It’s here!  It’s here!  What’s here you say?  Our CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE SUBURBAN HOTEL – this Saturday (TOMORROW), December 19th, 10am-1pm! I hope you are as excited as we are!  All the praying, planning, prepping, and giving have all come down to the actual event itself – where we get to be the hands and feet of Jesus for the people who call the Suburban Hotel home.  If you don’t know, the Suburban Hotel provides transitional housing for homeless Veterans and former residents of the 180 Place Homeless Shelter.  We’ve been serving there for the past 6 months, building a relationship with the residents.  I can’t thank Chris Jones and his amazing Volunteer Team enough for all of their hard work leading up to this weekend.

So, here’s how you can help at this point:

Packing Party:  TONIGHT at 6:30pm we’re meeting in the Welcome Center at Coastal. This will provide us the opportunity to pray together for Saturday and to make final preparations to ensure a smooth-running event. We’ll break down into several teams: Stocking packing, gift preparation, kitchen preparation, coffee bar staging, and equipment staging. Each team will be explained on Friday evening. Remember, many hands will make for quick work. So, if you can make it, we’d love for you to come.

Christmas at the Suburban:  On Saturday morning (TOMORROW), December 19th the church will be open at 8am. We’ll be setting up chairs for Sunday in the auditorium and setting up Coastal Kidz across the street at Orange Grove Middle School (both things have to happen each week).  We’ll need volunteers doing both.  If you are donating any food items, please bring them to the church between 8am-9am.  In fact, if you are volunteering for the event itself, please plan on being at the church by 9am. We’ll provide another briefing, pray and load everything for the trip to the Suburban. If you’ve ever been to a Saturday Serve – the format will be very similar. The plan/goal is to be at the Suburban between 10-10:15am setting up for the event.  The Suburban Hotel is located on Dorchester Road right across the road from the Harley Davidson dealership off of Hwy. 526.

Please have all donations for the stockings and gifts at the church by TODAY at 12noon. This will help with the staging for the Packing Party tonight. Also, be sure to wear your “Making an Impact” t-shirt on Saturday! We’re going to flood the Suburban with a sea of Coastal Blue! If you need a Coastal t-shirt, we’ll have them available on both Friday night and again on Saturday morning.  Children are more than welcome, and in fact, they are regularly with us on the Tailgates. If they are coming to serve, simply remember that they are your responsibility to watch them and keep them safe.

It’s going to be an amazing weekend!  Please continue to pray for people to not only see Jesus, but to come to know Him personally!  We as a church, can’t save anyone, but we know who can, and it’s our job to plant seeds and point people to Jesus. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Chris Jones – (843) 870-4613. I can’t wait to see everyone over the weekend!

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Upcoming Outreach Projects:
   Coastal is constantly and continually engaged in being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community.  Here are this week’s opportunities! 
   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 has a long standing relationship with LOR and on Friday (TODAY), December 18th, 9am-11am we’re sending a team to build emergency care kits for children in the community. We 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 2nd.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!  Make plans NOW to be there!  I can’t think of a better way to kick off 2021!
   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.  
2. Our goal for our 8th Annual Christmas Offering is $75,000!  Now through the second Sunday of the New Year, January 10th (4 weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s Christmas Offering.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, card swiping “description”, online through Paypal, or TEXTing (843-277-8337).  You can give your gift during these 4 weeks at any of our regular Sunday morning services or anytime through TEXTing, our website, or our App.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 3 Christmas Eve Services (Thursday, December 24th, 3pm, 4:30pm, & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering. 
   
   So what are we going to do with that $75,000?  Mainly 3 things: 1. We’re going to fully fund our 2 current monthly Tailgate Parties where we feed hundreds of people each month.  2. We’re going to buy a “Box Truck”!  We’re super pumped about all the outreach possibilities of this truck – equipment and supply transportation for the tailgate parties, advertising for the church, disaster relief, community events, and more.   3. We’re going to purchase indoor and outdoor playground equipment for our new Children’s facility.  So, start praying about what you and your family can give toward this offering.  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 and this offering 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 our church as together we stretch our faith.  Again, simply use the the keyword “Christmas” whenever and however you give toward the Christmas Offering.
3. We are preparing now for the next semester of LIFE Groups – Winter/Spring 2021!  If you are interested in leading or assisting a LIFE Group, please let us know.  If you have already connected with Pastor Scott about leading a Group, please turn in your Group Information – study, day, time, location, style (in-person/online).  LIFE Group Leader Training will be Tuesday, January 19th, 6:30-8pm OR Saturday, January 23rd, 10-11:30am. (You just need to attend one.)  Both sessions will be offered online or in-person.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff – 859-230-5129.
4. We’re having 3 special Family Christmas Eve services with nursery provided on Thursday, December 24th at 3pm, 4:30pm, and 6pm.  Coastal Volunteers make sure you reach out to your Ministry Team Leaders about signing up to serve.  Most importantly, be praying about who you will invite and bring.  Also, please make note that the Sunday after Christmas (December 27th), services will be online only – no in-person services.
5. Okay Coastal, it’s time to show your generosity once again! Grab an ornament with a teacher wishlist item from a classroom over at Oakland Elementary School. There are books, supplies, small things, big things, and “dream items”! Drop off or ship your gifts to Coastal Community Church (456 Arlington Drive, Charleston, SC 29414) over the next few weeks. Gifts can even be dropped off in early January.  Label items with the tag number. To claim a tag virtually, email rachel@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
   P.S. Don’t forget that simply because you are a part of the Coastal family, ALL of Dave Ramsey’s best selling resources and tools are available to you for FREE!  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. You have access to everything for an entire year at your own pace, on your own schedule.  Here’s the link:  https://www.financialpeace.com/hosts/coastalcommunity?pc=94671724.  Sign up today!  We want to be known as a generous church, and we also want to do everything we can to equip our church and community to experience true financial peace in these difficult times!

First of all, before I give you the details about this weekend, I want to brag on you for just a moment.  This past Sunday I told you that we still needed about $700 to purchase 70 more (100 total) Bus Passes to give away at the Christmas Party at the Suburban Hotel this Saturday.  Honestly, I made a pretty strong plea that we should have no problem reaching that goal by the end of services on Sunday and that we also needed personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, deodorant, shaving supplies, etc).  Well, the generosity of our church never ceases to amaze me!  Coastal, you guys gave 4 times what we needed for the Bus Passes and personal hygiene items have been pouring in!  We literally have everything we need and more!  With the extra money that came in we’ll be able to get everything we need for Saturday, plus it will help purchase food for other Tailgate Parties there at the Suburban in the months ahead.

And let me just say this: that’s exactly what our Christmas Offering is all about – OUTREACH!  This year’s offering will help purchase food and supplies for both monthly Tailgate Parties, a wrapped box truck that will be used for both Tailgate Parties, community outreach, and disaster relief, and playground equipment for our new facility.  Our goal this year is BIG – our biggest ever – $75,000!  Honestly, at first I thought that might be too big of a number during a pandemic.  But get this, right now we are already over $46,000!  I believe that we can reach our goal and exceed it before January 10th (the last Sunday to give toward it).  This will be the last update on the number.  You’ll have to wait until after January 10th to hear the final number.  So pray about what God wants you to give and go for it!  Simply use the keyword “Christmas” however and whenever you give towards the Christmas Offering.

Now, back to the Christmas Party at the Suburban.  I’m hoping you are as excited as we are!  We’ve prayed, we’ve planned, we’ve given, and now get to experience the Lord’s hand at work in the lives of the people who call the Suburban home!

Here’s how you can help at this point:

Packing Party:

On Friday night, December 18th at 6:30pm we’re meeting in the Welcome Center at Coastal. This will provide us the opportunity to pray together for Saturday and to make final preparations to ensure a smooth-running event. We’ll break down into several teams: Stocking packing, gift preparation, kitchen preparation, coffee bar staging, and equipment staging. Each team will be explained on Friday evening. Remember, many hands will make for quick work. So, if you can make it, we’d love for you to come. 

Christmas at the Suburban:

On Saturday morning, December 19th the church will be open at 8am. We’ll be setting up chairs for Sunday in the auditorium and setting up Coastal Kidz across the street at Orange Grove Middle School (Both things have to happen each week).  We’ll need volunteers doing both.  If you are donating any food items, you can bring them to the church as early as 8am. However, we will need all food items at the church by 9am. In fact, if you are volunteering for the event itself, please plan on being at the church at 9am. We’ll provide another briefing, pray and load everything for the trip to the Suburban. If you’ve ever been to a Saturday Serve – the format will be very similar. The plan/goal is to be at the Suburban between 10-10:15am setting up for the event.

Please help us by having donations for the stockings and gifts at the church by Friday at 12noon. This will help with the staging for the Packing Party occurring on Friday night. Also, be sure to wear your “Making an Impact” t-shirt on Saturday! We’re going to flood the Suburban with a sea of Coastal Blue! If you need a Coastal t-shirt, we’ll have them available on both Friday night and again on Saturday morning. 

Children are more than welcome, and in fact, they are regularly with us on the Tailgates. If they are coming to serve, simply remember that they are your responsibility to watch them and keep them safe. 

It’s going to be an amazing weekend!  Please pray daily for this event – most importantly for people to not only see Jesus, but to come to know Him personally!  We as a church, can’t save anyone, but we know who can, and it’s our job to plant seeds and point people to Jesus. So, please pray in these final few days.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Chris Jones – (843) 870-4613. I am so thankful for Chris and his amazing team of volunteers who have laid all the ground work for this event.  I can’t wait to see everyone over the weekend! 

LIFE & LOVE,
Pastor Chris

Let me go ahead and cut to the chase.  If you want to make an IMPACT this Christmas, if you want a practical way to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. . . help us put on a huge Christmas Party for the residents of the Suburban Hotel, on Saturday, December 19th, 9am-1pm!  It’s going to be one of our biggest outreach events of the year for our church!  The Suburban Hotel provides transitional housing for homeless Veterans and former residents of the 180 Place Homeless Shelter.  We’ve been serving there for the past 6 months, building a relationship with the residents.  The Suburban Hotel is located on Dorchester Road right across the road from the Harley Davidson dealership off of Hwy. 526.We’re planning on serving a holiday meal with turkey and sides. We’re collecting items to build a personal care package for each resident that includes things like soap, shampoo, and other personal items. We are going to provide gifts (candles for the women and travel mugs for the men) to go along with those personal item care kits. We’re also going to provide a Christmas stocking stuffed full of fun and practical items. We’re going to have Christmas music, a tree, and even Santa might make an appearance!  This will be an event for the whole family! 

There are three links below. Each link will lead you to an area of need: the food, the gifts, or the stockings. Choose where you’d like to contribute, click on the link, choose the items you’d like to provide, and then sign-up!

To help with the Christmas meal click here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4AADAD28A0FBC16-christmas

To help with the Christmas gifts click here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44ADAB2CA0F94-suburban

To help with the Christmas stockings click here:
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c0c4cada929abf58-stockingsYou can also sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or contact Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613 for more details.  I love you Coastal and I love your heart for serving our community!  Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Upcoming Outreach Projects:
   Coastal is constantly and continually engaged in being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community.  Here are this week’s opportunities! 
   Soldier’s Angels – We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, (TODAY) Friday, December 11th, 8am-1pm.
   Tricounty Family Ministries –  We will be assisting with their Emergency Grocery Distribution, Wednesday, December 16th, 9am-12noon.
   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 has a long standing relationship with LOR and on Friday, December 18th, 9am-11am we’re sending a team to build emergency care kits for children in the community. We meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613. 
2. Our goal for our 8th Annual Christmas Offering is $75,000!  Now through the second Sunday of the New Year, January 10th (5 weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s Christmas Offering.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, card swiping “description”, online through Paypal, or TEXTing (843-277-8337).  You can give your gift during these 5 weeks at any of our regular Sunday morning services or anytime through TEXTing, our website, or our App.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 3 Christmas Eve Services (Thursday, December 24th, 3pm, 4:30pm, & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering. 
   
   So what are we going to do with that $75,000?  Mainly 3 things: 1. We’re going to fully fund our 2 current monthly Tailgate Parties where we feed hundreds of people each month.  2. We’re going to buy a “Box Truck”!  We’re super pumped about all the outreach possibilities of this truck – equipment and supply transportation for the tailgate parties, advertising for the church, disaster relief, community events, and more.   3. We’re going to purchase indoor and outdoor playground equipment for our new Children’s facility.  So, start praying about what you and your family can give toward this offering.  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 and this offering 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 our church as together we stretch our faith.  Again, simply use the the keyword “Christmas” whenever and however you give toward the Christmas Offering. 
3. We are beginning to prepare for the next semester of LIFE Groups – Winter/Spring 2021!  If you are possibly interested in leading or assisting a LIFE Group in 2021, please let us know.  You don’t have to have it all figured out yet – study, day, time, location, style (in-person/online) – we’re just curious if you’re interested.  If you are, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff or simply respond to this email.
4. We’re having 3 special Family Christmas Eve services with nursery provided on Thursday, December 24th at 3pm, 4:30pm, and 6pm.  Coastal Volunteers make sure you reach out to your Ministry Team Leaders about signing up to serve.  Most importantly, be praying about who you will invite and bring.  Also, please make note that the Sunday after Christmas (December 27th), services will be online only – no in-person services.
5. Okay Coastal, it’s time to show your generosity once again! Grab an ornament with a teacher wishlist item from a classroom over at Oakland Elementary School. There are books, supplies, small things, big things, and “dream items”! Drop off or ship your gifts to Coastal Community Church (456 Arlington Drive, Charleston, SC 29414) over the next few weeks. Label items with the tag number. To claim a tag virtually, email rachel@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
   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!

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!”  If you happened to be at the church yesterday, you would have heard me singing those words loudly over and over again.  I’m a big believer in “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!”  But can you believe that it’s now December and Christmas is exactly 3 weeks from today!!  Some of you are excited, but many of you are now panicking!  But the reason I kept singing that line is because we were decorating the church for Christmas!  I can’t wait for you to see it on Sunday!  Plus we’re kicking off our “Christmas at Coastal” series this Sunday!  The theme of this year’s Christmas series is one of hope.  Each week we’ll be looking at different people in the Christmas story and talking about how Jesus came to bring them hope.  This Sunday, I’ll be talking about an old couple that often gets overlooked in the Christmas story – Elizabeth and Zechariah.  If you’d like to prepare yourself for the message, go ahead and read Luke chapter 1.

By the way, this is a great time of the year to invite and bring someone to church – in-person OR online.  People are truly hurting and they are searching for help and hope.  They just need a simple invitation and nudge from you.

Speaking of help and hope, tomorrow, Saturday, December 5th, is one of my favorite days of the month – Saturday Serve!  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we go out and serve our community!  It’s that simple, and it doesn’t take the whole day.  Most projects are completed by 12noon.  Make plans, NOW to be there!  Consider that a “nudge” from me!

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Upcoming Outreach Projects:
   Coastal is constantly and continually engaged in being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community.  Here are this week’s opportunities! 
   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 5th.  
   Soldier’s Angels – We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Friday, December 11th, 8am-1pm.
   Tricounty Family Ministries –  We will be assisting with their Emergency Grocery Distribution, Wednesday, December 16th, 9am-12noon.
   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 has a long standing relationship with LOR and on Friday, December 18th, 9am-11am we’re sending a team to build emergency care kits for children in the community. We meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613. 
2. We recently announced our Annual Christmas Offering! Our goal is $75,000!  Now through the second Sunday of the New Year, January 10th (6 weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s Christmas Offering.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, card swiping “description”, online through Paypal, or TEXTing (843-277-8337).  You can give your gift during these 6 weeks at any of our regular Sunday morning services or anytime through TEXTing, our website, or our App.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 3 Christmas Eve Services (Thursday, December 24th, 3pm, 4:30pm, & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering. 
   
   So what are we going to do with that $75,000?  Mainly 3 things: 1. We’re going to fully fund our 2 current monthly Tailgate Parties where we feed hundreds of people each month.  2. We’re going to buy a “Box Truck”!  We’re super pumped about all the outreach possibilities of this truck – equipment and supply transportation for the tailgate parties, advertising for the church, disaster relief, community events, and more.   3. We’re going to purchase indoor and outdoor playground equipment for our new Children’s facility.  So, start praying about what you and your family can give toward this offering.  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 and this offering 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 our church as together we stretch our faith.  Again, simply use the the keyword “Christmas” whenever and however you give toward the Christmas Offering.
3. We are beginning to prepare for the next semester of LIFE Groups – Winter/Spring 2021!  If you are possibly interested in leading or assisting a LIFE Group in 2021, please let us know.  You don’t have to have it all figured out yet – study, day, time, location, style (in-person/online) – we’re just curious if you’re interested.  If you are, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff or simply respond to this email.
4. Our “Christmas at Coastal” series kicks off on Sunday, December 6th!  We’ll have 3 special Family Christmas Eve services with nursery provided on Thursday, December 24th at 3pm, 4:30pm, and 6pm.  Coastal Volunteers make sure you reach out to your Ministry Team Leaders about signing up to serve.  Most importantly, be praying about who you will invite and bring.  Also, please make note that the Sunday after Christmas (December 27th), services will be online only – no in-person services.
5. Christmas at the Suburban Hotel!  The Suburban Hotel provides transitional housing for homeless Veterans and former residents of the 180 Place Homeless Shelter.  On Saturday, December 19th, 9am-1pm, Coastal is going to throw an Outdoor Christmas Party & Traditional Holiday Meal for all the folks at the Suburban!  We’re planning on serving a holiday meal with turkey and sides. We’re collecting items to build a personal care package for each resident that includes things like soap, shampoo, and other personal items. We are going to provide gifts (candles for the women and travel mugs for the men) to go along with those personal item care kits. We’re also going to provide a Christmas stocking stuffed full of fun and practical items. We’re going to have Christmas music, a tree, and even Santa might make an appearance. 
   
   There are three links below. Each link will lead you to an area of need: the food, the gifts, or the stockings. Choose where you’d like to contribute, click on the link, choose the items you’d like to provide, then and sign-up!
   
   To help with the Christmas meal click here:
   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4AADAD28A0FBC16-christmas
   
   To help with the Christmas gifts click here:
   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E44ADAB2CA0F94-suburban
   
   To help with the Christmas stockings click here:
   https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c0c4cada929abf58-stockings
   
   You can also ign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or contact Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613 for more details.

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. Many people give to Coastal with their smartphone through TEXTING!  After a one step, one time registration process (takes less than 2 minutes), you simply text any amount to 843-277-8337 and hit send.  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.

Today would be a great time to start giving toward our Christmas Offering – simply use the keyword “Christmas” (see below).  Each and every gift counts – small and large.  We can’t all give the same amount, but we can each sacrifice.  And when all of us do that together, that’s when God does a miracle.

As I look back over 2020, one of the Groups/Ministries that we started that I’m so very thankful for and excited about is our Grief Share Support Group (thanks Sue & Freeda)!  Well, there are several other Support Groups/Ministries that we’re interested in seeing established at Coastal.  Here are just a few:  Divorce Care.  Divorce Care is actually an established Ministry by the same folks who support Grief Share.  It is a recovery support group where you can find help and healing for the hurt of separation and divorce.  Celebrate Recovery.  Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind.  Military Families.  We don’t have a name for this, but with our large number of Military families in Charleston we’d like to create a support group for families with a spouse that is on deployment. Foster/Adoption Family Support Ministry.  This might be a team of people who help organize help and support for Foster Families.  

Now, for any Ministry/Group to get started and to grow and thrive, there has to be both a need and it has to have a leader who feels called to lead.  Usually, it’s just a matter of timing.  So, if you would be interested in any of these Ministries and most importantly, if you might possibly feel called to lead one, please respond to this email and let’s dream a little bit and start a conversation. 

Happy Shopping (and Giving)!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Upcoming Outreach Projects:
   Coastal is constantly and continually engaged in being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community.  Here are this week’s opportunities! 
   Tricounty Family Ministries –  We will be assisting with their Emergency Grocery Distribution, Wednesday, December 2nd, from 9am until 12noon.
   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 5th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!  Make plans NOW to be there!
   Soldier’s Angels – We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution, Friday, December 11th, 8am-1pm. 
   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613. 
2. We recently announced our Annual Christmas Offering! Our goal is $75,000!  Now through the second Sunday of the New Year, January 10th (7 weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s Christmas Offering.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, card swiping “description”, online through Paypal, or TEXTing (843-277-8337).  You can give your gift during these 8 weeks at any of our regular Sunday morning services or anytime through TEXTing, our website, or our App.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 3 Christmas Eve Services (Thursday, December 24th, 3pm, 4:30pm, & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering. 
   
   So what are we going to do with that $75,000?  Mainly 3 things: 1. We’re going to fully fund our 2 current monthly Tailgate Parties where we feed hundreds of people each month.  2. We’re going to buy a “Box Truck”!  We’re super pumped about all the outreach possibilities of this truck – equipment and supply transportation for the tailgate parties, advertising for the church, disaster relief, community events, and more.   3. We’re going to purchase indoor and outdoor playground equipment for our new Children’s facility.  So, start praying about what you and your family can give toward this offering.  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 and this offering 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 our church as together we stretch our faith.  Again, simply use the the keyword “Christmas” whenever and however you give toward the Christmas Offering.
3. As we quickly approach the end of our Fall Semester of LIFE Groups, we are beginning to prepare for the next semester in the new year.  If you are possibly interested in leading or assisting a LIFE Group in 2021, please let us know.  You don’t have to have it all figured out yet – study, day, time, location, style (in-person/online) – we’re just curious if you’re interested.  If you are, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff or simply respond to this email.
4. Our “Christmas at Coastal” series kicks off on Sunday, December 6th!  We’ll have 3 special Family Christmas Eve services with nursery provided on Thursday, December 24th at 3pm, 4:30pm, and 6pm.  Coastal Volunteers make sure you reach out to your Ministry Team Leaders about signing up to serve.  Most importantly, be praying about who you will invite and bring.  Also, please make note that the Sunday after Christmas (December 27th), services will be online only – no in-person services.
5. Christmas at the Suburban Hotel!  On Saturday, December 19th, 9am-1pm, Coastal is going to throw an Outdoor Christmas Party & Traditional Holiday Meal for all the folks at the Suburban!  We need your help to prepare, provide, and serve an outdoor meal for the transitional residents complete with a lit Christmas Tree, holiday music, wrapped gifts, and holiday themed blessing bags!  Sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or contact Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613 for more details.
   
   P.S. There is NO Coastal Kidz set up this Saturday (tomorrow) morning at 8:30am.  We were able to leave it all up this week!  However, we would LOVE for you to join us next Saturday!  If you are interested in being a part of the Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team, respond to this email or reach out to Janet Rollins at 843-442-8299 or just show up on a Saturday morning (but not tomorrow).  Volunteering even just once a month makes a huge IMPACT!

With all this talk of everyone’s Thanksgiving Dinner looking different this year, I thought I’d share a few ways you might try to “liven up” your gathering:

• When everyone goes around to say what they are thankful for, say, “I’m thankful I didn’t get caught,” and refuse to say anything more.
• Open the oven, shove a brick of velveeta into the turkey while it cooks. Tell mom it adds the coolest flavor.
• Suck your cranberry sauce loudly through a straw. 
• Hold your nose while you eat.
• Recite the tragic and abusive conditions known to exist at turkey farms.
• Mid-meal turn to mom and say, “See mom, I told you they wouldn’t notice, you were worried for nothing”.

If you have any other suggestions I’d love to hear them!  Okay, now that that’s out of the way, I just want to take a moment to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving and tell you how very thankful I am for you and for the privilege and honor of being your Pastor.  Paul’s words in Philippians 1:3 are very real to me, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.”

Each year brings with it ups and downs, joys and sorrows, big & small changes – and 2020 has been no exception.  Through it all, it is my prayer that we are a grateful people and just a little bit more like Jesus.  It is my prayer, that in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of today and this weekend, that you will choose to see all the blessings in your life and be reminded that the greatest of those is that you belong to Jesus!  

Read Ephesians 1:3-8 and be reminded of just some of your blessings today: “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.  7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.”  

Whether you and your family are here in Charleston or out of town this weekend, I hope to see you at Coastal on Sunday – in-person or online!  However, remember we are only having 1 in-person service this Sunday – 9:30am.  As always, the service will be online at 9:30am, 11:15am, and 6pm. We kick off our “Christmas at Coastal” series on Sunday, December 6th.  Take advantage of this season and this series and invite your friends to church!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pastor Chris

P.S. This weekend & the week ahead will see the largest traffic of onlline shopping of the year!  While you’re shopping, don’t forget that you can also GIVE ONLINE.  You can give through our website, our App, or TEXT any amount to 843-277-8337. It’s simple, safe, secure, and convenient!  This would be a great weekend to give to our Christmas Offering!  Simply use the keyword, “Christmas.”

Next week is THANKSGIVING! When I think about Thanksgiving, this one particular passage always comes to mind:  Luke 17:11-19, “As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”  He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.”  And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!”  He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?  Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”  And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”

“Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?” – piercing words from Jesus.  It’s sad to say, but sometimes it seems as though the statistics (1 out of 10) haven’t changed that much.  Which group would you be in?  Would you be with the nine, the majority, who wanted and received a great blessing from God, but refused to give Him thanks?  Or would you be like the one, who knew he had been greatly blessed, who recognized it came from the Lord, and who personally made the effort to give Him thanks?

There was an old chorus we used to sing years ago simply entitled, “Give Thanks.”  It went like this, “Give thanks with a grateful heart, Give thanks to the Holy One, Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.  And now let the weak say, ‘I am strong’, Let the poor say, ‘I am rich, Because of what the Lord has done for us’, Give thanks.”

I can think of no greater reason to be thankful – “because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.”  How are you expressing your thanks?  I’m sure the nine lepers were glad they were healed, but remember, only one actually made a physical effort to express it.  When we gather together (online or in-person) to worship God on Sunday mornings and God asks, “Where are the others?  Weren’t they all blessed?” which group are you in?  When we remember the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf by taking the Lord’s Supper and God asks, “Where are the others?  Didn’t my Son die for them all?” which group are you in?  When we take up our offering to reach our community and world for Christ and God asks, “Where is the rest?  Haven’t they all been blessed?” which group are you in?  When ministry opportunities arise and God asks, “Where are the others?” which group are you in?  When God sees so many people who need someone to build a friendship with them, to reach out to them, to invite them to a church or a LIFE Group, and yet He sees only a very few doing it and He asks, “Where are the others?” which group are you in?

Let’s do our best to be in the group that expresses our thanks with every aspect of our lives.  And let’s be like the one who was healed who “fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done.“

Have a great Friday!  Hope to see you Sunday morning for worship, in-person or online, 9:30am & 11:15am!  Whether you are in-person or online don’t forget to “share” our services on Facebook.  And if you are online, don’t forget to join me about 10 minutes before the service for our little “pre-service show”!  Oh and speaking of Sunday services, there will only be one in-person service on Sunday, November 29th (the Sunday after Thanksgiving) at 9:30am.

Giving Thanks for You Always!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Upcoming Outreach Projects:
   Coastal is constantly and continually engaged in being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community.  Here are this week’s opportunities! 
   Lowcountry Orphan Relief –  Today Friday, November 20th from 9am-11am we’re sending a team to serve.  We meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Suburban Hotel Tailgate –  Tomorrow, Saturday, November 21st from 10am-1pm we’re sending a Tailgate Team who will provide grilled burgers and hot dogs for those in need. We meet at Coastal in the Welcome Center! This is a project that is suitable for the whole family.
   Tricounty Family Ministries –  We will be assisting with a special Thanksgiving Meal Preparation and Distribution, Tuesday November 24th & Wednesday, November 25th, from 9am until 12noon.
   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613. 
2. We announced our Annual Christmas Offering last week! Our goal is $75,000!  Now through the second Sunday of the New Year, January 10th (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, card swiping “description”, online through Paypal, or TEXTing (843-277-8337).  You can give your gift during these 8 weeks at any of our regular Sunday morning services or anytime through TEXTing, our website, or our App.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 3 Christmas Eve Services (Thursday, December 24th, 3pm, 4:30pm, & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering. |
   
   So what are we going to do with that $75,000?  Mainly 3 things: 1. We’re going to fully fund our 2 current monthly Tailgate Parties where we feed hundreds of people each month.  2. We’re going to buy a “Box Truck”!  We’re super pumped about all the outreach possibilities of this truck – equipment and supply transportation for the tailgate parties, advertising for the church, disaster relief, community events, and more.   3. We’re going to purchase indoor and outdoor playground equipment for our new Children’s facility.  So, start praying about what you and your family can give toward this offering.  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 and this offering 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 our church as together we stretch our faith.  Again, simply use the the keyword “Christmas” whenever and however you give toward the Christmas Offering.
3. As we quickly approach the end of our Fall Semester of LIFE Groups, we are beginning to prepare for the next semester in the new year.  If you are possibly interested in leading or assisting a LIFE Group in 2021, please let us know.  You don’t have to have it all figured out yet – study, day, time, location, style (in-person/online) – we’re just curious if you’re interested.  If you are, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff or simply respond to this email.
4. Our “Christmas at Coastal” series kicks off on Sunday, December 6th!  We’ll have 3 special Christmas Eve services on Thursday, December 24th at 3pm, 4:30pm, and 6pm.  Coastal Volunteers make sure you reach out to your Ministry Team Leaders about signing up to serve.  Most importantly, be praying about who you will invite and bring.  Also, please make note that the Sunday after Christmas (December 27th), services will be online only – no in-person services.
5. Christmas at the Suburban Hotel!  On Saturday, December 19th, 9am-1pm, Coastal is going to throw an Outdoor Christmas Party & Traditional Holiday Meal for all the folks at the Suburban!  We need your help to prepare, provide, and serve an outdoor meal for the transitional residents complete with a lit Christmas Tree, holiday music, wrapped gifts, and holiday themed blessing bags!  Sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or contact Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613 for more details.
   
   P.S. Don’t forget that during construction Coastal Kidz is meeting across the street (where most of you park) at Orange Grove Middle School! We set up Coastal Kidz every Saturday morning at 8:30am.  We would LOVE for you to join us!  If you are interested in being a part of the Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team, respond to this email or reach out to Janet Rollins at 843-442-8299 or just show up on Saturday morning.  Volunteering even just once a month makes a huge IMPACT!

Shoeboxes, Shoeboxes as far as the eye can see!  Don’t forget, all filled and completed shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child must be returned by this Sunday!  As you can see from the pictures, our OCC Team of Volunteers have been wrapping and packing all the shoeboxes and supplies that we already have on hand.  And whatever doesn’t get put in a shoebox HERE is going to be shipped to OCC and used as filler as they pack shoeboxes THERE!  In other words, we’re going to be a part of reaching thousands of children all around the world!  How exciting is that!  None of this would be possible without YOU and your generosity – the money you have given and all the toys and supplies you have donated this past year (plus all the shoeboxes you’ll be bringing this Sunday)!

And speaking of Christmas, I hope you saw my email this week about this year’s Annual Christmas Offering!  Our goal is big – $75,000!  But I believe that over the next 9 weeks, with God’s help, together we can reach it!  Beginning this Sunday, November 15th, through the second Sunday of the New Year, January 10th (9 weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s Christmas Offering.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, card swiping “description”, online through Paypal, or TEXTing (843-277-8337).  You can give your gift during those 9 weeks (Nov. 15th – Jan. 10th) at any of our regular Sunday morning services or anytime through TEXTing, our website, or our App.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 3 Christmas Eve Services (Thursday, December 24th, 3pm, 4:30pm, & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering. 

So what are we going to do with that $75,000?  Mainly 3 things: 1. We’re going to fully fund our 2 current monthly Tailgate Parties where we feed hundreds of people each month.  2. We’re going to buy a “Box Truck”!  We’re super pumped about all the outreach possibilities of this truck – equipment and supply transportation for the tailgate parties, advertising for the church, disaster relief, community events, and more.   3. We’re going to purchase indoor and outdoor playground equipment for our new Children’s facility. 

So, start praying about what you and your family can give toward this offering and maybe make an initial gift this weekend.  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 and this offering 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 our church as together we stretch our faith.  Again, simply use the the keyword “Christmas” whenever and however you give toward the Christmas Offering. 

Have a great Friday!  Can’t wait to see you over the weekend – Saturday for Coastal Kidz setup at Orange Grove Middle School at 8:30am, Membership Class at the church (or Zoom – see below) on Saturday at 9am, or Sunday for worship in-person or online, 9:30am & 11:15am!  Oh and speaking of Sunday services, there will only be one in-person service on Sunday, November 29th (the Sunday after Thanksgiving) at 9:30am.

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Upcoming Outreach Projects:
   Coastal is constantly and continually engaged in being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community.  Here are this week’s opportunities! 
   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 has a long standing relationship with LOR, and next Friday, November 20th from 9am-11am we’re sending a team there to serve.  We meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
   Suburban Hotel Tailgate –  Let’s make an impact together by serving local veterans and persons transitioning from a local homeless shelter in Charleston into permanent housing at the Suburban Hotel in North Charleston!   Next Saturday, November 21st from 10am-1pm we’re sending a Tailgate Team who will provide grilled burgers and hot dogs for those in need. We meet at Coastal in the Welcome Center! This is a project that is suitable for the whole family.
   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
2. Many of you might not be aware of this, but our church has a Grief Share Group that meets on Monday nights, 6:30pm at the church.  Grief Share is a support group for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one and need support, encouragement, and hope.  On Monday night, November 16th, 6:30pm-8:30pm  our group is hosting a “Surviving the Holidays” seminar.  This event will help you discover how to deal with emotions, give helpful tips on how to survive holiday social events, and discover hope for the future.  Contact Sue Muoio at s.muoio@outlook.com to RSVP or for more information or register at www.griefshare.org.  Spread the word – the Group and this event are open to the public!
3. As we quickly approach the end of our Fall Semester of LIFE Groups, we are beginning to prepare for the next semester in the new year.  If you are possibly interested in leading or assisting a LIFE Group in 2021, please let us know.  You don’t have to have it all figured out yet – study, day, time, location, style (in-person/online) – we’re just curious if you’re interested.  If you are, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff or simply respond to this email.
4. Our “Christmas at Coastal” series kicks off on Sunday, December 6th!  We’ll have 3 special Christmas Eve services on Thursday, December 24th at 3pm, 4:30pm, and 6pm.  Coastal Volunteers make sure you reach out to your Ministry Team Leaders about signing up to serve.  Most importantly, be praying about who you will invite and bring.  Also, please make note that the Sunday after Christmas (December 27th), services will be online only – no in-person services.
5. Interested in officially making Coastal your church family by becoming a Member?  Our next Membership Class is THIS Saturday (tomorrow) morning, November 14th, 9am-11:30am. You can respond to this email or sign up on our website.  You can join us either in-person or online through Zoom.
   
   P.S. Christmas at the Suburban Hotel!  On Saturday, December 19th, 9am-1pm, Coastal is going to throw an Outdoor Christmas Party & Traditional Holiday Meal for all the folks at the Suburban!  We need your help to prepare, provide, and serve an outdoor meal for the transitional residents complete with a lit Christmas Tree, holiday music, wrapped gifts, and holiday themed blessing bags!  Sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or contact Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613 for more details.  

I am so excited to share with you our plans for our 8th Annual Christmas Offering!  Over the years, this offering has made a huge IMPACT on our ministry!  

For example, the Christmas Offering has enabled us to:

• fully fund our “Summer of IMPACT”
• complete a well for a community in Haiti 
• re-roof our entire building 
• renovate a home for a family on Wadmalaw Island
• fully fund our Summer VBS
• pay down the cost of Camp & the Winter Retreat for our Student Ministry
• pay for our Easter Outreach!
• pay for the Oakland Elementary School Annual T-Shirt  

God has used our church and the Christmas Offering to do all of that and so much more!   Well, beginning this Sunday, November 15th, through the second Sunday of the New Year, January 10th (9 weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s Christmas Offering.  To give, all you have to do is designate your gift “Christmas” on your check, offering envelope, card swiping “description”, online through Paypal, or TEXTing (843-277-8337).  You can give your gift during those 9 weeks (Nov. 15th – Jan. 10th) at any of our regular Sunday morning services or anytime through TEXTing, our website, or our App.  You might also consider giving it all at once during one of our 3 Christmas Eve Services (Thursday, December 24th, 3pm, 4:30pm, & 6pm).  Our entire Christmas Eve offering will go toward our Annual Christmas Offering.

Why a Special Offering?  It’s a way for us to grow in our faith and to prepare us for what God wants to do through our church in a bigger way in 2021.  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 $75,000 – our largest Christmas Offering to date!  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 our Community Outreach & our Children’s Ministry.  Let me specifically explain each:

• Community Outreach.  This year I’m excited to announce that a bulk of the money given will go towards at least 2 specific Outreach Opportunities.  The first one is our monthly Tailgate Parties.  You might not know this, but Coastal now spends approximately $10,000 a year on food and supplies just for our 2 monthly Tailgate Parties where we feed and clothe the hurting and hungry of our community.  Your Christmas Offering will help to fully fund this project for the year.  The second outreach project is something brand new that we are VERY EXCITED about.  We’re going to buy a “Box Truck” (think large moving truck)!  Now why on earth does Coastal need a box truck?  In short, to further saturate our community with the love of Jesus.  A box truck allows us to safely move outreach equipment & supplies to the areas of our community where we serve.  Not only are we dependent upon volunteers for manpower to staff these Tailgating Parties, but we’re also dependent upon the use of our volunteer’s vehicles to move the equipment (tables, chairs, tents, grills, propane, and food).   A box truck would immediately alleviate our transportation concerns.  Secondly, the church having a box truck, wrapped with Coastal logo, would draw positive, public attention to the church.  In other words, people in the community would see the truck, the activities associated with it as we use it to serve the community, and be potentially drawn to the church for the first time.  Thirdly, the truck could be used for a wide range of community events and disaster relief.
   
• Our Children’s Ministry really needs no explanation.  Children are not the church of tomorrow.  They are the church of today!  When a church stops reaching the next generation for Christ, that church dies.  Specifically, we hope that this Christmas Offering will help purchase the indoor & outdoor playground equipment for our new facility!

We feel like all of these ministries/projects give our church an opportunity to make an eternal impact in our church and our community.

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

Maybe there is someone who might be willing to give a large matching gift this year.  Just like our “Daring Faith” Giving Campaign that has enabled us to build our new building and all the other Christmas Offerings we’ve done in the past, we can’t all give the same amount, but TOGETHER, we can ALL make a sacrifice.  That’s when God does a miracle, when together we ALL step out in faith.

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

Merry Christmas!
Pastor Chris Rollins

PS – If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  The easiest and fastest way to give to the Christmas Offering is through TEXTing.  Simply TEXT any amount followed by the word “Christmas” to 843-277-8337 (Example:  “$100 Christmas”).  If you haven’t signed up for TEXT-to-Give it’s a quick, simple, and secure process!

A little exciting update on our building:  they have started digging the footings for the new building!  What are “footings” you ask?  Well, footings are an important part of the foundation of a new building (see picture above).  They are typically made of concrete with rebar reinforcement that has been poured into an excavated trench.  In fact, the concrete should be poured into the trench above by the time you read this email.  This particular footing is for the addition of the Coastal Kidz building across the back of our existing building.  The purpose of footings is to support the foundation.

All of this talk of footings reminds me of 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.” (NIV)  The New English Translation of verse 2 says, “He placed my feet on a rock
and gave me secure footing.”  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 God has pulled us out of that 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.

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.  This is why I have found so much comfort and hope in the book of 1 Peter that we have been reading and preaching through.  I hope you have too.  This Sunday I’ll be talking about how to find healing from the hidden wounds and scars that we all experience in this world.  Ultimately, true healing comes the sacrificial love of Christ.  That’s what Peter was saying in 1 Peter 2:24, “He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.  By his wounds you are healed.”  Did you hear that?  Jesus’ wounds heal your wounds.  I hope you’ll join us on Sunday – either in person on online.

As we quickly approach the end of our Fall Semester of LIFE Groups, we are beginning to prepare for the next semester in the new year.  If you are possibly interested in leading a LIFE Group in 2021, please let us know.  You don’t have to have it all figured out yet – study, day, time, location, style (in-person/online) – we’re just curious if you’re interested.  If you are, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff or simply respond to this email.

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Upcoming Outreach Projects:
   Coastal is constantly and continually engaged in being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community.  Here are this week’s opportunities! 
   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 (tomorrow), November 7th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!  Make plans NOW to be there!
   Blood Drive –  We’re serving our community by rolling up our sleeves! As part of our November 7th Saturday Serve, Coastal is hosting a blood drive from 8:30am-1:30pm at the church. You can easily sign up for a convenient time slot by clicking here: https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/152069. Every donor will receive a $20 gift card. You can use that gift card to meet your own needs or you can donate the gift card back to the church where we’ll use it to help struggling neighbors in our community. Let’s come together as a church and donate life! 
   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613. 
2. Many of you might not be aware of this, but our church has a Grief Share Group that meets on Monday nights, 6:30pm at the church.  Grief Share is a support group for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one and need support, encouragement, and hope.  On Monday night, November 16th, 6:30pm-8:30pm  our group is hosting a “Surviving the Holidays” seminar.  This event will help you discover how to deal with emotions, give helpful tips on how to survive holiday social events, and discover hope for the future.  Contact Sue Muoio at s.muoio@outlook.com to RSVP or for more information or register at www.griefshare.org.  Spread the word – the Group and this event are open to the public!
3. This is the last week to take home (or pickup) and fill Shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child!  They have to be brought back to the church between now and Sunday, November 15th.   This is a GREAT opportunity for you to teach your children about generosity, the true meaning of Christmas, and the love of Jesus.  You can go to OCC’s website for a great list of suggested gifts/items for the shoeboxes.  We believe that we still have an opportunity to pack hundreds and hundreds of shoeboxes and share the love of Jesus with children all around the world!  Pray about how many boxes your family would be willing to pack, step out in faith, grab a few shoeboxes on Sunday, and help us do just that!
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is THIS Sunday, November 8th, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service (at approximately 12:30pm).  This will also be available online!  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. RSVP online or on your Connect Card.
5. Interested in officially making Coastal your church family by becoming a Member?  Our next Membership Class is NEXT Saturday morning, November 14th, 9am-11:30am. You can respond to this email or sign up on our website.  You can join us either in-person or online through Zoom.  
   
   P.S. Young Adult Gathering – TONIGHT, Friday, November 6th, 6:30pm-9:30pm at Coastal!   Join other young adults for a gathering at the church for volleyball, other games, food, and fellowship! Please invite any other young adults to join you who might enjoy connecting with other young adults in Charleston.  For more information, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff. 

Well, this is my semi-annual reminder to change your clocks this weekend!  But don’t worry, this is the “good one” – haha – your clocks “Fall Back” one hour.  So even though it’s Halloween this Saturday night, you’ll have no excuse to miss church this Sunday!  And speaking of this Sunday, I’ll be in 1 Peter 3:13-22 in our “Hope In the Dark” series as we make our way through 1 Peter.  My message this Sunday is all about sharing your hope.  1 Peter 3:15 says this, “And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.”

For a lot of believers though, this is the sticking point.  “I just don’t know the Bible that well.  I’m not that quick on my feet.  I don’t think that fast.  If I go out there and try to share my hope, some skeptic is going to tie me in knots with some philosophical problem that I can’t answer.  Having hope is one thing, but sharing it and explaining it?  I don’t think so.”

This is the beauty of sharing your hope.  It’s YOUR hope.  It’s YOUR story.  That’s what a personal testimony is all about.  It’s your story of how you came to know Jesus and what a difference He’s made in your life.  Peter’s not saying, “Have a snappy rebuttal for every argument that can be tossed at you.”  No, he’s just saying, “Have a reason for your hope.  It’s your hope;  it’s your story.”

You and I don’t have to know all of the answers to make an IMPACT on people.  You just have to tell them how your life has been changed.  “This is who I was.  This is who I am.  And the difference is Jesus.”  If you are a follower of Jesus, you have a story to tell.  And God will use your story to make an IMPACT in the lives of the people around you.  Sure, there are going to be some that will have questions.  Sure, there will be some who will doubt.  There might even be a few Pharisees in your life who will want to argue with you about your story (see John 9).  But, some will be amazed.  Some will believe.

You see, your story really can change the world.  And if you have had an encounter with Jesus, you have a story to share.  So here’s a question for you:  Are you ready and willing to share your story of hope with the people that God has put in your life?  Share your story – share your hope!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Upcoming Outreach Projects:
   Coastal is constantly and continually engaged in being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community.  Here are this week’s opportunities! 
   Tricounty Family Ministries –  We will be assisting with the Emergency Grocery Distribution Wednesday, November 4th, from 9am until 12:30pm.
   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 7th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!  Make plans NOW to be there!
   Blood Drive –  We’re serving our community by rolling up our sleeves! As part of our November 7th Saturday Serve, Coastal is hosting a blood drive from 8:30am-1:30pm at the church. You can easily sign up for a convenient time slot by clicking here: https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/152069. Every donor will receive a $20 gift card. You can use that gift card to meet your own needs or you can donate the gift card back to the church where we’ll use it to help struggling neighbors in our community. Let’s come together as a church and donate life! 
   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613. 
2. Many of you might not be aware of this, but our church has a Grief Share Group that meets on Monday nights, 6:30pm at the church.  Grief Share is a support group for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one and need support, encouragement, and hope.  On Monday night, November 16th, 6:30pm-8:30pm  our group is hosting a “Surviving the Holidays” seminar.  This event will help you discover how to deal with emotions, give helpful tips on how to survive holiday social events, and discover hope for the future.  Contact Sue Muoio at s.muoio@outlook.com to RSVP or for more information or register at www.griefshare.org.  Spread the word – the Group and this event are open to the public!
3. One of our favorite missions that we support here at Coastal is Operation Christmas Child (OCC) – sharing the love of Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel through gifts & supplies in a simple shoebox.  What we are asking our church (YOU) is to simply pray and ask God how many shoeboxes He wants you to fill, take home the shoeboxes we provide, pack them as a family, and then bring back your completed boxes to the church between now and Sunday, November 15th.  There will be a table in the back of our auditorium with shoeboxes ready to take home each Sunday.  This would be a GREAT opportunity for you to teach your children about generosity, the true meaning of Christmas, and the love of Jesus.  You can go to OCC’s website for a great list of suggested gifts/items for the shoeboxes.  We believe that we still have an opportunity to pack hundreds and hundreds of shoeboxes and share the love of Jesus with children all around the world!  Pray about how many boxes your family would be willing to pack, step out in faith, grab a few shoeboxes on Sunday, and help us do just that!
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, November 8th, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service (at approximately 12:30pm).  This will also be available online!  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. RSVP online or on your Connect Card.
5. Interested in officially making Coastal your church family by becoming a Member?  Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, November 14th, 9am-11:30am. You can respond to this email or sign up on our website.  You can join us either in-person or online through Zoom.  
   
   P.S. Young Adult Gathering – Friday, November 6th, 6:30pm-9:30pm at Coastal!   Join other young adults for a gathering at the church for volleyball, other games, food, and fellowship! Please invite any other young adults to join you who might enjoy connecting with other young adults in Charleston.  For more information, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff.

Well, we’re getting real close to having all the inside demolition work done on our old facility!  There are still a few more projects to complete, but I think you’ll notice some progress on our campus this week.  In the next 10 months you’ll probably get sick of all of the building illustrations I’ll share, but with everything going on around here, it’s hard not to see the parallels.  To build something great, something strong, sometimes you’ve got get back to the foundation.  And to do that, you’ve got to do some demo work – you’ve got to be willing to tear some stuff out and throw some stuff away.  

Maybe at first you don’t notice the structural weakness; you can’t see how big the problem really is.  All you can see is a small crack in the wall, a water stain on the ceiling, a sag in the roof.  You hope if you just throw some paint on it, or hide it with some well placed furniture or pictures (or buy something online, or take a vacation), that the problem will just go away.  But as we all know, it doesn’t work that way in homes, cars, finances, or marriages.  And once you start pulling up that carpet, peaking behind that plumbing, going up in that attic (or having those hard conversations), you discover that the problem is bigger than you ever realized, and you can’t neglect it any longer.  You’ve got to do the hard and dirty demo work of getting back to the foundation.  But if you’ll put in the sweat equity and do the hard work, you’re able to move forward with confidence that the foundation is strong, the problem has been cleaned out, and the home, the relationship, or the marriage is stronger than ever!  

Maybe COVID-19 has revealed a weakness in your spiritual life, your marriage, or a relationship.  Don’t mask it.  Don’t conceal it.  Don’t neglect it.  Instead, confess it, repent of it. Cooperate with the Word of God and the Holy Spirit and do the hard work of cleaning up the mess.  But I promise you this: if you’ll build on the rock solid foundation of a personal and growing relationship with Jesus and put His words into practice, you’ll build something strong and beautiful that will last a lifetime and beyond!  It will truly be even better and stronger than before!

Jesus said it like this, “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.”     

Laying a Strong Foundation for Future Generations With You!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Upcoming Outreach Projects:
   Coastal is constantly and continually engaged in being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community.  Here are this week’s opportunities! 
   Tricounty Family Ministries –  We will be assisting with the Emergency Grocery Distribution Wednesday, November 4th, from 9am until 12:30pm.
   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 7th.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe at 8:30am, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!  Make plans NOW to be there!
   Blood Drive –  We’re serving our community by rolling up our sleeves! As part of our November 7th Saturday Serve, Coastal is hosting a blood drive from 8:30am-1:30pm at the church. You can easily sign up for a convenient time slot by clicking here: https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/152069. Every donor will receive a $20 gift card. You can use that gift card to meet your own needs or you can donate the gift card back to the church where we’ll use it to help struggling neighbors in our community. Let’s come together as a church and donate life
   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
2. Not only has construction started, but our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry has gone portable!  During construction Coastal Kidz is meeting across the street (where most of you park) at Orange Grove Middle School! We set up Coastal Kidz every Saturday morning at 8:30am.  We would LOVE for you to join us!  If you are interested in being a part of the Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team, respond to this email or reach out to Janet Rollinsat 843-442-8299 or just show up on Saturday morning.
3. One of our favorite missions that we support here at Coastal is Operation Christmas Child (OCC) – sharing the love of Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel through gifts & supplies in a simple shoebox.  What we are asking our church (YOU) is to simply pray and ask God how many shoeboxes He wants you to fill, take home the shoeboxes we provide, pack them as a family, and then bring back your completed boxes to the church between now and Sunday, November 15th.  There will be a table in the back of our auditorium with shoeboxes ready to take home each Sunday.  This would be a GREAT opportunity for you to teach your children about generosity, the true meaning of Christmas, and the love of Jesus.  You can go to OCC’s website for a great list of suggested gifts/items for the shoeboxes.  We believe that we still have an opportunity to pack hundreds and hundreds of shoeboxes and share the love of Jesus with children all around the world!  Pray about how many boxes your family would be willing to pack, step out in faith, grab a few shoeboxes on Sunday, and help us do just that!
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, November 8th, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service (at approximately 12:30pm).  This will also be available online!  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people.  Childcare provided.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.
5. Interested in officially making Coastal your church family by becoming a Member?  Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, November 14th, 9am-11:30am. You can respond to this email or sign up on our website.  You can join us either in-person or online through Zoom. 
   
   P.S. Many of you might not be aware of this, but our church has a Grief Share Group that meets on Monday nights, 6:30pm at the church.  Grief Share is a support group for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one and need support, encouragement, and hope.  On Monday night, November 16th, 6:30pm-8:30pm  our group is hosting a “Surviving the Holidays” seminar.  This event will help you discover how to deal with emotions, give helpful tips on how to survive holiday social events, and discover hope for the future.  Contact Sue Muoio at s.muoio@outlook.com to RSVP or for more information or register at www.griefshare.org.  Spread the word – the Group and this event are open to the public!  

