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!

First of all, I just want to thank everyone for all the love you’ve shown me, your Pastor, this week for my Birthday!  I am now 58 years young!  I am constantly overwhelmed by all the expressions of love shown to me and my family!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Coastal is not just a church that I attend or a job where I work.  It’s a family that I’m a part of!  I say it all the time, but I sincerely mean it – I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I am truly humbled by what we get to do together and that I am a part of it!   
 
Today is the 4th of July – the day we recognize and celebrate the birth of our nation.  I realize that we are facing a lot of problems in our country today and that the divisions seem to be greater and deeper than ever before, but I believe we still have much to be grateful for in our great country.  I am so thankful to God for the birth of America and the privilege that was mine to be born here in the land of the free and home of the brave. As we celebrate our independence this weekend, may we as individuals, families, and as a church recognize and focus on our dependence on God. He alone is our source of strength and blessing.  Let us prayerfully humble ourselves in obedience to God, His Holy Word, and the Lordship of Christ. 

Ultimately, this world is not our home.  We are aliens in a foreign land, passing through.  And from what I understand from God’s Word, this world will actually get worse.  But none of that is an excuse to not care about the world in which we live and the people who live in it.  Until He calls us home or comes again, it’s an opportunity to glorify God, exalt His Son Jesus, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, beat down the gates of Hell and rescue people one life at a time!

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.”  That’s the freedom we boldly proclaim! 

Let Freedom Ring!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is THIS Saturday, July 5th (TOMORROW).  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: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Monday, July 7th;  Friday, July 11th, 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, July 7th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, July 8th, 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, July 8th, 1:30pm-3:30pm.  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)! Thursday, July 10th, 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, July 11th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   2nd Meal: 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: Saturday, July 12th, 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 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. The best week of the Summer for Kids is finally here!  If you’ve been out of the country or under a big rock, VBS starts this coming Monday-Friday night, July 7th-11th, 6-8:15pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade!  There will be a closing program on Friday night, July 11th, for children & parents with hotdogs, Kona Ice, jump castles, all outside from 6-7pm – all FREE!  And then at 7pm we’ll come inside for songs and a slide show!  This year’s theme is “True North – Trusting Jesus in a Wild World!”
   
   Here are 5 Things to Remember about VBS: 
   
   1. We’re actually looking pretty good on Volunteers, but we could always use more – especially Crew Leader Assistants!  So GO TO OUR WEBSITE AND SIGN UP TODAY!   You can also TEXT “vbsvolunteer” to 843-571-1777 to volunteer.  
   
   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 TONIGHT, July 4th at 6pm.  After that, you will only be able to register at our campus each night in-person before VBS.  You can also TEXT “vbs2025” to 843-571-1777 to register your child.
   
   3. FOOD!  At Coastal, we try to provide a “mini meal” for our VBS snacks since we meet during many families’ dinner time.  If you are able to help provide any of these food items, go here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CADA72BA2FEC07-56357541-2025#/ to sign up.
   
   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!  With that money our Team will be building 10 “Shanty Homes,” this time with wood flooring and bunk beds for all 10 houses!  We’ll be providing and distributing 1400 meals for children at 2 different schools, and giving away 500 wool blankets to people in remote villages.  So pray now about what you and your family can generously give.  2. We will also be challenging our children and families to bring nonperishable food items for Coastal’s Food Pantry.  Our Food Pantry feeds A LOT of people in our community.  There will be a little “competition” each night between the Teams for who brings the most food and the most money.  You can begin giving financially now through the week of VBS.  Simply designate your offering “VBS.”
   
   5. Training!  If you are volunteering at VBS and have not yet attended a VBS Training, please come this Sunday, June 6th, 4-6pm in the auditorium.  This is a great time to connect with your Leaders, meet other volunteers, and prepare for a great week of VBS! 
   
   If you have any questions about VBS, please reach out to Aly Huggins at aly@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
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 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. On 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!

Another Summer of IMPACT is almost in the books!  I say almost, because there are still 6 more projects left – 3 today, 1 on Saturday, 1 on Sunday, and 1 on Monday (see below).  I know we say this every year, and we’ve said it over and over this month, but it really has been the BEST SUMMER OF IMPACT EVER!  The 73 projects in June saw a total of over 1361 volunteers and 3350 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 Pastor of Outreach here at Coastal.  As you can tell, much prayer, planning, organization, and preparation have all gone into Summer of IMPACT.  And part of what makes Chris Jones such a good leader is that he knows that none of it would be possible without all of our great Project Leaders and the countless volunteers (YOU) who willingly, joyfully served all month long.  But, as you know, even as June comes to a close, serving never comes to a close at Coastal.  Serving and loving our community is not relegated to one day or even one month at Coastal.  It’s something we do all year round!  It’s a part of our culture.  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 summer!  
 
Okay Coastal, VBS is now 1 week away from this Monday night: July 7th-11th, 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  Are you ready for this?  We already have 282 children pre-registered!  If you’re volunteering and still have not been to one our Trainings, there is still one left – Sunday, July 6th, 4pm-6pm.  

There are 4 Big Needs for VBS:

1. We’re actually doing pretty good on Volunteers, but we could always use more – especially Crew Leaders!  So GO TO OUR WEBSITE AND SIGN UP TODAY!   You can also TEXT “vbsvolunteer” to 843-571-1777 to volunteer.  
 
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 4th at 6pm.  After that, you will only be able to register at our campus each night in-person before VBS.  You can also TEXT “vbs2025” to 843-571-1777 to register your child.
 
3. FOOD!  At Coastal, we try to provide a “mini meal” for our VBS snacks since we meet during many families’ dinner time.  If you are able to help provide any of these food items, go here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CADA72BA2FEC07-56357541-2025#/ to sign up.  Right not it looks like we still need people to sign up for ice cream cups (vanilla, chocolate, etc.), pizza, and mac ‘n cheese.
 
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 nonperishable food items for Coastal’s Food Pantry.  Our Food Pantry feeds A LOT of people in our community.  There will be a little “competition” each night between the Teams for who brings the most food 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 at aly@coastalcommunitychurch.org. It really is the BEST week of the Summer!  I hope you’ll be a part of it!  

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

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there TODAY, Friday, June 27, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, June 27th, 4-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Ronald McDonald House:  Our team will assist the Ronald McDonald House in its mission by packing “Grab & Go” Meal Kits for families staying at the house.  TODAY, Friday June 27th, 6pm-7pm. Meet at Coastal.
   Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build:  A team from Coastal will help build beds that will go to well deserving, but underserved children all over Charleston.  Saturday, June 28th, 9am-1pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Picnic Table Build at Brighton Place:  As a gift to the Brighton Place community, Coastal will help construct three new picnic tables that the residents will be able to enjoy.  Sunday, June 29th, 5pm-8pm.  Meet at Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   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 30th;  Monday, July 7th, 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 3rd, 11:30am-1pm.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is Saturday, July 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!
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Monday, July 7th, 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, July 8th, 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, July 8th, 1:30pm-3:30pm.  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. 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. 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 “Lilo & Stitch” movie at Citadel Mall Cinema, THIS Tuesday, July 1st – 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 July 1st!
   
4. ATTENTION Parents & Guardians with a RIsing 6th Grader:  You are invited to our Rising 6th Grade Parent Meeting on Tuesday, July 1st, 6:30–7:30pm in the Coastal Welcome Center.  We are so excited to welcome your Student into Coastal Student Ministry! It means a lot that you’d trust us to be a part of their journey, and Pastor Jacob can’t wait to partner with you in helping them grow in their faith.  
   
   This meeting is important.  You and your student will:
   – Hear from Pastor Jacob about the mission and heartbeat of CSM.
   – Meet some amazing CSM Leaders.
   – Hear from current students about why they love being apart of CSM.
   – And of course, enjoy some food!
   
   This is the first step into the life of our Student Ministry for both you and your Student. Email Pastor Jacob if you have any questions.
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is 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. We still have 3 Sundays left in our “At the Movies” series!  “At the Movies” is where we use current/popular movies as a hook or a springboard to talk about spiritual truth straight from God’s Word.  As always, there will be popcorn and movie trailers!  Make sure you pick up the microwave popcorn invites 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!

It was another awesome day at Coastal this past Sunday!  Evidently, our church loves them some WINGS!  “Wing Fest” might have to become a Father’s Day tradition at Coastal!  And evidently, our people love inviting their friends to church – we had 47 1st & 2nd Time Guest Connect Cards turned in, and we’ve given away so many Guest Bags at Guest Services that we’ve had to make more each of the past 2 Sundays!  Oh, and we’ve given away so many Movie Tickets to Guests (and the friend that invited them) the last two weeks that we had to order more!  Our attendance was 1426 (up 300 from last year) and we had another 982 online!  And most importantly, we had 13 different decisions for Jesus this past week!  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)!
 
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 2 weeks away from this Monday night: July 7th-11th, 6-8:15pm each night, for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  We already have 225 children pre-registered!  There are 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! 
 
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 4th at 6pm.  After that, you will only be able to register at our campus each night in-person before VBS.  You can also TEXT “vbs2025” to 843-571-1777 to register your child.
 
3. FOOD!  At Coastal, we try to provide a “mini meal” for our VBS snacks since we meet during many families’ dinner time.  If you are able to help provide any of these food items, go here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CADA72BA2FEC07-56357541-2025#/ to sign up. If you are unable to prepare or shop for food, but would like to donate towards our food items, designate “VBS” with your giving.
 
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 nonperishable food items for Coastal’s Food Pantry.  Our Food Pantry feeds A LOT of people in our community.  There will be a little “competition” each night between the Teams for who brings the most food 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 at aly@coastalcommunitychurch.org. It really is the BEST week of the Summer!  I hope you’ll be a part of it!  I love YOU, I love being your Pastor, I love what we get to do together, and I can’t wait to see you and your friends this weekend!  

 
Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, June 20th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, June 20th, 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, June 20th;  Friday, June 27, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Kids Toiletry Packing:  With the help of the children here at Coastal, we will be filling hygiene bags sewn by our Sewing Ministry and packing them to be sent out on our Box Trucks to distribute during our monthly tailgates & clothing distributions.  TODAY, Friday, June 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, June 21st, 7am-11am.  Meet at SC-162, 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, June 21st, 7am-11:30am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Ronald McDonald House Breakfast:  We’ll be preparing a Breakfast for the families at the Ronald McDonald House.  TOMORROW, Saturday, June 21st, 7:30am-9:15am.  Meet at The Ronald McDonald House, 81 Gadsden St, Downtown Charleston.
   NHC Skilled Nursing Facility Fellowship:  This kid-friendly project will consist of craft projects and sing-along opportunities for those who need a little love and encouragement.  Sunday, June 22nd, 2PM.  Meet at NHC, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr.
   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 23rd;  Monday, June 30th, 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, June 24th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   Landmarks Tailgate:  One of the last group homes in the state, Landmark for Families has been a fixture of our community, advocating for families for decades. Our team will host a tailgate-styled lunch to the students at Landmark for Families as well as the staff at the facility.  Tuesday, June 24th, 11:30am-2pm.  Meet at Coastal.  Kid Friendly.
   Patriot Villas Workday:  We will be sending a team to conduct some general maintenance around the facility to improve the lives of those who have given us so much in the sacrifice of serving our nation. Not Kid Friendly/Adults Only.  Meet at Coastal on Tuesday, June 24th, 5:30pm-8pm.
   Sewing Project: This team of volunteers will work on various sewing projects that are distributed to those who need them throughout our tailgates community.  Wednesday, June 25th, 5pm-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   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 25th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Charleston Vets Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Charleston Vets on Wednesday, June 25th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Lowcountry Food Bank:  Sort food, pack disaster relief boxes, backpack buddies snack packs for school children, and senior boxes as we help reduce food insecurity all around Charleston! Thursday, June 26th, 1pm-3pm.
   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, June 26th, 11:30am-1pm.
   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.  Thursday, June 26th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, June 27th, 4-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Ronald McDonald House:  Our team will assist the Ronald McDonald House in its mission by packing “Grab & Go” Meal Kits for families staying at the house.  Friday June 27th, 6pm-7pm. Meet at Coastal.
   Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build:  A team from Coastal will help build beds that will go to well deserving, but underserved children all over Charleston.  Saturday, June 28th, 9am-1pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Picnic Table Build at Brighton Place:  As a gift to the Brighton Place community, Coastal will help construct three new picnic tables that the residents will be able to enjoy.  Sunday, June 29th, 5pm-8pm.  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. 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. 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 “Lilo & Stitch” movie at Citadel Mall Cinema, Tuesday, July 1st – 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 July 1st!
   
4. ATTENTION Parents & Guardians with a RIsing 6th Grader:  You are invited to our Rising 6th Grade Parent Meeting on Tuesday, July 1st, 6:30–7:30pm in the Coastal Welcome Center.  We are so excited to welcome your Student into Coastal Student Ministry! It means a lot that you’d trust us to be a part of their journey, and Pastor Jacob can’t wait to partner with you in helping them grow in their faith.  
   
   This meeting is important.  You and your student will:
   – Hear from Pastor Jacob about the mission and heartbeat of CSM.
   – Meet some amazing CSM Leaders.
   – Hear from current students about why they love being apart of CSM.
   – And of course, enjoy some food!
   This is the first step into the life of our Student Ministry for both you and your Student. Email Pastor Jacob if you have any questions.
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is 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. We still have 4 Sundays left in our “At the Movies” series!  “At the Movies” is where we use current/popular movies as a hook or a springboard to talk about spiritual truth straight from God’s Word.  As always, there will be popcorn and movie trailers!  Make sure you pick up the microwave popcorn invites 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!

This past Sunday was a day and an experience I will never forget.  We Baptized 102 people out at Folly Beach (watch the video above)!  Honestly, I wasn’t even sure if it was going to happen.  As many of you know, the weather here in Charleston on Sunday afternoon was TERRIBLE – Storm Warnings, Thunder/Lightning, all of it.  I was getting texts, emails, and calls all afternoon asking if we were going to reschedule the Baptism.  Our standard answer is we don’t call it until we’re actually out there at the beach, closer to the actual time because the weather in Charleston is so unpredictable.  Honestly, it was so bad that on the way out to the Beach I wondered if we would even have 50 people total show up at all.  But SHOW UP THEY DID! 

 It was such an incredible, miraculous, move of God experience!  And then on top of all of that, it was one of the roughest days I’ve ever experienced in the ocean for the Baptism itself.  I seriously felt like I was Baptized at least 1000 times!  It was definitely a group effort for everyone out in the water.  But you know what, I’d do it all over again!  It was AWESOME!  102 people – that’s bigger than the size of our church for a long, long time!  All glory to God!

 Oh and because the weather was so bad beforehand, we basically had the whole beach at the County Park all to ourselves!  By the way, we already have another Beach Baptism scheduled for the end of the Summer:  Sunday, August 10th, 5pm at Folly Beach County Park!  In fact, we already have people signed up for it!  You can go online and sign up today!

 This coming Sunday is Father’s Day, and it’s going to be a lot of FUN!  We have Baby/Child Dedication in all 3 services, FREE Kona Ice for everyone, and fun giveaways (MEAT – haha) at the end of each service!  And on top of all of that, outside after each service we’re having a WING FEST!!  We’ll have 4 tent stations set up outside where we’ll be giving away wings (and a few boneless wings for kids)!  There will be music, sodas, and water!  And I’ve got a strong message for all the men using the movie, “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning.”  And speaking of movies, don’t forget that during this series, ALL 1st Time Guests will receive FREE Movie Tickets to Citadel Mall Theater (and the person who invited them – YOU).  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 and your friends over the weekend!  Oh, and yes Ladies the wings are for everyone – not just the men!
 
Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, June 13th;  Monday, June 16th;  Friday, June 20th, 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, June 13th;  Friday, June 20th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Landmarks Tailgate:  One of the last group homes in the state, Landmark for Families has been a fixture of our community, advocating for families for decades. Our team will host a tailgate-styled lunch to the students at Landmark for Families as well as the staff at the facility.  TODAY, Friday, June 13th, 11:30am-2pm.  Meet at Coastal.  Kid Friendly.
   2nd Meal: Saturday, June 14th, 9am-12noon.  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, June 14th, 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, June 16th, 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, June 17th, 12pm-3pm.
   Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Delivery Project:  A team from Coastal will help deliver beds, with brand-new linens to well deserving, but underserved children all over Charleston.  Tuesday, June 17th, 6pm-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, June 18th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sewing Project: This team of volunteers will work various sewing projects that are distributed to those who need them throughout our tailgates community.  Wednesday, June 18th, 5pm-8pm.  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, June 19th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Food Pantry Kids Project:  This pantry project will allow even the smallest members at our church a chance to sort incoming donations, provide shopping support to patrons utilizing the pantry, assist with packing grocery bags, prepping blessing box kits and more. Thursday, June 19th, 6pm-7:30pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, June 19th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, June 20th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Kids Toiletry Packing:  With the help of the children here at Coastal, we will be filling hygiene bags sewn by our Sewing Ministry and packing them to be sent out on our Box Trucks to distribute during our monthly tailgates & clothing distributions.  Friday, June 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, June 21st, 7am-11am.  Meet at SC-162, 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, June 21st, 7am-11:30am.  Meet at We-Fold-It Laundromat, 6310 SC-162 Unit D, Hollywood, SC 29449.
   Ronald McDonald House Breakfast:  We’ll be preparing a Breakfast for the families at the Ronald McDonald House.  Saturday, June 21st, 7:30am-9:15am.  Meet at The Ronald McDonald House, 81 Gadsden St, 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 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. 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 “Lilo & Stitch” movie at Citadel Mall Cinema, Tuesday, July 1st – 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 July 1st!
   
4. ATTENTION Parents & Guardians with a RIsing 6th Grader:  You are invited to our Rising 6th Grade Parent Meeting on Tuesday, July 1st, 6:30–7:30pm in the Coastal Chapel.  We are so excited to welcome your Student into Coastal Student Ministry! It means a lot that you’d trust us to be a part of their journey, and Pastor Jacob can’t wait to partner with you in helping them grow in their faith.  
   
   This meeting is important.  You and your student will:
   – Hear from Pastor Jacob about the mission and heartbeat of CSM.
   – Meet some amazing CSM Leaders.
   – Hear from current students about why they love being apart of CSM.
   – And of course, enjoy some food
   
   This is the first step into the life of our Student Ministry for both you and your Student. Email Pastor Jacob if you have any questions.
   
5. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is 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. Mark your calendars now – Coastal’s VBS is July 7th-11th, 6-8:15pm for children 4 years old – 5th Grade.  This year’s theme is, “True North – Trusting Jesus in a Wild World!”  

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 4th at 6pm.  After that, you will only be able to register at our campus each night in-person before VBS.  You can also TEXT “vbs2025” to 843-571-1777 to register your child.

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.  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! 

Also, at Coastal, we try to provide a “mini meal” for our VBS snacks since we meet during many families’ dinner time.  If you are able to help provide any of these food items, go here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CADA72BA2FEC07-56357541-2025#/ to sign up. If you are unable to prepare or shop for food, but would like to donate towards our food items, designate “VBS” with your giving.

WOW!  WOW!  WOW!  What an amazing kick off to “Summer of IMPACT” – so many Volunteers, such great Leaders, so many lives touched and seeds already planted!  But don’t worry, we are just getting started!  In fact, this Saturday is another great opportunity to jump in and be a part of “Summer of IMPACT.”  Why this Saturday you ask?  Because it’s the first Saturday of the month and that means Saturday Serve!  June’s Saturday Serve is always the largest of the year.  It serves as a kind of “pep rally” for SOI!  There will be 10 different projects to choose from – several that are kid friendly!  And if you haven’t gotten our NEW Coastal t-shirt yet, you can pick one up on Saturday when you show up to serve!  Don’t miss it!  Go to this link and sign up for Saturday Serve or any of our remaining SOI projects: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions/
 
I know I say this a lot – but don’t miss this Sunday at Coastal!  We’re kicking off one of our favorite sermon series traditions here at Coastal – “At the Movies!”  We’ve been doing this series for 16 years now.  Collectively, more guests come to this series than any other series we do!  People LOVE movies!  So leverage that, use our Invite Cards, microwave popcorn invitations, and invite and bring your friends, family, neighbors, classmates, and co-workers to church.  ALL 1st Time Guests will receive FREE Movie Tickets to Citadel Mall Theater (and the person who invited them – YOU) throughout the entire series.  There will be popcorn, movie trailers, and cool giveaways!  Like I said, “DON’T MISS THIS SUNDAY & BRING A FRIEND!”
 
As our church continues to grow, don’t forget to please park over at Oakland Elementary School (down the first drive past the Greenway, on the right, before you get to our church).  It makes for a much easier transition between services.  And if you normally attend the 10am service, please consider attending the 8:30am or 11:30am service.  The 10am service is quickly reaching capacity.  Also, we are always in need of Sunday morning volunteers!  If you served in the past or during a big day like Easter – we need you!  Reach back out to your Ministry Leader, and make their day by volunteering to serve.  If you’ve never volunteered before – there is a place for YOU!  Respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  We typically mention 1st Impressions or Coastal Kidz as great places to start serving on Sunday mornings – and they are great places.  But let me mention another great opportunity to serve – our CAFE!  Each and every Sunday our wonderful volunteers in the Cafe, prep, serve, and give away an ENORMOUS amount of coffee and snacks!  And then they clean it all up and prep for the next service and following week.  It is a GREAT ministry, a real WOW factor for a lot of our Guests who come to Coastal.  Not many churches give away as much as we do each week for FREE!  And it is our Cafe Volunteers and their smiling faces and kind words who make all this possible.  And there is even a place within the Cafe for those who are more behind the scenes personalities.  If you are interested in serving in this Ministry simply respond to this email, check the box on the back of your Connect Card, or go online and sign up today! 
 
And finally, hopefully by now you’ve heard about our Beach Baptism Service this Sunday, June 8th, 5pm at Folly Beach County Park (see details below).  Are you ready for this?  Right now we have 104 people who have signed up to get Baptized!  WOW!  That just blows me away!  God is moving in a powerful way at our church!  Make sure you’re a part of it!  If Baptism is your next step, what are you waiting on?  Sign up online right now and join us on Sunday!  And don’t let anything get in the way of witnessing this miracle of God on Sunday out at the Beach!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  I love what we get to do together!  And I can’t wait to see you over the weekend!
 
Making An IMPACT With YOU!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Come love on and support our Vets!  TODAY, Friday, June 6th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, June 6th;  Monday, June 9th;  Friday, June 13th, 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 June 6th;  Friday, June 13th,  9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Ronald McDonald House:  Our team will assist the Ronald McDonald House in its mission by packing “Grab & Go” Meal Kits for families staying at the house.  TODAY, Friday June 6th, 6pm-7pm. Meet at Coastal.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is TOMORROW, Saturday, June 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:  TOMORROW, Saturday, June 7th, 8:30am-12noon, the Blood Mobile will be in our parking lot during Saturday Serve.  Give the gift of life by donating blood!
   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 9th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, June 10th, 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, June 10th, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at: Brighton Place, 1429 Orleans Road.
   JFM FREE Laundry Day:  We’ll send a team with a bucket of quarters into the Manor’s laundry rooms to pay for washing machines and dryers for the residents’ clothing.  We’ll provide a couple of hospitality tables with snacks and use the opportunity to spend time with those we are serving while their belongings are being cleaned.  Wednesday, June 11th, 12pm-2:30pm.  Not Kid Friendly.  Meet at Coastal.
   Kid Friendly Sewing Project:  Our team will have the opportunity to teach the kids of our church how to do things such as blanket assembly that Coastal will use to bless children at the East Cooper Medical Center..  Wednesday, June 11th, 5pm-8pm.  Kid friendly.  Meet at Coastal Chapel.
   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, June 12th, 11:30am-1pm.
   VBS Prep:  This project will help prepare props and decorations to transform our campus into a fun learning environment for the week of VBS. If you enjoy crafting or if you are looking for an opportunity to serve with your children, this is great choice.  Thursday, June 12th, 6pm-8pm.  Kid Friendly.
   Landmarks Tailgate:  One of the last group homes in the state, Landmark for Families has been a fixture of our community, advocating for families for decades. Our team will host a tailgate-styled lunch to the students at Landmark for Families as well as the staff at the facility.  Friday, June 13th, 11:30am-2pm.  Meet at Coastal.  Kid Friendly.
   2nd Meal: Saturday, June 14th, 9am-12noon.  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, June 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, June 7th as a part of Saturday Serve! Click on this link and sign up today! There are still slots available from 10:30am to 12::45pm.
   
3. As a fun way to celebrate the Summer and our “At the Movies” series, we’d like to take any children from our church and their friends (and children at heart) to the 10am special showing of the new “Lilo & Stitch” movie at Citadel Mall Cinema, Tuesday, July 1st – 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 July 1st!
   
4. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15th!  As always, it’s going to be a great celebration at Coastal with a gift for all the men (grilled WINGS), 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!
   
5. Our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park is THIS Sunday, June 8th, at 5pm (rain or shine – we only cancel for lightning).  You can sign up for it on our website.  We already have 104 people who have signed up to get Baptized!  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.  And YES, you can already sign up for our NEXT Beach Baptism Service on Sunday, August 10th if this Sunday doesn’t work for you.

P.S. Mark your calendars now – Coastal’s VBS is July 7th-11th, 6-8:15pm for children 4 years old – 5th Grade.  This year’s theme is, “True North – Trusting Jesus in a Wild World!”  Registration for Volunteers and children is now open!  Go to our website and register today!  Apparently, Jesus LOVES camping!  

Also, at Coastal, we try to provide a “mini meal” for our VBS snacks since we meet during many families’ dinner time.  If you are able to help provide any of these food items, go here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CADA72BA2FEC07-56357541-2025#/ to sign up. If you are unable to prepare or shop for food, but would like to donate towards our food items, designate “VBS” with your giving.

This Sunday (June 1st), marks the beginning of  “Summer of IMPACT”!  Hopefully by now, you’re well aware of what “Summer of IMPACT” is all about.  It’s about being the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus right here in our own community, where we live, work, parent, and play.  There are 73 different projects!  There is something for everyone – including students and children.  You simply sign-up online and then show-up.  And when you do show up, you get a FREE brand NEW COASTAL T-SHIRT!  There are 24 different projects this first week alone!  But don’t forget that 10 of those projects will be on Saturday Serve, next Saturday, June 7th!  June’s Saturday Serve is always the largest of the year.  It serves as a kind of “pep rally” for SOI!  Don’t miss it!  It’s going to be CRAZY AWESOME!  Go to this link and sign up today:  https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions/

Also, don’t forget that we kick-off “AT THE MOVIES” NEXT Sunday, June 8th!  “At the Movies” is a sermon series where we take current or popular movies and use them as a hook to dig into God’s Word and boldly proclaim truth.  ALL 1st Time Guests will receive FREE Movie Tickets to Citadel Mall Theater (and the person who invited them – YOU) throughout the entire series.  There will be popcorn, movie trailers, and cool giveaways!  Make sure you pick up the microwave popcorn invite tool this weekend to invite your friends to the series.  As a part of the series, we’re also taking anyone who is available to see a FREE children’s movie (Lilo & Stitch) on Tuesday, July 1st, 10am at the Citadel Mall Theater!
 
I want to give you an EXCITING update on our Beach Baptism, also NEXT Sunday, June 8th (see all the info below).  The most people we have ever Baptized at any one time at Coastal was last year’s Beach Baptism service with 77 people getting Baptized.  Guess how many people are now confirmed to get Baptized on Sunday, June 8th, 5pm at Folly Beach County Park?  Are you ready for this?!  Drumroll please. . . . . . 83 PEOPLE!  Is that awesome or what?  God is definitely on the move, doing something exciting at Coastal right now!  I remember the days when we had less than 83 people at church!  And who knows where that number will end up at?  If you would like to join us in getting Baptized at the Beach, go to our website and sign up today!  Spread the word, share with everyone you know what God is up to at Coastal, and come out early to the Beach that day and celebrate with us!  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 as we wrap up our Breakthrough series!
 
Making An IMPACT With YOU!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, May 30th, 4-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Picnic Table Build at JFM:  As a gift to the Joseph Floyd Manor community, Coastal will help construct three new picnic tables that the residents will be able to enjoy.  Sunday, June 1st, 5pm-8pm.  Meet at JFM.
   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 2nd, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Delivery Project:  A team from Coastal will help deliver beds, with brand-new linens to well deserving, but underserved children all over Charleston.  Monday, June 2nd, 6pm-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   NHC Skilled Nursing Facility Fellowship:  This kid-friendly project will consist of craft projects and sing-along opportunities for those who need a little love and encouragement.  Tuesday, June 3rd, 9am-11am.  Meet at NHC, 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr.
   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, June 3rd, 12pm-3pm.
   Patriot Villas Workday:  We will be sending a team to conduct some general maintenance around the facility to improve the lives of those who have given us so much in the sacrifice of serving our nation. Not Kid Friendly/Adults Only.  Meet at Coastal on Tuesday, June 3rd, 5:30pm-8pm.
   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 4th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Sewing Project: This team of volunteers will work various sewing projects that are distributed to those who need them throughout our tailgates community.  Wednesday, June 4th, 5pm-8pm.  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, June 5th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Lowcountry Food Bank:  Sort food, pack disaster relief boxes, backpack buddies snack packs for school children, and senior boxes as we help reduce food insecurity all around Charleston! Thursday, June 5th, 1pm-3pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Come love on and support our Vets!  Friday, June 6th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, June 6th, 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 June 6th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Ronald McDonald House:  Our team will assist the Ronald McDonald House in its mission by packing “Grab & Go” Meal Kits for families staying at the house.  Friday June 6th, 6pm-7pm. 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, June 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:  On Saturday, June 7th, 8:30am-12noon, the Blood Mobile will be in our parking lot during Saturday Serve.  Give the gift of life by donating blood!
   
   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. On Sunday, June 8th, we kick off one of our favorite sermon series traditions here at Coastal – “AT THE MOVIES”!  In fact, this is our 16th 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!  We’ll also be taking the kids (and anyone who wants to come) to a FREE movie (the new Lilo & Stitch movie) on Tuesday, July 1st at 10am (doors open at 9:30am)! So mark Sunday, June 8th on your calendar, and start praying about who you will be inviting and bringing to church during the series!
    
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 Saturday, May 31st (TOMORROW), from 9am-12noon, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email or sign up on our website.  Breakfast & 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 THIS Sunday, June 1st, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today.
   
4. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15th!  As always, it’s going to be a great celebration at Coastal with a gift for all the men (grilled WINGS), 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!
   
5. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 8th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  We already have over 80 people getting Baptized!  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. Mark your calendars now – Coastal’s VBS is July 7th-11th, 6-8:15pm for children 4 years old – 5th Grade.  This year’s theme is, “True North – Trusting Jesus in a Wild World!”  Registration for Volunteers and children is now open!  Go to our website and register today!  Apparently, Jesus LOVES camping!

Typically, Memorial Weekend officially marks the end of the school year and the beginning of Summer.  But no matter when you or your child gets out of school this year, the month of June always means one thing at Coastal – Summer of IMPACT!  That’s right, and June 1st is NEXT SUNDAY!  Now if you are fairly new to Coastal or you’ve been living under a rock, Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June (73 different projects)!  There is something for everyone (including children).  There are multiple opportunities almost every day of the month. You simply sign-up and then show-up.  It’s that easy.  Like everything we do at Coastal, each outreach project has a leader and each project is well-organized and fully funded.

In fact, the first week alone (7 days) of Summer of IMPACT there are 24 different projects to choose from!  10 of those project will be on Saturday Serve, Saturday June 7th, 8:30am at the church!  Historically, that Saturday Serve is one of the biggest of the year – kind of a kick-off/pep rally for Summer of IMPACT!  You’re not going to want to miss it!  We even have a new t-shirt for SOI 2025 that we’ll be giving out at Saturday Serve!

