know it’s not over yet, I am humbly aware of God’s presence through all of it and grateful for your continued outpouring of love and prayer!  

Now, unless the Lord has other plans, I will be preaching my “Year In Review/Year Ahead” message this Sunday.  Don’t miss it!  It’s one of my favorite messages of the year and gives me a chance to cast some vision for the new year!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And if you’re reading this, God is not finished with you or me – even when I forget things!
 
Much, Much Love & Gratitude in My Heart!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY Friday, January 9th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   NHC Fellowship & Activity:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. Many in these facilities rarely, if ever, receive visitors. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and hot chocolate! This project is a great way to serve those who are always in need of a little extra love!  TODAY, Friday, January 9th, 10am-12pm.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   2nd Saturday Meal: TOMORROW, Saturday, January 10th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor:  TOMORROW, Saturday, January 10th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, January 12th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, January 13th, 8am-12pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, January 13th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, January 14th, 5pm-8pm.
   Charleston Vets Tailgate:  Charleston Vets is home to 35 struggling, local veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation. Join us as we head out to connect with these veterans, share an evening meal, laugh alongside them, play some lively rounds of Bingo and share a devotion to help them grow closer to the Lord!  Wednesday, January 14th, 6pm-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, January 15th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas: Friday, January 16th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Kid Friendly Clothing Packing Party:  Equipping the future of our church, we will be hosting a Kid-Friendly Clothing Night! This project is designed to get our youngest members involved and understanding what our amazing clothing ministry really does for the people of Charleston. This is a great project for families to do together, serving alongside each other, packing and prepping our clothes to be handed out at Clothing Distributions, Tailgates and more!  Friday, January 16th, 6pm-7:30pm. Meet at Coastal.
   Hollywood Clothing Distribution:  We will get the opportunity to take one of our Mobile Outreach Clothing Vehicles out to distribute clothing while loving on those we encounter.  Saturday, January 17th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Hollywood Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of We-Fold-It, we are able to serve the community of Hollywood by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  Saturday, January 17th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Coastal Kidz is hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Night for our amazing CK Volunteers on Friday, January 30th from 6:30-8:30pm. Please join us for an evening of dinner, conversation, gifts, and honoring all of YOU!  Click this link to sign-up (an option for childcare is included) so we can plan for food. This is not a required event, but one we hope you will partake in. 
   
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, February 1st, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
4. LIFE Groups have been formed (there will be 74 this semester) and the catalog will be revealed online in 2 weeks!  Now it’s time to equip and prepare all of our Leaders, both returning and new.  The required Leader Training for RETURNING leaders is THIS Sunday night (1/11) at 7pm online.  Pastor Scott will send a link Sunday afternoon to the Zoom.  NEW Leaders, you have two options to attend a required Leader Training. One option is Monday night (1/12) at 6:30pm at the church and the other option is next Saturday morning (1/17) at 9am at the church.  If you have any questions about LIFE Groups, please contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. Text the keyword ME to 843-571-1777 to view and update your contact information, manage your giving, access your giving statement, and more! If you receive an error, that means we do not have your cell phone number in our church system – fill out your Connect Card with your information and check the “change in contact information” box. Questions about anything Coastal? Simply text your question to the number above and we’ll assist you.

P.S. This Sunday, January 11th is the last week to give to this year’s Annual Christmas Offering!  As you know, Coastal is known for all of the Outreach we do throughout our community and beyond.  Much of it is funded every year through our annual Christmas Offering.  This year’s goal is $200,000.  The money will be used for New Life Children’s Home in Peru, Soldier’s Angels Food Distribution, Summer of IMPACT, VBS, CSM Summer Camp Scholarships, & Auditorium Lighting.  The money is also used for Benevolence & General Outreach.   What we’ve discovered is that we reach our goal when EVERYONE participates.  We can’t all give the same amount, but we can all make a sacrifice.  Every gift counts, every gift matters.  No gift is too small, and no gift is too large.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777). 

How many of you made your annual New Year’s resolution of not making any resolutions?  I’m sure many of you have a love/hate relationship with resolutions.  I get it.  I prefer the word goals.  Over the next several days, I would encourage you to set some goals for 2026 and share them with a friend.  There is tremendous power in simply writing them down and then sharing them with someone else.  And as you’re praying about goals and changes you want to make in 2026, can I encourage you to include making Coastal a priority?  Jesus called the church His Body, His Bride.  Jesus died for the church.  Jesus started the church.  The church is the Family of God and the only thing that will last on into eternity.  The church is the hope of the world, and when done right, there is nothing greater or more powerful than the local church.  

However, there is no perfect church – because the church is made up of real people, just like you and me.  However, God uses all of that to help us become a little bit more like Jesus.  Church attendance/involvement is just like any other habit – it’s easy to make excuses and get out of the habit.  So, my advice, make a commitment and push through.  If it’s been a while, get back in the habit this Sunday, the first Sunday of the New Year.  If you already attend regularly, maybe it’s time you started serving.  I promise, there is a place for you.  This Saturday, tomorrow at 8:30am, is the first Saturday Serve of the New Year!  I can’t think of a better way to start serving and to kick off the New Year than to come to Saturday Serve (see below).  Maybe this is the semester that you join a LIFE Group.  How does your giving reflect your commitment to the church?  Is it consistent?  Generous?  Maybe this is the year you step out in faith and obedience and start tithing.  Maybe this is the year you officially become a Member of Coastal.  Our next Membership Class is Thursday night, January 8th, 6-9pm.  Maybe Baptism is your next step?  As we always say, we’re ready any Sunday, any service.  And how about this – invite and bring someone with you to church!  You never know the power of a simple invitation.

Don’t forget that we are back to our normal service times this Sunday:  3 services – 8:30am, 10am, and 11:30am.  And seriously, don’t miss this Sunday!  It’s one of my favorite messages of the year and gives me a chance to cast some vision for the new year!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love marching forward into the new year with you!   Hold on to your fork – the best is yet to come!
 
Happy New Year!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  TODAY, Friday, January 2nd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, January 2nd;  Monday, January 5th;  Friday, January 9th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is TOMORROW, Saturday, January 3rd.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, January 8th, 11:30am-1pm.
   NHC Fellowship & Activity:  Those in skilled-nursing centers are arguably some of the most neglected people in our society. Many in these facilities rarely, if ever, receive visitors. The hope of this project is to send a reminder to the residents of the facility, in which we are serving, that they are not alone. This kid-friendly project will consist of loving on the staff and residents through words of encouragement, quality time and hot chocolate! This project is a great way to serve those who are in always in need of a little extra love!  Friday, January 9th, 10am-12pm.  Meet at: NHC Skilled Nursing Facility, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr, Charleston, SC 29414.
   2nd Saturday Meal: Saturday, January 10th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor:  Saturday, January 10th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, January 12th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. We are “un-decorating” our campus on Tuesday, January 6th and could use your help!  That’s right, Tuesday, January 6th, at 9am, we’ll be taking down all of the Christmas trees and decorations and packing them away.  If you are available, please come over and lend a hand.
   
3. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, February 1st, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
   
4. I know it’s hard to believe, but we are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Text the word LIFEGROUPLEADER to 843-571-1777 and click on the return link to let us know you are interested in being a Life Group Leader in Spring 2026.   If you have any questions about LIFE Groups, please contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Thursday, January 8th, from 6pm-9pm, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Dinner & childcare provided! 

P.S. As you know, Coastal is known for all of the Outreach we do throughout our community and beyond.  Much of it is funded every year through our annual Christmas Offering.  This year’s goal is $200,000.  The money will be used for New Life Children’s Home in Peru, Soldier’s Angels Food Distribution, Summer of IMPACT, VBS, CSM Summer Camp Scholarships, & Auditorium Lighting.  The money is also used for Benevolence & General Outreach.   What we’ve discovered is that we reach our goal when EVERYONE participates.  We can’t all give the same amount, but we can all make a sacrifice.  Every gift counts, every gift matters.  No gift is too small, and no gift is too large.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777).  You can give your gift any time until January 11th (next Sunday) at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing or our website.

I just wanted to reach out and wish you and your family a Happy New Year! For those of you who have had some time off from work this week, I hope you’ve been able to rest, refresh and enjoy spending time with family.  This is a great time of the year to reflect on 2025 and dream about 2026.  

In fact, that’s exactly what I’ll be doing this Sunday with my annual “Year In Review/Year Ahead” message.  It gives us a moment to reflect on the past, to celebrate the past, but then to turn the page, to close that chapter and to move forward in faith.  Our natural tendency, is to dwell in the past, to live in the past, to get stuck in the past.  And all that does is keep us from experiencing all that God has in store for us today and where He is leading us tomorrow!  Isaiah 43:18-19, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Don’t forget that we are back to our normal service times this Sunday:  3 services – 8:30am, 10am, and 11:30am.  And seriously, don’t miss this Sunday!  It’s one of my favorite messages of the year and gives me a chance to cast some vision for the new year! I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love marching forward into the new year with you! 

Happy New Year!
Pastor Chris

P.S. We are “un-decorating” our campus on Tuesday, January 6th and could use your help!  That’s right, Tuesday, January 6th, at 9am, we’ll be taking down all of the Christmas trees and decorations and packing them away.  If you are available, please come over and lend a hand.

Happy New Year – well almost!  2026 is just around the corner!  But guess what?  No matter what 2025 brings – Jesus is LORD, He is still in control, and our mission is still the same: “to share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world!” 

I sincerely hope you and your family have had a wonderful Christmas!  And let me say how awesome our Christmas Eve services were at Coastal!  I can not thank all of our Staff, LIFE Team Leaders, and Volunteers enough for all that you did!  We could not do what we do without you!  I especially want to thank all of our Worship & Production Team (pictured on stage above) who came very early and were here for all 4 services over 2 days!  There is just something special about lighting candles and worshipping together.  Last year we had our largest Christmas Eve ever – 1972 people in-person.  Our goal this year was simply to break 2000 in-person.  And break it we did – 2343 people in-person!  And get this, we Baptized our 205th person this year!  To God be all the glory!!

Don’t forget that we only have 2 in-person services this Sunday – 8:30am & 10am (no 11:30am services).  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!  Hold on to your fork – the best is yet to come!
 
Happy New Year!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, December 26th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Tuesday, December 30th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, January 2nd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Friday, January 2nd, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is Saturday, January 3rd.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. We’re excited to announce that starting January 1st, 2026 we’re going to be reading through the Bible together this year at Coastal!  We’ll be following the One Year Bible reading plan (a daily reading of the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs).  We sold out the limited number of One Year Bibles we had at the church, but you can purchase them online.  You can also simply choose the One Year Bible reading plan through the YouVersion Bible app.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, and we’ll add you to an email list for regular encouragement and Study notes throughout the year!  If you’ve never read through the Bible, this would be a great way to get started!
   
3. CSM Winter Retreat –  January 16–19!  Our Students (Middle & High School) are heading to Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters in the mountains of North Carolina for a weekend packed with cabin life, awesome activities, and powerful, Gospel-centered teaching and worship!  It’s a chance for Students to unplug (limited phone usage) and have fun, build meaningful friendships, and grow in their walk with Jesus.  The cost is $250, and scholarships are available for families who need assistance.  Click this link to register your student for an unforgettable weekend!
   Drop-off: Friday evening at Coastal @5pm
   Pickup: Monday at Coastal around 4pm
   A full itinerary and packing list is provided upon registration. If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Jacob.  This is an event your Student won’t want to miss!
   
4. I know it’s hard to believe, but we are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Text the word LIFEGROUPLEADER to 843-571-1777 and click on the return link to let us know you are interested in being a Life Group Leader in Spring 2026.   If you have any questions about LIFE Groups, please contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Thursday, January 8th, from 6pm-9pm, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Dinner & childcare provided! 

P.S. As you know, Coastal is known for all of the Outreach we do throughout our community and beyond.  Much of it is funded every year through our annual Christmas Offering.  This year’s goal is $200,000.  The money will be used for New Life Children’s Home in Peru, Soldier’s Angels Food Distribution, Summer of IMPACT, VBS, CSM Summer Camp Scholarships, Box Truck Maintenance/Upkeep, & Auditorium Lighting.  The money is also used for Benevolence & General Outreach.   What we’ve discovered is that we reach our goal when EVERYONE participates.  We can’t all give the same amount, but we can all make a sacrifice.  Every gift counts, every gift matters.  No gift is too small, and no gift is too large.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777).  You can give your gift any time until January 11th at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing or our website.

My wife Janet and I and the entire Coastal Staff want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!  Luke 2:10-11, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

That’s what Christmas is all about – a Savior has been born, the Messiah, the Lord!  That’s all that matters today and every day!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I’m so excited to share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world with YOU in 2026!

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Chris & Janet

P.S. There are only 2 1/2 weeks left (now until January 11th) to give to this year’s Annual Christmas Offering!  Much of our Outreach is funded every year through this offering.  Our goal this year is $200,000.  Every gift counts, every gift matters.  The easiest and fastest way to give to the Christmas Offering is through TEXTing the word “GIVE” to 843-571-1777 and then follow the simple instructions.  Just make sure you designate your gift “Christmas.”

So, are you ready for Christmas?  Well, ready or not, it’s ALMOST here!  Which means of course, that our Christmas Eve Services are almost here!  This year we’re having 4 Christmas Eve services over 2 days – Tuesday, December 23rd,  6pm (a great service for those of you who might be going out of town or have obligations on the 24th); and Wednesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm!  I hope you are ready to invite & bring your friends!  Remember, it’s not too late to invite someone.  Make the ask!  What’s the worst thing that could happen?  Better yet – what’s the BEST thing that could happen?  Think through all your contacts – social media, work, neighbors, friends, family – and invite them to come!  
 
By the way, we ARE having our normal service times THIS Sunday morning, December 21st: 8:30am, 10am, and 11:30am.  And it’s going to be a lot of fun!  Our children in Coastal Kidz from 4yrs – 5th Grade will be singing on stage in “big church” during all 3 services!   They have been practicing for the past month and it is going to be AWESOME!  You’re not going to want to miss it!  However, the following Sunday, December 28th, we will only have 2 Sunday morning services: 8:30am & 10am.
 
Christmas Eve services are one of those times where it is “all hands on deck.”  In other words, if you serve in ministry and you’re not out of town, WE NEED YOU TO SERVE.  Contact your Ministry Leader and let them know which services you are available ASAP!  Every ministry needs plenty of volunteers (and extra volunteers) to pull off Christmas Eve and create a welcoming atmosphere.
 
Pray for me & my message.  Pray that people give their lives to Jesus and get saved!  Pray for our Worship Team that they would lead people to worship Jesus.  Pray for all our Ministry Volunteers, that they would serve Jesus by serving others.
 
Here are a few other important reminders:

– Be helpful, friendly, and welcoming to all our guests!
– Introduce yourself & talk to people you don’t know.
– This is important:  park over at Oakland to make more room for guests.  The further away you park, the better.
– Fill out your Connect Card.  This encourages others to do the same. 
– Sit to the front & center of each section of the auditorium.
– Coastal Kidz (Birth-5th Grade) will be fully operational during all 4 Christmas Eve services.
– If you are serving during a service, PLEASE COME EARLY. 
 
Don’t forget that our entire offering for Christmas Eve (all 4 services) will go toward our Christmas Offering!  Prayerfully consider what you and your family can give.  You might also consider making a year-end sacrificial gift. 

Well, I think that’s about it.   For those of you who are traveling or out of town – HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!  Safe travels and please keep us in your prayers!  And remember, if you can’t make it in person, you will be able to watch all of our services live online.  Can’t wait to see everyone else and all your friends and family over the weekend!  Again, please note that we will have our normal service times this Sunday morning, December 21st:  8:30am, 10am, and 11:30am.  The following Sunday, December 28th, we will only have 2 Sunday morning services: 8:30am & 10am.  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, December 19th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  (No new sign-ups.  This project is full.)  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  Saturday, December 20th, 7:30am-9:15am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   Brighton Place Christmas Party:  Our Annual Christmas Outreach Party is back!  We are heading to Brighton Place, a low income public housing facility right here in West Ashley. We have amazing relationships with this community and want to be able to celebrate the holiday with them! Our church has supplied the sides, gifts, stockings and more! Come out and share a meal, pass out personalized gifts to the residents and more! This is not an event you’ll want to miss!  TOMORROW, Saturday, December 20th, 10:30am-2pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Christmas Bingo Party at Joseph Floyd Manor:  A festive project for all ages, we’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston. Our church has a great relationship with JFM and the Charleston County Housing Authority. We will be meeting at JFM to play bingo, share a devotion, pass out stockings, have a holiday treat and spend time with the amazing residents at Joseph Floyd Manor! This is a great project to participate right before Christmas!  Monday, December 22nd, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at: Joseph Floyd Manor, 2106 Mt Pleasant St.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, December 23rd, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, December 26th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Tuesday, December 30th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Join the team as we travel over to Patriot Villas, a veterans housing facility in North Charleston, to provide encouragement in the form of a fresh hot cup of Coastal coffee, a Krispy Kreme donut and community. We’ll spend the morning serving the veterans, fellowshipping, building relationships and thanking them for their service!  Friday, January 2nd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Friday, January 2nd, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is Saturday, January 3rd.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. We’re excited to announce that starting January 1st, 2026 we’re going to be reading through the Bible together this year at Coastal!  We’ll be following the One Year Bible reading plan (a daily reading of the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs).  We sold out the limited number of One Year Bibles we had at the church, but you can purchase them online.  You can also simply choose the One Year Bible reading plan through the YouVersion Bible app.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, and we’ll add you to an email list for regular encouragement and Study notes throughout the year!  If you’ve never read through the Bible, this would be a great way to get started!
   
