Okay, let me get this out of the way first.  This Sunday is Time Change Sunday! Your clocks “Spring Forward” one hour late Saturday night/early Sunday morning.  While we “lose” an hour this weekend, we do get longer days – which I love!  And this weekend is shaping up to be a beautiful weekend in Charleston!  Whatever your plans are, make sure they include church on Sunday morning!  Somebody once said that “Sunday morning church is a Saturday night decision.”  Make the decision NOW to make it a priority – don’t wait until Sunday morning to make that call.

Speaking of Sunday, this Sunday we wrap up our series called, “The Vow.”  My message is all about conflict resolution.  Don’t miss it.  Even if you’ve missed this entire series, don’t miss this Sunday.  While the message is a part of the series, it can stand alone as is.  And it’s something that everyone needs to hear  – married, single, dating, old, or young.  

Next Sunday, March 17th we begin a brand new series leading up to Easter called, “Be the Church.”  Years ago we had a t-shirt made that on the front said, “Don’t just go to church.”  And then on the back it said, “Be the church.”  In this series we’re going to talk about what that means and how we live that out.  I hope you’ll rediscover the true meaning of church and that the church isn’t just a building — it’s a people, an attitude, and a hope for the world!

Looking for something fun to do tomorrow morning with your young children?  Come out to Oakland Elementary School’s Annual Carnival – 9:30am-12noon.  Last year our church provided and grilled several hundred hotdogs (Janet and I will be there again this year doing the same).  If you’re looking for a great way to serve our community and make an IMPACT, we’ll put you to work.  I could always use some help with the hotdogs and we could also use some more face painters!  I’ll be at the school by 8:30am setting up.  Simply respond to this email if you would like to come and serve.

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor ChrisHere are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Our Annual 40 Day Easter Fast starts on Monday, March 11th and will continue until Good Friday, April 19th!  It’s a 40 Day period of Fasting & Prayer leading up to Easter Sunday.  Fasting is simply denying yourself something physical for a set period of time for the spiritual purpose of focusing on prayer, the Word, and your relationship with God.  You can sign up this Sunday on your Connect Card or by responding to this email.  We’ll be adding you to a specific email group and will send out weekly notes of encouragement and information over the course of the fast.  If you would like to share with us what you’re deciding to fast, you can, but you don’t have to.  I hope you will consider joining your Coastal family in this Fast as we pray and prepare our hearts for Easter!

2. Attention all Coastal Kidz Volunteers (Birth-5th Grade):  There is a Coastal Kidz Meeting, Saturday, March 16th at 10am – OR – Sunday, March 17th immediately after the second service (choose one to attend).  We’ll be going over the new curriculum, planning for Easter, and brainstorming how we can continue to improve our Ministry!  Don’t miss it!

3. As you know, Coastal feeds A LOT of people in our community – hurting and hungry people who simply need a helping hand.  Well, our Food Bank is getting low.  Here are some items that we are in need of:  canned fruit with pull top tabs, “just add water” instant meals, peanut butter & jelly, canned meats & chili, cans of soup or pasta, dry pasta & canned sauce, rice & dry beans.  You can bring and drop food off on Sunday mornings or anytime during office hours during the week.  Thank you!

4. Our next Sermon Series starts Sunday, March 17th and is called, “Be the Church.” As a part of the series, we’re having a “Ministry Fair” on Sunday, April 7th.  We’ll have a giant tent outside on our property where you’ll have an opportunity to visit different booths representing all the different Ministries of Coastal.  And most importantly, you’ll have a chance learn more about them and sign up to volunteer!

5. We’re having 5 Easter Services this year at Coastal!  Two on Saturday night, April 20th, 5pm & 6:30pm, and then we’re having 3 services on Sunday, April 21st, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am.  With 5 services it’s ALL HANDS ON DECK!  In other words, we need everyone serving and volunteering!  Check in with your LIFE Team Leader and go ahead and sign up now.  If you are not yet serving, indicate your interest on your Connect Card and we will help you find a place to serve God by serving others! 
First Impressions: Chris Ranew / chrisranew@gmail.com
Cafe: Matt and Kathy Beam / mattbeam13@yahoo.com
Children’s Ministry: Janet Rollins / janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org
Prayer Team: Billy Burnett / Billy.burnett@grsi.com
Security: Bryan Miller / bryan.bcmill@gmail.com

P.S. Check out our Easter landing page for our website – www.easteratcoastal.com!  You’ll see all the info about our 5 identical Easter services, and you’ll have a chance to let us know which service you and your friends will be attending.  In fact, we’ve also set up a Facebook Event for our Easter Services as well.  RSVP for a service and share our post with all your Facebook friends!

It’s been such a great week at Coastal!  First of all, we had a great kick-off for “The Vow!”  We had 646 in attendance and another 186 online!  In fact, did you know that we’ve not been under 600 in attendance in all of 2019!  Then we had a great Newcomer’s Reception with over 20+ new people!  From all reports so far it’s been an awesome kick-off to LIFE Groups!  On Sunday night I was hoping we would have at least 50 show up for Financial Peace.  We had 65!  

And then, this is pretty cool, our church made the short list of “Best Place of Worship” in Charleston City Paper’s Annual “Best of List”! It’s in the “Attractions & City Living” Category.  Drop by and vote for us here if you feel so inclined.  If nothing else, it’s positive advertising for our church. I tell people all the time, there are some great churches in Charleston, we’re just one of them!

Also, I want to thank everyone for all the wonderful Wedding Anniversary (32 years) wishes this week!  Janet and I took the day off and just spent the day relaxing and hanging out.  We then enjoyed a romantic dinner by candlelight at home!  It was awesome! 

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris
Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. LIFE Groups have begun!  But it’s not too late to join one.   There are 3 different ways to sign up for a LIFE Group at Coastal, but you only have to sign up one time/one way.  You can sign up on your Connect Card, at the LIFE Group Tables in the back of our auditorium, or right now online from our website.  Go to our website, check out the catalog, and sign up for a LIFE Group today!
2. Coastal is hosting a Marriage Seminar – next Friday & Saturday, February 22nd-23rd.  The cost is $100 per couple/$50 per individual.  Meals and Childcare are included.  The Conference is open to the anyone in the community, so feel free to invite someone to join you!  See our website for schedule and details.  You can sign up on your Connect Card or from our website online!  We ARE providing childcare during the Marriage Seminar. If you are interested in being a paid Childcare worker, please reach out to Janet Rollins at janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 843-442-8299.
3. As a part of “The Vow” series, on Sunday, February 24th, we’re giving all married couples during both services an opportunity to renew their wedding vows.  And then, immediately after both services that Sunday we’re going to have our version of a “wedding reception” outside underneath a tent complete with cake, pictures, music, and food trucks (bring money for the food trucks)!  It’s going to be quite a Sunday to remember!  The whole series is going to be awesome!  Invite and bring a friend!
4. Our next Saturday Serve is Saturday, March 2nd!  We will meet at the church at 8:30am to debrief and then disburse to serve!  Come make an IMPACT in our community by being the hands and feet of Jesus!  There is always something for the whole family!  And PLEASE, invite and bring someone to serve with you!  If you have any questions about Saturday Serve or ideas for future service opportunities, please contact Chris Jones at 843-870-4613 or jonescg73@gmail.com.
5. We’re having 5 Easter Services this year at Coastal!  Two on Saturday night, April 20th, 5pm & 6:30pm, and then we’re having 3 services on Sunday, April 21st, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am.  With 5 services it’s ALL HANDS ON DECK!  In other words, we need everyone serving and volunteering!  Check in with your LIFE Team Leader and go ahead and sign up now.  If you are not yet serving, indicate your interest on your Connect Card and we will help you find a place to serve God by serving others! 
   First Impressions: Chris Ranew / chrisranew@gmail.com
   Cafe: Matt and Kathy Beam / mattbeam13@yahoo.com
   Children’s Ministry: Janet Rollins / janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org
   Prayer Team: Billy Burnett / Billy.burnett@grsi.com
   Security: Bryan Miller / bryan.bcmill@gmail.com

P.S. Don’t forget to vote for Coastal in Charleston City Paper’s Best of Charleston list, “Best Place of Worship.”  It’s found in the “Attractions & City Living” Category.  Spread the word, especially on Social Media, and encourage your friends to vote for Coastal!