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

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

Making An IMPACT With YOU!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there, TODAY, Friday, May 23rd, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, May 23rd;  Friday, May 30th, 4-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   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 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, May 29th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Picnic Table Build at JFM:  As a gift to the Joseph Floyd Manor community, Coastal will help construct three new picnic tables that the residents will be able to enjoy.  Sunday, June 1st, 5pm-8pm.  Meet at JFM.
   JFM Fellowship Activity & Devotion:  A fun project for kids!  We’ll serve at Joseph Floyd Manor (JFM), a public housing facility in Downtown Charleston, creating some fun craft items with the residents.  Monday, June 2nd, 1pm-2:30pm.  Meet at JFM.
   Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Delivery Project:  A team from Coastal will help to deliver beds, with brand-new linens to well deserving, but underserved children all over Charleston.  Monday, June 2nd, 6pm-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   NHC Skilled Nursing Facility Fellowship:  This kid-friendly project will consist of craft projects and sing-along opportunities for those who need a little love and encouragement.  Tuesday, June 3rd, 9am-11am.  Meet at NHC 2230 Ashley Crossing Dr.
   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, June 3rd, 12pm-3pm.
   Patriot Villas Workday:  We will be sending a team to conduct some general maintenance around the facility to improve the lives of those who have given us so much in the sacrifice of serving our nation. Not Kid Friendly/Adults Only.  Meet at Coastal on Tuesday, June 3rd, 5:30pm-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. On Sunday, June 8th, we kick off one of our favorite sermon series traditions here at Coastal – “AT THE MOVIES”!  In fact, this is our 16th 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!  We’ll also be taking the kids (and anyone who wants to come) to a FREE movie (the new Lilo & Stitch movie) on Tuesday, July 1st at 10am (doors open at 9:30am)! So mark Sunday, June 8th on your calendar, and start praying about who you will be inviting and bringing to church during the series! 
   
3. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – THIS Wednesday night, May 28th, 6:30-8pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.
   
4. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15th!  As always, it’s going to be a great celebration at Coastal with a gift for all the men (grilled WINGS), 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!
   
5. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 8th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  We already have over 50 people getting Baptized!  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. Mark your calendars now – Coastal’s VBS is July 7th-11th, 6-8:15pm for children 4 years old – 5th Grade.  This year’s theme is, “True North – Trusting Jesus in a Wild World!”  Registration for Volunteers and children is now open!  Go to our website and register today!  Apparently, Jesus LOVES camping!

P.S.S. 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 Saturday, May 31st, 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) on Sunday.  Breakfast & 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 1st, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 

Wow – we had an amazing Mother’s Day this past Sunday at Coastal with over 1500 people in attendance (and another 1117 online)!  We had 32 children participate in Baby/Child Dedication over our 3 services (the most ever)!  By the way, we have another Baby/Child Dedication coming up on Father’s Day, June 16th.  You can go to this link and sign up online or you can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Between the Photo Booth, the Bundtini Cake, Kona Ice, the Give-aways at the end of each service, and the service itself – I hope every woman walked out of Coastal on Sunday feeling encouraged and loved!
 
On Sunday, June 8th, we kick off one of our favorite sermon series traditions here at Coastal – “AT THE MOVIES”!  In fact, this is our 16th 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 (the new Lilo & Stitch movie) on Tuesday, July 1st at 10am (doors open at 9:30am)! So mark Sunday, June 8th 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!

In His Service & Yours!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, May 16th, 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. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, May 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, May 21st, 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, May 22nd;  Thursday, May 29th, 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, May 23rd, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, May 23rd;  Friday, May 30th, 4-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   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 28th, 6-8:30pm.  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. Are you grieving the loss of a spouse or do you know someone who is?  Join one of the FREE special GriefShare sessions THIS Monday, May 19th at 2pm or 6pm at Coastal to discover practical advice from others who’ve been there.  Learn what to expect in your grief, find how to cope with life without your spouse, and more. Register at www.GriefShare.org or contact Freeda (540-903-5030) or Sue (616-443-6553).
   
3. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – Wednesday night, May 28th, 6:30-8pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.
   
4. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15th!  As always, it’s going to be a great celebration at Coastal with a gift for all the men (grilled WINGS), 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!
   
5. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 8th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  We already have over 50 people getting Baptized!  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. Mark your calendars now – Coastal’s VBS is July 7th-11th, 6-8:15pm for children 4 years old – 5th Grade.  This year’s theme is, “True North – Trusting Jesus in a Wild World!”  Registration for Volunteers and children is now open!  Go to our website and register today!  Apparently, Jesus LOVES camping!

P.S.S. 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 Saturday, May 31st, 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) on Sunday.  Breakfast & 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 1st, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 

In the first picture above I’m giving one of the many gifts for all the Teachers & Staff over at Oakland Elementary School for Teacher Appreciation, the week after Easter.  We also showered them with iced coffee, gift cards, candy, handwritten notes, and LOTS and LOTS of FOOD!  I know I say this all the time, but it’s true – all of this is made possible through your consistent, faithful generosity!  In fact, that’s true of ALL the Outreach that our church does.  We couldn’t do it without YOU!  

And speaking of Outreach & YOU, it’s time for YOU to start signing up for Summer of IMPACT!  If you are fairly new to Coastal, Summer of IMPACTis a month-long effort (the entire month of June) where we as a church saturate our community with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service.  It’s basically what we do all throughout the year, but MULTIPLIED during the month of June!  There is something for everyone (including children).  There are opportunities nearly every day of the month. You simply sign-up and then show-up.  It’s that easy.  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized. 

So here’s what I am asking you to do RIGHT NOW:

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

Take a look at all the opportunities. Find the project(s) right for you and then sign up!  You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want directly from our website.  And by the way, you don’t even have to call Coastal your home to participate! Invite and bring your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to serve!  If you are looking to make an IMPACT in our community, this is the way to do it!  And if you sign up for a SOI Project, we have a little gift for you at church beginning NEXT Sunday, May 18th – a pair of Coastal Sunglasses and a Coastal Light Up Wristband (also pictured above)!  But you only get them if you sign up!  And then when you SHOW UP to serve at your SOI Project, we have a NEW COASTAL T-SHIRT for you (also pictured above)!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I can’t wait to serve with you this Summer!

In His Service & Yours!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, May 9th;  Monday, May 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 May 9th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Double Tailgate Day: Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: TOMORROW, Saturday, May 10th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   2nd Saturday/2nd Meal: TOMORROW, Saturday, May 10th, 9am-12noon.  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!
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, May 13th, 8am-12:30pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)! Thursday, May 15th; Thursday, May 22nd, 11:30am-1pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, May 15th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, May 16th, 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. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, May 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, May 21st, 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. Are you grieving the loss of a spouse or do you know someone who is?  Join one of the FREE special GriefShare sessions on Monday, May 19th at 2pm or 6pm at Coastal to discover practical advice from others who’ve been there.  Learn what to expect in your grief, find how to cope with life without your spouse, and more. Register at www.GriefShare.org or contact Freeda (540-903-5030) or Sue (616-443-6553).
   
3. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – Wednesday night, May 28th, 6:30-8pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.
   
4. Mother’s Day is THIS Sunday, May 11th!  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 (8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm), FREE Kona Ice for everyone, a Family Photo Booth, and Baby & Child Dedication during all 4 services (we have 31 families signed up)!  Mother’s Day is a BIG DAY at Coastal and we added the 1pm service just to make room for everyone!  If you want to avoid the crowds, come to the 1pm service. Maybe consider taking Mom to brunch and then bring everyone to church! 
   
5. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 8th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  We already have 45 people getting Baptized!  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. Mark your calendars now – Coastal’s VBS is July 7th-11th, 6-8:15pm for children 4 years old – 5th Grade.  This year’s theme is, “True North – Trusting Jesus in a Wild World!”  Registration for Volunteers and children is now open!  Go to our website and register today!  Apparently, Jesus LOVES camping!

As you’ve already heard, we had an amazing Easter weekend at Coastal as we kicked off our “Breakthrough” series.  But what was amazing to me was what happened this past Sunday, the week after Easter.  For many churches the week after Easter can be a huge letdown, but not at Coastal.  Before Easter, our Sunday morning in-person attendance had been hovering right around 1175.  Occasionally, we would have over 1200.  This past Sunday we had 1322 in-person and another 1022 online.  We also had 34 1st & 2nd Time Guest Connect Cards filled out, 12 different decisions for Jesus, and 10 more people signed up to be Baptized at Folly Beach on June 8th (we now have 42 people signed up to get Baptized)!  It was our first “non Big Day” breaking 1300.  WOW, just wow!  
 
All of this shows me that God is up to something at Coastal and that people are hungry for a “Breakthrough.”  I hope you’re enjoying the series and the book.  If you haven’t picked up the free “Breakthrough” book, make sure you pick one up on Sunday.  And speaking of a breakthrough, as we were reading through all the Prayer Requests over Easter Weekend, and all the breakthroughs that people shared and were seeking, the overwhelming breakthrough that people were in need of was a financial breakthrough.  Let’s just be honest with each other. Our world is in a financial mess!  Families are in a financial mess and are falling apart.  The world’s way just doesn’t work.  But God’s way does!  So let’s take this issue back!  Let’s boldly proclaim God’s word and help people honor God with their finances, break the chains of materialism, get out of debt, and experience a real BREAKTHROUGH in this area!  

At Coastal we are committed to doing just that.  In fact, as an investment in you, your family, your finances, and your future, and as a way to practically express our generosity and love toward you, Coastal offers FREE Financial Tools including ALL of Dave Ramsey’s best-selling financial resources and tools for FREE!  This includes 5 classes (Financial Peace, Legacy Journey, Smart Money Smart Kids, the Jump Start Course, and a new Budgeting course), the Everydollar+ budgeting tool, and a host of other resources designed to help families track their progress through the baby steps, get out of debt, and experience financial freedom.  It is all provided for you simply because you come to Coastal.  All you have to do is go to our website, click on the link, sign up today, and get started.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I’m excited to see how God brings about a breakthrough in your life!

In His Service & Yours!
Pastor Chris 

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, May 2nd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, May 2nd; Monday, May 5th;  Friday, May 9th;  Monday, May 12th,  9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is TOMORROW, Saturday, May 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, May 8th, 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 May 9th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Double Tailgate Day: Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, May 10th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   2nd Saturday/2nd Meal: Saturday, May 10th, 9am-12noon.  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!
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, May 13th, 8am-12:30pm.  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. 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!  
   
3. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – Wednesday night, May 28th, 6:30-8pm!  Invite your friends and family to join us for a night of prayer, worship, and encouragement.  RSVP now for childcare (birth-kindergarten) on your Connect Card.
   
4. Mother’s Day is NEXT Sunday, May 11th!  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 (8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm), FREE Kona Ice for everyone, a Family Photo Booth, and Baby & Child Dedication during all 4 services (we already have 22 families signed up)!  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. 
   
5. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 8th, at 5pm.  You can sign up for it on our website.  We already have over 40 people getting Baptized!  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. Mark your calendars now – Coastal’s VBS is July 7th-11th, 6-8:15pm for children 4 years old – 5th Grade.  This year’s theme is, “True North – Trusting Jesus in a Wild World!”  Registration for Volunteers and children is now open!  Go to our website and register today!

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 2500 and we had 2,541 people in  person!  And then we had another 1589 online – for a grand total of 4,130!  This year our goal was to break 3000 in person and 2000 online.  And if you haven’t heard, this year we had . . . . . . . . drumroll please. . . . . . . . . 3055 in person and 2105 online for a grand total of 5,160! 

We had a ton of 1st Time Guests – people who were invited by a friend or who saw an ad, received a post card, or found us online.  In fact, we gave away 84 1st Time Guest Bags at Guest Services, had 122 1st & 2nd Time Guest Connect Cards filled out (those bags & cards represent hundreds of people), we Baptized 4 people over the weekend, 30 people have already signed up for our Beach Baptism in June (I think we’re going to Baptize at least 100 people this year at our June Beach Baptism), and finally, 35 different decisions for Jesus were made!   Like I said, WOW!  Thank you Jesus!!  All Glory to God!
 
Now, let me say this – Easter has come and gone, but Jesus is still alive, and there is still a sense of urgency!  Keep praying, keep inviting, keep serving, keep reaching out.  People still need Jesus, and He is still the hope of the world.  And if the people you invited didn’t come, don’t get discouraged and don’t give up.  And for those of you who came for the first time or maybe came back for the first time in a long time, keep coming!  You are welcome at Coastal!  This week, we continue our new series called, “Breakthrough.”  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 11th!  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 (there will be another 1pm service on Mother’s Day), FREE Kona Ice for everyone, a Family Photo Booth, and Baby & Child Dedication during all 4 services (we already have 20 families signed up)!  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!  And I can’t wait to walk with you on this path to a BREAKTHROUGH!

With Much Love & Gratitude!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there TODAY, Friday April 25th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, April 25th, 4-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal Breakfast:  We will be preparing meals for the residents of the Ronald McDonald House. TOMORROW, Saturday, April 26th, 7:30am-9:15am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, May 2nd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, May 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, May 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. 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!
   
3. Coastal Day at the Riverdogs!  Join us on Sunday, May 18th, at 5pm at the Charleston Riverdogs baseball game!  Reserve your FREE tickets by texting TICKETS to 843-571-1777.  Literally text the word “TICKETS” and then hit send.  If you text anything else it will not work.  You will then be sent a link to fill out your information for your ticket request.   Tickets will be distributed digitally to your email.  We bought 1000 tickets to give away and we’ve only got approximately 100 left (“first come, first serve”)!  A member of our Worship Team will be singing the National Anthem.  And our very own Children’s Director, Aly Huggins will be throwing out the first pitch!  Don’t miss this fun day with your Coastal family!
   
4. Are you grieving the loss of a spouse or do you know someone who is?  Join one of the FREE special GriefShare sessions on Monday, May 19th at 2pm or 6pm at Coastal to discover practical advice from others who’ve been there.  Learn what to expect in your grief, find how to cope with life without your spouse, and more. Register at www.GriefShare.org or contact Freeda (540-903-5030) or Sue (616-443-6553).
   
5. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 8th, 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. Mark your calendars now – Coastal’s VBS is July 7th-11th, 6-8:15pm for children 4 years old – 5th Grade.  This year’s theme is, “True North – Trusting Jesus in a Wild World!”  Registration for Volunteers and children is now open!  Go to our website and register today!

P.S.S. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – Wednesday night, May 28th, 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.

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 18th, 7pm;  Saturday (TOMORROW), April 19th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 20th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm.  It’s still looking like our Saturday at 6pm service and Sunday at 1pm 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, 10am service is 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.  44 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!  

One more thing – with Easter being so late this year, Mother’s Day is just around the corner, May 11th!  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 (there will be another 1pm service on Mother’s Day), 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!  And I can’t wait to celebrate this weekend with you! 
 
He Is Not Here! He Is Risen!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, April 18th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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 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, April 24th; Thursday, May 1st, 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 April 25th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, April 25th, 4-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Ronald McDonald House Meals that Heal Breakfast:  We will be preparing meals for the residents of the Ronald McDonald House.  Saturday, April 26th, 7:30am-9:15am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, May 2nd, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, May 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, May 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. 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!  
   
3. Coastal Day at the Riverdogs!  Join us on Sunday, May 18th, at 5pm at the Charleston Riverdogs baseball game!  Reserve your FREE tickets by texting TICKETS to 843-571-1777.  Literally text the word “TICKETS” and then hit send.  If you text anything else it will not work.  You will then be sent a link to fill out your information for your ticket request.   Tickets will be distributed digitally to your email.  We bought 1000 tickets to give away and after 2 weeks we’ve only got approximately 200 left!  A member of our Worship Team will be singing the National Anthem.  And our very own Children’s Director, Aly Huggins will be throwing out the first pitch!  Don’t miss this fun day with your Coastal family!
   
4. Are you grieving the loss of a spouse or do you know someone who is?  Join one of the FREE special GriefShare sessions on Monday, May 19th at 2pm or 6pm at Coastal to discover practical advice from others who’ve been there.  Learn what to expect in your grief, find how to cope with life without your spouse, and more. Register at www.GriefShare.org or contact Freeda (540-903-5030) or Sue (616-443-6553).
   
5. We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 8th, 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. Mark your calendars now – Coastal’s VBS is July 7th-11th, 6-8:15pm for children 4 years old – 5th Grade.  This year’s theme is, “True North – Trusting Jesus in a Wild World!”  Registration for Volunteers and children is now open!  Go to our website and register today!

P.S.S. Mark your calendar for our next Coastal Night of Worship – Wednesday night, May 28th, 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.

1 WEEK UNTIL EASTER!  Obviously there has been a big build up for Easter, but don’t think for a second that everything slows down and comes to a screeching halt after Easter at Coastal.  In fact, just the opposite is true.  Here are 4 things that I’m excited about that I want to share with you:
 
– Mother’s Day, May 11th, is going to be awesome!  In fact, to make room for the anticipated crowd we’re having 4 services!  We’re adding a 1pm service.  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 71 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 8th, 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 7th-11th, from 6-8:15pm each night for children 4 years old – 5th Grade!  This year’s theme is “True North – Trusting Jesus In A Wild World.”  You’ll be able to start registering your children and signing up to serve over Easter weekend!
 
Wow!  And that’s just 4 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, Summer Camp for our Students, a Missions Trip to Peru, and Coastal Day at the River Dogs (see below)!  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 Joseph talking about being faithful to the end.  Don’t miss it!