3. CSM Winter Retreat –  January 16–19!  Our Students (Middle & High School) are heading to Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters in the mountains of North Carolina for a weekend packed with cabin life, awesome activities, and powerful, Gospel-centered teaching and worship!  It’s a chance for Students to unplug (limited phone usage) and have fun, build meaningful friendships, and grow in their walk with Jesus.  The cost is $250, and scholarships are available for families who need assistance.  Click this link to register your student for an unforgettable weekend!
   Drop-off: Friday evening at Coastal @5pm
   Pickup: Monday at Coastal around 4pm
   A full itinerary and packing list is provided upon registration. If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Jacob.  This is an event your Student won’t want to miss!
   
4. I know it’s hard to believe, but we are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Text the word LIFEGROUPLEADER to 843-571-1777 and click on the return link to let us know you are interested in being a Life Group Leader in Spring 2026.   If you have any questions about LIFE Groups, please contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Thursday, January 8th, from 6pm-9pm, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Dinner & childcare provided! 

P.S. Here  are a few exciting things happening at Coastal during the month of December:

– On Saturday, December 20th, we’re hosting a CHRISTMAS PARTY at Brighton Place!  It’s basically a huge Christmas Party with music, a home-cooked meal, Christmas gifts, and stockings!

– On Sunday, December 21st, our 4 year olds – 5th Grade Coastal Kidz will be singing two Christmas songs on stage during all 3 services!  If you have any questions, please see Aly.  Don’t miss it as our children help lead us in worship!

– Make plans to now to attend, SERVE (contact your Ministry Leader now), and invite someone to one of our 4 Christmas Eve Services: Tuesday, December 23rd,  6pm;  and Wednesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.  Pick up “You’re Invited” cards and start inviting people now!

– On Sunday, December 28th (the Sunday between Christmas and New Year’s Day) we will only have 2 Sunday morning worship services: 8:30am & 10am.
 
– And finally, during all of this, don’t forget to give to this year’s Annual Christmas Offering!  As you can see, there is so much Outreach that happens at Coastal.  Much of it is funded every year through our Christmas Offering.  Our goal is $200,000.  What we’ve discovered is that we reach our goal when EVERYONE participates.  We can’t all give the same amount, but together we can all make a sacrifice.  Every gift counts, every gift matters.  When you give, simply use the keyword, “Christmas.”

WOW!  It was another AWESOME Day at Coastal this past Sunday!  The campus was decorated for Christmas (all of our Staff & Volunteers did an amazing job) and so many people came wearing their festive attire and/or their “ugly Christmas” sweaters.  It was so much fun!  We also gave away our annual Coastal Christmas Tree Ornament (yes, we will have more NEXT Sunday if you did not get one – we ran out).  

There’s a story behind this year’s ornament (pictured above).  We were trying to come up with a gift to give to Rachel Speer before she and her family moved to Arkansas.  The Speer family had been at Coastal for 10 years and Rachel had been on Staff for about 9 of those years, most recently as our Director of Operations.  I thought about getting her some sort of framed “Charleston” painting or print.  But I really wanted to give her something “Coastal” to remember us by.  Well, I put those two ideas together and came up with the idea of commissioning a local artist I know (Charlynn Knight) to do a painting of Coastal.  And then I remembered that Rachel actually took a great picture of our church that I use for my Facebook cover photo.  I gave that picture to Charlynn, and the beautiful result is what you see above.  We decided to use a high resolution picture of that painting for this year’s ornament.  I hope you enjoy it!

We also had some prints made of the painting that we gave to our Staff and Elders at our Christmas Party last week.  On the back of the print I wrote, “Buildings are just a tool – but they also tell a story.  I am so thankful that YOU are a part of OUR story!”  That’s how I sincerely feel about YOU!  God is writing a beautiful story here at Coastal and I am humbled and honored to be a part of it.  When leveraged for the Kingdom, buildings can be great tools that deepen our roots in a community and expand our capacity for growth.  We’ve definitely seen that over the years.  And yes, buildings tell a story – YOUR story, OUR story.  Think about your own home or the different places you’ve lived in your lifetime.  I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “If these walls could talk.”  Well, what stories would your home tell?  What would be your favorite stories?  I’m sure there would be some difficult stories, some deeply painful and sad stories, simply because of the ups and downs and storms of life.  But I have no doubt, there would also be stories of laughter, joy, and a lot of love – your first home as a married couple, bringing home your children from the hospital, Birthday Parties, LIFE Groups, family gatherings, and Christmas mornings just to name a few.  Ultimately, don’t forget, you play a big role in the story that is being written.  But here’s the good news:  if you’re still breathing, that story is still unfolding!  God is not finished with you!  Your story might be one of the greatest comeback stories ever told, a story of grace and redemption.

I know that’s all a little introspective for a “Friday 5”, but it’s what was on my heart this week.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love the beautiful story that God is writing with our church and that YOU are a part of it!  By the way, the first 20 people who read and respond to this email, see me on Sunday and I’ll give you one of those prints (I’ll respond and let you know who you are)!

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, December 12th;  Monday, December 15th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Carolina Bay Holiday Festival:  The Holidays are fast approaching and so is Carolina Bay’s Holiday Festival! We are going out to make holiday crafts with the families that live in this community! This is a great opportunity to serve those right here in our neighborhood, and invite families to one of our four Christmas services! Come out and make a craft and a new friend!  TOMORROW, Saturday, December 13th, 10:30am-3pm (come and help as long as you can).  Meet in the park at Carolina Bay.
   2nd Saturday Meal: TOMORROW, Saturday, December 13th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: TOMORROW, Saturday, December 13th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. Meet at Coastal on Tuesday, December 16th, 12pm-3pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, December 17th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, December 18th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, December 18th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, December 19th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Ronald McDonald House provides a “Home-away-from-home” where families stay while their children undergo extensive medical treatment. The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children, who often don’t have the time, funds, or energy to prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal. Ages 16+.  Saturday, December 20th, 7:30am-9:15am.  Meet at: 81 Gadsden St, Chas (Downtown Charleston).
   Brighton Place Christmas Party:  Our Annual Christmas Outreach Party is back!  We are heading to Brighton Place, a low income public housing facility right here in West Ashley. We have amazing relationships with this community and want to be able to celebrate the holiday with them! Our church has supplied the sides, gifts, stockings and more! Come out and share a meal, pass out personalized gifts to the residents and more! This is not an event you’ll want to miss!  Saturday, December 20th, 10:30am-2pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. We’re excited to announce that starting January 1st, 2026 we’re going to be reading through the Bible together this year at Coastal!  We’ll be following the One Year Bible reading plan (a daily reading of the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs).  We’ll have a limited number of One Year Bibles for purchase at the church ($10) if you’d like a hard copy, or you can purchase them online.  You can also simply choose the One Year Bible reading plan through the YouVersion Bible app.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, and we’ll add you to an email list for regular encouragement and Study notes throughout the year!  If you’ve never read through the Bible, this would be a great way to get started!
   
3. CSM Winter Retreat –  January 16–19!  Our Students (Middle & High School) are heading to Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters in the mountains of North Carolina for a weekend packed with cabin life, awesome activities, and powerful, Gospel-centered teaching and worship!  It’s a chance for Students to unplug (limited phone usage) and have fun, build meaningful friendships, and grow in their walk with Jesus.  The cost is $250, and scholarships are available for families who need assistance.  Click this link to register your student for an unforgettable weekend!
   Drop-off: Friday evening at Coastal @5pm
   Pickup: Monday at Coastal around 4pm
   A full itinerary and packing list is provided upon registration. If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Jacob.  This is an event your Student won’t want to miss!
   
4. I know it’s hard to believe, but we are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Text the word LIFEGROUPLEADER to 843-571-1777 and click on the return link to let us know you are interested in being a Life Group Leader in Spring 2026.   If you have any questions about LIFE Groups, please contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Thursday, January 8th, from 6pm-9pm, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Dinner & childcare provided! 

P.S. Here  are a few exciting things happening at Coastal during the month of December:

– Tomorrow, Saturday, December 13th, you can serve at one of our Downtown Tailgates or you can help with a Children’s Christmas Craft Station in the Carolina Bay neighborhood Holiday Festival (see the details above). 

– On Saturday, December 20th, we’re hosting a CHRISTMAS PARTY at Brighton Place!  It’s basically a huge Christmas Party with music, a home-cooked meal, Christmas gifts, and stockings!  For those of you who picked up a “Gift Tag” off of one of our trees, make sure you bring back your tagged, unwrapped gift no later than THIS Sunday, December 14th.

– On Sunday, December 21st, our 4 year olds – 5th Grade Coastal Kidz will be singing two Christmas songs on stage during all 3 services!  They are practicing now on Sunday mornings.  If you have any questions, please see Aly.  Don’t miss it as our children help lead us in worship!

– Make plans to now to attend, SERVE (contact your Ministry Leader now), and invite someone to one of our 4 Christmas Eve Services: Tuesday, December 23rd,  6pm;  and Wednesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.  Pick up “You’re Invited” cards and start inviting people now!

– On Sunday, December 28th (the Sunday between Christmas and New Year’s Day) we will only have 2 Sunday morning worship services: 8:30am & 10am.
 
– And finally, during all of this, don’t forget to give to this year’s Annual Christmas Offering!  As you can see, there is so much Outreach that happens at Coastal.  Much of it is funded every year through our Christmas Offering.  Our goal is $200,000.  What we’ve discovered is that we reach our goal when EVERYONE participates.  We can’t all give the same amount, but together we can all make a sacrifice.  Every gift counts, every gift matters.  When you give, simply use the keyword, “Christmas.”

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” – at Coastal that is!  I can’t wait for you to see our campus over the weekend!  You’re definitely going to want to get a family picture!  And “Thank You” to all of our Volunteers who showed up on Monday and made it happen!  You did an amazing job! 
 
There  are so many exciting things happening at Coastal during the month of December:
 
– First of all, tomorrow is SATURDAY SERVE!  Show up at Coastal at 8:30am, hear a “pitch” from the Leaders of all the different projects, choose where you want to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and then go serve!  I seriously can’t think of a better way to start the Christmas season!  
 
– And then, this Sunday, we kick off our “Christmas at Coastal” series!  To help prepare our hearts for Christmas, we’re doing a series on Jesus – our Priest, Prophet, and King!  This Sunday I’ll kick things off with Jesus our Prophet and how God is in control and weaves the events of our lives together to accomplish His will.  Don’t miss it!   This Sunday also happens to be “Christmas Attire Day” (formally known as “Ugly Christmas Sweater” Day)! Wear something “Fun & Festive”!  And on top of all of that, we have a small Christmas gift for everyone! 

– We are hosting a Christmas Party for the Veterans at Charleston Vets on Wednesday, December 10th.  Here is the Signup Genius Link for the Gift Cards we are collecting for the Vets.  The gift cards need to be returned by THIS Sunday, December 7th.
 
– And then on Saturday, December 14th, you can serve at one of our Downtown Tailgates or you can help with a Children’s Christmas Craft Station in the Carolina Bay neighborhood Holiday Festival.  If you live in Carolina Bay, we’d especially love your help (see details below).  
 
– On Saturday, December 20th, we’re hosting a CHRISTMAS PARTY at Brighton Place!  It’s basically a huge Christmas Party with music, a home-cooked meal, Christmas gifts, and stockings!  For those of you who picked up a “Gift Tag” off of one of our trees, make sure you bring back your tagged, unwrapped gift no later than Sunday, December 14th.

– On Sunday, December 21st, our 4 year olds – 5th Grade Coastal Kidz will be singing two Christmas songs on stage during all 3 services!  They are practicing now on Sunday mornings.  If you have any questions, please see Aly.  Don’t miss it as our children help lead us in worship!

– We are having 4 Christmas Eve Candlelight Services this year:  Tuesday, December 23rd, 6pm;  Wednesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm.  Start praying and planning for who you will be inviting!

– On Sunday, December 28th (the Sunday between Christmas and New Year’s Day) we will only have 2 Sunday morning worship services: 8:30am & 10am.
 
– And finally, during all of this, don’t forget to give to this year’s Annual Christmas Offering!  As you can see, there is so much Outreach that happens at Coastal.  Much of it is funded every year through our Christmas Offering.  Our goal is $200,000.  What we’ve discovered is that we reach our goal when EVERYONE participates.  We can’t all give the same amount, but together we can all make a sacrifice.  Every gift counts, every gift matters.  When you give, simply use the keyword, “Christmas.”  
 
Coastal, let’s leverage this season and all the miracles associated with it!  Invite & bring a friend each week of this series and especially on Christmas Eve.  Invite someone to come and serve our community with you.  Let’s make this the best Christmas ever!  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, December 5th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, December 5th;  Monday, December 8th;  Friday, December 12th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there TODAY, Friday, December 5th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is TOMORROW, Saturday, December 6th.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, December 9th, 8am-12pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, December 9th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Charleston Vets Christmas Party:  Join us as we throw our annual Christmas Party for these veterans. With a meal, a gift and a little encouragement, we can continue to build great relationships with these vets! If you love our veterans or love Christmas parties, this is the project for you!  Wednesday, December 10th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, December 11th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Carolina Bay Holiday Festival:  The Holidays are fast approaching and so is Carolina Bay’s Holiday Festival! We are going out to make holiday crafts with the families that live in this community! This is a great opportunity to serve those right here in our neighborhood, and invite families to one of our four Christmas services! Come out and make a craft and a new friend!  Saturday, December 13th, 10:30am-3pm.  Meet in the park at Carolina Bay.
   2nd Saturday Meal: Saturday, December 13th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, December 13th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. We’re excited to announce that starting January 1st, 2026 we’re going to be reading through the Bible together this year at Coastal!  We’ll be following the One Year Bible reading plan (a daily reading of the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs).  We’ll have a limited number of One Year Bibles for purchase at the church ($10) if you’d like a hard copy, or you can purchase them online.  You can also simply choose the One Year Bible reading plan through the YouVersion app.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, and we’ll add you to an email list for regular encouragement and Study notes throughout the year!  If you’ve never read through the Bible, this would be a great way to get started! 
   
3. CSM Winter Retreat –  January 16–19!  Our Students (Middle & High School) are heading to Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters in the mountains of North Carolina for a weekend packed with cabin life, awesome activities, and powerful, Gospel-centered teaching and worship!  It’s a chance for Students to unplug (limited phone usage) and have fun, build meaningful friendships, and grow in their walk with Jesus.  The cost is $250, and scholarships are available for families who need assistance.  Click this link to register your student for an unforgettable weekend!
   Drop-off: Friday evening at Coastal @5pm
   Pickup: Monday at Coastal around 4pm
   A full itinerary and packing list is provided upon registration. If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Jacob.  This is an event your Student won’t want to miss!
   
4. I know it’s hard to believe, but we are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Text the word LIFEGROUPLEADER to 843-571-1777 and click on the return link to let us know you are interested in being a Life Group Leader in Spring 2026.   If you have any questions about LIFE Groups, please contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is THIS Sunday, December 7th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today.

P.S. Make plans to now to attend, serve (contact your Ministry Leader now), and invite someone to one of our 4 Christmas Eve Services: Tuesday, December 23rd,  6pm;  and Wednesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.  Pick up “You’re Invited” cards and start inviting people now!

Okay, okay, we’re not really having a “Black Friday Sale” at Coastal!  But that joke never gets old!  Of course, I say that for every joke I run into the ground!  But it IS a fun way to get you to open and read my “Friday 5.”  I know how some of you get when you hear the word SALE!  
 
But seriously, I hope you and your family truly had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday!  Today is traditionally called “Black Friday.”  And then next week we have “Cyber Monday” and “Giving Tuesday”!  Regardless of what labels we assign these days, the reality is that more people will buy more STUFF online this weekend and over the next month than any other time of the year. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, BUT it isn’t eternal.  Our church exists to share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston & the world – and that IS eternal!

So, while you’re shopping online today and over the next month, why not consider doing one of 2 things.  And here’s my CYBER OFFER: 100% of your investment will go to reaching people for Jesus!
 
1. Go here and give to God through the local church from our website. The investment is eternal.  It lasts way longer than a big screen, toy, or new shoes.
 
2. Give toward our Christmas Offering – simply use the keyword “Christmas.”  Each and every gift counts – small and large.  We can’t all give the same amount, but we can each sacrifice.  And when all of us do that together, that’s when God shows up and does a miracle.  Our goal this year is $200,000.
 
Many people give to Coastal with their smartphone through TEXTING!  Simply text the word “GIVE” to 843-571-1777 and follow the simple instructions.  GIVE IT A TRY!  You can give any amount, any where, any time, any place.  It is not billed to your phone.  It is through your Bank/Credit Card that you register.  It is simple, safe, and secure.

You want to know what else is eternal?  We Baptized another 20 people this past weekend!  That means that so far this year we’ve Baptized 197 people!  WOW!  To God be all the Glory!  I believe that there are at least 3 more people who want to get Baptized before we finish out the year.  Will you join me in praying for that?  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love growing in Christ with you!

Much, Much Love,
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, November 28th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, December 3rd, 5pm-8pm.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, December 4th;  Thursday, December 11th11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, December 5th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Friday, December 5th;  Monday, December 8th;  Friday, December 12th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there Friday, December 5th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is Saturday, December 6th.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, December 9th, 8am-12pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, December 9th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Charleston Vets Christmas Party:  Join us to throw our annual Christmas Party for these veterans. With a meal, a gift and a little encouragement, we can continue to build great relationships with these vets! If you love our veterans or love Christmas parties, this is the project for you!  Wednesday, December 10th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Carolina Bay Holiday Festival:  The Holidays are fast approaching and so is Carolina Bay’s Holiday Festival! We are going out to make holiday crafts with the families that live in this community! This is a great opportunity to serve those right here in our neighborhood, and invite families to one of our four Christmas services! Come out and make a craft and a new friend!  Saturday, December 13th, 10:30am-3pm.  Meet in the park at Carolina Bay.
   2nd Saturday Meal: Saturday, December 13th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, December 13th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. There are lots of exciting things happening during Christmas at Coastal:
   
   – First of all, we’ll be decorating our campus THIS Monday, December 1st at 9am!  If you are able and available, we could definitely use the help.  However, please keep in mind that this is not a job for children.  If you’ve seen the finished product or have helped before, you know there is a lot of lifting, moving, getting up and down on ladders, and some very detailed decorating.  But again, we could definitely use the help!
   