Okay guys you know the drill – this Sunday, February 10th is a Big Day at Coastal!  Yes, every Sunday is a big deal, but this Sunday is a “Big Day” in the sense that we’re kicking off a brand new series called “The Vow.”  It’s a relationship/marriage series.  Whether you’re single or married, I promise you’ll get something out of it.  We’ve also sent out a large postcard to all of West Ashley (over 47,000 homes), inviting them to attend.  So what can you do to help make this Sunday a success?

1. Pray!  Pray for the people you are inviting and for all the people our church is inviting (the postcard & social media).  Pray for people to come to know Jesus.  Pray for me & my message.  Pray for our staff and volunteers.  Beg God to draw people to Himself through our church.
    
2. Invite!  Make it a personal goal to invite and bring so many people.  Send emails.  Send personal messages on facebook and other social media.  Share our Facebook posts.  Make a phone call.  Walk across the street or hallway.
    
3. Welcome!  Go out of you way to speak to & welcome all of our guests (or anyone you don’t know).  Help us treat everyone as our welcome, expected guests in our home.  Remember, guests are GIFTS from God!  Help us treat everyone that way!
    
4. Consider serving!  A new series & new people mean we need more and more volunteers.  If you’re not already serving somewhere, it’s time to start!  Our 1st Impressions Team is a great place to get started.  Give Chris Ranew our 1st Impressions LIFE Team Leader a call or send him an email – 706-941-2044, chrisranew@gmail.com.  Our Children’s Ministry is also a great place to serve on Sunday morning.  Call Janet, our Children’s Ministry Leader or send her an email – 843-442-8299, janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
    
5. Give.  Special Days incur special expenses.  Come prepared to give generously.  Or better yet, you can give any time using any of the different ways we have to give at Coastal – our website, texting (843-277-8337), or our app.
    
6. 4 More Things to Consider on the day of the “Big Day” itself.  Parking:  the farther away you park, the better!  Please park at Oakland and save the closer parking for guests.  Service times:  the key is come to the service that your guests are coming to.  If it doesn’t matter to you, please come to the 11:15am service.  BUT THIS IS IMPORTANT, whatever service you attend, come early!  Everything goes smoother (Child Check-In, coffee, getting a seat, helping our guests) when you come a little earlier.   Seating:  PLEASE sit to the front and center of each section.  This makes more room for people as they come in.  And finally, everyone PLEASE FILL OUT A CONNECT CARD!   

Whew!  I think that’s about it!  Sunday is going to be AWESOME!  Most importantly, people are going to come to Jesus!  Like I’ve said Coastal, let’s pray and beg God like it all depends on Him.  But then let’s work, invite, and share like it all depends on us.  Then let’s walk by faith, trust God with the results, and celebrate the outcome!  

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor ChrisHere are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Coastal has a large, growing, active, and life changing Ministry called MOPS – Mother’s of Preschoolers.  They meet at the church on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday every month during the school year.  They have a huge need that you might be interested in meeting or know someone who would.  They are looking for people interested in helping with childcare.  The childcare workers serve from 9:15am to 11:30am and are paid $20.  If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Carol Wessell at 843-725-8670 or carolwessel@hotmail.com.
2. New to Coastal?  Join us THIS Sunday, February 10th 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 respond to this email.
3. LIFE Groups start this Sunday, February 10th!  It’s still not too late to sign up for a Group.   There are 3 different ways to sign up for a LIFE Group at Coastal, but you only have to sign up one time/one way.  You can sign up on your Connect Card, at the LIFE Group Tables in the back of our auditorium, or online from our website.  Go to our website, check out the catalog, and sign up for a LIFE Group today!
4. Coastal is hosting a Marriage Seminar – Friday & Saturday, February 22nd-23rd.  The cost is $100 per couple/$50 per individual.  Meals and Childcare are included.  The Conference is open to the anyone in the community, so feel free to invite someone to join you!  See our website for schedule and details ($50 deposit due now).  You can sign up on your Connect Card or from our website online!  We ARE providing childcare during the Marriage Seminar. 
5. We ARE providing childcare during the Marriage Seminar.  If you are not attending the seminar, we are looking for about 8 people for this position. The pay is $10 an hour. The times would be: Friday, Feb. 22, 5:45-9:00PM & Saturday, Feb. 23, 7:45AM-12:00PM.  Dinner and breakfast will be provided for the children & Child Care Providers.  We will also have a schedule of games, activities, etc. for the children during each session.  If you are interested, please reach out to Janet Rollins at janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 843-442-8299.

P.S. As a part of “The Vow” series, on Sunday, February 24th, we’re giving all married couples during both services an opportunity to renew their wedding vows.  And then, immediately after both services that Sunday we’re going to have our version of a “wedding reception” outside underneath a tent complete with cake, pictures, music, and food trucks!  It’s going to be quite a Sunday to remember!  The whole series is going to be awesome!  Invite and bring a friend!

Woohoo (if you haven’t figured it out, woohoo is my go to happy phrase)!  Tomorrow is our next Saturday Serve!  If you’ve never been to a Saturday Serve, let me explain what happens.  The first Saturday of every month we gather together at the Coastal Cafe at 8:30am.  After hanging out for a few minutes and grabbing some coffee, that month’s Project Leaders give a quick “pitch” for their serving opportunity, someone prays, and then everyone takes off to serve.  Yes, it’s that simple!  All of the projects are usually done by noon.  It’s a great opportunity to meet other people, have fun, get connected, and most importantly, make an IMPACT in our community by being the hands and feet of Jesus.  This month’s projects include:

1. Serving at the North Charleston Tailgate at the CARTA Super-Stop in North Charleston.  You’ll have the opportunity to feed 100+ hurting, hungry, and homeless people.
2. 100+ meals prepared in the Coastal Kitchen for My Sister’s House and S.C. Strong.
3. Organizing and serving at the Lowcountry Food Bank.
4. Jenkins Orphanage – playing games and making tacos & nachos.  Also, there is a painting project where several areas of the facility need touch up painting (they need paint, rollers, brushes, & drop cloths).  If you are interested in the painting project, please reach out to Chris Jones.
5. Making crafts for residents at Riverside Life Care Skilled Nursing Facilities.  This project is specifically for young children.

If you have any questions about Saturday Serve or if you have any other future project ideas, please reach out to Chris Jones at Jonescg73@gmail.com or 843-870-4613.  I promise you that it will be one of the most fulfilling things you do this month (plus we give you a FREE t-shirt)!  

I want to thank all of our LIFE Group Leaders for all the hard work, creativity, and effort they put into last week’s LIFE GROUP SUNDAY!  It was such an awesome day!  But most importantly there have been 539 sign ups for LIFE Groups so far!  It’s not too late to sign up for a Group.   There are 3 different ways to sign up for a LIFE Group at Coastal, but you only have to sign up one time/one way.  You can sign up on your Connect Card, at the LIFE Group Tables in the back of our auditorium, or online from our website.  Go to our website, check out the catalog, and sign up for a LIFE Group today!  By the way, LIFE Groups start the week of February 10th.

Sunday, February 10th is going to be a BIG DAY at Coastal!  Not only do LIFE Groups start that week, but we’re kicking off a new sermon series called, “The VOW.”  It’s a marriage & relationship series and whether you hope to get married someday or you’ve already tied “the knot”, I promise you’ll get something out of it.  A large postcard inviting all of West Ashley to attend goes out this week!  So, pull out all the stops and invite your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to be your guest!  You can pick up extra postcards this Sunday at Coastal to use as invite cards. 