This Sunday I’ll be in week 5 of our “Hope in the Dark” series.  And if you thought last week was intense as I talked about being faithful in suffering and submitting (the dreaded “S” word) to authority, just wait until this Sunday!  I’m in 1 Peter 3:1-7 where in part Peter says, “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands. . . Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner.”  I’m pretty sure there are some women reading this who are worried that I’m going to say that in the original Greek language the word “submit” means “make me a sandwich.”  Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean that, and I won’t be saying that (not if I value my life at least – haha)!  But I will do my best to unpack this passage.  I hope I’ve peaked your interest and that you’ll either join us in person or tune in online.  The truth is families are hurting today, and just like in every area of life – God’s way works!  It’s actually kind of interesting that we’re in this particular passage, because I’ve had 3 weddings this week!!  The picture above was from one of them.  Can anyone guess where it’s at?  The first 5 people who respond with the correct answer will receive a card for a FREE ice cream from Baskin Robbins!  Now I’ll see who really reads this thing – haha! 

Last Sunday, we put our little “You’re Invited” cards in the bulletin, and I challenged our church to give them away to people and invite them to Coastal.  I even challenged you to leave them (with a generous tip) for your server at any restaurant you might go to.  I actually had two families either send me a picture or share a story about reaching out to their servers and leaving a generous tip!  Pretty cool!  Keep it up Coastal!  People are hurting, and it’s those small acts of kindness done consistently that still make the biggest IMPACT! 

Many of you might not be aware of this, but our church has a Grief Share Groupthat meets on Monday nights at the church, 6:30pm-8:30pm.  Grief Share is a support group for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one and need support, encouragement, and hope.  On Monday night, November 16th, 6:30pm-8:30pm  our group is hosting a “Surviving the Holidays” seminar.  This event will help you discover how to deal with emotions, give helpful tips on how to survive holiday social events, and discover hope for the future.  Contact Sue Muoio at s.muoio@outlook.com to RSVP or for more information or register at www.griefshare.org.  Spread the word – the Group and this event are open to the public!

LIFE & LOVE!
(We exist to share and experience the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus with Charleston & the world!) 

Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Upcoming Outreach Projects:
   Coastal is constantly and continually engaged in being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community.  Here are this week’s opportunities! 
   Suburban Hotel Tailgate –  Let’s make an impact together by serving local veterans and persons transitioning from a local homeless shelter in Charleston into permanent housing at the Suburban Hotel in North Charleston!   This Saturday (TOMORROW) from 10am until 1pm we’re sending a Tailgate Team who will provide grilled burgers and hot dogs for those in need. We meet at Coastal in the Welcome Center! This is a project that is suitable for the whole family.
   Tricounty Family Ministries –  We will be assisting with the Emergency Grocery Distribution Wednesday, October 21st, from 9am until 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 has a long standing relationship with LOR, and next Friday (we’re actually there today as well), October 23rd from 9am-11am we’re sending a team to build emergency care kits for children in the community.  We meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston
   
   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613. 
2. Not only has construction started, but our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry has gone portable!  During construction Coastal Kidz will be meeting across the street (where most of you park) at Orange Grove Middle School! We will be setting up Coastal Kidz every Saturday morning at 8:30am.  We would LOVE for you to join us!  If you are interested in being a part of the Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team, respond to this email or reach out to Janet Rollins at 843-442-8299.
3. One of our favorite missions that we support here at Coastal is Operation Christmas Child (OCC) – sharing the love of Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel through gifts & supplies in a simple shoebox.  What we are asking our church (YOU) is to simply pray and ask God how many shoeboxes He wants you to fill, take home the shoeboxes we provide, pack them as a family, and then bring back your completed boxes to the church between now and Sunday, November 15th.  There will be a table in the back of our auditorium with shoeboxes ready to take home each Sunday.  This would be a GREAT opportunity for you to teach your children about generosity, the true meaning of Christmas, and the love of Jesus.  You can go to OCC’s website for a great list of suggested gifts/items for the shoeboxes.  We believe that we still have an opportunity to pack hundreds and hundreds of shoeboxes and share the love of Jesus with children all around the world!  Pray about how many boxes your family would be willing to pack, step out in faith, grab a few shoeboxes on Sunday, and help us do just that!
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomers Reception is Sunday, November 8th, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service (at approximately 12:30pm).  This will also be available online!  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people.  Childcare provided.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.
5. Interested in officially making Coastal your church family by becoming a Member?  Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, November 14th, 9am-11:30am. You can respond to this email or sign up on our website.  You can join us either in-person or online through Zoom.
   
   P.S. This Sunday there will be a Volunteer Insert in the Bulletin for our 1st Impressions Team and our Security Team.  As more and more people make their way back to in-person worship, we’ve got to build back up our Volunteer Teams.  If you’ve served in the past, we need you!  If you’re new to Coastal, and haven’t started serving, we need you!  But let me be clear, we don’t need you simply because there are spots to fill.  We need you because Jesus said that you find LIFE by giving your LIFE away in service to others.  You see, YOU need it!  If you are interested and willing to serve, fill out the insert on Sunday or respond to this email.  You can also reach out to Chris Ranew  (706-941-2044) or Pastor Scott Huff (859-230-5129) if you’re interested in serving. 

This Sunday we’re in week 4 of our “Hope in the Dark” series.  I hope you’re enjoying this journey through 1 Peter.  The truth is, we all need hope.  Hope is one of those necessary elements of life.  I mean there are some things in life that you just can’t do without.  Or at least you can’t go very long without.  For instance, food.  How long can you live without food?  Some of you didn’t have breakfast, so you’re thinking in just about an hour or two you’re going to starve to death.  But, we know you can at least live 40 days without food.  Jesus Himself, and others fasted for 40 days from solid foods.  How about water?  How long can you last without water?  Studies show three days.  72 hours. We need water more than we need food, because our bodies are made up mostly of water.  How long can some of you live without your smart phone?  Not very long.  What about air?  How long can you live without breathing?  Your body can survive for eight minutes without oxygen.

But, let me ask you this, how long can you live without hope?  The answer is not one moment.  You can’t live without hope.  You need hope in order to cope with all that life throws at you.  Hope is not something you only need when you’re in trouble, or when you’re facing problems, or when you feel like you’re drowning.  You need hope every moment.  You need hope now.

Some of you are having a really tough year.  You lost a job.  Or maybe you’re struggling financially.  Some of you, you went through a breakup, or maybe you received a bad diagnosis at the doctor.  Or maybe in the last year you lost someone who you loved a great deal.  And you need hope.

And listen, the people in your life need hope too.  Because the people in your life who don’t know Jesus, you know what they’re placing their hope in?  They’re placing their hope in things that don’t last.  They’re placing their hope in their bank account, in their job, in their career, in a relationship.  In other words, they put their hope in things that are temporary.

We all need hope, but where do we find it?  Hope, real and lasting hope, can only be found in one place.  Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”  God is the ultimate source of our hope.  Not a Presidential candidate.  Not a bank account.  Not a job or a person.  God is the source of our hope.  And we, as the church, we are God’s chosen means of taking His hope to a lost and broken world.  We are the only organization that Jesus left behind to communicate God’s love to a world who desperately needs it.  And what that means is when we’re really being the church, when we’re doing what the church is supposed to do, the church is the hope of the world!  Who do you know in your life, in your circle of influence, where you live, work, parent, and play, who needs a shot of hope?  Share your story, share your faith, and invite them to a place – Coastal Community Church – where they will be introduced to the true Hope of this World!  See you Sunday – in-person and/or online!

LIFE & LOVE!
(We exist to share and experience the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus with Charleston & the world!) 

Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Upcoming Outreach Projects:
   Coastal is constantly and continually engaged in being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community.  Here are this week’s opportunities!
   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 has a long standing relationship with LOR and on Friday, October 16th from 9am- 11am we’re sending a team to build emergency care kits for children in the community. We meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.   
   Suburban Hotel Tailgate –  Let’s make an impact together by serving local veterans and persons transitioning from a local homeless shelter in Charleston into permanent housing at the Suburban Hotel in North Charleston! On October 17th from 10am until 1pm we’re sending a Tailgate Team who will provide grilled burgers and hot dogs for those in need. We meet at Coastal in the Welcome Center! This is a project that is suitable for the whole family.
   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
2. Not only has construction started, but our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry has gone portable!  During construction Coastal Kidz will be meeting across the street (where most of you park) at Orange Grove Middle School! We will be setting up Coastal Kidz every Saturday morning at 8:30am.  We would LOVE for you to join us!  If you are interested in being a part of the Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team, respond to this email or reach out to Janet Rollins at 843-442-8299.
3. One of our favorite missions that we support here at Coastal is Operation Christmas Child (OCC) – sharing the love of Jesus and the Good News of the Gospel through gifts & supplies in a simple shoebox.  What we are asking our church (YOU) is to simply pray and ask God how many shoeboxes He wants you to fill, take home the shoeboxes we provide, pack them as a family, and then bring back your completed boxes to the church between now and Sunday, November 15th.  There will be a table in the back of our auditorium with shoeboxes ready to take home each Sunday.  This would be a GREAT opportunity for you to teach your children about generosity, the true meaning of Christmas, and the love of Jesus.  You can go to OCC’s website for a great list of suggested gifts/items for the shoeboxes.  We believe that we still have an opportunity to pack hundreds and hundreds of shoeboxes and share the love of Jesus with children all around the world!  Pray about how many boxes your family would be willing to pack, step out in faith, grab a few shoeboxes on Sunday, and help us do just that!
4. If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomer’s Reception is Sunday, November 8th, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service (at approximately 12:30pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people.  Childcare provided.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.
5. Interested in officially making Coastal your church family by becoming a Member?  Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, November 14th, 9am-11:30am. You can respond to this email or sign up on our website.  You can join us either in-person or online through Zoom.  
   
   P.S. This Sunday there will be a Volunteer Insert in the Bulletin for our 1st Impressions Team and our Security Team.  As more and more people make their way back to in-person worship, we’ve got to build back up our Volunteer Teams.  If you’ve served in the past, we need you!  If you’re new to Coastal, and haven’t started serving, we need you!  But let me be clear, we don’t need you simply because there are spots to fill.  We need you because Jesus said that you find LIFE by giving your LIFE away in service to others.  You see, YOU need it!  If you are interested and willing to serve, fill out the insert on Sunday or respond to this email.

Many of you probably didn’t know this, but when the sanctuary of our old building was originally built, the wooden ceiling with the large trusses with a cross carved out in the center, that ceiling went from one end of the building to the other end.  You just never saw it because it was always closed in.  Some of us were aware of it because we’ve been up in the attic.  Well, during demolition that beautiful ceiling has once again, after all these years (approximately 70 years), been “uncovered.”  In fact, if you look closely in the picture above you can see the large trusses still wrapped in the original brown paper that they were shipped in before construction back in the 1950’s!  In our new plans that space is going to be offices.  Here’s the exciting news. We’re working with our engineers and builder to leave a large portion of those ceilings open and exposed!  What a wonderful tribute to the history of this place!

You know our lives are kind of like that ceiling.  Our beauty and potential are sometimes hidden.  A few people have a seen a glimpse, but most people are unaware of what lies beneath.  But then God does His “demo” work in our hearts through His word, the Holy Spirit, and the Cross of Christ, and what God knew all along is finally revealed for all the world to see.  And that’s the journey, becoming more and more everyday as God already sees us and has seen us all along.  In fact, this Sunday I’ll be speaking about our true identity in Christ – what God says about us, who we really are.  And that’s what we need to be reminded of on a regular basis, especially in seasons of difficulty and pain and in a world of negativity like we all live in.  So I hope you’ll join us this Sunday for part 3 of “Hope in the Dark.”  Meditate on this verse as you prepare your hearts for Sunday, 1 Peter 2:9-10, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”  

Don’t forget that starting this Sunday, both of our in-person services (9:30am & 11:15am) will have Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry!  If you are interested in volunteering in Coastal Kidz in any capacity, please respond to this email or reach out to Janet Rollins at 843-442-8299.  Just like pre-COVID, our 9:30am service is definitely the larger service. If it doesn’t matter to you which service you attend, would you please consider coming to the 11:15am service.  It would help us to continue to spread people out. 

I mentioned last week that we now have a Sign Language Interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing in our 9:30am service, in-person only.  Well beginning this Sunday, it will also be available ONLINE during the 9:30am service!  If you know of any individuals who would benefit from an interpreter, please help us spread the word!

LIFE & LOVE!
(We exist to share and experience the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus with Charleston & the world!) 

Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

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 (tomorrow), October 3rd.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!  Come and join us THIS Saturday!   
   Tricounty Family Ministries –  We will be assisting with the Emergency Grocery Distribution THIS Wednesday, October 7th, from 9am until 1pm.
   Soldier’s Angels – We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution NEXT Friday (1 week from today), October 9th, 8am-1pm.   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects or have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
2. Not only has construction started, but our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry has gone portable!  During construction Coastal Kidz will be meeting across the street (where most of you park) at Orange Grove Middle School! We will be setting up Coastal Kidz every Saturday morning at 8:30am.  We would LOVE for you to join us!  If you are interested in being a part of the Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team, respond to this email or reach out to Janet Rollins at 843-442-8299.
3. One of our favorite missions that we support here at Coastal is Operation Christmas Child (OCC).  Well, because of COVID-19, OCC is going to look a little different this year at Coastal.  We will not be having our big “Wrapping & Packing Party.”  Instead our OCC Team here at Coastal and a few other volunteers will pack & wrap boxes with the current gifts/supplies we already have on hand (You can sign up on your Connect Card to be a part of that Team).  From this point forward, what we are asking our church is to simply take home the shoeboxes we provide and pack them as a family and then bring back your completed boxes to the church between now and Sunday, November 15th.  Weather permitting there will be a table right outside our building with shoeboxes ready to take home each Sunday.  This would be a GREAT opportunity for you to teach your children about generosity, the true meaning of Christmas, and the love of Jesus.  You can go to OCC’s website for a great list of suggested gifts/items for the shoeboxes.  Different is not bad.  We really believe that we still have an opportunity to pack hundreds and hundreds of shoeboxes and share the love of Jesus with children all around the world!  Pray about how many boxes your family would be willing to pack, step out in faith, grab a few shoeboxes on Sunday, and help us do just that!
4. LIFE Groups have started!!  But it’s still not too late to join one!  Go online right now and check out the Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalogand sign up for a Group today!  And yes, you can sign up for multiple groups.  There are a variety of groups (both in-person and/or online) on almost every day of the week.  YOU NEED THIS!  WE NEED THIS!  So check them out and join one today!
5. As a part of the series (“Hope in the Dark”), we’re providing a daily devotional (5 days a week) and a weekly memory verse for the duration of the series as we read, study, and pray through 1 Peter together as a church. If you haven’t already done so, sign up for the devotional (it will be emailed to you daily)!  I really believe this is going to be a great study and a great series for our church and our community!  As always, invite and bring a friend to Coastal – either in-person or online.
   
   P.S. Attention Ladies!  Have you ever walked through a season where you just felt stuck? You’re invited to an in-person watch party of the “Dare to Be” Women’s Event at the church THIS Sunday, October 4th at 8pm as Charlotte Gambill & Natalie Grant help us discover that God has already given us what we need to MOVE BEYOND!  And, guess what?  Our church has paid the ticket price for this event, so it’s FREE to you and anyone who wants to attend. Invite and bring a friend, a co-worker, a neighbor, or a family member that needs a moment to reconnect and recharge in an evening of worship and Bible Study lead by women, for women of all ages.  For more information or to RSVP, please reach out to Rachel Speer or Dawn Judd.

We just want to let everyone know that beginning THIS SUNDAY, October 4th, our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry (Birth-5th Grade) is available in BOTH MORNING SERVICES – 9:30am & 11:15am!  And of course, don’t forget that Coastal Kidz is now meeting across the street (conveniently where you park) at Orange Grove Middle School.  If you’re concerned at all about social distancing, the 11:15am service is definitely the better service to attend.  In fact, if it doesn’t matter to you, we’re encouraging you to come to  the 11:15am service to help alleviate the crowd in the 9:30am service.

One vitally important part of Coastal Kidz being portable right now during construction is our Coastal Kidz Set-up Team!  Each Saturday at 8:30am a group of volunteers meet at our storage container behind Orange Grove Middle School to unload and set-up all of our equipment.  It usually takes about 45 minutes.  And then every Sunday immediately after both services we take everything down and pack it back up.  WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS MINISTRY!  If you are interested in serving in this Ministry, simply respond to this email or reach out to Janet Rollins at 843-442-8299.

Also, for those of you with children who are watching our Sunday Services online, please take advantage of Coastal Kidz Online!  In fact, I don’t know if you know this or not, but Coastal Kidz Online is updated each week with the same lesson our children are learning in-person.  So whether you’re at home, out of town, or sick, it’s a great way stay up with your child’s class and keep them engaged. 

LIFE & LOVE! 
Pastor Chris

P.S.  This Saturday our Coastal Kidz Set-up Team will be one of our Saturday ServeProjects!  So meet in the church Welcome Center this Saturday at 8:30am!

It’s been quite a whirlwind of a week around here at Coastal!  Hopefully, you’ve heard by now that construction has begun on our new facility!  And by construction, I mean interior demolition and outside site work.  It’s all so surreal watching the walls come down, thinking about all the memories and lives changed in these rooms.  However, it gets me excited thinking about the future, all the new memories that will be made, and lives that will be changed for generations to come!  And by the way, none of this could be done without YOU and your faithful generous giving! 

Not only has construction started, but our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry has gone portable!  During construction Coastal Kidz will be meeting across the street (where most of you park) at Orange Grove Middle School! We will be setting up Coastal Kidz every Saturday morning at 8:30am.  We would LOVE for you to join us!  If you are interested in being a part of the Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team,   respond to this email or reach out to Janet Rollins at 843-442-8299.

You might have noticed that we now have a Sign Language Interpreter for the deaf and hearing impaired in our 9:30am service!  Our interpreter is Marissa Py.  Marissa and her husband Jordan and their family have been coming to Coastal in person since the beginning of the Summer.  If you see her on Sunday, thank her for her ministry and welcome them to Coastal!  If you know of any individuals who would benefit from an interpreter, please help us spread the word!

Don’t forget that we now have both of our Sunday morning worship services (9:30am & 11:15am) open for in-person worship.  Our 9:30am service is the only service with Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry, BUT we’re adding Coastal Kidz to the 11:15am service NEXT Sunday, October 4th.  If you are interested in volunteering in Coastal Kidz in any capacity, please respond to this email or reach out to Janet Rollins at 843-442-8299.  Just like pre-COVID, our 9:30am service is the larger service. If it doesn’t matter to you which service you attend, would you please consider coming to the 11:15am service.  It would help us to continue to spread people out. 

LIFE & LOVE!
(We exist to share and experience the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus with Charleston & the world!) 

Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

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 NEXT Saturday, October 3rd.  We meet in the Welcome Center/Cafe, project leaders make a “pitch” for their serving opportunity, and then we serve!  Come and join us next Saturday!   
   Tricounty Family Ministries –  We will be assisting with the Emergency Grocery Distribution.on on Wednesday, October 7th, from 9am until 1pm.
   Soldier’s Angels – We’ll be helping with the Veteran’s Mobile Food Distribution on Friday, October 9th, 8am-1pm.   If you are interested in serving in any of these projects or have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
2. We need your help! Our church is collecting new or used back packs, heavy duty bags, or small suit cases on wheels. We regularly help out Tricounty Family Ministries with their Wednesday meal distribution. If you have a car, you pretty much can take as much food as you can load into your vehicle. However, if you’re homeless and without a car, you can only take what you can carry. They are given grocery bags, but come on, have you seen grocery bags lately? Not very sturdy. This is a simple fix. So if you’ve got old gym bags, back packs, sturdy bags, or small suit cases on wheels laying around, bring them to church this Sunday, September 27th! We’ll have a tent & table to drop them off and we’ll take it from there! Thanks in advance for your generosity!
3. One of our favorite missions that we support here at Coastal is Operation Christmas Child (OCC).  Well, because of COVID-19, OCC is going to look a little different this year at Coastal.  We will not be having our big “Wrapping & Packing Party.”  Instead our OCC Team here at Coastal and a few other volunteers will pack & wrap boxes with the current gifts/supplies we already have on hand (You can sign up on your Connect Card to be a part of that Team).  From this point forward, what we are asking our church is to simply take home the shoeboxes we provide and pack them as a family and then bring back your completed boxes to the church between now and Sunday, November 15th.  Weather permitting there will be a table right outside our building with shoeboxes ready to take home each Sunday.  This would be a GREAT opportunity for you to teach your children about generosity, the true meaning of Christmas, and the love of Jesus.  You can go to OCC’s website for a great list of suggested gifts/items for the shoeboxes.  Different is not bad.  We really believe that we still have an opportunity to pack hundreds and hundreds of shoeboxes and share the love of Jesus with children all around the world!  Pray about how many boxes your family would be willing to pack, step out in faith, grab a few shoeboxes on Sunday, and help us do just that!
4. LIFE Groups have started!!  But it’s still not too late to join one!  Go online right now and check out the Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalogand sign up for a Group today!  And yes, you can sign up for multiple groups.  There are a variety of groups (both in-person and/or online) on almost every day of the week.  YOU NEED THIS!  WE NEED THIS!  So check them out and join one today!
5. As a part of the series (“Hope in the Dark”), we’re providing a daily devotional (5 days a week) and a weekly memory verse for the duration of the series as we read, study, and pray through 1 Peter together as a church. If you haven’t already done so, sign up for the devotional (it will be emailed to you daily)!  I really believe this is going to be a great study and a great series for our church and our community!  As always, invite and bring a friend to Coastal – either in-person or online.
   
   P.S. Attention Ladies!  Have you ever walked through a season where you just felt stuck? You’re invited to an in-person watch party of the “Dare to Be” Women’s Event on Sunday, October 4th at 8pm as Charlotte Gambill & Natalie Grant help us discover that God has already given us what we need to MOVE BEYOND!  And, guess what?  Our church has paid the ticket price for this event, so it’s FREE to you and anyone who wants to attend. Invite and bring a friend, a co-worker, a neighbor, or a family member that needs a moment to reconnect and recharge in an evening of worship and Bible Study lead by women, for women of all ages.  For more information or to RSVP, please reach out to Rachel Speer or Dawn Judd.

It’s been such an exciting and emotional week here at Coastal!  Our construction project has officially started!  This week and next week is all about site work and demolition – tearing down all the interior ceilings and walls of our existing Coastal Kidz Building and putting up all the silt fencing and tree barricades. You can go to my Facebook page for pictures!  It’s exciting because it’s something that we’ve prayed about, talked about, and planned for almost 2 years now!  It’s exciting because it’s always fun to see new construction!  It’s exciting because very few churches, organizations, or businesses would do what we’re doing on the heels of a national shutdown and during a pandemic!  But God is faithful, and this church is thriving!  It’s emotional because we’ve been in this current building for 16 years.  It’s emotional because of the miraculous way God provided our building in the first place (ask me that story).  It’s emotional because of the many memories and stories associated with the old building.  It’s emotional because I’m overwhelmed with gratitude when I think about the generosity and sacrificial giving of our church that makes this possible.  Here’s what I said to our onsite General Contractor this week, “This is personal for me.  I’m not some guy in a long line of Pastors hired and fired by a local church.  My wife and I started this church 30 years ago.  This is our Baby.  This is our family.”  That’s why it’s been an exciting and emotional week!

So here’s what I’m going to ask you to do this week to mark the beginning of this project and all the excitement that goes along with it.  I’m asking you to give.  I don’t care how much you give, just give something above and beyond your regular giving specifically toward this project, this week.  Many of you have already made a specific 3 year “Daring Faith” giving commitment above and beyond your regular giving.  Give something toward that commitment this week.  Again, the amount doesn’t matter – $1, $10, $100, $1000, $10,000 or more.  Your giving is a tangible way to give thanks to God, to express your excitement and support, and to walk and give by faith.  Here’s what I’ve learned over the past 30 years as your Pastor: when together the whole church gives and walks by faith, that’s when God shows up and does a miracle.  I know this is late notice.  I know I haven’t prepared you in advance for this.  But it’s just something I felt led by God to ask of you – to give.  DO NOT worry about the amount.  However you give – online, TEXT (843-277-8337), App, Offering Envelope, check – simply use the keyword “Daring Faith.”  If you’re TEXTing to give, “daringfaith” is all one word, no spaces.  

Don’t forget that we now have both of our Sunday morning worship services (9:30am & 11:15am) open for in-person worship.  However, our 9:30am service is the only service with Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry (probably until sometime in October).  And speaking of Coastal Kidz, beginning THIS Sunday, September 20th, Coastal Kidz will be meeting across the street (where most of you park) at Orange Grove Middle School! We will be setting up Coastal Kidz tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 8:30am.  If you are interested in being a part of the Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team, respond to this email or reach out to Janet Rollins at 843-442-8299.

I love you Coastal and I love being your Pastor!  

Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Upcoming Outreach Projects:
   Sububan Hotel Tailgate  We’re sending a tailgating team to the Suburban Hotel in North Charleston on Saturday, 9/19 (tomorrow). We meet at Coastal at 10am. We will be serving hamburgers and hotdogs to veterans and those who are transitioning from One80 Place into permanent housing. Help us to establish relationships with people who have never experienced the love of the church or of Jesus. The project will be completed by 1pm.  
   Tricounty Family Ministries  Interested in helping families in need? We’re serving with Tricounty Family Ministries on Wednesday, September 23^rd from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. We will be assisting with the Emergency Grocery Distribution. We will be assisting many of the same people we serve at the North Charleston Tailgate at Saturday Serve. Tricounty Family Ministries is an organization that desperately needs volunteers!  You can sign up for this project on your Connect Card on Sunday. 
   If you are interested in serving in either of these projects or have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
2. Don’t forget that simply because you are a part of the Coastal family, ALL of Dave Ramsey’s best selling resources and tools are available to you FREE for 1 year!  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. You have access to everything for an entire year at your own pace, on your own schedule.  Here’s the link:  https://www.financialpeace.com/hosts/coastalcommunity?pc=94671724.  Sign up today!  We want to be known as a generous church, and we also want to do everything we can to equip our church and community to experience true financial peace in these difficult times! 
3. One of our favorite missions that we support here at Coastal is Operation Christmas Child (OCC).  Well, because of COVID-19, OCC is going to look a little different this year at Coastal.  We will not be having our big “Wrapping & Packing Party.”  Instead our OCC Team here at Coastal and a few other volunteers will pack & wrap boxes with the current gifts/supplies we already have on hand (you can sign up on your Connect Card to be a part of that Team).  From this point forward, what we are asking our church is to simply take home the shoeboxes we provide and pack them as a family and then bring back your completed boxes to the church between now and Sunday, November 15th.  Weather permitting there will be a table right outside our building with shoeboxes ready to take home each Sunday.  This would be a GREAT opportunity for you to teach your children about generosity, the true meaning of Christmas, and the love of Jesus.  You can go to OCC’s website for a great list of suggested gifts/items for the shoeboxes.  Different is not bad.  We really believe that we still have an opportunity to pack hundreds and hundreds of shoeboxes and share the love of Jesus with children all around the world!  Pray about how many boxes your family would be willing to pack, step out in faith, grab a few shoeboxes on Sunday, and help us do just that!
4. LIFE Groups start this coming week!!  If you haven’t already done so, go online right now and check out the Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalogand sign up for a Group today!  And yes, you can sign up for multiple groups.  There are a variety of groups (both in-person and/or online) on almost every day of the week.  YOU NEED THIS!  WE NEED THIS!  So check them out and starting signing up!
5. We begin a new series THIS Sunday, September 20th, called, “Hope in the Dark.”  We’ll be preaching through the book of 1 Peter.  As a part of the series, we’re going to provide a daily devotional (5 days a week) and a weekly memory verse for the duration of the series as we read, study, and pray through 1 Peter together as a church. If you haven’t already done so, sign up for the devotional (it will be emailed to you daily)!  I really believe this is going to be a great study and a great series for our church and our community!  As always, invite and bring a friend to Coastal – either in-person or online.
   
   P.S. Beginning this Sunday, and during the duration of our construction project, no one will be able to park or drive down the first drive (the old building) of our campus.  It will now be a “Construction Only” drive & parking.  Please park across the street at Orange Grove Middle School or even at Oakland Elementary School.

Well, I’ve got some exciting news to announce!  Late yesterday afternoon, I finally received the email I had been waiting on.  After much, much prayer and a long and sometimes difficult process, we are ready to start construction on our new facility!!  In fact, this next week will be our final week in our old building (Coastal Kidz & Offices) as we know it.  The pre-construction site work all begins next week (silt fencing, tree protection, barricades, etc).  And then the following week, the week of September 21st, the demolition begins!  All of which means that this Sunday, September 13th, is the last week of Coastal Kidz in our old building.  Beginning next Sunday, September 20th, Coastal Kidz will be meeting across the street (where most of you park) at Orange Grove Middle School.  We will be setting up Coastal Kidz next Saturday, September 19th, at 8:30am.  If you are interested in being a part of the Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team, respond to this email or reach out to Janet Rollinsat 843-442-8299.  This also means that all this next week our Pastors and Staff will be moving everything we are keeping in our old building into our old auditorium for temporary storage.  If you have some availability this week and would like to volunteer to help us in this process, simply respond to this email.  And if you are new to Coastal and have no idea what we’re about to do, please go to our Daring Faith page on our website.

Buildings are simply tools.  But I really believe that our new facility will serve as a beautiful symbol in our community that even during a season where it seems as if everything has been on hold, or worse, fading away or dying, that God is not finished with us. There is hope and new life!  Coastal we are here to stay, leaving a legacy for future generations!  Regardless of our circumstances, our mission has not changed – to share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and world!  And we will not be distracted or diverted from that mission!  This new facility is simply a tool to carry out that mission – a symbol of a growing church that chooses to keep walking by faith!

Don’t forget that starting THISSunday September 13thwe are opening up our 11:15am service for in-person worship along with our 9:30am service.  We’ve been monitoring our numbers and our capacity for social distancing in just the one in-person service at 9:30am.  As a result of that and a desire to help make people feel comfortable finding a seat, we are opening up the 11:15am service.  If you are concerned at all with being in a crowd or if this is your first time returning back to in-person worship, the 11:15am service would be the perfect service for you. 

However, for the month of September (13th, 20th, 27th) there will only be Coastal Kidz (our Children’s Ministry) in the 9:30am service.  As more and more people continue to return, including our volunteers, we’ll open up our Children’s Ministry for both services (hopefully in October).  Also, please keep in mind that our church will continue to follow the City of Charleston’s mask mandate. If you don’t have a mask, we will gladly provide one as you enter.  But most importantly, we will continue to show grace, kindness, and love to everyone.  As always, if you’re sick, immunocompromised, or caring for those who are, PLEASE stay home and watch our services online.

Don’t worry – we will continue to offer ALL of our services online at 9:30am, 11:15am, and 6pm.  If you miss a service, you can easily catch up on our Facebook page or our YouTube Channel.  But, and this is important – whether you’re in-person or online, stay ENGAGED!  We need each other now more than ever before.   And the best way to stay engaged is through our LIFE Groups.  If you haven’t already done so, go online right now and check out the Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalogand sign up for a Group today!  And yes, you can sign up for multiple groups.  There are a variety of groups (both in-person and/or online) on almost every day of the week.  Groups start in just one more week – the week of September 20th!  YOU NEED THIS!  WE NEED THIS!  So check them out and starting signing up!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Upcoming Outreach Projects: Sign up on your Connect Card to help at Lowcountry Orphan Relief on Friday 9/18 from 9-11am or at the Suburban Hotel Tailgate on 9/19 from 10am-1pm.  Come make an IMPACT in our community by being the hands and feet of Jesus!  If you have any questions about these projects, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
2. Don’t forget that simply because you are a part of the Coastal family, ALL of Dave Ramsey’s best selling resources and tools available to you FREE for 1 year!  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. You have access to everything for an entire year at your own pace, on your own schedule.  Here’s the link:  https://www.financialpeace.com/hosts/coastalcommunity?pc=94671724.  Sign up today!  We want to be known as a generous church, and we also want to do everything we can to equip our church and community to experience true financial peace in these difficult times!  
3. Waves Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) is back!  The first three weeks of the month are going to be strictly small groups meeting at a couple of different locations. We are encouraging ALL students to jump in to one of these groups and starting connecting again with other students and leaders. As we begin to see which groups are working out best (time & location-wise) for students, we might combine and shift the groups. We will keep you updated weekly on what the groups are looking like and have even opened up a poll on our Waves Instagram to allow students to let us know which group they plan on attending. The groups are listed on our website and on WAVES Student Ministry Instagram.  On the 4^th week of the month we are going to have a semi-normal Wednesday meeting and all joining together for a time of fellowship and worship.  For more information or to answer any of your questions, please reach out to Pastor Ryan Spell at 843-442-8985.
4. Attention all Coastal women & friends: Chosen Women’s Conference is going VIRTUAL for the first time ever, and Coastal is hosting a watch party on Thursday, September 17 (7:00–9:00 pm) and Friday, September 18 (7–9:30 pm). What is Chosen? It’s a live-worship, guest-speaker, community-building, faith-strengthening event designed specifically to equip and empower women of all ages to walk in the freedom God has given us. 2020 guest speakers include Christine Caine, Irene Rollins and Wendy Perez. Tickets can be purchased at www.chosenwomensconference.com. RSVP for the Coastal Watch Party to Rachel Speer rachel@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
5. What’s your Next Step here at Coastal?  If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomer’s Reception is THIS Sunday, September 13th, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service (at approximately 12:30pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people.  Childcare provided.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  Or maybe your next step is officially making Coastal your church family by becoming a Member.  Our next Membership Class is Monday evening, September 14th, 6pm-8:30pm. You can respond to this email or sign up on our website.  For both the Newcomer’s Reception and the Membership Class, you can join us either in-person or online through Zoom. 
   
   P.S. On Sunday, September 20th (next week), we kick off our new Fall Sermon Series called, “Hope in the Dark.”  We’ll be preaching through the book of 1 Peter.  As a part of the series, we’re going to provide a daily devotional (5 days a week) and a weekly memory verse for the duration of the series as we read, study, and pray through 1 Peter together as a church. If you haven’t already done so, sign up for the devotional (it will be emailed to you daily)!  I really believe this is going to be a great study and a great series for our church and our community!  As always, invite and bring a friend to Coastal – either in-person or online.

We announced it two weeks ago and now it’s here – your pathway to financial freedom!  Our church has purchased a site license for something called, “Dave Ramsey+”.  What that means is that starting today you have access to ALL of Dave Ramsey’s best selling resources and tools FREE for 1 year!  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.  If you were to sign up for this on your own it would cost $130.  NOT NOW!  All of that and more will be FREE for our entire church!  You’ll have access to everything for an entire year at your own pace, on your own schedule.  Simply go to this linkand sign up today!

We see this as an investment in you, your finances, and your future!  It’s also a way to practically express our generosity and love toward you and our community and to be a real source of help.  Think about it – what if you had gone into the “shutdown” debt free and with money in the bank?  What if you could have hope for your life, including your finances? That’s what Dave Ramsey+ is all about – giving you a plan and hope so you can experience financial peace.

I hope you’re as excited about this as I am.  And more importantly, I hope you’ll sign up and access the material.  We want to be known as a generous church and we also want to do everything we can to equip our church and community to experience true financial peace in these difficult times! 

Again, here is the link:  https://www.financialpeace.com/hosts/coastalcommunity?pc=94671724

I Love You & I Love Being Your Pastor!
Pastor Chris

P.S. We are offering a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Virtual LIFE Group (sign up today!) this semester.  You’ll watch the videos on your own and then each week (Tuesday’s at 7pm) we’ll meet together on Zoom for discussion and accountability.  But this year, all the resources are FREE!  However, you don’t have to sign up for the Group to have access to all the material.

We have two more weeks in our “Summer Reading” sermon series – this Sunday and next Sunday.  And we’re closing it out with two great books – “Dream Big” by Bob Goff and “Parenting” by David Paul Tripp.  But on Sunday, September 20th, we kick off a new series that couldn’t come at a better time.  It’s called, “Hope in the Dark.”  We’re actually going to be preaching through the book of 1 Peter for this series.  The New Testament book of 1 Peter was written to Jewish Christians who had been driven out of Jerusalem by extreme persecution and now were scattered all over the world.  Throughout the Roman Empire, Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith.  To say that they were crushed, overwhelmed, and devastated would be an understatement.  So Peter wrote to these scattered, suffering Christians to try to give them hope and comfort, urging them to remain loyal to Jesus.  And it’s a message that could have easily been written for us today.  As the world in which we live seems to get darker and darker and more evil and opposed to Christianity, so many people today are feeling crushed and overwhelmed and have lost hope.  We need to be reminded that ultimately, this world is not our home, that we’re called to rise above this world and our circumstances, and that no one can steal our hope.  

Well, if any of that resonates with you, “Hope in the Dark” is going to be a powerful way to finish out 2020. As a part of the series, we’re going to provide a daily devotional (5 days a week) and a weekly memory verse for the duration of the series as we read, study, and pray through 1 Peter together as a church. In fact, you can sign up for the devotional (it will be emailed to you daily) today!  I really believe it’s going to be a great study and a great series for our church and our community!  As always, reach out to your “one”, your friends, neighbors, co-workers, people in your sphere of influence and invite them to Coastal.  People everywhere are looking for hope.  They are not going to find it in anything this world has to offer.  But hope has a name – Jesus!  And our mission is to point people to Him – to be ambassadors of hope! 

Only 2 more weeks until our LIFE Groups start!  If you haven’t done so already, go online and check out our Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalogand sign up today!  And yes, you can sign up for multiple groups.  There are a variety of groups (both in-person and/or online) on almost every day of the week.  Groups start the week of September 20th!

And don’t forget we only have 1 in-person service this Sunday, September 6th at 9:30am.  But beginning next Sunday, September 13th, there will be 2 in-person services – 9:30am and 11:15am.  Children’s Ministry will only be offered during the 9:30am service for right now.  As always, all services will continue to be online.  Have a great Labor Day Weekend!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Saturday Serve is THIS Saturday (tomorrow), September 5th!  We meet at the church at 8:30am.  The leaders of the different service projects give a quick “pitch” of their project, we pray, and then we disburse to go serve!  It’s that simple.  You just show up, choose, and serve.  All projects are typically finished before lunchtime, so it’s not a sacrifice of your entire Saturday.  Come make an IMPACT in our community by being the hands and feet of Jesus!  If you have any questions about Saturday Serve or ideas for future projects, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
2. Don’t forget to check your in-box on Tuesday, September 8th!  We will be sharing an access code that makes ALL of Dave Ramsey’s best selling resources and tools available to our entire church FREE for 1 year!  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. You’ll have access to everything for an entire year at your own pace, on your own schedule.  So be on the lookout for the link and access code this Tuesday, September 8th!  We want to be known as a generous church, and we also want to do everything we can to equip our church and community to experience true financial peace in these difficult times!  
3. Waves Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) is back!  The first three weeks of the month are going to be strictly small groups meeting at a couple of different locations. We are encouraging ALL students to jump in to one of these groups and starting connecting again with other students and leaders. As we begin to see which groups are working out best (time & location-wise) for students, we might combine and shift the groups. We will keep you updated weekly on what the groups are looking like and have even opened up a poll on our Waves Instagram to allow students to let us know which group they plan on attending. The groups are listed on our website and instagram.  On the 4^th week of the month we are going to have a semi-normal Wednesday meeting and all joining together for a time of fellowship and worship. Our goal in all of this is to get back to large group gatherings on Wednesday nights. However, we do believe with so much still up in the air, especially with school starting back this coming week, that it would be best to maintain as much social distancing and precaution as we possibly can.  For more information or to answer any of your questions, please reach out to Pastor Ryan Spell at 843-442-8985.
4. Attention all Coastal women & friends: Chosen Women’s Conference is going VIRTUAL for the first time ever, and Coastal is hosting a watch party on Thursday, September 17 (7:00–9:00 pm) and Friday, September 18 (7–9:30 pm). What is Chosen? It’s a live-worship, guest-speaker, community-building, faith-strengthening event designed specifically to equip and empower women of all ages to walk in the freedom God has given us. 2020 guest speakers include Christine Caine, Irene Rollins and Wendy Perez. Tickets can be purchased at www.chosenwomensconference.com. RSVP for the Coastal Watch Party to Rachel Speer rachel@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
5. What’s your Next Step here at Coastal?  If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomer’s Reception is Sunday, September 13th, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service (at approximately 12:30pm).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people.  Childcare provided.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  Or maybe your next step is officially making Coastal your church family by becoming a Member.  Our next Membership Class is Monday evening, September 14th, 6pm-8:30pm. You can respond to this email or sign up on our website.  For both the Newcomer’s Reception and the Membership Class, you can join us either in-person or online through Zoom.
   
   P.S. As always, there are lots of serving opportunities at Coastal:  On Wednesday, September 9^th Coastal will be serving with Tricounty Family Ministriesassisting with the Emergency Grocery Distribution from 9am-12:30pm.  On Friday, September 11th, 8am-1pm, Coastal will be sending a team to serve local veterans in need at the Soldiers Angels-Veteran Mobile Food Distribution.  You can sign-up for either opportunity on your Connect Card this Sunday or simply reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at chrisjones@coastalcommunitychurch.org for more info!

I hope you and your family are all having a great week and a great Friday!  I’ve had a little bit of a strange week – my wife Janet has been gone this week seeing her mom in North Georgia, so I’ve been “bach-ing” it.  She drives home today, so please keep her travels in your prayers.  Because of COVID-19 she hasn’t seen her mom since January.  I know there are so many of you who are or have been in that same boat.  Please know that you continue to be in our prayers!  And speaking of prayers, I can’t say enough good things about our online night of Prayer and Worship.  Our Worship Team, Tech Team, and Prayer Team all worked together to create a very powerful experience.  I hope you and your family were blessed.  And how about our Beach Baptism this past Sunday night (see picture above)?!  We baptized 8 people!

As always, there are so many great things happening at Coastal right now that I want to share with you!  First of all, our Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalog is now available!  For those of you who didn’t pick up a physical copy on Sunday, don’t worry.  We’ll be mailing one out this week.  But the easiest thing to do is simply go to our website, check out all the groups and sign up today!  And yes, you can sign up for multiple groups.  There are a variety of groups (both in-person and/or online) on almost every day of the week.  Groups start the week of September 20th!  YOU NEED THIS!  WE NEED THIS!  So check them out and starting signing up!

We had our Preconstruction Meeting this week with the City of Charleston for our new building!  In fact, this coming week we meet with the Project Manager with Hill Construction.  All of which means that site work will start soon (tree fencing, barricades, etc.), quickly followed by demolition and actually putting a big shovel in the ground!  Woohoo!  So exciting!  Trust me, we’ll be keeping you updated on everything that happens.  If you’ve forgotten what we’re doing or what you’ve been giving toward, go to our Daring Faith page on our website and check out the videos.  If you’d like to start giving toward this project and be a part of a move of God at our church and leave a legacy for future generations, simply use the key word, “daringfaith” (all one word if you’re TEXTing to give).

As school (whatever that might look like for you) gears up, you might be wondering what’s going on with our Waves Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade).  They will be kicking off the week following Labor Day, September 8th.  The first three weeks of the month our students will meet in small groups designed for their specific age and gender. The final week of the month they will all come together for a night of worship and fellowship. Even though the semester may not look like “normal,” we are excited about the opportunity for our students to grow both closer with each other and deeper in their faith. Individual groups and times are listed in our life group catalog and on our website.  If you have any questions about Student Ministry please reach out to Pastor Ryan Spell.

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Our next Saturday Serve is Saturday, September 5th!  We meet at the church at 8:30am.  The leaders of the different service projects give a quick “pitch” of their project, we pray, and then we disburse to go serve!  It’s that simple.  You just show up, choose, and serve.  All projects are typically finished before lunchtime, so it’s not a sacrifice of your entire Saturday.  Come make an IMPACT in our community by being the hands and feet of Jesus!  If you have any questions about Saturday Serve or ideas for future projects, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
2. We just announced some exciting news this week!  Our church has decided to purchase a site license for something called, “Dave Ramsey+”.  What that means is that beginning Tuesday, September 8th, we will share an access code that makes ALL of Dave Ramsey’s best selling resources and tools available to our entire church FREE for 1 year!  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. You’ll have access to everything for an entire year at your own pace, on your own schedule.  So be on the lookout for the link and access code on September 8th!  We want to be known as a generous church, and we also want to do everything we can to equip our church and community to experience true financial peace in these difficult times! 
3. It’s hard to believe that it’s back – it’s time to start stacking and packing chairs after our service on Sunday and then setting them up again for church on Saturday mornings (tomorrow) at 9:30am.  It’s a great way to serve, meet some other people, and even get in some exercise.  If you’re looking for more of a “behind the scenes” way to do all those things and get involved at Coastal, this is it.  With approximately 10 people it only takes about 30 minutes.  Ken Bartlett leads this LIFE Team.  If you would like to be a part of this Team, you can respond to this email, reach out to Ken, or simply show up & serve and introduce yourself.  For the most part, this is a task that has to happen every Saturday.  But even if you can help only once a month, that makes a huge IMPACT!
4. It’s hard to believe that it’s back – it’s time to start stacking and packing chairs after our service on Sunday and then setting them up again for church on Saturday mornings (tomorrow) at 9:30am.  It’s a great way to serve, meet some other people, and even get in some exercise.  If you’re looking for more of a “behind the scenes” way to do all those things and get involved at Coastal, this is it.  With approximately 10 people it only takes about 30 minutes.  Ken Bartlett leads this LIFE Team.  If you would like to be a part of this Team, you can respond to this email, reach out to Ken, or simply show up & serve and introduce yourself.  For the most part, this is a task that has to happen every Saturday.  But even if you can help only once a month, that makes a huge IMPACT!
5. What’s your Next Step here at Coastal?  If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception.  Our next Newcomer’s Reception is Sunday, September 13th, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 9:30am service (at approximately 10:45am).  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people.  Childcare provided.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  Or maybe your next step is officially making Coastal your church family by becoming a Member.  Our next Membership Class is Monday evening, September 14th, 6pm-8:30pm. You can respond to this email or sign up on our website.  For both the Newcomer’s Reception and the Membership Class, you can join us either in-person or online through Zoom. 
   
   P.S. Our church is throwing an online virtual Baby Shower for Ashley Hojnacki THIS Sunday, August 30th at 6pm through all of our normal online platforms (church online, website, and facebook).  For those of you who don’t know, Ashley is our church’s Office Manager.  This is Ed & Ashley’s first child.  They are having a girl – Blake Rose.  Here is a link to their registry:  https://www.babylist.com/babyhojnacki.  Gifts can still be dropped off at the church this Sunday.

These are very difficult and stressful times to say the least.  People are fearful about the future and many people feel like they are hanging on by a thread.  One of the biggest fears people are facing right now is their finances.  Many people have lost jobs and are struggling to survive.  Even if you haven’t lost your job or are on the verge of losing your home, financial stress is typically huge for most people. However, that stress is multiplied exponentially right now.

At Coastal, WE WANT TO HELP!  I’ve got some exciting news to share with you!  Our church has decided to purchase a site license for something called, “Dave Ramsey+”.  What that means is that beginning Tuesday, September 8th, we will share an access code that makes ALL of Dave Ramsey’s best selling resources and tools available to our entire church FREE for 1 year (kind of like our access to Right Now Media)!  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.  If you were to sign up for this on your own it would cost $130.  NOT NOW!  All of that and more will be FREE for our entire church!  You’ll have access to everything for an entire year at your own pace, on your own schedule.

We see this as an investment in you, your finances, and your future!  It’s a way to practically express our generosity and love toward you and our community and to be a real source of help.  Think about it – what if you had gone into the “shutdown” debt free and with money in the bank?  What if you could have hope for your life, including your finances? That’s what Dave Ramsey+ is all about – giving you a plan and hope so you can experience financial peace.

By the way, we are offering a Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Virtual LIFE Group (sign up today!) this semester.  You’ll watch the videos on your own and then each week (Tuesday’s at 7pm) we’ll meet together on Zoom for discussion and accountability.  But this year, all the resources are FREE!  However, you don’t have to sign up for the Group to have access to all the material.  We will give you the link and make it available, starting Tuesday, September 8th (the day after Labor Day).  

So be on the lookout for the link and access code on September 8th!  I hope you’re as excited about this as I am.  And more importantly, I hope you’ll access the material.  We want to be known as a generous church and we also want to do everything we can to equip our church and community to experience true financial peace in these difficult times!  

I Love You & I Love Being Your Pastor!
Pastor Chris

P.S.  If you are excited about this, I’d love to hear from you!  Simply respond to this email.

There are so many great things happening this weekend here at Coastal that I’m excited to share with you!  First of all, TONIGHT at 7:30pm we’re having our online night of prayer & worship!  Let me clarify, this is ONLINE ONLY.  The only people who will be “in-person” or in the building will be our Worship Team, Tech Team, several members of Prayer Team, and our Pastors.   For everyone else, this is an online service. Simply tune in to any of our normal online platforms (church online, facebook, YouTube) and engage with your church family.  Now, more than ever before, as we head into the Fall and a new school year and an election and so many unknowns and fears, we need to cry out to our God and depend on Him.  In fact, we’re encouraging you to leave a comment and submit your prayer requests online during the service.  Members of our Prayer Team will literally be on their knees praying for your prayer requests and you by name.  So join us tonight at 7:30pm!  It’s going to be a powerful night of worship and prayer!!

And then this Sunday, at 5pm out at Folly Beach County Park, we’re having our end of the Summer Beach Baptism!  Come out early and make it a fun day for your entire family!  If you are interested in being Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or go to our website and sign up online.  Even if you’re not being Baptized, make plans to come out to the beach with your friends and family and celebrate with those who are!  Especially for those of you who have not yet joined us “in-person”, this is a great way to fellowship outside and make it a fun day for the whole family!

Oh and one other big thing this weekend – our Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalogis now available online!  The physical catalog will be available in-person on Sunday, and we’ll also be mailing it out to everyone.  As always, there are multiple ways to sign up for a group (online, on your Connect Card, or at the LIFE Group Tables starting next Sunday), but you only have to sign up one time, one way.  And yes, you can sign up for multiple groups.  There are a variety of groups (both in-person and/or online) on almost every day of the week.  YOU NEED THIS!  WE NEED THIS!  We were made for community, for connections, to do LIFE with people.  And the primary way for that to happen at Coastal is through LIFE Teams (serving/volunteering) and LIFE Groups (relationships).  The majority of our LIFE Groups all begin the week of September 20th (one month away).  So check them all out this weekend and starting signing up!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Coastal continues to serve and love our neighbors in the community.  Here are two opportunities next week where you can Make an Impact!  On Wednesday, August 26^th from 9:15am until 1pm, we’re partnering with Tricounty Family Ministriesassisting with their Emergency Grocery Distribution.  Many of Tricounty Family Ministries’ clients are the same people our church serves at the North Charleston Tailgate and our monthly Saturday Serve.  Also on Friday, August 28^th from 10am until 12noon, we’re teaming up again with Lowcountry Orphan Relief in their distribution center. You will have the opportunity to assist several local children in crisis situations. If you would like to join the team, sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday, respond to this email, or contact Pastor Chris Jones at chrisjones@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
2. Attention all LIFE Group Leaders, Assistants,& Hosts: LIFE Group Leader Training dates (online or in-person) are either (choose one): Tuesday, 8/25, 6pm-8pm OR Saturday, 8/29, 9-11am.  Please select a training date and sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, respond to this email, or connect with Pastor Scott Huff.
3. It’s hard to believe that it’s back – it’s time to start stacking and packing chairs after our service on Sunday and then setting them up again for church on Saturday mornings at 9:30am.  Chair Set-up starts tomorrow (Saturday) at 9:30am!  It’s a great way to serve, meet some other people, and even get in some exercise.  If you’re looking for more of a “behind the scenes” way to do all those things and get involved at Coastal, this is it.  With approximately 10 people it only takes about 30 minutes.  Ken Bartlett leads this LIFE Team.  If you would like to be a part of this Team, you can respond to this email, reach out to Ken, or simply show up & serve and introduce yourself.  For the most part, this is a task that has to happen every Saturday.  But even if you can help only once a month, that makes a huge IMPACT!
4. Attention all Coastal women & friends: Chosen Women’s Conference is going VIRTUAL for the first time ever, and Coastal is hosting a watch party on Thursday, September 17 (7:00–9:00 pm) and Friday, September 18 (7–9:30 pm). What is Chosen? It’s a live-worship, guest-speaker, community-building, faith-strengthening event designed specifically to equip and empower women of all ages to walk in the freedom God has given us. 2020 guest speakers include Christine Caine, Irene Rollins and Wendy Perez. Tickets can be purchased at www.chosenwomensconference.com. RSVP for the Coastal Watch Party to Rachel Speer rachel@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
5. To build a stronger online community we are seeking volunteers to join the Online Engagement Team. This team of volunteers will connect with our online members and guests in the chat during the 9:30am, 11:15am, and 6:00pm services. Training will be provided. You’ll have the opportunity to choose the service time and the date to serve. You’ll also choose the platform to serve on. The main emphasis of the Online Engagement Team is to meet and greet those who are online, answer questions, and make those who are tuning in feel welcome.  It’s an easy and fun way to make an impact while serving here at Coastal (or while home during this season of social distancing). If you are interested in serving on this Team or have any questions, you can respond to this email or reach out to Chris Jones – 843-870-4613. 
   