   – Sunday, December 7th is “Christmas Attire Day” (formerly known as Ugly Christmas Sweater Day) at Coastal!  Come to church with your most festive or “ugliest” Christmas attire!  It’s going to be a lot of fun and we’ll even have a gfit for you!
   
   – We are hosting a Christmas Party for the Veterans at Charleston Vetson Wednesday, December 10th.  We are collecting Gift Cards for all the Veterans there.  Here is the Signup Genius Link for the Gift Cards.  The gift cards for Veterans need to be returned by Sunday, December 7th.
   
   – All the Gift Tags from the Tree for the Brighton Place Christmas Partyhave been taken.  Simply bring the gift back to the church, unwrapped, with the tag attached by Sunday, December 14th.  The Brighton Place Christmas Party will be Saturday, December 20th!
   
   – On Sunday, December 21st, our 4 year olds – 5th Grade Coastal Kidz will be singing two Christmas songs on stage during all 3 services!  They are practicing now on Sunday mornings.  If you have any questions, please see Aly.  Don’t miss it as our children help lead us in worship!
   
   – We are having 4 Christmas Eve Candlelight Services this year:  Tuesday, December 23rd, 6pm;  Wednesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm.  Start praying and planning for who you will be inviting!
   
   – On Sunday, December 28th (the Sunday between Christmas and New Year’s Day) we will only have 2 Sunday morning worship services: 8:30am & 10am.
   
3. CSM Winter Retreat –  January 16–19!  Our Students (Middle & High School) are heading to Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters in the mountains of North Carolina for a weekend packed with cabin life, awesome activities, and powerful, Gospel-centered teaching and worship!  It’s a chance for Students to unplug (limited phone usage) and have fun, build meaningful friendships, and grow in their walk with Jesus.  The cost is $250, and scholarships are available for families who need assistance.  Click this link to register your student for an unforgettable weekend!
   Drop-off: Friday evening at Coastal @5pm
   Pickup: Monday at Coastal around 4pm
   A full itinerary and packing list is provided upon registration. If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Jacob.  This is an event your Student won’t want to miss!
   
4. I know it’s hard to believe, but we are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Text the word LIFEGROUPLEADER to 843-571-1777 and click on the return link to let us know you are interested in being a Life Group Leader in Spring 2026.   If you have any questions about LIFE Groups, please contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is NEXT Sunday, December 7th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 

P.S. Make plans to now to attend, serve, and invite someone to one of our 4 Christmas Eve Services: Tuesday, December 23rd,  6pm;  and Wednesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.  Pick up “You’re Invited” cards and start inviting people now!

As we enter this Holiday season, Janet and I want to pause – just as we have for the past 35 years – and say thank you!  Coastal Community Church is more than a place we gather or work.  It is our family.  We have watched God do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, and every step of the way, you have been part of this beautiful story.

Psalm 107:1, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”  In a world that often moves too quickly, Thanksgiving invites us to slow down, lift our eyes, and remember the goodness and faithfulness of our God.  This year, we have so much to be grateful for:  lives changed through salvation and baptism, marriages strengthened, families supported, the hurting cared for, our community impacted, God’s provision and protection over our church, and the privilege of worshiping and serving together week after week.  When we see all that God has done, our hearts can only cry out and say, “Thank you, Lord!”

But gratitude doesn’t stop in our hearts – it moves into our hands.  As followers of Jesus, we express our thankfulness through giving, loving, serving, and sharing.

Thanksgiving is a beautiful opportunity to:

• Speak gratitude out loud to the people who have blessed your life.
• Look for ways to serve, whether in your home, your neighborhood, or our church.
• Practice generosity, remembering that everything we have is a gift from God, to be leveraged for His Kingdom.
• Slow down and reflect, noticing God’s fingerprints on your life over the past year.

Janet and I are deeply grateful for each of you – for your faithfulness, your prayers, your support, and the way you love this church and community. Thirty-five years ago, we never could have imagined the family that Coastal would become. Today, we are humbled and honored to walk this journey with you.  From our home to yours, we pray you experience the peace, joy, and Presence of Jesus this Thanksgiving.  May gratitude fill your heart, your conversations, and your days ahead.

Whether you and your family are here in Charleston or out of town this weekend, I hope to see you at Coastal on Sunday – in-person or online!  Take advantage of this season and invite your friends to church!  I am grateful for you!  I am grateful I get to be your Pastor!  And I am humbled and grateful to be on this journey with you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pastor Chris

P.S. This weekend & the week ahead will see the largest traffic of onlline shopping of the year!  While you’re shopping, don’t forget that you can also GIVE ONLINE.  You can give through our website, or TEXT the word “GIVE” to 843-571-1777 and follow the simple instructions. This would be a great weekend to give to our Christmas Offering!  Simply use the keyword, “Christmas.”

On Monday of this week, we delivered almost 1800 Shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child to the local OCC distribution site!  And then on Wednesday morning we took 38 turkeys over to CE Willams Middle School for families in need.  Coastal, your love and generosity never ceases to amaze me!
 
Speaking of generosity, hopefully by now you’ve heard that this Sunday marks the beginning of our 13th Annual Christmas Offering.  So Coastal, it’s now time to start giving!  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777).  You can give your gift over the next 8 weeks (starting this Sunday, Nov. 23rd – Jan. 11th) at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing or our website.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 4 Christmas Eve Services: Tuesday, December 23rd,  6pm;  and Wednesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.   Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering.  The money will be used for New Life Children’s Home in Peru, Soldier’s Angels Food Distribution, Summer of IMPACT, VBS, CSM Summer Camp Scholarships, Box Truck Maintenance/Upkeep, & Auditorium Lighting.  The money is also used for Benevolence & General Outreach.  If you have any  questions, don’t hesitate to ask.  The easiest and fastest way to give to the Christmas Offering is through TEXTing the word “GIVE” to 843-571-1777 and follow the simple instructions.  Just make sure you designate your gift “Christmas.” 
 
This Sunday we’ll be starting Ephesians chapter 6, the last chapter of the book.  Make sure your students are in church with you this Sunday, because Ephesians 6:1 starts off with, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”  Last week was all about husbands & wives, this week Paul addresses parents and children & slaves and masters.  What?!  I wonder what I’ll be preaching about!  You’ll have to come to find out!  But seriously, make sure your Middle & High School students are with you!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love growing in Christ with you!

Much, Much Love,
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, November 21st, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there TODAY, Friday, November 21st, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Kid Friendly Clothing Packing Party:  Equipping the future of our church, we will be hosting a Kid-Friendly Clothing Night! This project is designed to get our youngest members involved and understanding what our amazing clothing ministry really does for the people of Charleston. This is a great project for families to do together, serving alongside each other, packing and prepping our clothes to be handed out at Clothing Distributions, Tailgates and more!  TODAY, Friday, November 21st, 6pm-7:30pm. Meet at Coastal.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, November 25th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Tuesday, November 25th;  Thursday, December 4th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Brighton Place Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Brighton Place community (here in West Ashley – near Citadel Mall) on Wednesday, November 26th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, November 28th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, December 3rd, 5pm-8pm.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. There are lots of exciting things happening during Christmas at Coastal:
   
   – First of all, we’ll be decorating our campus on Monday, December 1st at 9am!  If you are able and available, we could definitely use the help.  However, please keep in mind that this is not a job for children.  If you’ve seen the finished product or have helped before, you know there is a lot of lifting, moving, getting up and down on ladders, and some very detailed decorating.  But again, we could definitely use the help!
   
   – This Sunday, you’ll be able to take the remaining gift tags off of one of the Christmas Trees just outside the auditorium to help supply a Christmas gift for the residents of Brighton Place and a gift card for the Veterans of Charleston Vets.  The gift cards for Veterans need to be returned by Sunday, December 7th.  The Charleston Vets Christmas Party will be Wednesday, December 10th.  Once you sign out your tag for the residents of Brighton Place, simply bring the gift back to the church, unwrapped, with the tag attached by Sunday, December 14th.  The Brighton Place Christmas Party will be Saturday, December 20th!
   
   – Sunday, December 7th is “Christmas Attire Day” (formerly Ugly Christmas Sweater Day) at Coastal!  Come to church with your most festive or “ugliest” Christmas attire!  It’s going to be a lot of fun and we’ll even have a gfit for you!
   
   – On Sunday, December 21st, our 4 year olds – 5th Grade Coastal Kidz will be singing two Christmas songs on stage during all 3 services!  They are practicing now on Sunday mornings.  If you have any questions, please see Aly.  Don’t miss it as our children help lead us in worship!
   
   – We are having 4 Christmas Eve Candlelight Services this year:  Tuesday, December 23rd, 6pm;  Wednesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm.  Start praying and planning for who you will be inviting!
   
   – On Sunday, December 28th (the Sunday between Christmas and New Year’s Day) we will only have 2 Sunday morning worship services: 8:30am & 10am.
   
3. Baptism is a public profession of a believer’s faith in Christ.  THIS Saturday (TOMORROW), November 22nd, at 10am, we will be hosting a “polar plunge” Beach Baptism at Folly Beach County Park.  Even if you’re not getting Baptized, come out and celebrate with those who are!  There will also be opportunities to be Baptized in all 3 of our services on Sunday, November 23rd.  If Baptism is your next step, sign up online.
   
4. I know it’s hard to believe, but we are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Text the word LIFEGROUPLEADER to 843-571-1777 and click on the return link to let us know you are interested in being a Life Group Leader in Spring 2026.   If you have any questions about LIFE Groups, please contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, December 7th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 

P.S. Who have you invited to church lately?  The holidays and Christmas in particular are great times to invite people to church.  Yes people are busy, but they are also hurting, searching for hope and help.  We have the answer!  Pick up a little stack of “You’re Invited” cards and hand them out over the holidays!  Pray for all the people who will be invited to our church for Christmas Eve.  Ask God to use our church, our people, YOU, to draw people to Himself as we lift up Jesus in our community!

I am so excited to share with you our plans for our 13th Annual Christmas Offering!  Over the years, this offering has made a HUGE IMPACT on our ministry!  Well, beginning THIS Sunday, November 23rd, through Sunday, January 11th (8 weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s Christmas Offering.  

To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777).  You can give your gift during those 8 weeks (Nov. 23rd – Jan. 11th) at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing, or our website.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 4 Christmas Eve Services (Tuesday, December 23rd,  6pm;  and Wednesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering.

Why a Special Offering?  It’s a way for us to grow in our faith and to prepare us for what God wants to do through our church in a bigger way in 2026.  It’s a way for us to sacrifice together as a church family and give generously.  Christmas is all about giving.  Many people, during this time of year, are in fact looking for opportunities to give.  And there is no better place to give than to your local church.

What is our goal and where is the money going?  Our overall goal is $200,000!  Is that a big goal?  Yes!  Can we reach it?  Absolutely!  As always, I am very excited about where this year’s money will be going and the potential Kingdom impact.  The money will be used for New Life Children’s Home in Peru, Soldier’s Angels Food Distribution, Summer of IMPACT, VBS, CSM Summer Camp Scholarships, Box Truck Maintenance, & Auditorium Lighting.  The money is also used for Benevolence & General Outreach. 

Let me specifically explain each project for this year’s offering:

Peru Mission – New Life Children’s Home.  A portion of this year’s Christmas Offering will go to providing Christmas for all the children/workers in the orphanage.  It will also help cover various expenses for the Home and salaries for the Staff.  It will also pay for the annual Peruvian License Fee for the Children’s Home to operate.

Soldier’s Angels Monthly Food Distribution.  Through the Low Country Food Bank, Soldier’s Angels provides approximately 80lbs. of groceries to 200+ local veterans who find themselves facing food insecurity.  Coastal already provides Volunteers each month who help with organizing, sorting, preparing, and loading the food.  We will be footing the bill for half (6) of this year’s Food Distributions!

Box Truck/Vehicle Upkeep/Maintenance.  We now have five different Box Trucks & two 15 Passenger Vans that are all wrapped, fitted, and deployed for Outreach all around our community.  As such, these vehicles endure a lot of wear and tear and need some attention. 

Auditorium Lighting.  We have what I affectionately call a “worshi-gym-a-torium.”  It’s basically a large metal building that gets used by our church and community almost every day/night of the week.  And that’s exactly the way we want it!  It’s also our primary gathering place for our weekly worship services.  For a while now, we have been putting a “bandaid” on our lights for worship and making due with what we have.  It’s time to update that. 

VBS & CSM Summer Camp Scholarships.  Coastal has made the strategic decision to invest in the next generation – children and students!  VBS at Coastal is AWESOME!  We see hundreds of children and don’t charge a thing.  Also, each year Coastal subsidizes Summer Camp and even provides scholarships for students who can’t afford it.  We don’t see these things as an expense.  We see them as an investment – an investment in the next generation, an investment in the Kingdom.

Summer of IMPACT.  One of the largest overall Outreach efforts of our church is “Summer of IMPACT.”  Summer of IMPACT is simply a month long emphasis during the month of June on Outreach.  Last year, for example, we had 70+ projects during the month of June alone.  Your generosity makes sure that each of these projects are fully funded (food, supplies, etc).

How much should you give?  Prayerfully consider giving a gift that will stretch your faith and include your whole family.  For some people, coming up with “extra” money is difficult.  We’ve learned that as we give, God provides.  Every gift counts, every gift matters.  Just like our Giving Campaigns over the years and all the other Christmas Offerings we’ve done in the past, we can’t all give the same amount, but TOGETHER, we can ALL make a sacrifice.  That’s when God does a miracle, when together we ALL step out in faith.  

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

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

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Chris

Don’t forget – this Sunday, November 16th is the last Sunday to return your filled Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes!  The blue Coastal Box Truck will be parked out front ready to receive them!  And speaking of Christmas, check out the new “Christmas at Coastal” graphic above (thanks Carla Marchione – our Graphics Artist)!  I love it!  And yes, I LOVE Christmas at Coastal!  So let’s talk about all things Christmas!

– First of all, we’ll be decorating our campus on Monday, December 1st at 9am!  If you are able and available, we could definitely use the help.  However, please keep in mind that this is not a job for children.  If you’ve seen the finished product or have helped before, you know there is a lot of lifting, moving, getting up and down on ladders, and some very detailed decorating.  But again, we could definitely use the help!

– Beginning this Sunday, you’ll be able to take a gift tag off of one of the Christmas Trees just outside the auditorium to help supply a Christmas gift for the residents of Brighton Place and a gift card for the Veterans of Charleston Vets.  The gift cards for Veterans need to be returned by Sunday, December 7th.  The Charleston Vets Christmas Party will be Wednesday, December 10th.  Once you sign out your tag for the residents of Brighton Place, simply bring the gift back to the church, unwrapped, with the tag attached by Sunday, December 14th.  The Brighton Place Christmas Party will be Saturday, December 20th!

– Sunday, December 7th is “Christmas Attire Day” (formerly Ugly Christmas Sweater Day) at Coastal!  Come to church with your most festive or “ugliest” Christmas attire!  It’s going to be a lot of fun and we’ll even have a gfit for you! 

– On Sunday, December 21st, our 4 year olds – 5th Grade Coastal Kidz will be singing two Christmas songs on stage during all 3 services!  They are practicing now on Sunday mornings.  If you have any questions, please see Aly.  Don’t miss it as our children help lead us in worship!

– We are having 4 Christmas Eve Candlelight Services this year:  Tuesday, December 23rd, 6pm;  Wednesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm.  Start praying and planning for who you will be inviting! 

And last, but not least, I am so excited to share with you our plans for our 13th Annual Christmas Offering!  Over the years, this offering has made a huge IMPACT on our ministry!  Well, beginning NEXT Sunday, November 23rd, through Sunday, January 11th (8 weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s Christmas Offering.  

To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, online, or TEXTing (843-571-1777).  You can give your gift during those 8 weeks (Nov. 23rd – Jan. 11th) at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing, or our website.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 4 Christmas Eve Services (Tuesday, December 23rd,  6pm;  and Wednesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering.

Why a Special Offering? It’s a way for us to grow in our faith and to prepare us for what God wants to do through our church in a bigger way in 2026.  It’s a way for us to sacrifice together as a church family and give generously.  Christmas is all about giving.  Many people, during this time of year, are in fact looking for opportunities to give.  And there is no better place to give than to your local church.

What is our goal and where is the money going?  Our overall goal is $200,000!  Is that a big goal?  Yes!  Can we reach it?  Absolutely!  As always, I am very excited about where this year’s money will be going and the potential Kingdom impact.  The money will be used for New Life Children’s Home in Peru, Soldier’s Angels Food Distribution, Summer of IMPACT, VBS, CSM Summer Camp Scholarships, Box Truck Maintenance/Upkeep, & Auditorium Lighting.  The money is also used for Benevolence & General Outreach.

How much should you give?  Prayerfully consider giving a gift that will stretch your faith and include your whole family.  For some people, coming up with “extra” money is difficult.  We’ve learned that as we give, God provides.  Every gift counts, every gift matters.  Just like our Giving Campaigns over the years and all the other Christmas Offerings we’ve done in the past, we can’t all give the same amount, but TOGETHER, we can ALL make a sacrifice.  That’s when God does a miracle, when together we ALL step out in faith.