As a part of the series, we’re having our Marriage Seminar, February 22nd & 23rd and a special service on Sunday, February 24th, where we will give all married couples during both services an opportunity to renew their wedding vows.  And then, immediately after both services that Sunday we’re going to have our version of a “wedding reception” outside underneath a tent complete with cake, pictures, and music!  It’s going to be quite a Sunday to remember!  The whole series is going to be awesome!  Start praying, planning, and preparing now for the people you will be inviting!

We ARE providing childcare during the Marriage Seminar.  If you are not attending the seminar, we are looking for about 8 people for this position. The pay is $10 an hour. The times would be: Friday, Feb. 22, 5:45-9:00PM & Saturday, Feb. 23, 7:45AM-12:00PM.  Pizza will be provided for Friday night dinner for the children and the childcare providers, and breakfast will be provided on Saturday morning.  We will also have a schedule of games, activities, etc. for the children during each session.  If you are interested, please reach out to Janet Rollins at janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 843-442-8299.

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris
Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Coastal has a large, growing, active, and life changing Ministry called MOPS.  MOPS stands for Mother’s of Preschoolers.  They meet at the church on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday every month during the school year.  They have a huge need that you might be interested in meeting or know someone who would.  They are looking for people interested in helping with childcare.  The childcare workers serve from 9:15am to 11:30am and are paid $20.  If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Carol Wessell at 843-725-8670 or carolwessel@hotmail.com.

2. Our next Saturday Serve is TOMORROW, February 2nd!  We will meet at the church at 8:30am to debrief and then disburse to serve!  Come make an IMPACT in our community by being the hands and feet of Jesus!  There is always something for the whole family!  And PLEASE, invite and bring someone to serve with you!  If you have any questions about Saturday Serve or ideas for future service opportunities, please contact Chris Jones at 843-870-4613 or jonescg73@gmail.com.

3. Start 2019 off right by officially making Coastal Community Church YOUR church family!   The first Membership Class of 2019 is THIS MONDAY NIGHT, February 4th, 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. New to Coastal?  Join us Sunday, February 10th 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.

5. During our Marriage/Relationship Series starting Sunday, February 10th (“The Vow”), Coastal is hosting a Marriage Seminar – Friday & Saturday, February 22nd-23rd.  The cost is $100 per couple/$50 per individual.  Meals and Childcare are included.  The Conference is open to the anyone in the community, so feel free to invite someone to join you!  See our website for schedule and details ($50 deposit due now).  You can sign up on your Connect Card or from our website online!  Don’t miss out on this fun, practical and inspirational event!  Over 90 people have already signed up!

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!

Woohoo!  This coming Sunday is probably one of my favorite Sundays of the year!  IT’S LIFE GROUP SUNDAY!  For those of you who have never been to LIFE Group Sunday, let me explain.  Both Sunday morning services are pretty much the same, just a little shorter.  We make them shorter to give everyone more time to go out to the LIFE Group Tent on our front lawn after each service.  Underneath the tent will be tables representing all the different LIFE Groups this semester.  At those tables you’ll be able to meet the leaders, learn more about each Group, meet other people, enjoy some great snacks, AND SIGN UP FOR A LIFE GROUP!  Our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry will have their regular classes and will be ready for pick up at their normal time.  We will make an announcement in the tent when it’s time to pick them up.  There are 3 different ways to sign up for Group at Coastal, but you only have to sign up one time/one way.  You can sign up on your Connect Card, online from our website, or at one of the LIFE Group Tables.  Go to our website, check out the catalog, and sign up for a LIFE Group today!  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.  So spread the word and invite someone to join you!

I’ve got some more exciting news to share with you – the best kind of news!  20 Students gave their life to Jesus at the Winter Retreat last weekend!  Let that sink in – 20 STUDENTS GAVE THEIR LIFE TO JESUS!  Coastal, that’s why we do what we do – that’s what it’s all about!!  I met with Pastor Ryan and Ashley Hojnacki (our Office Manager & one of our Student Ministry Leaders) this week to talk about their goals and plans.  Let me just say that I’m so excited about what they have planned for Student Ministry this semester!  God is going to continue to do some amazing things with our Students!  Parents, GET YOUR STUDENTS (6th-12th Grade) TO WAVES WEDNESDAYS!  It kicks off this Wednesday night 6-8:15pm for the New Year! 

I want to let you know and get you excited about a new series that will kick off on Sunday, February 10th.  It’s going to be a Marriage/Relationship series called, “The VOW.”  Whether you hope to get married someday or you’ve already tied “the knot”, I promise you’ll get something out of this series.  The week before the series begins, we’ll be mailing out a large postcard to all of West Ashley inviting people to attend.  So, I want to challenge you to pull out all the stops and invite your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to be your guest.  And then as a part of the series, we’re having our Marriage Conference, February 22nd & 23rd and a special service on Sunday, February 24th, where we will give all married couples during both services an opportunity to renew their wedding vows.  And then, immediately after both services that Sunday we’re going to have our version of a “wedding reception” outside underneath a tent complete with cake, food, pictures, and music!  It’s going to be quite a Sunday to remember!  The whole series is going to be awesome!  Start praying, planning, and preparing now for the people you will be inviting!

I want to thank those of you who took a “Fish” from our “Wish Fish” Table for Oakland Elementary School last Sunday!  ALL OF THEM were taken!  You can drop off your items at the church any time between now and Sunday, February 10th!  As always, thank you for your generosity and making an IMPACT in our community!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris
Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Coastal has a large, growing, active, and life changing Ministry called MOPS.  MOPS stands for Mother’s of Preschoolers.  They meet at the church on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday every month during the school year.  They have a huge need that you might be interested in meeting or know someone who would.  They are looking for people interested in helping with childcare.  The childcare workers serve from 9:15am to 11:30am and are paid $20.  If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Carol Wessell at 843-725-8670 or carolwessel@hotmail.com.

2. Our next Saturday Serve is Saturday, February 2nd!  We will meet at the church at 8:30am to debrief and then disburse to serve!  Come make an IMPACT in our community by being the hands and feet of Jesus!  There is always something for the whole family!  And PLEASE, invite and bring someone to serve with you!  If you have any questions about Saturday Serve or ideas for future service opportunities, please contact Chris Jones at 843-870-4613 or jonescg73@gmail.com.

3. Start 2019 off right by officially making Coastal Community Church YOUR church family!   The first Membership Class of 2019 is Monday night, February 4th, 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. New to Coastal?  Join us Sunday, February 10th 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.

5. During our Marriage/Relationship Series starting Sunday, February 10th (“The Vow”), Coastal is hosting a Marriage Conference – Friday & Saturday, February 22nd-23rd.  The cost is $100 per couple/$50 per individual.  Meals and Childcare are included.  The Conference is open to the anyone in the community, so feel free to invite someone to join you!  See our website for schedule and deposit details ($50 deposit due this Sunday, January 27th).  You can sign up on your Connect Card or from our website online!  We already have almost 90 adults signed up!  My goal is to have over 100!  Don’t miss out on this fun, practical and inspirational event!

P.S. So tomorrow, Saturday, January 26th is my wife Janet’s Birthday!  She’s not on social media so feel free to send her a Happy Birthday text or email tomorrow at janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 843-442-8299.  Help me make her Birthday a special one!

I’ve got some exciting news to share!  Our Christmas Offering Goal this past year was – $60,000.  Drumroll please. . . this year WE gave $69,108.57!!  Wow!  Just WOW!  Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Coastal, I know where your heart is!  Together we are making an IMPACT – ONE life at a time!  Some of that money is already being spent – food and supplies for Saturday Serve, t-shirts at Oakland Elementary School, cameras and security equipment for Coastal Kidz, and the Winter Retreat for our Students.  I want to challenge you to continue to give generously to Coastal.  Your consistent, generous giving allows us to do what we do – share and experience the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus in Charleston and the world!