   P.S. Our church is throwing an online virtual Baby Shower for Ashley Hojnacki on Sunday, August 30th at 6pm through all of our normal online platforms (church online, website, and facebook).  For those of you who don’t know, Ashley is our church’s Office Manager.  This is Ed & Ashley’s first child.  They are having a girl – Blake Rose.  Here is a link to their registry:  https://www.babylist.com/babyhojnacki.  Gifts can be sent to their home through their online registry or dropped off at the church between now and the shower. 

I’m really excited about our online night of prayer & worship next Friday night, August 21st, at 7:30pm!  Our staff, worship & tech team have all been working hard to make this an impactful evening. Simply tune in to any of our normal online platforms and engage with your church family.  Now, more than ever before, as we head into the Fall and a new school year and so many unknowns and fears, we need to cry out to our God and depend on Him.  So mark your calendars now and join your Coastal family online for worship and prayer next Friday night!!

On a personal note, our daughter Lydia and her husband Andrew have been in town this week!  They are both working remotely so they decided what better place to work than in Charleston with us!  They’ll be heading back to Tennessee tomorrow, but we’ve had a blast – laughing, grilling & cooking, and staying up late talking!  It’s been a reminder to me that while phone calls, FaceTime, and technology are all great, we also need in-person, face to face connections.  We were created for community, to do life with people.  

My encouragement to you in this difficult and stressful time is simple – leverage all the technology you can, but also seek out and cherish those face to face, in-person connections.  Like most things in life, it’s not either/or; it’s both/and.  If you are sick, immunocompromised, elderly, or caring for those who are, please continue to stay home, stay safe, and leverage all the technology you can, while seeking out and cherishing those small moments of personal, face to face interactions that you can.  We will continue to do our best to help you stay engaged.  

If you don’t fit into any of those categories and you’re going to work, taking your kids to daycare/camps and getting ready to take them to school, going to grocery stores, the beach, or eating in restaurants – you might need a gentle, loving, Pastoral nudge to get back in the habit and join us for in-person worship.  Like anything else in life, it’s easy to get out of the habit of going to church.  And yes, at Coastal we don’t just “go to church”, and no the church is not a building.  We don’t teach that and never have.  But the church is a body, and the church is called to gather or assemble and to do life with one another.  And just like an infant will experience “failure to thrive” without human contact and connections, so will followers of Jesus without community.  

So, if possible, mask up, be smart, and get back in the habit of gathering in-person for worship.  If for you it’s still not wise, stay engaged online and cherish those moments and people in your life where you can connect.  And no matter what, in-person OR online, as always at Coastal we will show love and grace to everyone, and do it all to the glory of God!  I love you, and I love what we get to do together!  I can’t wait to see you Sunday – online OR in-person!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Tomorrow is “Saturation Saturday”!  The 3rd Saturday of every month we simply encourage everyone from Coastal to pray and come up with a tangible way to serve and love your neighbor.  If you’re looking for suggestions, we have a group serving at the Lowcountry Food Bank from 9am-12noon.  Also we are taking our “Tailgate Party” over to the Suburban Hotel on Dorchester Road to feed Veterans and 180Place transitional residents.  Meet at the church at 10am to prep.  If you are interested in being a part of either of these specific opportunities, reach out to Pastor Chris Jones – 843-870-4613.  But either way, find a way to be the hands and feet of Jesus!
2. Attention all LIFE Group Leaders:  Please turn in all of your LIFE Group details to Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  LIFE Group Leader Training Dates (online or in-person) are either (choose one): Tuesday, 8/25, 6pm-8pm OR Saturday, 8/29, 9-11am.  Please select a training date and sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
3. On Sunday, August 23rd, 5pm out at Folly Beach County Park, we’re having our end of the Summer Beach Baptism!  Come out early and make it a fun day for your entire family!  If you are interested in being Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your connect card, or go to our website and sign up online.  Even if you’re not being Baptized, make plans to come out to the beach and celebrate with those who are!  Make it a fun day for the whole family!
4. Attention all Coastal women & friends: Chosen Women’s Conference is going VIRTUAL for the first time ever, and Coastal is hosting a watch party on Thursday, September 17 (7:00–9:00 pm) and Friday, September 18 (7–9:30 pm). What is Chosen? It’s a live-worship, guest-speaker, community-building, faith-strengthening event designed specifically to equip and empower women of all ages to walk in the freedom God has given us. 2020 guest speakers include Christine Caine, Irene Rollins and Wendy Perez. Tickets can be purchased at www.chosenwomensconference.com. RSVP for the Coastal Watch Party to Rachel Speer rachel@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
5. To build a stronger online community we are seeking volunteers to join the Online Engagement Team. This team of volunteers will connect with our online members and guests in the chat during the 9:30am, 11:15am, and 6:00pm services. Training will be provided. You’ll have the opportunity to choose the service time and the date to serve. You’ll also chose the platform to serve on. The main emphasis of the Online Engagement Team is to meet and greet those who are online, answer questions, and make those who are tuning in feel welcome.  It’s an easy and fun way to make an impact while serving here at Coastal (or while home during this season of social distancing). If you are interested in serving on this Team or have any questions, you can respond to this email or reach out to Chris Jones – 843-870-4613. 
   
   P.S. Our church is throwing a virtual Baby Shower for Ashley Hojnacki on Sunday, August 30th at 6pm.  We’ll give you the link and details soon.  For those of you who don’t know, Ashley is our church’s Office Manager.  This is Ed & Ashley’s first child.  They are having a girl – Blake Rose.  Here is a link to their registry:  https://www.babylist.com/babyhojnacki.

I love being a part of a church that values serving – being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community.  And this week there are multiple opportunities to serve!  We will be assisting Tricounty Family Ministries (TFM) with their Grocery Distribution tomorrow, Wednesday, August 12th, 9:45am-1pm.  TFM is a Christian, non-profit ministry providing food, clothing, medical care, counseling, job training & placement, shelter, financial assistance and other vital services to the less fortunate in the Tricounty area.  They are a one-stop shop for just about anything and everything a person might find themselves facing. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, their services have been greatly reduced. However, their Wednesday Emergency Grocery Distribution is one adaptation that has allowed them to continuously serve their clients’ need for food.  They have struggled in recent months to find volunteers. I can assure you, the staff of TFM are committed to their mission, and they are so grateful for the help we are providing.  Many of TFM clients are the same people we serve at the North Charleston Tailgate.  We’ll meet at TFM.  They are located at 2105 Cosgrove Ave. in North Charleston. 

And then this Friday, August 14th, 8am-1pm, we’ll be teaming up with the Veteran’s Administration and Soldiers’ Angels.  We will be preparing groceries for distribution and then loading them in the vehicle trunks of our local veteran heroes who need the food assistance for themselves and their families. These veterans are always grateful for Coastal being there consistently month after month.  The event is going to be held at the Elks Lodge in West Ashley (where we will meet), 1113 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.  Coastal has served on this project for the past seven months, and we’ve developed a strong relationship with this organization. This is an outdoor event that happens rain or shine so please dress accordingly.  Bottled water and snacks are provided by Soldiers’ Angels.

Be sure to wear your Coastal Making an Impact t-shirt for either of these events.  Although outside, both events require face coverings. If you are interested in being a part of either of these opportunities, or need a Coastal t-shirt, please respond to this email or reach out to Pastor Chris Jones (843) 870-4613.

This Saturday is “Saturation Saturday”!  Saturation Saturday is the 3rd Saturday of every month.  It’s an organic, church-wide effort of flooding our community with random acts of kindness.  It can be anything from restocking one of our 5 blessing boxes in the community, preparing lunch for a neighbor, purchasing a cup of coffee for a complete stranger, mowing the lawn of an elderly neighbor, or baking a batch of cookies for someone you know who is in a tough season. It can literally be any simple act of service and kindness.  You decide.  Pray about it – get creative!  The idea is to demonstrate the love of Jesus in a practical way.  It can be done alone, with your family, or even team up with another family!  And while you’re serving, wear your Coastal shirt (maybe you’ll see someone from Coastal wearing theirs).  If someone asks why you’re serving and what the meaning of the shirt is, you can simply answer, “LOVE!  We love Jesus and we love people!”  And then you can tell them about Coastal.  If you’re able, take a few pictures of whatever you decide to do and share them with us on Facebook and Instagram under #CCCSaturationSaturday.

And then of course you can always drop off non-perishable food during the week or on Sunday for our Food Bank.  You can also drop off supplies/gifts for Operation Christmas Child (the August gift is school supplies).  I love you Coastal, and I love what we get to do together – sharing and experiencing the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world! 

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

P.S.  Janet and I will be back on Facebook LIVE this Wednesday evening (tomorrow night) at 8pm from my own personal Facebook page!  In fact, we have special guests – our daughter Lydia and her husband Andrew!  We’ll be cooking a meal (and giving it away to a lucky winner), talking about all things Coastal, and as always laughing and having fun!  We would love for you to join us!

I just wanted to remind you that here at Coastal we care deeply about you and whatever it is that you might be going through.  We also believe in the power of prayer.  Each Monday morning our Pastors and Staff take the time to read through each and every prayer request submitted and lift up our church in prayer.  Feel free to simply respond to this email and share any prayer requests that you might have.  On our website, if you scroll down on our Missions page, we also have a Get Help Form where you can request assistance picking up groceries, food, or urgent supplies, a Pastoral phone call, or prayer requests.  If you need anything, please let us know.  You are not alone!

I want to let you know about a new ministry that you might be interested in joining.  As Coastal’s online presence continues to grow, our church is reaching people online from literally all over the world. You can view our services on Church Online, Facebook and on our YouTube channel. Our church has invested time, energy and money to improve our online services.  I hope you’ve noticed the investment.

If you’ve attended an online service, you are likely aware of the chat that is available on each of the platforms we use to host our services on the web. Today, our church staff monitors the chat and engages online guests at the 9:30am, 11:15am, and 6:00pm services.  On any given Sunday, the chat is filled with people who call Coastal home, those who may be new to the area, families who are searching for a new church home, individuals who are unfamiliar with the Christian-faith, as well as those who are curious and seeking. It is a great opportunity for us to share Jesus with people who otherwise may never come to church or hear the message of salvation. This is why we need your help.

Currently, our online chat is managed by one person. To build a stronger online community we are seeking volunteers to build The Online Engagement Team. This team of volunteers will connect with our online members and guests in the chat during the 9:30am, 11:15am, and 6:00pm services. Training will be provided. You’ll have the opportunity to choose the service time and the date to serve. You’ll also chose the platform to serve on. The main emphasis of the Online Engagement Team is to meet and greet those who are online, answer questions, and make those who are tuning in feel welcome.  It’s an easy and fun way to make an impact while serving here at Coastal (or while home during this season of social distancing). If you are interested in serving on this Team or have any questions, you can respond to this email or reach out to Chris Jones – 843-870-4613. 

Speaking of being online, I want to thank so many of you for continuing to be faithful, consistent, and generous in your giving!  Coastal is 100% fully funded by the generous, consistent giving our our people.  We could not do what we do without you!  And whether we gather in-person or online, the ministry and impact of Coastal never ceases.  If anything, our outreach has increased!  Your weekly gifts are a vital resource that allows us to continue the work that God has called us to do.  When you continue to give during this crisis, your gifts allow us to maintain critical ministries that many depend on.    If you need us to mail you offering envelopes, step you through online giving, or TEXT Giving (text any amount to 843-277-8337), please respond to this email or call the church office (843-571-1777).  Thank you so much for your faithfulness!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. We have two great serving opportunities this coming week!  Coastal will be assisting Tricounty Family Ministries with their Grocery Distribution on Wednesday August 12th, 9:45am-1pm.  Many of Tricounty Family Ministries’ clients are the same people we serve at the North Charleston Tailgate.  And then on Friday, August 14th, 8am-1pm, Coastal is teaming up with the Veteran’s Administration and Soldiers’ Angels to supply local low-Income veteran families with food assistance at the mobile food distribution.  If you are interested in being a part of either of these opportunities, sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday (online or in-person) or reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
2. Attention all LIFE Group Leaders:  Please turn in all of your LIFE Group details to Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  LIFE Group Leader Training Dates (online or in-person) are either (choose one): Tuesday, 8/25, 6pm-8pm OR Saturday, 8/29, 9-11am.  Please select a training date and sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.   
3. On Sunday, August 23rd, 5pm out at Folly Beach County Park, we’re having our end of the Summer Beach Baptism!  Come out early and make it a fun day for your entire family!  If you are interested in being Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your connect card, or go to our website and sign up online.  Even if you’re not being Baptized, make plans to come out to the beach and celebrate with those who are!  Make it a fun day for the whole family!
4. On Friday night, August 21st, at 7:30pm, Coastal is having an online night of worship & prayer!  Now, more than ever before, as we head into the Fall and a new school year and a divisive election and so many unknowns and fears, we need to cry out to our God and depend on Him.  So mark your calendars now and join your Coastal family online for worship and prayer!
5. The Operation Christmas Child “donation of the month” for August is school supplies!  So, while you’re picking up school supplies for your own children, pick up some extra for OCC!  We are also looking for people who might be able to temporarily store our shoeboxes (We are running out of storage space).  You can now drop off all OCC items at church on Sunday mornings or during the week. If you have any questions or would be willing to store shoeboxes, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
   
   P.S. Attention all Mother’s of Preschoolers:  MOPS is returning this Fall!  It will look a little different, but you’ll still experience the same great encouragement, inspiration, and support!  MOPS will meet once a month on Tuesday evenings, 6:30pm-8:30pm (no childcare).  There will be a MOPS Registration & Orientation Evening this Tuesday night, August 11th at 6:30pm.  The Fall MOPS meeting dates are:  Sept. 15th, Oct 13th, Nov 10th, Dec 12th.  If you have any questions or if you’d like to express your interest, please reach out to Morgan Wessel.

This Sunday, August 2nd, we kick off another favorite Summer Sermon Series tradition here at Coastal –“Summer Reading”!  “Summer Reading” is where we pick a group of books for you to read over the Summer, and then the subject matter of each of those books becomes the sermon topic for that particular Sunday.  Now before some of you freak out thinking that Pastor Chris has gone heretical and has thrown out the Bible and is now preaching from other books or encouraging you to read other books instead of the Bible, throw away your email and 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.  But each of these books is worth reading, and so I hope you’ll make a commitment to read at least a couple of 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.”

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

• Different by Chris Singleton (pick up your FREE copy at the church)
• Hope In The Dark by Craig Groschel
• Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado
• Relationship Goals by Michael Todd
• Unexpected by Christine Caine
• Dream Big by Bob Goff
• Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Familyby Paul Tripp

This Sunday, I’ll be using the book “Different” to talk about what Jesus had to say about loving our neighbors.  One of the best tangible ways that our church loves its neighbors is through Saturday Serve.   Our next Saturday Serve is TOMORROW Saturday, August 1st!  We meet at the church at 8:30am.  The leaders of the different service projects give a quick “pitch” of their project, we pray, and then we disburse to go serve!  It’s that simply.  You just show up and choose.  All projects are typically finished before lunchtime, so it’s not a sacrifice of your entire Saturday.  Our typical opportunities include: The North Charleston Tailgate;  Coastal’s Sewing Project;  The Lowcountry Food Bank;  meals for Jenkins Orphanage and S.C. Strong;  Restock Coastal’s Blessing Boxes.  Come make an IMPACT in our community by being the hands and feet of Jesus!  If you have any questions about Saturday Serve or ideas for future projects, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.

I’ve got some exciting news to share with you!  We got our final approval from the City of Charleston on our new building project!  There are a few more small steps and then we get our Building Permit.  It is looking like we will begin construction in about 30 days!  As soon as we know the details, I’ll pass them along!  If you’re fairly new to Coastal and don’t know what we’re getting ready to build, please take the time to go to our Daring Faith page on our website and check out the fly through video.  Read through the page and discover how you and your family can help leave a legacy for future generations.  If you have any questions or would like to know how you and your family can be a part of supporting this project, please reach out to me.  These are exciting days at Coastal!  The best is yet to come!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. As soon as construction begins on our new facility, our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry will be GOING PORTABLE and meeting across the street at Orange Grove Middle School (where everyone parks).  One of the ways that you can help is to join a new Ministry Team called “Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team.”  Our Set-Up Team will be the ones who unload our trailer (located behind Orange Grove) and set up our Coastal Kidz Classrooms and environments on Saturday mornings, and then break down everything and load up the trailer after Sunday services are over.  If you are interested in serving on this team you can respond to this email or reach out to our Children’s Director, Janet Rollins – 843-442-8299.
2. We are in the process of planning for our Fall Semester of LIFE Groups.  If you are interested in possibly leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group (in person or online), please sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email.  If you have any questions you can also reach out to Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  Our LIFE Group Leader TrainingDates (online or in-person) are either (choose one): Tuesday, 8/25, 6pm-8pm OR Saturday, 8/29, 9-11am. 
3. On Sunday, August 23rd, 5pm out at Folly Beach County Park, we’re having our end of the Summer Beach Baptism!  Come out early and make it a fun day for your entire family!  If you are interested in being Baptized, simply respond to this email, go to our website and sign up online.  Even if you’re not being Baptized, make plans to come out to the beach and celebrate with those who are!  Make it a fun day for the whole family!
4. On Friday night, August 21st, at 7:30pm, Coastal is having an online night of worship & prayer!  Now, more than ever before, as we head into the Fall and a new school year and a divisive election and so many unknowns and fears, we need to cry out to our God and depend on Him.  So mark your calendars now and join your Coastal family online for worship and prayer!
5. The Operation Christmas Child “donation of the month” for August is school supplies!  So, while you’re picking up school supplies for your own children, pick up some extra for OCC!  We are also looking for people who might be able to temporarily store our shoeboxes (we are running out of storage space).  You can now drop off all OCC items at church on Sunday mornings or during the week. If you have any questions or would be willing to store shoeboxes, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
   
   P.S. I just want to give you a heads up – our church is throwing a Baby Shower for Ashley Hojnacki on Sunday, August 30th (1 month away) at 6pm.  It will probably be a “virtual shower” of some sort, but we wanted to give you a heads up now.  We’ll give you the details as it gets closer.  For those of you who don’t know, Ashley is our church’s Office Manager.  This is Ed & Ashley’s first child.  They are having a girl – Blake Rose.  Here is a link to their registry:  https://www.babylist.com/babyhojnacki.  

This past Sunday we had some technical difficulties with our online service at 11:15am.  If that was the service you normally watch, we apologize for any inconvenience.  When you live by technology (which we all do right now), sometimes you also die by technology!  

However, I wanted to use this as an opportunity to let you know that you can check out our weekly online services in a variety of different ways.  You really should never have to worry about “missing” a service.  

You can watch a live re-broadcast of our service at multiple times through the week on our church online platform here:  https://coastalcommchurch.online.church.  Here you can fill out a connect card, take next steps and even chat with others watching the live re-broadcast.

You can also check our entire service on-demand (in other words, whenever you want to watch it) by checking out our youtube page here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzMzJsfpk12DGAlysJaY_JQ.

Lastly you can check out just the message from each week by visiting the sermon videos page of our website here https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/video-archive/. 

So – if you missed this past Sunday’s message (or any message for that matter), go check it out!

Happy Monday!
Pastor Chris

P.S.  Janet and I will be hosting a “Story Time” on Facebook LIVE this Wednesday night at 7pm for you and your children (or children at heart)!  We’ll be reading the “Different” book by Chris Singleton (the first book in our “Summer Reading” series this Sunday)!  I hope you’ll join us!

We wrap up our “UNDIVIDED” series this coming Sunday.  I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed this series.  I hope it’s been challenging, convicting, and encouraging.  Again, this is simply a start, part of an ongoing conversation, and a commitment not to remain silent, but to continue to speak out about sin and injustice and as always to point people to the love of Jesus and the hope of the Gospel.  This Sunday I’ll be talking about the third part of Micah 6:8, to “walk humbly with your God.”  I hope you’ll make every effort to join us either in-person (9:30am) or online (9:30am, 11:15am, 6pm) for our service.

Hopefully you’ve heard by now that this Sunday, July 26th, 9:15am-12noon, you are invited to our Coastal Kidz Children’s MinistryOPEN HOUSE at Orange Grove Middle School!  Yes, we are still having our 9:30am in-person worship service & Coastal Kidz just like normal on our campus.  The Open House will be going on before, during, and after the 9:30am service (again, from 9:15am until 12noon).  In fact, even if you haven’t yet joined us for in-person worship, feel free to drop by for the Open House.  We’ll be wearing masks and social distancing.  This is an opportunity for all Coastal parents and children to see what their classrooms and environments will look like when we begin construction on our new facility.

Now, one of the ways that you can help with this transition, is to join a brand new Ministry Team called “Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team.”  Our Set-Up Team will be the people who unload our trailer (located behind Orange Grove) and set up our Coastal Kidz Classrooms and environments on Saturday mornings (at 9am), and then help break down everything and load up the trailer after in-person services on Sunday are over.  We are having a Set-Up Team Orientation at Orange Grove Middle School THIS Saturday (TOMORROW), July 25, 8:00am – 11:00am, to learn and practice setting up and breaking down.  We’re going to set everything up on Saturday and then leave it up for the Open House on Sunday.  If you are interested in serving on this team you can respond to this email or reach out to Janet Rollins – 843-442-8299.

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Our “Summer Reading” series starts Sunday, August 2nd.  “Summer Reading” is another favorite Summer tradition here at Coastal 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.  There is a very small number of the books available for purchase (at a discounted price) at the church.  Here are all the books and their Amazon link.  Don’t forget to come by the church and pick up a FREE copy of “Different.”  Happy Reading!
   
   Different by Chris Singleton (pick up your FREE copy at the church)
   Hope In The Dark by Craig Groschel Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado
   Relationship Goals by Michael Todd
   Unexpected by Christine Caine
   Dream Big by Bob Goff
   Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul Tripp
2. I know it seems like a long way off, but we are in the process of thinking through and planning for ourFall Semester of LIFE Groups.  If you are interested in possibly leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group (in person or online), please sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email.  If you have any questions you can also reach out to Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  
3. On Sunday, August 23rd, 5pm out at Folly Beach County Park, we’re having our end of the Summer Beach Baptism!  Come out early and make it a fun day for your entire family!  If you are interested in being Baptized, simply respond to this email, go to our website and sign up online.  Even if you’re not being Baptized, make plans to come out to the beach and celebrate with those who are!  Make it a fun day for the whole family!
4. Coastal has a new outreach opportunity as we team up with Tri-County Family Ministries in North Charleston. Their mission is to serve those in crisis with food, clothing, or shelter. They meet basic needs and work with their clients to understand the cause of the crisis in their lives and then open the doors to opportunities through an array of onsite programming and extensive referral networks. Coastal will be assisting with their Wednesday Grocery Distribution on Wednesdays, July 29th and August 12th from 9:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Many of Tricounty Family Ministries’ clients are the same people we serve at the North Charleston Tailgate.  If you are interested in being a part of this opportunity, sign up on your online Connect Card or reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
5. The Operation Christmas Child “donation of the month” for July are new socks/t-shirts.  We are also in need of shoeboxes.  You can now drop off all OCC items at church on Sunday mornings or during the week. If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
   
   P.S. If you consider Coastal your church home or if you have been blessed by the ministry of our church, we want to encourage you to continue to be faithful with your generosity.  If you would like us to mail you offering envelopes or step you through online giving, please respond to this email or call the church office (843-571-1777).  Your weekly gifts are a vital resource that allows us to continue the work that God has called us to do. When you continue to give during this crisis, your gifts allow us to maintain critical ministries that many depend on.  Thank you so much for your faithfulness!

YOU ARE INVITED!!  This Sunday, July 26th, 9:15am-12noon, you are invited to our Coastal Kidz Children’s MinistryOPEN HOUSE at Orange Grove Middle School.  This is an opportunity for all Coastal parents and children to see what their classrooms and environments will look like when we begin construction on our new facility.

That’s right, if you haven’t heard, in the very near future we will begin a complete renovation and expansion of our current Coastal Kidz building, which was part of our Daring Faith Campaign last Fall!  During construction, Orange Grove Middle School, which is directly across the street from the church and where most of you park, has graciously agreed to let our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry meet there on Sunday mornings.

Now, one of the ways that you can help, is to join a brand new Ministry Team called “Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team.”  Our Set-Up Team will be the people who unload our trailer (located behind Orange Grove) and set up our Coastal Kidz Classrooms and environments on Saturday mornings (at 9am), and then help break down everything and load up the trailer after in-person services on Sunday are over.  We are having a Set-Up Team Orientation at Orange Grove Middle School THIS Saturday, July 25, 8:00am – 11:00am, to learn and practice setting up and breaking down.  We’re going to set everything up on Saturday and then leave it up for the Open House on Sunday.  If you are interested in serving on this team you can respond to this email or reach out to Janet Rollins – 843-442-8299.

So I hope you’ll join us for our Open House.  In fact, even if you haven’t yet joined us for in-person worship, feel free to drop by for the Open House.  We’ll be wearing masks and social distancing.  These are exciting times at Coastal and I can’t wait to announce a start date for construction (be on the lookout for that)!

I Love You & I Love Being Your Pastor!
Pastor Chris

We had a great kick-off to our “UNDIVIDED” series this past Sunday!  It’s so exciting and encouraging to know that there are 25+ churches in the Charleston community all talking about Gospel-driven racial reconciliation together!    This Sunday I’ll be talking about the second part of Micah 6:8, to “love mercy.”  I hope you’ll make every effort to join us either in-person (9:30am) or online (9:30am, 11:15am, 6pm) for our service.  By the way, it was great to see both our online & in-person numbers up this past week.  Whether you choose to join us in-person or watch us online, the key is intentional engagement.  If you’re watching online make sure you share the actual worship service post on Facebook.  Actually, you can even do that while you’re sitting in the auditorium waiting on the service to start.  It’s great free advertising, and you never know who might start watching.  Don’t forget that our YouTube channel is another great way to watch the service both live on Sunday and replayed during the week.  

This Saturday (tomorrow) is “Saturation Saturday”!  Saturation Saturday is the 3rd Saturday of every month.  It’s an organic, church-wide effort of flooding our community with random acts of kindness.  It can be anything from restocking our blessing boxes, preparing lunch for a neighbor, purchasing a cup of coffee for a complete stranger, mowing the lawn of an elderly neighbor, or baking a batch of cookies for someone you know who is in a tough season. It can literally be any simple act of service and kindness.  You decide.  Pray about it – get creative!  It was praying about Saturation Saturday that led me to the idea for our Saturday Grab & Go Meal Drive-Thru during the shutdown.  The idea is to demonstrate the love of Jesus in a practical way.  It can be done alone, with your family, or even team up with another family!  And while you’re serving, wear your Coastal shirt (maybe you’ll see someone from Coastal wearing theirs).  If someone asks why you’re serving and what the meaning of the shirt is, you can simply answer, “LOVE!  We love Jesus and we love people!”  And then you can tell them about Coastal.  If you’re able, take a few pictures of whatever you decide to do and share them with us on Facebook and Instagram under #CCCSaturationSaturday.

Coastal has a new outreach opportunity as we team up with Tri-County Family Ministries in North Charleston. Their mission is to serve those in crisis with food, clothing, or shelter. They meet basic needs and work with their clients to understand the cause of the crisis in their lives and then open the doors to opportunities through an array of onsite programming and extensive referral networks. Coastal will be assisting with their Wednesday Grocery Distribution on Wednesdays, July 22^nd, 29^th and August 5^th from 9:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Many of Tricounty Family Ministries’ clients are the same people we serve at the North Charleston Tailgate.  Sign up on your Connect Card for one or more of the opportunities.  If you are interested in being a part of this opportunity, sign up on your online Connect Card or reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.  

Coastal, this is what it’s all about, this is what we’re supposed to be doing – serving and loving our neighbors, being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community!  A lot of people today are making a lot of noise, but very few seem to be actually doing something.  That’s what I love about our church – compassion moved to action! 
 LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Our “Summer Reading” series starts Sunday, August 2nd.  “Summer Reading” is another favorite Summer tradition here at Coastal 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.  There will be a very small number of the books available for purchase (at a discounted price) at the church.  Here are all the books and their Amazon link.  Happy Reading!
   Different by Chris Singleton (pick up your FREE copy at the church)
   Hope In The Dark by Craig Groschel
   Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado
   Relationship Goals by Michael Todd
   Unexpected by Christine Caine
   Dream Big by Bob Goff
   Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul Tripp
2. I know it seems like a long way off, but we are in the process of thinking through and planning for ourFall Semester of LIFE Groups.  If you are interested in possibly leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group (in person or online), please sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email.  If you have any questions you can also reach out to Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  
3. On Sunday, July 26th, 9:15am-12noon, our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry is having an Open House at Orange Grove Middle School.  This is an opportunity for all Coastal parents and children to see what their classrooms and environments will look like when we begin construction on our new facility.
4. As soon as construction begins on our new facility, our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry will be GOING PORTABLE and meeting across the street at Orange Grove Middle School (where everyone parks).  One of the ways that you can help is to join a new Ministry Team called “Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team.”  Our Set-Up Team will be the ones who unload our trailer (located behind Orange Grove) and set up our Coastal Kidz Classrooms and environments on Saturday mornings, and then break down everything and load up the trailer after both services on Sunday are over. We are having a Set-Up Team Orientation at Orange Grove Middle School on Saturday, July 25, 8:00am – 11:00am, with Portable Church to learn and practice setting up and breaking down.  We’re going to set everything up on that Saturday, leave it up for the weekend and have an Open House on Sunday, July 26th after church for everyone to drop by and check it out. If you are interested in serving on this team you can respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
5. The Operation Christmas Child “donation of the month” for July are new socks/t-shirts.  We are also in need of shoeboxes.  You can now drop off all OCC items at church on Sunday mornings or during the week. If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
   
   P.S. Please keep in mind that our church is following the City of Charleston’s Mask Mandate. If you don’t have a mask, we will gladly provide one as you enter.  As always, if you’re sick, immuncompromised, or caring for those who are, PLEASE stay home and engage with our church online.

The pictures above are from this past Wednesday’s service project with Soldier’s Angels – where we help distribute food to local low income Veteran families.  And then after the event was over a group of volunteers from Coastal took some of the leftover food and literally hit the streets and gave the food away!  One week from today, Friday, July 17th, 9:30am-11:30am, Coastal will be serving with the Lowcountry Orphan Relief.  If you are interested in being a part of this opportunity, sign up on your online Connect Card or reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.  Coastal, this is what it’s all about, this is what we’re supposed to be doing.  A lot of people today are making a lot of noise, but very few seem to be actually doing something.  This Sunday I’ll be talking about justice.  In Micah 6:8 the word for justice literally mean to “do the right thing, compassion moved to action.”  That’s what I love about our church – compassion moved to action! 

Don’t forget that for the time being we are only having ONE in-person service at 9:30am.  We will continue to offer our services online at 9:30am, 11:15am, and 6:00pm.  We will closely monitor the situation and our capacity to offer social distancing in our auditorium.  In other words, as the numbers improve in our community (go down) and more and more people start returning to in-person worship (go up), we will open up the 11:15am service.  Also, keep in mind that our church will be following the City of Charleston’s mask mandate. If you don’t have a mask, we will gladly provide one as you enter.  As always, if you’re sick, immunocompromised, or caring for those who are, PLEASE stay home and engage with our church online.

And speaking of Sunday – this Sunday, along with 25 other churches in Charleston we are kicking off the 3 week “UNDIVIDED” series!  The theme verse for the whole series is Micah 6:8 (NLT), “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”  This is what God expects of us and this what we’ll be talking about each week:  to do what is right (some translations say to “do justice”), to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God.  Don’t miss this series – EITHER in-person at 9:30am OR online at 9:30am, 11:15am, or 6pm.LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Our “Summer Reading” series starts Sunday, August 2nd.  “Summer Reading” is another favorite Summer tradition here at Coastal 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.  There will be a very small number of the books available for purchase (at a discounted price) at the church beginning this Sunday, July 12th.  Here are all the books and their Amazon link.  Happy Reading! 

• Different by Chris Singleton (pick up your FREE copy at the church starting July 12th)
• Hope In The Dark by Craig Groschel
• Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado
• Relationship Goals by Michael Todd
• Unexpected by Christine Caine
• Dream Big by Bob Goff
• Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul Tripp

2. I know it seems like a long way off, but we are in the process of thinking through and planning for ourFall Semester of LIFE Groups.  If you are interested in possibly leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group (in person or online), please sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email.  If you have any questions you can also reach out to Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  

3. Interested in officially making Coastal your church family!  Our next Membership Class is tomorrow (Saturday) morning, 9am-11:30am.  You can either join us in-person or online through Zoom.  If you haven’t already registered, you can respond to this email or sign up on right now from our website.

4. At some point later this Summer our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry will be GOING PORTABLE and meeting across the street at Orange Grove Middle School (where everyone parks).  One of the ways that you can help is to join a new Ministry Team called “Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team.”  Our Set-Up Team will be the ones who unload our trailer (located behind Orange Grove) and set up our Coastal Kidz Classrooms and environments on Sunday mornings before church and then break down everything and load up the trailer after both services are over. If you are interested in serving on this team you can respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.

5. The Operation Christmas Child “donation of the month” for July are new socks/t-shirts.  You can now drop off OCC items at church on Sunday mornings or during the week. If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.

P.S. If you consider Coastal your church home or if you have been blessed by the ministry of our church, we want to encourage you to continue to be faithful with your generosity.  If you would like us to mail you offering envelopes or step you through online giving, please respond to this email or call the church office (843-571-1777).  Your weekly gifts are a vital resource that allows us to continue the work that God has called us to do. When you continue to give during this crisis, your gifts allow us to maintain critical ministries that many depend on.  Thank you so much for your faithfulness!

I hope you and your family had a great 4th of July weekend and your new week has started off well!  I just wanted to let you know about a couple of important things happening at Coastal.  First of all, in light of the rising number of COVID cases, more and more people are choosing to watch our services online instead of in-person – which we completely understand.  However, it is putting a strain on the volunteer base required to offer multiple in-person services each week.  Because of this, Coastal is going to provide ONE in-person service at 9:30am for right now.  We will continue to offer our service online at 9:30am, 11:15am, and 6:00pm.  We will closely monitor the situation and our capacity to offer social distancing in our auditorium.  In other words, as the numbers improve in our community (go down) and more and more people start returning to in-person worship (go up), we will open up the 11:15am service.  Also, keep in mind that our church will be following the City of Charleston’s mask mandate. If you don’t have a mask, we will gladly provide one as you enter.

But, and this is important – whatever you choose to do, don’t disengage from the church during this time!  We need each other now more than ever before.  As always, if you’re sick, immunocompromised, or caring for those who are, PLEASE stay home.  But don’t use staying home from church as an excuse not to tune in and watch our service each week.  It’s so easy, especially right now, to get out of the habit of corporate worship and fellowship.  “No one will know if I don’t tune in.  What does it really matter?  It’s just one week.”  And then one week becomes two, and two becomes four.  And now it’s a habit and you find yourself on the outside looking in, and you wonder how you ended up where you’re at.  

If you ARE going to watch from home, do more than just watch – ENGAGE.  What do I mean by that?  Decide in advance which service you are going attend and be prepared – get up early, get yourself (and your family) physically and mentally ready (much like you would do if you were coming in-person).  And then do the other things you would do in person: actually sing along with the songs, comment and chat with people online, give, take communion, fill out your Connect Card and share your prayer requests, next steps, and decisions.  Maybe your next step is to officially make Coastal your church home and become a Member. Our next Membership Class is this Saturday morning, July 11th, 9am-11:30am.  It’s going to be BOTH in-person AND online.  You can sign up right now from our website.  I would also encourage you to invite and bring your friends each Sunday!  How do you do that online you ask?  Share our services on Facebook.  Even if you are watching on another application like churchonline or YouTube, jump over to Facebook and share our service post.  It’s great free advertising!  Start an online Watch Party!  This is a great way to target and invite specific people that you are friends with on Facebook.

And then stay engaged by serving!  Even if you are not comfortable coming to our in-person services yet and serving on Sunday morning, there are always multiple opportunities to serve our community during the week.  Drop off non-perishable food during the week for our Food Bank (it’s really low right now).  You can even take food directly to one of our Community Blessing Boxes (contact Chris Jones for more info).  Drop off supplies for Operation Christmas Child (July is new t-shirts & socks month).   This Wednesday, July 8^th 8am-1pm, our church is teaming up with the Veteran’s Administration and Soldiers’ Angels to supply local low-Income veteran families with food assistance at the mobile food distribution.  And then on Friday, July 17th, 9:30am-11:30am, Coastal will be serving with the Lowcountry Orphan Relief.  If you are interested in either of these opportunities, reach out toPastor Chris Jones.  By the way, it is your consistent giving that enables our church to continue to provide our online services and everything it does in our community. You can give to our church through our website or simply text ANY amount to 843-277-8337.

You see, the church doesn’t slow down just because you’re watching our services from home.  But it’s up to you to stay focused and engaged.  Probably the best way to stay engaged is through our LIFE Groups.  Yes, our LIFE Groups are on Summer Break right now, but we are in the process of thinking through and planning out our Fall Semester.  It’s possible that our Groups will look a little different this Fall – probably a hybrid of what we did in the Spring.  I can see us having small in-person groups in homes, online groups, and a mix of both.  But here’s what I need you to do, make a commitment NOW to be a part of some kind of Group in the Fall.  And if you are willing to lead, co-lead, assist, or host a group, please respond to this email or reach out to Pastor Scott – we need you!  You get to be the pioneers!  You get to be on the front lines offering love, care, and hope!

I love you Coastal and I love what we get to do together – sharing and experiencing the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world!  And that never stops, no matter when or how we meet! 
 LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

P.S.  Janet and I will be back on Facebook LIVE this Wednesday evening at 8pm from my own personal Facebook page!  We’ll be cooking a meal (and giving it away to a lucky winner), talking about all things Coastal, and as always laughing and having fun!  We would love for you to join us!

First of all, I just want to thank everyone for all the love you’ve shown your Pastor this week!  It was one week ago yesterday that I had knee surgery, and I can’t thank everyone enough for all the prayers, messages, and phone calls!  My knee is feeling better and better each day.  Keep praying for my strength, healing, and recovery.  And then Wednesday was my Birthday (I turned 53), and I was overwhelmed by all the expressions of love!  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 I’m a part of!  I love you Coastal and I love being your Pastor!

Make sure you take a moment and watch the video above!  It’s a collection of just some of the pictures from this year’s Summer of IMPACT!  And while you’re at it, reach out to Chris Jones, our Outreach Pastor, and tell him what an awesome job he did of leading and organizing Summer of IMPACT.  I know what he’ll tell you – that it could not have been done (during a Pandemic no less) without all the awesome Project Leaders and Volunteers.  Continue to pray for all the seeds of love that were planted, that they will bear much fruit for years to come!

I have something very exciting to announce!  Immediately after our “UNDIVIDED” series (the 3 week series on Justice & Racial Reconciliation starting July 12th that we’re doing with 20+ churches in the Charleston area) we’ll be doing our “Summer Reading” series.  “Summer Reading” is another favorite Summer tradition here at Coastal.  It’s 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.  The first book that we are doing on August 2nd is a first for us at Coastal – we’re doing a Children’s Book, “Different” by Chris Singleton!  Chris came and spoke at our church this Summer, and we believe so strongly in Chris’s message and the message of this book that we decided to buy it as a gift for every family from Coastal!  Racism is TAUGHT, and so the best place to begin is with our children!  You can pick up your FREE copy at the church beginning July 12th.  Here is the list of the other books (and a link to purchase them) in the order that we’ll be using them.  There will be a very small number of the books available for purchase (at a discounted price) at the church beginning July 12th.  The series kicks off on August 2nd.  Happy Reading!

• Different by Chris Singleton (pick up your FREE copy at the church starting July 12th)
• Hope In The Dark by Craig Groschel
• Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado
• Relationship Goals by Michael Todd
• Unexpected by Christine Caine
• Dream Big by Bob Goff
• Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Familyby Paul Tripp

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Coastal we need your HELP!  Because of the amount of food we are giving away each week through our Food Bank and Blessing Boxes, we are running low on non-perishable food supplies.  Items that we always need more of are:  pasta, rice, pasta sauce, canned fruit, canned pastas and canned protein (chicken, tuna, etc.).  You can bring your food donations to the church on Sundays or drop them off during the week.  Don’t forget that you can go directly to the Blessing Boxes themselves.  Their locations are:
   – 413 Geddes Avenue, Charleston
   – 928 Savage Road, Charlesto
   – 2758 East Surrey Drive, North Charleston
   – 1998 Hugo Avenue, North Charlesto
   – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd., Charleston 
   If you have any questions about the Blessing Boxes, please reach out to Chris Jones.
2. I know it seems like a long way off, but we are in the process of thinking through and planning for ourFall Semester of LIFE Groups.  If you are interested in possibly leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group (in person or online), please sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email.  If you have any questions you can also reach out to Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
3. Even though Summer of IMPACT is over, loving and serving our community NEVER ends!  Here are two projects coming up where you can make an IMPACT:  On Wednesday, July 8^th 8am-1pm, Coastal is teaming up with the Veteran’s Administration and Soldiers’ Angels to supply local low-Income veteran families with food assistance at the mobile food distribution.  And then on Friday, July 17th, 9:30am-11:30am, Coastal will be serving with the Lowcountry Orphan Relief.  If you are interested in either of these opportunities, sign up on your online Connect Card or reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
4. At some point later this Summer our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry will be GOING PORTABLE and meeting across the street at Orange Grove Middle School (where everyone parks).  One of the ways that you can help is to join a new Ministry Team called “Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team.”  Our Set-Up Team will be the ones who unload our trailer (located behind Orange Grove) and set up our Coastal Kidz Classrooms and environments on Sunday mornings before church and then break down everything and load up the trailer after both services are over. If you are interested in serving on this team you can respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
5. The Operation Christmas Child “donation of the month” for July are new socks/t-shirts.  You can now drop off OCC items at church on Sunday mornings or during the week. If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
   
   P.S. Interested in officially making Coastal your church family!  Sign up for the next Membership Class!  And for our next Membership Class, we’re going to do something we’ve never done before – we’re going to offer BOTH a virtual online & in-person Membership class simultaneously!  It’s going to be Saturday morning, July 11th, 9am-11:30am.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sundays or right now from our website.

First of all, I just want to thank everyone for all the prayers for my knee surgery yesterday!  If you didn’t see my Facebook post, I had surgery to repair a torn meniscus and ACL.  The surgery went great and now I’m home recovering!  The doctor said to stay off my knee for a couple of days and then not to do anything high impact for about 2 weeks until the sutures come out.  Then I should be good to go, back in the gym, and doing all the things that I enjoy!  So please keep praying for a speedy recovery!  Right now my plans are to be in church on Sunday.  The good news is that Pastor Scott was already scheduled to preach (that way I don’t have to walk up and down the steps of the stage).  

Make sure if you’re watching our services online that you tune in early – 9:15am & 11am – to watch our little “LIVE Pre Worship Service Show!”  We started it this past Sunday and already learned a few things to improve it for this week.  It’s our way to keep everyone online engaged and informed.  Each week we’ll introduce/interview someone from Coastal, let you know about upcoming events, and as always, have a lot of fun.

I’m really excited to tell you about our next sermon series after “At the Movies!”  On Sunday, July 12th, along with about 20+ churches in the Charleston area we’re going to be doing a 3 week series called, “UNDIVIDED.”  Each week we’re all going to be looking at a different part of Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”  It’s going to be a great unifying series for the entire Charleston community as we listen & learn and continue the conversation about unity, racial harmony, and being a voice for the voiceless for the world around us.  As always – don’t miss it!

Thanks again for all the love – the texts, messages, and most importantly the prayers!  It all means so much to me and Janet! 

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. One of the changes you’ve probably noticed since we opened up our building is that we are no longer handing out Bulletins (Announcement Sheet, Connect Card, Offering Envelope, etc.).  We put a Connect Card & Offering Envelope in the seat pocket of each chair.  However, the easiest way to stay connected, see all the announcements, listen to our messages, and fill out a Connect Card, is through our App.  Yes, if you didn’t already know it, Coastal has a FREE App you can download for your phone or mobile device.  Download it today from your App Store!  If you’re searching for it, make sure you search for “Coastal Community Church of Charleston or Coastal CC Charleston” (There are other Coastal Community Churches around the country).  If it’s been a while since you checked out the App, open it up!  We’ve updated it and made some improvements!
2. New to Coastal?  Join us THIS Saturday morning, June 27th, at 9am for an ONLINE Zoom Newcomers Meeting that we’re calling “Coffee with Coastal.”  Join us virtually from the comfort of your own home to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people, and discover next steps.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’ll be attending (we will send you the Zoom link).
3. Did you know that Coastal has a YouTube Channelwhere you can watch all of our past services – complete with worship & sermons?  Check it out and subscribe today!  Our YouTube Channel is going to be a great place to post new construction updates when our building gets started.
4. At some point later this Summer our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry will be GOING PORTABLE and meeting across the street at Orange Grove Middle School (where everyone parks).  One of the ways that you can help is to join a new Ministry Team called “Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team.”  Our Set-Up Team will be the ones who unload our trailer (located behind Orange Grove) and set up our Coastal Kidz Classrooms and environments on Sunday mornings before church and then break down everything and load up the trailer after both services are over. If you are interested in serving on this team you can respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
5. The Operation Christmas Child “donation of the month” for June are balls, soccer balls, pumps.  You can now drop off OCC items at church on Sunday mornings or during the week. If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
   
   P.S. Interested in officially making Coastal your church family!  Sign up for the next Membership Class!  And for our next Membership Class, we’re going to do something we’ve never done before – we’re going to offer BOTH a virtual online & in-person Membership class simultaneously!  It’s going to be Saturday morning, July 11th, 9am-11:30am.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sundays or right now from our website.

That’s right – this Sunday is Father’s Day!  We’re planning a very special day for Dads!  First of all, we’re in week 3 of our Summer Series, “At the Movies!” I’ll be using the movie “1917” as a hook to talk about the characteristics of a hero from the Bible – David. We have another Baptism in the 11:15am service (after Baptizing 25 people this past Sunday)! We’re also debuting a little live 10 minute pre-service “show” before each service on Sunday (tune in at 9:15am or 11am to watch it). And if all that weren’t enough, we have a fun gift for all the men on Sunday! You can choose from one of 3 Meat “Rubs” or Seasonings from one of my personal favorite BBQ companies – appropriately named “Meat Church”! And yes, we will be giving away some meat to 2 lucky winners after each service! Spread the word! Invite and bring someone to church this Father’s Day!

I know it probably seems like a long time since we’ve talked about Daring Faith & our new building project (check out this video to get a quick refresher of what we’re about to build).  Lots of things have been happening behind the scenes.  While the permitting process in Charleston is historically a painstakingly slow process, it has become exponentially slower during this pandemic.  However, it’s quite possible that we will finally have approval and break ground later this Summer.  Trust me, I’ll let you know as soon as we get the word.  Our Staff has been busy prepping our old building for demolition/construction (cleaning our offices, moving things into storage, clearing out attics, etc.).  You see when construction begins, we will lose access to our entire old building – offices & Coastal Kidz – for approximately 10 months.  That means that on Sunday morning our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry will be GOING PORTABLE and meeting across the street at Orange Grove Middle School.  Don’t worry, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes with a company called, “Portable Church” to make this move as smooth and easy as possible.  

One of the ways that you can help is to join a new Ministry Team called “Coastal Kidz Set-Up Team.”  Our Set-Up Team will be the ones who unload our trailer (located behind Orange Grove) and set up our Coastal Kidz Classrooms and environments on Sunday mornings before church (or possibly on Saturday mornings during chair set-up) and then break down everything and load up the trailer after both services are over.  We’ll have a “practice run” and Open House at least a week before the move officially takes place.  If you are interested in serving on this team you can respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.

I would also encourage you to continue to give toward Daring Faith – our Giving Campaign that finances this entire project.  If you’re new to Coastal and have no idea what Daring Faith is all about you can check out our Daring Faith page on our website to learn all about it.  Whatever you are giving towards your “Daring Faith” commitment, please continue to mark it “DaringFaith.”  If you are using TEXT to Give remember that “DaringFaith” is all one word, no space.  You can separate your giving through check or PayPal on the memo (ex. $100 tithe, $100 Daring Faith).

These are exciting times at Coastal!  As the world seems to grow darker, it simply allows our light to shine brighter!  I truly believe that!  I love you Coastal, and I love being your Pastor!  Hold on to your fork – the best is yet to come!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. One of the changes you’ve probably noticed since we opened up our building is that we are no longer handing out Bulletins (Announcement Sheet, Connect Card, Offering Envelope, etc.).  We put a Connect Card & Offering Envelope in the seat pocket of each chair.  However, the easiest way to stay connected, see all the announcements, listen to our messages, and fill out a Connect Card, is through our App.  Yes, if you didn’t already know it, Coastal has a FREE App you can download for your phone or mobile device.  Download it today from your App Store!  If you’re searching for it, make sure you search for “Coastal Community Church of Charleston or Coastal CC Charleston” (There are other Coastal Community Churches around the country).  If it’s been a while since you checked out the App, open it up!  We’ve updated it and made some improvements!
2. New to Coastal?  Join us on Saturday morning, June 27th, at 9am for an ONLINE Zoom Newcomers Meeting that we’re calling “Coffee with Coastal.”  Join us virtually from the comfort of your own home to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people, and discover next steps.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’ll be attending (we will send you the Zoom link).
3. Did you know that Coastal has a YouTube Channelwhere you can watch all of our past services – complete with worship & sermons?  Check it out and subscribe today!  Our YouTube Channel is going to be a great place to post new construction updates when our building gets started.
4. TONIGHT, June 19th at 8:30pm we’re going to show a FREE movie on the lawn on a giant screen!  The movie we’re showing is the Disney/Pixar movie “Onward.”  Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy the evening with your family!  Bring your own drinks and snacks – the church will provide FREE hotdogs and Kona Ice (come out at 8pm to claim your spot and get your food)!
5. The Operation Christmas Child “donation of the month” are balls, soccer balls, pumps.  You can now drop off OCC items at church on Sunday mornings or during the week.  And make sure that you sign up for all the OCC events during “Summer of IMPACT”.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
   
   P.S. Interested in officially making Coastal your church family!  Sign up for the next Membership Class!  And for our next Membership Class, we’re going to do something we’ve never done before – we’re going to offer BOTH a virtual online & in-person Membership class simultaneously!  It’s going to be Saturday morning, July 11th, 9am-11:30am.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sundays or right now from our website.

It was so great seeing so many of you in person this past Sunday!  Somebody commented that even though some of the elements, extra steps, and procedures were different, it was just nice to have something in their life that was back to “normal.”  Now, I wouldn’t say it’s back to “normal” yet, but for me it was definitely nice preaching with people in the room and worshipping with my Coastal family!  I appreciate everyone being so flexible and gracious!  But again, there are many who are not quite ready for larger in-person gatherings yet.  We completely understand and will continue to do what we do online.  If you were there in-person on Sunday, you saw some of the improvements we’ve made to enhance our online capabilities (more cameras, better lighting, expanded Tech Booth).  By the way, all of those improvements cost money.  It is your consistent, generous giving that enables us to do everything we do.  So whether you’re with us in-person or online, I want to encourage you to continue to be faithful in your giving.