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, April 11th;  Monday, April 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 April 11th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Carolina Bay Easter “Spring Fling”:  TODAY, Friday, April 11th, 4:30pm-8pm.  We’re setting up tents and tables with Easter Crafts for the children/families of Carolina Bay.  Meet at the park at Carolina Bay at 4pm at the Coastal Box Truck to help unload and set up.
   Double Tailgate Day: Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, April 12th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   2nd Saturday/2nd Meal: Saturday, April 12th, 9am-12noon.  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!
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, April 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, April 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, April 17th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, April 17th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, April 18th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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 23rd, 6-8:30pm.  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. 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 8:30am or the 1pm 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 10am!  And obviously, if you’re serving, come to the service that best suits your serving schedule.  Here are the Easter service times:  Friday, April 18th, 7pm;  Saturday, April 19th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 20th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm.
   
3. Coastal Day at the Riverdogs!  Join us on Sunday, May 18th, at 5pm at the Charleston Riverdogs baseball game!  Reserve your FREE tickets by texting TICKETS to 843-571-1777.  Literally text the word “TICKETS” and then hit send.  If you text anything else it will not work.  You will then be sent a link to fill out your information for your ticket request.   Tickets will be distributed digitally to your email.  We bought 1000 tickets to give away and we’ve already given away over half of those in ONE WEEK!  A member of our Worship Team will be singing the National Anthem.  And our very own Children’s Director, Aly Huggins will be throwing out the first pitch!  Don’t miss this fun day with your Coastal family!
   
4. Are you grieving the loss of a spouse or do you know someone who is?  Join one of the FREE special GriefShare sessions on Monday, May 19th at 2pm or 6pm at Coastal to discover practical advice from others who’ve been there.  Learn what to expect in your grief, find how to cope with life without your spouse, and more. Register at www.GriefShare.org or contact Freeda (540-903-5030) or Sue (616-443-6553).
   
5. 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. 

P.S. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is THIS Sunday, April 13th, from 5-8pm, 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.  Food & childcare provided!

P.S.S. Hopefully you’ve already been praying during our 40 Day Easter Fast. To help mobilize our church even further in prayer, our Prayer Team is organizing two events that you can participate in.  We’re conducting a Prayer Walk on Tuesday, April 15th at 6pm at Coastal – everyone welcome.  Sign up on this link to let us know you’re coming.  We’re also conducting a 24-hour Prayer Vigil (from your home).  We’re praying in 15-minute increments for a continuous 24-hour period beginning at 7pm on Thursday, April 17th, until 7pm on Friday, April 18th.  If you’d be interested in joining in the Prayer Vigil, click on this link and sign up for a time slot.

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 Walkand 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 8:30am or the 1pm 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 10am!  And obviously, if you’re serving, come to the service that best suits your serving schedule.  Here are the Easter service times:  Friday, April 18th, 7pm;  Saturday, April 19th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 20th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm.   

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 the Joseph story.  This week I’ll be talking about being faithful in forgiveness.  Don’t miss it!

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas: TODAY, Friday, April 4th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, April 4th; Monday, April 7th; Friday, April 11th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is TOMORROW, Saturday, April 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, April 8th, 8am-12:30pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, April 10th, 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 April 11th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Carolina Bay Easter “Spring Fling”:  Friday, April 11th, 4:30pm-8pm.  We’re setting up tents and tables with Easter Crafts for the children/families of Carolina Bay.  Meet at the park at Carolina Bay at 4pm at the Coastal Box Truck to help unload and set up.
   Double Tailgate Day: Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, April 12th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   2nd Saturday/2nd Meal: Saturday, April 12th, 9am-12noon.  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!
   
   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. On Mother’s Day, May 11th, 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.  We’re adding a 1pm service.  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. 
   
3. Coastal Day at the Riverdogs!  Join us on Sunday, May 18th, at 5pm at the Charleston Riverdogs baseball game!  Reserve your FREE tickets by texting TICKETS to 843-571-1777.  Tickets will be distributed digitally to your email.  Questions?  Contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  We bought 1000 tickets to give away!  A member of our Worship Team will be sining the National Anthem.  And our very own Children’s Director, Aly Huggins will be throwing out the first pitch!  Don’t miss this fun day with your Coastal family!
   
4. Are you grieving the loss of a spouse or do you know someone who is?  Join one of the FREE special GriefShare sessions on Monday, May 19th at 2pm or 6pm at Coastal to discover practical advice from others who’ve been there.  Learn what to expect in your grief, find how to cope with life without your spouse, and more. Register at www.GriefShare.org or contact Freeda (540-903-5030) or Sue (616-443-6553).
   
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, April 6th, 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 Sunday, April 13th, from 5-8pm, 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.  Food & childcare provided!

P.S.S. Hopefully you’ve already been praying during our 40 Day Easter Fast. To help mobilize our church even further in prayer, our Prayer Team is organizing two events that you can participate in.  We’re conducting a Prayer Walk on Tuesday, April 15th at 6pm at Coastal – everyone welcome.  Sign up on this link to let us know you’re coming.  We’re also conducting a 24-hour Prayer Vigil (from your home).  We’re praying in 15-minute increments for a continuous 24-hour period beginning at 7pm on Thursday, April 17th, until 7pm on Friday, April 18th.  If you’d be interested in joining in the Prayer Vigil, click on this link and sign up for a time slot.

Well, it’s hard to believe but Easter Sunday is 23 days away (21 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 Easter at Coastal 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 8:30am or 1pm on Sunday to make more room on Sunday at 10am & 11:30am.  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 10am 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 18th, 7pm;  Saturday, April 19th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 20th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm.  
 
Speaking of serving, 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:
   
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there, TODAY, Friday March 28th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, March 28, 4-6:30pm.  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 3rd, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas: Friday, April 4th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, April 4th; Monday, April 7th  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, April 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, April 8th, 8am-12:30pm.  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. Our 3-year-old and 4-K classes in Coastal Kidz are growing!  We’re looking for more assistants and leaders to serve during the 11:30am service. Come volunteer with us to experience how rewarding it is to watch kids grow in their relationship with Jesus! Most volunteers serve in one service, twice a month. No prior experience is required to volunteer. The staff in Coastal Kidz will always be available for support with whatever you may need in the classroom!  For more information or if you are ready to start Volunteering, please email our Children’s Director Aly Huggins.
   
3. We are now 23 days away from Easter Sunday, April 20th!  Coastal will be having 7 Easter Services over 3 days: Friday, April 18th, 7pm;  Saturday, April 19th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 20th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm.  Remember it’s all hands on deck!  Contact your LIFE Team Ministry Leader to sign up to serve in multiple services or go to our website and sign up now to join a LIFE Team and start serving!  
   
   Also, did you know that you can download shareable Easter Invite graphics on our website?  Go to our website and download the graphics today!  Also, while you’re there, let us know which service you and your friends and family will be attending.  If at all possible, attend the Friday, Saturday, or early/late Service on Sunday.  Help us make room for our Guests!
   
4. Are you grieving the loss of a spouse or do you know someone who is?  Join one of the FREE special GriefShare sessions on Monday, May 19th at 2pm or 6pm at Coastal to discover practical advice from others who’ve been there.  Learn what to expect in your grief, find how to cope with life without your spouse, and more. Register at www.GriefShare.org or contact Freeda (540-903-5030) or Sue (616-443-6553).
   
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, April 6th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today or on your Connect Card on Sunday! 

P.S. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Sunday, April 13th, from 5-8pm, 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.  Food & childcare provided!

In spite of all the rain this past Sunday we had another awesome day at Coastal!  We actually had a ton of 1st Time Guests (keep it up Coastal), gave away lots and lots of Guest Bags at Guest Services, 1126 people in attendance, 980 online, and yes, ANOTHER BAPTISM!  And then, to top it all off, we had 94 people show up Sunday night in the Chapel to be equipped and encouraged to share their faith, share their story, and invite people to church!  Our Pastors and Staff did an amazing job, we had great food, and a lot of fun!  This is at least an annual event at Coastal, so sign up for the next one.

And speaking of inviting, I want to share a story with you.  About a month ago, Meredith Cloninger from our church came up to me on Sunday morning with her 7 soon to be 8 year old son Betts.  They wanted to tell me about his upcoming Birthday Party.  You see, Betts LOVES Coastal Kidz and he LOVES HIM SOME JESUS!  So for his Birthday Party he decided all on his own that he wanted a Jesus Party!  He wanted a Jesus Cake, and instead of asking for presents, he wanted all of his friends to bring children’s clothes for our Clothing Ministry!  And then to top it all off they gave away Coastal Invites  to everyone!  Meredith told me that they weren’t expecting me to come to the party, but she thought I might want to know what Betts was doing.  Well of course I HAD TO GO to Betts’ Birthday Party for Jesus (pictures above)!  It was in Carolina Bay Park. There were lots and lots of kids and parents from Betts’ school, church, ball team, and neighborhood!  All of them got a Coastal invite and all of them know how much Betts loves Jesus (and they got a piece of “Jesus Cake” too – haha)!  I don’t know if I’ve ever been more proud of a little 8 year old boy!

Now, I’ll cut to the chase.  If a little 8 year old boy isn’t ashamed or embarrassed to share his love for Jesus and invite his friends, neighbors, and classmates to church, what’s your excuse?  Who are you praying for?  Who are you inviting to Easter services this year?  You can share the names of the people you’re inviting on your Connect Card this Sunday.  Our Pastors, Elders, Staff, and Prayer Team will be praying for you and for them.  This Sunday we’ll have all kinds of Invite Tools for you to give away – postcards, tickets, and invite cards.  Pick them up and use them – BE LIKE BETTS!

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 over the weekend!

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, March 21st;  Friday, April 4th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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 26th, 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 27th;  Thursday, April 3rd, 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 March 28th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, March 28, 4-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, April 4th,  9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Our 3-year-old and 4-K classes in Coastal Kidz are growing!  We’re looking for more assistants and leaders to serve during the 11:30am service. Come volunteer with us to experience how rewarding it is to watch kids grow in their relationship with Jesus! Most volunteers serve in one service, twice a month. No prior experience is required to volunteer. The staff in Coastal Kidz will always be available for support with whatever you may need in the classroom!  For more information or if you are ready to start Volunteering, please email our Children’s Director Aly Huggins.
   
3. We are now 30 days away from Easter Sunday, April 20th!  Coastal will be having 7 Easter Services over 3 days: Friday, April 18th, 7pm;  Saturday, April 19th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 20th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm.  Remember it’s all hands on deck!  Contact your LIFE Team Ministry Leader to sign up to serve in multiple services or go to our website and sign up now to join a LIFE Team and start serving!  
   
   Also, did you know that you can download shareable Easter Invite graphics on our website?  Go to our website and download the graphics today!  Also, while you’re there, let us know which service you and your friends and family will be attending.  If at all possible, attend the Friday, Saturday, or early/late Service on Sunday.  Help us make room for our Guests!
   
4. Coastal’s Young Adults (20’s & early 30’s) are having a Pickleball Night TONGHT, March 21st, 6-9pm, in the Coastal Auditorium.  Scan the QR code above or go to this link to sign up!  Dinner provided!  If you have any questions, reach out to Morgan Rainey. 
   
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, April 6th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today or on your Connect Card on Sunday! 

P.S. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Sunday, April 13th, from 5-8pm, 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.  Food & childcare provided!

Another beautiful picture (above) from yet another Baptism 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.  In 2025 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?  As of today, we have 74 people (WOW) signed up for our “Making An IMPACT” Evangelism Seminar! It’s THIS Sunday, March 16th, 5pm-8pm, in the Coastal Chapel – childcare and dinner provided.  This seminar is all about equipping you and encouraging you to share your story, share your faith, and making a simple invitation to a church like Coastal where people will hear the good news of the gospel!  And as always, it’s a lot of fun!  Sign up online today!  
 

And finally I’ve got some more GREAT news to share!!  Immigration approved Dustin and Rachel Speer’s adoption of the kids from the New Life Children’s Home in Peru!!!  WOOHOO!  Dustin is one of our Elders and Rachel serves on Staff as our Director of Operations.  I’m so excited for them.  If you’ve been involved in our church for any length of time, you probably know how this has been a painfully difficult process and an ongoing prayer request for 2 YEARS.  There are still some bureaucratic procedures, and they would appreciate your prayers for the final step with the US Embassy in Lima, BUT, they are finally on the home stretch!  If you see Dustin and Rachel, that definitely deserves a hug!  Let’s celebrate together with the Speer family!  And guess how that all started – a Coastal Mission Trip to Peru!

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 over the weekend!

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there, TODAY, Friday March 14th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North 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 Coastal on Tuesday, March 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, March 19th, 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, March 20th & March 27th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, March 20th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, March 21st, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   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 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, March 28, 4-6:30pm.  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. Coastal’s Annual 40 Day Easter Fast has begun!  I hope and pray that it’s going well and that it’s already been impactful for you and your spiritual growth.  Don’t give up!  Remember you are not alone!  Not only are hundreds of people from Coastal fasting with you, but so are Christians all around the world!  I also want to humbly ask you to pray for me, your Pastor, during your fast.  Pray for our church.  Pray for all the people who will be invited to attend Coastal for Easter weekend.  Feel free to email me and share your journey and what the Lord is doing in your life through the fast.  I would love to hear it! -PC
   
3. The countdown to Easter has begun!  We are now 37 days away from Easter Sunday, April 20th!  Coastal will be having 7 Easter Services over 3 days: Friday, April 18th, 7pm;  Saturday, April 19th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 20th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm.  Remember it’s all hands on deck!  Contact your LIFE Team Ministry Leader to sign up to serve in multiple services or go to our website and sign up now to join a LIFE Team and start serving!
   
4. Coastal’s Young Adults (20’s & early 30’s) are having a Pickleball Night on Friday night March 21st, 6-9pm, in the Coastal Auditorium.  Scan the QR code above or go to this link to sign up!  Dinner provided!  If you have any questions, reach out to Morgan Rainey. 
   
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, April 6th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today or on your Connect Card on Sunday! 

P.S. Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Sunday, April 13th, from 5-8pm, 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.  Food & childcare provided!

Take a good look at the picture above and just let it sink in.  If that’s not a beautiful, God glorifying picture of life change, then I don’t know what is!  It’s Pastor Jacob after he has just baptized ANOTHER one of his Students from CSM (Coastal Student Ministry).  Jacob and his entire Team are doing an amazing job!  If your Student (6th-12th Grade) is not involved in CSM, why not?!  Jacob and many of our Students will be out of town this weekend for a Disciple Now event in the upstate, but next Sunday night, 5:30pm-7pm, do your part and get your Students to Coastal! 

And speaking of Baptism, we have yet another Baptism this Sunday during the 3rd service.  This Baptism is for a slightly younger Student, a 5th Grade girl who has given her life to Jesus.  This young girl has been loved, served, and discipled here at Coastal through things like VBS and Coastal Kidz.  Just another example of the emphasis we place on reaching the next generation for Jesus.  And yes, if you’re a parent of a young child, how could you ever let anything get in the way of making sure your child is regularly, consistently involved in Coastal Kidz.  I can’t say enough good things about Aly, her co-ordinators, and all our Volunteers!  They are some of the Super Heroes of Coastal!  And if you are interested in joining their life changing Team, reach out to Aly, or sign up on our online Connect Card (select the drop down menu, “Sign Up To Serve On A LIFE Team” and select Coastal Kidz) and Aly will follow up with you.  

One last thing, I want to personally invite you to sign up for our “Making An IMPACT” Evangelism Seminar on Sunday, March 16th, 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 well while doing it!  I hope you’ll sign up!  This is a great way to prepare our hearts and minds for Easter!  You can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or go to this link and sign up today.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love being a witness and a participant of what God is doing in our midst!  Can’t wait to see you over the weekend!

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, March 7th; Monday, March 10th,  9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, March 7th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Double Tailgate Day: Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: TOMORROW, Saturday, March 8th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   2nd Saturday/2nd Meal: TOMORROW, Saturday, March 8th, 9am-12noon.  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!
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, March 11th, 8am-12:30pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!   Thursday, March 13th, 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 March 14th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Coastal’s Annual 40 Day Easter Fast begins THIS Monday, March 10th, and goes through Friday, April 18th!  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, or sign up now on our online Connect Card (it’s on the drop down menu on “My Next Steps”).
   
3. Easter – mark your calendars now, Coastal will be having 7 Easter Services over 3 days: Friday, April 18th, 7pm;  Saturday, April 19th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 20th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm.  Remember it’s all hands on deck!  Sign up now to serve in multiple services!
   