I want to thank those of you who are “making room for Jesus” by coming to the 11:15am service.  It definitely helped this past Sunday!  Our attendance was the exact same as the week before – 629 – but the crowd was more evenly spread, making more room in the 9:30am service.  We are having serious conversations about adding that 3rd service!  It’s possible that when we add services for Easter this year, we will keep 3 of them moving forward.  We will probably do what we did for last Easter – Sunday mornings, 8:30am, 10am, & 11:30am.  More services means more volunteers.  For those of you serving one service/once a month in various ministries, especially Nursery & our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry, will you consider serving at least twice a month?  That one shift alone will make a huge difference and allow us to continue to grow and reach more people.

We had 69 people show up for Darkness to Light’s “Stewards of Children” Training this past Tuesday night!  It was awesome!  We are definitely going to make it a regular part of our ministry here at Coastal.  In fact, we are moving toward making it mandatory for all volunteers working with children & students.  I want to thank those of you who came.  I hope you got as much out of it as I did.

Our WAVES Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) is leaving today at 3pm to Pigeon Forge, TN with 75 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.

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. 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 27th and LIFE Groups will begin the week of February 10th.  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 22nd, 6:30pm-8:30pm or Saturday, January 26th, 10am-12noon (pick one).

2. Christmas has come and gone, but the Spirit of Giving never stops at Coastal – especially when it concerns our community and Oakland Elementary School! Beginning this Sunday at Coastal, stop by the “Wish Fish” table in the back of our auditorium, pick a “fish”, commit to purchasing those items, and then bring them back to Coastal by Sunday, February 10th. It’s that simple! Items include things like pencils & erasers, hand sanitizer, art supplies, paper, binders, puzzles and more! Let’s help Oakland and its Teachers & Students start 2019 off right and finish the year well.

3. Start 2019 off right by officially making Coastal Community Church YOUR church family!   The first Membership Class of 2019 is Monday night, February 4th, 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and light refreshments are provided.  You can sign up for the class on our website or byresponding to this email.

4. Friday nights from 5pm-7pm (beginning next Friday, January 25th) will be “Spirit Night” for Coastal Community Church at the James Island Chick-fil-a on Folly Road – yes, that’s EVERY Friday night!  All you have to do is tell them that you’re from Coastal and 10-15% of your order will go back to Coastal!  We’re going to use that money for our Missions/Outreach!  So spread the word and pick up some chicken on Friday nights starting next week!  We’re also looking for some volunteers who will hangout at Chick-fil-a during those hours and hand out our invite cards, instructing people to designate their receipt toward that night’s “Spirit Night” (that’s the key).  Respond to this email if you’re interested!

5. During our Marriage Sermon Series in the new year, Coastal will host a Marriage Conference – Friday & Saturday, February 22-23.  Cost $100 per couple/$50 per individual.  Meals and Childcare are included.  Open to the community.  See our website for schedule and deposit details ($50 deposit due January 27th).  You can sign up on your Connect Card or from our website online!

P.S. New to Coastal?  Join us Sunday, February 10th 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.

Wow – everyone must have taken to heart my challenge to make church a priority in 2019.  Our attendance was 629 this past Sunday!  We will be adding an extra row of chairs in the auditorium (especially for the 1st service).  You can help us out by coming early and sitting to the front and center of each section of chairs.  If service times don’t matter too much to you, come to the 11:15am service.  It will make more room in the 9:30am service (by far the fuller service).  But most importantly, come to the service that your guests are coming to!  Also, please park over at the school and leave the up front parking for our guests.  And yes, we are in the planning stages now for adding a 3rd service.  We still have room to grow with our 2 services, but we want to be prepared for our continued growth.

I got a lot of feedback from last week’s message as we kicked off, “In the Beginning.”  It’s really hard to answer all of the questions you might have about the Doctrine of Creation in a Sunday morning sermon.  However, a book that I would highly recommend is Lee Strobel’s, The Case for the Creator.  This coming Sunday, I’ll be talking about Adam & Eve, the Fall of Man, and the tactics that Satan uses to lure us into sin.  I think you’ll discover that he still uses the same tactics today.  Don’t miss it!  And as always, invite and bring friends!

This Sunday is the last Sunday to give towards our Annual Christmas Offering! I’m not going to tell you where we are right now – I’ll announce the grand total in next week’s Friday 5 and at church that week.

Make sure you sign up for a couple of events that are coming up here at Coastal:  the Darkness to Light Stewards of Children Training this coming Tuesday and our Marriage Conference that we’re hosting on February 22nd & 23rd.  You’ll see all the info below.  Register today from our website!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris
Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. We are putting the finishing touches on the Spring Semester of LIFE Groups!   If you ARE leading a Group, we need all of your Group info (Group Name, meeting day & time, location, description) turned in to Pastor Scott NOW.  LIFE Group Sunday will be January 27th and LIFE Groups will begin the week of February 10th.  Our LIFE Group Leader Training for all Leaders & Assistants is either Tuesday, January 22nd, 6:30pm-8:30pm or Saturday, January 26th, 10am-12noon (pick one).

2. Attention all parents and volunteers who work with children or students:  Coastal is hosting “Darkness to Light” and their “Stewards of Children Prevention Training” THIS Tuesday night, January 15th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm at our church.  The training is free (Coastal is picking up the $10 per person fee).  Spread the word and invite anyone in the community.  The training teaches adults how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.  It is the only nationally distributed, evidence-informed program proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes, and change child protective behaviors.  Please RSVP on your Connect Card or from our website online.

3. Start 2019 off right by officially making Coastal Community Church YOUR church family!   The first Membership Class of 2019 is Monday night, February 4th, 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and light refreshments are provided.  You can sign up for the class on our website or byresponding to this email.

4. Mark your calendars and make plans NOW!  Starting on Sunday evenings on February 10th, 2019!  Financial Peace University is a proven program that will show you how to master budgeting, pay off debt, build wealth, and give generously!  Indicate your interest on your Connect Card on Sunday or by responding to this email!

5. During our Marriage Sermon Series in the new year, Coastal will host a Marriage Conference – Friday & Saturday, February 22-23.  Cost $100 per couple/$50 per individual.  Meals and Childcare are included.  Open to the community.  See our website for schedule and deposit details ($50 deposit due January 27th).  You can sign up on your Connect Card or from our website online!

P.S. You should be receiving your 2018 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.

I hope you’ve had a great start to 2019!  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, “In the Beginning.”  It’s basically an overview of the first book of the Bible – Genesis.  Many people start Bible Reading Plans in January and there are a lot important themes in Genesis that apply to our lives today.  Don’t miss it!  

As you’re praying about goals and changes you want to make in 2019, can I encourage you to include making Coastal a priority.  In an interview with Eugene Peterson (the man who wrote the Message paraphrase of the Bible) before his passing, he was asked, “What is the best advice you could give to a person that would assist his/her spiritual growth?”  His answer, “Find a church near your home, go and participate regularly, shut up and like it.”  I don’t think the interviewer was braced for that response.  But as one who serves in ministry, I understand it.  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. We are putting the finishing touches on the Spring Semester of LIFE Groups!   If you are still interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group, we need to know NOW – respond to this email or contact Pastor Scott.  If you ARE leading a Group, we need all of your Group info (Group Name, meeting day & time, location, description) turned in to Pastor Scott this coming week.  LIFE Group Sunday will be January 27th and LIFE Groups will begin the week of February 10th.  Our LIFE Group Leader Training for all Leaders & Assistants is either Tuesday, January 22nd, 6:30pm-8:30pm or Saturday, January 26th, 10am-12noon (pick one).

2. Woohoo!  THIS Saturday, January 5th is Saturday Serve!  We meet at the church at 8:30am to debrief and then disburse to serve our community!  Come make an IMPACT by being the hands and feet of Jesus!  Projects include the Lowcountry Food Bank, preparation of meals in the Coastal kitchen for My Sister’s House and South Carolina Strong, a tailgate meal and fellowship with the community in North Charleston, the creation of crafts for distribution to the elderly, and service to several young women at Jenkins Orphanage. Many opportunities to serve and yes, we NEED YOU!