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

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

Merry Christmas,
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. Meet at Coastal on Tuesday, November 18th, 12pm-3pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, November 19th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, November 19th, 5pm-8pm.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, November 20th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Lowcountry Food Bank: Coastal has served at the Lowcountry Food Bank (LCFB) for years. In that time, we have literally helped to pack thousands of disaster relief boxes, backpack buddies snack packs for school children, and senior boxes. We’re helping to reduce the impacts of food insecurity all around Charleston. If you are looking for a fast-paced, on your feet opportunity, this is definitely the one for you. Come spend a couple of hours with us as we serve in the LCFB warehouse! Thursday, November 20th, 1pm-3:30pm.  Meet at Lowcountry Food Bank, 2864 Azalea Dr, North Charleston.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, November 20th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, November 21st, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there Friday, November 21st, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Kid Friendly Clothing Packing Party:  Equipping the future of our church, we will be hosting a Kid-Friendly Clothing Night! This project is designed to get our youngest members involved and understanding what our amazing clothing ministry really does for the people of Charleston. This is a great project for families to do together, serving alongside each other, packing and prepping our clothes to be handed out at Clothing Distributions, Tailgates and more!  Friday, November 21st, 6pm-7:30pm. Meet at Coastal.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. PERU MISSION TRIP INFORMATIONAL MEETING. Join us immediately after the 11:30am service THIS Sunday, November 16th in the Chapel for a brief informational meeting about our Peru Mission Trip. The dates for the trip are July 25 through August 1. Contact Pastor Scott for any additional information.
   
3. Did you know that Coastal has a podcast featuring messages from previous Sundays as well as a special, weekly Friday Five episode with Pastor Chris?  Yes, you can LISTEN to my Friday 5!  Check it out and give it a follow to stay up to date with everything happening at Coastal as well as all new content coming soon.  It streams on our app, Spotify, and now Apple Podcasts!
   
4. I know it’s hard to believe, but we are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Text the word LIFEGROUPLEADER to 843-571-1777 and click on the return link to let us know you are interested in being a Life Group Leader in Spring 2026.   If you have any questions about LIFE Groups, please contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, December 7th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 

P.S. Baptism is a public profession of a believer’s faith in Christ.  On Saturday, November 22nd, at 10am, we will be hosting a “polar plunge” Beach Baptism at Folly Beach County Park.  There will also be opportunities to be baptized in all 3 of our services on Sunday, November 23rd.  If Baptism is your next step, indicate on your Connect Card or sign up online.

It’s exciting to see all the OCC Shoeboxes coming in!  Almost 700 shoeboxes have already been returned.  We had several people ask if we had any more empty shoeboxes.  We don’t, however, you don’t have to have the OCC Red & Green shoeboxes – any shoebox will do.  Wrap it to make it look festive,  print off a label sticker from the OCC website, and select the gender and age of your child.  Bring back all shoeboxes between now and Sunday, November 16th to the blue Coastal Box Truck in front of the auditorium.

Parents, how many of you realize that for good or for bad, our children tend to copy or imitate what we do?  As they grow up you’ll see all the little tendencies that they pick up from mom or from dad: they way we walk, facial expressions, the things we say or do.  And that’s how Paul starts out Ephesians 5.  Look at the very first verse, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children.”  I love how the NLT translates this verse, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.”  In other words, being a Christian means that God is our Father and we are His children.  And so Paul says, “as a child of God, you need to imitate your Father.”

What do we do with that!  I mean, seriously, how do you imitate God?  God spoke the universe into existence.  I can’t do that!  So how do we imitate God?  Well Paul is going answer that in the verses that follow.  And before we look at the HOW, let me give you the WHY.  Here’s the reason: because we participate in who He is.  Listen to these two amazing verses from 2 Peter 1:3-4, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

Peter isn’t saying that we become God, but amazingly he is saying that we share in His nature as we become increasingly more like Him.  In other words, when you got saved, God did far more than just forgive your sins.  He actually came into your life through the Holy Spirit and gave you a new heart, a new nature, and new desires so that you could begin to live a new and different life, a life that escapes the corruption in the world caused by your old, evil desires.

And that’s what Paul is emphasizing here in Ephesians 5.  In fact, it’s really a continuation of what he’s just finished saying in chapter 4, remember?  Ephesians 4:22-24, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”  Put off the old, put on the new.  And he went to on say, “This putting off and putting on will get expressed in your speech, in the way you handle your anger, you’ll no longer be lying or stealing or slandering.  Instead, you’ll be kind, compassionate, and forgiving, just as in Christ, God forgave you.”  And now as chapter 5 opens, it’s as if Paul is saying, “Here’s the point I’m making.  I want you to imitate God as His dearly loved children.  I want you to become who you are.”  Coastal, I love you!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love imitating our Heavenly Father with you!  I can’t wait to see you and your friends over the weekend!

MUCH LOVE,
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas: TODAY, Friday, November 7th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY,  Friday, November 7th;  Monday, November 10th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   2nd Saturday Meal: TOMORROW, Saturday, November 8th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: TOMORROW, Saturday, November 8th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, November 11th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Wednesday, November 12th, 8am-12pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, November 12th, 5pm-8pm.
   Charleston Vets Activity & Devotion:  Charleston Vets is home to 35 struggling, local veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation. Join us as we head out to connect with these veterans, share an evening meal, laugh alongside them, play some lively rounds of Bingo and share a devotion to help them grow closer to the Lord!  Wednesday, November 12th, 6pm-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, November 13th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. Meet at Coastal on Tuesday, November 18th, 12pm-3pm.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. PERU MISSION TRIP INFORMATIONAL MEETING. Join us immediately after the 11:30am service on Sunday, November 16 in the Chapel for a brief informational meeting about our Peru Mission Trip. The dates for the trip are July 25 through August 1. Contact Pastor Scott for any additional information.
   
3. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is THIS Sunday, November 9th, from 5pm-8pm, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Dinner & childcare provided!
   
4. I know it’s hard to believe, but we are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Text the word LIFEGROUPLEADER to 843-571-1777 and click on the return link to let us know you are interested in being a Life Group Leader in Spring 2026.   If you have any questions about LIFE Groups, please contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. Grieving? Know someone who is? Join GriefShare’s free, one-time event THIS Monday, November 10th at 2pm or 6pm that will help participants prepare for difficult emotions this holiday season and discover hope for the future. Register today at www.griefshare.org.

P.S. Baptism is a public profession of a believer’s faith in Christ.  On Saturday, November 22nd, at 10am, we will be hosting a “polar plunge” Beach Baptism at Folly Beach County Park.  There will also be opportunities to be baptized in all 3 of our services on Sunday, November 23rd.  If Baptism is your next step, indicate on your Connect Card or sign up online.

Don’t forget that this Sunday, November 2nd, one of our big blue Coastal Box Trucks will be out front and open, ready to start receiving Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes!  You guys took home 2000 shoeboxes earlier this year, and it is now time to start bringing them back to the church between now and Sunday, November 16th, filled to the brim with toys, gifts, and supplies for children around the world!  We’ve already received approximately 300 of the 2000 shoeboxes!

How many of you remember the old show, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”?  Each episode featured a team of designers, contractors, and several hundred workers who just have seven days to totally rebuild and transform an entire house – every single room, plus the exterior and the landscaping.  The show was actually a spin-off of the original “Extreme Makeover”, which involved the transformation of people wanting a makeover.  Each show depicted ordinary men and women undergoing “extreme makeovers” involving plastic surgery, exercise regimens, hairstyling, and wardrobing.  Each episode ended with the “unveiling” where the person would be presented to their family and friends who had not been allowed to see them while they were undergoing their transformation. 

Well, this Sunday, I’ll be talking about another ‘Extreme Makeover” as we wrap up Ephesians chapter 4. I’ll be talking about our “Extreme Makeover” in Christ.  Listen to vss. 21-24, “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.  Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.  Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”  Paul tells us to throw off the old sinful nature and to put on the new nature – makeover.

One of the areas of our life that needs a makeover is our words, our language.  Vs. 29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”  The word “unwholesome” comes from a Greek word that was used to describe rotten fruit that needed to be thrown away.  It means putrid or decayed, and in this context it refers to talk that tears people down.  It’s not the crude talk or coarse joking that Paul will address in chapter 5, but rather, words that cut and hurt, the things we say that injure other people or tear them down.  I’m sure you all remember the little children’s saying, “Sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never hurt me.”  I’m also sure that you now know what a big lie that was, because words do hurt and wound!  And that’s what this verse is talking about.  And Paul is saying, *Hey, don’t let any of that unwholesome, rotten speech come out of your mouth!”

Instead, be an encourager!  Mark Twain once said. “I can live two months on one good compliment.”  Sometimes a simple word of encouragement will seal itself in our memories for a lifetime. They become a kind of emergency power supply when our emotional batteries run low.  Proverbs 12:18 says, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”  We all need encouraging people who fill our tank, rev our engine, and lighten our load.  I’m so thankful for those of you in our church who get this and do this.  You just move about, building people up, extending encouragement.  What a gift you arel  Coastal, I love you!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love watching you become more and more like Jesus every day!  I can’t wait to see you and your friends over the weekend!

MUCH LOVE,
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, October 31st;  Monday, November 3rd;  Friday, November 7th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, October 31st, 3pm-5:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coastal Blood Drive:  Literally give the gift of LIFE!  We still need donors for our community blood drive happening at our next Saturday Serve – THIS Saturday, November 1st, 8:30am-1:30pm, at the church.  Click on this link and sign up today! 
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is THIS Saturday, November 1st.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, November 5th, 5pm-8pm.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, November 6th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas: Friday, November 7th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   2nd Saturday Meal: Saturday, November 8th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, November 8th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Coastal Young Adults have several events coming up:
   – Bonfire!  We will be hosting a Bonfire right down the road from the church on Friday, November 7th!  There will be dinner, games, and time to celebrate the close of the month!  Join us at 3876 New Hope Road at 6pm.
   – Young Adults’ Retreat! We are going to Folly Beach on November 14-16! We will have worship and devotions brought to us by key ministry leaders in our church. We will have direct access to the beach, plenty of space for games and group activities, and all of your meals are provided. This is all included in the $60 cost! Go online and reserve your spot!
   
3. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Sunday, November 9th, from 5pm-8pm, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Dinner & childcare provided!
   
4. I know it’s hard to believe, but we are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Text the word LIFEGROUPLEADER to 843-571-1777 and click on the return link to let us know you are interested in being a Life Group Leader in Spring 2026.   If you have any questions about LIFE Groups, please contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. Grieving? Know someone who is? Join GriefShare’s free, one-time event on Monday, November 10th at 2pm or 6pm that will help participants prepare for
   difficult emotions this holiday season and discover hope for the future. Register today at www.griefshare.org.

P.S. Baptism is a public profession of a believer’s faith in Christ.  On Saturday, November 22nd, at 10am, we will be hosting a “polar plunge” Beach Baptism at Folly Beach County Park.  There will also be opportunities to be baptized in all 3 of our services on Sunday, November 23rd.  If Baptism is your next step, indicate on your Connect Card or sign up online.

Good Friday morning to you!  I’ve been out of town this week, but I got back late last night.  I’ve been up in Cincinnati, Ohio for my Pastor’s Coaching meeting.  It was a great week of learning and encouragement with a group of about 20 other Pastors from around the country.  But it’s always great to be home.  And to all you Cincinnati food lovers, yes, while I was there I did have Skyline Chili, LaRosa’s Pizza, and Graeter’s Ice Cream.  Honestly, I’ll take Charleston’s food scene any day!  

We’re halfway through our study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians on Sunday mornings.  Up until now, the focus of the letter has been mostly doctrinal, a study of our identity, of who we are in Christ.  But this Sunday, beginning in chapter four, Paul moves to the application of that truth.  In other words, on the basis of who we are, this then is how we should live.  In fact, I love how he opens the chapter, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”  Live a life worthy of your calling! 

But how do we do that?  What does that look like?  Fortunately he give us a glimpse of that in verse 2, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”  The word that’s translated “humble” there is a word that the Greeks and the Romans laughed at and mocked.  This was not a virtue in the Roman world of the first century, and it’s definitely not in 2025 either.  But we’re not of this world are we?  So what does it mean? It’s the opposite of pride and arrogance.  It’s considering others (Philippians 2) as more important than myself.  We’re to clothe ourself in it, making the choice to put it on daily, according to Colossians 3:12.  So a worthy walk involves humility.  

It also involves gentleness.  Gentleness isn’t weakness.  It’s not being a doormat.  It’s being willing to clothe my strength with consideration for you and how this is affecting you.  It’s power under control.  

It also involves patience.  The word translated “patience” actually comes from two Greek words, one of which means, “lengthy, far away, or at a distance.”  The other one means anger.  So patience is being willing to keep anger at a distance. We do really well with this one until we’re forced to go to Wal-Mart.  Anybody ever feel like anger is getting real close to you, like it’s right there in certain situations?  Well patience is being willing to keep that at a distance, to not allow it to overwhelm your thinking or decision making.  

And then finally he says that living a life worthy of our calling involves “bearing with one another in love.”  The phrase “bearing with one another” means to tolerate, literally, to put up with.  In fact, the NLT translates it, “making allowance for each other’s faults.”  It’s a fantastic concept, something that you and I need from each other on a daily basis.  But how do we do that?  Notice the last word in verse two – “love.”  It takes love.  What does love do?  “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails.”  Love is a choice and a commitment.  Make the choice and the commitment today to live a life worthy of your calling!  Coastal, I love you!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love living for Jesus with you!  I can’t wait to see you and your friends on Sunday!

MUCH LOVE,
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, October 24th; Friday, October 31st, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, October 27th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, October 29th;  Wednesday, November 5th, 5pm-8pm.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, October 30th;  Thursday, November 6th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Friday, October 31st;  Monday, November 3rd, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is Saturday, November 1st.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Coastal Young Adults have several events coming up:
   – Bonfire!  We will be hosting a Bonfire right down the road from the church on Friday, November 7th!  There will be dinner, games, and time to celebrate the close of the month!  Join us at 3876 New Hope Road at 6pm.
   – Young Adults’ Retreat! We are going to Folly Beach on November 14-16! We will have worship and devotions brought to us by key ministry leaders in our church. We will have direct access to the beach, plenty of space for games and group activities, and all of your meals are provided. This is all included in the $60 cost! Go online and reserve your spot!
   
3. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Sunday, November 9th, from 5pm-8pm, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Dinner & childcare provided!
   
4. CSM Serve Weekend – TODAY, October 24–26 (Friday-Sunday)!  This is a major yearly event. Serve Weekend is a powerful event designed to help students learn what it means to serve and love like Jesus. Students will participate in worship, teaching, a community tailgate, and time in host homes. It’s a ton of fun and an event our students really look forward to. Your student won’t want to miss this! THE ENTIRE WEEKEND COSTS JUST $75!  Drop-off: TODAY, Friday evening, 5pm @ Coastal.  Pickup: Sunday after 3rd service.  The full itinerary is available upon registration. You can register by clicking this link.
   
5. Coastal Blood Drive:  Literally give the gift of LIFE!  We still need donors for our community blood drive happening at our next Saturday Serve – Saturday, November 1st, 8:30am-1:30pm, at the church.  Click on this link and sign up today! 

P.S. Baptism is a public profession of a believer’s faith in Christ.  On Saturday, November 22nd, at 10am, we will be hosting a “polar plunge” Beach Baptism at Folly Beach County Park.  There will also be opportunities to be baptized in all 3 of our services on Sunday, November 23rd.  If Baptism is your next step, indicate on your Connect Card or sign up online.

First of all, some good news!  The OCC Shoeboxes are GONE!  That’s  right all 2000 shoeboxes have been taken!  You guys are amazing!  Last Sunday we had just over 700 shoeboxes left.  And after all three services and people picking up the remaining few during the week, they are all gone.  Now, the only thing left is for all of you who took home boxes, to fill them with toys, gifts, and supplies and bring them back to the church between this Sunday and Sunday, November 16th.  We’ll have designated areas (the long kiosk and wall between the Cafe & the Auditorium) ready to receive them.  Starting Sunday, November 2nd we’ll have one of Coastal’s Box Trucks out front for you to drop them off.  Use this opportunity to teach your children about giving and the real meaning of Christmas.  As a family, pray over your boxes and for the children who will receive them.  Again, thank you for your generosity!   

This Sunday as we make our way through the New Testament book of Ephesians, I’ll be in Ephesians 3:14-21.  It’s another beautiful prayer that the Apostle Paul prays for the Ephesian Christians and for us.  There are so many great parts to this prayer, passages that you are very familiar with, and some in fact that many of you may have memorized.  In vs. 18 he prays that we would “grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.”  In vs. 20 we are reminded that He is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”  But in vs. 17 there is this little phrase that you might miss.  It says, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”  That verb “dwell” is a wonderful word!  It’s actually a compound form of two Greek words that mean “down” and “home.”  In fact, the NLT of that verse is, “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.”  The idea is to settle down and feel at home.  

What did Paul mean?  Why that word?  He’s emphasizing the fact that Jesus wants to be more than just a guest in our lives, He’s the owner or master of the house.  Christ wants our life to become His home.  There’s a big difference between being a guest in a house and actually being the owner of your house. Would you agree?  And there’s more to becoming a Christian than just believing a set of beliefs.  Now don’t get me wrong.  The facts ARE important.  They DO matter.  But some people think that as long as you believe the facts, then you’re a Christian.  No, not necessarily.  James 2:19, “You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.   Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.”  Even the demons believe the facts.  So it’s not just simply BELIEVING.  There’s also got be a RECEIVING.  We actually receive Jesus Christ into our life.  John 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”

That’s what Paul is describing in verse 17, “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”  So here’s the question: Is Jesus living inside your life?  That’s what it means to be a Christian.  But even more, is He merely visiting as a GUEST, or is He dwelling there as the Lord and Owner of your life? Coastal, I love you!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what God has called us to do together!  I can’t wait to see you on Sunday!