4. Coastal’s Young Adults (20’s & early 30’s) are having a Pickleball Night on Friday night March 21st, 6-9pm, in the Coastal Auditorium.  Scan the QR code above or go to this link to sign up!  Dinner provided!  If you have any questions, reach out to Morgan Rainey. 
   
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, April 6th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today or on your Connect Card on Sunday! 

P.S. Coastal Community Church’s Internship Program is an eight-week, Summer Ministry experience designed to give participants a glimpse into life in ministry.  Passionate & gifted participants will gain valuable experience while working alongside Coastal staff members in areas of Administration, Outreach, Worship Arts, Production & Communications, Children’s, or Student Ministries.  We will accept mature, older High School Students, but we are mainly looking for College Students and/or young adults.  If you’re interested in providing housing for out of state interns, please reach out to rachel@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  Find out more and apply by visiting our internship program page at coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/internships.  Also, if you know anyone who might be interested, please feel free to share!

Our Spring semester of LIFE Groups started this week!  I’ve heard nothing but GREAT things!  We have awesome leaders, and I can’t wait to hear the stories of community, connection, and LIFE change!  Many of our Groups are full, but for those that aren’t, it’s still not too late to join.  Go to our websiteand sign up today! If you have any questions about Groups, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff.

This Sunday at Coastal we wrap up our series on The Sermon on the Mount.  I’ll be in Matthew 7:24-27, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Storms really are a part of life, whether we give them names like Hugo, Andrew, Katrina, Floyd, or Helene, OR names like depression, sickness, bankruptcy, cancer, divorce, and death.  I’ve said it many times over the years, “You’re either coming out of a storm, heading into a storm, or you’re smack dab in the middle of one right now.”  God never promises us a storm free life, not even to the faithful.  But He does promise to walk with us through the storm.  He promises to never leave us or forsake us.  And if we let Him, He even has the miraculous ability to use our greatest storm, our deepest pain, for our good and His glory.  There is help.  There is healing.  And there is hope.  His name is Jesus.  And that’s not just a trite saying, a t-shirt, or a bumper sticker.  If you will draw near to Him, He will draw near to you.

But there is another storm we must all face – death and standing before God at the judgement.  That’s the impending storm that Jesus is warning His followers about in the closing section of the Sermon on the Mount.  In fact, here in vss. 24-27, He uses the illustration of two home builders – one who builds his home on the rock and one who builds his home on the sand.  Being from Charleston, we don’t have to guess which home stands strong when the storm hits.  The real question Jesus wants his followers to wrestle with and answer is, “Who or what are you building your life on?”

Speaking of death and eternity, one of our own, Teresa Anderson, recently passed away.  There will be a visitation for friends and family, this Sunday, March 2nd, 4-6pm, at Stuhr’s Funeral Home on the Glenn McConnell.  Her funeral service will be this Monday, March 3rd, 11am, at our church, in the Auditorium.  There will be a graveside immediately following the service at Live Oak Memorial on Hwy. 61.  While her death was unexpected to those who knew and loved her, it was not unexpected to God.  And while we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her life and the decision she made to build her life on the rock solid foundation of a personal relationship with Jesus!  And because of that, Teresa simply “passed over” from death to LIFE, and we will see her again!  In John 5:24 Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”  That’s what happened to Teresa, and that’s worth celebrating!  What about you?  The storm is coming, coming for all of us, in this life and in the next.  Who or what have you built your life on?  I love you Coastal!  I love being 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! 

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there, TODAY, Friday, February 28th;  Friday March 14th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, February 28th;  Friday, March 7th; Monday, March 10th,  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, February 28th, 4-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is TOMORROW, Saturday, March 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!
   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 6th;  Thursday, March 13th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, March 7th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Double Tailgate Day: Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, March 8th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   2nd Saturday/2nd Meal: Saturday, March 8th, 9am-12noon.  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!
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, March 11th, 8am-12:30pm.  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’s Annual 40 Day Easter Fast begins Monday, March 10th, and goes through Friday, April 18th!  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 18th, 7pm;  Saturday, April 19th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 20th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm.  Remember it’s all hands on deck!  Sign up now to serve in multiple services!
   
3. At Coastal, we believe in making an impact one life at a time. We’re hosting an Impact Evangelism Seminar, Sunday, March 16th, 5pm-8pm, in the Coastal Chapel. 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.
   
4. Coastal’s Young Adults (20’s & early 30’s) are having a Pickleball Night on Friday night March 21st, 6-9pm, in the Coastal Auditorium.  Scan the QR code above or go to this link to sign up!  Dinner provided!  If you have any questions, reach out to Morgan Rainey. 
   
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, April 6th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today or on your Connect Card on Sunday! 

P.S. Coastal Community Church’s Internship Program is an eight-week, Summer Ministry experience designed to give participants a glimpse into life in ministry.  Passionate & gifted participants will gain valuable experience while working alongside Coastal staff members in areas of Administration, Outreach, Worship Arts, Production & Communications, Children’s, or Student Ministries.  We will accept mature, older High School Students, but we are mainly looking for College Students and/or young adults.  If you’re interested in providing housing for out of state interns, please reach out to rachel@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  Find out more and apply by visiting our internship program page at coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/internships.  Also, if you know anyone who might be interested, please feel free to share!

It was another amazing Sunday at Coastal this past week!  It was LIFE Group Sunday!   We had 1305 people in-person, 974 online, and 1 more Baptism!  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”!  The excitement, fun, and enthusiasm in the room was palpable!  Plus, are you ready for this? So far we’ve had over 1066 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.

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.  Easter Sunday is April 20th!  Coastal will be having 7 identical Easter Services over 3 days: Friday, April 18th, 7pm;  Saturday, April 19th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 20th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm.  Remember it’s all hands on deck!  Sign up now to serve in multiple services!  Our goal this year is to have over 3000 people in person over Easter Weekend (last year we had 2541)!  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.  We’ve got two more messages in our series on the Sermon on the Mount – this Sunday and next Sunday.  This week I’ll be talking about some of the most terrifying words ever spoken by Jesus.  It’s found in Matthew 7:21-23.  Take a look at it before this Sunday.  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! 

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, February 21st, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Brighton Place Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Brighton Place community (here in West Ashley – near Citadel Mall) on Wednesday, February 26th, 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 27th, 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, February 28th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, February 28th, 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!  Friday, February 28th, 4-6:30pm.  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 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’s Annual 40 Day Easter Fast begins Monday, March 10th, and goes through Friday, April 18th!  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 18th, 7pm;  Saturday, April 19th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 20th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm.  Remember it’s all hands on deck!  Sign up now to serve in multiple services!
   
3. At Coastal, we believe in making an impact one life at a time. We’re hosting an Impact Evangelism Seminar, Sunday, March 16th, 5pm-8pm, in the Coastal Chapel. 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.
   
4. Coastal is looking to hire an Administrative Assistant.  This would be a part time, hourly position – approximately 31 hours a week, Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm, Sundays 10am-1pm.  This person would work closely with Rachel Speer, supporting our Pastors and Staff, and managing our office reception area.  If you are interested, please submit a resume to info@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
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, April 6th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today or on your Connect Card on Sunday! 

P.S. Coastal Community Church’s Internship Program is an eight-week, Summer Ministry experience designed to give participants a glimpse into life in ministry.  Passionate & gifted participants will gain valuable experience while working alongside Coastal staff members in areas of Administration, Outreach, Worship Arts, Production & Communications, Children’s, or Student Ministries.  We will accept mature, older High School Students, but we are mainly looking for College Students and/or young adults.  If you’re interested in providing housing for out of state interns, please reach out to rachel@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  Find out more and apply by visiting our internship program page at coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/internships.  Also, if you know anyone who might be interested, please feel free to share!

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! I LOVE VALENTINE’S DAY!  Why you ask?  Because today is Janet’s and my Wedding Anniversary – 38 years in fact!  Our very first date was actually on Valentine’s Day as well.  I was a freshman and Janet was a senior at a small Bible College in Atlanta (Atlanta Christian College – now Point University).  On that first Valentine’s Day date I told Janet that I loved her.  She replied, “I love you too.”  But honestly, her response was more like, “Aww, I love Jesus and puppies and ice cream, and being at Bible College where we love everyone like a brother and sister in Christ, sure, I love you too, Chris Rollins.”  But I knew this was different and I figured she would too, soon enough.  She did.  We were engaged in May and got married the following Valentine’s Day!  Janet is the first and only woman I’ve ever dated or kissed.  So yes, I am a romantic and yes, I love Valentine’s Day.

However, over the years as I’ve told people to “Have a Happy Valentine’s Day” I’ve actually had people snap back, “You mean, ‘Happy Single Awareness Day’, don’t you?!”  Or today is the day I usually hear all about the Hallmark/Flower Industry conspiracy.  One married woman once told me, “I told my husband, ‘You better not get me flowers or chocolate on Valentine’s Day!  I don’t want that stuff unless you do it all year long.'”

Okay, okay I get it.  Not everyone feels the same way about Valentine’s Day that I do.  But hear me out. Romance has very little to do with expensive candlelight dinners, flowers, or chocolates – although for some people it might.  Romance is simply choosing to love someone exactly the way they need to be loved, expecting nothing in return, regardless of how you feel and regardless of how they respond.  It’s the little things, done consistently, over time.  It’s willingly sacrificing your needs for someone else – putting their needs ahead of your own.  And when you find someone who will do that with you – trust me, there’s nothing better!

But here’s what I want you to think about today.  If that’s the real definition of romance – then in many ways, our God is the “Great Romantic.”  He knows exactly the way each of us needs to be loved and He willingly chooses to love us that way, regardless of how we respond, expecting nothing in return.  He does the little things (and big things), consistently, over time – things that we usually take for granted.  Thank God today for His great love for you and ask Him to help you to be a better lover!

And speaking of love, this Sunday is LIFE Group Sunday and I LOVE IT!  It’s one of my favorite Sunday’s of the year!  Before and after all 3 services you’ll be able to visit a table/booth representing each one of our 60+ 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, 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 (there will even be FREE KONA ICE outside for everyone)!  But you don’t have to wait until Sunday to sign up for a LIFE Group.  You can go online sign up for a LIFE Group today!  I LOVE you Coastal!  I LOVE that I get to be your Pastor and lead and serve alongside of so many awesome people!  And I LOVE what God has called us to do together!  LOVE is definitely in the air! 

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there, TODAY, Friday, February 14th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Hollywood Free Laundry Day: TOMORROW, Saturday, February 15th, 8am-11am join us out at “We Fold It” Laundromat as we provide FREE laundry service for the residents of Hollywood!
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, February 18th, 12noon-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 19th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, February 20th & 27th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, February 20th, 6-8pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, February 21st, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Brighton Place Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Brighton Place community (here in West Ashley – near Citadel Mall) on Wednesday, February 26th, 6-8:30pm.  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. Coastal’s Annual 40 Day Easter Fast begins Monday, March 10th, and goes through Friday, April 18th!  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 18th, 7pm;  Saturday, April 19th, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 20th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm.  Remember it’s all hands on deck!  Sign up now to serve in multiple services!
   
3. At Coastal, we believe in making an impact one life at a time. We’re hosting an Impact Evangelism Seminar, Sunday, March 16th, 5pm-8pm, in the Coastal Chapel. 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.
   
4. Coastal is looking to hire an Administrative Assistant.  This would be a part time, hourly position – approximately 31 hours a week, Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm, Sundays 10am-1pm.  This person would work closely with Rachel Speer, supporting our Pastors and Staff, and managing our office reception area.  If you are interested, please submit a resume to info@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is TOMORROW, Saturday, February 15th, 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!

P.S. Coastal Community Church’s Internship Program is an eight-week, Summer Ministry experience designed to give participants a glimpse into life in ministry.  Passionate & gifted participants will gain valuable experience while working alongside Coastal staff members in areas of Administration, Outreach, Worship Arts, Production & Communications, Children’s, or Student Ministries.  We will accept mature, older High School Students, but we are mainly looking for College Students and/or young adults.  If you’re interested in providing housing for out of state interns, please reach out to rachel@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  Find out more and apply by visiting our internship program page at coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/internships.  Also, if you know anyone who might be interested, please feel free to share!

So, have you signed up for a LIFE Group yet?  If you haven’t heard, we unveiled our 2025 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 23rd.  

Now, 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 for a LIFE Group.  I’m too busy.”  Please 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 New Year, think about what matters most in this life (your spiritual life, community), let that determine your values and priorities, and in turn let those values and priorities set or reset the habits and routines of your life.  I promise, it’s a decision you won’t regret!
 
Next Sunday, February 16th, 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!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do TOGETHER!  Hope to see you on Sunday!  Start signing up for a LIFE Group today!
 
Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, February 7th;  Monday, February 10th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, February 7th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Double Tailgate Day: Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: TOMORROW, Saturday, February 8th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   2nd Saturday/2nd Meal: TOMORROW, Saturday, February 8th, 9am-12noon.  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!
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, February 11th, 8am-12:30pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, February 13th, 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, February 14th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Hollywood Free Laundry Day: Saturday, February 15th, 8am-11am join us out at “We Fold It” Laundromat as we provide FREE laundry service for the residents of Hollywood!
   
   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 that the 2nd Coastal Van is ready for the road!  We’d love to send the van to Joseph Floyd Manor and Brighton Place to pick up those residents who’d like to come to church. The van departs from Coastal on Sunday morning at 8:30am so the residents at each facility can attend the 2nd worship service. The van then takes the residents home after the service. Volunteer drivers can sign up for either the pickup trip, the return trip or both. If you have a reasonably good driving record and are interested in a ride-along with one of the team’s drivers, reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at chrisjones@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
3. Coastal Student Ministry is heading to Greenwood, SC, for a weekend conference designed to help students grow in their discipleship! It’s March 7-9 and the weekend’s theme, Blueprint, focuses on God’s design for our lives. Students will attend main sessions and choose two breakout sessions on specific topics.  Our Students will stay in a hotel with rooming based on age and gender. The weekend will be full of learning and fun! They will leave Friday afternoon, attend Coastal’s 10am online service Sunday, grab lunch, and aim to be back in Charleston by 4 PM.  The cost is $125, but financial assistance is available—money should never be a barrier! If you’d like to discuss payment options or a scholarship, feel free to email Jacob.  Sign up online today!
   
4. 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, February 9th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today.
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, February 15th, 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) on Sunday.  Breakfast & childcare provided!

P.S. We’ve already had several Baptisms to start off the New Year!  Maybe Baptism is your next step.  Baptism is a way of “going public” with your faith.  It beautifully illustrates the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.  Jesus set the example for us and He commands His followers to do likewise.  At Coastal, we are ready any Sunday and any service for your Baptism.  You can sign up on your Connect Card or sign up today online.

Woohoo!  I’ve got GREAT NEWS!  We just unveiled our 2024 Spring Semester LIFE Group Catalog!  You’ll receive a hard copy on Sunday AND it’s available online too!  You’ll probably 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 February 23rd. 

I also want to invite you to attend LIFE GROUP SUNDAY, on Sunday, February 16th, 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 60+ 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!
 
LIFE is Better Together!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, January 31st;  Monday, February 3rd; Friday, February 7th;  Monday, February 10th, 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, January 31st, 4-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Saturday Serve:  The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month.  The next Saturday Serve is TOMORROW, Saturday, February 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!
   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 6th;  Thursday, February 13th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, February 7th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Double Tailgate Day: Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, February 8th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   2nd Saturday/2nd Meal: Saturday, February 8th, 9am-12noon.  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!
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, February 11th, 8am-12:30pm.  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. We’re excited that the 2nd Coastal Van is ready for the road!  We’d love to send the van to Joseph Floyd Manor and Brighton Place to pick up those residents who’d like to come to church. The van departs from Coastal on Sunday morning at 8:30am so the residents at each facility can attend the 2nd worship service. The van then takes the residents home after the service. Volunteer drivers can sign up for either the pickup trip, the return trip or both. If you have a reasonably good driving record and are interested in a ride-along with one of the team’s drivers, reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at chrisjones@coastalcommunitychurch.org. 
   
3. This coming Saturday, February 1st – TOMORROW – is Saturday Serve! The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month, all year long.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, you choose which project you want to be a part of, and then we all go out and serve!  There is something for everyone – even children!  Each project is well led and well organized.  I promise you’ll be glad you came!  (Be a “double blessing” and come at 7:30am for chair set-up!)
   