3. Mark your calendars and make plans NOW!  Starting on Sunday evenings on February 10th, 2019!  Financial Peace University is a proven program that will show you how to master budgeting, pay off debt, build wealth, and give generously!  Indicate your interest on your Connect Card on Sunday or by responding to this email!

4. During our Marriage Sermon Series in the new year, Coastal will host a Marriage Conference – Friday & Saturday, February 22-23.  Cost $100 per couple/$50 per individual.  Meals and Childcare are included.  Open to the community.  See bulletin insert this Sunday for schedule and deposit details.  You can sign up on your Connect Card or from our website online!

5. Attention all parents and volunteers who work with children or students (honestly, attention everyone who cares about this issue and wants to make a difference):  Coastal is hosting “Darkness to Light” and their “Stewards of Children Prevention Training” on Tuesday night, January 15th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm at our church.  The training is free (Coastal is picking up the $10 per person fee).  Spread the word and invite anyone in the community.  The training teaches adults how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.  It is the only nationally distributed, evidence-informed program proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes, and change child protective behaviors.  Please RSVP on your Connect Card or from our website online.

P.S. I’ve got some good news, we’re getting close to reaching our goal of $60,000 for this year’s Christmas Offering!  We still have 2 weeks left to give (last Sunday is January 13th).  If you haven’t given yet – GIVE.  Simply use the word, “Christmas” to designate your gift.

First of all I want to thank those of you stepped up to my challenge last week and made an initial gift to our 7thAnnual Christmas Offering.  Again, every gift counts, every gift matters.  I also want to give you an update on where the offering is being invested.  We picked up our annual t-shirts that we give to Oakland Elementary School as a Christmas gift yesterday.  The students receive their shirt on Wednesday and then they take a huge group picture of the entire school.  The Principal tells me it’s her absolute favorite day of the year!  I’ll be there for the picture and I’ll be sure to share it with you next week.  Just think about this, each student knows that that t-shirt comes, no strings attached, from Coastal Community Church!  How cool is that?!  That’s just a small glimpse of the IMPACT your Christmas Offering makes in our community!  Also, our security/alarm company has been installing cameras in our Coastal Kidz’ classrooms this week!  We hope everything will be up and operational sometime next week.  It is our desire to do all that we can to create a safe, secure environment for our children and the children of our community.  That’s just a sample of what your Christmas Offering is already doing.  Remember you can give any time between now and January 13th.  Also, our entire offering during both Christmas Eve Services will go towards our Christmas Offering.

And now the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT THIS WEEK (drumroll please) . . . . . the Outdoor Christmas Party this Saturday (tomorrow) IS ON!!    Chris Jones will be at the church today starting at 2:30 p.m. until around 6:00 p.m. to stage and prep some of the equipment for Saturday.  We can receive some of the food items (storage at the church is limited) at that time should you have other plans and need to drop off early. We’ll also be warming some of the hams overnight in the warmer. However, we are still asking our volunteers to bring their food donations warm and ready to serve on Saturday morning if at all possible. 

On Saturday morning, the church will be open by 7:00 a.m. to finish warming food items, making coffee, etc. If you want to come early, then by all means please do. Otherwise, we’ll see everyone at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. It may be chilly in the morning but should warm into the lower 60’s. It might be good to bring a light jacket but once we get to moving around, it should be just fine. This may very well be the perfect weather for a Christmas party!  

We’ve been planning, postponing and then planning this event for weeks. Thanks so much for sticking with it!  This is going to be a great day!  Most of the blankets have ribbon and are ready to go, additional chairs have been donated for seating, paper products (plates, forks, knives and spoons) have been ordered, and the Christmas tree is on-hand. We are SO ready!  If people in your workplace, family or community want to come out to provide support, let them come along…let’s overwhelm the place with the love of Christmas!  For some of the people we will be serving…this IS Christmas for them. Let’s make it the best ever.  If you have any questions, please contact Chris Jones at Jonescg73@gmail.com or 843-870-4613. 

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. We are in the planning stages of the Spring Semester of LIFE Groups!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting, please sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or respond to this email.  LIFE Group Sunday will be January 27th and LIFE Groups will begin the week of February 10th.

2. Along with our regular Sunday morning services on Sunday, December 23rd, we’ll have special Christmas Eve Services on Monday, December 24th at 5:30pm & 7pm.  There will be a special PJ’s & Pizza Party for Children ages Birth-5th Grade during both services in the Coastal Kidz Building.

3. Mark your calendars and make plans NOW!  Starting on Sunday evenings on February 10th, 2019!  Financial Peace University is a proven program that will show you how to master budgeting, pay off debt, build wealth, and give generously!  Indicate your interest on your Connect Card on Sunday or by responding to this email!

4. During our Marriage Sermon Series in the new year, Coastal will host a Marriage Conference – Friday & Saturday, February 22-23.  Cost $100 per couple/$50 per individual.  Meals and Childcare are included.  Open to the community.  See bulletin insert this Sunday for schedule and deposit details.  Sign up on your Connect Card!

5. Attention all parents and volunteers who work with children or students (honestly, attention everyone who cares about this issue and wants to make a difference):  Coastal is hosting “Darkness to Light” and their “Stewards of Children Prevention Training” on Tuesday night, January 15th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm at our church.  The training is free (Coastal is picking up the $10 per person fee).  Spread the word and invite anyone in the community.  The training teaches adults how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.  It is the only nationally distributed, evidence-informed program proven to increase knowledge, improve attitudes, and change child protective behaviors.  Please RSVP on your Connect Card or respond to this email.

P.S. On Sunday morning, December 30th we are having ONE SERVICE at 9:30am.  There will be no 11:15am service.

In light of the recent news at another church in Charleston, I want to share with you what we are currently doing on Sunday mornings at Coastal to ensure the safety and protection of our children and what we are changing.

First of all, no volunteer ever serves alone, and a background check is run on all Coastal Kidz volunteers ages 18 or older.  We also have a Security Team member and a City of Charleston Police Officer monitoring all classrooms and hallways during each service.

We’ve tried to not take a child to the restroom alone, but at times in the past, it has happened.  However, from now on, it is now the policy of our church that you CAN NOT be in the restroom with a child alone without another volunteer being with you.  It is NEVER allowed under any circumstances.  There are ALWAYS other options.

For most classes, this is not a problem.  Nursery and 2 year olds use the restroom in the nursery. Keep the door open or have a nursery volunteer assist.  4-Kindergarten use the restroom in the classroom. Most children will not need any assistance. If they do, take another volunteer with you. 1st-5th Graders should not need anyone in the restroom with them. Escort the children to the restroom, but wait in the hall for them.  This leaves the 3 year old class which typically has children who are potty training or possibly need assistance with zippers, snaps, buttons, etc. Do not take a child to the restroom alone.  Other options include calling Janet, our Children’s Director (she will have a radio with her – all classrooms have a radio);  contacting the Security Team Member; or paging the parent (we would rather inconvenience the parent, than to sacrifice the safety of a child).

Our first priority must be the safety of our children. This is important: Parents & Volunteers, if you ever see something that bothers you, seems strange, or suspect ANY inappropriate behavior, YOU MUST SPEAK UP!  Contact Janet, our Children’s Director or another staff member immediately.  Again, we have a police officer on campus every Sunday.  We would rather have to apologize to an adult than to sacrifice the safety of a child.

On Monday of this week, we met with our current Alarm/Security company for an estimate to go ahead and install cameras in all of our classrooms and to integrate those cameras with our current cameras in a monitoring room.  However, it does no good to have cameras and a monitoring room unless those cameras are actually monitored.  I have spoken with Bryan Miller, our Security Team Leader, and once this project is completed, this position will become a priority.  It will be more important to have a Security Team Member assigned to the Monitoring Station than assigned to me.

We have decided that part of our Christmas Offering will go towards this project.  So, I make no apologies in asking you to please give generously to our Christmas Offering.  In fact, I’ll just put it bluntly, if you really care about the protection of our children, put your money where your mouth is and give.  In fact, if you haven’t given yet, why not go ahead and open the door of generosity in your life and do it right now.  You can give through TEXTing any amount to 843-277-8337.  You can go to our website and give there.  However you choose to give, simply use the keyword, “Christmas.”