MUCH LOVE,
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, October 17th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there TODAY, Friday, October 17th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Hollywood Clothing Distribution:  We will get the opportunity to take one of our Mobile Outreach Clothing Vehicles out to distribute clothing while loving on those we encounter.  TOMORROW, Saturday, October 18th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Hollywood Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of We-Fold-It, we are able to serve the community of Hollywood by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  TOMORROW, Saturday, October 18th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, October 20th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. Meet at Coastal on Tuesday, October 21st, 12pm-3pm.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, October 22nd, 5pm-8pm.
   Brighton Place Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Brighton Place community (here in West Ashley – near Citadel Mall) on Wednesday, October 22nd, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, October 23rd, 11:30am-1pm.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, October 24th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Coastal Young Adults have several events coming up:
   
   – Bonfire!  We will be hosting a Bonfire right down the road from the church on Friday, October 31st!  There will be dinner, games, and time to celebrate the close of the month!  Join us at 3876 New Hope Road at 6:30pm.
   
   – Young Adults’ Retreat! We are going to Folly Beach on November 14-16! We will have worship and devotions brought to us by key ministry leaders in our church. We will have direct access to the beach, plenty of space for games and group activities, and all of your meals are provided. This is all included in the $60 cost! Go online and reserve your spot!
   
3. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Sunday, November 9th, from 5pm-8pm, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Dinner & childcare provided!
   
4. CSM Serve Weekend – October 24–26 (Friday-Sunday)!  This is a major yearly event. Serve Weekend is a powerful event designed to help students learn what it means to serve and love like Jesus. Students will participate in worship, teaching, a community tailgate, and time in host homes. It’s a ton of fun and an event our students really look forward to. Your student won’t want to miss this! THE ENTIRE WEEKEND COSTS JUST $75!  Drop-off: Friday evening, 5pm @ Coastal.  Pickup: Sunday after 3rd service.  The full itinerary is available upon registration. You can register by clicking this link.
   
5. Coastal Blood Drive:  Literally give the gift of LIFE!  We still need donors for our community blood drive happening at our next Saturday Serve – Saturday, November 1st, 8:30am-1:30pm, at the church.  Click on this link and sign up today! 

P.S. Baptism is a public profession of a believer’s faith in Christ.  On Saturday, November 22nd, at 10am, we will be hosting a “polar plunge” Beach Baptism at Folly Beach County Park.  There will also be opportunities to be baptized in all 3 of our services on Sunday, November 23rd.  If Baptism is your next step, indicate on your Connect Card or sign up online.

You guys never cease to AMAZE me!  This past Sunday we put out 2000Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes for our church to take home, fill up with toys and gifts, and bring back to the church by Sunday, November 16th.  Now, for those of you who don’t know what Operation Christmas Child (OCC) Shoeboxes are, let me explain.   OCC is a ministry of Samaritans Purse, one of the largest Christian Outreach & Relief organizations in the world.  It’s a simple concept.  Christians and churches (just like Coastal) unite together all around the world, and pack shoeboxes filled with gifts for children in impoverished/troubled areas.  Many of these children have never received a gift before, let alone a Christmas gift.  Local churches in those areas help distribute the shoeboxes.  And in each box there is a Gospel presentation in their own language.  You can go to their website and see story after story of lives changed from the gift of a simple shoebox.  

Over the years, it has become one of our favorite missions.  For the last several years our church has packed 1000 boxes.  This year we decided to step out in faith and pack 2000 boxes!  Honestly, heading into this Sunday, I was hoping that on the first week, we would come close to taking home half of the boxes – which, again, we had never done before.  Well, not only did we come close to half, you guys took over 1200 shoeboxes home – more than we have ever done before!  That’s right, we only have a little over 700 shoeboxes left!

So, this Sunday let’s see if we can take home the remaining boxes.  Just like last Sunday, you can pick them up in our Welcome Center.  I would encourage everyone to take several.  Pray about how many boxes your family would be willing to pack, step out in faith, grab a BUNCH!  They’re actually pretty small and fill up pretty quickly.  There will be an insert in our bulletin with suggested ideas.  You can also go to their website if you have any questions.  This is a great opportunity to teach your children and your grandchildren about generosity and the true meaning of Christmas.  Let them help pick out the items for the shoebox.  Make it a family thing.  Maybe it’s something you could encourage your child’s sports team to do together, or your workplace.  Get creative and host a packing party with friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, or your LIFE Group!

Some more amazing news – this past Sunday we had 62 people in our Newcomer’s Reception!  That’s the most people we’ve ever had.  And then, counting this coming Sunday, that will make 8 Sunday’s in a row that someone has gotten Baptized!  We’ve now Baptized 173 people for the year!  And we have another Beach Baptism coming up in November (see below)!  Wow, just WOW!  Coastal, I love you!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love doing LIFE with you!

 
LIFE & LOVE,
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, October 10th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   2nd Saturday Meal: TOMORROW, Saturday, October 11th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: TOMORROW, Saturday, October 11th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, October 13th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, October 14th, 8am-12pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, October 14th, 1:30pm-3pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, October 15th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, October 16th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, October 16th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, October 17th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there Friday, October 17th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Hollywood Clothing Distribution:  We will get the opportunity to take one of our Mobile Outreach Clothing Vehicles out to distribute clothing while loving on those we encounter.  Saturday, October 18th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Hollywood Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of We-Fold-It, we are able to serve the community of Hollywood by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  Saturday, October 18th, 8am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. MomCo needs your help!  We are looking for a few more experienced, loving childcare workers during our meetings!  We meet the first and third Wednesday of each month from 9:30-11:30am at the church. You would get paid $40 per meeting and be helping to serve some wonderful moms and kiddos! Our group is open to all moms with children aged birth to 18 years old, but the majority of our kiddos are elementary aged and younger – very heavy on 3 year olds and younger. We are open to all moms in the Charleston area, not just Coastal moms, but over three quarters of our ladies do go to Coastal. A majority of our ladies are stay at home moms so our meetings provide a little kid free time to eat breakfast, socialize and strengthen their relationship with Christ. Please reach out to Sara Doscher at 843-901-5290 if you are interested in serving! 
   
3. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Sunday, November 9th, from 5pm-8pm, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Dinner & childcare provided!
   
4. CSM Serve Weekend – October 24–26 (Friday-Sunday)!  This is a major yearly event. Serve Weekend is a powerful event designed to help students learn what it means to serve and love like Jesus. Students will participate in worship, teaching, a community tailgate, and time in host homes. It’s a ton of fun and an event our students really look forward to. Your student won’t want to miss this! THE ENTIRE WEEKEND COSTS JUST $75!  Drop-off: Friday evening, 5pm @ Coastal.  Pickup: Sunday after 3rd service.  The full itinerary is available upon registration. You can register by clicking this link.
   
5. Did you know that Coastal has a new podcast featuring messages from previous Sundays as well as a special, weekly Friday Five episode with Pastor Chris?  Yes, you can LISTEN to my Friday 5!  Check it out and give it a follow to stay up to date with everything happening at Coastal as well as all new content coming soon.  Right now it streams on our app and Spotify with Apple Podcasts coming soon!

P.S. Baptism is a public profession of a believer’s faith in Christ.  On Saturday, November 22nd, at 10am, we will be hosting a “polar plunge” Beach Baptism at Folly Beach County Park.  There will also be opportunities to be baptized in all 3 of our services on Sunday, November 23rd.  If Baptism is your next step, indicate on your Connect Card or sign up online.

Last Sunday Pastor Scott preached about the amazing grace we have in Christ from Ephesians 2:1-10.  And we were reminded that our salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.  And so now this Sunday I’ll be in the second half of Ephesians 2, where Paul wants us to understand how that great salvation is lived out within the church.  Or to put it another way, we’re moving from justification to joining, from believing to belonging.  Romans 12:4-5 says, “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.”  And yes, this is one of those passages where I’ll say, “Turn to your neighbor and say, ‘We belong to each other!'”

But seriously, what does that mean, PRACTICALLY, for you and for me here at Coastal?  Is that verse an accurate description of your involvement here?  Are you connecting with others here?  What if I were to ask you, “who here really knows you, knows your struggles, your dreams?” It’s the difference between going to church and being the church.  The church is not a place you go to, it is a family you belong to – big difference!

Just as there are different levels of maturity, there are also different levels of belonging.  Let me mention 4.  And as I describe each one, ask yourself this question, “Which of these describes my level of belonging here at Coastal?”

LEVEL 1: MEMBERSHIP – CHOOSING TO BELONG.  This is self-explanatory.  This is simply where you find a church family and you choose to officially get connected with that family.   And that family of believers becomes your church home where you’re going to give and be given to, where you’re going to serve and be served, and where you will love and be loved.  This Sunday is our Newcomer’s Reception.  This is a great first step on the path to Membership.  You’ll meet other new people, hear from our Pastors, Staff, and Ministry Leaders, and hear my heart and our story.  And then our next Membership Class is Sunday, November 9th, 5pm-8pm.  Both meetings are in the Chapel.  And at both meetings we provide childcare and food.

LEVEL 2: FRIENDSHIP – LEARNING TO SHARE.  In Romans 12, after writing in vs. 5 that “we belong to all the others,” down in vs. 10 of that same chapter, Paul wrote, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.”  The word translated love there is the close, affectionate love that is shared between good friends.  What’s the difference between an acquaintance and a good friend?  An acquaintance is somebody that you may occasionally say hello to on Sunday mornings.  A good friend is somebody you’ve actually gotten to know outside of our Sunday morning gathering. This level of belonging is a belonging that fosters friendships.  And if you are new here and were to ask me how to do that at Coastal, I’d encourage you to get plugged into a LIFE Group.  That’s not the only way to develop close friendships, but it’s a great way to start.

LEVEL 3: PARTNERSHIP: DOING MY PART.  Partnership is realizing that I’ve got a contribution to make, that the family of God needs me.  1 Corinthians 3:9 says, “We work together as partners who belong to God.”  Isn’t that a great statement?  That’s a terrific description of the church!  Notice, “we work together.” In other words, we haven’t been saved to sit and soak in some spiritual spa.  We’ve been saved to serve, to give, and to share.  You see, it’s great to share your heart, that’s level two, but it’s even greater to do your part, that’s what this level is all about.  Join a LIFE Team and start serving.

LEVEL 4: KINSHIP – LOVING ONE ANOTHER LIKE FAMILY.  Kinship is an old term that we don’t use much any more.  In fact, the terms “kinship” or “kinfolk” may even conjure up images of the Beverly Hillbillies.  That’s not what I’m talking about.  Kinship literally means your closest relationships.  It means your closest family.  When someone is in an accident and they say, “Notify the next-of-kin,” they don’t mean, go find Aunt Ethyl.  They’re saying, “Go get the person they care about the most, the person who is closest to them, the one they hold most dearly.”  Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times (that’s level two), but a brother is born for adversity” (that’s level four).  It’s that brother or sister in Christ who would stand by you no matter what. When everybody else walks out, they walk in. They’re not a fair-weather friend who helps as long as it’s convenient.  They’re committed through thick and thin.  That’s kinship.  Is that possible at Coastal?  YES!  It takes time, effort, initiative, hard work, and a lot of grace and forgiveness.  Is it worth it?  Absolutely!  There is nothing better!  

Look back at these levels.  Which one are you at?  What steps do you need to take to grow in your level of belonging?  Coastal, I love you!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love growing in this family with YOU!

Belonging With You,
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas: TODAY, Friday, October 3rd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, October 3rd;  Monday, October 6th;  Friday, October 10th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is THIS Saturday, October 4th.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, October 6th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, October 8th, 5pm-8pm.
   Charleston Vets Activity & Devotion:  Charleston Vets is home to 35 struggling, local veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation. Join us as we head out to connect with these veterans, share an evening meal, laugh alongside them, play some lively rounds of Bingo and share a devotion to help them grow closer to the Lord!  Wednesday, October 8th, 6pm-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, October 9th, 11:30am-1pm.
   2nd Saturday Meal: Saturday, October 11th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, October 11th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is THIS Sunday, October 5th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 
   
3. Attention Coastal Young Adults!  We’re heading to the Legare Farms Pumpkin Patch THIS Sunday, October 5th.  Leaving from Coastal at 4pm.  Questions? Email Dane Clark at youngadults@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
4. CSM Serve Weekend – October 24–26 (Friday-Sunday)!  This is a major yearly event. Serve Weekend is a powerful event designed to help students learn what it means to serve and love like Jesus. Students will participate in worship, teaching, a community tailgate, and time in host homes. It’s a ton of fun and an event our students really look forward to. Your student won’t want to miss this! THE ENTIRE WEEKEND COSTS JUST $75!  Drop-off: Friday evening, 5pm @ Coastal.  Pickup: Sunday after 3rd service.  The full itinerary is available upon registration. You can register by clicking this link.
   
5. Did you know that Coastal has a new podcast featuring messages from previous Sundays as well as a special, weekly Friday Five episode with Pastor Chris?  Yes, you can LISTEN to my Friday 5!  Check it out and give it a follow to stay up to date with everything happening at Coastal as well as all new content coming soon.  Right now it streams on our app and Spotify with Apple Podcasts coming soon!

P.S. Beginning this Sunday, you’ll be able to take home Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes to fill up with toys and gifts.  I know it might seem crazy talking about Christmas in early October, but if you’ve visited any retail stores the last couple of weeks, Christmas displays are already out.  Well, one of our favorite missions that we support here at Coastal is Operation Christmas Child (OCC) – sharing the love of Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel through gifts & supplies in a simple shoebox for children in troubled countries/areas all around the world. Our Welcome Center will be filled with the shoeboxes ready to take home each Sunday (until they’re gone).  There will be an insert in the bulletin this Sunday with suggested items to fill the box.  This would be a GREAT opportunity for you to teach your children about generosity, the true meaning of Christmas, and the love of Jesus.  Help us reach our goal of packing 2000 SHOEBOXES this year and share the love of Jesus (and the Gospel in their own language) with children all around the world!  Pray about how many boxes your family would be willing to pack, step out in faith, grab a BUNCH of shoeboxes on Sunday, and help us do just that!  Shoeboxes must be filled and returned by Sunday, November 16th.

Okay Coastal, I need your help!  This past Sunday we had 1488 people in-person in attendance!  The 10am service was packed, so much so that we brought out extra chairs (actually we’ve had to do that the last two weeks).    If you come to the 8:30am or 11:30am services, you know those are growing too.  However, they’re not at capacity like the 10am service.  So, if at all possible, I’m asking you 10am attenders to consider coming to the earlier or later service.  Now obviously, if you’re bringing guests, you come to whichever service they want to attend.  But if it really doesn’t matter to you, help us make room for others, by coming to the 8:30am or 11:30am.  In our Membership Class we say that one mark of maturity is being willing to set aside your own preferences (like your preferred Service Time) for the sake of purpose (reaching more people for Jesus).

I’m also going to ask you to do a couple of other things as we continue to grow:  

– Please park over at Oakland Elementary School, not on our campus or at Orange Grove.  The Oakland parking lot is HUGE!  It’s located on the right, immediately after you go over the Greenway, before you get to our campus.  Yes, it’s a little further walk, however, the Golf Carts go there as well.  This makes the dismissal and transition between services so much smoother.  We’re actually going to pay another Police Officer to be on our campus just to assist with traffic duty.

– Please come to church and enter the auditorium EARLIER!  Listen, I get it, it’s the deep South, you need your coffee, and you want to get your kids checked in (and they want their snack).  However, it would GREATLY help finding and getting a seat if you entered the auditorium BEFORE the service actually started.  The long line of people streaming in after the service has already started has been CRAZY long.  And please do your best to sit toward the front, leaving no seats between you and other people.  Our Ushers are doing the best they can, but this would greatly help.

Coastal, this is a great “problem” to have.  We’re actually looking into buying a very nice (but smaller footprint) folding chair to help accommodate our growth.  It allows us to add another 140-150 seats in the auditorium.  This simply buys us some time before we add another service or build another building.  And yes, that new building is coming!  The plan all along was to start our next church-wide Giving Campaign next year this time.  However, with the growth of our church, we believe that it’s time to start that campaign in the new year, leading up to Easter.

Now, why go to all of this effort, energy, planning, organizing, and expense?  Because that’s what a church does when it’s willing to do whatever it takes to reach “one more,” to make room for the “one.”  You see, at Coastal we believe that people, real people that you see and know right here in our community where we live, work, parent, and play, are dying and going to hell without Jesus.  And therefore we are willing to do whatever it takes to reach them with the good news of the Gospel.  Are you?  Who is your “one”?  When is the last time you invited them to join you at church?  Coastal, I love you!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love beating down the gates of Hell with you!

 Praying For Your One,
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, September 26th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, September 29th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, October 1st, 5pm-8pm.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, October 2nd, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas: Friday, October 3rd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Friday, October 3rd, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is Saturday, October 4th.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, October 5th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 
   
3. Attention Coastal Young Adults!  We’re having a Fall Beach RetreatNovember 14th-16th at Folly Beach!  We will meet there for check-in between 6pm-7pm Friday.  We will have discussion, community, games, activities relating to our theme, food and more! Sign up now for the best price!  The cost is $50/person. Register here now!  Contact Morgan Rainey with additional questions at morgan@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
4. One last Fall Volunteer Training for our Coastal Kidz Volunteers is this Sunday and it’s for our Elementary Volunteers.  The training is held after services from 12:45pm-2pm.  Childcare and pizza provided.
   Click on the link below to sign up for the Training:
   9-28:  Elementary Volunteers
   
5. If you know Dustin and Rachel Speer, then you know they are not the kind of people who want to be brought up on the stage and made a big deal over.  But I can’t let the Speer family leave Charleston and Coastal without simply recognizing and thanking them – so this “stage” will have to do.  If you talk to Dustin and Rachel, you quickly discover that they’re not so much “leaving Charleston & Coastal” as they have the opportunity to join all their family together in Arkansas, which we completely understand and appreciate.  But they will be missed.  They’ve been a part of our church for about a decade.  Rachel has been on Staff at Coastal for 8 years, most recently as our Director of Operations, which simply means she’s the “Wizard behind the curtains.”  She’s had a hand in everything we do at Coastal and we’re all better because of her.  Dustin was recognized and set aside as an Elder here at Coastal, which means he’s helped lead, teach, care for, and guard our church.  Together they are leaders, good friends, and more than that, they have become family.  We will miss them dearly, but we are truly excited for them and their family.  They’ll still be around for about another month, and I know Charleston visits are on their future agenda, but when you see them, make sure you hug their neck and show them some love!