4. This coming Saturday, February 1st – TOMORROW – is Saturday Serve! The foundation of all of our serving opportunities at Coastal really starts with Saturday Serve – the first Saturday of every month, all year long.  We meet in the Auditorium at 8:30am, Project Leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, you choose which project you want to be a part of, and then we all go out and serve!  There is something for everyone – even children!  Each project is well led and well organized.  I promise you’ll be glad you came!  (Be a “double blessing” and come at 7:30am for chair set-up!)
   
5. Coastal Young Adults had an AMAZING kick-off to their new Weekly Streaming of “The Porch” this past Monday night!  If you are in your 20’s or early 30’s YOU are invited!  It’s a great evening of worship, fellowship, teaching, small group discussion, and great fun!  They meet every Monday night, 6:30pm-8:30pm in the Coastal Chapel!  For more information, please contact Morgan Rainey.

P.S. P.S.  What’s your Next Step at Coastal?  Here are two possible next steps:

– 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, February 9th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 

– Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, February 15th, 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) on Sunday.  Breakfast & childcare provided!

Wow!  What a crazy weather week in Charleston it’s been!  I guess snow is going to be about a 7 year occurrence here – haha!  Typically Friday is my day off.  If I do take the day off and if there is an opening, sometimes I’ll sub over at Oakland Elementary School.  I only sub at Oakland, and again, only on Fridays if I’m available.  Well, this past Friday I took a sub job in a Kindergarten classroom for the Teacher’s Assistant.  Honestly, this is one of my favorite spots.  The kids are SO SWEET at this age, so much fun, and still pretty innocent.  Also, as the TA, I’m really just an extra set of hands for the Teacher.  Well, this past Friday as the Teacher was preparing her students for the possibility of snow this week and E-Learning, she asked the class (a little over 20) how many of them had ever seen snow?  Only a small handful of them had ever seen it.  Honestly, I had kind of forgotten about that.  My kids are grown and gone and married.  Watching and listening to these kids and their child like anticipation, hope, and excitement got me excited again FOR THEM!  I found myself getting excited, hoping, and yes, even praying for snow, at least for just a day (be careful what you pray for – haha) so that they could see it, experience it, and do all the things with their friends and family.

And you know what, it got me to thinking about all the things in my own life, in my own Christian experience, that I might be taking for granted, that I might have lost some of that child like joy and excitement over.  I’ve said it many times – you never out grow the Gospel – but maybe I needed to be reminded of that.  And maybe we all need to experience again with fresh eyes when someone comes to Coastal and experiences heart felt worship for the first time, or when they learn about prayer, or join a LIFE Group, or get Baptized, or invite a friend, or share their faith, or all the myriad of things we might be taking for granted.  Matthew 18:1-4, “About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them.  Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.  So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”  

I truly hope you and your family have enjoyed the snow this week.  Maybe you needed the reset.  This Sunday, I’ll be in Matthew 7:7-12, talking about prayer.  Come on Sunday and listen again with fresh, child like excitement!   I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!  And I can’t wait to see you on Sunday! 

In His Service & Yours!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   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 30th; Thursday, February 6th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, January 31st;  Monday, February 3rd; Friday, February 7th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, January 24th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, January 31st, 4-6:30pm.  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, February 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!
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, February 7th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Double Tailgate Day: Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, February 8th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   2nd Saturday/2nd Meal: Saturday, February 8th, 9am-12noon.  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!
   
   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. As we begin 2025, we are having a Coastal Kidz Volunteer Training for all Coastal Kidz adult and student volunteers.  We’ve already had one Training and this next one is:  TOMORROW, Saturday, January 25th, 9AM (childcare provided). CLICK HERE to register for the Coastal Kidz Volunteer Training. You can also text the word “training” to 843-571-1777.  Childcare is available by REGISTERING HERE or texting “trainingchildcare” to 843-571-1777.
   
3. You should be receiving your 2024 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 MEto 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 enables our church to make its IMPACT.
   
4. Two of our Support Groups – Divorce Care & GriefShare – begin meeting again in February.   Divorce Care starts on February 6th. Contact Tracy Trunkle (tandttrunkle@aol.com) for more information. GriefShare starts on February 10th. Contact Sue Muoio (s.muoio@outlook.com) for more information.
   
5. Coastal Young Adults Weekly Streaming of “The Porch!”  If you are in your 20’s or early 30’s you are invited to our NEW weekly gathering to stream “The Porch” including small group discussion!  Every Monday night, 6:30pm-8:30pm in the Coastal Chapel, beginning this coming Monday night, January 27th!  For more information, please contact Pastor Scott Huff.

P.S. What’s your Next Step at Coastal?  Here are two possible next steps:

– 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, February 9th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 

– Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, February 15th, 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) on Sunday.  Breakfast & childcare provided!

Well, I’ve got some EXCITING NEWS to share with you!  Our Christmas Offering Goal for this year was $150,000.  Drumroll please . . . .we reached and SURPASSED our Christmas Offering Goal with a grand total of $203,332.68!!  Wow!  Just WOW!  We will definitely be increasing our goal for next year – haha!  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! 

This past Sunday at Coastal we had 1232 people in attendance!  Coastal that is the first time we’ve broken 1200 in attendance on a non “Big Day” (Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, etc.).  And not only that, but the “spread” of people between the 3 services was great!  The 10am service didn’t feel uncomfortably full.  And it appears as if the people in the 10am service did a better job of sitting toward the front and center of each section, not leaving space between people.  Now it helps when we have a large Coastal Kidz training immediately after the 3rd service, but either way, it showed me that it’s possible to keep growing with our current 3 services.  In fact, I think we can grow to around 1500 with our current configuration.  Next steps will be another service and yes, another building.  Keep up the good work Coastal!  Make Sunday morning worship a priority, but more than that invite people to join you.  You never know the power of a simple invitation.

This Sunday, and for the next 6 weeks, we’re back in our series called, “Blessed” on The Sermon on the Mount.  Hopefully, you recall that we wrapped up chapter 6 right before Christmas.  So, for the next 6 weeks we’ll finish up with chapter 7.  This Sunday, I’ll be in Matthew 7:1-6 and be talking about probable the most quoted verse in the entire Bible – no, not John 3:16.  Can you guess what it is?  Come on Sunday and find out!   I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!  And I can’t wait to see you on Sunday! 

In His Service & Yours!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there, TODAY, Friday, January 17th;  Friday, January 24th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North 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 Coastal on Tuesday, January 21st, 12noon-3pm.
   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 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, January 23rd, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, January 24th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, January 24th, 4-6:30pm.  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. As we begin 2025, we are having a Coastal Kidz Volunteer Training for all Coastal Kidz adult and student volunteers.  We’ve already had one Training and this next one is:  Saturday, January 25th, 9AM (childcare provided). CLICK HERE to register for the Coastal Kidz Volunteer Training. You can also text the word “training” to 843-571-1777.  Childcare is available by REGISTERING HERE or texting “trainingchildcare” to 843-571-1777.
   
3. Training for new Spring Life Group Leaders will be offered in-person TOMORROW, Saturday, 1/18 from 9-10:30am OR Tuesday, 1/21 from 6:30-8pm. Returning leaders’ training will be online on Thursday, 1/23 from 8-9pm. All leaders only need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card this Sunday. Contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you have any questions.
   
4. Grieving the loss of a loved one or know someone who is?  GriefShare’s 13 week cycle begins on Monday, February 10th at either 2pm or 6pm.  Contact Sue Muoio for more information.
   
5. Coastal Young Adults Weekly Streaming of “The Porch!”  If you are in your 20’s or early 30’s you are invited to our NEW weekly gathering to stream “The Porch” including small group discussion!  Every Monday night, 6:30pm-8:30pm in the Coastal Chapel, beginning Monday night, January 27th!  For more information, please contact Pastor Scott Huff.

P.S. What’s your Next Step at Coastal?  Here are two possible next steps:

– 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, February 9th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 

 
– Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, February 15th, 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) on Sunday.  Breakfast & childcare provided!

We had an amazing kickoff to the new year this past Sunday at Coastal!  We had 1172 people in attendance and another 905 online.  Most importantly we had our first baptism of the new year!  This past year we baptized 171 people!  Our goal for 2025 is 200 – 1 down 199 to go!  I preached a message on finances and it must have struck a chord because we had 17 people sign up for Financial Peace University through our website and we had 14 first time givers on Sunday!  

Speaking of our attendance – the 10am service was PACKED!  We even had to bring in extra chairs!  Truthfully, we had seats available in the room, we’ve just got to do a better job of filling in those seats and not leaving open seats between you and someone else.  If not, once the service starts and people are standing and singing, it’s hard to find empty seats.   In fact, we’re going to start training our Ushers to seat people as they come in the 10am service, filling in all available seats.  Please help us make this happen.  We never want to turn anyone away because we couldn’t find seats.  In fact, if you see that happening, especially with someone new, be willing to give up your seat.  As always, if you are able, please consider coming to the 8:30am or 11:30am service.  This definitely helps.  These are good problems to have.  Problems are simply opportunities to test our willingness to do whatever it takes to reach people.

This Sunday is my annual, “The Year In Review/Year Ahead” message – kind of a “State of the Church” address.  Don’t miss it!  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.”  Sunday will be an opportunity to celebrate God’s faithfulness and what He did through Coastal this past year.  And it will be an opportunity to expand our vision for the new year.  I’m asking God to help us see something more, something that challenges us as a church.   I’m asking the Lord to give us a glimpse of what Coastal could do and become.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!  And I can’t with to see you on Sunday! 

In His Service & Yours!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, January 10th;  Monday, January 13th,  9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, January 10th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Double Tailgate Day: Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, January 11th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   2nd Saturday/2nd Meal: Saturday, January 11th, 9am-12noon.  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!
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, January 14th, 8am-12:30pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects.  Wednesday, January 15th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, January 16th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, January 16th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there, Friday, January 17th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North 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 Coastal on Tuesday, January 21st, 12noon-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. As we begin 2025, we are having a Coastal Kidz Volunteer Training for all Coastal Kidz adult and student volunteers.  We are offering the training twice: THIS Sunday, January 12th, 12:45PM (lunch & childcare provided) OR Saturday, January 25th, 9AM (childcare provided). You only need to attend one.  CLICK HERE to register for the Coastal Kidz Volunteer Training. You can also text the word “training” to 843-571-1777.  Childcare is available by REGISTERING HERE or texting “trainingchildcare” to 843-571-1777.
   
3. Training for new Spring Life Group Leaders will be offered in-person on Saturday, 1/18 from 9-10:30am. OR Tuesday, 1/21 from 6:30-8pm. Returning leaders’ training will be online on Thursday, 1/23 from 8-9pm. All leaders only need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card this Sunday. Contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you have any questions or are interested in leading a Group.
   
4. THIS Sunday, January 12th is the LAST DAY to give to our 2024 Annual Christmas Offering!  With the offering so far we’ve already purchased both the new box truck and a 15 passenger van (we’re just waiting to wrap both of them)!  We’ve also sent $10,000 to the New Life Children’s Home in Peru! And we’ve given Soldier’s Angels $20,000 to pay for half of the food distributions for the year!  There is still much left to be done, but none of this would be possible without your generosity!  Every gift counts, every gift matters.  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 12th at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing or our website.
   
5. Coastal Young Adults Weekly Streaming of “The Porch!”  If you are in your 20’s or early 30’s you are invited to our NEW weekly gathering to stream “The Porch” including small group discussion!  Every Monday night, 6:30pm-8:30pm in the Coastal Chapel, beginning Monday night, January 27th!  For more information, please contact Pastor Scott Huff.

P.S. What’s your Next Step at Coastal?  Here are two possible next steps:

– 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, February 9th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  You can sign up on our website today. 

 
– Membership Class:  Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, February 15th, 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) on Sunday.  Breakfast & childcare provided!

At some point in all of our lives, we’ve all heard or said this widely accepted saying, “Experience is the best teacher.”  But guess what?  It’s a myth!  Experience is not the best teacher.  EVALUATED experience is the best teacher!  And one way to evaluate and learn from your experiences is to ask and answer the right questions.   Someone once said, “The quality of your life is determined by the quality of the questions you ask yourself.”  

Here’s a few to get you started:

1. Am I closer to God today than I was on Jan 1, 2024?
2. What is my spiritual growth plan for 2025?
3. What drained me emotionally in 2024? 
4. What fills me emotionally?
5. Is there anyone whose forgiveness I need to seek or forgiveness I need to give?
6. Where is the clutter in my life?
7. Would I rate my marriage a 10? Would my spouse (you might want to ask over a nice dinner)? If it’s not a 10 ask this question, “What would it take in 2025 to make it a 10?”
8. Have I scheduled my date nights for January?
9. How much do I weigh? Is that OK?
10. Do I have a Physical/Mammogram/Colonoscopy/etc. scheduled between now and March 31?
11. What’s my major physical focus area for 2025?
12. Are my finances in order?
13. Do I have debt beyond my mortgage?
14. What’s my next step in my giving?
15. How am I growing as a leader?
16. What are my reading goals for 2025?
17. What caused me the most stress in 2024?
18. How am I going to fix that in 2025?
19. What am I pretending NOT to know?
20. What is my calling?  

So, as you’re praying about goals and changes you want to make in 2025, 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 people, you and me, and there are no perfect people.  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 year.  If you already attend regularly, maybe it’s time you started serving.  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 you’re fairly new to Coastal, but have never been to a Newcomer’s Reception.  The next one is Sunday, February 9th, immediately following the 3rd service (sign up online).  Maybe this is the year you officially become a Member of Coastal.  Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, February 15th, 9am-12noon (sign up now online).  And how about this – invite and bring someone with you to church!  You never know the power of a simple invitation.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together! 

Happy New Year!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, January 3rd;  Monday, January 6th;  Friday, January 10th,  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, January 3rd, 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 THIS Saturday, January 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!
   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 9th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, January 10th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Double Tailgate Day: Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, January 11th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   2nd Saturday/2nd Meal: Saturday, January 11th, 9am-12noon.  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!
   
   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. As we begin 2025, we are having a Coastal Kidz Volunteer Training for all Coastal Kidz adult and student volunteers.  We are offering the training twice: Sunday, January 12th, 12:45PM (lunch & childcare provided) or Saturday, January 25th, 9AM (childcare provided). You only need to attend one.  CLICK HERE to register for the Coastal Kidz Volunteer Training. You can also text the word “training” to 843-571-1777.  Childcare is available by REGISTERING HERE or texting “trainingchildcare” to 843-571-1777.
   
3. 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.  
   
   Training for new Spring Life Group Leaders will be offered in-person on Saturday, 1/18 from 9-10:30am or Tuesday, 1/21 from 6:30-8pm. Returning leaders’ training will be online on Thursday, 1/23 from 8-9pm. All leaders only need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card this Sunday. Contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you have any questions or are interested in leading a Group.
   
4. Well, there is only a little over a week left to give to this year’s Christmas Offering.  Next Sunday, January 12th is the last day.  With the offering so far we’ve already purchased both the new box truck and a 15 passenger van (we’re just waiting to wrap both of them)!  We’ve also sent $10,000 to the New Life Children’s Home in Peru!  There is still much left to be done, but none of this would be possible without your generosity!  Every gift counts, every gift matters.  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 12th at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing or our website.
   
5. Coastal Young Adults Weekly Streaming of “The Porch!”  If you are in your 20’s or early 30’s you are invited to our NEW weekly gathering to stream “The Porch” including small group discussion!  Every Monday night, 6:30pm-8:30pm in the Coastal Chapel, beginning Monday night, January 27th!  For more information, please contact Pastor Scott Huff.

P.S. CSM (Coastal Student Ministry – 6th-12th Grade) starts back THIS Sunday!  Doors open at 5pm and the official times are from 5:30-7PM. This is going to be a fun night as we will have an open gym!  What better way to kick off this year than to have no agenda other than eat pizza, play, and to catch up with each other! We’d love to see your student there and this would be a great event for them to invite a friend to as well!  As always, if you have any questions about CSM, please reach out to Pastor Jacob Bonetti.

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

I sincerely hope you and your family have had a wonderful Christmas!  And let me say how awesome our Christmas Eve services were at Coastal!  We had our largest Christmas Eve services ever – 1972 people in person (another 940 online)!  I want to thank all of our volunteers who served so joyfully!  We could not do what we do without you!  I especially want to thank all of our Worship & Production Team 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.  (If you’re available, we’ll be taking down all of our Christmas decorations this coming Thursday, January 2nd, at 9am.  We could definitely use your help!)