I also make no apologies in encouraging you to get involved and serve in our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry and on our Security Team.  We have an awesome Team of Volunteers!  Help us make those Teams even better!  If you are interested in volunteering, simply respond to this email and we will follow up with you.  We are also looking into scheduling “From Darkness to Light” & Infant/Child CPR training for our volunteers.  And finally, if you ever have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please reach out.  TOGETHER, we all help create a safe, nurturing environment for our children to learn about the life changing love of Jesus!

Sincerely,
Pastor Chris

I can’t thank our Volunteers & Staff enough for all the hard work for our Tailgating Party last Sunday!  It was so much fun!  A special thank you to Shealy Pendarvis & Ricky Spell for providing all the Barbecue and feeding everyone!  And this year marks the first time we’ve ever had a WWF Tent!  “Wessel-Mania” – I laughed out loud when I saw that sign!!

On top of all that we Baptized 4 more people and had 694 people in attendance!  Our first service was at capacity.  In fact, we’re at the point of needing people to make the shift from the 9:30am service to the 11:15am service – to make room for more growth.  We’re also at the point of making plans to add a third service.  We’ll let you know when that happens, but right now we’re looking at the beginning of the year.  A third service simply expands our capacity to continue to grow and reach more people for Jesus.  These are exciting times Coastal!  Keep reaching out!  Keep praying!  Keep inviting!  Be willing to do whatever it takes to make room and reach people!

One of the marks of a church that is willing to do whatever it takes to grow is it’s willingness to serve.  A third service means expanding all of our Sunday Morning Ministries – Children’s Ministry, Cafe, Security, 1st Impressions.  Would you be willing to serve in any of these Ministries as we make preparations for growth?  If so, simply respond to this email and we will follow up with you!

And yes, if you’re wondering, we are making plans now for our next facility – a worship space & expanded children’s space!  Our current facility then becomes a dedicated Student & Community Center.  Late this past Spring we met with the architecture firm LS3P to work on the Master Plan for our property.  We will reveal those plans and next steps later in 2019.  For now, let’s continue to make the most of what we have for God’s glory!  Let’s work and serve and invite and give like it all depends on us!  Let’s pray like it all depends on God.  And then let’s walk by faith, trust God, and celebrate whatever He does!  I’m just thankful that I get to be a part of it with wonderful people like YOU!

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS SUNDAY!  I’ve got a message we ALL need to hear!  It’s from James 2 and it’s on prejudice.  James 2:1 says, “My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others?”  As always, this would be a GREAT Sunday to invite and bring your friends!

LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris
Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Pastor Chris is participating in Oakland Elementary School’s Annual “Trunk or Treat” on Thursday night, October 25th, 5-6:30pm.  We are collecting candy for Pastor Chris and all the Teachers to pass out!  Please bring the candy to church this Sunday.  We’re also grilling hotdogs for the event.  See Pastor Chris if you would like to help.  He’s decorating his truck with a Clemson theme (of course)!  If you have any stuff he can use (or you’ll decorate a large pumpkin), respond to this email and let him know!

2. Pastor Ryan and his wife Gracie are expecting a Baby Girl!  You are invited to a church-wide Baby Shower (men & women) in their honor on Sunday, October 28th at 6pm.  The Spell’s are registered at Target and Amazon (just click on the links).

3. New to Coastal?  Join us Sunday, October 28th in the Welcome Center, immediately following the 11:15am service for our Newcomers Reception.  This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people.  Pizza and childcare provided.  RSVP online or on your Connect Card.

4. Being a Member of Coastal is really about being a part of a family.  The next Membership Class is Monday night, October 29th, 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and light refreshments are provided.  You can sign up for the class on our website, respond to this email, or sign up Sunday on your Connect Card.

5. There are ONLY 2 WEEKS LEFT to bring toys & supplies for Operation Christmas Child!  Bring any toys that will fit in a shoe box (no perishables, liquids, used items, candy, or toys associated with war or fighting).  Our Wrapping & Packing Party will be Friday, November 2nd, 6pm at the church.  You can also donate money directly to the church to be used to purchase toys.  Simply designate your offering envelope, check, or text any amount to 843-277-8337 with the designation “occ“.

P.S. Looking for a way to serve our community and make an IMPACT?  Come and be a part of Saturday Serve!  Saturday Serve meets the first Saturday of every month (the next one is November 3rd) at 8:30am in the Welcome Center.  We explain all the different serving opportunities that day, pray, and then send everyone off.

I think we’re going to go ahead and plan some sort of “Hurricane Preparation Party” for the second week of September next year (not a bad idea)!  But wow – what a crazy week!  The truth is, however, we have SO MUCH to be grateful for here in the Lowcountry!  Please continue to pray for Wilmington and the surrounding areas affected in North Carolina.

I do know this, I seriously can’t wait to see everyone on Sunday for our Big Day and the Kick-off of our “Losing My Religion” series!  It’s going to be AWESOME!  Don’t forget, we will have 3 services this Sunday – 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am.  We will go back to our normal service times of 9:30am and 11:15am the following week.  On top of that – LIFE Groups finally start this coming week!  Woohoo!

So what can you do to help make this Sunday a success?

1. Pray!  Pray for the people you are inviting and for all the people our church invited through the large postcard we sent out.  Pray for people to come to know Jesus.  Pray for me & my messages (3 services).  Pray for our staff.  Pray for our volunteers.  Beg God to draw people to Himself through our church.

2.  Invite!  Make it a personal goal to invite and bring so many people.  Send emails.  Send personal messages on facebook and other social media.  Share my Facebook posts.  Use the invite cards/postcards we’ve been handing out.

3.  Welcome!  Go out of you way to speak to & welcome all of our guests (or anyone you don’t know).  Help us treat everyone as our welcome, expected guests in our home.  Remember, guests are GIFTS from God!  Help us treat everyone that way!

4.  Consider serving!  A new series & new people mean we need more and more volunteers.  If you’re not already serving somewhere, it’s time to start!  Our 1st Impressions Team is a great place to get started.  Give Chris Ranew our 1st Impressions LIFE Team Leader a call or send him an email – 706-941-2044, chrisranew@gmail.com.  Our Children’s Ministry is also a great place to serve on Sunday morning.  Call Janet, our Children’s Ministry Leader or send her an email – 843-442-8299, janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

5. Give.  Special Days incur special expenses.  Even though there will be a lot going on after each service, come prepared to give generously.  Or better yet, you can give any time using any of the different ways we have to give at Coastal – our website, texting (843-277-8337), or our app.

4 More Things to Consider on the day of the “Big Day” itself.  Parking:  the farther away you park, the better!  Please park at Oakland and save the closer parking for guests.  Service times:  the key is come to the service that your guests are coming to.  BUT THIS IS IMPORTANT, come early!  Everything goes smoother (Child Check-In, coffee, getting a seat, helping our guests) when you come a little earlier.   Seating:  no matter which service you come to, PLEASE sit to the front and center of each section.  This makes more room for people as they come in.  And finally, everyone PLEASE FILL OUT A CONNECT CARD!

Whew!  I think that’s about it!  Sunday is going to be AWESOME!  Most importantly, people are going to come to Jesus!  Like I’ve said Coastal, let’s pray and beg God like it all depends on Him.  But then let’s work, invite, and share like it all depends on us.  Then let’s walk by faith and trust God with the results!

See You & Your Friends Sunday!

For this week’s “Friday 5” here are the 5 different organizations/groups that will be on our campus this Sunday and what you can do to help!

1.  Since 1993, Samaritan’s Purse has partnered with local churches around the world to deliver 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. This Sunday, we’re asking you to bring toys/items to fill these shoeboxes!  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. As you know, our church has a very special relationship with Oakland Elementary School – and we want to build on it!  This Sunday you will have the opportunity to sign up to volunteer at the school.  All it takes is 30 minutes-1 hour of your time, once or maybe twice a month. We’re looking for people who would be willing to sit with a class during lunch (to help provide a duty free lunch to teachers), volunteer in a classroom, or read with students.