This Sunday at Coastal is going to be one of those powerful days!  For our “At the Movies” series we’re going to use the movie, “Just Mercy” to talk about racism.  Chris Singleton, whose mother, Sharonda Coleman Singleton, was murdered by Dylan Roof at Mother Emanuel AME Church here in Charleston on June 17th, 2015, will be our special guest speaker.  Spread the word!  Invite someone to attend (either online or in-person).  If you’re inviting guests, we would strongly encourage you to attend the 11:15am service as it is typically the smaller service.

As I said this past Sunday, the easiest, the simplest, and yet the most effective way to be God’s representatives in this world is through our service.  It’s our small acts of love and kindness, done consistently, over time that change the world.  And it’s then that we’re most like Jesus.  And right now, here at Coastal, we have an opportunity to unite together as one and make an IMPACT in our world through something we call Summer of IMPACT.  Click on this link: www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/outreach.  Take a look at all the opportunities. Find the project(s) that is right for you and sign up today!  Stop complaining about how terrible the world is and actually do something about it.  If you want to make a real difference in our community, this is it!  I truly believe that everyone who calls Coastal home can sign up for at least one event.  Do it today!

I love you Coastal!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. THIS SUNDAY, June 14th, 5pm out at Folly Beach County Park (not The Pier) we’re having our Beach Baptism!  Come out early (traffic might be an issue) and make it a fun day for your entire family!  If you are interested in being Baptized, simply respond to this email, go to our website and sign up online, or sign up on your Online Connect Card on Sunday.  Even if you’re not being Baptized, come on out to the beach and celebrate with those who are!  (Please note – parking at the Park without a Gold Pass is $15)
2. New to Coastal?  Join us on Saturday morning, June 27th, at 9am for an ONLINE Zoom Newcomers Meeting that we’re calling “Coffee with Coastal.”  Join us virtually from the comfort of your own home to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people, and discover next steps.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’ll be attending (we will send you the Zoom link).
3. Did you know that Coastal has a YouTube Channelwhere you can watch all of our past services – complete with worship & sermons?  Check it out and subscribe today!  Our YouTube Channel is going to be a great place to post new construction updates when our building gets started.
4. On Friday night, June 19th at 8:30pm we’re going to show a FREE movie on the lawn on a giant screen!  The movie we’re showing is the Disney/Pixar movie “Onward.”  Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy the evening with your family!  Bring your own drinks and snacks – the church will provide FREE hotdogs and Kona Ice (come out at 8pm to claim your spot and get your food)!
5. The Operation Christmas Child “donation of the month” are balls, soccer balls, pumps.  You can now drop off OCC items at church on Sunday mornings or during the week.  And make sure that you sign up for all the OCC events during “Summer of IMPACT”.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
   
   P.S. Interested in officially making Coastal your church family!  Sign up for the next Membership Class!  And for our next Membership Class, we’re going to do something we’ve never done before – we’re going to offer BOTH a virtual online & in-person Membership class simultaneously!  It’s going to be Saturday morning, July 11th, 9am-11:30am.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sundays or right now from our website.

Hopefully, you’ve heard by now that starting THIS SUNDAY,June 7th, we’reopening up our campus again for in-person worship!  I hope you’re as excited about this as I am!  I can’t wait to see everyone!  The truth is, however, there are probably some who aren’t that excited about it.  I get it, I really do.  Some are cautious, nervous, scared, or maybe even upset.  And then there are those who are upset that we even shut down in the first place.  As you know, people are all over the spectrum on this issue, and everyone has experts on their side.  I learned a long time ago that you can’t please everyone.  My job as a leader is to prayerfully take it all in, listen to God, and to humbly, faithfully walk in the direction I believe He is leading.  My only request is that we all extend to one another the grace, kindness, and love that we hope to receive. And if we can all do that, we will stand out as a bright shining light in a very dark world.  That’s supposed to be the miracle of the church – that we love one another.  And that’s what makes Coastal so special!  So, join us in person this Sunday if you’re ready.  If not, join us online.  Either way – let’s love one another and the world around us!

And speaking of this Sunday, we’re also kicking off a new sermon series, a favorite Summer tradition here at Coastal – “At the Movies!”  “At the Movies” is where we use current or popular movies as a hook or a spring board to talk about spiritual truth.  And this year we’ll be using movies that you can watch from home on Amazon or Netflix.  In fact, instead of movie tickets, we’ll be giving away $5 Amazon Gift cards to all 1st time guests and the friend that invited them (YOU)!  This Sunday’s movie is, “Star Wars – the Rise of Skywalker,” and I’ll be talking about unity, something we all need to hear right now. 

And then on Sunday, June 14th we’re going to use the movie, “Just Mercy” to talk about racism.  In fact, get this, Warner Brothers, for the entire month of June, is offering the movie for FREE online wherever you rent or buy movies.  And I’m excited to announce that Chris Singleton will be speaking at Coastal on that day!  Chris Singleton was a professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization (who played at Charleston Southern) and is an inspirational speaker who has been featured on ESPN’s E:60, Sports Illustrated magazine, and USA Today. Chris’ mother, Sharonda Coleman Singleton, was murdered along with eight other victims at Mother Emanuel AME Church here in Charleston on June 17th 2015 by a white male who wanted to start a race war in the United States. Chris inspired our city and the nation by forgiving the man who murdered his mother.  As you can see, it’s going to be a powerful day!  So start thinking and praying now about the people you’re going to invite!

I love you Coastal, and I can’t wait to see you BOTH online AND in-person this Sunday, June 7th!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. On Sunday, June 14th, 5pm out at Folly Beach County Park we’re having our Beach Baptism!  Come out early (traffic might be an issue) and make it a fun day for your entire family!  If you are interested in being Baptized, simply respond to this email, go to our website and sign up online, or sign up on your Online Connect Card on Sunday.  Even if you’re not being Baptized, come on out to the beach and celebrate with those who are!
2. New to Coastal?  Join us on Saturday morning, June 27th, at 9am for an ONLINE Zoom Newcomers Meeting that we’re calling “Coffee with Coastal.”  Join us virtually from the comfort of your own home to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people, and discover next steps.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’ll be attending (we will send you the Zoom link).
3. Did you know that Coastal has a FREE App for your phone or mobile device? It’s an easy way to stay connected, see all the announcements, listen to or watch our messages, and fill out a Connect Card.  Download it today from your App Store!  If you’re searching for it, make sure you search for “Coastal Community Church of Charleston” or “Coastal CC Charleston” (There are other Coastal Community Churches around the country).  If it’s been a while since you checked out the App, open it up!  We’ve updated it and made some improvements for when we get back into the building and moving forward.
4. On Friday night, June 19th at 8:30pm we’re going to show a FREE movie on the lawn on a giant screen!  The movie we’re showing is the Disney/Pixar movie “Onward.”  Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy the evening with your family!  Bring your own drinks and snacks – the church will provide FREE hotdogs and Kona Ice!
5. Operation Christmas Child has grown so much at Coastal that it is now a YEARLONG Mission of our church!  Each month we will feature a “donation of the month” to help us better prepare for the thousands of boxes we will pack and wrap in the Fall.  This month (June) we are encouraging everyone to bring balls, soccer balls, pumps.  You can now drop off OCC items at church on Sunday mornings or during the week.  You can even pick up shoeboxes & wrapping paper to start wrapping shoeboxes.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
   
   P.S. Don’t let this June pass you by without signing up for Summer of IMPACT!  Click on this link: www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/outreach.  Take a look at all the opportunities. Find the project(s) that is right for you and sign up today. You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want. It’s easy to sign up, and it’s easy to serve. If you are looking to Make an Impact in our community, this is the way to do it!   Sign up and then show-up…it’s literally that easy.  In fact, we’d love for you to join us for Saturday Serve tomorrow at the church at 8:30am.  

Hopefully by now you’ve heard!  We will be gathering back in our church building for ourWorship Services and Coastal Kidz starting THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 7th at 9:30am and 11:15am (while continuing to offer our services online)!

We understand that there will be some who will prefer to still join us for worship from home, and we are excited to continue to provide excellent online worship experiences – 9:30am, 11:15am, and even 6pm.  In fact, for many that may temporarily be the best course of action.  We encourage those who are vulnerable because of pre-existing conditions or caring for those who are to continue to join us online.  We ask that anyone who feels sick or has shown any symptoms of sickness to please join us online.  But either way, in-person or online, we will extend love and grace to everyone and ask you to do the same.

For those who are returning to our building, our plan includes the following:

• All 1st Impressions Team Volunteers will be wearing masks and gloves.  We will have hand sanitizer and hand sanitizing stations throughout the building.  We will have masks and gloves for anyone who wants to wear one. 
• We will be asking our attendees to create space in our auditorium between families.  We will assist by spacing out our seating.
• We will be professionally sanitizing surfaces throughout the building, including our Coastal Kidz areas, under the guidance of CDC standards. 
• Initially (for the month of June), our Cafe will be closed, and the seating in our Welcome Center removed.  When it re-opens over the Summer it will be service only (no self-serve items).
• We have Pre-filled/Pre-Packaged individual communion cups that will be placed at the back of our chairs.  Cups contain both the juice and bread in a single two-part sealed container.  Communion participants peel back one seal to remove the bread and then a second seal for the juice.  We WILL be taking Communion this Sunday and would encourage you to join us online (go ahead and prepare the elements).  
• Connect Cards & Offering Envelopes will be placed in the backs of our chairs and can be turned in at the end of our service as people are exiting.  We will also make our Connect Card and Announcements available online through our App.  We will continue to encourage people to give online, through TEXTing (843-277-8337), or automate their giving through their Bank.
• We will also have contactless entry and exit of the building with our 1st Impression Team opening and closing doors.
• We will all enter the building through the same designated doors before the service and will exit only through all the doors after the service.  After each service is over, if you want to fellowship and connect with others, we’re encouraging everyone to do that outside so we can prep the building for the next service.

Many people have asked what will our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry look like?  Here are just a few of the procedures you can expect to see as well:

• All Coastal Kidz volunteers will wear masks and gloves.
• We will wipe down all chairs, tables, and toys after each service. We will minimize the number of toys in each room to help with this.
• At Child Check-in, volunteers will enter the information on the iPads for stickers.
• We will use non-contact thermometers to take the temperature at child checkin of all children admitted to Coastal Kidz and all Coastal Kidz volunteers.
• All children will either use hand sanitizer or wash their hands before entering the classroom. For smaller children, volunteers will help with this.
• We will space the chairs farther apart in the 1st – 5th grade class and try to keep the younger ones seated farther apart in the other classrooms.
• VIP (Volunteer Meeting) will be outside in the pergola (weather permitting) or in the new building.
• Our Coastal Kidz Online resources will continue to be made available.

For those of you who serve on Sunday mornings (Coastal Kidz, 1st Impressions, Security, Worship Team, Tech Team) please communicate with your Ministry Leader your availability and continue signing up for the month of June.

Coastal, I love you and I love being your Pastor!  I can’t wait to see everyone this Sunday – BOTH online AND in-person!!

LIFE & LOVE,
Pastor Chris

P.S.  We kick off “At the Movies” this Sunday!  Every 1st Time Guest and the person who invited them (you) will receive a $5 Amazon Gift Card (so you can purchase a movie rental – or anything else for that matter)!

There is no doubt that people today are hurting, hopeless, and scared.  What we’ve all seen on the news and social media is just a microcosm of how many people are feeling today.  So Coastal let’s DO something about it!  If you want to make a difference, if you want to change the world, it’s not going to happen by crafting the most shared or liked social media post.  Let me tell you where we can ALL start – SUMMER OF IMPACT!  Summer of IMPACT is all about serving and loving our neighbors, our community.  It’s a month long emphasis that kicks off every Summer at Coastal, and it literally starts today – June 1st!

Summer of IMPACT is where we as a church saturate our city with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service. One way we serve is through our partnerships with non-profit organizations all over Charleston (who need our help NOW more than ever).  We enjoy serving with the Lowcountry Food Bank, Soldiers Angels (Veteran food assistance), the Ronald McDonald House (MUSC housing for patient families), SC Strong (transitional assistance for those previously incarcerated), My Sisters House (shelter for abused women), and Lowcountry Orphan Relief.  We also have ongoing projects here at Coastal where we pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, feed the homeless and hurting at the North Charleston Tailgate, restock our Blessing Boxes with non-perishable food and supplies, and many other projects.

There are opportunities nearly every day of the month.  You simply sign-up and then show-up.  It’s that simple!  Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  Click on this link: www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/outreach.  Take a look at all the opportunities.  Find the projects that are right for you and sign up today!

If you are looking to make an Impact in our community, if you want to “be” the change, this is the way to do it!  I truly believe that everyone who calls Coastal home can sign up for at least one event.  But here’s what I would also encourage you to do – invite friends, neighbors, family, and co-workers to join you!  You don’t have to be a member of Coastal to participate.  And get this, you don’t even have to be a believer to participate!  Truthfully, I think this is the best way we have to show people what a difference Jesus truly makes in our lives. So one last time – EVERYONE, GO TO THIS LINK AND SIGN UP TODAY!!
www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/outreach
If you have any questions about Summer of IMPACT and any of the projects, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones – (843) 870-4613.

Sure, these are dark and evil times.  But it’s times like these where the light shines the brightest!  Coastal, that’s you and me!  Let’s be the light for all the world to see!

Shining With You!
Pastor Chris

P.S.  Tonight’s event “Sewing for Kids” has been postponed (it’s actually a weekly event) due to the County wide curfew.  Other evening events will be evaluated if the curfew continues.

We wrap up our “Women of the Word” series this Sunday.  As always, you’re not going to want to miss it!  Morgan Wessel is our speaker and Jennifer Schroder and Dawn Judd share their stories.  I can’t say enough good things about all the women from our church who participated in this series.  God has spoken through each of them.  I’m looking forward to hearing from more women from Coastal in the future.

And then on June 7th, not only will we be opening up our campus for in-person worship, but we’re also kicking off a new sermon series, a favorite Summer tradition here at Coastal – “At the Movies!”  The tagline this year is, “coming to a home near you!”  “At the Movies” is where we use current or popular movies, as a hook or a spring board to talk about spiritual truth.  And this year we’ll be using movies that you can watch from home on Amazon or Netflix.  In fact, instead of movie tickets, we’ll be giving away $5 Amazon Gift cards to all 1st time guests and the friend that invited them. 

Here are just a few exciting things that we’ve already got planned during this series:

• On Sunday, June 14th we’re going to use the movie, “Just Mercy” to talk about racism. And I’m excited to announce that Chris Singleton will be speaking at Coastal on that day! Chris Singleton is a professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization (who played at Charleston Southern) as well as an inspirational speaker who has been featured on ESPN’s E:60, Sports Illustrated magazine, and USA Today. Chris’ mother, Sharonda Coleman Singleton, was murdered along with eight other victims at Mother Emanuel AME Church here in Charleston on June 17th 2015 by a white male who wanted to start a race war in the United States. Chris inspired his city and the nation by forgiving the man who murdered his mother and stating that “Love is stronger than hate.”  (Read my Facebook post.)
• On Sunday, June 14th, 5pm out at Folly Beach County Park we’re having our Beach Baptism!  Come out early (traffic might be an issue) and make it a fun day for your entire family!  If you are interested in being Baptized, simply respond to this email, go to our website and sign up online, or sign up on your Online Connect Card on Sunday.  Even if you’re not being Baptized, come on out to the beach and celebrate with those who are!  Make it a fun day for the whole family!
• On Friday night, June 19th at 8:30pm we’re going to show a FREE movie on the lawn on a giant screen!  The movie we’re showing is the Disney/Pixar movie “Onward.”  Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy the evening with your family!

As you can see, it’s going to be a great series and a great start to the Summer!  So start thinking about and praying for the people you’re going to be inviting to join us for this series!

I love you Coastal, and I can’t wait to see many of you in person on June 7th!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. It’s hard to believe but this Saturday, May 30th, 11am-1pm, is the LAST WEEK (rain or shine) of our FREE “Grab & Go Meal Drive-Through.”  We have now given away over 7,000 meals!  This week’s menu: Chicken & Dumplings, Green Beans, Rolls, and Dessert – plus a free roll of toilet paper for every family!!  If you’re hungry, in need, or know someone who is, we’d love to help!  Feel free to pick up a box and deliver it to someone you know. It’s our way to love and serve our community! Help us spread the word!  At this point and at this scale, the BIGGEST WAY TO HELP is donating money. You can sponsor a meal by giving on our website: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/give/ or simply text ANY amount to 843-277-8337 and use the key word “meals” (ex. $100 meals).  The Drive-Thru is also a great opportunity to drop off non-perishable food items for our Community Food Bank.  We also need DESSERTS – cookies, pre-packaged snacks, etc.  You can drop off desserts at the church on Saturday morning 8am-10am.
2. Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort where we as a church saturate our city with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service. One way we serve is through our partnerships with non-profit organizations all over Charleston. We enjoy serving with the Lowcountry Food Bank, Soldiers Angels, the Ronald McDonald House and Lowcountry Orphan Relief. We also have ongoing projects here at Coastal where we pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, feed the homeless and hurting at the North Charleston Tailgate and multiple other projects. There are opportunities nearly every day of the month. You simply sign-up and then show-up. Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  Click on this link: www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/outreach.  Take a look at all the opportunities. Find the project(s) that is right for you and sign up today. You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want. It’s easy to sign up, and it’s easy to serve. If you are looking to Make an Impact in our community, this is the way to do it!   Sign up and then show-up…it’s literally that easy.
3. Did you know that Coastal has a FREE App for your phone or mobile device? It’s an easy way to stay connected, see all the announcements, listen to or watch our messages, and fill out a Connect Card.  Download it today from your App Store!  If you’re searching for it, make sure you search for “Coastal Community Church of Charleston” or “Coastal CC Charleston” (There are other Coastal Community Churches around the country).  If it’s been a while since you checked out the App, open it up!  We’ve updated it and made some improvements for when we get back into the building and moving forward.
4. Attention all First Impressions Team Members:  We’re having a very important First Impressions Zoom Meeting that will walk you through the thought process as well as some responsibilities we will have as a team for gathering again beginning June 7th. Please plan to join us on either Sunday, May 31st OR Wednesday, June 3rd at 7:30pm. You do not need to join us for both of them, but please make it a point to attend one of them. The call should not last any longer than 20 minutes or so based on the conversation.  LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8896513365?pwd=TWxtRzFXYkxZU0IDWGhUR1pnS2QxUT09  ID: 889 651 3365  Password: chickfila
5. Many people have asked what will our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry look like on June 7th as we move back into our building?  Here are just a few of the procedures you can expect to see:One of the first things we are doing is having both buildings professionally cleaned. They will be performing a CDC certified disinfected cleaning of high touch traffic areas.
   – All Coastal Kidz volunteers will wear masks and gloves.
   – We will wipe down all chairs, tables, and toys after each service. We will minimize the number of toys in each room to help with this.
   – At Child Check-in, volunteers will enter the information on the iPads for stickers.
   – We will use non-contact thermometers to take the temperature at child checkin of all children admitted to Coastal Kidz and all Coastal Kidz volunteers.
   – All children will either use hand sanitizer or wash their hands before entering the classroom. For smaller children, volunteers will help with this.
   – We will space the chairs farther apart in the 1st – 5th grade class and try to keep the younger ones seated farther apart in the other classrooms.
   – VIP (Volunteer Meeting) will be outside in the pergola (weather permitting) or in the new building.
   For those of you who serve on Sunday mornings in Coastal Kidz please communicate with Janet Rollins on your availability in June and start signing up to serve.
   
   P.S. If you consider Coastal your church home or if you have been blessed by the ministry of our church, we want to encourage you to continue to be faithful with your generosity.  If you would like us to mail you offering envelopes or step you through online giving, please respond to this email or call the church office (843-571-1777).  Your weekly gifts are a vital resource that allows us to continue the work that God has called us to do. When you continue to give during this crisis, your gifts allow us to maintain critical ministries that many depend on.  Thank you so much for your faithfulness!

Just 2 more weeks until we’re back in our building for worship!  As we make preparations for opening back up on June 7th, one of the changes will be NOT handing out Bulletins (Announcement Sheet, Connect Card, Offering Envelope, etc.).  We will put a Connect Card & Offering Envelope in the seat pocket of each chair.  However, the easiest way to stay connected, see all the announcements, listen to our messages, and fill out a Connect Card, will be through our App.  Yes, if you didn’t already know it, Coastal has a FREE App you can download for your phone or mobile device.  Download it today from your App Store!  If you’re searching for it, make sure you search for “Coastal Community Church of Charleston or Coastal CC Charleston” (There are other Coastal Community Churches around the country).  If it’s been a while since you checked out the App, open it up!  We’ve updated it and made some improvements for when we get back into the building and moving forward.

Many people have asked what will our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry look like on June 7th as we move back into our building?  Here are just a few of the procedures you can expect to see:

• All Coastal Kidz volunteers will wear masks and gloves.
• We will wipe down all chairs, tables, and toys after each service. We will minimize the number of toys in each room to help with this.
• At Child Check-in, volunteers will enter the information on the iPads for stickers.
• We will use non-contact thermometers to take the temperature at child checkin of all children admitted to Coastal Kidz and all Coastal Kidz volunteers.
• All children will either use hand sanitizer or wash their hands before entering the classroom. For smaller children, volunteers will help with this.
• We will space the chairs farther apart in the 1st – 5th grade class and try to keep the younger ones seated farther apart in the other classrooms.
• VIP (Volunteer Meeting) will be outside in the pergola (weather permitting) or in the new building.

For those of you who serve on Sunday mornings (Coastal Kidz, 1st Impressions, Security, Worship Team, Tech Team) please communicate with your Ministry Leader your availability in June.  Be on the lookout for your Planning Center email and please start signing up for the month of June.

Now, for those of you who are sick, immune compromised, vulnerable, or care for those who are – or even if you’re just not ready on June 7th – please continue to watch our services online.  We live streamed our services way before COVID-19, and we will continue to do so long after.  In fact, we have invested thousands of dollars in improving and expanding our online services and capacity during this time.  I hope you have noticed and appreciated all of our efforts A huge shout out to our Tech Team, Worship Team, Pastor Ryan Spell, Christopher Rollins Jr., and Mark Crawford for all of their hard work).  

By the way, it is because of your consistent, generous giving that we are able to do everything we do at Coastal, including our online services.  If you would like to specifically help fund that expansion – cameras, lights, equipment, etc. – please let me know or simply continue to give above and beyond.

I Love You Coastal and I Love Being Your Pastor!  I can’t wait to see you soon!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. This Saturday, May 23rd, 11am-1pm, will be week 10 of our FREE “Grab & Go Meal Drive-Through.”  We have now given away thousands and thousands of meals!  This week’s menu: PULLED PORK BBQ, Rice, Lima Beans, Cole Slaw, and dessert – plus a free roll of toilet paper for every family!!  If you’re hungry, in need, or know someone who is, we’d love to help!  Feel free to pick up a box and deliver it to someone you know. It’s our way to love and serve our community! Help us spread the word!  At this point and at this scale, the BIGGEST WAY TO HELP is donating money. You can sponsor a meal by giving on our website: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/give/ or simply text ANY amount to 843-277-8337 and use the key word “meals” (ex. $100 meals).  The Drive-Thru is also a great opportunity to drop off non-perishable food items for our Community Food Bank.  We also need DESSERTS – cookies, pre-packaged snacks, etc.  You can drop off desserts at the church on Saturday morning 8am-10am.
2. Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort where we as a church saturate our city with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service. One way we serve is through our partnerships with non-profit organizations all over Charleston. We enjoy serving with the Lowcountry Food Bank, Soldiers Angels, the Ronald McDonald House and Lowcountry Orphan Relief. We also have ongoing projects here at Coastal where we pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, feed the homeless and hurting at the North Charleston Tailgate and multiple other projects. There are opportunities nearly every day of the month. You simply sign-up and then show-up. Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  Click on this link: www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/outreach.  Take a look at all the opportunities. Find the project(s) that is right for you and sign up today. You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want. It’s easy to sign up, and it’s easy to serve. If you are looking to Make an Impact in our community, this is the way to do it!   Sign up and then show-up…it’s literally that easy.
3. This coming Sunday, May 24th we’ll be taking Communion together online.  If you’re able to pick up some grape juice/wine and bread this week at your local store, great.  However, they are symbols, and you can use whatever you have available (water and crackers would work just fine).  We’ll also be making up some family “Communion Packets” (ziplock bags with small containers of juice and bread) that can be picked up this morning (Friday) at the church or tomorrow (Saturday) during the Grab & Go Meal Drive-Thru.
4. On Sunday, June 7th, we kick off one of our favorite sermon series traditions here at Coastal – “AT THE MOVIES”!  This year’s tagline is “Coming to a home near you!”  “At the Movies” is where we take current or popular movies and use them as a hook to talk about spiritual truth.  ALL 1st Time Guests (and the person who invited them – YOU) will receive a FREE $5 Amazon Gift Card to watch a movie at home on us (or just to apply to your Amazon Shopping cart – haha).  Start praying and inviting now!  
5. Sign up today for our Beach Baptism on Sunday, June 14th, 4pm out at Folly Beach County Park!  Come out early (traffic might be an issue) and make it a fun day for your entire family!  If you are interested in being Baptized, simply respond to this email, go to our website and sign up online, or sign up on your Online Connect Card on Sunday.  Even if you’re not being Baptized, come on out the beach and celebrate with those who are!  Make it a fun day for the whole family!
   
   P.S. If you consider Coastal your church home or if you have been blessed by the ministry of our church, we want to encourage you to continue to be faithful with your generosity.  If you would like us to mail you offering envelopes or step you through online giving, please respond to this email or call the church office (843-571-1777).  Your weekly gifts are a vital resource that allows us to continue the work that God has called us to do. When you continue to give during this crisis, your gifts allow us to maintain critical ministries that many depend on.  Thank you so much for your faithfulness!

Just in case you didn’t see my announcement on Wednesday, I want to repeat it here.  After weeks of prayerful consideration, and in conjunction with other local churches, we will be gathering in our church building for ourWorship Services and Coastal Kidz starting JUNE 7th at 9:30am and 11:15am (while continuing to offer our services online)!

This decision has not been made lightly.  It is also made with the understanding that this is an ever-evolving/changing situation. We will continue to monitor our area, listen to our Government and Health officials, and make decisions and alterations to our plans that are both wise and prudent for our church family and community.

We also understand that there will be some who will prefer to still join us for worship from home, and we are excited to continue to provide opportunities for meaningful online worship experiences.  In fact, for many that may temporarily be the best course of action.

For those who are returning to our building, our plan includes the following:

• We encourage everyone to follow CDC guidelines (and to follow the changes they make to those guidelines) with a common sense approach in all areas of your life, including church.
• We encourage those who are vulnerable because of pre-existing conditions or caring for those who are to continue to join us online.
• We ask that anyone who feels sick or has shown any symptoms of sickness to please join us online.
• We will be asking our attendees to create space in our auditorium between families.  We will assist by spacing out our seating.
• We will be sanitizing surfaces throughout the building, including our Coastal Kidz areas, under the guidance of CDC standards. 
• Initially (for the month of June), our Cafe will be closed, and the seating in our Welcome Center removed.  When it re-opens over the Summer it will be service only (no self-serve items).
• We have ordered Pre-filled/Pre-Packaged individual communion cups that will be placed at the back of our chairs.  Cups contain both the juice and bread in a single two-part container.  Communion participants peel back one seal to remove the bread and then a second seal for the juice.  
• Connect Cards & Offering Envelopes will be placed in the backs of our chairs and can be turned in at the end of our service as people are exiting.  We will also make our Connect Card and Announcements available online.  We will continue to encourage people to give online, through TEXTing, or automate their giving through their Bank.
• We will also have contactless entry and exit of the building with our 1st Impression Team opening and closing doors.

For those of you who serve on Sunday mornings (Coastal Kidz, 1st Impressions, Security, Worship Team, Tech Team, Prayer Team) please communicate with your Ministry Leader your availability in June.  Be on the lookout for your Planning Center email and start signing up for the month of June.

The new normal at church will temporarily look and feel a little different, but judging by how well all of you have risen to the occasion during this challenge, I have great confidence that Coastal Community Church will continue to accomplish our mission of “sharing and experiencing the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world.”  In these unprecedented times, we have seen God’s work not only continue, but advance in incredible ways. We have had the opportunity, literally, to preach the Word all over the world!  

And, while we remain deeply grateful for and committed to the technology that has allowed our church to continue to assemble online, we are excited about the opportunity to gather together in person on June 7th.  Whether you choose to join us for worship in-person or online, please know that together we are still the church.  And together we will walk this out with the grace, love, and kindness of true followers of Jesus!

I Love You Coastal and I Love Being Your Pastor!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. This Saturday, May 16th, 11am-1pm, will be week 9 of our FREE “Grab & Go Meal Drive-Through.”  This week’s menu: FRIED PORKCHOP, Mac’n Cheese, Field Peas & Rice, and dessert – plus a free roll of toilet paper for every family!!  If you’re hungry, in need, or know someone who is, we’d love to help!  Feel free to pick up a box and deliver it to someone you know. It’s our way to love and serve our community! Help us spread the word!  At this point and at this scale, the BIGGEST WAY TO HELP is donating money. You can sponsor a meal by giving on our website: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/give/ or simply text ANY amount to 843-277-8337 and use the key word “meals” (ex. $100 meals).  The Drive-Thru is also a great opportunity to drop off non-perishable food items for our Community Food Bank.  We also need DESSERTS – cookies, pre-packaged snacks, etc.  You can drop off desserts at the church on Saturday morning 8am-10am.
2. Summer of IMPACT is a month-long effort where we as a church saturate our city with the love of Jesus through simple acts of service. One way we serve is through our partnerships with non-profit organizations all over Charleston. We enjoy serving with the Lowcountry Food Bank, Soldiers Angels, the Ronald McDonald House and Lowcountry Orphan Relief. We also have ongoing projects here at Coastal where we pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child, feed the homeless and hurting at the North Charleston Tailgate and multiple other projects. There are opportunities nearly every day of the month. You simply sign-up and then show-up. Every project has a leader and every project is well-organized.  Click on this link: www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/outreach.  Take a look at all the opportunities. Find the project(s) that is right for you and sign up today. You can sign up for as many opportunities as you want. It’s easy to sign up, and it’s easy to serve. If you are looking to Make an Impact in our community, this is the way to do it!   Sign up and then show-up…it’s literally that easy.
3. In order for us to prepare for opening our Coastal Kidz classes on June 7th, our Coastal Kidz team needs to connect. We will have 2 very important Coastal Kidz Volunteer Zoom meetings: this Sunday, May 17, at 5:00PM and Monday, May 18, at 7:00PM. You just need to attend one. Here’s the link for our Zoom meetings:  https://zoom.us/j/4864196205.  The meeting should take less than an hour. We will discuss scheduling & safety procedures, plus a few things coming up in the future for Coastal Kidz.
4. Did you know that we have 5 Blessing Boxes in the community!  Consider choosing a Blessing Box as a family and restock it with non-perishable food, toiletries, and even notes & cards of encouragement. This can be done by going directly to the Blessing Box.  Here are the addresses to our Boxes:
   – 413 Geddes Avenue, Charleston
   – 928 Savage Road, Charleston
   – 2758 East Surrey Drive, North Charleston
   – 1998 Hugo Avenue, North Charleston
   – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd., Charleston
   If you have any questions about the Blessing Boxes, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones.
5. Operation Christmas Child has grown so much at Coastal that it is now a YEARLONG Mission of our church!  Each month we will feature a “donation of the month” to help us better prepare for the thousands of boxes we will pack and wrap in the Fall.  This month (May) we are encouraging everyone to bring coloring books.  Even though our Sunday morning Services are online right now, you can still drop off OCC items during the week at the church.  You can even pick up shoeboxes & wrapping paper to start wrapping shoeboxes.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
   
   P.S. If you consider Coastal your church home or if you have been blessed by the ministry of our church, we want to encourage you to continue to be faithful with your generosity.  If you would like us to mail you offering envelopes or step you through online giving, please respond to this email or call the church office (843-571-1777).  Your weekly gifts are a vital resource that allows us to continue the work that God has called us to do. When you continue to give during this crisis, your gifts allow us to maintain critical ministries that many depend on.  Thank you so much for your faithfulness!

I’ve got some exciting news for you!  After weeks of prayerful consideration, and in conjunction with other local churches, we will be gathering in our church building for ourWorship Services and Coastal Kidz starting JUNE 7th at 9:30am and 11:15am (while continuing to offer our services online)!

This decision has not been made lightly.  It is also made with the understanding that this is an ever-evolving/changing situation. We will continue to monitor our area, listen to our Government and Health officials, and make decisions and alterations to our plans that are both wise and prudent for our church family and community.

We also understand that there will be some who will prefer to still join us for worship from home, and we are excited to continue to provide opportunities for meaningful online worship experiences.  In fact, for many that may temporarily be the best course of action.

For those who are returning to our building, our plan includes the following:

• We encourage everyone to follow CDC guidelines (and to follow the changes they make to those guidelines) with a common sense approach in all areas of your life, including church.
• We encourage those who are vulnerable because of pre-existing conditions or caring for those who are to continue to join us online.
• We ask that anyone who feels sick or has shown any symptoms of sickness to please join us online.
• We will be asking our attendees to create space in our auditorium between families.  We will assist by spacing out our seating.
• We will be sanitizing surfaces throughout the building, including our Coastal Kidz areas, under the guidance of CDC standards. 
• Initially (for the month of June), our Cafe will be closed, and the seating in our Welcome Center removed.  When it re-opens over the Summer it will be service only (no self-serve items).
• We have ordered Pre-filled/Pre-Packaged individual communion cups that will be placed at the back of our chairs.  Cups contain both the juice and bread in a single two-part container.  Communion participants peel back one seal to remove the bread and then a second seal for the juice.  
• Connect Cards & Offering Envelopes will be placed in the backs of our chairs and can be turned in at the end of our service as people are exiting.  We will also make our Connect Card and Announcements available online.  We will continue to encourage people to give online, through TEXTing, or automate their giving through their Bank.
• We will also have contactless entry and exit of the building with our 1st Impression Team opening and closing doors.

For those of you who serve on Sunday mornings (Coastal Kidz, 1st Impressions, Security, Worship Team, Tech Team, Prayer Team) please communicate with your Ministry Leader your availability in June.  Be on the lookout for your Planning Center email and start signing up for the month of June.

The new normal at church will temporarily look and feel a little different, but judging by how well all of you have risen to the occasion during this challenge, I have great confidence that Coastal Community Church will continue to accomplish our mission of “sharing and experiencing the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world.”  In these unprecedented times, we have seen God’s work not only continue, but advance in incredible ways. We have had the opportunity, literally, to preach the Word all over the world!  

And, while we remain deeply grateful for and committed to the technology that has allowed our church to continue to assemble online, we are excited about the opportunity to gather together in person on June 7th.  Whether you choose to join us for worship in-person or online, please know that together we are still the church.  And together we will walk this out with the grace, love, and kindness of true followers of Jesus!

I Love You Coastal and I Love Being Your Pastor!

LIFE & LOVE,
Pastor Chris

P.S.  Make sure you start signing up to serve for our “Summer of IMPACT” for the the month of June!  Check out the website and dates, look at your calendar, and start signing up for multiple events/days today!

Summer of IMPACT is just 3 weeks away – starting June 1st!  What is Summer of IMPACT you ask?  Summer of IMPACT is just like Saturday Serve – except that it’s for the entire month of June!  It’s our opportunity to make an IMPACT for Jesus where we live, work, and play – right here in Charleston.  That’s right, there are over a dozen different opportunities/organizations that we will be serving or partnering with multiple times over the month of June.  And just like Saturday Serve, we’re going to make it as easy as possible for you to sign up, show up, and serve.  There is a page on our website where you can literally go and see each project listed in chronological order, the day and time, and all the information you need.  You click a button to sign up and that’s it. 

Here’s what I want you to do:  First and foremost I want you to pray.  Pray that we will be the hands and feet of Jesus as together we serve our community.  Pray that lives will be changed and people will be drawn to Jesus.  And then, quite simply, I want you to sign up. Check out the website and dates, look at your calendar, and sign up for multiple events/days.  There are LOTS of days, times, and events to choose from – everything from serving our Veterans, feeding the homeless, helping the elderly, and much, much more, even opportunities for the whole family to do together!  I also want you to talk it up with your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers and invite them to join you.  Even people who don’t go to church and don’t know the Lord are looking for ways to do something significant with their lives.  Leverage that God given desire and invite people to join you!  If you have any questions or if you would be willing to help lead one of these events, please contact Chris Jones at 843-870-4613 or jonescg73@gmail.com.  Join us in making this the best Summer ever!  

LIFE & LOVE,
Pastor Chris

Happy Mother’s Day!  I’m so excited about Mother’s Day this year at Coastal!  First of all, we kick off a brand new series today called, “Women of the Word”! Each week a different woman at Coastal, from a different season of their life, will be bringing the message. Each message will be on a different woman of the Bible.

Today’s speaker is Rachel Speer!  She is an Office Admin at Coastal, wife, mother of two teenagers (one about to go to college), LIFE Group Leader, and has served in various capacities at Coastal over the years. You’re going to be blessed by her message! Another highlight of this series is that each week we also have a powerful testimony from a woman at Coastal. This week’s testimony is from Kathy Beam. Kathy is a wife, mother of 4, and leads a Support Group here at Coastal. Kathy’s husband is an Elder at Coastal and together they lead our Cafe. Her story is one of beauty from brokenness. Even the sermon series graphic is from a woman at Coastal – our very own Jody Davis! I promise you’re going to be strengthened and encouraged today!

Join us for one of our 6 online services: 9:30am, 11:15am, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm. You can watch our service on Facebook, but the best place to watch it is https://coastalcommchurch.churchonline.org, where you easily see the outline of the message, interact with others watching, fill out our Connect Card, Give, and share your Prayer Requests. If you have children, make sure you check out our Coastal Kidz online page – https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/kids/.  Spread the word, invite a friend, start a watch or Zoom Party!  Post a picture of your experience!  If you are on Facebook, make sure you “share” our service.  It great free advertising!

And then this afternoon, from 3pm-5pm, we’re inviting everyone from Coastal to go on a fun Sunday afternoon ride over to the church for something we’re calling a Mother’s Day Drive Through Celebration!  Drive through our parking lot, and all the women of Coastal can pick up a special gift from the church, and then everyone in the car will receive a FREE cup of Baskin Robbins ICE CREAM!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Pastor Chris

I know I must sound like a broken record, but it’s true – Coastal I am so blown away by your love, service, and generosity!  This past week we partnered with MUSC to provide lunch at the COVID-19 Testing Site & the Pediatric Ambulatory Clinic (about 160 employees).  Because we had to use a DHEC certified kitchen, the cost of both meals was around $1600 with a generous tip (obviously a lot more than if we could have done it ourselves).  But within days of announcing what we were going to do, several families had generously paid for both meals completely!  For tomorrow’s “Grab & Go Meal Drive-Thru” I announced that we are going to do Lasagna, and I needed help cooking them – 92 OF THEM!  I got volunteers to cook ALL 92 (don’t forget that they must be brought back to the church on Saturday morning from 8am-10am)!!  Janet and I don’t even have to cook any.  I could keep going and going.  It’s been that way every week for the last 8 weeks of this Pandemic!  Keep it up Coastal!  The seeds of love that we are planting are going to bear much fruit for years to come and on into eternity! 

This Sunday May 10th is MOTHER’S DAY!  I’m so excited about Mother’s Day this year!  Even though our services will be online, we’re going to go out of our way to make this Mother’s Day special.  First of all, we’re kicking off a new series called, “Women of the Word.”  Each week for 4 weeks we’re going to be looking at a different woman in the Bible, and the message is going to be delivered by 4 different women here at Coastal.  This Sunday, Rachel Speer will be speaking.  Even the graphic for the series was done by a woman from our church – Jody Davis.  We also have several women sharing their testimony during the series.  Spread the word and invite your friends to check us out online!

And then on Mother’s Day afternoon, 3pm-5pm, we’re inviting everyone from Coastal to go on a fun Sunday afternoon ride over to the church for something we’re calling a Mother’s Day Drive Through Celebration!  Drive through our parking lot, and all the women of Coastal can pick up a special gift from the church, and then everyone in the car will receive a FREE cup of Baskin Robbins ICE CREAM!  We’re also asking our kids & families to decorate a poster (“We love our MOM!”  “Happy Mother’s Day!”  “Our Mom is the Best” – you get the idea) that will line the drive of our parking lot.  Make it a fun project for your family – get creative! Posters must be returned to the church either today by 12noon or tomorrow during the Saturday “Grab & Go Meal Drive-Thru.”

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. TODAY Friday, May 8th, 8am-2:30pm at the Elks Lodge on Sam Rittenburg Blvd., Coastal is teaming up with the Veteran’s Administration and Soldiers’ Angels to supply local low-Income veteran families with food assistance at the mobile food distribution.  Many of Charleston’s veterans rely on the food assistance provided by this event, and without volunteers these veterans would go without.  This project can support up to 40-volunteers.  Any time that you can volunteer would be great.  If you are interested in this event or have any questions, please contact Pastor Chris Jones, 843-870-4613.
2. This Saturday, May 9th, 11am-1pm, will be week 8 of our FREE “Grab & Go Meal Drive-Through.”  This week we are planning on feeding over 1,000 people in our community LASAGNA, Salad, Breadstick, and dessert – plus a free roll of toilet paper for every family!!  If you’re hungry, in need, or know someone who is, we’d love to help!  Feel free to pick up a box and deliver it to someone you know. It’s our way to love and serve our community! Help us spread the word!  At this point and at this scale, the BIGGEST WAY TO HELP is donating money. You can sponsor a meal by giving on our website: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/give/ or simply text ANY amount to 843-277-8337 and use the key word “meals” (ex. $100 meals).  The Drive Through is also a great opportunity to drop off non-perishable food items for our Community Food Bank.
3. Teacher Appreciation Week at Oakland Elementary School is Monday, May 11th – Friday, May 15th.  Each year we go over the top to express our love and appreciation to the Teachers and Staff of Oakland.  And this year, in a time when they aren’t even expecting it, we want to shower these Teachers with love!  We have several special things planned (lunch, breakfast, gift cards, gifts), but one way that you and your family can help is writing handwritten thank you notes.  We need 75 of them!  You can pick up the note cards at the church, and we need them returned by this Friday, May 8.  Another way to help is through your generous giving!  All of our community outreach projects (this one included) are funded by your giving.  You can give through our website or simply text ANY amount to 843-277-8337.
4. Each Wednesday morning, Janet Rollins will be hosting an online Zoom meeting for Coastal Kidz!  There will be two 30 minute sessions:  9:00AM – Preschoolers ( 2 yr. olds – Kindergarten).  11:30AM – 1st-5th Graders.  Both Groups will participate in a Zoom “PET PARTY” this week!  To participate in any of our Coastal Kidz Zoom Connections, please go to https://zoom.us/j/4864196205 just a couple of minutes before your child’s scheduled time to join the meeting.  Parents, also don’t forget to take advantage of our Coastal Kidz online services/resources on our website! 
5. Operation Christmas Child has grown so much at Coastal that it is now a YEARLONG Mission of our church!  Each month we will feature a “donation of the month” to help us better prepare for the thousands of boxes we will pack and wrap in the Fall.  This month (May) we are encouraging everyone to bring coloring books.  Even though our Sunday morning Services are online right now, you can still drop off OCC items during the week at the church.  You can even pick up shoeboxes & wrapping paper to start wrapping shoeboxes.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
   
   P.S. The entire month of June is all about “Summer of IMPACT” at Coastal as we saturate Charleston with a variety of outreach projects.  From feeding the hungry, to sewing pillowcases for sick children, to ministering to the homeless – there is a serving opportunity nearly every day of the month!  Click on this link: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/outreach/ to explore all of the different projects that are available this Summer and SIGN UP TODAY!

I just wanted to reach out to you early this week and let you know about multiple opportunities at Coastal to serve our community: 

1. For our “Grab & Go Meal Drive-Thru” we are doing Lasagna this week!  We’ve already purchased all the trays of lasagna.  We need volunteers to pick up, cook, and return trays of hot lasagna (4 trays per person would be ideal).  You can pick up the lasagna any day this week during office hours at the church.  Follow the instructions on the tray, cook the lasagna Saturday morning, and return them to the church between 8am-10am (MUST be returned by 10am).  Please respond to this email if you would be willing to pick up, cook, and return lasagna.  
    
2. Not only are we delivering a lunch for all the Staff & Health Care Workers at the MUSC COVID-19 Testing Site at Citadel Mall this week, but we’ve added another group of Healthcare Workers that we are feeding!  We’ll be providing a Food Truck lunch for the Pediatric Ambulatory Clinic in North Charleston this Thursday, May 7th.  Someone generously decided to pick up the tab for Wednesday’s lunch.  Now we are looking for people who might be willing to donate money to help with Thursday’s meal.  The meal will cost approximately $750.  If you’d like to help with the cost of this meal, please respond to this email or give me a call.  You can also give on our website: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/give/ or simply text ANY amount to 843-277-8337.
    
3. This Friday, May 8th, 8am-2:30pm at the Elks Lodge on Sam Rittenburg Blvd., Coastal is teaming up with the Veteran’s Administration and Soldiers’ Angels to supply local low-Income veteran families with food assistance at the mobile food distribution.  Many of Charleston’s veterans rely on the food assistance provided by this event, and without volunteers these veterans would go without.  This project can support up to 40-volunteers.  Any time that you can volunteer would be great.  If you are interested in this event or have any questions, please contact Pastor Chris Jones, 843-870-4613.
    
4.  We’re looking for kids & families to decorate a poster (“We love our MOM!”  “Happy Mother’s Day!”  “Our Mom is the Best” – you get the idea) that will line the drive of our parking lot this Sunday for our Mother’s Day Drive Through Celebration, this Sunday, May 10, 3pm-5pm.  Drive through our parking lot, and all the women of Coastal can pick up a special gift from the church, and then everyone in the car will receive a FREE cup of Baskin Robbins ICE CREAM!  You can stop by the church to pick up the poster board for the signs!  Make it a fun project for your family – get creative!  Posters must be returned to the church by Friday, May 8.  We’re also looking for volunteers to help serve at the event itself.  Please respond to this email if you would like to serve (traffic control, take ice cream orders, hand out ice cream, etc.).
     
5. Teacher Appreciation Week at Oakland Elementary School is Monday, May 11th – Friday, May 15th.  Each year we go over the top to express our love and appreciation to the Teachers and Staff of Oakland.  And this year, in a time when they aren’t even expecting it, we want to shower these Teachers with love!  We have several special things planned (lunch, breakfast, gift cards, gifts), but one way that you and your family can help is writing handwritten thank you notes.  We need 75 of them!  You can pick up the note cards at the church, and we need them returned by this Friday, May 8.  Another way to help is through your generous giving!  All of our community outreach projects (this one included) are funded by your giving.  You can give through our website or simply text ANY amount to 843-277-8337.
    
6. The entire month of June is all about “Summer of IMPACT” at Coastal as we saturate Charleston with a variety of outreach projects.  From feeding the hungry, to sewing pillowcases for sick children, to ministering to the homeless – there is a serving opportunity nearly every day of the month!  Click on this link: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/outreach/ to explore all of the different projects that are available this Summer and SIGN UP TODAY! 
    
7. Several years ago, a very generous family made a donation to our church that enabled us to purchase our very first video camera.  Obviously, we have since added lights, cameras, hardware, software, etc.  It is all of that equipment and technology that enables us to do everything that we now do online.  And now more than ever before, we can all see the value in what we’re able to do.  But it was that donation, that first camera, that set the stage for all of it.  As our church continues to grow, we must continue to invest in our online presence and capabilities – expanding our Tech Booth, cameras, lights, equipment, etc. The generosity of our church never ceases to amaze me.  Several people have asked if there are any projects that could use funding during this season – this is one of them.  If you’re interested in giving toward this project, give me a call and I’ll be glad to give you the specifics. 

Many people have asked when are we going to return to our building for worship services?  Trust me, I’m ready for that day too!  However, I don’t have an answer for you yet.  Just as we did when we made the decision to go completely online, we are praying, talking to other church leaders, and listening to local and state officials.  We want to make the best decision for the safety, health, and well-being of our church and surrounding community.  As soon, as we make those decisions, I promise we’ll let everyone know quickly.  But in the meantime, please continue to pray and be gracious as we all maneuver these decisions.  

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

P.S.  This is not a serving opportunity, but don’t forget that Janet and I will be hosting another Facebook/Instagram LIVE event this Wednesday night at 8pm from my personal page/account.  Send me a Friend Request if we’re not already friends.  No real agenda, just a fun time of hanging out and maybe a little bit of Q & A!  This week I will be grilling Bone-in Boston Butts (PULLED PORK BARBECUE)!  Janet will be making a Swiss Cake Roll!  And as always, we’ll be GIVING IT ALL AWAY to a lucky viewer!  And this week Janet will also be giving away a CHILDREN’S DRESS!

It’s hard to believe, but it’s true – TODAY IS MAY 1ST!  And that means Summer is fast approaching!  One of the ways our church marks the coming of Summer and sharing the love of Christ is through “Summer of IMPACT!”  For the entire month of June, our church will saturate Charleston with a variety of outreach projects.  From feeding the hungry, to sewing pillowcases for sick children, to ministering to the homeless – there is a serving opportunity nearly every day of the month!  What better way to show that we are followers of Jesus than by serving the people in our community!  “Summer of IMPACT” is one of the ways we do just that!  Click on this link: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/outreach/ to explore all of the different projects that are available this Summer. 

You can sign up for one or more projects, many of which are kid and family-friendly.  Once you complete a brief online form, you’ll receive an email soon afterwards from our Pastor of Outreach just to thank you for signing up and to answer any questions you might have.  You’ll receive a second email from the project leader, a week prior to your project date, with all the details of the serving opportunity you’ve signed up for. For most of the projects, you simply sign-up and then show-up. Everyone who serves will also receive a FREE “Making an Impact” t-shirt (if you don’t already have one – haha) as our way of saying thanks for serving with us!

As the current crisis continues to unfold, we will assess and reassess our projects with the safety of our community and those who call Coastal home as the priority.  In doing so, we will also continue to do our best to be a beacon of hope and of love in Charleston.  We are Coastal, and that’s what we do. So check out the projects and join with us as we labor in love to MAKE AN IMPACT!  Reach out to Pastor Chris Jones if you have any questions or if you have a project idea you’d like to share.

May also means Mother’s Day – Sunday May 10th!  I’m so excited about Mother’s Day this year!  Even though our services will be online, we’re going to go out of our way to make this Mother’s Day special for Moms.  First of all, we’re kicking off a new series called, “Women of the Word.”  Each week for 4 weeks we’re going to be looking at a different woman in the Bible, and the message is going to be delivered by 4 different women here at Coastal – hence, Women of the Word!  We also have several women sharing their  testimony during the series.  And on Mother’s Day afternoon, 3pm-5pm, we’re inviting everyone from Coastal to go on a fun Sunday afternoon ride over to the church for something we’re calling a Mother’s Day Drive Through Celebration!  Drive through our parking lot, and all the women of Coastal can pick up a special gift from the church, and then everyone in the car will receive a FREE cup of Baskin Robbins ICE CREAM!  We’re also asking our kids & families to decorate a poster (“We love our MOM!”  “Happy Mother’s Day!”  “Our Mom is the Best” – you get the idea) that will line the drive of our parking lot.  You can stop by the church to pick up the poster board for the signs!  Make it a fun project for your family – get creative! Posters must be returned to the church by Friday, May 8.