P.S. For our Ephesians series this Sunday we’ll be in Ephesians 2:1-10.  Sign up on your Connect Card or text the keyword DEVO to (843) 571-1777 to receive the Ephesians Devotional delivered to your email inbox weekly during the series.

God’s Spirit is moving in such a powerful way right now at Coastal!  That was evident in so many ways on Sunday and this week.  And it’s not just our attendance, although that has definitely been growing.  We had over 1400 people in person and over 1200 online.  We had to bring out more chairs in the 10am service.  We had a scheduled Baptism during the 3rd service and then an impromptu Baptism immediately after the service – 169 Baptisms so far this year!  A group of people laid hands on and prayed for a man who was having open heart surgery this week.  We prayed with a woman who came forward for prayer because she had been walking in shame and guilt over a sin in her life from over 2 years ago.  We’ve had a record number of people show up for Groups this week!  76 Students were at CSM on Sunday night!  59 Young Adults were at the Porch on Monday night.  I had 40 men come to my Wednesday morning Men’s Group.    

And then let me share this special story with you.  A young woman came up to me after one of our services.  I’ve known this woman and her family for 34 years.  In fact, she first showed up at Coastal as a 3 year old toddler on Easter Sunday, 1991 with her mom, a recently divorced single mom.  To make a long and very beautiful story short, Jesus simply got a hold of this mom and her family.  Over time, one by one, Jesus radically and eternally transformed the mom, her siblings, and her parents.  She became an integral part of our church, and one of mine and Janet’s best friends – a real and true Sister in Christ.  Her daughter grew up to be a sweet, smart, beautiful, young woman.  However, like many young people do, when she was old enough to make decisions on her own, she did.  And she chose to go her own way.  That path was a long and winding road.  Now, over the years I’d see her here at Coastal when she would come with her mom on a special day.  And she’s always had a lot of love and respect for me, our church, and the undeniable impact we’ve made on her family over the years.  Well, she and her mom moved about an hour south of here and now we don’t see them as much.  But this past Sunday, the young woman showed up to Coastal on her own.  Actually I think she came in town for a concert with a friend on Saturday and then came to church on Sunday.  When I saw her after church, I gave her a big hug and told her, “You made my day!”  In tears she said, “Pastor Chris I just wanted you to know that I gave my life to Christ today.”  I hugged her again and said, “Now you’ve really made my day!”  She just wanted to thank me for the message, the service, and the impact our church has made.  I can’t wait to sit down with her soon and hear all about her journey and encourage her in her next steps.  She crossed over, from death to LIFE!  And that is worth celebrating!

And trust me Coastal, that is the short version of that story, her story.  And you know exactly what I mean because all of us have a story, a long and beautiful story of redemption and how God used so many things, people, and experiences to draw us to Himself.  And listen, that story and all the others from Sunday and this week didn’t happen because of ME or anyone else.  They happen because through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God is boldly proclaimed, the Gospel is faithfully shared, and Jesus is lifted up high for all to see!  We make much of Jesus here at Coastal!  Jesus is the only name that will unify and rally God’s people and change the world!  Jesus is the only hope of this sinful and evil world!  And so until Jesus comes again or calls me home that’s what we will do – point people to Him! 

 This Sunday I’ll be preaching from Ephesians 1:15-23 and talking about how we pray for each other as Christians.  My guess is that many of you are carrying heavy burdens right now.  Your heart is breaking for our country, our world, and the pain and sadness you feel and see for so many.  I want to challenge and encourage you to come forward at the end of our services on Sunday for prayer with our Prayer Team.  Pray for yourself, pray for our country, our world, your brothers and sisters in Christ, that friend, neighbor, family member, co-worker, or classmate that you have been inviting to church.  Pray for your children, your spouse, your marriage, that friend who has lost a loved one.  Simply come forward, unburden your soul at the feet of Jesus and pray.  I hope you will. I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love being on mission with you!

 Lifting Up Jesus With You,
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas: TODAY, Friday, September 19th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there TODAY, Friday, September 19th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, September 22nd, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, September 23rd, 1:30pm-3:30pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   VA Stand Down for Homelessness: If our Outreach team is known for two things, we think it would be loving our veterans and feeding the community! The best is when we get to do both at once. We have the opportunity to go to VA Standdown for Homelessness again this year! Here, we will be feeding everyone in attendance. This is a busy event where you can anticipate people ready to eat and chat. Let’s feed our veterans together!.  Wednesday, September 24th, 10am-2pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, September 24th, 5pm-8pm.
   Brighton Place Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Brighton Place community (here in West Ashley – near Citadel Mall) on Wednesday, September 24th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, September 25th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, September 26th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, October 5th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 
   
3. Attention Coastal Young Adults!  We’re having a Fall Beach RetreatNovember 14th-16th at Folly Beach!  We will meet there for check-in between 6pm-7pm Friday.  We will have discussion, community, games, activities relating to our theme, food and more! Sign up now for the best price!  The cost is $50/person. Register here now!  Contact Morgan Rainey with additional questions at morgan@coastalcommunitychurch.org
   
4. Our Fall Volunteer Training for Coastal Kidz Volunteers has begun!  Last week was our Nursery Volunteers.  This Sunday is our Preschool Volunteers and the following Sunday is for our Elementary Volunteers.  Each training is held after services from 12:45pm-2pm on their specific date.
   *Childcare and pizza provided*
   
   Click on the link below to sign up for your Training:
   9-21:  Preschool Volunteers (2’s, 3’s, 4-K)
   9-28:  Elementary Volunteers
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is TOMORROW, Saturday, September 20th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email or sign up on our website.  Breakfast & childcare provided!

P.S. Sign up on your Connect Card or text the keyword DEVO to (843) 571-1777 to receive the Ephesians Devotional delivered to your email inbox  during the series.

(Last minute edit):  Coastal, like you, I see the news and the events of each day, and I experience the full range of emotion – anger, sadness, and everything in between.  However, it is my prayer that I will not allow the Evil One to distract or divert me from our mission.  As I’ve been reading through Ephesians over and over again, preparing for this series, one verse stands out this week.  Ephesians 5:16, “Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”  The days in which we live ARE EVIL.  Evil people do evil things.  In fact, as I read and interpret my Bible, I actually expect things to get much worse before they ultimately get better.  But that’s exactly why it’s such an opportune time for followers of Jesus and His church, because there is such a spiritual void today.  The world is coming unraveled.  And all the money and education, and laws, and politicians and prisons can’t restrain the evil in men’s hearts.  So they are searching.  The good news is we have the answers!  Only the gospel of Jesus and His church can not only restrain evil, but transform men’s hearts from evil to good.  This is an opportune time like no other for the church to rise up, for you and me, to impact our world for Jesus.  Don’t you see, the darker the cave gets, the more valuable it is to have a light.  And Jesus said in Matt. 5:14, “You are the light of the world.  You’re to be a city set on a hill that can’t be hidden.”  So, let’s let our light shine! 

(Original Friday 5):

It was another amazing Sunday at Coastal this past week!  It was LIFE Group Sunday!   We Baptized 2 more people (167 so far this year), and we had 1401 people in-person and another 1087 online!  By the way, I want to thank those of you who have been parking over at Oakland or have shifted from the second service to the 1st or 3rd.  It all makes a difference and it all helps us make room for one more person.  After all, that’s what it’s all about, right?  Leaving the 99 to find the one and being willing to do whatever it takes to reach them and make room for them.  

Now, back to LIFE Group Sunday.  I can’t thank all of our LIFE Group Leaders enough for all of their hard work and creativity this past Sunday!  As usual, they “knocked it out of the park”!  It was as though you could reach out and touch the excitement, fun, and enthusiasm in the room!  Plus, are you ready for this, so far we’ve had over 1335 total signups for LIFE Groups!  That’s AWESOME!  And then to top the day off, despite what felt like a monsoon of rain that afternoon, there were 106 Students for the CSM Kickoff!!  WOW, just WOW!
 
While several of our LIFE Groups are already full, many are not.  So go to our website, check out the catalog, and sign up for a LIFE Group today!  Once you sign up for a LIFE Group, your Group Leader will contact you with all the important information.  Most LIFE Groups begin THIS coming week.  If you have any questions about Groups, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff.
 
Don’t forget that THIS Sunday, September 14th, I’ll be kicking off our series from the New Testament book of Ephesians.  I’ll be preaching from Ephesians 1:1-14 where Paul talks about all the spiritual blessings we have in Christ.  I would seriously encourage you to read the passage in multiple translations and make a list of all the blessings you see in the passage.  We truly are blessed beyond measure!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love digging into God’s Word with you!

 Blessed Beyond Measure,
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   2nd Saturday Meal: TOMORROW, Saturday, September 13th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: TOMORROW, Saturday, September 13th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Monday, September 15th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, September 15th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. Meet at Coastal on Tuesday, September 16th, 12pm-3pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, September 17th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, September 17th, 5pm-8pm.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, September 18th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, September 18th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, September 19th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there Friday, September 19th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Newcomer’s Reception: If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, October 5th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today.
   
3. Attention Coastal Young Adults!  We’re having a Fall Beach RetreatNovember 14th-16th at Folly Beach!  We will meet there for check-in between 6pm-7pm Friday.  We will have discussion, community, games, activities relating to our theme, food and more! Sign up now for the best price!  The cost is $50/person. Register here now!  Contact Morgan Rainey with additional questions at morgan@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
4. Our Fall Volunteer Training for Coastal Kidz Volunteers begins this week for our nursery volunteers! This time, our trainings are area-specific, so you will only attend the training that relates to you. Each training will be held after services from 12:45pm-2pm on their specific date.
   
   If you serve in multiple areas, pick the area you serve in most.
   If you are a buddy volunteer, pick the area you serve in most.
   If you are a check-in volunteer, there is no training this time around.
   Save the dates to your calendar and register at the links below.
   *Childcare and pizza provided*
   
   Click on the link below to sign up for your Training:
   9-14:  Nursery Volunteers
   9-21:  Preschool Volunteers (2’s, 3’s, 4-K)
   9-28:  Elementary Volunteers
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, September 20th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided!

P.S. Text the keyword ME to 843-571-1777 to view and update your contact information, manage your giving, access your giving statement, and more! If you receive an error, that means we do not have your cell phone number in our church system – fill out your Connect Card with your information and check the “change in contact information” box. Questions about anything Coastal? Simply text your question to the number above and we’ll assist you.

he next couple of weeks are going to be super exciting at Coastal with 2 BIG DAYS!  First of all, this Sunday, September 7th is LIFE Group Sunday!! That’s right – THIS SUNDAY!  So, what is LIFE Group Sunday you ask?  For those of you who are new to Coastal, let me explain.  Our Sunday morning worship service is pretty much the same, but just a little shorter.  We do that because we want to make plenty of time before and after each service for you to visit a table/booth representing each one of our 74 different LIFE Groups (kind of like a Job/College Fair, but for Groups)!  You’ll be able to meet other people checking out all the Groups, meet the different Group Leaders, enjoy some yummy snacks, and ask any questions you might have.  There will even be FREE Kona Ice outside for everyone!  I promise it will be a great day and a lot of fun!  But most importantly, GO ONLINE AND SIGN UP FOR A LIFE GROUP!  
 
And then the following Sunday, September 14th, we kick off a brand new series on the New Testament book of Ephesians.  The book of Ephesians is divided into two simple sections.  It has six chapters.  The first three chapters focus on our “position,” our identity – who we are in Christ. The last three chapters focus on the application of that.  They address our “practice” in Christ.  In other words, on the basis of who we are, this then is how we should live.  In fact, let me give you a really helpful homework assignment to help prepare you for this Sunday and this series.  I want to encourage you to spend the rest of the month reading through Ephesians several times using different translations.

Ephesians 1:18 is my prayer for you during this series, “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints.”  Be sure to notice that phrase, “the riches of His glorious inheritance.”  Because God is your Father, you are an heir of God!  Now, you may not be acting like it, or you may have never realized just how wealthy and blessed you are spiritually.  

Let me borrow your imagination for just a minute.  Imagine that today, when you go out to your mailbox, you discover a certified letter from an attorney.  The letter says that your great aunt, whom you can barely remember from when you were a kid, has died and made you the sole heir of her estate.  You’d be thinking, “Wow, that’s something.”  But you keep reading and the next paragraph says that her estate is valued at more than 100 million dollars! 

If you were to receive a letter like that and it was on the level and not a hoax, what would your reaction be?  It would change your life and the way you think about everything!  I mean, one moment you’re saying, “How am I going to pay the bills?” and the next, it’s like, “How am I going to invest all this money?”  It would change your whole outlook on life!

Now, the minute that will was probated you became a millionaire, you just didn’t know it!  It was only after you read the letter that you realized, “I’m an heir of 100 million dollars!”  You were already rich, but reading the letter enabled you to discover it.

And so my prayer for all of us during this study is that as we open this letter of Ephesians, the Holy Spirit will open the eyes our of heart to who we really are in Christ and to how wealthy we are as an heir of the Father.  Some of your eyes may be closed to that.  But I guarantee, if you have discovered it, if you will discover it – it will forever change your life!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love digging into God’s Word with you!
 
Blessed Beyond Measure,
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, September 5th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, September 5th;  Monday, September 8th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is TOMORROW, Saturday, September 6th.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, September 8th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, September  9th, 8am-12:30pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, September 9th, 1:30pm-3:30pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, September 10th, 5pm-8pm.
   Charleston Vets Activity & Devotion:  Charleston Vets is home to 35 struggling, local veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation. Join us as we head out to connect with these veterans, share an evening meal, laugh alongside them, play some lively rounds of Bingo and share a devotion to help them grow closer to the Lord!  Wednesday, September 10th, 6pm-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, September 11th, 11:30am-1pm.
   2nd Meal: Saturday, September 13th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, September 13th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Grieving or know someone who is?  One of our Support Groups – Grief Share – begins its 13 week cycle this Monday, September 8th with sessions available at 2pm or 6pm.  Contact Sue Muoio (s.muoio@outlook.com) for more information. 
   
3. Attention Coastal Young Adults!  We’re having a Fall Beach RetreatNovember 14th-16th at Folly Beach!  We will meet there for check-in between 6pm-7pm Friday.  We will have discussion, community, games, activities relating to our theme, food and more! Sign up now for the best price!  The cost is $50/person. Register here now!  Contact Morgan Rainey with additional questions at morgan@coastalcommunitychurch.org
   
4. Our Fall Volunteer Training for Coastal Kidz Volunteers is just around the corner! This time, our trainings are area-specific, so you will only attend the training that relates to you. Each training will be held after services from 12:45pm-2pm on their specific date.
   
   If you serve in multiple areas, pick the area you serve in most.
   If you are a buddy volunteer, pick the area you serve in most.
   If you are a check-in volunteer, there is no training this time around.
   Save the dates to your calendar and register at the links below.
   *Childcare and pizza provided*
   
   Click on the link below to sign up for your Training:
   9-14:  Nursery Volunteers
   9-21:  Preschool Volunteers (2’s, 3’s, 4-K)
   9-28:  Elementary Volunteers
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, September 20th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided!

P.S. Coastal Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) Fall Kickoff will be THIS Sunday, September 7th, 5:30pm-7pm (doors open at 5pm)!  This is going to be a really fun night with open gym, food, games, and more! We invite your student to connect with other students and their adult leaders. We pray this night builds relationships that will last a lifetime! We hope to see your student there! REMIND THEM TO INVITE A FRIEND! 

So, have you signed up for a LIFE Group yet?  If you haven’t heard, we unveiled our 2025 Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalog!  And just like college, your preferred classes (LIFE Groups) will fill up fast!  So, go to our website right now, check out all the different Groups and sign up today.  Most of our Groups start the week of September 14th.  Next Sunday, September 7th, is LIFE Group Sunday!  Don’t miss it – it’s always a lot of fun!
 
This weekend is Labor Day weekend.  Most people have Monday off from work.  A lot of people will be taking that last hurrah, that last getaway, that last trip to the beach this weekend before the rhythm and routine of the Fall sets in.  Even though schools have been back in session for almost 2 weeks now, Labor Day weekend feels like the end of Summer and beginning of the Fall.
 
So let me ask you, what does the rhythm and routine of your life look like right now?  And most importantly, where does your spiritual life fit in? Is it a small piece of the pie that you’re desperately trying to fit in to an already overcrowded, busy schedule?  Or is it the most important thing, permeating every part of your life, the priority through which everything else flows?  Does the rhythm and routine of your life include reading your Bible, gathering together regularly with your church family in worship, LIFE Group, fellowship, prayer, giving, serving?
 
Here’s the good news.  You choose the rhythms and routines of your life.  You set the priorities.  If you don’t, the urgent will always win the day.  And the urgent, regardless of how pressing it feels in the moment, is usually not the most important.  For example, join a LIFE Group this semester.  Make it a part of the rhythm of your life.  I can already hear some of your excuses.  And here is the biggest one of all, “But Pastor Chris, I just don’t have the time.  I’m too busy.”  Hear this with all the love I can muster.  You have time to do whatever it is you value – tv, social media, sports, hobbies.  It’s just not that important to you yet.  So, as we move into the Fall, think about what matters most in this life, let that determine your values and priorities, and in turn let those values and priorities set or reset the rhythms and routines of your life.
 