• Super Service Friday
  Where: Coastal Community Church
  When: Friday (today), 8/3 10am-12noon
• North Charleston Tailgate
  Where: Meet @ Coastal
  When: Saturday, 8/4, 8:30am-12noon
• Brookdale Assisted Living Center
  Where: Meet @ Coastal
  When: Saturday, 8/4, 8:30am-12noon
• Low Country Food Bank
  Where: Meet @ Coastal
  When: Saturday, 8/4, 8:30am-12noon
• Jenkins Orphanage
  Where: Meet @ Coastal
  When: Saturday, 8/4, 8:30am-12noon
• Charleston Animal Society Fence Build
  Where: Meet @ Coastal
  When: Saturday, 8/4, 8:30am-12noon
• Prison Outreach
  Where: Meet @ Coastal
  When: Saturday, 8/4, 8:30am-12noon

Dear Coastal,

So where do you get the power and the strength to keep on keeping on when you feel like giving up?  That’s what this week’s message is all about as we kick off a new series called, “Amazing Grace.”  Don’t miss it!  Invite and bring a friend!

And speaking of inviting friends – be sure to pull out all the stops and invite your friends, neighbors, family, and co-workers to church next Sunday for MOTHER’S DAY!  It’s going to be awesome!  There will be Kona Ice & Jump Castles for kids, Baby/Child Dedication, a gift for all women, a Mother’s Day photo booth, and fun giveaways after each service!  And Ladies, my message is going to take a look at 5 things that God says are true about you because of His grace!

One of the things that I SO LOVE ABOUT OUR CHURCH is the way we serve our community!  We’ve learned a few things over the years – when you’re serving your community, you can’t do everything.  Pick a few things (whatever God calls you to do) and do it well.  The other thing we’ve learned is that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.  Partner with other people/organizations in your community who are doing great things and simply SERVE! 

This week was Teacher Appreciation Week over at Oakland Elementary School (the school right across the street from our campus).  We’ve showered them with LOVE this week – gifts, treats, and lots of food!  We’re so excited about hosting Oakland’s 5th Grade Graduation Service at our church – Wednesday, May 30th, 9:30am!  If you’d like to volunteer to serve at the graduation (cafe, golf carts, photo booth, 1st Impressions, ushers), simply respond to this email.

Tomorrow is our monthly Saturday Serve (it meets the first Saturday of every month)!  Meet in the Welcome Center at the church at 8:30am, learn about some awesome service opportunities (everything is explained and supplied), pray, and GO SERVE!  It’s that simple.  Most projects are done before noon.  If you haven’t been a part of a Saturday serve, you’re really missing out!  It’s open to anyone – invite your friends, family, and co-workers to join you!  That’s another thing we’ve learned – people (all people) want to give back and do something significant with their lives.  This is a tangible way to do just that!   

Friday’s 5

1. Our WAVES Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) are going to the Charleston Riverdogs Game TONIGHT!  They will be leaving from the church at 6pm and returning at approximately 10pm.  The tickets are FREE!  Simply bring money for food or souvenirs!
   
2. If you would like your family to participate in the Baby/Child Dedication on Mother’s Day, May 13th, sign up on your Connect Card or respond to this email.  Please include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending – 9:30am or 11:15am.

3. Attention all LIFE Group Leaders & LIFE Team Leaders (and spouses):  our End of the Semester Celebration/Party is Friday night, May 18th, 6:30pm-8:30pm!  Dinner & childcare provided!  Don’t miss it!  If you lead a Life Group or a Ministry, this is a great opportunity to celebrate all that God has done and to plan for the future!  Please RSVP!
   
4. We’re signing people up now for our Annual BEACH BAPTISM Services!  The date is Sunday, June 10th, 4pm at Folly Beach County Park!  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or simply respond to this email.

5. Mark your calendars and save this date – Coastal’s VBS this year is Monday, July 16th – Friday, July 20th, 6pm-8pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade.  The theme is Shipwrecked – Rescued by Jesus!  REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN – www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/VBS!  Spread the word and register today!  We also need wrapping paper tubes (don’t throw them away) donated NOW for VBS decorations.  Drop them off at the Coastal Kidz Child Check-In area.
   

ALL IN,

Pastor Chris

P.S.  We had another person give their life to Jesus this past week and two more people indicated they want to get Baptized!  Woohoo!  Keep praying for your ONE, for the growth of our church, and our IMPACT!  See you Sunday!

Dear Coastal,

We’ll be wrapping up our “Simple Life” series this Sunday.  Go ahead and read Luke 10:38-42 in preparation for this week’s message.  In May, we kick off a series entitled, “Amazing Grace.”   Many people think they have an understanding of grace, “It’s God’s gift to me.  I know I don’t work my way to heaven.”  But then they don’t live it.  In fact, they constantly think that God disapproves of them.  And even though they know they’re not saved by their efforts, they’re constantly trying to appease God.  Maybe you can relate.  You get up thinking, “God’s mad at me.”  Some of you think of God as this unpleasable parent saying, “It’s not good enough.  Can’t you do any better.”  He’s got this constant scowl on His face thinking, “Come on!  Get your act together.  When are you going to start doing right?”  You have this constant sense of condemnation and that’s why you struggle getting to know God and having a relationship with Him, because you think He’s angry at you.

In this new series, I want you to not just understand grace;  I want you to feel it.  Maybe for the first time in your life, I want you to feel loved by God, to feel and experience the unconditional grace of God.  There are many, many definitions of grace.  Grace is like a multi-faceted diamond.  It has many different sides and shapes.  And so each week, during May we’ll be looking at a different aspect of God’s Amazing Grace.

Friday’s 5

1. Interested in officially making Coastal your church home?  Our next Membership Class is THIS Monday night, April 30th, 6-9pm.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.

2. Our next “Saturday Serve” is Saturday, May 5th (the first Saturday of every month)!  Meet at the church at 8:30am, learn about some awesome service opportunities, pray, and GO SERVE!

3. If you would like your family to participate in the Baby/Child Dedication on Mother’s Day, May 13th, sign up on your Connect Card or respond to this email.  Please include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending – 9:30am or 11:15am.

4. Attention all LIFE Group Leaders & LIFE Team Leaders (and spouses):  our End of the Semester Celebration/Party is Friday night, May 18th, 6:30pm-8:30pm!  Dinner & childcare provided!  Don’t miss it!  If you lead a Life Group or a Ministry, this is a great opportunity to celebrate all that God has done and to plan for the future!  Please RSVP!

5. Mark your calendars and save this date – Coastal’s VBS this year is Monday, July 16th – Friday, July 20th, 6pm-8pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade.  The theme is Shipwrecked – Rescued by Jesus!  REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN – www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/VBS!  Spread the word and register today!  We also need wrapping paper tubes (don’t throw them away) donated NOW for VBS decorations.  Drop them off at the Coastal Kidz Child Check-In area.
   

Simply,

Pastor Chris

P.S. Digital Giving allows you to give as God blesses you.  There are multiple ways to give digitally at Coastal.  You can give through our website, our App, or TEXT any amount to 843-277-8337!  It’s simple, safe, secure, and convenient!  Give it a try today!

Dear Coastal,

It’s pretty obvious that my message last week on slowing down really struck a chord.  The reality is we all struggle in this area – your Pastor included.  Well, don’t miss this Sunday as we talk about creating margin in your life.  What is margin, you ask?  You’ll have to come on Sunday to find out what it is, why it’s important and how to develop it.  Don’t miss it! 