The other thing that May always marks is Teacher Appreciation Weed at Oakland Elementary School – Monday, May 11th – Friday, May 15th.  Each year we go over the top to express our love and appreciation to the Teachers and Staff of Oakland.  And this year, in a time when they aren’t even expecting it, we want to shower these Teachers with love!  We have several special things planned (lunch, breakfast, gift cards, gifts), but one way that you and your family can help is writing handwritten thank you notes.  We need 75 of them!  You can pick up the note cards at the church, and we need them returned by next Friday, May 8.  Another way to help is through your generous giving!  All of our community outreach projects (this one included) are funded by your giving.  You can give through our website or simply text ANY amount to 843-277-8337. 

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. This Saturday, May 2nd, 11am-1pm, will be week 7 of our FREE “Grab & Go Meal Drive-Through.”  This week we are planning on feeding over 1,000 people in our community Hamburgers/Hotdogs, baked beans, cole slaw, and dessert – plus a free roll of toilet paper for every family!!  If you’re hungry, in need, or know someone who is, we’d love to help!  Feel free to pick up a box and deliver it to someone you know. It’s our way to love and serve our community! Help us spread the word!  At this point and at this scale, the BIGGEST WAY TO HELP is donating money. You can sponsor a meal by giving on our website: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/give/ or simply text ANY amount to 843-277-8337 and use the key word “meals” (ex. $100 meals).  The Drive Through is also a great opportunity to drop off non-perishable food items for our Community Food Bank.
2. Interested in officially making Coastal Community Church YOUR church home?  Sign up for our next Membership Class!  For this Membership Class we’re going to do something we’ve never done before. We’re going to offer a virtual Membership class, an online class.  It’s going to be this Monday night, May 4th, 7-9PM.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or sign up right now from our website.  We’ll email you the notes for the class and the Zoom link.  Next week you will receive your Membership Packet in the mail.
3. Each Wednesday morning, Janet Rollins will be hosting an online Zoom meeting for Coastal Kidz!  There will be two 30 minute sessions:  9:00AM – Preschoolers ( 2 yr. olds – Kindergarten).  11:30AM – 1st-5th Graders.  Both Groups will participate in a Zoom “PET PARTY” this week!  To participate in any of our Coastal Kidz Zoom Connections, please go to https://zoom.us/j/4864196205 just a couple of minutes before your child’s scheduled time to join the meeting.  Parents, also don’t forget to take advantage of our Coastal Kidz online services/resources on our website! 
4. Operation Christmas Child has grown so much at Coastal that it is now a YEARLONG Mission of our church!  Each month we will feature a “donation of the month” to help us better prepare for the thousands of boxes we will pack and wrap in the Fall.  This month (May) we are encouraging everyone to bring coloring books.  Even though our Sunday morning Services are online right now, you can still drop off OCC items during the week at the church.  You can even pick up shoeboxes & wrapping paper to start wrapping shoeboxes.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
5. On Wednesday, May 6th, our church is going to be providing lunch for all the Staff & Health Care Workers at the MUSC COVID-19 testing site at Citadel Mall.  We’ll be purchasing the meal from a local restaurant.  We look at it as a “win – win”!  We get to help feed and encourage those working on the front lines of this crisis, and we also get to help and support our local restaurants that have been hit hard financially at the same time.  The meal will cost approximately $800.  If you’d like to help with the cost of this meal, you can give on our website: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/give/ or simply text ANY amount to 843-277-8337 and use the key word “meals” (ex. $100 meals).  We’d also like to write “Thank You” cards that we’ll deliver with the meal.  You can pick up the note cards at the church and start writing!
   
   P.S. One week from today – Friday, May 8^th 8am-12:30pm – Coastal is teaming up with the Veteran’s Administration and Soldiers’ Angels to supply local low-Income veteran families with food assistance at the mobile food distribution.  Many of Charleston’s veterans rely on the food assistance provided by this event, and without volunteers these veterans would go without.  If you are interested in this event, sign up on your online Connect Card. This project can support up to 40-volunteers. If you have any questions, contact Pastor Chris Jones.

So how are you doing?  On a scale of 1-10, one being barely hanging on by a thread, ready to throw in the towel; ten being not just surviving but thriving and growing – how are you doing?  My guess is that it depends on the day (maybe even the time of day – haha).  And if we’re being honest, we all have moments at either end of the spectrum, and most of us are probably somewhere in between.  Here’s my simple message for you today – BREATHE, JUST BREATHE.  Seriously, take a moment, close your eyes, focus your mind on God and His love and faithfulness and take a big, deep breath.  I don’t mean to over simplify things, but sometimes we just need to start with the basics.  You’ve got this.  Actually, God’s got this, and you are His child.  Let the truth of these verses wash over your heart and mind today:

• “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
• “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:26
• “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 
• “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
• “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” – Philippians 4:4-9

I’m pretty sure most everyone was anticipating our State’s decision to continue at home education for the remaining of the school year.  However, I’m sure the reality of that decision hit pretty hard this week for everyone – teachers, parents, and students.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  At Coastal, don’t forget that we have an abundance of people to lean on – teachers, former teachers, and seasoned homeschool educators.  If you are in need, please reach out, and we’ll connect you to the support and resources you need.  My wife Janet was both a former public school and homeschool teacher and would be glad to help out in any way possible. 

Keep our church in your prayers as we continue to strategically plan and think through when and how we will eventually return to our building for worship.  Just as we did when we made the decision to go completely online, we are praying, talking to other church leaders, and listening to local and state officials.  We want to make the best decision for the safety, health, and well-being of our church and surrounding community.  I honestly don’t have a date in mind right now, but whenever it is, I’m sure we’ll be saying the same things we did before we went completely online, “If you’re sick, immune compromised, vulnerable, or caring for those who are – STAY HOME and watch our service online.”  

And when it happens, I’m sure we will go to extra lengths to make people feel comfortable – opening doors for people, wiping everything down between services, serving people at the cafe instead of people serving themselves, making masks & gloves available, having servers with gloves at the Communion Stations to hand out the Communion elements instead of people handling their own, offering buckets stationed throughout the building instead of passing the buckets down the row, and I’m sure there will be other efforts made as well.  But right now, like I said, continue to breathe and pray.  And please remember, no one – no employer, no pastor, no elected official, and no one with an opinion on the situation – has ever led through or lived through a time exactly like this.  Grace is needed.  Being hostile online or in person is counterproductive and un-Christlike.  We will grow through this together!  Breathe.

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. This Saturday, April 25th, 11am-1pm, will be week 6 of our FREE “Grab & Go Meal Drive-Through.”  This week we are planning on feeding 1,000 people in our community FRIED CHICKEN, mashed potatoes, green beans, and dessert – plus a free roll of toilet paper for every family!!  If you’re hungry, in need, or know someone who is, we’d love to help!  Feel free to pick up a box and deliver it to someone you know. It’s our way to love and serve our community! Help us spread the word!  At this point and at this scale, the BIGGEST WAY TO HELP is donating money. You can sponsor a meal by giving on our website: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/give/ or simply text ANY amount to 843-277-8337 and use the key word “meals” (ex. $100 meals).
2. For our next Membership Class, we’re going to do something we’ve never done before. We’re going to offer a virtual Membership class, an online class.  It’s going to be Monday night, May 4th, 7-9PM.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sundays or right now from our website.  The week before the class, we will mail you the Membership Packet/notes for the class.
3. Each Wednesday morning, Janet Rollins will be hosting an online Zoom meeting for Coastal Kidz!  There will be two 30 minute sessions:  9:00AM – Preschoolers ( 2 yr. olds – Kindergarten).  11:30AM – 1st-5th Graders.  Both Groups will participate in a Zoom “TALENT SHOW” this week!  To participate in any of our Coastal Kidz Zoom Connections, please go to https://zoom.us/j/4864196205 just a couple of minutes before your child’s scheduled time to join the meeting.
4. Did you know that we have 5 Blessing Boxes in the community!  Consider choosing a Blessing Box as a family and restock it with non-perishable food, toiletries, and even notes & cards of encouragement. This can be done by going directly to the Blessing Box.  Here are the addresses to our Boxes:413 Geddes Avenue, Charleston
   928 Savage Road, Charleston
   2758 East Surrey Drive, North Charleston
   1998 Hugo Avenue, North Charleston
   1050 St. Andrews Blvd., Charleston 
   If you have any questions about the Blessing Boxes, please reach out to Chris Jones.
5. On Wednesday, May 6th, our church is going to be providing lunch for all the Staff & Health Care Workers at the MUSC COVID-19 testing site at Citadel Mall.  We’ll be purchasing the meal from a local restaurant.  We look at it as a “win – win”!  We get to help feed and encourage those working on the front lines of this crisis, and we also get to help and support our local restaurants that have been hit hard financially at the same time.  The meal will cost approximately $800.  If you’d like to help with the cost of this meal, you can give on our website: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/give/ or simply text ANY amount to 843-277-8337 and use the key word “meals” (ex. $100 meals).  We’d also like to write “Thank You” cards that we’ll deliver with the meal.  You can pick up the note cards at the church and start writing!
   
   P.S. Coastal is teaming up with the Veteran’s Administration and Soldiers’ Angels to supply local low-Income veteran families with food assistance at the mobile food distribution on Friday, May 8^th from 8:00am-12:30pm.  Many of Charleston’s veterans rely on the food assistance provided by this event and without volunteers these veterans would go without.  If you are interested in this event, sign up on your online Connect Card. This project can support up to 40-volunteers. If you have any questions, contact Pastor Chris Jones.

Coastal, I know I keep saying this each and every week, but it’s true – I’m so proud of your willingness to serve and love our community, to truly be the hands and feet of Jesus where we live, work, and play.  Between our Food Bank, Blessing Boxes, volunteering at the Low Country Food Bank, and the Saturday “Grab & Go Meal Drive Through” we are literally feeding thousands of people in our community!  Our plan all along was to continue to offer the Saturday meal until the students went back to school.  Well, at this point it’s starting to look more and more like we’ll be doing this until the Summer.      

I want to let you know about something else that we’re going to be doing to serve our community.  On Wednesday, May 6th our church is going to be providing lunch for all the Staff & Health Care Workers at the MUSC COVID-19 testing site at Citadel Mall.  Now, because of health and State regulations, they are only accepting meals and food from DHEC certified kitchens.  In other words, even though normally they would be thrilled to eat food cooked by Pastor Chris & Janet or any number of awesome Coastal cooks, they’re not able to at this time.  However, they are working with local restaurants and organizations to help provide meals.  So, we look at it as a “win – win”!  We get to help feed and encourage those working on the front lines of this crisis, and we also get to help and support our local restaurants that have been hit hard financially at the same time.  The meal will cost approximately $800.  We’re also going to be working with MUSC to help provide meals at other locations in the West Ashley area.  So another thing we need people to do is to write “Thank You” notes to the Health Care workers (we’ll provide the stationery).  And get this – they were so excited to learn about everything we’re doing in the community that beginning this week, they are going to be advertising our Saturday meal to all their employees!

Coastal, the other thing that has blown me away (but really should be no surprise) is your generosity!  You are living out 2 Corinthians 8.  The context of this passage is that a group of poor, struggling Christians in Macedonia heard about a financial need in Jerusalem, and they begged the Apostle Paul for the opportunity to help.  Listen to these words, “Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia (through Coastal Community Church). They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor.  But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.  For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.  They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing. . .” 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (NLT)  Coastal, that’s YOU!  
So, as I’ve said before, at this point and at this scale, the BIGGEST WAY TO HELP is donating money.  You can simply go to our website and give  or text ANY amount to 843-277-8337 and use the key word “meals” (ex. $100 meals).  Thank you in advance for your generous giving!

Just a few other reminders about this week:

1. Our “We Love Coastal” video was such a hit this past Sunday that we’d like to keep doing it during this series.  So now that you’ve seen what we need – get busy!  We’re looking for 10-15 seconds of you and your entire family saying your name and what you love about Coastal or what a difference we’ve made in your life or what comes to mind when you think about your Coastal family.  All videos should be in a well lit area.  Do your best to minimize background noise.  All videos should be in landscape / horizontal perspective (“long ways”).  All videos recorded on iPhones can be texted to Pastor Scott at 859-230-5129 OR emailed to Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  All videos recorded on any other phone or video equipment can be emailed to Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  If for some reason, we can’t use/edit them for the service, we’ll do our best to use them on our social media.
    
2. This Wednesday morning, April 22, Janet Rollins will be hosting an online Zoom meeting for Coastal Kidz!  There will be two 30 minute sessions:  9:00AM – Preschoolers ( 2 yr. olds – Kindergarten).  11:30AM – 1st-5th Graders (please make note of the new time).  Both Groups will participate in a Zoom “SCAVENGER HUNT” this week!  To participate in any of our Coastal Kidz Zoom Connections, please go to https://zoom.us/j/4864196205 just a couple of minutes before your child’s scheduled time to join the meeting.
    
3. We still need more Christmas Cards written for Operation Christmas Child.  You can pick up the cards & envelopes at the church.  This month’s (April) gift item that we are collecting is stuffed animals (May will be coloring books).  Also, we are looking for volunteers to start wrapping shoeboxes.  We have the boxes and paper ready to go at the church!
    
4. Because of the amount of food we are giving away each week through our Food Bank and Blessing Boxes, we still need food donations.  Items that we always need more of are:  pasta, rice, pasta sauce, canned fruit, canned pastas and canned protein (chicken, tuna, etc.).  Don’t forget that you can go directly to the Blessing Boxes themselves.  Their locations are:
   – 413 Geddes Avenue, Charleston
   – 928 Savage Road, Charleston
   – 2758 East Surrey Drive, North Charleston
   – 1998 Hugo Avenue, North Charleston
   – 1050 St. Andrews Blvd., Charleston 
   If you have any questions about the Blessing Boxes, please reach out to Chris Jones.
    
5. All of our LIFE Groups are now online and open for new people to join!  For a list of all our Online LIFE Groups, go to this page and sign up today!  And I’d like to give a shameless plug for my Tuesday night Group.  We just wrapped up our “Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts” study, but we’re going to continue on as a Young Couples Group!  So we’d love for you to join!  Sign up today!
    
6. Our WAVES Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) has Virtual Small Groups taking place on Wednesday Nights at 7:00pm. These video based small groups are designed to be a time where students can join in with their friends/other students their age (high school and middle school boys and girls) and spend some time connecting with them and leaders. The group kicks off with some virtual hangout time and then the students will go through a video study; spending some time discussing various topics. To join the zoom video chat at 7:00pm on Wednesday, just visit the student page on the Coastal website (https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/students/) and click the group pertaining to you.  For all the latest Student Ministry info, please be on the lookout for their weekly email and follow them on instagram!
    
7. For our next Membership Class, we’re going to do something we’ve never done before. We’re going to offer a virtual Membership class, an online class.  It’s going to be Monday night, May 4th, 7-9PM.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sundays or right now from our website.  The week before the class we will mail you the Membership Packet/notes for the class.
    
8. And last but not least, Janet and I will be hosting another Facebook LIVE event this Wednesday night at 8pm from my Facebook page (back by popular demand – haha!).  Send me a Friend Request if we’re not already friends.  No real agenda, just a fun time of hanging out and maybe a little bit of Q & A (send in/post those questions)!  But this week Janet and I (mostly Janet) will be making her world famous carrot cake – and GIVING IT AWAY to a lucky viewer!  And I will try once again not to say or do anything inappropriate!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

This Sunday we’re in Part 2 of our “Welcome Home” series.  I’ll be talking about how when you come to God, not only will you find forgiveness (last week’s message), but you will also find a family!  The church is a family.  It’s not a building; it’s not a service; it’s not an organization; it’s not a club.  It’s a family.  Church is not a place you go to.  Church is a family you belong to.  And I LOVE MY CHURCH FAMILY!  I DO!  If this season of social distancing and staying home has done anything, it’s reminded me just how much I love our church family.  And I’m so proud of you Coastal and how you’ve responded to this crisis.  Your faith, your love, your service, and your generosity are examples to many and are planting seeds that will bear much fruit for years to come and into eternity.  Remember, no matter what the circumstances of life are, our mission has not changed.  Let’s not be distracted or diverted – people still need Jesus, and He is still the hope of the world!

Speaking of our church family, maybe it’s time for you to make a commitment to Coastal and officially become a Member of our church. So, how do you become a member of our church family?  You make a commitment.  At Coastal we have a class that I teach, our Membership Class, where we go over our Statement of Faith, our structure, our purpose, what it means to be a member of God’s family, and we ask people to make a commitment.  For our next Membership Class, we’re going to do something we’ve never done before. We’re going to offer a virtual Membership class, an online class.  It’s going to be Monday night, May 4th, 6-9PM.  Sign up today on your Connect Card and we’ll mail you the notes for the class.

I can’t begin to thank everyone enough for the response to our “Grab & Go Meal Drive Through”!  This “little meal give away” has grown to the point where we are now planning on feeding 1000 people tomorrow! Go to my Facebook page and share my post about the event.  Help us get the word out.  Our menu for tomorrow: pulled pork barbecue, red rice, cole slaw, and dessert.  Because we are trying to limit the number of people on our campus and because so many people have signed up to serve, we are having to turn people away from serving.  At this point and at this scale, the BIGGEST WAY TO HELP is donating money.  You can simply go to our website and give  or text ANY amount to 843-277-8337 and use the key word “meals” (ex. $100 meals).

Not only are we giving away hot meals each Saturday, but we are giving away an enormous amount of groceries from our Food Bank.  We can still use donations of canned goods and non perishable food items.  Foods that we always need are rice, pastas, sauce, canned fruit, canned proteins (tuna, chicken, etc.).

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Looking for something positive and life changing to do while you’re staying at home during this pandemic?  Join your church family in continuing to read through the New Testament for the rest of the year!  Come on, what else are you going to do?  Binge watch “Tiger King” on Netflix?  Instead of a daily reading schedule, we’ve given you a block of chapters to read for the week at your own pace (email us for the schedule)  But we would encourage you to try to break it up and read a little portion each day.  Enjoy!
2. Operation Christmas Child has grown so much at Coastal that it is now a YEARLONG Mission of our church!  Each month we will feature a “donation of the month” to help us better prepare for the thousands of boxes we will pack and wrap in the Fall.  This month (April) we are encouraging everyone to bring stuffed animals that will fit in a shoebox.  May will be coloring books.  Even though our Sunday morning Services are online right now, you can still drop off OCC items during the week at the church.  You can even pick up shoeboxes & wrapping paper to start wrapping shoeboxes.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
3. All of our LIFE Groups have now gone online! Join a Group and experience community, connection, and prayer each week. You can go to our website and sign up today! If you might be willing to start/lead a new online Group, please respond to this email or reach out to Pastor Scott. Let us equip you to help keep our church connected.
4. Did you know that we have 5 Blessing Boxes in the community!  Consider choosing a Blessing Box as a family and restock it with non-perishable food, toiletries, and even notes & cards of encouragement. This can be done by going directly to the Blessing Box.  Here are the addresses to our Boxes:413 Geddes Avenue, Charleston
   928 Savage Road, Charleston
   2758 East Surrey Drive, North Charleston
   1998 Hugo Avenue, North Charleston
   1050 St. Andrews Blvd., Charleston 
   If you have any questions about the Blessing Boxes, please reach out to Chris Jones.
5. This coming Sunday, April 19th we’ll be taking Communion together online.  If you’re able to pick up some grape juice/wine and bread this week at your local store, great.  However, they are symbols, and you can use whatever you have available (water and crackers would work just fine).  We’ll also be making up some family “Communion Packets” (ziplock bags with small containers of juice and bread) that can be picked up this week at the church.
   
   P.S. For those of you who normally give to Coastal on Sunday mornings by check, cash, or card swiping, we want to help you to continue to be faithful with your generosity.  If you would like us to mail you offering envelopes or step you through online giving, please respond to this email or call the church office (843-571-1777).  Your weekly gifts are a vital resource that allows us to continue the work that God has called us to do. When you continue to give during this crisis, your gifts allow us to maintain critical ministries that many depend on.  Thank you so much for your faithfulness!

Well, it was an Easter like no other – one that we will forever remember!  I want to share some good news with you.  Months ago as we were planning this Easter we set a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) of 2,000 in attendance.  The previous 3 Easter’s had grown from 1000, 1200, and 1600.  Well, this Easter weekend we had 2,213 attend church online!  The past 2 weeks our church online numbers were 1100 and 1300.  By the way, those are individual unique viewing sessions.  Some of those sessions represent multiple people or whole families.  It also doesn’t count Facebook.  Our online service had 7630 views on Facebook!  Even more exciting is that we had 56 people indicate that they made a decision for Christ online!  

Coastal, I’m hearing similar numbers from Pastors and churches all around the country.  You see, what the enemy meant for evil, God is using to reap a harvest of LIFE change!  People are open right now to spiritual things.  They are searching for hope and help.  And the church has answers.  People are most receptive during times of tension, trouble, and transition.  That pretty much describes the times we are living in right now.  So again, this is not a time for the church or believers to hide, hibernate, or hunker down.  No, it’s our time to storm the gates of hell and rescue people one life at time!

Just a few other reminders about this week:

1. We still need those 10-15 second videos that describe what the Coastal family means to you.  We really need about 15 more by tomorrow night.  (See previous email for all the details.)  All videos recorded on iPhones can be texted to Pastor Scott at 859-230-5129 OR emailed to Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  All videos recorded on any other phone or video equipment can be emailed to Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
    
2. This coming Sunday, April 19th we’ll be taking Communion together online.  If you’re able to pick up some grape juice/wine and bread this week at your local store, great.  However, they are symbols, and you can use whatever you have available (water and crackers would work just fine).  We’ll also be making up some family “Communion Packets” (ziplock bags with small containers of juice and bread) that can be picked up this week at the church.
    
3. I can’t begin to thank everyone enough for the response to our “Grab & Go Meal Drive Through”!  This week we are planning on feeding 1000 people! Our menu: pulled pork barbecue, red rice, cole slaw, and dessert.  The only thing we need donations of this week are: cookies and/or prepackaged desserts (rice krispy treats, Little Debbie’s, etc.).  If you are interested in serving at the event itself, please respond to this email.  Keep in mind that we are limiting the number of volunteers and because of the response have had to rotate volunteers each week.  At this point and at this scale, the BIGGEST WAY TO HELP is donating money.  You can simply go to our website and give. 
    
4. Please pick up all Easter Yard Signs this week around town and drop them back off at the church at your convenience.  We will use them again next year. 
    
5. This Wednesday morning, April 15, Janet Rollins will be hosting an online Zoom meeting for Coastal Kidz!  There will be two 30 minute sessions:  9:00AM – Preschoolers ( 2 yr. olds – Kindergarten).  10:00AM – 1st-5th Graders.  Both Groups will participate in a Zoom “Show & Tell” this week!  Please have your child ready to show something and tell about it.  To participate in any of our Coastal Kidz Zoom Connections, please go to https://zoom.us/j/4864196205 just a couple of minutes before your child’s scheduled time to join the meeting.
    
6. We still need more Christmas Cards written for Operation Christmas Child.  You can pick up the cards & envelopes at the church.  This month’s (April) gift item that we are collecting is stuffed animals (May will be coloring books).  Also, we are looking for volunteers to start wrapping shoeboxes.  We have the boxes and paper ready to go!
    
7. Because of the amount of food we are giving away each week through our Food Band and Blessing Boxes, we still need food donations.  Items that we always need more of are:  pasta, rice, pasta sauce, canned fruit, canned pastas and canned protein (chicken, tuna, etc.).
    
8. All of our LIFE Groups are now online and open for new people to join!  For a list of all our Online LIFE Groups, go to this page and sign up today!
    
9. Our WAVES Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) has Virtual Small Groups taking place on Wednesday Nights at 7:00pm. These video based small groups are designed to be a time where students can join in with their friends/other students their age (high school and middle school boys and girls) and spend some time connecting with them and leaders. The group kicks off with some virtual hangout time and then the students will go through a video study; spending some time discussing various topics. To join the zoom video chat at 7:00pm on Wednesday, just visit the student page on the Coastal website (https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/students/) and click the group pertaining to you.
    
10. Janet and I will be hosting a Facebook LIVE event this Wednesday night at 8pm from my Facebook page.  Send me a Friend Request if we’re not already friends.  No real agenda, just a fun time of hanging out and maybe a little bit of Q & A!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

First of all, Happy Easter and Happy 30th Anniversary!  Make sure you catch one of our 9 online services to today.  

Today’s service times are:
7am, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5:30pm, 7pm
On Facebook make sure you checkin, share the post, start a watch party, etc. – it’s a great way to advertise our church!  However, the best place to watch the service is still  https://coastalcommchurch.churchonline.org.  There you’ll be able to easily fill out a Connect Card, interact with Staff and other through the chat, Give, and submit Prayer Requests.

If you didn’t see my Social Media post yesterday about our “Grab & Go Drive-Through”, I wanted to share it with you.  Here’s what I wrote:  

“WOW! Not only can Jesus multiply loaves and fish, but evidently He can do the same thing to ham, mac’n cheese, potato salad, and green beans! Last week we gave away over 400 meals. I was pretty sure we had enough food today for over 500 (each of the previous 3 weeks we had grown by 100). Today we gave away over 800 meals in a little over an hour!!! That doesn’t count all the toilet paper, candy filled Easter Eggs, and bags and bags and bags of groceries we gave away from our Food Bank!”

“I can’t thank all of our volunteers and the generosity of our church enough! Next week, we’re planning on serving over 1,000 meals (pulled pork barbecue, red rice, coleslaw, bread, chips, and dessert)! If you watch the news today, you’ll see a lot of doom and gloom, hatred, selfishness, and negativity. That’s not what I see! I see love, kindness, generosity, community, and sacrifice. 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 Easter and Happy 30th Anniversary Coastal Community Church!”

So many people have asked how they can help.  Honestly, at this point the biggest way to help is through your giving.  Each week, depending on the meal, we’ll let you know if there are specific food items to be donated.  And we do need volunteers each Saturday, but we are limiting the number.  So again, with the number of people we’re feeding, the best way to help is through your generous, consistent giving.  Believe it or not, we’ll have a few more things we’re going to be doing to serve our community in the weeks ahead and I’ll let you know about those soon. 

Don’t forget to send in your short video to Pastor Scott about what a difference the Coastal family has made in your life (see previous email).

Much, Much Love & Gratitude!
Pastor Chris

P.S.  Next Sunday, April 19th we’ll be taking communion together online.  If you’re able to pick up some grape juice/wine and bread this week, great.  However, they are symbols, and you can use whatever you have available (water and crackers would work just fine).

Finally – Easter Weekend is here!Our first of 19 online services starts tonight at 7pm!  You can watch  services on Facebook LIVE but the best, easiest place to connect, fill out a Connect Card, Give and interact with others is at https://coastalcommchurch.churchonline.org.  Now, it’s definitely not the Easter anyone imagined, but you know what?  It’s probably a lot closer to that very first Easter than any other Easter we’ve ever experienced.  

(Someone shared this with me – I want to share it with you.)  “Think about it.  The very first Easter was not in a crowded worship space with singing and praising.  On the very first Easter the disciples were locked in their house. It was dangerous for them to come out. They were afraid. They wanted to believe the good news they heard from the women, that Jesus had risen. But it seemed too good to be true. They were living in a time of such despair and such fear. If they left their homes, their lives and the lives of their loved ones might be at risk. Could a miracle really have happened? Could life really had won out over death? Could this time of terror and fear really be coming to an end?  Alone in their homes they dared to believe that hope was possible, that the long night was over, and morning had broken, that God’s love was the most powerful of all, even though it didn’t seem quite real yet.  Eventually, they were able to leave their homes, when the fear and danger had subsided. They went around celebrating and spreading the good news that Jesus was risen and love was the most powerful force on the earth.  This year, we might get to experience a taste of what the first Easter was like – still in our homes daring to believe that hope is on the horizon. Then, after a while, when it is safe for all the people, when it is the most loving choice, we will come out, gathering together, singing and shouting the good news that God brings life even out of death, that love always has the final say!”

Our service times over the next 3 days are as follows:  

• TONIGHT, Friday, April 10th: 7pm  
• Saturday, April 11th:  9am, 10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3pm, 4:30pm, 6pm, 7:30pm, 9pm
• Sunday, April 12th: 7am, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5:30pm, 7pm 

There will be plenty of opportunities for you to catch a service and to invite your friends to do the same.  Send out those emails, texts, and phone calls now!  Check-in each time you watch a service and share our social media posts.

If you’re a parent don’t forget to check out our new web page for your children: “Coastal Kidz Online.”  There you will find lesson videos for kids of all ages, parent guides to help you discuss the Bible lesson with your children, reinforcement activities, and a Youtube playlist of worship songs. For the elementary grades, there are several days worth of reinforcement activities.  We will update this page every week! If you have any questions, please reach out to our Children’s Director, Janet Rollins.

Not only are we celebrating Easter this weekend, but Easter also marks our church’s Anniversary!  Our first service was Easter Sunday, 1990, which means that this Easter we are 30 YEARS OLD!  In some ways it feels like just yesterday that we were getting ready for that very first service downtown at the Old Exchange Building.  Yes, for the first year of our church we met at one of the most historic buildings in Charleston.  I used to tell people that George Washington, Prince Charles, and Pastor Chris have all spoken at the Great Hall.  30 years of sharing and experiencing the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world!  30 years of loving and serving our community!  30 years of relationships!  30 years of stories from just doing life with people!  It has been the adventure of a lifetime, and Janet and I are beyond blessed for having lived it!  And you know what Coastal?  We are just getting started!  I truly believe that.  It’s hard to explain, but it’s like a great marriage.  I am more passionate and more in love and more committed to what God has called us to do through Coastal, than I could have ever understood 30 years ago!  Coastal is not just a church I attend or preach at – it’s my family!  I love you Coastal and I love being your Pastor!  But hold on to your fork – the best is yet to come!  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!  (I promise we’ll celebrate together when this is all over!)

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

1. Our 100 Day Challenge is now officially over!  Honestly, I don’t know if it could have come at a better time leading us into this period of staying at home, social distancing, and Easter.  I hope the challenge spurred on your faith in greater ways. Well, how would you like to continue to read through the New Testament for the rest of the year?  Come on, what else are you going to do?  Binge watch “Tiger King” on Netflix?  Instead of daily reading schedule, we’ve given you a block of chapters to read for the week at your own pace (see above).  But we would encourage you to try to break it up and read a little portion each day.  Enjoy!
2. Operation Christmas Child has grown so much at Coastal that it is now a YEARLONG Mission of our church!  Each month we will feature a “donation of the month” to help us better prepare for the thousands of boxes we will pack and wrap in the Fall.  This month (April) we are encouraging everyone to bring stuffed animals that will fit in a shoebox.  Even though our Sunday morning Services are online right now, you can still drop off OCC items during the week at the church.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
3. All of our LIFE Groups have now gone online! Join a Group and experience community, connection, and prayer each week. You can go to our website and sign up today! If you might be willing to start/lead a new online Group, please respond to this email or reach out to Pastor Scott. Let us equip you to help keep our church connected.
4. Did you know that we have 5 Blessing Boxes in the community! Consider choosing a Blessing Box as a family and restock it with non-perishable food, toiletries, and even notes & cards of encouragement. This can be done by going directly to the Blessing Box. Here are the addresses to our Boxes:
   413 Geddes Avenue, Charleston
   928 Savage Road, Charleston
   2758 East Surrey Drive, North Charleston
   1998 Hugo Avenue, North Charleston
   1050 St. Andrews Blvd., Charleston
   If you have any questions about the Blessing Boxes, please reach out to Chris Jones.
5. Don’t forget to take advantage of your FREE membership to RightNow Media!  It is an amazing resource that Coastal pays for everyone to have access to. You can watch some amazing Bible study videos, devotionals, etc. by just searching the topic you’re interested in. There’s great stuff for kids too! It might give you some great stuff to watch while you’re stuck at home “social distancing!”  Here is the link:  https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Account/Invite/COASTALSC.
   
   P.S. For those of you who normally give to Coastal on Sunday mornings by check, cash, or card swiping, we want to help you to continue to be faithful with your generosity.  If you would like us to mail you offering envelopes or step you through online giving, please respond to this email or call the church office (843-571-1777).  Your weekly gifts are a vital resource that allows us to continue the work that God has called us to do. When you continue to give during this crisis, your gifts allow us to maintain critical ministries that many depend on.  Thank you so much for your faithfulness!

Never did I ever imagine an Easter weekend like this one in 2020!  But that’s okay. No one ever imagined that very first Easter either, and that’s when God showed up and did the miraculous!  Church Buildings around the world might be empty this Easter, but so is Jesus’ tomb, and that’s what we celebrate!  I truly believe that what the enemy meant for evil and to harm us, God is going to use in miraculous ways.  We’ve gone from planning 7 services over Easter weekend to now having 19 services online!  Our goal was to see over 2000 people for Easter weekend.  The last two weeks we’ve already seen over 1300 on Church Online alone (not counting Facebook).  We’re going to CRUSH that goal and countless lives are going to be changed for all eternity!  

Little did we know months ago, when we were planning out this “Welcome Home”series for Easter weekend, our 30th Anniversary, that we would all literally be STUCK AT HOME!  And not only that, but the graphic for the series (see above) has everyone enjoying a big welcome home hug or embrace, and now we’re NOT ALLOWED to do that anymore!  But that’s okay, because guess what?  A physical house doesn’t make a home anymore than a building makes a church!  And now, more than ever before, people are longing for community, longing for relationships.  And the simple message of Easter is that regardless of your past, regardless of where you’ve been or what you’ve done, God loves you, and He wants to embrace you and welcome you home.  That’ll PREACH!

So Coastal, here’s what I’m asking of you. Pull out all the stops, and do whatever it takes to invite everyone you know to watch one of our 19 services online this weekend.  Text, call, email everyone you know and spread the word.  You can find all 19 service times at www.easteratcoastal.com.  Use the graphic above, share the graphic/announcements we post on social media, and invite your friends to join us.

As we wrap up our 100 Day Challenge, I also want you to consider doing something else – a 24 hour water only fast.  I know many of you are participating in our 40 Day Easter/Lent Fast, and that’s great.  You’ve chosen to give up sweets or caffeine or facebook or any number of things.  Well, for those of you who are physically able, I want to challenge you to pick a day between now and Easter Sunday (Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday) to participate in a 24 hour, water only, fast.  During the 24 hours, I want you to pray not only for OUR Easter Services, but also for the church all over the world and the crisis that we’re facing together!  I simply think that times like these call for Christians everywhere to do the very thing that God instructs us to do – fast and pray and depend on Him.  This is not about weight loss.  It’s about losing the weight of fear and worry and asking God to do the miraculous.  Will you join me?

We’re also going to have a Church wide Zoom Prayer Meeting this Wednesday night at 8pm.  I’d love for you to join me for a short (about 30 minutes), simple time of scripture reading, and guided prayer as we prepare our hearts for Easter weekend and pray for our world.  The zoom link is:  https://zoom.us/j/4864196205.  Login a few minutes before 8pm.  I’d love for you to join us!

Coastal, I’ve been so blown away by your flexibility, adaptability, love, and generosity!  Every day I see example after example of our church BEING THE CHURCH, loving and serving our world!  We, the church, were established for just such a time as this!  THIS is our defining moment!  Let’s not let this one (yes, there will be more) pass us by because we were scared, worried, or selfish.  Deuteronomy 31:6, “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

P.S.  This Saturday’s “Grab & Go Meal Drive Through” will be an Easter lunch of spiral sliced ham, mac’n cheese, potato salad, green beans, and dessert.  We will also be giving away a roll of toilet paper and a bag of candy filled Easter Eggs for every family!  Spread the word!  We could definitely use cookies/brownies or desserts that can fit in a ziplock bag or prepackaged/individually wrapped snacks (Little Debbies, rice krispy treats, etc.)  We also need candy filled plastic Easter Eggs.  You can drop any of these items (or Food Bank donations) off at the church Monday-Thursday 9am-11am, 1pm-3pm or Friday 9am-12noon.

I hope you are enjoying our Coastal Kidz Online service each Sunday.  While I’m so thankful for the technology that allows us to continue to worship and learn from our homes, personally, I am missing all my Coastal Kidz, and I’m sure our Coastal Kidz volunteers are also needing to connect with your children. 

This Wednesday morning, April 8, with the help of Pastor Chris, I would like to have an online Zoom meet up with our Coastal Kidz. Because we have so many children, I wanted to break up our groups into three 30 minute sessions:

• 9:00AM – Preschoolers ( 2 yr. olds, 3 yr. olds, and 4 yr. olds – Kindergarten). We will connect with each other, sing together, and I would love to read a Bible story to them.
• 10:00AM – 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Graders. This will be a time for us to connect, share an Easter lesson, and play a game.
• 11:00AM – 4th & 5th Graders. This will be a time for our older elementary kids to interact with each other, discuss an Easter lesson, and participate in a little online scavenger hunt game.

To participate in any of our Coastal Kidz Zoom Connections, please go to https://zoom.us/j/4864196205 just a couple of minutes before your child’s scheduled time to join our meeting.  I’m looking forward to sharing this time with your children.

In this time as always, please know that you and your family are loved, prayed for, and missed. If there is anything that Pastor Chris or I can do for you, please let us know.

In Him,
Janet Rollins
Children’s Director @ Coastal Community Church
janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org
843-442-8299

It’s hard to believe that Easter weekend is just ONE WEEK AWAY!  For the first time ever, all of our services will only be online!  Never did we imagine just one month ago that these would be our circumstances.  But that’s okay, God wasn’t caught off guard!  What the enemy meant for evil, our God has the amazing ability to use for our good and His glory.  Even though church buildings will be empty, guess what?  The tomb is also still empty and Jesus is alive!  And so instead of having 7 services on our campus, we’re going to have 19 services Friday-Sunday!  Take that Satan!  So you’ll have plenty of opportunities to invite your friends and celebrate!

Our Easter Theme this year is “Welcome Home”, which now is somewhat ironic BECAUSE EVERYONE IS STUCK AT HOME!!  And the graphic (see above) is pictures of people hugging and embracing after coming home, AND NOW WE’RE NOT ALLOWED TO HUG EACH OTHER!  I know what you’re thinking, “Wow, y’all really blew that one.”  I don’t think so.  You see, “Welcome Home” is not about a place, anymore than church is about a building.  It’s all about the fact that you can come home to God, that He is ready and waiting to embrace you and welcome you home no matter who you are, where you’ve been, or what you’ve done.  And that’s a message worth sharing!  So do your part and Invite your friends to join you online for Easter @ Coastal this year!  19 services over 3 days – Friday, April 10th: 7pm;  Saturday, April 11th:  9am, 10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3pm, 4:30pm, 6pm, 7:30pm, 9pm;  Sunday, April 12th: 7am, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm, 5:30pm, 7pm.  Make sure you reach out and invite your friends to watch (emails, texts, phone calls), check-in each time you watch a service, share our social media posts leading up to Easter and over the Easter weekend.

And speaking of “online church”, let me give you a few tips to get the most out of your online worship experience:

1. Make a literal appointment to attend a Coastal Online service each Sunday.  Decide which service you will attend in advance (9:30am, 11:15am, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm), put that time in your calendar and don’t miss it!
2. Log into https://coastalcommchurch.churchonline.org (it’s the best platform to watch the service) on your computer, tablet or phone 5 minutes before the service begins to check that your connection is working correctly and get into the right mindset to worship God.
3. Get dressed – haha!  We joke about worshipping in your pj’s and honestly there’s nothing wrong with that.  However, for some of you that extra step of getting a shower, putting yourself together a little bit, and grabbing your morning coffee might help in being fully alert and prepared for worship.
4. There can be a lot of distractions when you’re attending Church Online, so turn off notifications on your phone and tune out all distractions so you can tune into God’s message to you. 
5. Make sure you check out the message outline and take notes.  You can copy and paste your notes directly into a document and save it to your computer. Or, print out the outline and take notes by hand.
6. Fill out your online Connect Card every week.  It lets us know you are there, you can take spiritual next steps, and it allows us to keep you updated on what’s happening at Coastal.
7. Give online or by text (843-277-8337) during the service. It’s so important to remain faithful in this area – especially as the ministry of our church continues even while we’re not able to meet in person each week.
8. Worship, don’t just watch. When attending Church Online, it might feel like you’re just watching. But worship isn’t a spectator sport, so sing along with the music, read verses aloud, and pray with me too.  Interact with each other and the staff in the comment section. Let it be a worshipful experience where you learn, grow, and really connect with God.
9. If you have kids – click on the “Coastal Kidz Online” tab for a great age-appropriate Bible lessons, worship, and weekly activities.  And if you have 6th-12th Grade Students, make sure they’re following wavesstudentministry on Instagram to stay up to date with all the online activities and groups!

Know that we care about you and your spiritual growth.  And even though we are separated physically – we can still grow together spiritually!

If you have a specific prayer request, please respond to this email or email me directly at pastorchris@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  We are here for you, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. It’s hard to believe, but our 100 Day Challenge is just about over (today is day 94)!  Over the last 3 1/2 months we’re read through the 4 Gospels together.  Well, how would you like to continue to read through the New Testament for the rest of the year?  We’ve provided a weekly reading schedule to do just that (see above)!  Today’s reading is John 16 and this week’s verse has been John 14:6.
2. Operation Christmas Child has grown so much at Coastal that it is now a YEARLONG Mission of our church!  Each month we will feature a “donation of the month” to help us better prepare for the thousands of boxes we will pack and wrap in the Fall.  This month (April) we are encouraging everyone to bring stuffed animals that will fit in a shoebox.  Even though our Sunday morning Services are online right now, you can still drop off OCC items during the week at the church.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
3. All of our LIFE Groups have now gone online! Join a Group and experience community, connection, and prayer each week. You can go to our website and sign up today! If you might be willing to start/lead a new online Group, please respond to this email or reach out to Pastor Scott. Let us equip you to help keep our church connected.
4. Did you know that we have 5 Blessing Boxes in the community! Consider choosing a Blessing Box as a family and restock it with non-perishable food, toiletries, and even notes & cards of encouragement. This can be done by going directly to the Blessing Box. Here are the addresses to our Boxes:
   413 Geddes Avenue, Charleston
   928 Savage Road, Charleston
   2758 East Surrey Drive, North Charleston
   1998 Hugo Avenue, North Charleston
   1050 St. Andrews Blvd., Charleston
5. Don’t forget to take advantage of your FREE membership to RightNow Media! It is an amazing resource that Coastal pays for everyone to have access to. You can watch some amazing Bible study videos, devotionals, etc. by just searching the topic you’re interested in. There’s great stuff for kids too! It might give you some great stuff to watch while you’re stuck at home “social distancing!” Here is the link: https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Account/Invite/COASTALSC.
   
   P.S. For those of you who normally give to Coastal on Sunday mornings by check, cash, or card swiping, we want to help you to continue to be faithful with your generosity.  If you would like us to mail you offering envelopes or step you through online giving, please respond to this email or call the church office (843-571-1777).  Your weekly gifts are a vital resource that allows us to continue the work that God has called us to do. When you continue to give during this crisis, your gifts allow us to maintain critical ministries that many depend on.  Thank you so much for your faithfulness!

I hope this email finds you healthy, safe, and socially distant!  These days can be very different and very difficult for all of us.  This season we are in could be the most visible example of how much each of us truly needs community in our lives.  We are created for relationships – relationships with each other and relationships with Jesus.

In order to help with this need for each one of us, we have organized and created new Online Life Groups for you to join and experience community, connection, and prayer each week. These groups are primarily going to function by meeting online through Zoom at a designated time each week to check in with one another, walk through a handful of discussion questions related to Sunday’s sermon, and end with prayer requests and pray together. These groups will begin this coming Sunday, April 5th. There are a few groups that are doing a longer, more in-depth study and a few workout groups using video links.

Many of our current Life Groups that started in February are continuing to meet online and finish out their studies.  Some of the groups will end once that happens and some will continue on with the sermon-based discussion and prayer time.  If you are currently in a group please check with your leader on the plan.  For a list of all our Online LIFE Groups, go to this page and sign up today!

We love you Coastal, and we believe community, even experienced online, is more important now than ever! This is a great time to join a group and connect with others who call Coastal home.  We hope these options for Online Life Groups are a help to you and your family!  If you have any questions, please reach out to our Associate Pastor, Scott Huff.

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

I just wanted to encourage you to join us online today and share some good news with you!  Our normal service times are Sundays at 9:30am, 11:15am, and 6pm.  But starting today we’re going to post our Sunday services at 9:30am, 11:15am, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm – ALL DAY LONG!  Spread the word, share our posts, and invite your friends to watch!  While you can see the service on Facebook, the best place to watch the service, fill out a Connect Card, submit prayer requests, give, and interact with one another is https://coastalcommchurch.churchonline.org.

Also, if you’re a parent don’t forget to check out our new web page for your children: “Coastal Kidz Online.”  There you will find lesson videos for kids of all ages, parent guides to help you discuss the Bible lesson with your children, reinforcement activities, and a Youtube playlist of worship songs. For the elementary grades, there are several days worth of reinforcement activities.  We will update this page every week! If you have any questions, please reach out to our Children’s Director, Janet Rollins.

If you have a Middle or High School Student, be on the lookout for an email from our Student Pastor, Ryan Spell with each week’s virtual schedule and follow our Instagram page (wavesstudentministry) for daily updates and events! Every day of the week they will have a different digital event taking place from Instagram Challenges and Scavenger Hunts to Netflix Parties and even Zoom Small Groups.

And finally, most of our LIFE Groups have already gone online, and we’re adding several new Groups.  Many of the new groups are Prayer & Devotion Groups that will give you an opportunity to check in, go over a short devotion/questions from Sunday’s sermon, and pray together.  We want to do our best to keep everyone connected during this season of “social distancing.”  If you are interested in joining a new group or even leading one, respond to this email or reach out to Pastor Scott Huff.

I love you Coastal and I’ll “see” you online today! 

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

With all this talk of churches “going online”, I just wanted you to know that we haven’t forgotten about your kids!  Last week Janet sent out an email encouraging you to take advantage of Right Now Media and even picked out some age appropriate resources.  If you haven’t taken advantage of your free membership from Coastal, simply go here:  https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Account/Invite/COASTALSC.  There are literally thousands of resources for the whole family!

Thanks to technology, we not only have the ability to provide online worship services for our adults, but also an online worship experience for our children. On Coastal’s updated website, look for our new page: “Coastal Kidz Online.”  There you will find lesson videos for kids of all ages, parent guides to help you discuss the Bible lesson with your children, reinforcement activities, and a Youtube playlist of worship songs. For the elementary grades, there are several days worth of reinforcement activities.  We will update this page every week!

WSM (WAVES Student Ministry – 6th-12th Grade) has also gone virtual! Every day of the week we will have a different digital event taking place from Instagram Challenges and Scavenger Hunts to Netflix Parties and even Zoom Small Groups. Parents, be on the lookout for an email with each week’s virtual schedule and follow our Instagram page (wavesstudentministry) for daily updates and events.

We love you Coastal and we love your children & students!  We hope all of these resources are a help to you and your family!  If you have any questions, please reach out to our Children’s Director, Janet Rollins or our Student Pastor, Ryan Spell.

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

If you haven’t seen it yet, check out the News4 story on our church last week and our “Grab & Go Drive Through Tailgate”!  During the last 2 weeks, I’ve learned so much about our church.  I’ve learned that you are flexible – willing to adapt.  I’ve learned that our Staff is relentless and willing to do whatever it takes to keep moving forward, to keep pursuing excellence, and to keep leading and loving our church.  I’ve learned that our church is full of generous people who are willing to sacrificially give even during difficult times.  I’ve been reminded that although I love our Sunday morning SERVICES, it’s our SERVICE to the community that will make the greatest IMPACT.  I’ve learned that our church is more concerned about building the Kingdom of God than our little castle called Coastal.  I’ve learned that we’re not just a church that DOES small groups, we are a church OF small groups that truly values community in whatever form it takes.  And as always, I’ve been reminded that we don’t just GO to church, we ARE the church!  Coastal, I love you all, and I’m so proud of you.  I truly believe that this is going to be one of those defining moments for the church.  Let’s not let this pass us by!

By the way, over 1100 people watched our service online this past Sunday and several thousand more on Facebook.  I truly believed that our church was going to be a church of over 1000 people by the end of 2020.  I just didn’t realize that it would be online!

We’ll be feeding the hungry and hurting again this Saturday with our “Grab & Go Drive Through”!  This Saturday, 9am-11am, we’ll be doing a Pancake Breakfast (pancakes & link sausages).  Please spread the word and share the post on social media.  We have plenty of volunteers, but would love for you drive through and take some food to someone in need or someone who needs to be encouraged.  One way that everyone can help is to drop off canned goods and non-perishable food for our community Food Bank.  You can drop off items on Saturday morning or during the week at the church office.  

During this crisis our new scaled back office hours are:  Monday-Thursday 9am-11am & 1pm-3pm, Friday 9am-12noon.  Our Pastors & Staff will be working remotely and rotating hours to keep the office open only for deliveries, food pick-up/drop-off for the Food Bank, Operation Christmas Child drop off, and volunteer supply pick up (Easter Yard Signs & OCC Christmas cards).  That’s right – the Easter Signs are in.  They simply say, “EasterAtCoastal.com“, and we need people to pick them up and put them in your yard and strategically place them all over Charleston.

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Operation Christmas Child has grown so much at Coastal that it is now a YEARLONG Mission of our church!  Each month we will feature a “donation of the month” to help us better prepare for the thousands of boxes we will pack and wrap in the Fall.  This month we are encouraging everyone to bring bars of soap & washcloths.  In April, it’s stuffed animals that will fit in a shoebox.  Even though our Sunday morning Services are online right now, you can still drop off OCC items during the week at the church.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
2. All of our LIFE Groups have gone online!  We are looking for people who would be willing to lead an online Group – go over & discuss short devotional questions from Sunday’s sermon (that we provide) & pray together.  If you might be willing to lead a new online Group, please respond to this email or reach out to Pastor Scott. Let us equip you to help keep our church connected during this crisis.
3. Did you know that we have 5 Blessing Boxes in the community!  Consider choosing a Blessing Box as a family and restock it with non-perishable food, toiletries, and even notes & cards of encouragement. This can be done by going directly to the Blessing Box.  Here are the addresses to our Boxes:413 Geddes Avenue, Charleston; 928 Savage Road, Charleston; 2758 East Surrey Drive, North Charleston; 1998 Hugo Avenue, North Charleston; 1050 St. Andrews Blvd., Charleston. If you have any questions about the Blessing Boxes, please reach out to Chris Jones.
4. Today is day 87 or our 100 Day Challenge!  Just two more weeks left!  Today’s reading is John 9.  Remember there are 6 components of the 100 Day Challenge, 6 things we are asking you to do (3 are daily – 3 are next steps).  Daily:  1. Read Through the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – we’re providing the calendar).  2. Memorize 1 Bible verse a week.  This week’s verse has been John 10:10. 3. Get Moving. Find an activity or exercise that you can do each day for 100 Days. Next Steps:  1. Take the Next Step In Your Giving.  2. Start Serving.  3. Join A LIFE Group.
5. As we temporarily move our Sunday morning services online, we want to offer children the experience to feel connected as well. You can now go to our websiteand find supplemental resources for this week’s up-to-date curriculum, including: video lessons, worksheets for each respective age group and a YouTube playlist kids can sing along and worship to.  We pray the online programming for Coastal Kidz will help children feel blessed and included as they navigate through the curriculum and as they join alongside their parents during online services.  For more information, contact Janet Rollins via email at:  janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
   P.S. If you’re a regular giver, please continue to be faithful with your generosity at Coastal. Your weekly gifts are a vital resource that allows us to continue the work that God has called us to do, and our in-person Sunday services only represent a small portion of that work. When you continue to give during this crisis, your gifts allow us to maintain critical ministries that many depend on.  You can give online at any time at coastalcommunitychurch.org/give/, or securely by texting to 843-277-8337 with the amount you wish to give. Thank you so much for your faithfulness!