One last thing – who have you been inviting to church with you lately?  I sincerely believe that every Sunday is a great opportunity to invite someone to church, but we do have a couple of “Big Days” coming up at Coastal.  Next Sunday, September 7th, is LIFE Group Sunday.  And then on Sunday, September 14th we kick off a new series on the New Testament book of Ephesians.  And all of our LIFE Groups kick off that week!  In other words, leverage this season and these opportunities to invite someone to Coastal.  God is up to something BIG at our church, and I believe we’re going to see the fruit of that this Fall.  Pray about who you will be inviting.  Step out in faith, be bold, and make the ask!  If at all possible, come to the 8:30am service or the 11:30am service (the 10am service is quickly reaching capacity).  And no matter which service you attend, please park over at Oakland Elementary School to help us make room and a smoother transition between services.  Remember Coastal, it’s not about you. 

On a personal note, my Mom turns 80 this Sunday, August 31st!  For those of you who know her and love her, we’re having a very informal, drop-by 80th Birthday Party for her in the Coastal Chapel this Sunday, 2pm-4pm.  I know it’s Labor Day weekend and many of you will be out of town, but if you’re available, drop by, wish my mom “Happy Birthday,” and grab a piece of cake (and some finger food of course)!  

I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love serving alongside of you!  See you over the weekend!  If you are out of town, make sure you catch us online!

Laboring Alongside You!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY,  Friday, August 29th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there TODAY, Friday, August 29th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, September 3rd, 5pm-8pm.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, September 4th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, September 5th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Friday, September 5th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is Saturday, September 6th.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. For the month of August, there has been a real push on finding a place to serve in the family here at Coastal on Sunday mornings.  In fact, we’ve said, if you call Coastal your home, you should be able to answer this question, “What is my ministry and where am I serving on Sunday mornings?”  This Sunday we’re highlighting our Prayer Team & our Safety Team!  
   
   Pastor Chris Jones oversees our Prayer Team.  Aside from receiving our Prayer Requests each week, our Prayer Team Volunteers also come forward at the end of each Sunday service to pray with people.  
   
   Police Officer Cody Howlett oversees Coastal’s Safety Team.  Each and every Sunday our Safety Team Volunteers work closely with our City of Charleston Police Officers to provide a safe experience for all of our guests on campus.  
   
   If you’re interested in joining either of these amazing LIFE Teams, you can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or go online and sign up today!
   
3. Attention Coastal Young Adults!  We’re having a Fall Beach RetreatNovember 14th-16th at Folly Beach!  We will meet there for check-in between 6pm-7pm Friday.  We will have discussion, community, games, activities relating to our theme, food and more! Sign up now for the best price!  The cost is $50/person. Register here now!  Contact Morgan Rainey with additional questions at morgan@coastalcommunitychurch.org
   
4. Our Fall Volunteer Training for Coastal Kidz Volunteers is just around the corner! This time, our trainings are area-specific, so you will only attend the training that relates to you. Each training will be held after services from 12:45pm-2pm on their specific date.
   
   If you serve in multiple areas, pick the area you serve in most.
   If you are a buddy volunteer, pick the area you serve in most.
   If you are a check-in volunteer, there is no training this time around.
   Save the dates to your calendar and register at the links below.
   *Childcare and pizza provided*
   
   Click on the link below to sign up for your Training:
   9-14:  Nursery Volunteers
   9-21:  Preschool Volunteers (2’s, 3’s, 4-K)
   9-28:  Elementary Volunteers
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, September 20th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided!

P.S. Coastal Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) Fall Kickoff will be Sunday, September 7th, 5:30pm-7pm (doors open at 5pm)!  This is going to be a really fun night with open gym, food, games, and more! We invite your student to connect with other students and their adult leaders. We pray this night builds relationships that will last a lifetime! We hope to see your student there! REMIND THEM TO INVITE A FRIEND! 

Woohoo!  I’ve got GREAT NEWS!  We just unveiled our 2025 Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalog!  You’ll receive a hard copy on Sunday AND it’s available online too!  And if we have your up to date contact information, you should even get one mailed to your home.  Don’t worry, if you get more than one, simply share it with a friend.  But we would love for you to go ahead and check out all of our different Groups (there’s something for everyone) and sign up to join a LIFE Group this semester (8-12 weeks)!  By the way, our LIFE Groups are for everyone – whether you’re a member of our church, an occasional attender, or even if you’ve never attended on a Sunday.   We’re called Coastal COMMUNITY Church and you (and your friends and family) are all a part of our community.  There are all types of Groups – activity, women’s, men’s, support, marriage, Bible study, Young Adults, Senior Adults, and more!
 
By the way, not only can you view the catalog online, but you can sign up for a Group online (probably the best way to sign up)!  Once you sign up for a group, your Group Leader will contact you before the semester begins.  Unless otherwise stated in the catalog, all Groups begin the week of September 14th. 

I also want to invite you to attend LIFE GROUP SUNDAY, on Sunday, September 7th, at Coastal!  We have 3 services – 8:30am, 10am, & 11:30am.  Before and after all 3 services you’ll be able to visit a table/booth representing each one of our 70+ different LIFE Groups (kind of like a Job/College Fair, but for Groups)!  There will be snacks, you’ll be able to meet other people checking out all the Groups, meet the different Group Leaders, and ask any questions you might have.  I promise it will be a great day and a lot of fun (there will even be FREE KONA ICE outside for everyone)!  Hope to see you on Sunday!  Start signing up for a LIFE Group today!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love doing life in community with you!

LIFE Is Better Together!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, August 22nd;  Friday, August 29th, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, August 25th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, August 26th, 1:30pm-3:30pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches, lap quilts, and blankets. Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, August 27th, 5pm-8pm.
   Brighton Place Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Brighton Place community (here in West Ashley – near Citadel Mall) on Wednesday, August 27th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, August 28th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there Friday, August 29th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. For the month of August, there has been a real push on finding a place to serve in the family here at Coastal on Sunday mornings.  In fact, we’ve said, if you call Coastal your home, you should be able to answer this question, “What is my ministry and where am I serving on Sunday mornings?”  This Sunday we’re highlighting our Cafe Team!  For many years now, Matt & Kathy Beam have led this awesome group of  volunteers who set a loving, generous, hospitable tone on our campus by providing coffee, snacks, and smiles – ALL FREE!  If you’re interested in joining this amazing LIFE Team, you can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or go online and sign up today!
   
3. Manage Your Online Account with Coastal!  Text the keyword ME to 843-571-1777 to view and update your contact information, manage your giving, access your giving statement, and more!  If you receive an error, that means we do not have your cell phone number in our church system – fill out your Connect Card with your information and check the “change in contact information” box. Questions about anything Coastal? Simply text your question to the number above and we’ll assist you.
   
4. Our Fall Volunteer Training for Coastal Kidz Volunteers is just around the corner! This time, our trainings are area-specific, so you will only attend the training that relates to you. Each training will be held after services from 12:45pm-2pm on their specific date.
   If you serve in multiple areas, pick the area you serve in most.
   If you are a buddy volunteer, pick the area you serve in most.
   If you are a check-in volunteer, there is no training this time around.
   Save the dates to your calendar and register at the links below. *Childcare and pizza provided*
   
   Click on the link below to sign up for your Training:
   9-14:  Nursery Volunteers
   9-21:  Preschool Volunteers (2’s, 3’s, 4-K)
   9-28:  Elementary Volunteers
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, September 20th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided!

P.S. Coastal Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) Fall Kickoff will be Sunday, September 7th, 5:30pm-7pm (doors open at 5pm)!  This is going to be a really fun night with open gym, food, games, and more! We invite your student to connect with other students and their adult leaders. We pray this night builds relationships that will last a lifetime! We hope to see your student there! REMIND THEM TO INVITE A FRIEND! 

Wow – what an awesome day Sunday was!  We baptized another 41 people out at Folly Beach!  That means that we have now baptized 163 people so far this year!  Read that again and let the sink in.  I say “so far” because it’s only August, and I firmly believe that God isn’t done!  God is using our church in a powerful way!  
 
Coastal, I’ll just say it. What we are experiencing isn’t normal for most churches.  But I don’t want normal, and I don’t want to settle for what most churches are doing!  Someone once told me, “If you want your church to grow, just look around at what most churches are doing and do the opposite.”  Because most churches aren’t growing.  Do you know what I want?  I want Acts 2:47 to become the new normal, “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”  I want to walk in Holy Spirit power, by faith in the resurrected Savior, and trust in the Sovereign Holy God!  I want to attempt things so big, that without God, we’re doomed to fail!  Simply put, I want all God has to offer, and I want to share the good news of the Gospel with as many people as possible until He calls me home or comes again!  That’s what I want – what about you? 
 
Do you know what’s also normal at most churches?  20% of the people, do 80% of the work.  And that’s why most churches aren’t growing.  For the month of August, there has been a real emphasis on finding a place to serve in the family here at Coastal on Sunday mornings.  In fact, we’ve said, if you call Coastal your home, you should be able to answer this question, “What is my ministry and where am I serving on Sunday mornings?”  
 
So how about it?  What about YOU?  What’s your ministry and where are you serving on Sunday mornings?  Just one person, one service, once a month, makes a huge IMPACT.  Church isn’t a show you watch or an event you attend.  Church is a family.  And for our family to grow and function in a healthy way, it takes everyone pitching in, pulling together, and doing their part.  So whether it’s Coastal Kidz, Prayer Team, Security, Tech, Worship, First Impressions, Cafe, or Online Engagement (whew!) – you should be serving!  But you should be serving not just because there is a need (there is always a need).  You should be serving because this is your FAMILY!  Sign up today online or this Sunday on your Connect Card!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love serving alongside of you!
 
Never Normal!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, August 15th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Hollywood Clothing Distribution:  We will get the opportunity to take one of our Mobile Outreach Clothing Vehicles out to distribute clothing while loving on those we encounter.  TOMORROW, Saturday, August 16th, 7am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Hollywood Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of We-Fold-It, we are able to serve the community of Hollywood by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  TOMORROW, Saturday, August 16th, 7am-11:30am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, August 18th;  Monday, August 25th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. Meet at Coastal on Tuesday, August 19th, 12pm-3pm.
   Sewing Project:  Sewing experience not required! Come and acquire a new skill while helping others in the community. This team of volunteers will work on zippered pouches for hygiene products that are distributed to those who need them throughout the month at our tailgates in the community. The project will also assist with lap quilts for the elderly in public housing facilities where the church conducts ministry and blankets for premature babies at East Cooper Medical Center in Mt. Pleasant. Even if you’ve never sewn anything in your life, our leaders would love to teach you everything you need to know to help in this ministry!  Meet at Coastal on Wednesday, August 20th, 5pm-8pm.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, August 21st, 11:30am-1pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, August 21st, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, August 22nd, 4pm-6pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Attention all Life Group Leaders & Assistants – you are required to complete a training session each semester. You only need to attend 1 of the 3 options. You can click the date below to sign up for which one you would like to attend.
    
   – NEW Life Group Leader training on Saturday, August 16th at 9:00-10:30am
    
   – NEW Life Group Leader training on Thursday, August 21st at 6:30-8:00pm
    
   – RETURNING Life Group Leader training ONLINE on Sunday, August 17th at 8:00-9:00pm
   
3. Newcomer’s Reception: If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomer’s Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomer’s Reception is THIS Sunday, August 17th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today.
   
4. Our Fall Volunteer Training for Coastal Kidz Volunteers is just around the corner! This time, our trainings are area-specific, so you will only attend the training that relates to you. Each training will be held after services from 12:45pm-2pm on their specific date. If you serve in multiple areas, pick the area you serve in most. If you are a buddy volunteer, pick the area you serve in most. If you are a check-in volunteer, there is no training this time around. Save the dates to your calendar and be on the lookout for registration links coming soon! *Childcare and pizza provided*
   
   9-14:  Nursery Volunteers
   9-21:  Preschool Volunteers (2’s, 3’s, 4-K)
   9-28:  Elementary Volunteers
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, September 20th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided!

P.S. Coastal Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) Fall Kickoff will be Sunday, September 7th, 5:30pm-7pm (doors open at 5pm)!  This is going to be a really fun night with open gym, food, games, and more! We invite your student to connect with other students and their adult leaders. We pray this night builds relationships that will last a lifetime! We hope to see your student there! REMIND THEM TO INVITE A FRIEND! 

I love our volunteers here at Coastal – I do!  I truly believe we have some of the best volunteers any church could imagine.  I think the reason we have a high number of committed volunteers here at Coastal is two-fold.  People will serve when they fall more deeply in love with Jesus.  Service is an outflow of a love relationship with Jesus.  The key is to grow in your love for Jesus and when you do, you’ll understand who He has made you to be, and then you’ll WANT to serve Him by serving others.  

Here’s the other reason I believe we produce a lot of committed volunteers.  We consistently teach that the Christian life is fundamentally a life of servanthood.  That’s our primary position – servant.  Jesus is our Master and we are His servants.  Whatever He says goes.  In our world where we are the center of the universe and everything revolves around me and my needs, we have to continually remind ourselves that we serve God by serving others, by putting others ahead of ourselves.  And even in the modern church where we have created a culture of finding a church that offers the best and the most and “I didn’t get anything out of that service” and “I’m burned out” and “I’m too busy” and “I’ve served my time,” somewhere in all of that, we have forgotten that we are here to glorify God, reach out to people who are far from Him, and to be a servant to all.  It’s not about you.  It’s about Him.

We talk about life all the time here.  We exist to share and experience what?  The LIFE and LOVE of Jesus.  Jesus came that we might have LIFE and have it more abundantly.  Well, Jesus said something very interesting about LIFE in Luke 9:23-25, “Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me.  If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it.  But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life.  And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose or forfeit your own soul in the process?”  Jesus is saying that we find our lives not by focusing on ourselves, but by giving away our lives for the sake of Him.
 
The month of August, as we move into the Fall, we’re focusing on finding a place to serve in the family here at Coastal on Sunday mornings.  It’s real simple.  If you call Coastal your home, ask yourself this question – what is my ministry and where am I serving on Sunday mornings?  Whether it’s Coastal Kidz, 1st Impressions, our Cafe, the Safety Team, the Tech Booth, the Prayer Team or countless other opportunities, there is a place for you!  Go to our website, check out all the different opportunities to serve, and sign up today!  Or, this Sunday, make sure you sign up on your Connect Card!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love serving alongside of you!

In His Service & Yours!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, August 8th;  Monday, August 11th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   2nd Meal: TOMORROW, Saturday, August 9th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: TOMORROW, Saturday, August 9th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, August 11th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, August 12th, 8am-12:30pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, August 12th, 1:30pm-3:30pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Charleston Vets Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Wednesday, August 13th, 6pm-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, August 14th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, August 15th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Hollywood Clothing Distribution:  We will get the opportunity to take one of our Mobile Outreach Clothing Vehicles out to distribute clothing while loving on those we encounter.  Saturday, August 16th, 7am-11am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Hollywood Free Laundry:  Partnering alongside the owners of We-Fold-It, we are able to serve the community of Hollywood by getting to pay for their laundry! We will host a table with snacks, coffee and water for those who are waiting on their laundry, help people bring their laundry in and out of the facility, fold their laundry and use iPads to start the machines so that those we serve never have to open their wallets!  Saturday, August 16th, 7am-11:30am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Attention all Life Group Leaders & Assistants – you are required to complete a training session each semester. You only need to attend 1 of the 3 options. You can click the date below to sign up for which one you would like to attend.
    
   – NEW Life Group Leader training on Saturday, August 16th at 9:00-10:30am
    
   – NEW Life Group Leader training on Thursday, August 21st at 6:30-8:00pm
    
   – RETURNING Life Group Leader training ONLINE on Sunday, August 17th at 8:00-9:00pm
   
3. Newcomer’s Reception: If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomer’s Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomer’s Reception is NEXT Sunday, August 17th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today.
   
4. We are planning our 2nd BEACH BAPTISM of the Summer out at Folly Beach County Park THIS Sunday, August 10th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, September 20th, from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare).  Breakfast & childcare provided!

P.S. Middle School Trampoline Event – TOMORROW, August 9 @Summit | 4–5:30pm This free event is for all CSM Middle Schoolers—and especially rising 6th graders! It’s a great chance for new students to have fun and meet others before the year kicks off. Drop off and pick up is at Summit. We’d love for your student to invite a friend!  Click this link to register! Also, don’t forget that Coastal Student Ministry Fall Kickoff will be Sunday, September 7th, 5:30pm-7pm!  Don’t miss it!

Our church is GROWING!  You can track it and see it in every measurable category – attendance, Baptisms, serving, giving, guests, and Groups.  And if what we’re seeing, even over the Summer, is any indication of what’s to come, this Fall is going to be CRAZY exciting!  For example, this past Sunday alone, in the middle of the Summer, we had 29 1st & 2nd Time Guest Connect Cards filled out and 15 different decisions for Jesus!  And so as we prepare for the Fall and all that God is doing here at Coastal, here’s what I’m asking you to do:  ask yourself this question – what is my ministry and where am I serving on Sunday mornings?  For the month of August, we typically focus on everyone who calls Coastal home, finding a place to serve on Sunday mornings.  At Coastal, we call our Ministries – LIFE Teams.  Simply put, with the growth of our church – we need you (and you need this too)!  