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 Coastal – 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 27th, 4-6:30pm.  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 2nd, 11:30am-1pm.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, January 3rd;  Monday, January 6th, 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, January 3rd, 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, January 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. As we begin 2025, we are having a Coastal Kidz Volunteer Training for all Coastal Kidz adult and student volunteers.  We are offering the training twice: Sunday, January 12th, 12:45PM (lunch & childcare provided) or Saturday, January 25th, 9AM (childcare provided). You only need to attend one.  CLICK HERE to register for the Coastal Kidz Volunteer Training. You can also text the word “training” to 843-571-1777.  Childcare is available by REGISTERING HERE or texting “trainingchildcare” to 843-571-1777.
   
3. 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.  
   
   Training for new Spring Life Group Leaders will be offered in-person on Saturday, 1/18 from 9-10:30am or Tuesday, 1/21 from 6:30-8pm. Returning leaders’ training will be online on Thursday, 1/23 from 8-9pm. All leaders only need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card this Sunday. Contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you have any questions or are interested in leading a Group.
   
4. As you know, Coastal does an enormous amount of Outreach throughout our community.  Much of it is funded every year through our annual Christmas Offering.  This year’s goal is $150,000.  The money will be used for another Box Truck for Disaster Relief & Outreach, another 15 Passenger Van, New Life Children’s Home in Peru, VBS, CSM Summer Camp Scholarships, & Soldier’s Angels Food Distribution.  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.  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 12th at any of our regular Sunday morning services, or anytime through TEXTing or our website.
   
5. Coastal Young Adults Weekly Streaming of “The Porch!”  If you are in your 20’s or early 30’s you are invited to our NEW weekly gathering to stream “The Porch” including small group discussion!  Every Monday night, 6:30pm-8:30pm in the Coastal Chapel, beginning Monday night, January 27th!  For more information, please contact Pastor Scott Huff.

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

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 – Monday, December 23rd,  6pm (a great service for those of you who might be going out of town or have obligations on the 24th);  and Tuesday, 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 22nd:  8:30am, 10am, and 11:30am.  However, on Sunday, December 29th, 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 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 22nd:  8:30am, 10am, and 11:30am.  The following Sunday, December 29th, 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 20th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Packing & Staging Party for Double Christmas Party:  Come help plus prep and prepare everything for our Double Christmas Party!  TODAY, Friday, December 20th, 6pm-7pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Double Christmas Party at Charleston Vets & Brighton Place:  Come help spread Christmas joy for those in need in our community – food, gifts, stockings, and music!  TOMORROW, Saturday, December 21st, 10:30am-2pm.  Meet at Coastal. 
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, December 27th, 4-6:30pm.  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 2nd, 11:30am-1pm.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Friday, January 3rd;  Monday, January 6th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   
   As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
   
2. Make plans to now to attend, serve, and invite someone to one of our 4 Christmas Eve Services: Monday, December 23rd,  6pm;  and Tuesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.  Pick up “You’re Invited” cards and start inviting people now!  Please be in touch with your LIFE Team Leaders about serving!  Big Days mean “all hands on deck” – all volunteers serving and being willing to serve in multiple services.
   
3. 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.  
   
   Training for new Spring Life Group Leaders will be offered in-person on Saturday, 1/18 from 9-10:30am or Tuesday, 1/21 from 6:30-8pm. Returning leaders’ training will be online on Thursday, 1/23 from 8-9pm. All leaders only need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card this Sunday. Contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you have any questions or are interested in leading a Group.
   
4. As you know, Coastal does an enormous amount of Outreach throughout our community.  Much of it is funded every year through our annual Christmas Offering.  This year’s goal is $150,000.  The money will be used for another Box Truck for Disaster Relief & Outreach, another 15 Passenger Van, New Life Children’s Home in Peru, VBS, CSM Summer Camp Scholarships, & Soldier’s Angels Food Distribution.  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.  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 12th 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: Monday, December 23rd,  6pm;  and Tuesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.   Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering.
   
5. Coastal Young Adults Weekly Streaming of “The Porch!”  If you are in your 20’s or early 30’s you are invited to our NEW weekly gathering to stream “The Porch” including small group discussion!  Every Monday night, 6:30pm-8:30pm in the Coastal Chapel, beginning Monday night, January 24th!  For more information, please contact Pastor Scott Huff.

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

Last Sunday in our “Christmas at Coastal” series I talked about living in peace with others.  I made the point that ultimately, the key to peace with God, with yourself, and with others is living in the Spirit – day by day walking with Jesus and giving the Holy Spirit more and more control of every area of your life.  I read Ephesians 5:18-21 which says, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I want to come back to a little side note I mentioned in my sermon on Sunday.  The Apostle Paul starts off by saying that we’re not to get drunk on wine.  Instead, we are to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  As far as drinking and relationships go, for some of you, the best thing you could do for your marriage, for your relationships, is to quit drinking.  I don’t believe the Bible teaches that drinking is a sin.  It’s not.  Drunkenness is a sin.  The real issue is control.  Any time you put ANY substance in your body where the Holy Spirit can no longer be in complete control, you have crossed a line, and you are sinning.  But for some of you, your drinking has consistently led to problems in your relationships.  You say things and do things that you would never say and do if you weren’t drinking, and you have damaged your relationships.  If that’s true of you, it’s time to quit.  Now, if you feel like you can’t quit or you have struggled to quit over and over again, that’s a sign of a greater problem.  It’s very possible that you’re an alcoholic and you need help.  Here’s the good news – there are more people than I can count in our church who will walk with you on the road to recovery.

In fact, we have an awesome ministry at our church called Celebrate Recovery, ready to walk with you on that road to recovery.  Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a Bible-based, Christ-centered recovery program for those who struggle with life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups (pretty much all of us). 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 who struggle with alcohol or drug addictions. While it certainly includes those, it’s so much bigger than that!  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 much more! 

Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday evening at 6:30PM in the Coastal Chapel and they would love for you to join them!  For more information please contact the CR Ministry Leaders, Chris and Candy Jones at (843) 708-5525.  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, December 13th;  Monday, December 16th, 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 13th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Meeting Street Tailgate: TOMORROW, Saturday, December 14th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  
   2nd Saturday/2nd Meal: TOMORROW, Saturday, December 14th, 9am-12noon.  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!
   Children’s Christmas Craft Station in the Carolina Bay Neighborhood: We’ll have a Team setting up and overseeing a Children’s Craft Station at the Carolina Bay Holiday Festival, TOMORROW, Saturday, December 14th, 11am-3pm (leaving from the church at 9:45am to set up). 
   Hope Center Tailgate:  The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, December 17th, 12noon-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 18th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, December 19th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, December 19th, 6-8:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, December 20th, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Packing & Staging Party for Double Christmas Party:  Come help plus prep and prepare everything for our Double Christmas Party!  Friday, December 20th, 6pm-7pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Double Christmas Party at Charleston Vets & Brighton Place:  Come help spread Christmas joy for those in need in our community – food, gifts, stockings, and music!  Saturday, December 21st, 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. There are lots of exciting things happening during Christmas at Coastal:
   
   – Pray about what you and your family will give towards our Annual Christmas Offering (see below)!
   
    
   – On Saturday, December 14th, you can serve at our Downtown Tailgate or you can help with a Children’s Christmas Craft Station in the Carolina Bay neighborhood.  If you live in Carolina Bay, we’d especially love your help (see details below).  
    
   – On Saturday, December 21tst, we’re hosting DOUBLE CHRISTMAS PARTY, one at Brighton Place, and one at Charleston Vets!  It’s basically a  huge Christmas Party with music, a home-cooked meal, Christmas gifts, and stockings, at both locations.  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 15th.
    
   Here are some other specific ways you can still help with Christmas Parties:
    
   1.  Link for Meal Signup (our biggest need at this point):
   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E45A5A92FA0F58-53039467-double#/
    
   2.  Link for Stocking Stuffers Signup:
   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E45A5A92FA0F58-53037711-double#/
    
   3.  Signup to serve at the event (or any of our other outreach events): https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/missions/
    
   – Make plans to now to attend, serve, and invite someone to one of our 4 Christmas Eve Services: Monday, December 23rd,  6pm;  and Tuesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.  Pick up “You’re Invited” cards and start inviting people now!  Please be in touch with your LIFE Team Leaders about serving!  Big Days mean “all hands on deck” – all volunteers serving and being willing to serve in multiple services.
   
3. 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.
   
   Training for new Spring Life Group Leaders will be offered in-person on Saturday, 1/18 from 9-10:30am or Tuesday, 1/21 from 6:30-8pm. Returning leaders’ training will be online on Thursday, 1/23 from 8-9pm. All leaders only need to attend one session.  RSVP on your Connect Card this Sunday. Contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org if you have any questions or are interested in leading a Group.
   
4. As you know, Coastal does an enormous amount of Outreach throughout our community.  Much of it is funded every year through our annual Christmas Offering.  This year’s goal is $150,000.  The money will be used for another Box Truck for Disaster Relief & Outreach, another 15 Passenger Van, New Life Children’s Home in Peru, VBS, CSM Summer Camp Scholarships, & Soldier’s Angels Food Distribution.  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.  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 12th 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: Monday, December 23rd,  6pm;  and Tuesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.   Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering.
      
5. On Saturday, December 14th (TOMORROW), 11am-3pm, we’ll have a Coastal Team of Volunteers overseeing a Children’s Craft Station at the Carolina Bay Holiday Festival, in the Carolina Bay neighborhood in West Ashley.  We’ll meet at the Coastal Box Truck at approximately 10:10am at the Carolina Bay Park to unpack and set up everything.  If you would be willing to be a volunteer to welcome and greet people, help children at a craft table, set up & clean up, and be a Coastal Ambassador, please send PC an email at pastorchris@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  Not only is this a great opportunity to represent Coastal and to love on a neighborhood in West Ashley, but it’s also an opportunity to invite people to our Christmas Eve services!  We say it all the time, “Let’s make an IMPACT right where we live, work, parent, and play!”  THIS is that opportunity!

P.S. Cindi Rembert (the woman from our church who initiated our relief effort in south Georgia), has started an organization called, “Rise Restore Rebuild.”   Their mission is simple: to help those in need, whether through supplies, donations, or simply sharing love and support. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, many families in North Carolina are still struggling, especially as winter approaches.  There is a critical need right now for heat sources and supplies to winterize campers.  If you are interested in learning how you can help, please call or text Cindi Rembert at 843-476-1984.  www.riserestorerebuild.com

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

There  are so many exciting things happening at Coastal:

– First of all, tomorrow is SATURDAY SERVE!  Show up at Coastal at 8:30am, hear a “pitch” from the Leaders of 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 continue our “Christmas at Coastal” series!  I’ll be preaching about experiencing peace in relationships.  Don’t miss it!   This Sunday also happens to be “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day” (or simply something “Fun & Festive”).

– And then on Saturday, December 15th, you can serve at our DowntownTailgate or you can help with a Children’s Christmas Craft Station in the Carolina Bay neighborhood.  If you live in Carolina Bay, we’d especially love your help (see details below).  

– On Saturday, December 21tst, we’re hosting DOUBLE CHRISTMAS PARTY, one at Brighton Place, and one at Charleston Vets!  It’s basically a  huge Christmas Party with music, a home-cooked meal, Christmas gifts, and stockings, at both locations.  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 15th.

Here are some other specific ways you can still help with Christmas Parties:

1.  Link for Meal Signup (our biggest need at this point):

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E45A5A92FA0F58-53039467-double#

2.  Link for Stocking Stuffers Signup:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050E45A5A92FA0F58-53037711-double#

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

– Make plans to now to attend, serve, and invite someone to one of our 4 Christmas Eve Services: Monday, December 23rd,  6pm;  and Tuesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.  Please be in touch with your LIFE Team Leaders about serving!

– And finally, during all of this, don’t forget to give to this year’s Annual Christmas Offering!  As you can see, there is so much Outreach that happens at Coastal.  Much of it is funded every year through our Christmas Offering.  Our goal is $150,000.  What we’ve discovered is that we reach our goal when EVERYONE participates.  We can’t all give the same amount, but we can all make a sacrifice.  Every gift counts, every gift matters.  When you give, simply use the keyword, “Christmas.”  

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

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

(friend me on Facebook if we’re not already friends)

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, December 6th; Monday, December 9th; Friday, December 13th, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, December 6th, 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, December 6th, 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 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!
   Bolton’s Landing Holiday Market:  We’ll have a Team setting up and overseeing a Children’s Craft Station at the Bolton’s Landing Neighborhood Holiday Market, TOMORROW, Saturday, December 7th, 11am-2pm (leaving from the church at 9:45am to set up). 
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, December 10th, 8am-12:30pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, December 12th, 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, December 13th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Meeting Street Tailgate: Saturday, December 14th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  
   2nd Saturday/2nd Meal: Saturday, December 14th, 9am-12noon.  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!
   Children’s Christmas Craft Station in the Carolina Bay Neighborhood: We’ll have a Team setting up and overseeing a Children’s Craft Station at the Carolina Bay Holiday Festival, Saturday, December 14th, 11am-3pm (leaving from the church at 9:45am to set up). 
   
   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.  Our next Newcomers Reception is THIS Sunday, December 8th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today.
   
3. We are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.orgif you are interested in leading a Group.
   
4. This Sunday is “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day!”  That’s right, on Sunday, December 8th, come to Coastal in your “ugliest” Christmas Sweater (or just fun, festive Christmas attire)!  It’s going to be a lot of fun, and we’ll even have a gift for you!
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is THIS Monday, December 9th, 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) on Sunday.  Food & childcare provided!

P.S. Make plans to now to attend, serve, and invite someone to one of our 4 Christmas Eve Services: Monday, December 23rd,  6pm;  and Tuesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.  Pick up “You’re Invited” cards and start inviting people now!  Please be in touch with your LIFE Team Leaders about serving!

Okay, okay, we’re not really having a “Black Friday Sale” at Coastal!  That joke never gets old!  I just thought it might be a fun way to get you to open and read my “Friday 5.”  I know how some of you get when you hear the word SALE!  

I hope you and your family truly had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday!  Today is traditionally called “Black Friday.”  And then next week we have “Cyber Monday” and “Giving Tuesday”!  Regardless of what labels we assign these days, the reality is that more people will buy more STUFF online this weekend and over the next month than any other time of the year. That’s not a bad thing, BUT it isn’t eternal.  Our church exists to share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston & the world – and that IS eternal!

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

1. Go here and give to God through the local church from our website. The investment is eternal.  It lasts way longer than a big screen, toy, or new shoes.

2. Give toward our Christmas Offering – simply use the keyword “Christmas.”  Each and every gift counts – small and large.  We can’t all give the same amount, but we can each sacrifice.  And when all of us do that together, that’s when God does a miracle.  Our goal this year is $150,000.

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

Whether you and your family are here in Charleston or out of town this weekend, I hope to see you at Coastal on Sunday – in-person or online, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am!   We kick off our “Christmas at Coastal” series THIS Sunday, December 1st.   Take advantage of this season and this series and invite your friends to church!  I love you Coastal, I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!  And I can’t wait to see you over the weekend!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, November 29th, 4-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Monday, December 2nd;  Friday, December 6th,  9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, December 5th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, December 6th, 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, December 6th, 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 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!
   Bolton’s Landing Holiday Market:  We’ll have a Team setting up and overseeing a Children’s Craft Station at the Bolton’s Landing Neighborhood Holiday Market, Saturday, December 7th, 11am-2pm.  
   
   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.  Our next Newcomers Reception is NEXT Sunday, December 8th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today.
   
3. We are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.orgif you are interested in leading a Group.
   
4. There are lots of exciting things happening during Christmas at Coastal:
   – We kick off our “Christmas at Coastal” series this weekend!  Our theme is PEACE.
   – Pray about what you and your family will give towards our Annual Christmas Offering!
   – Ugly Christmas Sweater Day (or simply something “Fun & Festive”) is Sunday, December 8th!
   – All the gift tags from the Christmas Trees in the Welcome Center have been claimed!  Return the gifts tagged and unwrapped by Sunday, December 15th. We’re having a “Double Christmas Party” for the residents of Charleston Vets & Brighton Place on Saturday, December 21st!  Check out the insert in your bulletin this Sunday about all the ways to help with the event – serving, food, & stocking stuffers!
   – Make plans to now to attend, serve, and invite someone to one of our 4 Christmas Eve Services: Monday, December 23rd,  6pm;  and Tuesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Monday, December 9th, 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) on Sunday.  Food & childcare provided!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Each year brings with it ups and downs, joys and sorrows, big & small changes – and 2024 has been no exception.  Through it all, it is my prayer that we are a grateful people and just a little bit more like Jesus.  It is my prayer, that in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of today and this weekend, that you will choose to see all the blessings in your life and be reminded that the greatest of those is that you belong to Jesus!  I can’t tell you how very thankful I am for you and for the privilege and honor of being your Pastor.  Paul’s words in Philippians 1:3 are very real to me, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.”