So many people have been asking what they can do to help during this crisis.  I want to give you an updated list of some practical ways you can help our church, our community, and our world:

#1 Help keep our Blessing Boxes stocked. Consider choosing a Blessing Box and as a family, restock it with non-perishable food, toiletries, and even notes and cards of encouragement. This can be done by going directly to the Blessing Box.  Here are the addresses to our Boxes:

• 413 Geddes Avenue, Charleston
• 928 Savage Road, Charleston
• 2758 East Surrey Drive, North Charleston
• 1998 Hugo Avenue, North Charleston
• 1050 St. Andrews Blvd., Charleston 

#2 Help keep our church Food Pantry stocked. As you might have guessed, supplies are diminishing, and the church will continue to assist as many families as we can. The church will gladly accept donations dropped off at our church. Historically, an even better way has been through Coastal’s Amazon Food Pantry Wish List (however, be aware that many of these items are now out of stock). These items when ordered through Amazon are shipped directly to the church where they are then distributed to the community. The wish list contains many of the more common items used in both the pantry and our Blessing Boxes. 

#3 Volunteer to help keep the Food Pantry organized. If you have an hour to spare to help organize the Food Pantry, this would be a great opportunity for a family wanting to serve. This opportunity includes putting new donations onto the shelves, checking for expired and damaged items, and packing food bags ready to go when people come for food.  There is also the opportunity to pack replenishment kits for future distribution to our Blessing Boxes. 

#4.  Operation Christmas Child Donations & Card Writing.  Operation Christmas Child is now an ongoing, year round mission of our church.  Each month we are collecting different items/supplies.  This month we are collecting bars of soap & washcloths.  In April we are collecting small stuffed animals (that will fit in a shoebox).  We also need volunteers to start writing Christmas Cards that will go in the boxes.  We will provide the cards, you simply have to pick them up at the church.

#5. Start an Online LIFE Group.  Now, more than ever before, we’ve got to do everything we can to help connect people and provide an outlet for spiritual growth and community in this new reality we’re all facing.  Online Groups are part of that answer.  We’re going to make it as easy and simple as possible.  If you’ve ever used a computer and surfed the web at all, you CAN DO THIS.  The technology we’ve been using is ZOOM (although others are available).  Pastor Scott Huff will provide a training and answer any questions you might have.  For the Groups themselves, we’re really looking for Prayer & Devotional based Groups (although you can choose any study you want to do).  For the devotion, each week we’re going to provide you with small group questions from the previous week’s sermon.  Then you simply share prayer requests and pray together.  All of that and more (praises, announcements, etc.) can happen online.  These Groups can be anywhere from 30-40 minutes in length to longer.  If you are interested, go to this link and fill out the Online LIFE Group Leader Form.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Scott Huff.

6. Grab & Go Drive Through Food Service.  People can literally pull up, roll down their window and pick up a ToGo box of food (we’ll even say a little prayer for them)! We’re trying to serve the Oakland Elementary School families who might be picking up food during the week from the CCSD Grab & Go – or any families who might just be in need. Feel free to pick up a box and deliver it to someone in need.  When we post the times on social media we need you to share and help spread the word.  We’ll be changing the menu from week to week.  This week the Drive Through will be open from 9am-11am and we’ll be serving pancakes & link sausages.  Obviously, we’re trying to limit the number of on hand volunteers.  But if you’d like to help, respond to this email and we’ll see if there is an open slot.  We’ll need traffic volunteers, kitchen volunteers, box hand out volunteers, and Food Pantry volunteers.

7. Give.  If you’re a regular giver, please continue to be faithful with your generosity at Coastal. Your weekly gifts are a vital resource that allows us to continue the work that God has called us to do, and our in-person Sunday services only represent a small portion of that work. When you continue to give during this crisis, your gifts allow us to maintain critical ministries that many depend on.  You can give online at any time at coastalcommunitychurch.org/give/, or securely by texting to 843-277-8337 with the amount you wish to give. If you normally give on Sunday mornings by check, cash or card swiping, would you consider giving online.  Thank you so much for your faithfulness!

8.  Pick Up & Put Out Easter Yard Signs.  Last year, one of the most effective advertising we did for Easter was our Yard Signs that we put up all over West Ashley.  Since we are not having our Sunday morning services in person, we need people to come by the church and pick yard signs that you can put in your front yard and all over Charleston in strategic places.

9. Phone Calls, Deliveries, etc.  And then of course, there are those in our church and community who don’t have access to technology, who need a simple phone call of encouragement.  There are also those who might need food or supplies delivered to their home.  You can sign up for these and other such services here.

Church Office Hours for volunteering, picking up or dropping off food, Operation Christmas Child items, Yard Signs:  Monday-Thursday, 9am-11am & 1pm-3pm; Friday, 9am-12noon.  If you are a male and already have a key and code to the church and would be willing to man the office in any of our available time slots, please reach out to Ashley.  If you have any questions, please call the church office at 843-571-1777.  

Coastal let’s do this!  Let’s not let this opportunity to BE the Church in this defining moment pass us by.  As always, I love you and love being your Pastor.  And I’m forever grateful for your creativity, generosity, and willingness to do WHATEVER it takes to keep reaching, serving, and loving people.  And right now, this is what it takes!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

It’s been quite a week, hasn’t it?  How are you feeling?  Fearful, worried, stir crazy, hopeful?  Probably a mixture of all of it.  It’s hard when the circumstances around us are so “fluid” (a term you’re hearing a lot of lately) right now – changing day by day and sometimes hour by hour.  Do you know what I’ve found is also fluid – our feelings.  In other words, they can also so easily change from day to day, sometimes hour by hour.  That’s why our faith and our joy is not based on our circumstances or on our feelings.  Our faith is grounded in the truth of the never changing Word of God.  Here’s a couple of passages of scripture I’ve been trying to focus on in the wake of the current crisis we find ourselves in. Read them and meditate on them over and over in the coming days:

• Philippians 4:6-7, “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.”
   
• Deuteronomy 31:6, “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Coastal, we will get through this!  I actually believe that we have an opportunity like never before to leverage the times we’re in to “share and experience the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world.”  How do we do that?  The very things that followers of Jesus are supposed to be known for:  Galatians 5:22-23, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”  

And then our real “secret weapon” is the very thing that Jesus embodied – SERVICE!  Coastal, I love our SERVICES – our times when we gather together for corporate worship!  I love preaching the Good News of the Gospel!  And I’m so very thankful, especially in times like these, that we have the technology to do all of that online.  BUT, it’s our SERVICE that people have to stand and take notice of, our practical acts of kindness and love.

So let’s get creative and look for real ways to love and serve our community.  Here’s just one example: This Saturday, from 11am-1pm, our church will be hosting a “Drive-Through Grab & Go Tailgate.” We’ll have grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans, coleslaw, Mac n’ cheese, etc. People can literally pull up, roll down their window and pick up a ToGo box of food (we’ll even say a little prayer for people)! We’d especially like to serve the Oakland Elementary School families who might be picking up food during the week from the CCSD Grab & Go – or any families who might just be in need. 

Obviously, we’re trying to limit the number of on hand volunteers. But if you’d like to help, respond to this email and we’ll do our best to put you to work (might be in shifts)! If you’d like to drop off food/sides that we could share – that would be awesome! Also, we’d love some pre-packaged cookies or snacks that we could give away as dessert.  

But one way that ANYONE could definitely help would be to drop off any canned goods or non-perishable food items for our Community Food Bank. As you can imagine, it’s getting desperately low. We’ll be taking donations all Saturday morning.

Thank you so much! 

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Operation Christmas Child has grown so much at Coastal that it is now a YEARLONG Mission of our church!  Each month we will feature a “donation of the month” to help us better prepare for the hundreds and hundreds of boxes we will pack and wrap in the Fall.  This month we are encouraging everyone to bring bars of soap & washcloths.  Even though our Sunday morning Services are online right now, you can still drop off OCC items during the week at the church.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Teresa Spell.
2. Due to the Coronavirus, all of our LIFE Groups have basically taken a 2 week break while we “regroup.”  However, we’re very excited to announce that we’re going to be encouraging all of our Groups to “go online!”  If you’re a current LIFE Group Leader, you should have received an email from Pastor Scott outlining your options.  If you might be willing to lead a new online Group, please respond to this email or reach out to Pastor Scott. Let us equip you to help keep our church connected during this crisis. 
3. This Saturday is “Saturation Saturday!”  The 3rd Saturday of every month we encourage everyone from Coastal to find some way to serve and love the people in your life or community.  Now, granted, this Saturday you might have to be creative.  Other than the “Grab & Go Drive Through Tailgate” mentioned above, we’re also building a team to serve at the Lowcountry Food Bank from 9:00a-12:30p. We’ll meet at the food bank at 8:50am. It’s located at: 2864 Azalea Dr, North Charleston. The food bank has made pleas to our church for help!  We also have 5 Blessing Boxes in the community. Consider choosing a Blessing Box as a family and restock it with non-perishable food and toiletries.  Maybe you sit down with your family and write some notes of encouragement to some people who might need it – neighbors, health care workers, nursing home residents.  If you would like more information about any of these projects or the addresses of the Blessing Boxes, please reach out to Chris Jones.
4. For those of you participating in our 100 Day Challenge, today’s reading is John 3.  Remember there are 6 components of the 100 Day Challenge, 6 things we are asking you to do (3 are daily – 3 are next steps).  Daily:  1. Read Through the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – we’re providing the calendar).  2. Memorize 1 Bible verse a week.  This week’s verse has been John 3:16. 3. Get Moving. Find an activity or exercise that you can do each day for 100 Days. Next Steps:  1. Take the Next Step In Your Giving.  2. Start Serving.  3. Join A LIFE Group.
5. Coastal Kidz Volunteer Meeting – Cancelled. HOWEVER, we hope to announce very soon a virtual online meeting!  All Coastal Kidz volunteers will get an email invite with a Zoom link where you can login on your computer or mobile device.  This will be an opportunity for Janet to update all of our volunteers on some important information from our Children’s Ministry (and probably some much needed adult interaction!). 
   
   P.S. If you’re a regular giver, please continue to be faithful with your generosity at Coastal. Your weekly gifts are a vital resource that allows us to continue the work that God has called us to do, and our in-person Sunday services only represent a small portion of that work. When you continue to give during this crisis, your gifts allow us to maintain critical ministries that many depend on.  You can give online at any time at coastalcommunitychurch.org/give/, or securely by texting to 843-277-8337 with the amount you wish to give. Thank you so much for your faithfulness!

Well, as I said in my previous email, this situation is very fluid and changes every day.  In light of the growing concerns, school closures now in our community, and the request of our government leaders to cancel large gatherings (10 or more now) to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we have decided to host all of our Sunday morning services online.  Starting this weekend, we will be moving our services to a live, online church-at-home experience only (just like we currently offer).  You’ll be able to participate in worship, pray together, hear a message, give, submit prayer requests, make decisions and take next steps.  We are also asking all of our LIFE Groups to take a break for the next two weeks.  After two weeks, we will reassess the situation.

As things develop, we will continue to keep you updated on our plans and as to when our normal weekend services, LIFE Groups, and other Ministries will resume.  If someone asks why your church chose to respond to this health crisis in this way, here’s our response:

1. Our physical doors may be closed, but our church is not. As I said on Sunday, you can’t cancel church, no matter where, when, or how we gather.  The church is not a building – YOU are the church, WE are the church!      
2. We are loving our neighbors by protecting our neighbors.
3. We are not being fearful. We are being responsible.
4. This is what love requires of us in this season. 

Even though everyone is being encouraged to practice “social distancing”, it is NOT a time to disconnect.  We need each other, and people need the church. So, we are encouraging everyone to look for creative ways to reach out to one another and STAY connected – phone calls, text, emails, or the use of technology like Google Hangouts, FaceTime, Zoom, GoTo Meetings (ask a young adult – haha!).  Or even better, go “old school” – one on one connections!  Instead of a large group, have a friend or a couple over.  Host a “watch party” in your home on Sunday morning and have just a couple of friends over to watch our service online and pray together.  

Also, now more than ever we are encouraging everyone to “saturate” our City with love and kindness this Saturday for “Saturation Saturday” (3rd Saturday for every month)!  Wear your blue Coastal “Making An IMPACT” t-shirt, reach out and serve someone, and use it as an opportunity to tell them about Jesus and Coastal!  Truthfully, this is the time to look for ways to do that every day – not just on Saturday!  As you serve and love our city, take a picture and share your experience on Social Media.  It’s time we flood the world with some Good News!  For those of you who are able, maybe you volunteer to watch someone’s kids who are now home from school.  If you have any surplus whatsoever of non perishable food items, please bring them to the church for our Food Pantry and Blessing Boxes. 

We WILL get through this together, and we WILL come out on the other side stronger!  Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, “I will build my church, and all the powers of hell (or the coronavirus) will not conquer it!”  I love you Coastal and I love being your Pastor!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  How can we pray for you?  I would love to hear any prayer requests that you might have and share them with our Prayer Team & Staff!

1. If you don’t already, make sure you “like” our Facebook page and “follow” us on Instagram. We will be posting updates and additional details as needed along with a few new ways for us all to stay connected during this season.
2. During this season we are simply encouraging you to continue to be faithful in your giving and to consider giving online or through TEXTing (843-277-8337).  It is your consistent, generous, and faithful giving that not only allows our church to operate, but more importantly to continue to share & experience the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world!

Home. There’s nothing else like it. No matter how long it’s been. No matter how far you’ve gone. Nothing compares to coming home. At home your worries are lost, your past is forgotten, your life has hope. At home your mistakes are forgiven, your shortfalls don’t matter, your differences are accepted, your wounds are healed, and your feet can rest.  At home you are family. You are safe and you are cherished. You are loved. Welcome home!  That’s our theme for Easter at Coastal this year.  That’s the title of the series that we’re kicking off Easter weekend – “Welcome Home!”  Who do you know that you can start praying for now?  Who do you know that you can invite to one of our 7 Easter Services?  Who do you know that needs to come home?

Don’t forget about “Saturation Saturday”!  On the 3rd Saturday of every month, starting March 21st, we’re encouraging everyone from Coastal to wear your Coastal “IMPACT” t-shirt, engage in some intentional act of kindness in the community, and invite someone to Coastal.  We’re going to “saturate” our community with the love of Jesus!  Put your creative hats on and start praying now about what you can do.

Saturday Serve is this month (see below), but there are several other serving opportunities:  We’ll be at the Veteran Mobile Food Distribution on Friday, March 13th, 8am-12:30pm assisting nearly 200 Veteran families who need food assistance in the Charleston area.  On Saturday, March 21st, 9am-12:30pm we’ll be at the Lowcountry Food Bank serving in the warehouse.  Interested in serving the elderly & shut-ins in our community?  Pastor Chris Jones leads services the first 3 Sundays of every month at local facilities immediately after our services at Coastal.

By the way, this past Sunday 5 people gave their life to Jesus and 3 people decided to get Baptized!  Is that awesome or what?!  I love you Coastal, and I love what we get to do together! 

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Our next Saturday Serve is NEXT Saturday, March 7th!  We meet at the church at 8:30am to debrief and then disburse to serve!  All projects are typically finished before lunchtime, so it’s not a sacrifice of your entire Saturday.  Come make an IMPACT in our community by being the hands and feet of Jesus!  If you have any questions about Saturday Serve or ideas for future projects, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
2. MOPS BINGO NIGHT FUNDRAISER (Women Only Event)!  Help raise funds for Coastal’s Mothers of Preschoolers at Bingo Night – Tuesday evening, March 31st at 7pm in the Coastal Auditorium.  Doors open at 6:30pm. $10 for a book of 10 Bingo Cards.  Amazing raffles and prizes for the winners!  Contact Morgan Wessel for details at MOPS@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
3. New to Coastal?  Join us Sunday, March 15th, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service for our next 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.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’re coming.
4. For those of you participating in our 100 Day Challenge, today’s reading is Luke 8.  Remember there are 6 components of the 100 Day Challenge, 6 things we are asking you to do (3 are daily – 3 are next steps).  Daily:  1. Read Through the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – we’re providing the calendar).  2. Memorize 1 Bible verse a week.  This week’s verse has been Luke 6:27-28. 3. Get Moving. Find an activity or exercise that you can do each day for 100 Days. Next Steps:  1. Take the Next Step In Your Giving.  2. Start Serving.  3. Join A LIFE Group.
5. Coastal’s Annual 40 Day Easter Fast begins this Sunday, March 1st and goes through Good Friday, April 10th!  The Easter Fast is where you choose to give up something, deny yourself something to focus on prayer and your relationship with God.  It could be caffeine or sugar.  It could be social media or tv.  It could be time, where you get up 30 minutes earlier each day to read your Bible and pray. You decide.  This could be a great companion to our 100 Day Challenge.  If you are interested in participating, sign up on your Connect Card or respond to this email.
   
   P.S. On Friday, March 6th (during school hours) we’ll be hosting Oakland Elementary School’s Fun Run on our campus.  We’ll need volunteers to man the water station and cheer on the students as they run.

One of the things that our church is known for is how we intentionally serve & love our community – from Saturday Serve, Summer of IMPACT, Oakland Elementary School, and so much more.  Well, believe it or not, we want to INCREASE our IMPACT in our community!  Saturday Serve (the 1st Saturday of every month) has become the backbone of our ongoing community outreach.  However, beginning in March we’ll be adding several other opportunities besides that 1st Saturday.  For example, on Friday, March 6th (during school hours) we’ll be hosting Oakland Elementary School’s Fun Run on our campus.  We’ll need volunteers to man the water station and cheer on the students as they run.  We’ll be at the Veteran Mobile Food Distribution on Friday, March 13th, 8am-12:30pm assisting nearly 200 Veteran families who need food assistance in the Charleston area.  On Saturday, March 21st, 9am-12:30pm we’ll be at the Lowcountry Food Bank serving in the warehouse.  Interested in serving the elderly & shut-ins in our community?  Pastor Chris Jones leads services the first 3 Sundays of every month at local facilities immediately after our services at Coastal.  

We’re working behind the scenes now on updating the Outreach page on our website as a place where you can see all of the different serving opportunities & sign up to serve.  We’ll let you know when that page is up and ready, but we wanted you to know about the opportunities that are coming up now.  If you are interested in any of these upcoming opportunities to serve and make an IMPACT in our community (or if you have any ideas for the future) simpl respond to this email or reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.

Another ongoing serving initiative that I’m really excited about in this new year is something that we’re going to call, “Saturation Saturday”!  It’s very simple.  On the 3rd Saturday of every month, starting March 21st, we’re encouraging everyone from Coastal to wear your Coastal “IMPACT” t-shirt, engage in some intentional act of kindness in the community, and invite someone to Coastal.  That’s it.  Saturation Saturday is designed to be an intentional day of encouragement as you invite others to Coastal, bring an increased awareness of our church in the community, and seek opportunities to love and serve others.  It could be anything – you get to decide!  

Maybe you and your family or a group of friends from Coastal pick up trash in your neighborhood or at a community park for an hour that Saturday morning.  As you encounter people, you give them one of our invite cards and invite them to Coastal.  Maybe you go to your favorite coffee house and pay for the coffee of the next person in line and hand them an invite card.  Maybe you take a meal to someone in your neighborhood.  Maybe you go to Costco and return the shopping carts for people and hand out our invite cards. Maybe you go to one of your favorite restaurants and volunteer to clean the restrooms.  Maybe you clean the windshields of people at a gas station or shopping center and hand out invite cards.  You could go to the Ravenel Bridge or Hampton Park and pass out water bottles with an invite card.  I could keep going and going (seriously – I love this stuff!).  But you pray about it, get creative, and then just do it! 

Now, could you serve any Saturday, not just the 3rd Saturday?  Could you serve any day of the month for that matter?  Of course!  However, there is something powerful when the whole church makes an effort to do it together, everyone wearing their Coastal shirt, praying for each other, reaching out in our community together, inviting people to Coastal.  It’s the power of focused alignment.   

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Want to feel more comfortable in sharing your story and your faith with the people God puts in your life?  Want to feel like you’re ready and prepared to make an IMPACT?  Then sign up for our IMPACT Seminar, THIS Sunday night, February 23rd, 4pm-7pm at the church. We’ll provide childcare and food!  For more information or to sign up, please contact Pastor Chris Jones or respond to this email.
2. MOPS BINGO NIGHT FUNDRAISER!  Help raise funds for Coastal’s Mothers of Preschoolers at Bingo Night – Tuesday evening, March 31st at 7pm in the Coastal Auditorium.  Doors open at 6:30pm. $10 for a book of 10 Bingo Cards.  Amazing raffles and prizes for the winners!  Contact Morgan Wessel for details at MOPS@coastalcommunitychurch.org. 
3. New to Coastal?  Join us Sunday, March 15th, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service for our next 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.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’re coming.
4. For those of you participating in our 100 Day Challenge, today’s reading is Luke 2.  Remember there are 6 components of the 100 Day Challenge, 6 things we are asking you to do (3 are daily – 3 are next steps).  Daily:  1. Read Through the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – we’re providing the calendar).  2. Memorize 1 Bible verse a week.  This week’s verse has been Mark 11:24. 3. Get Moving. Find an activity or exercise that you can do each day for 100 Days. Next Steps:  1. Take the Next Step In Your Giving.  2. Start Serving.  3. Join A LIFE Group.
5. Coastal’s Annual 40 Day Easter Fast begins March 1st and goes through Good Friday, April 10th!  The Easter Fast is where you choose to give up something, deny yourself something to focus on prayer and your relationship with God.  It could be caffeine or sugar.  It could be social media or tv.  It could be time, where you get up 30 minutes earlier each day to read your Bible and pray. You decide.  This could be a great companion to our 100 Day Challenge.  If you are interested in participating, sign up on your Connect Card or respond to this email.

I hope you’re enjoying “The New You” sermon series that we’re in right now!  So far we’ve talked about the new you spiritually and last week the new you physically.  This Sunday I’ll be talking about the new you emotionally – emotional health.  It’s an area that we don’t talk about very often, but it’s a powerful area of our life that dictates much of our every day well-being and fulfillment.  But I don’t want this Sunday just to be another intellectual exercise for you.  So to help prepare you for this Sunday’s message, I want you to think about and answer a question for me.  In the season of life that you’re currently in, is there a dominant emotion that you find constantly trending in your life?  What emotion seems to be dominating the way that you feel in this season of life?  What is it that you’re struggling with?  Whatever it is, is it something that you find that’s taking over your life, just wreaking havoc in certain areas, perhaps certain relationships, whatever that emotion is? Do me a favor and go ahead and identify what some of those emotions are in your life.  It could be worry, anxiety, jealousy, fear, sadness, anger, or a host of others.  It will help you come prepared for what God will do in your life this Sunday.

I also want to let you know about the next series after “The New You.”  On Sunday, February 9th we’ll be kicking off a new series called, “The Journey.”  The idea behind the series is that we’ll be going on a chronological journey with Jesus through the Gospels.  Each week we’ll be looking at a different story/encounter of Jesus – from His Baptism and temptation in the wilderness all the way to His trial and encounter with Pilate.  Now obviously we can’t hit every story/encounter of Jesus in 9 weeks, but we believe that this is going to the perfect series as we continue to read through the 4 Gospels together leading up to Easter Weekend!  I’m really excited about it!  Hopefully it will bring to life what you’re reading throughout the week. 

Our WAVES Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) is leaving today at 3pm to Pigeon Forge, TN with 90 people for their Winter Retreat!  Please keep Pastor Ryan, all of his volunteers, and all of the Students in your prayers.  Pray for safety and protection; pray that they have a blast; but also pray for lives to be forever changed!  They return to the church on Monday at 6pm.

You should be receiving your 2019 Giving Statement from our church this week.  If you have any questions about your statement, please contact the office (843-571-1777) and speak with Ashley Hojnacki.  Your consistent, faithful, generous giving enables our church to make its IMPACT.

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Want to feel more comfortable in sharing your story and your faith with the people God puts in your life?  Want to feel like you’re ready and prepared to make an IMPACT?  Then sign up for our IMPACT Seminar, Sunday night, February 23rd,4pm-7pm at the church. We’ll provide childcare and food!  For more information or to sign up, please contact Pastor Chris Jones or respond to this email.
2. You’ll get a chance to preview the Spring Semester LIFE Group Catalog this Sunday in your bulletin!   LIFE Group Sunday will be the following Sunday, January 26th, and LIFE Groups will begin the week of February 9th.  And here’s a little secret – you can also check them out and go ahead and sign up online!  Our LIFE Group Leader Training for all Leaders & Assistants is either Tuesday, January 21st, 6:30pm-8:30pm or Saturday, January 25th, 10am-12noon (pick one).
3. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and officially making our church, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, February 8th 9am-12noon.  Childcare and light refreshments are provided.  You can sign up for the class on our website, your Connect Card,or byresponding to this email.
4. For those of you participating in our 100 Day Challenge, today’s reading is Matthew 16.  Remember there are 6 components of the 100 Day Challenge, 6 things we are asking you to do (3 are daily – 3 are next steps).  Daily:  1. Read Through the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – we’re providing the calendar).  2. Memorize 1 Bible verse a week.  This weeks verse has been Matthew 10:32-33. 3. Get Moving. Find an activity or exercise that you can do each day for 100 Days. Next Steps:  1. Take the Next Step In Your Giving.  2. Start Serving.  3. Join A LIFE Group.
5. This Easter Weekend Coastal is having 7 Services:  Friday, April 10th, 7pm;  Saturday, April 11th, 3pm, 4:30pm, 6pm;  Sunday, April 12th, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am.  With 7 Services it’s ALL HANDS ON DECK!  In other words, we need all volunteers serving multiple services.  Check with your LIFE Team Leader and go ahead and sign up now.  If you are not yet serving, respond to this email or indicate your interest on your Connect Card, and we will help you find a place to serve God by serving others!  Our goal this year is to reach over 2000 people over the Easter Weekend!
   
   P.S. Each and every Saturday morning at 9:30am we’re looking for volunteers to come and help “unstack” and set up our chairs in the auditorium for our Sunday services.  If you are interested in being part of our “chair ministry”, please respond to this email or reach out to Ken Bartlett.  It’s a great way to get some exercise, meet other people, and serve our church all at the same time!

I’ve been chomping at the bit to share this latest video with you from our architect of what we’re going to be building on our campus this year!  We’ll be playing it again this Sunday!  It should help you to better visualize what we’ve been talking about and what we’re going to be building.

 For those of you who are new to Coastal, this past Fall our church participated in a church wide spiritual growth/giving campaign called Daring Faith.  At the end of the campaign our church gave the largest single offering in the history of our church – $202,635.80!  We also made 3 year commitments totalingover $1.7 million in order to secure a loan to build what you see above.  It was truly a MIRACLE!  If you would like to be a part of this move of God at our church you can pick up a Daring Faith Magazine & Commitment Card at the kiosk in the back of our auditorium.  You can fill out and turn in a Commitment Card anytime.  You can also fill one out online here.  You can give toward this Campaign anytime by simply designating your giving, “daring faith”.  We would love for you to be a part of what God is doing here at Coastal!  Help us leave a legacy for future generations!

For those of you who first hand experienced what I’m talking about, participated, and made commitments, I can’t thank you enough for your faithful generosity!  We could not do this without you.  We have now completed the Design Development Phase with LS3P (our architect) and all of those documents have been submitted to the Builder (Hill Construction) for further development and pricing.  We hope to have all construction documents completed and ready to present to the City for permitting in March.  I want to ask everyone to keep Hill Construction & LS3P in your prayers as they work together with us to provide exactly what we need at the best price.  Also, please begin praying now for the permitting process.  Typically, this is a very long and difficult process in Charleston.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.  We will share any updates as they happen.  I’m simply asking you to continue to be faithful in your giving toward Daring Faith.  Remember it’s not equal gifts, it’s equal sacrifice.  We can’t all give the same amount, but we can all sacrifice.  It’s the consistent giving from all of us that together makes a huge IMPACT.  I love this verse in 2 Corinthians 8:11, “Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.”  Let’s finish what we started and let our eagerness be matched by our giving.  By the way, giving electronically is easy, safe, and secure!  You can give through our website, our App (yes, we have a FREE App), or TEXT any amount to 843-277-8337!  Don’t forget that if you are giving toward our “Daring Faith” Campaign to designate your giving with the keyword, “daringfaith” (all one word, no space).  Thank you in advance for your generosity!  I hope you’re as excited as I am!

This Sunday I’ll be in part two of our new series, “The New You.”  I’ll be talking about specific strategies for intentionally improving your overall physical health and wellness!  Don’t miss it!  Invite and bring someone to church with you this Sunday!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Want to feel more comfortable in sharing your story and your faith with the people God puts in your life?  Want to feel like you’re ready and prepared to make an IMPACT?  Then sign up for our IMPACT Seminar, Sunday night, February 23rd,4pm-7pm at the church. We’ll provide childcare and food!  For more information or to sign up, please contact Pastor Chris Jones or respond to this email.
2. Attention all LIFE Group Leaders:  all final information about the upcoming 2020 Winter/Spring Semester of LIFE Groups must be turned in this weekend toPastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  LIFE Group Leader Training for all LIFE Group Leaders/Assistants/Hosts is either Tuesday, January 21st, 6:30pm-8:30pm or Saturday, January 25th, 10am-Noon (pick one).  The new catalog will be in the bulletin on Sunday, January 19th and then LIFE Group Sunday will be Sunday, January 26th!  Groups start the week of February 9th.
3. New to Coastal?  Join us THIS Sunday, January 12th, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service for our next 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.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’re coming.
4. For those of you participating in our 100 Day Challenge, today’s reading is Matthew 10.  Remember there are 6 components of the 100 Day Challenge, 6 things we are asking you to do (3 are daily – 3 are next steps).  Daily:  1. Read Through the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – we’re providing the calendar).  2. Memorize 1 Bible verse a week.  This weeks verse has been Matthew 6:34. 3. Get Moving. Find an activity or exercise that you can do each day for 100 Days. Next Steps:  1. Take the Next Step In Your Giving.  2. Start Serving.  3. Join A LIFE Group.
5. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and officially making our church, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, February 8th 9am-12noon.  Childcare and light refreshments are provided.  You can sign up for the class on our website, your Connect Card,or byresponding to this email.
   
   P.S. You should be receiving your 2019 Giving Statement from our church sometime next week.  If you have any questions about your statement, please contact the office (843-571-1777) and speak with Ashley Hojnacki.  Your consistent, faithful, generous giving enables our church to make its IMPACT.

I sincerely hope you and your family have had a great start to 2020!  Don’t forget that we are back to our normal service times this Sunday – two services, 9:30am and 11:15am.  After a couple of weeks of people being out of town, this is the perfect Sunday for everyone to return!  It’s the first Sunday of the New Year, AND we’re kicking off a new series called, “The New You.”  We’re going to be talking about specific strategies for intentionally improving your overall health and wellness in the different areas of your life – spiritual, physical, emotional, financial, and relational.  Don’t miss it!  We need this!

As you’re praying about goals and changes you want to make in 2020, 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, come this Sunday.  If you already attend regularly, maybe it’s time you started serving.  Maybe this is the semester that you join a LIFE Group.  And how about this – invite and bring someone with you to church!  You never know the power of a simple invitation.
LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Our next Saturday Serve is THIS Saturday, January 4th (tomorrow)!  We meet at the church at 8:30am to debrief and then disburse to serve!  All projects are typically finished before lunchtime, so it’s not a sacrifice of your entire Saturday.  Come make an IMPACT in our community by being the hands and feet of Jesus!  If you have any questions about Saturday Serve or ideas for future projects, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613.
2. Our 2020 Winter/Spring Semester of LIFE Groups is starting to take shape!  For those of you who are leading, it’s time to turn in your Group information to Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  LIFE Group Leader Training is either Tuesday, January 21st, 6:30pm-8:30pm or Saturday, January 25th, 10am-Noon (pick one).  LIFE Group Sunday will be January 26th!
3. New to Coastal?  Join us Sunday, January 12th, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service for our next 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.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’re coming.
4. I hope you’ve had a great start with our 100 Day Challenge!  Today’s reading is Matthew 4.  Remember there are 6 components of the 100 Day Challenge, 6 things we are asking you to do (3 are daily – 3 are next steps).  Daily:  1. Read Through the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – we’re providing the calendar).  2. Memorize 1 Bible verse a week (they’re listed on Sundays of the calendar). 3. Get Moving. Find an activity or exercise that you can do each day for 100 Days. Next Steps:  1. Take the Next Step In Your Giving.  2. Start Serving.  3. Join A LIFE Group.   Even though the 100 days have already started, we’d love for you to jump in.  Simply respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday if you want to join in.  For those who sign up, you’ll receive a weekly email and periodic encouragements/reminders.
5. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and officially making our church, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Saturday, February 8th 9am-12noon.  Childcare and light refreshments are provided.  You can sign up for the class on our website, your Connect Card,or byresponding to this email.
   
   P.S. With the start of the New Year, this is the perfect time for you to start giving online. You might even consider automating your giving through your Bank.  Your consistent, faithful, generous giving enables our church to make its IMPACT!  Giving electronically is easy, safe, and secure!  You can give through our website, our App (yes, we have a FREE App), or TEXT any amount to 843-277-8337!  Don’t forget that if you are giving toward our “Daring Faith” Campaign to designate your giving with the keyword, “daringfaith” (all one word, no space).  Thank you in advance for your generosity!

If you are a volunteer at Coastal, I hope you’ve made plans to come out tonight, 6:30pm-8:30pm, for our Volunteer Banquet!  This Banquet is for ALL Coastal Volunteers.  If you serve in ANY capacity, you (your spouse & children) are invited!  It’s our way of thanking our volunteers.  It’s a night of great food, worship, fellowship, and for me to share some “insider information” about things happening at Coastal (I have a few surprises).  We also have a gift for you!  We will be serving Fried Chicken, Rotisserie Chicken, and all kinds of yummy sides and desserts from 6:30pm-7:15pm.  Your children are welcome to come and eat with you.  Childcare will be provided from 7:15pm – 8:30pm.  If you are coming and have not yet signed up, PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL.  If you need childcare, PLEASE let us know how many children you’re bringing so we can plan accordingly. Can’t wait to see everyone tonight!

And speaking of our awesome volunteers, our next Saturday Serve is THIS Saturday, December 7th – TOMORROW MORNING!  Saturday Serve is open to EVERYONE in our community.  You do not need to be a Member of our church to participate.  We meet in the Coastal Café at 8:30am. After a few minutes of getting to know one another, leaders of multiple community projects will brief you on the particulars of the projects they are leading. Afterwards, you’ll choose the project that’s of interest to you and off you’ll go!  All projects are typically finished before lunchtime, so it’s not a sacrifice of your entire Saturday.  Come out and help us tangibly share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with our community!  Our regular monthly Saturday Serve opportunities include:

• Prepping meals for My Sister’s House / SC Strong in the Coastal kitchen.
• Serving with The North Charleston Tailgate (burgers/hot dogs, food & clothing distribution for those in need).
• Sorting food at The Lowcountry Food Bank
• Preparing crafts for nursing home residents through our Children’s Outreach. 
• Restocking our blessing boxes with non-perishable food and toiletries.
• Sewing pillowcases for Nursing Home Residents/and the N.C. tailgate (not meeting this month – will resume this project in January).

If you have any questions about Saturday Serve or have ideas for on going projects or stand alone projects, please reach out to Chris Jones at Jonescg73@gmail.com or 843-870-4613.

See you Sunday!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Our 2020 Winter/Spring Semester of LIFE Groups is now taking shape!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group, please sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email.  If you have any questions you can also reach out to Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  LIFE Group Sunday will be January 26th!
2. Right now 333 people have signed up to start receiving our Daily Christmas Devotional “The Reason” each day leading up to Christmas!  I hope you’ve already been enjoying it as much as I have!  If you haven’t signed up to start receiving it, it’s not too late!  The devotional is emailed out to you each morning from December 1st through the 25th. The devotionals cover several Old Testament prophecies, the events around Jesus’ birth, and His character. If you would like to receive the daily devotional please email Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org or respond to this email.  We pray that this small daily reminder will keep the focus on “The Reason” for the Season!
3. Attention all Coastal Young Adults (18-30ish). You are invited to a CHRISTMAS PARTY on Tuesday night, December 17th, 6:30pm in the Coastal Gym!  Wear your best Christmas outfit, invite and bring a friend, and be prepared to have a blast!  There will be food, games, and volleyball!  If you have any questions, please email Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  (If you’re wondering if you’re too old for this party – YOU ARE!)
4. If haven’t heard, we have purchased a RightNow Media subscription for everyone who attends Coastal! You should have received an email last week from RightNow asking you to create a login and password so that you can have access to their thousands of video based Bible studies and faith-based children’s entertainment online or on the RightNow app. This is a great tool for you and your family to use to grow in your faith and understanding of God’s Word. If you did not receive the email from RightNow please email Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
5. Mark you calendars now!  Along with our regular services on Sunday, December 22nd, we’ll have special Christmas Eve services on Tuesday, December 24th at 3pm, 4:30pm, and 6pm.  Children ages Birth-5th Grade can enjoy a Christmas Party during each service.  If you serve in any Ministry, please contact your Ministry Leader and volunteer to serve now at one of our services.
   
   P.S.  I wanted to thank everyone who responded to Oakland Elementary School’s Christmas Angel Tree!  As always, your generosity never ceases to amaze me!  There are still a few ornaments/items left (a few more were added), so feel free to pick them up/mark them off on Sunday.  Don’t forget that the gifts need to be brought back to the church no later than Sunday, December 15th.

Are you ready for me to freak you out?  Get ready.  Here it comes!  Christmas is just 33 days away!  To kick off the Christmas season, on Sunday, December 1st we’re beginning a brand new series called, “It’s a Wonderful Life?”  The question mark is very intentional.  Because for so many people, from Thanksgiving to New Years is not “the most wonderful time of the year.”  For many people, it’s a season full of depression, stress, discouragement, anxiety, and painful memories.  Well, to help us all discover the true wonderful life available to all of us in Jesus, we’re going to look at four names, four descriptions given to Jesus in a very familiar passage of scripture during this time of year – Isaiah 9:6.  It’s actually an Old Testament prophecy, written some 700 years before the birth of Jesus during a time when there was a lot of turmoil, a lot of unrest, and a lot of fear – in many ways, much like today.  Here’s what it says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Make plans now to invite and bring a friend to to church during this series!

Well, if you haven’t heard yet, this past Sunday we announced that God did a miracle in our midst!  We gave the largest single offering in the history of our church to kick off our “Daring Faith” Campaign – $202,635.80 (that includes over $2,800 in CHANGE)!  Our 3 year commitment grand total was $1,689,886.82!    Actually, the total keeps climbing since the announcement was made on Sunday!  It’s now over $1.7 million after more cards were turned in!  In fact, people are still turning in money and Commitment Cards almost every day!  What a GREAT GOD we serve!  I am so proud of you Coastal!  

By the way, if you haven’t yet turned in a Commitment Card or Sacrificial Offering, it’s not too late to participate.  In fact, many people picked up Commitment Cards on Sunday.  You can either drop it off at the church office any time during the week (8:30am-4pm), put it in one of our offering envelopes and drop it in the mail, or you can even do it all online. Don’t let Satan rob you from being a part of the miracle of this opportunity for growth and blessing that God wants to do in your life.

Now, let me see if I can answer a couple of questions people have had:

1. When do I start my giving toward “Daring Faith”?  Now.  Your Sacrificial Offering was the start of your “Daring Faith” Commitment.  I would encourage you to consider automating your giving.  You can do that through your bank or we can step you through it. 
2. Do I still need to designate the “Daring Faith” portion of my giving? Yes.  Whatever you are giving towards your “Daring Faith” commitment please continue to mark it “DaringFaith.”  If you are using TEXT to Give remember that “DaringFaith” is all one word, no space.  If you are using TEXT to Give, you can’t separate your regular giving and your “Daring Faith” giving in one TEXT.  You’ll have to send them separately.  You can separate your giving through check or PayPal on the memo (ex. $100 tithe, $100 Daring Faith).

Obviously, if you have any other questions please reach out.  I love you Coastal and I am forever grateful for all of you!  “Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.” (2 Corinthians 8:11 NLT)  Let’s go for it Coastal!

See you Sunday!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. We are in the planning stages right now of the 2020 Winter/Spring Semester of LIFE Groups!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group, please sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email.  If you have any questions you can also reach out to Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  LIFE Group Sunday will be January 26th!
2. Christmas might seem like a long way off, but December is just right around the corner!  Our church responded so well to the “Daring Faith” Daily Devotional that we’ve written a daily devotional entitled “The Reason” to help you along during this Christmas season. The devotional will be emailed out to you each morning from December 1st through the 25th. The devotionals cover several Old Testament prophecies, the events around Jesus’ birth, and His character. If you would like to receive the daily devotional please email Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org or check the box on your Connect Card this Sunday.  We pray that this small daily reminder will keep the focus on “The Reason” for the Season!
3. Mark your calendars now! On Friday evening, December 6th, from 6:30-8:30PM, Coastal is having its Volunteer Banquet! This includes all Volunteers and Life Group Leaders and their spouses and children.  If you serve, volunteer, or lead in any capacity at Coastal you are invited!  It will be a time to thank our volunteers, worship, and for Pastor Chris to share a few things from his heart.  Childcare will be provided.  If you plan on coming, please respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Please indicate if you need childcare (how many children & ages) and how many total people will be attending so we can plan accordingly.
4. Our next Saturday Serve is Saturday, December 7th!  Saturday Serve is open to EVERYONE in our community.  You do not need to be a Member of our church to participate.  We meet in the Coastal Café at 8:30am. After a few minutes of getting to know one another, leaders of multiple community projects will brief you on the particulars of the projects they are leading. Afterwards, you’ll choose the project that’s of interest to you and off you’ll go!  All projects are typically finished before lunchtime, so it’s not a sacrifice of your entire Saturday.  Come out and help us tangibly share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with our community!
5. Mark you calendars now!  Along with our regular services on Sunday, December 22nd, we’ll have special Christmas Eve services on Tuesday, December 24th at 3pm, 4:30pm, and 6pm.  Children ages Birth-5th Grade can enjoy a Christmas Party during each service.  If you serve in any Ministry, please contact your Ministry Leader and volunteer to serve now at one of our services.
   
   P.S. If you took home a shoebox to fill for Operation Christmas Child, don’t forget to bring it back with you to church no later than this coming Sunday. 

Well, if you haven’t heard yet, this past Sunday we announced that God did a miracle in our midst!  We gave the largest single offering in the history of our church for our “Daring Faith” Campaign – $202,635.80 (that includes over $2,800 in CHANGE)!  Our 3 year commitment grand total was $1,689,886.82!    Actually, the total keeps climbing since the announcement was made on Sunday!  It’s now over $1.7 million after more cards were turned in!  In fact, people are still turning in money and Commitment Cards almost every day!  What a GREAT GOD we serve! 

I am so proud of you Coastal!  In 2 Corinthians 8, the Apostle Paul is describing the generosity of the Christians in Macedonia.  He could have very easily been writing about you.  Listen to what he wrote, “For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.”  Notice that they gave themselves first to the Lord, then, the byproduct of that action was their generosity.  That’s you Coastal!  That’s you!

By the way, if you haven’t yet turned in a Commitment Card or Sacrificial Offering, it’s not too late to participate.  In fact, many people picked up Commitment Cards on Sunday.  You can either drop it off at the church office any time during the week (8:30am-4pm), put it in one of our offering envelopes and drop it in the mail, or you can even do it all online. Don’t let Satan rob you from being a part of the miracle of this opportunity for growth and blessing that God wants to do in your life.

Now, let me see if I can answer a couple of questions people have had:

1. When do I start my giving toward “Daring Faith”?  Now.  Your Sacrificial Offering was the start of your “Daring Faith” Commitment.  I would encourage you to consider automating your giving.  You can do that through your bank or we can step you through it. 
2. Do I still need to designate the “Daring Faith” portion of my giving? Yes.  Whatever you are giving towards your “Daring Faith” commitment please continue to mark it “DaringFaith.”  If you are using TEXT to Give remember that “DaringFaith” is all one word, no space.  If you are using TEXT to Give, you can’t separate your regular giving and your “Daring Faith” giving in one TEXT.  You’ll have to send them separately.  You can separate your giving through check or PayPal on the memo (ex. $100 tithe, $100 Daring Faith).
3. When will we break ground?  We are hoping to break ground in either late March or early April.  It would be great to get started right before Easter – our 30th Anniversary!  The permitting process in Charleston is a SLOW process.  But we have an excellent, experienced Team working on our behalf.  Trust me, as soon as we know, you will know.  We will keep you updated along the way.

Obviously, if you have any other questions please reach out.  

Oh, and one more example of your generosity during “Daring Faith” – OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD!  On Saturday you guys wrapped and packed 756 shoeboxes!  And then on Sunday you took home several hundred more shoeboxes to fill – pushing us well over 1,000 boxes this year!!  By the way, if you took home a box, you can drop it off at Coastal during the week or bring it with you to church no later than this Sunday.  

I love you Coastal and I am forever grateful for all of you!  “Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.” (2 Corinthians 8:11 NLT)  Let’s go for it Coastal!

See you Sunday!
Pastor Chris

P.S.  If you haven’t done so already, make sure you sign up for our Daily Christmas Devotional that will start Sunday, December 1st and go all the way to Christmas Day.  And if you volunteer or serve in any capacity at Coastal, make plans to attend our Volunteer Banquet on Friday night, December 6th, 6:30pm-8:30pm.  Childcare and Dinner provided!  You can sign up for both things by responding to this email or on your Connect Card on Sunday.

This Sunday, November 17th, is appropriately called, “Miracle Sunday!”  I can’t wait to announce the true miracle that God did through our church for our Daring Faith Giving Campaign!  Come prepared to cheer and celebrate and make some noise!  I’m absolutely serious!  Wear your Team colors, bring some pom-poms, bring some noise makers!  No matter the Team you’re representing, I promise you we’re all going to celebrate what God did in our midst!  Outside there will be Tailgaters, Jump Castles, and plenty of Food (Barbecue & Chili – all FREE)!  

On top of all of that, we’re going to have some Baptisms this Sunday!  I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to witness people being “raised to new life” in Jesus!  If you would like to get baptized, simply respond to this email to let us know, and we’ll quickly be in touch.  

So, whatever you do, don’t miss this Sunday!  It’s going to be an AWESOME day to remember!  For those of you who were either out of town or unable to come this past Sunday, you can still turn in your “Daring Faith” Offering and Commitment Card.  People have been doing that all week long.  Just drop by the church office or shoot us an email.  You can even do it all online.  We would love to include your offering and commitment in the grand total that we announce this Sunday, but you can obviously turn both in at any time.

Daring to Believe With You!

Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. It’s finally here – Operation Christmas Child Weekend!  Join us tonight, 4-8pm for an evening of Sorting, Organizing & Setting Up everything for Operation Christmas Child.  And then come back tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 10am for our Wrapping & Packing Party!  If you have any last minute toys and supplies you need to drop them TODAY!
2. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and officially making our church, your church family? Our next Membership Class is  THIS Monday night, November 18th 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and light refreshments are provided.  You can sign up for the class on our website, your Connect Card,or byresponding to this email.
3. Mark your calendars now! On Friday evening, December 6th, from 6:30-8:30PM, Coastal is having its Volunteer Banquet! This includes all Volunteers and Life Group Leaders and their spouses and children.  If you serve, volunteer, or lead in any capacity at Coastal you are invited!  It will be a time to thank our volunteers, worship, and for Pastor Chris to share a few things from his heart.  Childcare will be provided.  If you plan on coming, please respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Please indicate if you need childcare (how many children & ages) and how many total people will be attending so we can plan accordingly.
4. Christmas might seem like a long way off, but December is just right around the corner!  Our church responded so well to the “Daring Faith” Daily Devotional that we’ve written a daily devotional entitled “The Reason” to help you along during this Christmas season. The devotional will be emailed out to you each morning from December 1st through the 25th. The devotionals cover several Old Testament prophecies, the events around Jesus’ birth, and His character. If you would like to receive the daily devotional please email Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org or check the box on your Connect Card this Sunday.  We pray that this small daily reminder will keep the focus on “The Reason” for the Season!
5. We are in the planning stages right now of the 2020 Winter/Spring Semester of LIFE Groups!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group, please sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email.  If you have any questions you can also reach out to Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  LIFE Group Sunday will be January 26th!
   
   P.S. Mark you calendars now!  Along with our regular services on Sunday, December 22nd, we’ll have special Christmas Eve services on Tuesday, December 24th at 3pm, 4:30pm, and 6pm.  Children ages Birth-5th Grade can enjoy a Christmas Party during each service.  If you serve in any Ministry, please contact your Ministry Leader and volunteer to serve now at one of our services.

This past Sunday, November 10th, 2019 will go down as one of those historic days in the life of our church!  Because so many of you “Dared to Believe”, you helped to insure that our church will continue to grow and reach people for Jesus for generations to come.  Our children’s children will talk about this weekend and your faith in our great God!  And I love you for it!

For those of you who were either out of town or unable to come yesterday, you can still turn in your “Daring Faith” Offering and Commitment Card.  Just drop by the church office one day this week or shoot us an email.  You can even do it all online.  We want to include your offering and commitment in the grand total that we announce this coming Sunday (yes you’ll have to wait for Sunday for the Big Announcement)!

For those of you who did not participate because you think your gift and commitment doesn’t matter, you’re wrong.  We’ve said it all along, “Equal Sacrifice, not Equal Gifts.  Every Gift/Commitment matters.  Every Gift/Commitment counts.”  You can still participate. 

For those of you who did not participate because you think, “it’s all about the money”, I’d love a chance to meet with you one on one and share my heart with you one more time.  The truth is this campaign has been about Faith.  And like it or not, the primary way, according to the Bible, that God tests and stretches our faith is through money, through our possessions.  Why do you think it illicits such powerful emotions?  We simply believe that God is not finished with Coastal, and there are more and more people in Charleston that need Jesus.  And if we are going to continue to grow and reach more people, especially children and families, it’s time to address our Children’s space.  It’s that simple. 

Our mission has always been the same.  It has never changed.  It is my prayer that as a result of participating in the entire campaign, our people have grown in faith, hope, love, and generosity.  And yes, our financial sacrifice will enable us to build a building, a tool to grow and reach more people for Jesus.  I pray you’ll have a change of heart.  I pray that you will trust me and our leadership.  Don’t allow Satan use something so beautiful and exciting as a wedge between you and the church.  You can still participate.

This Sunday, come prepared to cheer and celebrate and make some noise!  I’m serious!  Wear your Team colors, bring some pom-poms, bring some noise makers!  No matter the Team you’re representing, I promise you we’re all going to celebrate Team Jesus and what God did in our midst!  Outside there will be Tailgaters, Jump Castles, and plenty of Food (all FREE)!  As a part of that celebration, we’re going to have some Baptisms this Sunday!  I can’t think of a better thing to do than to witness people being “raised to new life” in Jesus!  If you would like to get baptized, simply respond to this email to let us know, and we’ll be in touch.  So, whatever you do, don’t miss this Sunday!  It’s going to be an AWESOME day!

I Love You Coastal and I Am Forever Grateful for All of You!

Pastor Chris

Woohoo!  It’s finally here!  THIS SUNDAY, November 10th, is “Commitment Sunday”!  For the past 3 months we have met together, talked together, prayed together, learned together, and hopefully grown in our faith together.  And this Sunday we are going to put all of that into practice and sacrificially give and make a 3 year commitment to totally renovate and expand our Coastal Kidz Building and our Welcome Center/Atrium space.  Simply put, this project will enable our church to continue to grow and reach the next generation for Jesus – to leave a legacy for future generations!

So here’s what I need you to bring to church on Sunday:

1. Your Sacrificial Offering.  Hopefully, by now you have prayed and decided what you can sacrificially give.  Make sure you mark it, “DaringFaith.”  If you write a check or use an Offering Envelope, earmark it, DaringFaith.”  If you are using the card swiping machine, tap the down arrow underneath the amount and in the Description write the word, “DaringFaith.”  If you are texting to give (843-277-8337), use the keyword, you guessed it, “DaringFaith” (one word).  