Sunday morning is still the primary way in which new guests get connected to our church.  And to create an environment where those people feel like our welcomed, expected guests in our home, it requires a large and growing volunteer army.  Are you serving in that army?  Now, we don’t want to guilt anyone into serving.  Instead we want to “grace” you into it.  What do I mean by that?  I want you to be so overwhelmed and blown away by the undeserved love, grace, and blessing of God that you are begging us for a place to serve on Sunday morning!
 
Over the next month, you’ll see a LIFE Team insert with all the different ministries in the bulletin, you’ll hear from different LIFE Team volunteers on stage, in the pre-show, and online.  The simplest way to enlist in that LIFE Team army is through our Connect Card on Sunday mornings OR go to our website, check out all the different LIFE Teams, and click on the ones that interest you!  I promise our Leaders will quickly follow up with you, and you’ll experience the joy of serving!  It’s that easy to get started!  Just one person, one service, once a month, makes a HUGE impact!  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together in our community, our world, and right here in our church on Sunday mornings!

Much Love & Gratitude!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, August 1st, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  TODAY, Friday, August 1st;  Monday, August 4th;  Friday, August 8th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is TOMORROW, Saturday, August 2nd.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, August 4th;  Monday, August 11th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, August 7th, 11:30am-1pm.
   2nd Meal: Saturday, August 9th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, August 9th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Attention all Life Group Leaders & Assistants – you are required to complete a training session each semester. You only need to attend 1 of the 3 options. You can click the date below to sign up for which one you would like to attend.
    
   – NEW Life Group Leader training on Saturday, August 16th at 9:00-10:30am
   – NEW Life Group Leader training on Thursday, August 21st at 6:30-8:00pm
   – RETURNING Life Group Leader training ONLINE on Sunday, August 17th at 8:00-9:00pm
   
3. Newcomer’s Reception: If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomer’s Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomer’s Reception is Sunday, August 17th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today.
   
4. We are planning our 2nd BEACH BAPTISM of the Summer out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, August 10th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.
   
5. Coastal Young Adults (20’s & Early 30’s):  Did you know that the Coastal Young Adult Ministry has just exploded? They are regularly seeing 40+ at their weekly meeting called, “The Porch.”  They meet Monday nights in the Chapel, 6:30pm-8:30pm for worship, relevant teaching, small groups, and fellowship.  See the graphic above as an insert in your bulletin this Sunday with all the upcoming events & activities!

P.S. Middle School Trampoline Event – August 9 @Summit | 4–5:30pm This free event is for all CSM Middle Schoolers—and especially rising 6th graders! It’s a great chance for new students to have fun and meet others before the year kicks off. Drop off and pick up is at Summit. We’d love for your student to invite a friend!  Click this link to register! Also, don’t forget that Coastal Student Ministry Fall Kickoff will be Sunday, September 7th, 5:30pm-7pm!  Don’t miss it!

First of all, a little confession.  For those of you who were by your computer or phone with coffee in hand at 6am this morning, waiting excitedly to read my Friday 5 email (I know there are so many of you – haha), I apologize.  I was actually at NHC visiting my mom this morning, when one of our Elders, David Schmidt (who was also there – yes, he’s awesome) jokingly asked me if he got removed from our church email list.  I had no idea what he was talking about.  And then he told me that he didn’t get the Friday 5 email at 6am this morning.  I looked him dead in the eye and said, “That’s right, it IS Friday isn’t it?”  I completely forgot.  The truth is, I’ve lost all track of days and time over the last couple of weeks taking care of my mom.  I thought about just scheduling it for today at 6PM instead of 6AM and then some of you might think, “Oh Pastor Chris got the AM/PM mixed up, just like that old Seinfeld episode when they were trying to figure out why Jean Paul missed the big race.”  For you Seinfeld fans you’ll remember it wasn’t the am/pm button, or the snooze.  The VOLUME was turned down – haha!  But I digress.  The simple truth is that I need just as much grace as you do.  

Here’s the good news update on my mom.  She’s been moved from the hospital to NHC in West Ashley for rehab.  She’ll get two 45 minute sessions of rehab, 6 days a week.  The goal is for her to regain her strength and be able to return home and enjoy the independent, active lifestyle she had before all this took place.  And from what everyone is saying, based on her current condition and progress, that should be no problem whatsoever.  Thank you all for going along with us on this journey, a journey many of you have taken before.  Thank you for sharing your wisdom, connecting us with the right people, making phone calls, and most of all, praying for my mom and our family.  We say it all the time, storms are a part of life.  But it’s through the storms where we have the opportunity to learn and grow the most.  And through it all, we find out that God is faithful.

The reports coming from our Peru Missions Team this week have been so exciting!  They’ve been building homes, passing out Bibles and blankets, feeding people, and sharing the Good News of the Gospel.  They’ve seen joy in the midst of unspeakable poverty, and they’ve had experiences and made friends that will last a lifetime and beyond!  And if you’re receiving this email, more than likely, you’ve been a part of it all and helped make this trip possible!  How you ask?  Through your generous & consistent giving!   We say it all the time, it is through your generous and consistent giving that enables our church to share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the WORLD!  Our Team will be returning late tonight.  Please keep their safe return in your prayers.  Like you, I can’t wait to see them and hug their necks on Sunday!  And I can’t wait to send more people back to Peru and other places around the world!  Pray about personally joining us on our next trip!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I truly can’t thank you enough for all the love shown to my family this week! 

Much Love & Gratitude!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, July 25th, 4-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  TOMORROW, Saturday, July 26th, 7:30am-9:15am.  The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children.  Meet at 81 Gadsen St. downtown.  Sign up online to provide ingredients needed to cook the meal.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, July 28th;  Monday, August 4th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, July 31st;  Thursday, August 7th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, August 1st, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team:  Come help sort & organize all the clothes we distribute!  Friday, August 1st;  Monday, August 4th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is Saturday, August 2nd.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve!
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. We are in the planning stages for our FALL LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, active groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this Fall?  The Fall Semester begins in September and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you are interested in leading a Group.  The final day to submit your Life Group details is NEXT Thursday, July 31. We will then get the catalog finalized, printed, and released in our Sunday services on August 24th.
   
   All Life Group Leaders& Assistants are required to complete a training session each semester. You only need to attend 1 of the 3 options. You can click the date below to sign up for which one you would like to attend.
   – NEW Life Group Leader training on Saturday, August 16th at 9:00-10:30am
   – NEW Life Group Leader training on Thursday, August 21st at 6:30-8:00pm
   – RETURNING Life Group Leader training ONLINE on Sunday, August 17th at 8:00-9:00pm
   
3. Newcomer’s Reception: If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, August 17th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today.
   
4. We are planning our 2nd BEACH BAPTISM of the Summer out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, August 10th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.
   
5. Coastal Young Adults (20’s & Early 30’s):  Did you know that the Coastal Young Adult Ministry has just exploded? They are regularly seeing 40+ at their weekly meeting called, “The Porch.”  They meet Monday nights in the Chapel, 6:30pm-8:30pm for worship, relevant teaching, small groups, and fellowship.  See the graphic above as an insert in your bulletin this Sunday with all the upcoming events & activities!

P.S. Attention all Middle & High School Students & Parents:  CSM is hosting a lunch for Students and their families THIS Sunday, July 27th, 1pm-2pm in the Coastal Chapel.  Lunch and Childcare provided. You’ll hear about the upcoming year at CSM and get a chance to meet other families and your student’s CSM Adult Leaders.  Click on this link to register online.  And don’t forget, CSM Fall Kickoff will be Sunday, September 7th, 5:30pm-7pm!  Don’t miss it!

First of all, I want to give everyone an update on my Mom.  To say that it’s been a wild and crazy week is quite the understatement.  Between VBS and everything that’s happened to my Mom and pretty much staying at the hospital, we’ve lost all sense of time.  But a lot has happened in a short period of time, and it’s nothing short of miraculous!  In fact, it was one week ago, Friday night at midnight, that they were putting her on life support, telling us that in 3 days we might be facing some difficult decisions.  Well, in 3 days, things did change, but for the better!  As Christians, we’re kind of used to 3 day miracles from Friday to Sunday, aren’t we?  Well, for my mom the miracle was that her oxygen levels kept improving, blood pressure was looking good, kidneys were functioning and flushing out fluids – so much so that on Wednesday they were able to take her off of life support and remove the breathing tube.  Again, it was a miracle!  Her talking is still a faint, raspy whisper at best, but all in all she is improving.  In fact, on Thursday (as I write this), they are moving her out of the CVICU and into a room!  She still has a long road of recovery ahead, but we are thankful for every step in this direction.  Again, thank you for all the prayers, love, and support!  It means so much to my Mom and to me and Janet!  We love you!

This Sunday, July 21st, I’ll be kicking off another favorite Summer Sermon Series tradition here at Coastal –“Summer Reading”!  That’s right, I’ll be preaching!  Typically, over the Summer I kick off both of our series – “At the Movies” and “Summer Reading” and then our other 4 Pastors get a chance to preach.  It’s good for me, good for them, and good for you, our church.  And at Coastal we happened to be blessed with 4 other great communicators!  So I’ll kick off the series this Sunday and then I’ll get another little bit of a preaching break with each of the other Pastors taking one of the books.  But don’t worry, you’ll get plenty of me in the Fall when we start preaching through the New Testament book of Ephesians (I’m real excited about that).  My message for this Sunday has been done for a while now, and truthfully, it will be good for me to be “back in the saddle” so to speak.  I love preaching God’s Word, and I miss it when I’m not.  But as I said before, a preaching break is also good for me.  And this next break, after this Sunday, comes at a good time for me personally as we figure out my Mom’s recovery and next steps for her.  

Now, for those of you who are brand new to Coastal, let me explain this next series.  “Summer Reading” is where we pick a group of books for you to read over the Summer, and then the subject matter of each of those books becomes the sermon topic for that particular Sunday.  Now before some of you freak out, thinking that we’ve gone heretical, thrown out the Bible, and we’re now preaching from other books instead of the Bible, throw away your email and simmer down.  That’s not what we’re doing.  We’re not preaching from the books themselves.  If anything, I think you’ll discover that during this series you will find yourself compelled to go to Scripture as we point people to the truth of His Word and a deeper relationship with God.  
 
Here is the Book List and the order in which we will be using them:
Lit Up With Love by Dr. Erwin Gray
Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney
Blessed Are the Spiraling by Levi Lusko
Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper
Every Thought Captive by Kyle Idleman
The Benefit of Doubt by Craig Groeschel
A Million Little Miracles by Mark Batterson
 
So, I hope you’ll pick up one or two or all of them and read them over the Summer.  After all:  Leaders are what?  Readers!  Retired Admiral James Stavridis of the US Navy once said this, “The single best way a leader can learn and grow is through reading.  So many of our best leaders develop and enhance their ability to lead through endless contact with books.”
 
One last thing, please keep our Peru Missions Team (28 people) in your prayers!  They leave tomorrow morning and will return next Friday night at midnight.  Pray for them and the people of Peru they will be serving.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I truly can’t thank you enough for all the love shown to my family this week! 

Much Love & Gratitude!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, July 18th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there TODAY, Friday, July 18th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, July 21st;  Monday, July 28th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Brighton Place Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  This project will allow us to spend some time with the residents and get to know them better through a lively game of Chair Volleyball, a meal, and devotion.  Kid Friendly!  Tuesday, July 22nd, 1:30pm-3:30pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Brighton Place Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Brighton Place community (here in West Ashley – near Citadel Mall) on Wednesday, July 23rd, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, July 24th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, July 25th, 4-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal – Breakfast:  Saturday, July 26th, 7:30am-9:15am.  The Meals that Heal program provides a much-needed support service to families taking care of their sick children.  Meet at 81 Gadsen St. downtown.  Sign up online to provide ingredients needed to cook the meal.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. We are in the planning stages for our FALL LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, active groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this Fall?  The Fall Semester begins in September and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you are interested in leading a Group.
   
3. Newcomer’s Reception: If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, August 17th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today.
   
4. We are planning our 2nd BEACH BAPTISM of the Summer out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, August 10th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.
   
5. Coastal Young Adults (20’s & Early 30’s):  Did you know that the Coastal Young Adult Ministry has just exploded? They are regularly seeing 40+ at their regular weekly meeting called, “The Porch.”  They meet Monday nights in the Chapel, 6:30pm-8:30pm for worship, relevant teaching, small groups, and fellowship.  Here are a couple upcoming events/activities:
   – Grillin’ & Games TONIGHT, 6pm-8pm on the front lawn at Coastal!  There will be music, yard games, and burgers!
   – TACO TUESDAY, July 22nd, 7pm-8:30pm at the Coastal Cafe.  Sign up online to bring a side!

P.S. Attention all Middle & High School Students & Parents:  CSM is hosting a lunch for Students and their families next Sunday, July 27th, 1pm-2pm in the Coastal Chapel.  Lunch and Childcare provided.. You’ll hear about the upcoming year at CSM and get a chance to meet other families and your student’s CSM Adult Leaders.  Click on this link to register online.

WOW!  WOW!  WOW!  I can not say enough great things about VBS this week!  First of all, we saw 362 children (our largest ever) and had approximately 200 volunteers!  And speaking of volunteers, I know I say this all the time, but we really do have the best volunteers on the planet!  We could not do all that our church does without you!  And you’ve done so much this week with excellence, joy, and enthusiasm!  I am proud to be your Pastor!  And most importantly, I’ve just loved hearing all the stories this week of children learning about and loving Jesus.  That’s why we do what we do!  By the way, this is also why we give sacrificially here at our church.  And this is why we’ll continue to walk by faith and trust God for big things – so that we can reach the next generation for Jesus!
 
Speaking of giving sacrificially, right now (not counting tonight’s offering or anything you’d like to give on Sunday) our VBS offering is $20,469.42!  That means we are well on our way to paying in full for all the Shanty Homes, flooring, bunkbeds, food, blankets, and supplies for Peru (our goal is $25,000)!  If you’d like to give, the easiest way is to text “VBS” to 843-571-1777.  Every gift counts, every gift matters!  
 
But remember, VBS is not quite over yet!  Tonight is our Party and Closing Program!  From 6pm-7pm (weather permitting) we’ll be outside for hotdogs, Kona Ice, and jump castles.  And then at 7pm we’ll come inside for songs and a slide show!  It’s all FREE, and you’re invited to join us!
 
One last thing about VBS.  To pull off a week long event of this magnitude, with this many moving parts, this many kids, and this many volunteers, it requires great leadership.  Aly Huggins has done a great job officially overseeing her first VBS as our Children’s Director.  Like all great leaders at Coastal, she is quick to defer and point to all of her leaders and volunteers.  

On a personal note I wanted to let you know about something going on with my family – specifically, my mom.  Many of you might not even know that my mom has been a part of our church from the very beginning.  Well, you probably have seen her, you just didn’t know she was my mom.  Most people know her by “Miss Nancy” – Nancy Rankin.  My Dad passed away years ago and then my mom remarried.  

Anyway, long story short, I took my mom to Roper Hospital downtown on Wednesday for a Heart Cath procedure.  She had been having some issues recently and they wanted to see what was going on.  They discovered that a stent they had put in about 7 years ago was closing up and in layman’s terms needed to be “cleaned out and opened up.”  Everything went well and in fact they sent her home.  About 8pm that night she was having difficulty breathing and was rushed to the ER.  They admitted her to the Cardiac ICU with an infection, pneumonia, and fluid in her body.  They have been flushing out the fluids and treating the infection.  Janet and I have been up here in the ICU with her.  She’s doing better and hopefully will be downgraded, sent to a regular room, and can go home soon.  

We can’t thank you enough for all the prayers and kindness.  It means the world to my mom and to me and Janet!  But even through it all we’ve been able to see God’s hand.  On Wednesday while I was in the waiting room, Megan Shinners from our church “just happened” to walk by.  She’s like, “PC, what are you doing here?”  I gave her the run down, and then, come to find out she “just happens” to be the head nurse in charge of the whole Cardiac floor at Roper!  To say that she has been a Godsend and helpful throughout all of this is an understatement!  What do they say?  Sometimes Angels wear scrubs!  Oh, and then while we were talking, another couple from our church just happened to walk by!  And get this, Megan and this other couple have all been volunteering at VBS this week!  This will definitely be a VBS I will not soon forget!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  I love my mom!  And yes, I love VBS! 

Much Love & Gratitude!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team:  TODAY, Friday, July 11th;  Monday, July 14th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there TODAY, Friday, July 11th;  Friday, July 18th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   2nd Meal: TOMORROW, Saturday, July 12th, 9am-11am.  Come serve with us as we prepare a hot meal in the Coastal kitchen and then deliver those meals to one of our awesome ministry partners – organizations like Charleston Vets, S.C. Strong, Brighton Place, Joseph Floyd Manor and more!
   Double Tailgate Day – Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: TOMORROW, Saturday, July 12th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, playing BINGO with the residents.  Monday, July 14th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. Meet at Coastal on Tuesday, July 15th, 12pm-3pm.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, July 16th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, July 17th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, July 17th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, July 18th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. We are in the planning stages for our FALL LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, active groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this Fall?  The Fall Semester begins in September and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you are interested in leading a Group.
   
3. Newcomer’s Reception: If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, August 17th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today.
   
4. We are planning our 2nd BEACH BAPTISM of the Summer out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, August 10th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration!  It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is THIS Sunday, July 13th, from 5pm-8pm, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card (let us know if you need childcare) on Sunday.  Dinner & childcare provided!

P.S. Next Sunday, July 20th, Pastor Chris will be kicking off another favorite Summer Sermon Series tradition here at Coastal – “Summer Reading”! “Summer Reading” is where we pick a group of books (see book list and schedule above) for you to read over the Summer, and then the subject matter of each of those books becomes the sermon topic for that particular Sunday.  We’re not preaching from the books themselves.  If anything, 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.  We hope you’ll pick up one or two or all of the books and read them over the Summer.  After all. . . leaders are what?  Readers!