Whether you and your family are here in Charleston or out of town this weekend, I hope to see you at Coastal on Sunday – in-person or online!  We’ve decorated our facility for Christmas and this Sunday we kick off our “Christmas at Coastal” series.  Take advantage of this season and invite your friends to church! 

Happy Thanksgiving!
Pastor Chris

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

On Monday of this week, we delivered over 1000 Shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child to the local OCC distribution site!  Your love and generosity never cease to amaze me!  Next year we’re definitely going to up the number of shoeboxes we order!

Speaking of generosity, hopefully by now you’ve heard that this Sunday marks the beginning of our 12th 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. 24th – Jan. 12th) 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: Monday, December 23rd,  6pm;  and Tuesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.   Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering.  The money will be used for another Box Truck for Disaster Relief & Outreach, another 15 Passenger Van, New Life Children’s Home in Peru, VBS, CSM Summer Camp Scholarships, & Soldier’s Angels Food Distribution.  The money is also used for Benevolence & General Outreach.  If you have any  questions, don’t hesitate to ask.  The easiest and fastest way to give to the Christmas Offering is through TEXTing the word “GIVE” to 843-571-1777 and follow the simple instructions.  Just make sure you designate your gift “Christmas.” 

This Sunday we close out our series on this section of the Sermon on the Mount.  I say “this section” because the Sermon on the Mount actually goes all the way through chapter 7 of Matthew and we’ll be wrapping up chapter 6 this week.  But don’t worry, we’ll come back to the Sermon on the Mount in January and finish out chapter 7.  Speaking of worry, chapter 6:25-34 closes with Jesus’ famous teaching on worry.  No one struggles with worry, right?  Vs. 34 of that passage says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” You’ll have to read the rest of that passage to see why Jesus says that.  And I hope to see you Sunday as we dig into it.  And then on Sunday, December 1st, we’ll kick off our annual “Christmas at Coastal” series.  This year’s theme is all about PEACE.  If there’s something this world needs right now more than anything else, it’s peace.  Of course, we know that peace is a person – Jesus.  And true, lasting peace is only found in Him.  Worry this week, peace next week.

One of my favorite passages in the Bible, Philippians 4:6-7, talks about both worry and peace.  Listen to this, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”  This is such a powerful verse.  It’s saying that experiencing God’s peace comes from trusting God and casting all of our worries on Him.  In fact, the word “worry” here literally means to be strangled.  That’s not God’s desire for you.  He wants to set you free from all of that.  It says that His peace will guard our hearts and minds.  The word “guard” here is a military term that means to set a military garrison in place for protection.  In other words, when God’s peace comes into our life, it acts as a supernatural army, guarding and protecting our hearts and minds against enemy attacks – including worry!  That’s good stuff!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love Christmas at Coastal!

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there, TODAY, Friday, November 22nd,  9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  TODAY, Friday, November 22nd;  Friday, November 29th, 4-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   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 27th, 6-8:30pm, and Monday, December 2nd, 9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, Monday, December 2nd;  Friday, December 6th,  9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, December 5th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, December 6th, 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, December 6th, 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 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!
   Bolton’s Landing Holiday Market:  We’ll have a Team setting up and overseeing a Children’s Craft Station at the Bolton’s Landing Neighborhood Holiday Market, Saturday, December 7th, 11am-2pm.  
   
   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.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, December 8th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today.
   
3. We are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.orgif you are interested in leading a Group.
   
4. There are lots of exciting things happening during Christmas at Coastal:
   – Pray about what you and your family will give towards our Annual Christmas Offering!
   – If you are able and available, we could use help decorating Coastal’s campus for Christmas this Monday morning starting at 9am!
   – Ugly Christmas Sweater Day (or simply something “Fun & Festive”) is Sunday, December 8th!
   – Make sure you pick up a gift tag off the Christmas Trees in the Welcome Center to help supply a Christmas Gift for the residents of Charleston Vets or Brighton Place for our Double Christmas Party on Saturday, December 21st!  Also, check out the insert in your bulletin this Sunday about all the other ways to help with the event – serving, food, & stocking stuffers!
   – Make plans to now to attend, serve, and invite someone to one of our 4 Christmas Eve Services: Monday, December 23rd,  6pm;  and Tuesday, December 24th, 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Monday, December 9th, 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) on Sunday.  Food & childcare provided!

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!

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, November 25th 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 either Charleston Vets or Brighton Place.  Once you sign out your tag, simply bring the gift back to the church, unwrapped, with the tag attached by Sunday, December 15th.  The Double Christmas Party (two parties going on at the same time in two different locations) will be Saturday, December 21st!

Sunday, December 8th is “Ugly Christmas Sweater Day” at Coastal!  Come to church with your “ugliest” or most festive Christmas attire!  It’s going to be a lot of fun and we’ll even have a gfit for you! 

And last, but not least, I am so excited to share with you our plans for our 12th Annual Christmas Offering!  Over the years, this offering has made a huge IMPACT on our ministry!  Well, beginning NEXT Sunday, November 24th, through Sunday, January 12th (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. 24th – Jan. 12th) 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 (Monday, December 23rd,  6pm;  and Tuesday, 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 2025.  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 $150,000!  Is that a big goal?  Yes!  Can we reach it?  Absolutely!  As always, I am very excited about where this year’s money will be going and the potential Kingdom impact.  The money will be used for another Box Truck for Disaster Relief & Outreach, another 15 Passenger Van, New Life Children’s Home in Peru, VBS, CSM Summer Camp Scholarships, & Soldier’s Angels Food Distribution.  The money is also used for Benevolence & General Outreach.  

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

Box Truck.  We now have 2 Tailgating Box Trucks and 2 Clothing Distribution Box Trucks.  But what we quickly discovered this year, especially after the hurricanes came through the southeast, is that we need an empty box to help with relief projects!

15 Passenger Van.  What’s the most consistently asked question from all the places that we serve around Charleston through our Outreach, especially after they get to know us and see us on a regular basis?  Answer:  “Do you provide any kind of transportation to your church?”  We have one van that now does that, but we need another one.  We also need another van to take volunteers to the different Outreach Projects on the same day.  And then of course it would come in handy for Student Ministry and multiple other service opportunities.

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.  Each year Coastal subsidizes Summer Camp and even provides scholarships for students who can 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.

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

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

How much should you give?  Prayerfully consider giving a gift that will stretch your faith and include your whole family.  For some people, coming up with “extra” money is difficult.  We’ve learned that as we give, God provides.  Maybe you decide to give up eating out or buying coffee for 8 weeks and give that money to the Christmas Offering.  Maybe you sell something or have a yard sale.  For some people $1000 above your regular giving is a huge sacrifice.  For others, it’s not.  Someone might decide to cover the whole cost for the Box Truck, a Van, VBS, or any of our other projects.  

Just like our Giving Campaigns over the years and all the other Christmas Offerings we’ve done in the past, we can’t all give the same amount, but TOGETHER, we can ALL make a sacrifice.  That’s when God shows up and 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.  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:
   
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, November 15th, 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. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, November 19th, 12noon-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 20th, 8:30am-12pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, November 21st, 11:30am-1pm.
   Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate:  We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, November 21st, 6-8:30pm.  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 22nd,  9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Downtown Charleston “Hotdog Ministry”:  We will be grilling and serving hotdogs to the homeless and hungry downtown!  Friday, November 22nd, 4-6:30pm.  Meet at Coastal.
   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 27th, 6-8:30pm, and Monday, December 2nd, 9:30am-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. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, December 8th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today.
   
3. We are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.orgif you are interested in leading a Group.
   
4. Operation Christmas Child – This Sunday, November 17th, is the last Sunday to bring back your OCC Shoeboxes filled to overflowing with toys and supplies for children all around the world!
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Monday, December 9th, 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) on Sunday.  Food & childcare provided!

P.S. 2025 PERU MISSION TRIP INFO MEETING!  There will be informational meetings with Q&A between the 1st and 2nd services and between the 2nd & 3rd services in the Coastal Chapel THIS Sunday, November 17th. Please stop by to meet with Pastor Scott and hear about the trip, cost, and dates for our Peru Mission Trip in 2025!

This past Sunday I announced that we are going to have a Beach Baptism this Saturday (TOMORROW), November 9th, at 3pm at Folly Beach County Park!  We’re calling it our “Polar Plunge/Beach Baptism!”  I shared that the whole thing started with a conversation with a woman who wanted to wait to get Baptized over the Summer at the Beach.  I said, “Why wait?”  Well guess what?  We now have 12 people getting Baptized at the Beach tomorrow!  And that number could go even higher!  So, if Baptism is your next step and you’re interested in getting Baptized at the Beach and are willing to brave the colder water, you can respond to this email or sign up for it on our website.  Again, we’ll be at Folly Beach County Park!  The Baptism will be at 3pm.  We’ll be down at the Beach closest to the park entrance side.  Look for the church van – I’ll have Baptism t-shirts and Coastal beach towels waiting for you!  If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism tomorrow, but would still like to get Baptized, remember, at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday.  Simply sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, or sign up now on our website.  We actually have another Baptism this Sunday during the first service!  God is definitely up to something at Coastal!  I’m just humbled that I get to be a part of it!

Coastal, I ask you to join me in praying for our nation.  While I am continually troubled by what I see all around me, I am not surprised, and more importantly, I am not without hope.  Why?  Because Romans 5:20 says, “But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.”  You see, I still believe that the light shines brightest in the darkness.  And if we are going to heal, if we are going to overcome the divisive spirit in our land, I believe that we as followers of Jesus have to lead the way.  I’ve said it for years, and I believe it now more than ever, Jesus truly is the ONLY hope of this world – not a President, not a political party, not any policies.  This world is not our home and ultimately our only allegiance is to Jesus and His Kingdom.  Our collective mission is still the same – to share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world!  That’s all that matters, and that is what’s needed now more than ever before.

Psalm 40:1-2, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”  There is no doubt that the world in which we live is a slimy pit of mud and mire, and so many people today seem to be sinking deeper and faster.  They’ve lost their footing.  But the good news is that in Christ, God has pulled me and you out of that same mud and mire, cleaned us up, and set us on solid ground – the rock solid ground of Jesus Christ and His Word.  We have risen above the filth of this world, not by any goodness or righteousness of our own, but by the grace of God.  In fact, He heard our humble, repentant cries and lifted us out.  He saved us.  He rescued us.  So, open your ears and hearts this week to the cries of the world around you.  And before you sling the very mud that you yourself have been pulled up out of, try pointing people to the One and Only Savior who can rescue and save.  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there, TODAY, Friday, November 8th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, November 8th;  Monday, November 11th,  9:30am-11:30am.  Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
   Double Tailgate Day: Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: TOMORROW, Saturday, November 9th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   2nd Saturday/2nd Meal: TOMORROW, Saturday, November 9th, 9am-12noon.  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!
   Soldier’s Angels: We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Tuesday, November 12th, 8am-12:30pm.  Meet at 1113 Sam Rittenburg Blvd. (The Elks Lodge).
   Food Pantry Sort & Stock:  Coastal feeds an enormous amount of people.  Come to the church and help keep our Food Pantry organized (and have a lot of fun while you’re at it)!  Thursday, November 14th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  Friday, November 15th, 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. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, November 19th, 12noon-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 20th, 8:30am-12pm.  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.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, December 8th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today.
   
3. We are in the planning stages for our SPRING LIFE GROUPS!  LIFE Groups are the primary vehicle at Coastal for community – learning, friendships, fellowship, and care.  We typically have all different types of Groups – Bible studies, book studies, activity groups, support groups, men’s/women’s groups.  Would you possibly be interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this new year?  The Spring Semester begins in February and depending on the Group, lasts for 8-12 weeks.  Sign up on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.orgif you are interested in leading a Group.
   
4. Operation Christmas Child (OCC) – sharing the love of Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel through gifts & supplies in a simple shoebox for children in troubled countries/areas all around the world!  You guys are AMAZING!  We had 1000 shoeboxes that we were handing out – and they are ALL gone!  So now we’re simply asking you to fill the boxes you took home and then bring them back to the church between now and Sunday, November 17th.  Way to go Coastal! 
   
5. Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Monday, December 9th, 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) on Sunday.  Food & childcare provided!

P.S. 2025 PERU MISSION TRIP INFO MEETING!  There will be informational meetings with Q&A between the 1st and 2nd services and between the 2nd & 3rd services in the Coastal Chapel NEXT Sunday, November 17th. Please stop by to meet with Pastor Scott and hear about the trip, cost, and dates for our Peru Mission Trip in 2025!

It was an amazing Sunday this past week at Coastal as we Baptized another10 people!  Do you realize that we’ve already Baptized over 150 people this year!  And what’s really cool is that after witnessing all those people getting Baptized last Sunday, another 10 people expressed interest in getting Baptized!  As we say at Coastal, we’re ready for you to get Baptized any Sunday, any service.  Simply sign up online or on your Connect Card and we’ll follow up with you.  And guess what?  Next Saturday, November 9th, at 3pm at Folly Beach County Park we’re having our own little “Polar Plunge/Beach Baptism!”  We’d love for you to join us!

It’s hard to believe, but this week marks THREE YEARS since we’ve been in our new facility (we completely gutted our old building, added on to it, and connected our two facilities with a beautiful new Welcome Center)! Three years – let that sink in for just a moment.  Our new facility has literally affected almost everything we do in such a positive way, and it all gets used almost every day of the week.  Three years ago, during the month of  October, our average Coastal Kidz attendance was just over 100.  Last Sunday, Coastal Kidz attendance was 258!  Our overall attendance average 3 years ago during October was just under 500 people.  Last Sunday our overall attendance was 1078!  All of that in just 3 years!  

But guess what Coastal?  We’re just getting started!  God’s not finished with us.  There is more to be done. There are more people to reach with the Gospel. There are more children to share Jesus with. There are more hurting people to heal, more hungry people to feed, more people to clothe, more lives to change.  So join us in this mission to share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world!  Step out in faith and attempt something great for God!  Keep reaching out and inviting your friends and neighbors to join us at Coastal!  Keep giving your money generously and sacrificially to support the vision and mission here!  Keep serving and loving our community with us!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor!  And I love what we get to do together!

Much, Much Love!
Pastor Chris

1. UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
   
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief:  Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there, TODAY, Friday, November 1st;  Friday, November 8th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas:  TODAY, Friday, November 1st, 8:30am-11:30am.  Meet at Coastal.
   Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, November 1st;  Monday, November 4th, Friday, November 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, November 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!
   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 7th, 11:30am-1pm.
   Double Tailgate Day: Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Saturday, November 9th, 10:30am-1:30pm.  Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
   2nd Saturday/2nd Meal: Saturday, November 9th, 9am-12noon.  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!
   
   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. Okay, so this is definitely not Folly Beach, and I promise that the water is not this cold in Charleston in November (or ever for that matter – haha)!  However, next Saturday, November 9th, at 3pm, we are having our own “Polar Plunge/Beach Baptism” at Folly Beach County Park!  If Baptism is your next step and you’d like to join us, you can sign up online or on your Connect Card on Sunday.
   
3. YOUNG ADULTS social at the Charleston Battery game TOMORROW, Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7pm. The cost is $20 which includes a ticket to the Ultra Lounge private deck, soft drinks, & snacks. Parking is not included in the cost of the ticket. Sign up on your Connect Card or on this link to reserve your spot today! Email Pastor Scott with any questions scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
4. Grieving?  Know someone who is?  Join GriefShare’s free, one time event on Monday, November 4th at 2pm or 6pm that will help participants prepare for difficult emotions this holiday season and discover hope for the future.  Contact Sue (616-443-6553) with questions or register today at www.griefshare.org. 
   
5. One of the projects for our upcoming Saturday Serve THIS Saturday, November 2nd, is a Cleaning & Beautification Day over at Oakland Elementary School.  Some of the things we will be doing is: trimming trees/vines along the driveway and sidewalk at entrance/exit, pressure washing the sign/marquee at the entrance, weeding the garden beds along the front of the school, trimming/removing limbs, and edging and blowing the parking lot and driveway.  If you have any of the tools and equipment for these projects and would like to serve on this project, then come to Saturday Serve, and join us in serving our neighbors!