2. Your signed “Commitment Card”.  These are very important.  Your Commitment Card has 3 very important components:  the amount of your sacrificial gift, your 3 year commitment, and the grand total.  Your gift plus the commitment equals your total.  When you are giving toward your Daring Faith commitment over the next 3 years, again, simply use the words, “DaringFaith.”  If you’ve lost your “Commitment Card,” you can pick one up and fill it out on Sunday.  If you can not be here this Sunday, you can drop off your offering and your Commitment Card anytime between now and November 15th, as we want to be able to announce the Grand Total on Miracle Sunday, November 17th!  You can also fill out your Commitment Card online.

3.  Your “Daring Faith” Offering Bank.  For those of you who have been collecting change and filling up your Offering Bank, there will be a large container to empty your bank in the Child Check-in area.  There will be other containers set up in the auditorium at the front of the stage for your Sacrificial Offering & your Commitment Cards.  Instead of passing the blue “Offering Buckets” at the end of the service, we will be inviting everyone at the end of my sermon during the Response/Communion time to come and give your offering, your commitment card, and empty your bank into containers at the front of the stage.  It will be an historic moment in the life of our church!

Some of you still don’t know how much you’re supposed to give, and you’re worried about it.  Stop worrying!  Instead do this:  1. First of all, pray.  Just open your heart to God and say, “Lord, put a figure in my mind that will represent a genuine sacrifice.”  2. If you haven’t done so already, sit down with your family and together, in your Daring Faith Magazine, go over the Guide For Discerning God’s Will In Deciding Your Giving Commitment.  3. If you’ve never tithed before, start there, “God, I’m going to give you the first ten percent.” Make your “Daring Faith” commitment and start tithing. That’s a great way to get started.

Remember, it’s “Equal Sacrifice, NOT Equal Gifts.”  We can’t all give the same amount, but we CAN all make a sacrifice.  And don’t forget, every gift/commitment card counts, every gift/commitment card matters.  Don’t allow Satan to trick you into not participating because you think yours doesn’t matter.  It does!  If you consider Coastal your home, if you have been blessed at all by the ministry of our church, I challenge you to be a part of what God is doing through us so that together we can leave a legacy for the next generation and beyond.

Daring to Believe With You!
Pastor Chris

Well, it’s finally here!  This Sunday, November 10th is Commitment Sunday!  Honestly, at this point I feel like there’s not a lot more to say that I haven’t already said.  In fact, you should have received an email from me earlier this week going over all the details.  If you haven’t already done so, please take a moment to read it.  If you are going to be out of town or for some reason can’t make it to church this weekend, please turn in your Commitment and Offering online or drop it off any time between now and next Sunday so that we can include it in the announcement total for Miracle Sunday, November 17th. 

So, here’s my simple prayer for this Sunday.  It comes from Philemon 1:6, “And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.” Wow!  How powerful is that?!  That verse perfectly describes what this Sunday is all about.  Slowly read that verse again one more time and let it sink in.

I love you Coastal and I love what we get to do together!  See you Sunday! 

Daring to Believe With You!

Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. This coming January 17-20 our Students are heading back up to Pigeon Forge, TN for the Strength to Stand Conference. It will be an amazing weekend of faith and fellowship led by speakers such as Scott Dawson, Wade Morris, Jonathon Evans and Algernon Tennyson and artists like Rush of Fools, FRVR Free and Hillsong Young & Free. Outside of the conference, they will be staying at one of the largest cabins in TN, enjoying some awesome meals and even going indoor snow tubing. It’s a weekend you won’t want to miss. Cost of the retreat is $250. If you are in need of financial assistance or might be interested in providing a scholarship for a student, contact Pastor Ryan Spell. Also, go ahead and fill out the medical release on the Student Page of our Website to reserve your spot.
2. Christmas might seem like a long way off, but December is just right around the corner!  Our church responded so well to the “Daring Faith” Daily Devotional that we’ve written a daily devotional entitled “The Reason” to help you along during this Christmas season. The devotional will be emailed out to you each morning from December 1st through the 25th. The devotionals cover several Old Testament prophecies, the events around Jesus’ birth, and His character. If you would like to receive the daily devotional please email Pastor Scott at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org or check the box on your Connect Card this Sunday.  We pray that this small daily reminder will keep the focus on “The Reason” for the Season!
3. We only have 1 full week left to bring toys and supplies for Operation Christmas Child! Operation Christmas Child is a simple, tangible way to share the love of Jesus with children in need all around the world.  We will be Sorting & Setting Upeverything on Friday, November 15th, 4-8pm.  Our Wrapping & Packing Party will be Saturday morning, November 16th, 10am at the church.  Here are some suggested things to bring:  Hot Wheels cars, children’s jewelry, small balls, stuffed animals, books, noise makers, yo-yo’s, travel size games, cards, small craft kits, stickers, flashlights with batteries, brushes, combs, toothbrushes, hairbands, small notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, solar powered calculators, markers, crayons, colored pencils, pencil sharpeners, rulers, socks (no perishables, liquids, used items, candy, or toys associated with war or fighting).  We could still use some BIG shoeboxes!
4. Sunday, November 17th is Miracle Sunday!  We will make the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT of what God did through us and CELEBRATE!  To do that we’re going to have a Tailgate Party & Outdoor Baptism!  Out on our front lawn after both services we’ll have Tailgaters, jump castles, and outdoor activities for the kids.  We’ll provide the food. If you’d like to Tailgate and haven’t already signed up, simply respond to this email!  Also, please let us know if you would like to get Baptized on this day!  You can respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday!
5. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and officially making our church, your church family? Our next Membership Class is  Monday night, November 18th 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and light refreshments are provided.  You can sign up for the class on our website, your Connect Card,or byresponding to this email.
   
   P.S. We are in the planning stages right now of the 2020 Winter/Spring Semester of LIFE Groups!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group, please sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email.  If you have any questions you can also reach out to Pastor Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  LIFE Group Sunday will be January 26th!
   
   P.S.S. Mark your calendars now! On Friday evening, December 6th, from 6:30-8:30PM, Coastal is having its Volunteer Banquet! This includes all Volunteers and Life Group Leaders and their spouses and children.  If you serve, volunteer, or lead in any capacity at Coastal you are invited!  It will be a time to thank our volunteers, worship, and for Pastor Chris to share a few things from his heart.  Childcare will be provided.  If you plan on coming, please respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Please indicate if you need childcare (how many children & ages) and how many total people will be attending so we can plan accordingly.

So here’s the deal – there are only 3 weeks left until Commitment Sunday – November 10th!  That’s right – only 3 weeks!  It’s hard to believe it’s almost here!  What is Commitment Sunday you ask?  Hopefully, you’re fully aware of what Commitment Sunday is, but for those of you who have been living under a rock, Commitment Sunday is where we are asking everyone who considers Coastal their home (YOU) to bring a sacrificial offering and a 3 year commitment above and beyond your regular giving toward our Daring Faith Campaign in order to build Phase 2 on our campus (all of which has been spelled out in great detail in our Daring Faith Magazine).  We are asking you to sacrifice and give the largest offering you have personally ever given on November 10th.  And when together we each make that same generous sacrifice, that’s when God shows up and does a miracle.  

So, just to be clear, it’s on Commitment Sunday, November 10th where you will turn in your Sacrificial Offering AND your Commitment Card.  Your Offering PLUS your 3 year commitment EQUALS your Daring Faith Commitment.  We will mail out another Commitment Card the week before November 10th, and obviously you can pick up one at church on Sunday.  If for some reason you can’t be in church on November 10th, you can turn in your Commitment Card & Offering early or during the week immediately after the 10th.  We want all Cards and Offering turned in no later than that week so we can make the Big Announcement on Sunday, November 17th – Miracle Sunday! Simply designate everything that you give toward Daring Faith now and over the next 3 years with the words, “Daring Faith.”  

By the way, typically between Thanksgiving and the first week of January we challenge everyone to give above and beyond to a special Christmas Offering.  We will NOT be doing that this year!  Instead we are simply going to designate our entire Christmas Eve Offering to outreach & evangelism – Saturday Serve, Benevolence, Oakland Elementary School, & Easter.  This year, Daring Faith and November 10th is the only challenge and special offering we are asking you to consider.    

Remember it’s not equal gifts.  We all can’t give the same amount.  It’s equal sacrifice.  And, this is important, EVERY gift & commitment card counts, and EVERY gift & commitment card matters!  Together, we all get to be the pioneers and leave a legacy for the next generation.  Please take the time and read through the Daring Faith Magazine one more time to prayerfully determine what you and your family will give and what you will commit to give over 3 years.  And as always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Daring to Believe With You!

Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. We are now uploading our sermon notes to the free YouVersion Bible app each week through its “events” section.  All you need to do is open your app once the service begins, click on “more” in the bottom right corner, then click on “events.” That will bring up a list of churches where you will click on “Coastal” to bring up the day’s sermon notes. You will have each point and Scripture in front of you with the ability to “add (personal) notes” in each section. After the message you will want to “save” the event for later reference and you can also email the notes through clicking “share event” then “export event contents.”  Enjoy!
2. This is the last week to bring in bags of candy for Oakland Elementary School’s Annual “Trunk or Treat” on Thursday night, October 24th, 5-6:30pm.
3. We’re looking for volunteers to serve over at Oakland Elementary School this year – the Elementary School across the street from our church.  At Coastal, we believe that if you change the life of a child, you help to change the world!  We have a special relationship with Oakland that has been built on years and years of service and generosity (and quite a few doughnuts and lots of coffee).  If you would be willing to assist in a classroom, help classes in the lunchroom, or even be a Lunch Buddy, please respond to this email or reach out to Susan Cumbie at Susan.Cumbie@us.bosch.com.  They are specifically asking for MALE Mentors. 5 of the 6 mentors who have responded so far are women (thanks ladies!), but the guidance counselor would really like to have a few more men. This can be a full fledged mentor, or a “lunch buddy” where you eat with the same student once a week or month (lunches last 20 min).
4. New to Coastal?  Join us Sunday, November 3rd, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service for our next 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.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’re coming.
5. Between now and November 10th we’re asking everyone to bring any toys that will fit in a shoe box (no perishables, liquids, used items, candy, or toys associated with war or fighting).  We will be Sorting & Setting Upeverything on Friday, November 15th, 4-8pm.  Our Wrapping & Packing Party will be Saturday morning, November 16th, 10am at the church.  Here are some suggested things to bring:  Hot Wheels cars, children’s jewelry, small balls, stuffed animals, books, noise makers, yo-yo’s, travel size games, cards, small craft kits, stickers, flashlights with batteries, brushes, combs, toothbrushes, hairbands, small notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, solar powered calculators, markers, crayons, colored pencils, pencil sharpeners, rulers, socks.
   
   P.S. To celebrate all that God has done through our church through our Daring Faith Campaign, we’re going to have a Tailgate Party & Outdoor Baptism!  On Sunday, November 17th, out on our front lawn after both services we’ll have Tailgaters, jump castles, and outdoor activities for the kids.  We’ll provide the food, we just need people who would like to represent their team and sign up to tailgate!  You can sign up on your Connect Card or respond to this email.  Also, please let us know if you would like to get Baptized on this day!

Janet and I got a chance to take a quick trip up to Knoxville to see our daughter Lydia and her husband Andrew this past week.  We left on Sunday after church and came home Tuesday.  Janet and Lydia are big “Downton Abbey” show fans and they were able to have a little Mother/Daughter moment and see the movie together (Andrew & I saw something else – haha).  Honestly, the movie was just an excuse for us to see our daughter.  Texting, FaceTime, and phone calls are all fine – but sometimes a parent just needs to hug their child’s neck and see them face to face.  I bet that’s how God feels.  Sometimes I wonder if fasting is just an “excuse” for God to see His children and spend time with them.  Funny how we think it’s all about the “movie.”  During this season of fasting and faith and growth don’t forget that ultimately our loving, heavenly Father simply longs to see His children and hug their neck. 

This coming Sunday I’ll be talking about “Daring to Give God Our Very Best.” Part of growing in our faith and experiencing miracles in our lives is striving to “live a life worthy of our calling.” (Ephesians 4:1)  It’s not about striving to earn our salvation or approval before God, but striving BECAUSE we ARE saved and approved by God.  You see, our salvation and approval is not because of anything we have done, it’s because of our faith in what Christ has already done.  And that’s why I want to give God my best, because of who He is and what He has done.  Ask yourself this, are you giving God your very best?  If not, why not?  

If you haven’t already done so, watch the video above of what we’re getting ready to build in 2020 – the 30 year anniversary of our church!  Continue to read through our Daring Faith magazine and pray about what you and your family are going to give on Commitment Sunday, November 10th and what you’re going to commit to give over the next 3 years above and beyond your regular giving.  We are going to build that building.  The question is, how is God going to build you through the process?

I hope you’re enjoying your LIFE Group and the Daily Devotional as much as I am!  Right now we have 460 adults in LIFE Groups and 299 people Fasting & Praying (can we find 1 more)!  Is that amazing or what?!  I’m loving all the emails and conversations about how God is teaching and moving in your lives!  Feel free to keep sharing!

Daring to Believe With You!

Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. GUESS WHAT?!  TOMORROW is our next Saturday Serve!  If you haven’t come to a Saturday Serve yet, make plans to be there tomorrow!  I promise you, you’ll be glad you came and that you will receive so much more than you give.  Saturday Serve is open to EVERYONE in our community.  You do not need to be a Member of our church to participate (you don’t even have to be an attender).  In fact, it’s a great opportunity to bring a friend!  We meet in the Coastal Café at 8:30am. After a few minutes of getting to know one another, leaders of multiple projects will brief you on the particulars of the projects they are leading. Afterwards, you’ll choose the project that’s of interest to you and off you’ll go!  All projects are typically finished before lunchtime, so it’s not a sacrifice of your entire Saturday.  Come out and help us tangibly share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with our community!
2. We are collecting bags of candy for Oakland Elementary School’s Annual “Trunk or Treat” on Thursday night, October 24th, 5-6:30pm.  You can bring the candy to church any time between now and Sunday, October 20th.  
3. Did you know that there are 359 children in foster care in Charleston County, and only 134 foster homes to care for them?  Coastal has the opportunity to come alongside existing foster families to support children in foster care in our community through prayer support, bringing meals, and child mentoring/babysitting.  We are currently seeking additional Advocates to join the leadership team at Coastal for this ministry.  We ask that you prayerfully consider this opportunity and contact Tami Gilbert at gilbert_tami@yahoo.com for more information.
4. New to Coastal?  Join us Sunday, November 3rd, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service for our next 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.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’re coming.
5. Since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse has partnered with local churches around the world to deliver over 157 million Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to children in need in 160 countries. Each one—packed full of fun toys, school supplies, and hygiene items—is sent with prayer that the child who receives it will experience God’s love through their simple gifts.  Between now and November 10th we’re asking everyone to bring any toys that will fit in a shoe box (no perishables, liquids, used items, candy, or toys associated with war or fighting).  We will be Sorting & Setting Up everything on Friday, November 15th, 4-8pm.  Our Wrapping & Packing Party will be Saturday morning, November16th, 10am at the church.  Here are some suggested things to bring:  Hot Wheels cars, children’s jewelry, small balls, stuffed animals, books, noise makers, yo-yo’s, travel size games, cards, small craft kits, stickers, flashlights with batteries, brushes, combs, toothbrushes, hairbands, small notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, solar powered calculators, markers, crayons, colored pencils, pencil sharpeners, rulers, socks.
   
   P.S. To celebrate all that God has done through our church through our Daring Faith Campaign we’re going to have a Tailgate Party & Outdoor Baptism!  On Sunday, November 17th out on our front lawn after both services we’ll have Tailgaters, jump castles, and outdoor activities for the kids.  We’ll provide the food, we just need people who would like to represent their team and sign up to tailgate!  You can sign up on your Connect Card or respond to this email.  Also, please let us know if you would like to get Baptized on this day!

In Mark 11:22-24 Jesus said this, “Have faith in God.  I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.  I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”

What in the world is Jesus talking about here?  One of the reasons I’m so excited about this “Daring Faith” series is we’re going to see some flat out miracles in people’s lives.  Because every time you stretch your faith God does miracles – every . . .single. . . time.  My question for you today is this, are you in need of a miracle?  What’s the mountain in your life?  What’s the mountain that needs to be moved?  What is the mountain in your life that you’ve been saying, “It’s never going to change?”  That’s a self-defeating, self-fulfilling prophesy.  How do you know?  Maybe God wants to do a miracle in your life.  Well, it’s faith that opens the door for miracles. God is in the mountain moving, miracle performing business.  This coming Sunday I’m going to be talking about how to prepare for a miracle.  Maybe you need a miracle in your marriage.  Maybe you need a miracle in your finances.  Maybe you need a miracle in a relationship.  Don’t miss this Sunday!  Invite and bring a friend!  Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and He wants to move in your life! 

I can’t say enough good things about the kickoff to our “Daring Faith” series – most importantly our LIFE Groups!  Get this – 453 adults have signed up for a LIFE Group this semester!!  Even though our Groups have already started this week, the actual study portion of the Groups begins this coming week.  So if you haven’t joined a Group yet, it’s still not too late.You can sign up right now online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or at the LIFE Group Tables on Sunday.  The Groups only last for a total of 8 weeks.  Join a Group and see what all the excitement is about!

The other part of the “Daring Faith” series that I’m excited about is the 40 Day Fast and Daily Devotional!  The Fast & Daily Devotional all begin this coming Monday, September 30th and end on Friday, November 8th.  Begin praying now about what you will give up for the Fast.  This truly IS going to be a move of God at our church!  We already have over 175 people who have decided to join us in our fast.   If you would like to participate with us, simply respond to this email or you can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  It’s that simple.  We’ll then add you to a specific email group and send you periodic notes of encouragement and information over the course of the fast.  Your 40 Day Daily Devotional also begins this coming Monday. The Devotional is a part of the LIFE Group Study Guide.  If you didn’t already pick one up at church or from your LIFE Group Leader, you can pick one up at church this Sunday. 

Daring to Believe With You!

Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse has partnered with local churches around the world to deliver over 157 million Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts to children in need in 160 countries. Each one—packed full of fun toys, school supplies, and hygiene items—is sent with prayer that the child who receives it will experience God’s love through their simple gifts.  Between now and November 10th we’re asking everyone to bring any toys that will fit in a shoe box (no perishables, liquids, used items, candy, or toys associated with war or fighting).  We will be Sorting & Setting Up everything on Friday, November 15th, 4-8pm.  Our Wrapping & Packing Party will be Saturday morning, November16th, 10am at the church.  Here are some suggested things to bring:  Hot Wheels cars, children’s jewelry, small balls, stuffed animals, books, noise makers, yo-yo’s, travel size games, cards, small craft kits, stickers, flashlights with batteries, brushes, combs, toothbrushes, hairbands, small notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, solar powered calculators, markers, crayons, colored pencils, pencil sharpeners, rulers, socks.
2. We are collecting bags of candy for Oakland Elementary School’s Annual “Trunk or Treat” on Thursday night, October 24th, 5-6:30pm.  You can bring the candy to church any time between now and Sunday, October 20th.
3. Did you know that there are 359 children in foster care in Charleston County, and only 134 foster homes to care for them?  Coastal has the opportunity to come alongside existing foster families to support children in foster care in our community through prayer support, bringing meals, and child mentoring/babysitting.  We are currently seeking additional Advocates to join the leadership team at Coastal for this ministry.  We ask that you prayerfully consider this opportunity and contact Tami Gilbert at gilbert_tami@yahoo.com for more information.
4. Did you know that we now have a College & Young Adult (18-25) Ministry at Coastal?  Scott Huff, our new Associate Pastor, is leading this Ministry.  In fact, he’s hosting a College/Young Adult “Daring Faith” LIFE Group at his home this semester on Tuesday nights at 7pm.  You can sign up online or at the church this Sunday! We’re also taking our College Students & Young Adults to this year’s Passion Conference, Dec. 31 – Jan. 2 in Atlanta, GA!  What an awesome way to usher in the New Year!  The total cost for the trip is $230.  That cost includes conference, travel, & lodging (food is the only additional cost).  If you’re interested in going and would like more information, please contact Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  You can also reserve your spot today from our website!
5. Mark your calendars – our next Saturday Serve is NEXT Saturday, October 5th!  If you haven’t come to a Saturday Serve yet, make plans to come in October!  I promise you, you’ll be glad you came and that you will receive so much more than you give.  Saturday Serve is open to EVERYONE in our community.  You do not need to be a Member of our church to participate (you don’t even have to be an attender).  We meet in the Coastal Café at 8:30am. After a few minutes of getting to know one another, leaders of multiple projects will brief you on the particulars of the projects they are leading. Afterwards, you’ll choose the project that’s of interest to you and off you’ll go!  All projects are typically finished before lunchtime, so it’s not a sacrifice of your entire Saturday.  Come out and help us tangibly share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with our community!
   
   P.S. People are so excited about what we’re getting ready to build that many people have already started giving toward our “Daring Faith” Giving Campaign!  If you would like to start giving toward your commitment (above and beyond your regular giving) all you have to do is designate your gift, “Daring Faith”on your check or under “Add special instructions to the seller” on PayPal on our website.  If you are texting your gift, text any amount to 843-277-8337 with the keyword, “daringfaith” (all one word).  As always, we are keeping records of your giving and whatever your give now will be added to your total amount on Commitment Sunday, November 10th.  As always, you can give through our website, our App (yes, we have a FREE App), or TEXT any amount to 843-277-8337!  Try it today!

So, if you’ve been to any of our “Daring Faith” Campaign Information Meetings you’ve already seen the short video above.  It’s a 3D rendering from our architects of what we’re going to be building this year, Phase 1, with a little teaser at the end, of Phase 2.  Coastal, this is what we’re stepping out in faith and attempting to accomplish in 2020 – the 30 year anniversary of our church!  Join us in the adventure of faith!  The entire “Daring Faith” Campaign kicks off on Sunday, September 22nd – NEXT SUNDAY!  Don’t miss it!  It’s going to be a Big Day in the life of our church!  Make sure you invite and bring a friend!  Lives are going to change and miracles are going to happen in this series!  

And this is why it’s so important for you to come to one of the remaining information meetings.  In fact, there are now 7 meetings left for you to choose from.  At these meetings you’ll receive your “Daring Faith” packet, coloring book, offering bank, and commitment card.  I’ll explain the entire giving campaign, what we’re going to build, and how you can be a part of it.  We’re providing childcare (except for the 7am Wednesday meeting) & food at each meeting.  We’re doing everything we can to make it easy and convenient for everyone to attend just one of these meetings.  There are three meetings this weekend – today at 12noon, Saturday morning (tomorrow) at 9am, and Sunday night at 6pm.  Today for lunch we’re having Spaghetti Bake, Saturday morning we’re having a Pancake Breakfast, and on Sunday night we’re having Fried Chicken (yes, we’re shamelessly luring you with food)!   You can sign up right now online.  These meetings are NOT LIFE Groups.

Our “Daring Faith” LIFE Groups start the week of September 22nd – in just ONE WEEK!!  Several Groups are already full, but there are still a lot to choose from.  You can sign up now online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or at the LIFE Group Tables on Sunday.  You only have to sign up one time, one way.  If you’ve already signed up for a Group, you are signed up.

During the “Daring Faith” Campaign we’re asking everyone to participate in a 40 Day Fast!  The Fast & Daily Devotional all begin on Monday, September 30th and end on Friday, November 8th.  Begin praying now about what you will give up for the Fast.  This truly IS going to be a move of God at our church!

Daring to Believe With You!

Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. New to Coastal?  Join us THIS Sunday, September 15th, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service for our next 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.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’re coming.
2. Waves Student Ministry fall semester has begun!  From 6pm-8pm every Wednesday, Students 6th-12th Grade are invited to bring all their friends to come out for a night filled with food, games, worship, message and small groups. You’re not going to want to miss out!  Plus, make sure you pick up our NEW T-SHIRT!  Make sure to check out the Waves Student Ministry Instagram for more updates – @wavesstudentministry.
3. Did you know that there are 359 children in foster care in Charleston County, and only 134 foster homes to care for them?  Coastal has the opportunity to come alongside existing foster families to support children in foster care in our community through prayer support, bringing meals, and child mentoring/babysitting.  We are currently seeking additional Advocates to join the leadership team at Coastal for this ministry.  We ask that you prayerfully consider this opportunity and contact Tami Gilbert at gilbert_tami@yahoo.com for more information.
4. Did you know that we now have a College & Young Adult (18-25) Ministry at Coastal?  Scott Huff, our new Associate Pastor, is leading this Ministry.  In fact, he’s hosting a College/Young Adult “Daring Faith” LIFE Group at his home this semester on Tuesday nights at 7pm starting September 24th.  You can sign up online or at the church this Sunday!
   We’re also taking our College Students & Young Adults to this year’s Passion Conference, Dec. 31 – Jan. 2 in Atlanta, GA!  What an awesome way to usher in the New Year!  The total cost for the trip is $200 due by September 15th.  The cost will go up to $230 after September 15th – THIS SUNDAY!  That cost includes conference, travel, & lodging (food is the only additional cost).  If you’re interested in going and would like more information, please contact Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  You can also reserve your spot today from our website!
5. We’re looking for volunteers to serve over at Oakland Elementary School this year – the Elementary School across the street from our church.  At Coastal, we believe that if you change the life of a child, you help to change the world!  We have a special relationship with Oakland that has been built on years and years of service and generosity (and quite a few doughnuts and lots of coffee).  If you would be willing to assist in a classroom, help classes in the lunchroom, or even be a Lunch Buddy, please respond to this email or reach out to Susan Cumbie at Susan.Cumbie@us.bosch.com.  Let’s help make this the best year ever at Oakland!
   
   P.S. Have you heard?  There are 3 “Daring Faith” Information Meetings THIS WEEKEND – 1 today at 12noon, 1 at 9am on Saturday morning(tomorrow) and 1 at 6pm on Sunday night.  You can sign up right now online.  Remember, these are NOT LIFE Groups!  It’s at these meetings that you’ll receive your “Daring Faith” packet, coloring book, offering bank, and commitment card!  Pastor Chris will explain the entire giving campaign, what we’re going to build, and how you can be a part of it. Childcare & food provided at both meetings.  We’re doing everything we can to make it easy and convenient for everyone to attend.

Dear Coastal Friends & Family,

By now you’ve probably heard the evacuation order, lane reversal, and school closings from the Governor of SC regarding Hurricane Dorian. I want you to know that myself and Janet, and all of our pastors and staff are praying for you and for our community in the days ahead, and I ask you to do the same.

And while it’s still too early to tell exactly what impact Dorian will have on our area, I wanted to share a few important updates AND a little hope and encouragement for you today.

In light of Hurricane Dorian, school closings, and evacuation:

#1 – WAVES Wednesday kick-off (Student Ministry) has been cancelled this week.

#2 – All of our “Daring Faith” Campaign Information meetings scheduled for this week (Tuesday night, Wednesday morning, & Friday night) have been cancelled.  We will probably schedule additional meetings, but we are asking everyone who signed up for one of the meetings this week to go ahead and find another meeting to attend and sign up online. 

#3 – Right now, we feel it’s too early to make a decision about Saturday Serve.  We are hoping and praying for the best.  If everything in the low country goes well, hopefully those who have evacuated will be returning over the weekend.  Saturday Serve might be a great opportunity for those available volunteers to serve the hungry/hurting and help those in need.  We will make updates as we have more information.   

#4 – We are believing that we WILL have services THIS Sunday, September 8th.  Again, right now, we feel it’s still too early to make any call concerning this weekend.  Like you, we’ll be watching the storm and the aftermath and will make the appropriate decision as soon as possible.  Please be on the lookout for updates on our social media, text, and our calling service (the perfect time to use this tool).

With the storm making it’s way to us, I know many people are stressed and worried. Storms, however, really are a part of life, whether we give them names like Hugo, Matthew, Harvey, Irma, and now Dorian, or names like depression, bankruptcy, cancer, divorce, and death.  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.   Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

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 meme.  If you will draw near to Him, He will draw near to you.  I know that to be true personally and so do many of you.  In the days ahead, let’s strive to be a calming presence in the midst of the storm.  Let’s show kindness where others show anger and hostility.  Let’s be patient when surrounded with impatience.  Let’s be the hands, heart, feet, and voice of Jesus to our community.  Remember Coastal, we don’t just GO to church, WE ARE THE CHURCH!  And as always, together we will look for ways to serve our community!

If you have any prayer requests or needs before, during, or after the storm, please send me an email.  Know that you are loved!  I’ll check in with you again soon.  Be smart. Be safe. Be prayerful!

Psalm 62:5-8, “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.  My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.  Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”

Standing Strong With You & Praying For You!
Pastor Chris

Let me just start out by saying that we had another AWESOME LIFE Group Sunday this past week!  Our attendance was 768, and we had a ton of people sign up for our “Daring Faith” LIFE Groups!  In fact, several of our Groups are already FULL!  All Groups start the week of September 22nd, so you still have a month to sign up for those Groups that aren’t full yet.  You can sign up now online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or at the LIFE Group Tables on Sunday.  You only have to sign up one time, one way.  If you signed up this past Sunday for a Group, you are signed up.  This truly IS going to be a move of God at our church!  

Our church wide “Daring Faith” Campaign officially kicks off on Sunday morning, September 22nd!  Don’t miss out on what God is going to do in our church and in your life personally this Fall.  If you haven’t already done so, make sure you sign up for one of the Daring Faith Campaign Information Meetings!  These are NOT LIFE Groups!  We have 13 different meetings to choose from – different days and times.  In fact, there are 4 meetings next week – Tuesday evening at 7pm, Wednesday morning at 7am and then again at 9am, and then Friday evening at 7pm.  We’re providing childcare & food at all of them.  We’re doing everything we can to make it easy and convenient for everyone to attend just one of these meetings.  It’s at these meetings that you’ll receive your Daring Faith packet, coloring book, offering bank, and commitment card.  We’ll explain the campaign, what we’re going to build, and how you can be a part of it.  You can sign up 1 of 4 ways:  on your Connect Card on Sunday, at the Daring Faith Campaign Table in the back of the auditorium, respond to this email, or directly from our website.

This coming Sunday is a part of Labor Day weekend.  We’re starting a short 3 week series on work.  Over the next 3 weeks leading up to our “Daring Faith” Campaign we’re going to talk about things like viewing our work as an opportunity for worship, how to to determine God’s will for your career, and how to share your faith with your co-workers.  Don’t miss it!

Daring to Believe With You!

Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Did you know that we now have a College & Young Adult (18-25) Ministry at Coastal?  Scott Huff, our new Associate Pastor, is leading this Ministry.  In fact, he’s hosting a College/Young Adult “Daring Faith” LIFE Group at his home this semester on Tuesday nights at 7pm starting September 24th.  You can sign up online or at the church this Sunday!  
   We’re also taking our College Students & Young Adults to this year’s Passion Conference, Dec. 31 – Jan. 2 in Atlanta, GA!  What an awesome way to usher in the New Year!  The total cost for the trip is $200 due by September 15th.  The cost will go up to $230 after September 15th.  That cost includes conference, travel, & lodging (food is the only additional cost).  If you’re interested in going and would like more information, please contact Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  You can also reserve your spot today from our website!
2. Get Ready! On Wednesday, September 4, our Waves Student Ministry will be kicking off their new semester! From 6pm-8pm every Wednesday, Students 6th-12th Grade are invited to bring all their friends to come out for a night filled with food, games, worship, message and small groups. You’re not going to want to miss out!  Make sure to check out the Waves Student Ministry Instagram for more updates – @wavesstudentministry.
3. Mark your calendars – our next Saturday Serve is Saturday, September 7th!  If you haven’t come to a Saturday Serve yet, make plans to come in September!  I promise you, you’ll be glad you came and that you will receive so much more than you give.  Saturday Serve is open to EVERYONE in our community.  You do not need to be a Member of our church to participate (you don’t even have to be an attender).  We meet in the Coastal Café at 8:30am. After a few minutes of getting to know one another, leaders of multiple projects will brief you on the particulars of the projects they are leading. Afterwards, you’ll choose the project that’s of interest to you and off you’ll go!  All projects are typically finished before lunchtime, so it’s not a sacrifice of your entire Saturday.  Come out and help us tangibly share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with our community!
4. New to Coastal?  Join us Sunday, September 15th, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service for our next 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.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’re coming.
5. We’re looking for volunteers to serve over at Oakland Elementary School this year – the Elementary School across the street from our church.  At Coastal, we believe that if you change the life of a child, you help to change the world!  We have a special relationship with Oakland that has been built on years and years of service and generosity (and quite a few doughnuts and lots of coffee).  If you would be willing to assist in a classroom, help classes in the lunchroom, or even be a Lunch Buddy, please respond to this email or reach out to Susan Cumbie at Susan.Cumbie@us.bosch.com.  Let’s help make this the best year ever at Oakland!

P.S. We’re looking for volunteers to help set up the chairs in the auditorium each Saturday morning at 9am (except for the 1st Saturday of each month – Saturday Serve does it at 8:30am).  It’s a great way to get some exercise, meet other people, and serve our church all at the same time!  If you are interested in being part of our “chair ministry”, please reach out to Joey Broach at 843-901-6455.  You can literally just show up this Saturday at 9am to help set up the chairs.  With 6 or more people, it takes less than 30 minutes!

Well, I hope you’ve begun to figure out what Group you plan on joining this semester or at least that you’re as excited as I am for LIFE Group Sunday this week at Coastal!  That’s right!  It’s time to get everyone signed up for the Fall Semester of our “Daring Faith” LIFE Groups!  LIFE Group Sunday is similar to a Job/College Fair, but for LIFE GROUPS!  You’ll come to our Worship Service & check in your kids, just like normal, but our Worship Service will be a little shorter.  We’ll then dismiss our adults (not the children) to go out to the giant tent to check out all the different groups (we’ll let you know when to go pick up your kids at the normal time).

Not only will you get to check out all the different Groups, but you will get to meet the Group Leaders, enjoy some great snacks, and have a BLAST!  Most importantly – you can sign up for a LIFE Group!  Don’t miss it!  And as always – invite & bring a friend!

Our church wide “Daring Faith” Campaign kicks off on Sunday morning, September 22nd!  Don’t miss out on what God is going to do in our church and in your life personally this Fall.  If you haven’t already done so, make sure you sign up for one of the Daring Faith Campaign Information Meetings!  These are NOT LIFE Groups!  We have 13 different meetings to choose from – different days and times.  We’re also providing childcare & food at all of them.  We’re doing everything we can to make it easy and convenient for everyone to attend just one of these meetings.  It’s at these meetings that you’ll receive your Daring Faith packet, coloring book, offering bank, and commitment card.  We’ll explain the campaign, what we’re going to build, and how you can be a part of it.  You can sign up 1 of 4 ways:  on your Connect Card on Sunday, at the Daring Faith Campaign Table in the back of the auditorium, respond to this email, or directly from our website.

Also, Parents, THIS Sunday, August 25th, during both services Coastal Kidz is having a Back to School Party in our 3 year old – 5th Grade classes.  Rising 1st Graders will also move into the 1st-5th Grade Class located in the Children’s Auditorium.  This would be a great Sunday to bring in school supplies for our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes!  Most needed items are pencils, erasers, manual pencil sharpeners, pens, crayons, small composition notebooks, solar powered calculators, rulers, glue sticks (no liquid glue), and pencil cases.  You can drop the donations off at the OCC Collection Box in the back of the auditorium.

I want to thank everyone who brought back blue Coastal bags filled with food to replenish our Community Food Bank.  We take donations each and every Sunday!

Daring to Step Out In Faith With You!

Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Did you know that we now have a College & Young Adult (18-25) Ministry at Coastal?  Scott Huff, our new Associate Pastor, is leading this Ministry.  In fact, he’s hosting a College/Young Adult “Daring Faith” LIFE Group at his home this semester on Tuesday nights at 7pm starting September 24th.  You can sign up online or at the church this Sunday! 
   We’re also taking our College Students & Young Adults to this year’s Passion Conference, Dec. 31 – Jan. 2 in Atlanta, GA!  What an awesome way to usher in the New Year!  The total cost for the trip is $200 due by September 15th.  The cost will go up to $230 after September 15th.  That cost includes conference, travel, & lodging (food is the only additional cost).  If you’re interested in going and would like more information, please contact Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  You can also reserve your spot today from our website!
2. Attention all Mothers of Preschool children:  MOPS is just around the corner!  MOPS will be having their Kick-off Party on Wednesday, August 28th, 9:30am-11am in the Coastal Kidz building on our campus.  All Moms of kids ages birth- Kindergarten are invited to come and register to be a part of MOPS, secure their childcare spot, meet the leaders and learn more about living life To The FULL – this year’s theme.
3. New to Coastal?  Join us Sunday, September 15th, in the Welcome Center immediately following the 11:15am service for our next 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.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’re coming.
4. Get Ready! On Wednesday, September 4, our Waves Student Ministry will be kicking off their new semester! From 6pm-8pm every Wednesday, Students 6th-12th Grade are invited to bring all their friends to come out for a night filled with food, games, worship, message and small groups. You’re not going to want to miss out!  Make sure to check out the Waves Student Ministry Instagram for more update – @wavesstudentministry.
5. Mark your calendars – our next Saturday Serve is Saturday, September 7th!  If you haven’t come to a Saturday Serve yet, make plans to come in September!  I promise you, you’ll be glad you came and that you will receive so much more than you give.  Saturday Serve is open to EVERYONE in our community.  You do not need to be a Member of our church to participate (you don’t even have to be an attender).  We meet in the Coastal Café at 8:30am. After a few minutes of getting to know one another, leaders of multiple projects will brief you on the particulars of the projects they are leading. Afterwards, you’ll choose the project that’s of interest to you and off you’ll go!  All projects are typically finished before lunchtime, so it’s not a sacrifice of your entire Saturday.  Come out and help us tangibly share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with our community!

P.S. We’re looking for volunteers to serve over at Oakland Elementary School this year – the Elementary School across the street from our church.  At Coastal, we believe that if you change the life of a child, you help to change the world!  We have a special relationship with Oakland that has been built on years and years of service and generosity (and quite a few doughnuts and lots of coffee).  If you would be willing to assist in a classroom, help classes in the lunchroom, or even be a Lunch Buddy, please respond to this email or reach out to Susan Cumbie at Susan.Cumbie@us.bosch.com.  Let’s help make this the best year ever at Oakland!

We just unveiled our 2019 Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalog (it’s available online)!  We would love for you to check out all of our different Groups and join one this semester (only 8 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 a part of our community.  

By the way, all of our LIFE Groups this semester are participating in the same study.  It all goes along with our sermon series this Fall called, “Daring Faith – the Key to Miracles.”  How about you?  Are you in need of a miracle?  Would you like to grow in your faith and experience the adventure filled life you were always meant to live?  Join us this Fall!  

The “Daring Faith” series and our LIFE Groups all kick off Sunday, September 22nd.  Since all of our groups are doing the same study, you are simply signing up for a day/time and location.  There are 37 Groups to choose from  – all over Charleston, every day of the week! 

Not only can you view the semester catalong online, but you can sign up for a Group online! Once you sign up for a group, your Group Leader will contact you before the semester begins.   In fact, this Sunday is LIFE Group Sunday!  LIFE Group Sunday is kind of like a College Fair or Job Fair.  There will be a big tent outside on our campus filled with 37 tables representing all the different LIFE Groups this semester.  You’ll be able to meet the leaders, meet other people signing up for your group, and enjoy some great snacks!  Most importantly, you’ll be able to sign up for a Group!  Don’t miss it! 

Have a great week!  Hope to see you on Sunday!

Daring to Step Out In Faith With You!

Pastor Chris

I’M BAAAACK – back preaching this Sunday that is!  Actually, I haven’t been anywhere. I’ve been right here with you each week and together we got to hear some great messages from Chris Jones, Ryan Spell, and last week from Galen Moyer.  As your Pastor it’s so encouraging to know that there are so many capable and qualified people here to share God’s word and that our church won’t miss a beat, that this church is not built on me and my personality and my preaching, but that it’s built on Jesus and on the eternal word of God.

But what I have been doing these last 3 weeks is preparing our church for what I believe is going to be one of the most exciting seasons of growth in the history of our church – our church wide “Daring Faith” Campaign that kicks off on Sunday morning, September 22nd!  Don’t miss out on what God is going to do in our church and in your life personally this Fall.  If you haven’t already done so, make sure you sign up for one of the Daring Faith Campaign Information Meetings!  We have 13 different meetings to choose from – different days and times.  We’re also providing childcare & food at all of them.  We’re doing everything we can to make it easy and convenient for everyone to attend just one of these meetings.  It’s at these meetings that you’ll receive your Daring Faith packet, coloring book, offering bank, and commitment card.  We’ll explain the campaign, what we’re going to build, and how you can be a part of it.  You can sign up 1 of 4 ways:  on your Connect Card on Sunday, at the Daring Faith Campaign Table in the back of the auditorium, respond to this email, or directly from our website.

Speaking of “Daring Faith”, this Sunday our “Daring Faith” LIFE Group Catalog will be available.  We have 36 different Groups meeting all over Charleston on every day of the week!  All of our Groups are studying the same thing this semester, so what you are signing up for is day of the week and location.  And I’ll let you in on a little secret – YOU CAN CHECK OUT ALL THE GROUPS AND SIGN UP ONLINE NOW!

Next Sunday, August 25th is LIFE Group Sunday!  LIFE Group Sunday is kind of like a College Fair or Job Fair.  There will be a big tent outside on our campus filled with 36 Tables representing all the different LIFE Groups this semester.  You’ll be able to meet the leaders, meet other people signing up for your group, and enjoy some great snacks!  And most importantly, you’ll be able to sign up for a Group!  Don’t miss it!

Also next Sunday, August 25th, during both services Coastal Kidz is having a Back to School Party in our 3 year old – 5th Grade classes.  Rising 1st Graders will also move into the 1st-5th Grade Class located in the Children’s Auditorium.

And speaking of Back to School, as school supplies go on sale, it’s a great time to grab extras for our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes!  Most needed items are pencils, erasers, manual pencil sharpeners, pens, crayons, small composition notebooks, solar powered calculators, rulers, glue sticks (no liquid glue), and pencil cases.  You can drop the donations off at the OCC Collection Box in the back of the auditorium.

I want to thank everyone who took home a blue fabric Coastal bag to replenish our Community Food Bank.  Every single bag was taken!  Simply fill the bag with food and bring it with you to church on Sunday.

Daring to Step Out In Faith With You!

Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Our new Associate Pastor, Scott Huff, will be leading our College & Young Adults (18-25) to this year’s Passion Conference, Dec. 31 – Jan. 2 in Atlanta, GA!  What an awesome way to usher in the New Year!  The total cost for the trip is $200 due by Sept. 15.  The cost will go up to $230 after Sept. 15.  That cost includes conference, travel, & lodging
   (food is the only additional cost).  If you’re interested in going and would like more information, please contact Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  You can also reserve your spot today from our website!
2. One of the aspects of our “Daring Faith” Campaign that we are most excited about is the way it involves everyone – even our children.  Our children will participating in a “Daring Faith” curriculum in Coastal Kidz that goes along with what I’ll be preaching and what our Groups will be studying.  On top of all that, we’ll be providing a “Daring Faith” Coloring Book for every child.  If you are working on a page for our Coloring Book, don’t forget that your pages are due this Sunday, August 18th.
3. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and officially making our church, your church family? Our next Membership Class is THIS Saturday morning (tomorrow), August 17th 9am-12noon.  Childcare and light refreshments are provided.  You can sign up for the class on our website or byresponding to this email.
4. Rising 6th Graders Party – Wednesday, August 21st. Meet at Skyzone in Mt. Pleasant. Event begins at 6:00pm, goes till 7:00pm and includes jump time and pizza. Great time for student to meet other new students and leaders and for parents to hear from adult leaders, student leaders and youth staff about Waves Student Ministry.  FREE!
   And don’t forget that WAVES Wednesdays resume on Wednesday, September 4th, 6pm at the church!
5. Chair Set-up has begun!  We (volunteers) set up the chairs in the auditorium each Saturday morning at 9am (except for the 1st Saturday of each month – Saturday Serve does it at 8:30am).  It’s a great way to get some exercise, meet other people, and serve our church all at the same time!  We could definitely use volunteers to help.  If you are interested in being part of our “chair ministry”, please reach out to Joey Broach at 843-901-6455.
   
   P.S.Many of you have watched our services LIVE Online!  But have you tried giving online?  Your consistent, faithful, generous giving enables our church to make its IMPACT!  It’s easy, safe, and secure!  You can give through our website, our App (yes, we have a FREE App), or TEXT any amount to 843-277-8337!  Try it today!

As you can see from the picture above, the weather for this past Sunday’s Beach Baptism was a little tricky to say the least.  Ominous might be a better word.  However, when this picture was taken, if you were to turn around and look out into the ocean, it was clear skies – at least long enough for us to get everyone Baptized, 13 more people to be exact!  Even though our Beach Baptisms are over for the Summer, don’t forget that if you’re ready to be Baptized, we’re ready to do it any Sunday, any service.  Simply let us know when.

I want to thank everyone who has been bringing food to replenish our Community Food Bank.  This Sunday, immediately after each service we’re going to be handing out our blue fabric Coastal Bags for people to take home, fill up with food, and return the following Sunday.

You should have received an email from me this week inviting you to sign up for a “Daring Faith Campaign Information Meeting” at the church.  There are 13 different meetings to choose from on different dates and different times from September 3rd-20th. The meetings will last approximately 75 minutes.  Childcare and food will be provided at all of them to make it convenient for everyone to attend.  These meetings are NOT LIFE Groups.  At these meetings I will explain in great detail the entire Daring Faith Campaign – what we’re going to build, how much it will cost, how we’re going to do it, and answer any of your questions.  At that meeting you’ll also receive your Campaign Packet, Commitment Card, Offering Bank, & Coloring Book. 

We’re asking our entire church, everyone who considers Coastal their church home  – YOU – to pick a date/time and attend just one of those meetings.  You can sign up 1 of 4 ways:  on your Connect Card on Sunday, at the Daring Faith Campaign Table in the back of the auditorium, respond to this email, or directly from our website.

Here’s a list of the meetings (Childcare & Food provided at ALL of them):

September 3: Tuesday evening @7:00PM
September 4: Wednesday morning @7AM
September 4: Wednesday morning @9AM
September 6: Friday evening @7PM
September 8: Sunday @1PM
September 8: Sunday @6PM
September 12: Thursday evening @ 7PM
September 13: Friday Lunch @12PM
September 14: Saturday morning @9AM
September 15: Sunday evening @6PM
September 17: Tuesday evening @ 7PM
September 18: Wednesday Lunch @12PM
September 20: Friday evening @7PM

Go to our website, pick a date, and sign up today!

Daring to Step Out In Faith With You!

Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Our new Associate Pastor, Scott Huff will be leading our College & Young Adults (18-25) to this year’s Passion Conference, Dec. 31 – Jan. 2 in Atlanta, GA!  What an awesome way to usher in the New Year!  The total cost for the trip is $200 due by Sept. 15.  The cost will go up to $230 after Sept. 15.  That cost includes conference, travel, & lodging
   (food is the only additional cost).  If you’re interested in going and would like more information, please contact Scott Huff at scotth@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
2. “Daring Faith” Campaign Update:  If you’re still interested in possibly facilitating a Daring Faith LIFE Group, we need to confirm that this weekend.  If you’ve signed up to facilitate a “Daring Faith” LIFE Group this upcoming semester, make sure you’ve turned in all your information.    Our goal is to get EVERYONE who considers Coastal their home into a Group (You can do anything for 8 weeks)!  This will help create focused alignment as together we all step out in faith and give sacrificially to begin building Phase 2 on our campus! 
   Our LIFE Group Leader Training Meetings (for everyone Leading/Assisting/Hosting a LIFE Group) are Tuesday night, August 20th, 6:30pm-8:30pm OR Saturday morning, August 24th, 10am-12noon (choose one).  LIFE Group Sunday will be Sunday, August 25th.
   For those of you who are drawing pages for our “Daring Faith” Coloring Book, don’t forget that your pages are due no later than next Sunday, August 18th. If you are interested in helping with the coloring book, please respond to this email and let us know NOW.   We’ll provide several themes and subjects that go along with the campaign and then leave the rest up to you.
3. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and officially making our church, your church family? Our next Membership Class is next Saturday morning, August 17th 9am-12noon.  Childcare and light refreshments are provided.  You can sign up for the class on our website, your Connect Card,or byresponding to this email.
4. End of Summer Lockin – Thursday, August 15th. Meet at the church at 9:30pm. 15 Passenger Vans will be taking Students to Stars and Strikes. Awesome night full of unlimited bowling, laser tag, bumper cars, arcade games, pizza, drinks, and ice cream. Bus will return to church at 6:30am.  FREE!
   Rising 6th Graders Party – Wednesday, August 21st. Meet at Skyzone in Mt. Pleasant. Event begins at 6:00pm, goes till 7:00pm and includes jump time and pizza. Great time for student to meet other new students and leaders and for parents to hear from adult leaders, student leaders and youth staff about Waves Student Ministry.  FREE!
5. Chair Set-up starts THIS Saturday (tomorrow morning), August 10th at 9am.  We could definitely use volunteers to help.  If you are interested in being part of our “chair ministry”, please respond to this email or reach out to Joey Broach at 843-901-6455.  It’s a great way to get some exercise, meet other people, and serve our church all at the same time! 

P.S. With all of our LIFE Groups, Daring Faith Campaign Meetings, and MOPS (on top of Newcomer’s Lunch & Membership Class), we’re in need of more Childcare Workers! At the church, this is a paid job – $10 an hour.  At our LIFE Groups that provide childcare, the adults typically pitch in money and pay the same.  If you are interested in getting on the list of available Childcare Workers, please respond to this email.

I can’t wait for Sunday! We’re having our 2nd Beach Baptism of the Summer! The Baptism will be this Sunday at 4pm at Folly Beach County Park. Bring your whole family and join us out at the Beach as we celebrate new life and next steps!  In fact, invite and bring your friends!  Make sure you leave early – traffic is always an issue out at Folly.  Bring money for parking, unless you’re a Gold Pass member.  And remember we’re at the Folly Beach County Park (far right side of the beach), not the pier.  Look for a Coastal Flag on the beach!  We’ll be close to the entrance side of the beach, near the shelter.  If you would like to be Baptized, but haven’t yet signed up, simply respond to this email.  We would love for you to participate!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. This Saturday, August 3rd is our next Saturday Serve (It’s always the 1st Saturday of every month)!  If you haven’t come to a Saturday Serve yet, do so this month!  I promise you, you’ll be glad you came and that you will receive so much more than you give.  We meet in the Coastal Café at 8:30am. After a few minutes of getting to know one another, leaders of multiple projects will brief you on the particulars of the projects they are leading. Afterwards, you’ll choose the project that’s of interest to you and off you’ll go!  All projects are typically finished before lunchtime, so it’s not a sacrifice of your entire Saturday.  Come out and help us tangibly share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with our community!
2. “Daring Faith” Campaign Update:  If you’re interested in leading/assisting/hosting a “Daring Faith” LIFE Group this upcoming semester, it’s time to let us know.  You can respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  If you ARE leading a Group, it’s time to turn in all your information.  Our goal is to get EVERYONE who considers Coastal their home into a Group (You can do anything for 8 weeks)!  This will help create focus alignment as together we all step out in faith and give sacrificially to begin building Phase 2 on our campus!
   Our LIFE Group Leader Training Meetings (for everyone Leading/Assisting/Hosting a LIFE Group) are Tuesday night, August 20th, 6:30pm-8:30pm OR Saturday morning, August 24th, 10am-12noon (choose one).  LIFE Group Sunday will be Sunday, August 25th.
   Beginning this Sunday you’ll have a chance to sign up to attend one of our “Daring Faith” Campaign Meetings.  I will be hosting 13 different meetings at the church from September 3rd – September 20th (different days, times, childcare provided, and even food provided at some of them).  We’re asking everyone who calls Coastal their home to attend just one of them.  At those meetings we’ll be going over all the details of the “Daring Faith” Campaign – what we’re building, what it will cost, and what is the process.  You’ll be able to sign up for one of those meetings starting this Sunday on your Connect Card.
   For those of you who are drawing pages for our “Daring Faith” Coloring Book, don’t forget that your pages are due no later than Sunday, August 18th. If you are interested in helping with the coloring book, please respond to this email and let us know NOW.   We’ll provide several themes and subjects that go along with the campaign and then leave the rest up to you.
3. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and officially making our church, your church family? Our next Membership Class is  Saturday morning, August 17th 9am-12noon.  Childcare and light refreshments are provided.  You can sign up for the class on our website, your Connect Card,or byresponding to this email.
4. End of Summer Lockin – Thursday, August 15th. Meet at the church at 9:30pm. Bus will take Students to Stars and Strikes. Awesome night full of unlimited bowling, laser tag, bumper cars, arcade games, pizza, drinks, and ice cream. Bus will return to church at 6:30am.  FREE!
   Rising 6th Graders Party – Wednesday, August 21st. Meet at Skyzone in Mt. Pleasant. Event begins at 6:00pm, goes till 7:00pm and includes jump time and pizza. Great time for student to meet other new students and leaders and for parents to hear from adult leaders, student leaders and youth staff about Waves Student Ministry.  FREE! 
5. We start stacking and packing our chairs this Sunday after the 11:15am service (Orange Grove Middle School’s Volleyball Camp begins this week).  Which means that we also start setting our chairs back up starting next Saturday, August 10th at 9am.  We could definitely use volunteers to help.  If you are interested in being part of our “chair ministry”, please respond to this email or reach out to Joey Broach at 843-901-6455.  It’s a great way to get some exercise, meet other people, and serve our church all at the same time! 
   
   P.S. We are looking to expand our IMPACT at Oakland Elementary School this new school year by participating in a weekly Lunch Buddy Mentoring Program.  If you are interested in participating and learning more about the program, please respond to this email.

WOW!  What an AMAZING week of VBS we’ve had this week – so much fun, so much energy, and so much excitement!  And yes, so many children!  We’ve seen 205 children this week – our largest VBS ever!  And most importantly all of those children have learned that “life is wild – but GOD IS GOOD!

And it’s not over yet!  Tonight we’d love to invite everyone out to our VBS Closing Program & Party!  From 6pm-7pm we’ll be outside with Hotdogs, Jump Castles, Kona Ice, Climbing Wall, and a Petting Zoo!  Everything is FREE!  And then at 7pm we’ll all move inside for our VBS wrap up with songs, a magic show, & a slide show of the week!  Don’t miss it!  It’s going to be AWESOME!

I can’t thank our AWESOME DREAM TEAM of Volunteers enough for everything they’ve done this week!  We could not make the IMPACT we make as a church without you!  You ARE the heroes of this church!  We are looking for volunteers immediately after the VBS closing program tonight to help take down everything, put out our chairs, and get everything ready for Sunday.  Many hands make for light/quick work!

Don’t miss this Sunday (I know, I say that every week)!  I’m in week 2 of our “Summer Reading” series and the book I’m using this Sunday is “Glory Days” by Max Lucado.  But I’m also going to be sharing some exciting stuff about the Fall!  In fact, if you’re out of town, make sure you catch it live online or watch the service again at 6pm!  I’ve got some important/exciting things to share!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. We are in the process right now of planning and preparing for our Fall Semester of LIFE Groups!  LIFE Groups (starting the week of September 22nd) will be a little bit different this Fall in that all of our Groups will be a part of our church-wide Spiritual Growth/Giving Campaign called “Daring Faith.”  All of our Groups will be studying the same material – a “Daring Faith” DVD with a workbook/daily devotional that we will provide.  We’ll also be encouraging smaller groups that meet in homes all over Charleston.  This will help create unity and momentum as we all step out in faith together.  These “Daring Faith” groups will only last 8 weeks.  In other words, you will only be signing up for a group based on time/location, not the study or activity.  Our goal is to get as many people who consider Coastal their home into a group!  You can do anything for 8 weeks!  So if you are interested in facilitating/hosting a Group (pushing play on a DVD and then lead through the questions), please respond to this email or sign up on Sunday on your Connect Card.
2. Saturday, August 3rd is our next Saturday Serve!  If you haven’t come to a Saturday Serve yet, do so this month!  I promise you, you’ll be glad you came and that you will receive so much more than you give.  We meet in the Coastal Café at 8:30am. After a few minutes of getting to know one another, leaders of multiple projects will brief you on the particulars of the projects they are leading. Afterwards, you’ll choose the project that’s of interest to you and off you’ll go!  All projects are typically finished before lunchtime, so it’s not a sacrifice of your entire Saturday.  Come out and help us tangibly share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with our community!
3. As a part of our “Daring Faith” Campaign, we want to provide a Coloring Book, so we are looking for some artists from our church who would be willing to sketch a page or two for the coloring book.  We’ll provide several themes and subjects that go along with the campaign and then leave the rest up to you.  If you are interested in helping with the coloring book, please respond to this email and let us know NOW. We will contact you and give you all the details.  We did this for the “All In” Campaign and it was a great sucess!  Again, this will be just another great way to involve our entire church, even our children, in what we will all look back on as a great period of unity and growth here at Coastal.
4. New to Coastal?  Join us THIS Sunday, July 21st in the Welcome Center, immediately following the 11:15am service for our next 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.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’re coming.
5. We have another Beach Baptism scheduled for Sunday, August 4th, 4pm out at Folly Beach County Park!  Baptism is a public profession of your faith in Jesus Christ. We call it “going public” at Coastal. It’s an important next step after salvation.  And there is something very powerful about getting Baptized in the ocean!  Bring your whole family out to the Beach after church on that Sunday, and then we’ll gather together for the Baptism Service at 4pm (look for the Coastal flag)!  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email to sign up today!

P.S. Don’t forget that we’re taking everyone to see the new “Lion King” movieon Wednesday morning, 10am (doors open at 9:30am), July 24th (this coming Wednesday)!   Spread the word, invite and bring friends!  For “Toy Story 4” they gave us 3 theaters.  For “Lion King” they’re giving us at least 5!  You can sign up to come to the movie on your Connect Card starting this Sunday or by simply responding to this email.  YES – invite and bring your friends (just let us know they’re coming)!  That’s why we do this! 

IT’S FINALLY HERE!!  VBS starts this coming Monday night!  Monday, July 15th – Friday, July 19th, 6pm-8pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade!  It really is the best week of the Summer!  And now more than ever before, I am convinced that the earlier we can plant seeds of God’s love and His word in the hearts of children, the better.  Not only is it an awesome week for our kids, it’s an awesome week for all the volunteers.  Exhausting – yes.  Holy Spirit controlled chaos – definitely.  But. . . exhilarating, rewarding, and life-changing – you better believe it!

So, what do we need you to do?  First and most importantly, PRAY!  Pray for the children that the message of “Life is Wild, God is Good” (this year’s theme) will make a life changing eternal impact!  Pray for strength and energy for all of our volunteers.  And pray for the positive IMPACT on our community.  I also need you to GIVE.  We plan for VBS every year.  Part of our Christmas Offering helps to pay for VBS.  However, the money all comes from the same place and everything costs – supplies, food, crafts, games, advertising, jump castles, Kona Ice, etc.  So just know that your consistent, generous giving pays for VBS, and it is an investment in the Kingdom worth making.  REGISTER.  Even if you’re a member  or regular attender of Coastal, please go ahead and pre-register your children NOW!ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES TONIGHT AT 6PM!  It really makes the first couple of days of VBS go so much smoother.  Right now we have 209 children registered – our largest pre-registration ever!  SHARE any of our posts about VBS on your social media – especially in parent/mom/community group pages.  Reach out to the families you know with children and encourage them to sign up!  Be that mom or that dad in your neighborhood, in your circle of influence who picks up a car load of children and brings them to VBS.  That child could very easily be someone just like me!  VOLUNTEER.  And finally, if you haven’t yet volunteered to serve the week of VBS, there are still plenty of opportunities – simply email Janet at janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org or call her directly at 843-442-8299.

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. We are in the process right now of planning and preparing for our Fall Semester of LIFE Groups!  LIFE Groups (starting the week of September 22nd) will be a little bit different this Fall in that all of our Groups will be a part of our church-wide Spiritual Growth/Giving Campaign called “Daring Faith.”  All of our Groups will be studying the same material – a “Daring Faith” DVD with a workbook/daily devotional that we will provide.  We’ll also be encouraging smaller groups that meet in homes all over Charleston.  This will help create unity and momentum as we all step our in faith together.  These “Daring Faith” groups will only last 8 weeks.  In other words, you will only be signing up for a group based on time/location, not the study or activity.  Our goal is to get as many people who consider Coastal their home into a group!  You can do anything for 8 weeks!  So if you are interested in facilitating/hosting a Group (pushing play on a DVD and then lead through the questions), please respond to this email or sign up on Sunday on your Connect Card.
2. Our next sermon series (another favorite Coastal Summer tradition) starts THIS Sunday, July 14th called “Summer Reading.”  Each week of the series we’ll be using the subject matter from 6 great books as the basis for that week’s sermon.  At Coastal we believe that “Leaders are READERS!”  This week Pastor Chris will be using the book  “A Trip Around the Sun” by Mark Batterson to talk about living a life of passion!  Don’t miss it!
3. As a part of our “Daring Faith” Campaign, we want to provide a Coloring Book, so we are looking for some artists from our church who would be willing to sketch a page or two for the coloring book.  We’ll provide several themes and subjects that go along with the campaign and then leave the rest up to you.  If you are interested in helping with the coloring book, please respond to this email and let us know NOW. We will contact you and give you all the details.  We did this for the “All In” Campaign and it was a great sucess!  Again, this will be just another great way to involve our entire church, even our children, in what we will all look back on as a great period of unity and growth here at Coastal.
4. New to Coastal?  Join us Sunday, July 21st in the Welcome Center, immediately following the 11:15am service for our next 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.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’re coming.
5. In case you missed our Beach Baptism on Sunday, June 9th – don’t fret!  We have another one scheduled to close out the Summer on Sunday, August 4th, 4pm out at Folly Beach County Park.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith in Jesus Christ. We call it “going public” at Coastal. It’s an important next step after salvation.  And there is something very powerful about getting Baptized in the ocean!  Bring your whole family out to the Beach after church on that Sunday, and then we’ll gather together for the Baptism Service at 4pm (Look for the Coastal flag)!  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email to sign up today!

P.S. Don’t forget that we’re taking everyone to see the new “Lion King” movieon Wednesday morning, 10am (doors open at 9:30am), July 24th!   Spread the word, invite and bring friends!  For “Toy Story 4” they gave us 3 theaters.  For “Lion King” they’re giving us at least 5!  You can sign up to come to the movie on your Connect Card starting this Sunday or by simply responding to this email.  YES – invite and bring your friends (just let us know they’re coming)!  That’s why we do this! 

I hope everyone had a safe & wonderful 4th of July!  I realize 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 in the land of the free and home of the brave. As we celebrate our independence may we as individuals, families and as a church recognize our dependence on God. He alone is our source of blessing, and let us prayerfully humble ourselves in obedience to God and His Holy Word.  Ultimately, the hope of the world is not and never has been a President, a Political Party or a Platform – it’s in the person of Jesus Christ.  And it’s our mission to share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world!  Maybe it’s time we spent less time complaining on social media and more time praying and being the light of the world that Jesus talked about in Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world—like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see.”  The truth is, the darker this world gets, the greater our opportunity.

And one of those opportunities that we have at Coastal to be the light of the world and make a real IMPACT is through SATURDAY SERVE!  The next Saturday Serve is tomorrow morning at 8:30am. We meet in the Welcome Center of the church and after a few minutes of getting to know one another, leaders of that month’s projects will brief you on the particulars of their projects.  Afterwards, you’ll choose the project that’s of interest to you and off you’ll go!  All projects are typically finished before lunchtime, so it’s not a sacrifice of your entire Saturday.  If you haven’t come to a Saturday Serve yet, do so this month!  I promise you, you’ll be glad you came and that you will receive so much more than you give.  Come out and help us tangibly share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with our community!

We wrap up “At the Movies” this Sunday.  I hope you’ve enjoyed the series as much as we have.  And most importantly, I hope you continue to look for ways to engage the culture and point people to Jesus, His church, and to the truth of God’s word.  This Sunday I’ll be using the new “Spider-Man: Far From Home” movie to talk about our struggle with inadequacy.  I realize that there are a lot of people out of town this weekend, but if you’re in Charleston don’t miss it.  But as always, even if you’re out of town, you can catch our services live online at 9:30am & 11:15am.  And now if you miss those morning services you can watch a rebroadcast of our entire service online on Sunday evenings at 6pm.  

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ:

We’re in the process right now of planning out the Fall here at Coastal.  I truly believe that this Fall and the remaining school year is going to usher in one of the greatest periods of growth in the history of our church.  It’s so real to me it’s as though I can reach out and touch it!  On Sunday morning, September 22nd our church is going to kick-off a church-wide Spiritual Growth Campaign called, “Daring Faith.”

It’s church-wide in the sense that we want to involve everyone at our church:  everyone hearing the same Sunday morning messages, all of our LIFE Groups studying the same material, a daily devotional for individuals and families, a coloring book for our children, and times of prayer and fasting all leading up to our “Daring Faith” Commitment Sunday, November 10th.  Not only are we going to give money and commitments to build Phase 2 on our campus, but more importantly, it’s going to be one of those turning point moments in the life of our church – a time of everyone pulling together and stepping out in faith.

Three weeks prior to the kick-off (September 3-20) we will have a series of 13 different “Daring Faith Meetings” where we will hand out the “Daring Faith” Campaign Packets, explain the entire campaign, show you exactly what we’re going to build, how much it will cost, and answer any questions.  We’re asking our entire church to pick a date and attend just one of those meetings.  We’ll have a sign up for those meetings soon.

We are also looking for “Daring Faith” LIFE Group Leaders.  LIFE Groups (starting the week of September 22nd) will be a little bit different this Fall in that all of our Groups will be studying the same material – a “Daring Faith” DVD with a workbook/daily devotional that we will provide.  We’ll also be encouraging smaller groups that meet in homes all over Charleston.  This will help create unity and momentum as we all step our in faith together.  These “Daring Faith” groups will only last 8 weeks.  In other words, you will only be signing up for a group based on time/location, not the study or activity.  Our goal is to get as many people who consider Coastal their home into a group!  You can do anything for 8 weeks!  So if you are interested in facilitating (push play on a DVD and then lead through the questions) or hosting (opening your home) a group this semester, please respond to this email or sign up on Sunday on your Connect Card.  If you have ever led a group in the past – we need you leading one this semester! 

I love you Coastal!  And I love what we get to step out in faith and accomplish together! 

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. There is one final VBS Crew Leader Meeting (all crew leaders, assistants, and group managers) on Monday July 8, 7:00 – 8:00PM, @ Coastal in the 1st – 5th grade auditorium in the Coastal Kidz building. Hopefully it will make you more prepared for the week and answer any questions you may have.  Please let Janet know if you need childcare.
2. We now have over 150 children pre-registered for VBS!!   Spread the word – Coastal’s VBS this year is Monday, July 15th – Friday, July 19th, 6pm-8pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade.  If you haven’t done so yet, please register your kids today!  If you have any questions about VBS please contact Janet Rollins at 843-442-8299 or janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org. Don’t forget, we’re taking everyone to see the new “Lion King” movieon Wednesday morning, 10am (doors open at 9:30am), July 24th at the Citadel Mall Theater!  Reserve your seats (and those of your friends) on your Connect Card on Sunday morning or simply by responding too this email.  Our next sermon series (another Coastal Summer tradition) starts next Sunday, July 14th called “Summer Reading.”  Each week of the series we’ll be using the subject matter from 6 great books that we’re encouraging you to read, as the basis for that week’s sermon.  At Coastal we believe that “Leaders are READERS!”  So get reading!  We still have a few copies of the books available for purchase (at a great price) at Coastal on Sunday morning.  Here are the books, author, dates, and link to purchase them on your own at Amazon:  “A Trip Around the Sun” by Mark Batterson – July 14th, “Glory Days” by Max Lucado – July 21st, “Everybody Always” by Bob Goff – July 28th, “I Declare War” by Levi Lusko – August 4th, “The Daniel Dilemma” by Chris Hodges – August 11th, “Strengthening Your Grip” by Charles Swindoll – August 18th. 
3. Our Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) is heading to Carowinds on Friday, July 12th.  Please be at the church no later than 8am!  They will return to the church at 8pm.  The cost for the trip is $30 and includes ticket and transportation.  Please bring money for food.  Contact Ryan Spell for more information – ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 843-442-8985.
4. New to Coastal?  Join us Sunday, July 21st in the Welcome Center, immediately following the 11:15am service for our next 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.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’re coming.
5. In case you missed our Beach Baptism on Sunday, June 9th – don’t fret!  We have another one scheduled to close out the Summer on Sunday, August 4th, 4pm out at Folly Beach County Park.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith in Jesus Christ. We call it “going public” at Coastal. It’s an important next step after salvation.  And there is something very powerful about getting Baptized in the ocean!  Bring your whole family out to the Beach after church on that Sunday, and then we’ll gather together for the Baptism Service at 4pm (Look for the Coastal flag)!  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email to sign up today!

P.S. Many of you have watched our services LIVE Online!  But have you tried giving online?  Your consistent (especially over the Summer), faithful, generous giving enables our church to make its IMPACT!  It’s easy, safe, and secure!  You can give through our website, our App (yes, we have a FREE App), or TEXT any amount to 843-277-8337!  Try it today!

That’s right – our next sermon series (another Coastal Summer tradition) is “Summer Reading.”  Each week of the series we’ll be using the subject matter from 6 great books as the basis for that week’s sermon.  At Coastal we believe that “Leaders are READERS!”  So get reading!  You can still pick up a copy of the books (at a great price) at Coastal on Sunday morning.  Here are the books, author, dates, and link to purchase them at Amazon:  “A Trip Around the Sun” by Mark Batterson – July 14th, “Glory Days” by Max Lucado – July 21st, “Everybody Always” by Bob Goff – July 28th, “I Declare War” by Levi Lusko – August 4th, “The Daniel Dilemma” by Chris Hodges – August 11th, “Strengthening Your Grip” by Charles Swindoll – August 18th.  

This Sunday at Coastal we’re in week 5 of “At the Movies” and I’ll be using the movie “Toy Story 4” to talk about one of my favorite stories in the entire Bible and one of the foundational passages for our church.  DON’T MISS IT!!  And speaking of “Toy Story 4”, on Wednesday morning of this week we took 280 people to see the movie on us!  It was so much fun!  And since this is our 10th Anniversary of “At the Movies,” and a Disney theme, AND our VBS theme this year is ROAR, we’ll also be taking everyone to see the new “Lion King” on Wednesday morning, 10am (doors open at 9:30am), July 24th!   Spread the word, invite and bring friends!  For “Toy Story 4” they gave us 3 theaters.  For “Lion King” they’re giving us at least 5!  You can sign up to come to the movie on your Connect Card starting this Sunday or by simply responding to this email. 

It’s hard to believe that “Summer of IMPACT” is coming to a close this weekend.  Our last project is tomorrow morning, 9am-11am, helping out at St. Vincent’s Furniture Outreach, 3941 Saint John’s Avenue, in North Charleston.  This outreach provides donated furniture for those in need in the community. St. Vincent’s partners with organizations such as My Sister’s House, S.C. Strong and 180Place. Clients who complete these programs are given assistance with housing and St. Vincent’s provides the furniture. Volunteers will assist with the loading of donated furniture into other volunteers’ trucks for distribution to those in need.  If you’d like to volunteer to serve, go to our website TODAY and sign up and then show up tomorrow morning in North Charleston.  

I really can’t say enough good things about the IMPACT that’s been made this Summer through our church.  Over the course of this past month we had approximately 350 Volunteers and over 1000 Volunteer Hours!  Here’s an overview of what was accomplished:

• Fed the homeless 140 hamburgers and hotdogs and provided clothing to the struggling in North Charleston.
• Served in two nursing homes.
• Sewed nearly 200 pillowcases for MUSC Children’s Hospital.
• Opened the doors of the church for two school graduations.
• Prepared meals for up to 60 people, each night, across three nights at the Ronald McDonald House.
• Prepared care packages for children in crisis at Lowcountry Orphan Relief.
• Constructed 5 Community Blessing Boxes to be placed and serviced by Coastal.
• Sorted through thousands of pounds of food at the Lowcountry Food Bank here in Charleston and in Myrtle Beach (thanks to our Students during their week of Camp).
• We packed 100 bag lunches for struggling veterans through the Soldier’s Angels Program (all through donations).
• We packed 65 Blessing Bags and distributed them on the street (all through donations).
• Coastal worked with St. Vinny’s Furniture Outreach in organizing their donations and warehouse.

I want to specifically thank the Leaders of the different projects:

• Steve and Tonia Gibbs – Lowcountry Orphan Relief
• Evelyn Wallingford and Kim Jones – Ryan’s Case for Smiles
• Rachel and Dustin Speer – Ronald McDonald House
• Toby Wessell and Phil Votaw – Project Blessing Boxes
• Jen Johnson – Lowcountry Food Bank
• Ken Bartlett – Soldier’s Angels
• Chris Crosby – Weekly Help at the Summer of IMPACT Tent
• Rudy Polito – St. Vinny’s Furniture Outreach

And of course, I also want to thank Chris Jones, our Missions & Outreach Director.  Not only does Chris have a HUGE heart for serving and outreach, but he is a Logistics Mastermind!  Feel free to shoot him an email or text to thank him for his efforts and let him know what IMPACT this Summer has had on your life.  Chris Jones – 843-870-4613 or jonescg73@gmail.com.

I love you Coastal!  And I love what we get to do together!  Most importantly, thanks be to God who makes all of this possible!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. VBS Crew Leader Meeting – TOMORROW, Saturday, June 29, 10:00-11:30 am.  All crew leaders, assistants, and group managers, even if you’ve done it before, need to attend ONE Orientation Meeting either Saturday, June 29, from 10:00 – 11:30 AM OR Monday July 8, 7:00 – 8:30PM, @ Coastal in the 1st – 5th grade auditorium in the Coastal Kidz building. Hopefully it will make you more prepared for the week and answer any questions you may have.  Please let Janet know if you need childcare for either meeting.  We now have over 150 children pre-registered for VBS!!  Coastal’s VBS this year is Monday, July 15th – Friday, July 19th, 6pm-8pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade.  If you haven’t done so yet, please register your kids today!  If you have any questions about VBS please contact Janet Rollins at 843-442-8299 or janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org. 
2. Saturday, July 6th is our next Saturday Serve!  If you haven’t come to a Saturday Serve yet, do so this month!  I promise you, you’ll be glad you came and that you will receive so much more than you give.  We meet in the Coastal Café at 8:30am. After a few minutes of getting to know one another, leaders of multiple projects will brief you on the particulars of the projects they are leading. Afterwards, you’ll choose the project that’s of interest to you and off you’ll go!  All projects are typically finished before lunchtime, so it’s not a sacrifice of your entire Saturday.  Come out and help us tangibly share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with our community!
3. Our Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) is heading to Carowinds on Friday, July 12th.  Please by at the church no later than 8am!  They will return to the church at 8pm.  The cost for the trip is $30 and includes ticket and transportation.  Please bring money for food.  Contact Ryan Spell for more information – ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 843-442-8985.
4. New to Coastal?  Join us Sunday, July 21st in the Welcome Center, immediately following the 11:15am service for our next 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.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’re coming.
5. In case you missed our Beach Baptism on Sunday, June 9th – don’t fret!  We have another one scheduled to close out the Summer on Sunday, August 4th, 4pm out at Folly Beach County Park.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith in Jesus Christ. We call it “going public” at Coastal. It’s an important next step after salvation.  And there is something very powerful about getting Baptized in the ocean!  Bring your whole family out to Beach after church on that Sunday and then we’ll gather together for the Baptism Service at 4pm (Look for the Coastal flag)!  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email to sign up today!

P.S. Don’t forget you can now catch a rebroadcast of our entire live service here at Coastal Community Church on Sunday nights at 6pm!  If you join the service online feel free to login and chat with us. We will have a Pastor or Staff member available throughout the entire service each week in the chat room for live prayer as well as to answer any questions. Just like on Sunday morning, make sure you get a chance to fill out our Online Connect Card. And just like Sunday morning you’ll be able to give your tithes and offering and help support the ministry here at Coastal. We regularly now have close to 200 (sometimes more) unique viewing devices from around the country watching our morning services. That could easily represent hundreds of people. This will simply add another opportunity for us to share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and world!! 

We had such an AWESOME Father’s Day at Coastal this past Sunday!  But the best part of the day was that 4 more people gave their life to Jesus and 4 more people expressed a desire to be Baptized!  Coastal, I am telling you – what you and I are a part of is not normal!  Don’t ever take it for granted that new guests come to church each and every week, that people are excited to come and worship, that kids want to go to church, that people are out in our community serving, making an IMPACT, that every Sunday people make decisions and give their life to Jesus!  We are a part of a move of God!  You see, God is moving all around us, all the time.  He’s just looking for faithful, wiling people to use!  So make it your prayer to God, “Look no further, use me!  Use our church!”

I can’t say enough great things about “Summer of IMPACT” this year – so many people loving and serving our community, making an IMPACT for Jesus!  And what we’re hearing over and over again from our volunteers is the IMPACT it’s having in their own lives!  In fact, if you have a story to share about what a difference “Summer of IMPACT” has made in your life, I’d love to hear it!  Shoot me an email.  

Although Saturday Serve (1st Saturday of every month) & loving and serving our community never stops here at Coastal, this concentrated, all out effort is only for the month of June.  So basically, you’ve got 1 week left to join in the adventure!  Go to our website and sign up for multiple opportunities to IMPACT our community with the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus! Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!  For example, tonight here at Coastal a group will be packing lunches for veterans in the community (Soldier’s Angels and VA Medical Center).  And tomorrow (Saturday morning) we’ll be meeting here at Coastal and then off to the tailgating location for Project Bags of Blessings.  All the details for these and next week’s opportunities are on the website.  If you have any questions at all, please contact Chris Jones at 843-870-4613 or jonescg73@gmail.com.  Go to our website, check out the times and dates, and sign up today!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Our next Summer Sermon Series (another Coastal tradition) starts Sunday, July 14th – “Summer Reading.”  At Coastal we believe that “Leaders are Readers!”  Each week Pastor Chris will use the subject matter from one of six books as the basis for that Sunday’s message.  You can pick up a book list, description, and dates from your bulletin.  We even have a small number of the books for purchase on Sunday morning.
2. In case you missed our Beach Baptism on Sunday, June 9th – don’t fret!  We have another one scheduled to close out the Summer on Sunday, August 9th, 4pm out at Folly Beach County Park.  Baptism is a public profession of your faith in Jesus Christ. We call it “going public” at Coastal. It’s an important next step after salvation.  And there is something very powerful about getting Baptized in the ocean!  Bring your whole family out to Beach after church on that Sunday and then we’ll gather together for the Baptism Service at 4pm (look for the Coastal flag)!  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email to sign up today!
3. VBS Crew Leader Meeting – Sat., June 29, 10:00-11:30 am.  All crew leaders, assistants, and group managers, even if you’ve done it before, need to attend ONEOrientation Meeting either Saturday, June 29, from 10:00 – 11:30 AM OR Monday July 8, 7:00 – 8:30PM, @ Coastal in the 1st – 5th grade auditorium in the Coastal Kidz building. Hopefully it will make you more prepared for the week, and answer any questions you may have.  Please let Janet know if you need childcare for either meeting.  We now have over 100 children pre-registered for VBS!!  Coastal’s VBS this year is Monday, July 15th – Friday, July 19th, 6pm-8pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade.  If you haven’t done so yet, please register your kids today!  If you have any questions about VBS please contact Janet Rollins at 843-442-8299 or janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org. 
4. One of our “At the Movies” traditions has been to take everyone to a new release morning matinee at Citadel Mall Theater – on us!  So go ahead and mark this Wednesday morning, 10am, June 26th on your calendar!  We’re taking everyone (you, your kids, and your friends) to see Toy Story 4!  The theater will be open at 9:30am.  Just show up and we’ll be outside for a head count.  (And since this is our 10th Anniversary of “At the Movies” and a Disney theme, we’ll also be taking everyone to see “The Lion King” on Wednesday morning, July 24th!)
5. New to Coastal?  Join us Sunday, July 21st in the Welcome Center, immediately following the 11:15am service for our next 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.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’re coming.

P.S. If you weren’t in church this past Sunday, then you might have missed the exciting news – Scott Huff will be joining our Staff here at Coastal as an Associate Pastor in August!  7 years ago, Scott and Lori Huff moved to Charleston for Lori to complete a Fellowship at MUSC.  Scott was our Youth Pastor for those 3 years.  When Lori’s Fellowship was complete they moved back to Lexington, KY.  Lori has accepted a position at East Cooper Hospital and they will be moving back to Charleston and back to Coastal!  Coming out of a long and fruitful Student Ministry, Scott will be a great resource to Ryan and our entire Student Ministry Team.  Among other things at Coastal, Scott will focus on College/Young Adult Ministry.  Feel free to send Scott an email and welcome them home!

I told you the weather was going to be great out at Folly on Sunday afternoon . . . AND IT WAS!  It was another AWESOME experience as 23 more people were buried with Jesus in Baptism and raised to walk in new LIFE!  We actually have another Beach Baptism already scheduled to close out the Summer on Sunday, August 4th, 4pm at Folly Beach County Park.  So if you are interested in participating, simply respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday!

DON’T MISS FATHER’S DAY AT COASTAL THIS SUNDAY & INVITE AND BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU!!  There is a Baby/Child Dedication, a great gift for all the men present, fun giveaways, FREE Kona Ice, jump castles, and our Annual WING FEST (all you can eat wings after both services)!  Make plans to bring Dad and the whole family!  I’ve got a great message that we all need to hear – especially our men!  We’re in week 3 of “At the Movies” and I’m going to be using “The Lion King” to talk about leaving a legacy to our children.

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. It’s hard to believe that Summer of IMPACT is already half way over.  Although Saturday Serve & loving and serving our community is a constant and ongoing part of our church, this concentrated, all out effort is only for the month of June.  So basically, you’ve got 2 weeks left to join in the adventure! Go to our website and sign up for multiple opportunities to IMPACT our community with the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus! Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!   If you have any questions at all, please contact Chris Jones at 843-870-4613 or jonescg73@gmail.com.   Go to our website, check out the times and dates, and sign up today! 
2. Starting this Sunday, June 16th (we promise we’re ready to go) we are launching a NEW ONLINE SERVICE at 6pm!  We are still offering the same live streaming of our morning services, but we will rebroadcast one of our live services at 6pm complete with worship!  We’ll also have a Staff Member/Pastor each week watching live, leading/responding to the comments, prayer requests and interactions.  We regularly now have close to 200 (sometimes more) unique viewing devices from around the country watching our morning services.  That could easily represent several hundred people.  This will simply add another opportunity for us to share the Good News of the Gospel with the world around us.  It also makes it easier for the people in our church community to catch a service if they miss it on Sunday morning!
3. On Saturday morning (tomorrow), June 15th, at 8am WE NEED SOME VOLUNTEERS to come help unload, clean out, and organize one of our storage containers behind our building.  One of the constant needs of a growing church is storage space.  We have the space, it just needs to be better utilized.  This project will make a huge impact on multiple ministries at our church.  Once the container is cleaned out, we’ll be installing shelves.  If you are available and willing to help, please respond to this email.  The more volunteers we have, the faster this project will get done.  If you have any questions about the project please contact Ricky Spell at 843-442-3320 or rickyspell@aol.com.
4. Please pray for all of our Students (6th-12th Grade), Volunteers, and Ryan Spell as they (around 50 people) head to Summer Camp this coming week in Myrtle Beach!  This is definitely one of the highlights of the year for our Student Ministry.  Each year, many of our Students either give their life to Christ or recommit their life to Christ during this week.  They are leaving from the church on Monday morning at 11am.  Please be at the church with your Student, all forms, and any remaining money no later than 10:30am ready to go!
5. Guess what?  We already have close to 100 children pre-registered for VBS!!  Coastal’s VBS this year is Monday, July 15th – Friday, July 19th, 6pm-8pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade.  The theme this year is ROAR!  Life is Wild – God is Good!  Sign up your kids today!  And make sure you check out all the VBS Volunteer opportunities and sign up to serve (see bulletin insert).  Our greatest need is Crew Leaders!  VBS is our biggest outreach of the year for children!  If you have any questions about VBS please contact Janet Rollins at 843-442-8299 or janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org. 

P.S. One “At the Movies” tradition has been to take everyone to a new release morning matinee at Citadel Mall Theater – on us!  So go ahead and mark Wednesday morning (time to be announced later), June 26thon your calendar!  We’re taking everyone (you, your kids, and your friends) to see Toy Story 4!  And since this is our 10th Anniversary of “At the Movies” and a Disney theme, we’ll also be taking everyone to see “The Lion King” on Wednesday morning, July 24th!

Well tomorrow officially marks the beginning of Summer – June 1st!  And if this past week has been any indication, it’s going to be a HOT one (insert any of the Charleston heat jokes you’ve seen this week)!  But I am seriously excited about all the awesome things happening at Coastal this Summer and in particular the month of June!  It all begins TOMORROW, June 1st, at 8:30am here at Coastal with Saturday Serve and Summer of IMPACT!     If you and your family haven’t yet signed up for multiple projects, it’s time to do so!  And I seriously encourage you to spread the word with your friends, neighbors, family, and co-workers, especially those people in your life who don’t have a church or who aren’t even believers.  Why?  Because God created everyone with the desire to be a part of something bigger than yourself and to make a difference.  And believe it or not, most churches don’t have a very good reputation for serving and loving their communities unconditionally.  So leverage Summer of IMPACT as way to include those who might not darken the door of a church yet, but would be willing to volunteer at the Orphan Relief Center or feed the hungry.  Don’t you see?  Not only is Summer of IMPACT an opportunity to serve and bless our community and you, but it is also an opportunity for outreach!  If you have any questions or if you would be willing to help lead one of the events, please contact Chris Jones at 843-870-4613 or jonescg73@gmail.com.

And then hopefully you’ve heard by now, but this Sunday, June 2nd, we kick off we kick off one of our favorite sermon series traditions here at Coastal – “AT THE MOVIES”!  It’s where we take current or popular movies and use them as a hook to talk about spiritual truth.  ALL 1st Time Guests will receive FREE Movie Tickets to Citadel Mall Theater (and the person who invited them – YOU) throughout the entire series.  This Sunday there will be fresh popcorn, cotton candy, fun decorations, FREE Kona Ice (to help with the heat), a special character appearance, and cool giveaways (we are giving away a DISNEY VACATION PACKAGE)!  Start praying and inviting now!  Let’s show Charleston what “the most joyful place on earth” really looks like!   This Sunday’s movie is “Avengers: Endgame” and I’ll be talking about living life on purpose! 

And then there is our Beach Baptism the following Sunday, June 9th, 4pm out at Folly Beach County Park!  Come out early (traffic might be an issue) and make it a fun day for your entire family!  Right now we have over 30 people getting Baptized!  It doesn’t get any better than that!  That’s why we do what we do!  Come out and celebrate with them!  If you are interested in participating, simply respond to this email or sign on your Connect Card on Sunday.

Check out the P.S.S. below!  This Sunday we begin offering a new online service at 6pm on Sundays! 

I LOVE YOU & WHAT WE GET TO DO TOGETHER!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. On Tuesday, June 4th and Wednesday, June 5th our church is hosting the Graduation Ceremony for Oakland Elementary School & Orange Grove Middle School.  Our auditorium will be standing room only!  If you are available, we need volunteers to help make this a wonderful experience for all of our guests!  We need people to work the cafe, run golf carts, open doors, take pictures at a selfie/photo booth, and greet all of our guests.  Tuesday’s Graduation (Oakland) is at 9:30am and we need volunteers in place at 8:30am.  Wednesday’s Graduation (Orange Grove) is at 10am and we need volunteers in place at 9am.  If you are interested in serving either or both Graduations and haven’t already signed up through Summer of IMPACT, please respond to this email.  These Graduations are a great opportunity to make a huge IMPACT in our community.
2. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and officially making our church, your church family? Our next Membership Class is this coming Monday night, June 3rd, 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and light refreshments are provided.  You can sign up for the class on our website, your Connect Card,or byresponding to this email.
3. On Saturday, June 8th, 8am we need some volunteers to come help unload, clean out, and organize one of our storage containers behind our building.  One of the constant needs of a growing church is storage space.  We have the space, it just need to be better utilized.  This project will make a huge impact on multiple ministries at our church.  Once the container is cleaned out, we’ll be installing shelves.  If you are available and willing to help, please respond to this email.  The more volunteers we have, the faster this project will get done.  If you have any questions about the project please contact Ricky Spell at 843-442-3320 or rickyspell@aol.com.
4. Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16th is going to be AWESOME at Coastal!  There is a Baby/Child Dedication (email us if you’re interested in participating and haven’t already signed up), a great gift for all the men present, fun giveaways, FREE Kona Ice, jump castles, and our Annual WING FEST (all you can eat wings after both services)!  Make plans to bring Dad and the whole family!
5. Attention all parents and volunteers, as you start to make your Summer plans, mark your calendars and save this date – Coastal’s VBS this year is Monday, July 15th – Friday, July 19th, 6pm-8pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade.  The theme this year is ROAR!  Life is Wild – God is Good!  Registration is now open on our website.  Sign up your kids today!  Make sure you check out all the VBS Volunteer opportunities and sign up to serve (see bulletin insert).  VBS is our biggest outreach of the year for children!

P.S. On Saturday, June 8th, 9am-1pm, Coastal is hosting a FREE CPR Certification Class in the 1st-5th Grade auditorium in Coastal Kidz.  If you are interested in signing up, simply respond to this email.  If you have any questions about the class or certification, please contact Louis Camblor at 843-708-1041 or louis@camblor.net.

P.S.S. This Sunday, June 2nd we are launching a NEW ONLINE SERVICE at 6pm!  We are still offering the same live streaming of our morning services, but we will rebroadcast one our live services at 6pm complete with worship!  We’ll also have a Staff Member/Pastor each week watching live, leading/responding the comments, prayer requests and interactions.  We regularly now have close to 200 (sometimes more) unique viewing devices from around the country watching our morning services.  That could easily represent several hundred people.  This will simply add another opportunity for us to share the Good News of the Gospel with the world around us.  It all also make it easier for the people in our church community to catch a service if they miss it on Sunday morning!

Dear Friend,

I just wanted to personally invite you to a brand new sermon series that kicks off this Sunday at Coastal Community Church called, “At The Movies!”  I think you’d agree that our world has a love affair with movies – I know I do!  So for the next 6 weeks, we’re going to use 6 different current/popular movies to demonstrate Biblical truth.  Come enjoy great music, a relevant message, and an awesome Children’s Ministry for kids birth to 5th grade.

I would also encourage you to invite and bring a friend with you – we expect guests at Coastal!  In fact, here’s where the FREE MOVIE TICKETS come in.  Not only will we be serving popcorn and giving away several free movie tickets & other fun prizes to people at the end of each service this Sunday, but every 1st time guest during the entire 6 week series will receive a FREE MOVIE TICKET to the Citadel Mall movie theater!  All they have to do is come over to the blue Welcome/Guest Tent!  And if you bring a friend with you – you get a ticket too!  And because this year’s movies are all Disney movies – we’re also giving away a FREE Disney Vacation!  All you have to do is come to the kick-off and fill out a Connect Card for a chance to win!

Come a few minutes early and enjoy a hot cup of coffee or a treat from our Cafe – all FREE!  It’s going to be a great day and an awesome series!  We have 2 services to make it convenient for you:  9:30am or 11:15am!

Have a great week!  Hope to see you and your friends on Sunday!

Pastor Chris

June is now just over one week away!  There are so many awesome things happening at Coastal this Summer and in particular the month of June.  It all begins next Saturday, June 1st, at 8:30am here at Coastal with Saturday Serve and Summer of IMPACT!  If you haven’t done so yet, please go to our website and sign up to serve our community and make an IMPACT with your life for Jesus!  There are so many opportunities to choose from.  Help us share the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world this Summer!   If you have any questions or if you would be willing to help lead one of these events, please contact Chris Jones at 843-870-4613 or jonescg73@gmail.com.

And then on Sunday, June 2nd, we kick off we kick off one of our favorite sermon series traditions here at Coastal – “AT THE MOVIES”!  It’s where we take current or popular movies and use them as a hook to talk about spiritual truth.  ALL 1st Time Guests will receive FREE Movie Tickets to Citadel Mall Theater (and the person who invited them – YOU) throughout the entire series.  There will be fresh popcorn, fun decorations, and cool giveaways (On the kick-off we are going to be giving away a DISNEY VACATION PACKAGE)!  Start praying and inviting now!  Let’s show Charleston what “the most joyful place on earth” really looks like!  

And then there is our Beach Baptism on Sunday, June 9th out at Folly Beach (more information below) and Father’s Day on Sunday, June 16th!  On Father’s Day there is a Baby/Child Dedication (email us if you’re interested in participating and haven’t already signed up), a great gift for all the men present, fun giveaways, and a WING FEST (all you can eat wings after both services)!  Our WAVES Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) also has some great activities going on all Summer (see bulletin insert on Sunday).  In fact, feel free to join them for their Riverdogs outing on Thursday night, June 6th.  

Again, throughout all of this during the month of June we will be loving and serving our community through Summer of IMPACT!  Don’t let this be just another Summer where you drift aimlessly, accomplishing nothing of significance.  And don’t let the Summer be all about YOU!  No, choose to be like Jesus this Summer and give your life away and reach out to others!  Serve and Share!  Invest and Invite!  Let’s make this the best Summer ever!  

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. On Tuesday, June 4th and Wednesday, June 5th our church is hosting the Graduation Ceremony for Oakland Elementary School & Orange Grove Middle School.  Our auditorium will be standing room only!  If you are available, we need volunteers to help make this a wonderful experience for all of our guests!  We need people to work the cafe, run golf carts, open doors, take pictures at a selfie/photo booth, and greet all of our guests.  Tuesday’s Graduation (Oakland) is at 9:30am and we need volunteers in place at 8:30am.  Wednesday’s Graduation (Orange Grove) is at 10am and we need volunteers in place at 9am.  If you are interested in serving either or both Graduations and haven’t already signed up through Summer of IMPACT, please respond to this email.  These Graduations are a great opportunity to make a huge IMPACT in our community.
2. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and officially making our church, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Monday night, June 3rd, 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and light refreshments are provided.  You can sign up for the class on our website, your Connect Card,or byresponding to this email.
3. On Saturday, June 8th, 8am we need some volunteers to come help unload, clean out, and organize one of our storage containers behind our building.  One of the constant needs of a growing church is storage space.  We have the space, it just need to be better utilized.  This project will make a huge impact on multiple ministries at our church.  Once the container is cleaned out, we’ll be installing shelves.  If you are available and willing to help, please respond to this email.  The more volunteers we have, the faster this project will get done.  If you have any questions about the project please contact Ricky Spell at 843-442-3320 or rickyspell@aol.com.
4. Our Annual BEACH BAPTISM is going to be Sunday, June 9th, 4pm at Folly Beach County Park!  Baptism is a public profession of your faith in Jesus Christ. We call it “going public” at Coastal. It’s the next step after your salvation.  The Bible clearly teaches that baptism is the first step of obedience after making a commitment.  And there is something very powerful about getting Baptized in the ocean!  Bring your whole family out to Beach after church on that Sunday and then we’ll gather together for the Baptism Service at 4pm (look for the Coastal flag)!  You can respond to this email to sign up today!
5. Attention all parents and volunteers, as you start to make your Summer plans, mark your calendars and save this date – Coastal’s VBS this year is Monday, July 15th – Friday, July 19th, 6pm-8pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade.  The theme this year is ROAR!  Life is Wild – God is Good!  Registration is now open on our website.  Sign up your kids today!  Make sure you check out all the VBS Volunteer opportunities and sign up to serve (see bulletin insert).  VBS is our biggest outreach of the year for children!

P.S. On Saturday, June 8th, 9am-1pm, Coastal is hosting a FREE CPR Certification Class in the 1st-5th Grade auditorium in Coastal Kidz.  If you are interested in signing up, simply respond to this email.  If you have any questions about the class or certification, please contact Louis Camblor at 843-708-1041 or louis@camblor.net.

P.S.S. This Saturday, May 25th at 9am we need help with chair set up in our auditorium!  If 8 or more people show up, it only takes less than 30 minutes.   It’s great exercise, you meet other people, and have a lot of fun while serving our church and community!

Summer is almost here and what does that mean? “AT THE MOVIES”!  Over the years, “At the Movies” has become a favorite Summer sermon series tradition here at Coastal.  It’s where we take current or popular movies and use them as a hook to talk about spiritual truth.  I love the movies and so does the world in which we live.  In fact, I will go as far to say that our culture gets a lot of what it believes about God, spirituality, and life from the movies they watch and the music they listen to.  

Now don’t get me wrong.  I’m not saying they get it right.  But through movies and music they are asking questions, raising issues, and searching for truth.  The good news is we’ve got answers.  So instead of imitating, condemning, or ignoring culture, why not seek to engage the culture, to redeem the culture.  That’s what Jesus did.  John 3:17, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”  That’s exactly what the Apostle Paul did in Acts 17 in Athens.  He used their culture – an altar to an unknown God – to share the Good News of the Gospel.  The Bible says his heart was “deeply troubled” by what he saw, but he used their practices to point them to Jesus.  He engaged the culture.

That’s what we do through “At the Movies.”  So, for 6 weeks we will take an uncut, uncensored look at real life truth/themes from popular summer movies.  Now don’t mistake or confuse what we’re going to do.  I’m not going to be preaching from the movies themselves.  They are all just hooks to look at deeper issues raised in our culture.  Each Sunday, as always, we will open up God’s word, boldly proclaim the truth, and point people to Jesus.

This Summer’s blockbusters all happen to be owned by Disney.  So, as you can imagine, we’re going to have some fun with that!  As always, there will be fresh popcorn each week.  ALL 1st Time Guests will receive FREE Movie Tickets to Citadel Mall Theater (and the person who invited them – YOU) throughout the entire series.  On the June 2nd Kick-Off there will be fun giveaways – plus we are giving away a DISNEY VACATION PACKAGE!  We will be mailing out a large postcard invitation to all of West Ashley (29407 & 29414), and on Sunday we’ll have a special invite tool for you to give to your friends!  Start praying and inviting now!  Let’s show Charleston what “the most joyful place on earth” looks like!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Here at Coastal the Summer also means“SUMMER OF IMPACT!”  Summer of IMPACT kicks off on Saturday, June 1st and is our opportunity to make an IMPACT for Jesus by serving our community.  There are over a dozen different opportunities/organizations that we will be serving or partnering with multiple times over the month of June.  You can sign up for all events one of 3 ways: your Connect Card, our website, or drop by our Summer of IMPACT tent on Sunday mornings.  The easiest way is probably our website where you can literally go and see each project listed in chronological order, the day and time, and all the information you need.  You can click a button to sign up for multiple events.  It’s that simple!  Help us share the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world this Summer!   If you have any questions or if you would be willing to help lead one of these events, please contact Chris Jones at 843-870-4613 or jonescg73@gmail.com.
2. New to Coastal?  Join us THIS Sunday, May 19th in the Welcome Center, immediately following the 11:15am service for our next 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.  RSVP online or simply respond to this email and let us know that you’re coming.
3. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and officially making our church, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Monday night, June 3rd, 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and light refreshments are provided.  You can sign up for the class on our website, your Connect Card,or byresponding to this email.
4. Our Annual BEACH BAPTISM is going to be Sunday, June 9th, 4pm at Folly Beach County Park!  Baptism is a public profession of your faith in Jesus Christ. We call it “going public” at Coastal. It’s the next step after your salvation.  The Bible clearly teaches that baptism is the first step of obedience after making a commitment.  And there is something very powerful about getting Baptized in the ocean!  Bring your whole family out to Beach after church on that Sunday and then we’ll gather together for the Baptism Service at 4pm!  You can respond to this email to sign up today!
5. Attention all parents and volunteers, as you start to make your Summer plans, mark your calendars and save this date – Coastal’s VBS this year is Monday, July 15th – Friday, July 19th, 6pm-8pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade.  The theme this year is ROAR!  Life is Wild – God is Good!  Registration is now open on our website.  Sign up your kids today!

P.S. If you would like your family to participate in the Baby/Child Dedication on Father’s Day, June 16th, sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or respond to this email.  Please include the child’s full name, parents’ name, and the service you will be attending – 9:30am or 11:15am.  Baby/Child Dedications are a special time in the life of the family where you are making a commitment to raise your child in a Christian home.  It’s also a time for the church to make a commitment to do all that we can to support and encourage parents in their journey.

Coastal’s Volunteer Banquet is TONIGHT, 6-8pm at the church!  There will be great food (6-6:45pm), a time for worship, and an opportunity for me to share some “insider information” about the Summer and Fall here at Coastal.  It’s really an opportunity for me and our Staff to say Thank You to all of our AWESOME Volunteers!  We really could not do what we do without YOU!  If you Volunteer in any capacity you are invited & encouraged to come.  At this point even if you have not RSVP’d, you can still come – we should have plenty of food.  However, if you need childcare, please respond as soon as possible so we can make sure we have plenty of childcare workers.  Childcare is provided from 6:45pm-8pm (You are responsible for your children during dinner). 

This Sunday is MOTHER’S DAY!  As always, Mother’s Day is going to be a lot of fun at Coastal!  We have a small gift for all the women.  There will be a Baby/Chlid Dedication in both services.  We’ll have a photo booth/backdrop for you to get family pictures.  Plus we’re giving away some fun gifts at the end of both services!  I’ll be in part 4 of our “This Is Jesus” series and I’ll be talking about how Jesus calms our fears through the storms of life.  Don’t miss it!  Invite and bring friends and family!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Summer of IMPACT is just around the corner – the ENTIRE MONTH OF JUNE! Summer of IMPACT is our opportunity to make an IMPACT for Jesus by serving our community.  There are over a dozen different opportunities/organizations that we will be serving or partnering with multiple times over the month of June.  You can sign up for all events one of 3 ways: your Connect Card, our website, or drop by our Summer of IMPACT tent on Sunday mornings.  The easiest way is probably our website where you can literally go and see each project listed in chronological order, the day and time, and all the information you need.  You can click a button to sign up for multiple events.  It’s that simple!  Help us share the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world this Summer!   If you have any questions or if you would be willing to help lead one of these events, please contact Chris Jones at 843-870-4613 or jonescg73@gmail.com.
2. New to Coastal?  Join us Sunday, May 19th in the Welcome Center, immediately following the 11:15am service for our next 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.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.  You can also simply respond to this email and let us know that you’re coming.
3. Interested in formalizing your commitment to Coastal and officially making our church, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Monday night, June 3rd, 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and light refreshments are provided.  You can sign up for the class on our website, your Connect Card,or byresponding to this email.
4. Our Annual BEACH BAPTISM is going to be Sunday, June 9th, 4pm at Folly Beach County Park!  Baptism is a public profession of your faith in Jesus Christ. We call it “going public” at Coastal. It’s the next step after your salvation.  The Bible clearly teaches that baptism is the first step of obedience after making a commitment.  And there is something very powerful about getting Baptized in the ocean!  Bring your whole family out to Beach after church on that Sunday and then we’ll gather together for the Baptism Service at 4pm!  You can respond to this email to sign up today!
5. Attention all parents and volunteers, as you start to make your Summer plans, mark your calendars and save this date – Coastal’s VBS this year is Monday, July 15th – Friday, July 19th, 6pm-8pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade.  The theme this year is ROAR!  Life is Wild – God is Good!  Registration is now open on our website.  Sign up your kids today!

P.S. Did you know that Coastal has an app for your phone or mobile device?  We’ve actually had one for almost 5 years now.  It’s a great way to listen to messages, give, and keep up with all things Coastal.  Go to your app store and search for Coastal Community Church Charleston or Coastal CC (Look for our logo and make sure you include Charleston because there are several other Coastal Community Churches around the country.) and download it for FREE!