I’ve got some pretty cool news to share that goes in the “making an IMPACT in our Community” column.  I was asked to speak again at Oakland Elementary School’s 5th Grade Graduation this year (not the cool part).  The real exciting part is that I suggested the possibility of us hosting the graduation on our campus, in our building, and they said, “YES!”  I’m super excited!  We’re going to pull out all the stops and really make it special!  We only have limited parking, so we’ll be running our Golf Carts from the Oakland Parking Lot to ours.  We’ll be serving refreshments, setting up a “photo booth” for parents/graduates, FREE Kona Ice for everyone, and a gift bag from Coastal for all Graduates!  This is a great opportunity to make a real IMPACT in our Community!  The Graduation service is Wednesday, May 30th at 9:30am.  If you’re available (any time between 8:30am-12noon) and interested in volunteering (Greeting, Serving, Driving Golf Carts, cleaning up, etc.) respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.

I really appreciate all of you who “check-in” regularly on Facebook on Sunday mornings (or at Groups or events during the week) and share our posts and leave comments!  It’s great FREE advertising for our church and many times starts a conversation.  Keep it up!

Friday’s 5

1. Join one of our office volunteer groups: Monday Morning Follow-Up (Mondays from 9-11am) or Super Service Friday (Fridays 10am-12noon) in the Coastal Kidz Building. Enjoy snacks, coffee & fellowship. Childcare provided upon request. Respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card.

2. Interested in offically making Coastal your church home?  Our next Membership Class is Monday night, April 30th, 6-9pm.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.

3. Our next “Saturday Serve” is Saturday, May 5th (the first Satuday of every month)!  Meet at the church at 8:30am, learn about some awesome service opportunities, pray, and GO SERVE!

4. If you would like your family to participate in the Baby/Child Dedication on Mother’s Day, May 13th, sign up on your Connect Card or respond to this email.  Please include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending – 9:30am or 11:15am.

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 16th – Friday, July 20th, 6pm-8pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade.  The theme is Shipwrecked – Rescued by Jesus!  REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN – www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/VBS!  Spread the word and register today!
   

Simply,

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Remember to pray for your ONE!  We will reach our IMPACT goal of 100 Salvations & Baptisms this year ONE life at a time!  Make sure you check out our IMPACT sign this Sunday!

Dear Coastal,

Well, maybe Spring has finally “Sprung” – we’ll see!  One of the markers of Spring here in the Lowcountry was this past weekend – what I like to call, “the busiest weekend of the year in Charleston.”  We had the Bridge Run, the Volvo Tennis Cup, the Flower Town Festival, and the Cajun Festival!  I doubt there was a hotel room available for miles.  If you have children, the warm weather also brings with it Spring Sports and afternoons at the ball field (and yes the bugs).  Many parents are already scrambling for spots for their children for Summer Camps. 

In the midst of all of this busyness and activity we are in a series at Coastal called, “The Simple Life.”  Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with activities and sports.  Let’s just make sure that we’ve really thought through what’s most important, what we’re really trying to become, and the legacy we want to leave behind – focus.  Let’s make sure we carve out time not just for good things, but for the best things – getting to know & love God, worship, service, sharing our faith, loving our families and the people in our lives.  This week’s message is all about s-l-o-w-i-n-g down – something we all need – your Pastor included.  Hope to see you and your friends and family this Sunday!

Friday’s 5

1. I know this is late notice, but if you’re looking for something fun to do, the CSDA (Charleston Swing Dance Association) is having their dance at our Auditorium this Saturday night!  Beginner & Intermediate Lessons, 7-8pm.  Social Dance, 8-11pm.  Normally, the cost for lessons is $8 and $5 for the Social Dance.  However, for this Saturday night for everyone from Coastal it’s FREE!  Adults of all ages & abilities are welcome (no childcare).  Students are welcome, but everyone under 18 must sign a waiver.

2. Our next Newcomer’s Reception is THIS SUNDAY, April 15th, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website or simply by responding to this email now.  This is a great opportunity for anyone new to Coastal to meet our Staff, our Ministry Leaders, and learn more about Coastal!  It’s a great introduction to Coastal!

3. Interested in offically making Coastal your church home?  Our next Membership Class is Monday night, April 30th, 6-9pm.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.

4. If you would like your family to participate in the Baby/Child Dedication on Mother’s Day, May 13th, sign up on your Connect Card or respond to this email.  Please include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending – 9:30am or 11:15am.

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 16th – Friday, July 20th, 6pm-8pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade.  The theme is Shipwrecked – Rescued by Jesus!  REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN – www.coastalcommunitychurch.org/VBS!  Spread the word and register today!
   

Simply,

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Mark your calendars – the next “Saturday Serve” is Saturday, May 5th (the first Satuday of every month)!  Meet at the church at 8:30am, learn about some awesome service opportunities, pray, and GO SERVE!

Dear Coastal,

For those of you who have children in school or work in the school system, I hope everyone had a relaxing, enjoyable Spring Break!  Hopefully, you saw my previous email about the awesome Easter Weekend at Coastal!  By the way, it’s the first week of April and we now have 42 people who have indicated that they gave their life to Jesus at Coastal this year!  Is that awesome or what?!

For the month of April we’re going to be in a series called, “The Simple Life.”  It all about focusing our lives on the things that really matter, moving from a life of selfishness to a life of significance.  As always, this is a great series to invite and bring your friends.  Don’t miss it!

Friday’s 5:

1. Looking for a way to serve our community and make an IMPACT?  Come and be a part of Saturday Serve!  Saturday Serve meets the first Saturday of every month (TOMORROW MORNING) at 8:30am in the Old Welcome Center (in the old building this month – they will be getting ready for a wedding in the new building).  They will explain all the different opportunities for that day, pray, and then send everyone off.  For more information or to share any ideas or to be added to a “Saturday Serve” Group, contact Kiersten Brown 918-798-7299 or  kbrown@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  You can also visit our website each month to check out the different areas of service:  https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/missions-outreach.

2. Our next Newcomer’s Reception is Sunday, April 15th, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website or simply by responding to this email now.  This is a great opportunity for anyone new to Coastal to meet our Staff, our Ministry Leaders, and learn more about Coastal!  It’s a great introduction to Coastal!

3. Interested in offically making Coastal your church home?  Our next Membership Class is Monday night, April 30th, 6-9pm.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.

4. If you would like your family to participate in the Baby/Child Dedication on Mother’s Day, May 13th, sign up on your Connect Card or respond to this email.  Please include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending – 9:30am or 11:15am.

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 16th – Friday, July 20th, 6pm-8pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade.  The theme is Shipwrecked – Rescued by Jesus!

Simply,

Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal,

Okay Coastal – Easter Weekend is here!  The first of our 4 Easter Services STARTS TONIGHT at 7pm – Good Friday!  Think about this.  While you were asleep last night/early this morning, 2000 years ago Jesus was captured in the Garden and condemned to die by the Jewish leaders who hated him.  As you were waking up Jesus was being shuffled back and forth between Pilate and Herod for even more trials and abuse. While you were getting dressed, the Roman soldiers were brutally beating Him and putting thorns on His head.  By the time you were on your way to work He was on his way to the cross.  Satan was laughing.  Satan was convinced that he won.  It was Friday. . . but here’s the GOOD NEWS – Sunday was coming!  Can’t wait to celebrate that with you and your family this weekend – tonight, 7pm;  Sunday, 8am, 9:30am, 11:15am.

It’s still not too late to make that call, send that email or text, walk across the street, and invite someone to church for this weekend!  You never know the power of a simple invitation.  37 years ago a friend from school invited me to church.  I ended up giving my life to Christ and committing to full-time Christian ministry!  Simply put, it changed my life!  Who do you know that needs Jesus?

A few other quick reminders about Easter at Coastal: Parking & Seating really is important on Big Services like Easter.  Please, please park as far away as possible and sit to the front and center of each section.  And COME EARLY – with more people, everything will take more time.  And with more people and more time, make sure you’re even more gracious, kind, loving, and helpful to everyone!  FREE Kona Ice and Jump Castles will be available at all 4 services.

Good Friday’s 5:

1. It’s still not to late to get BAPTIZED OVER EASTER WEEKEND!  At Coastal, we’re ready any service and any Sunday for you to be Baptized!  But if you’ve been waiting for that “little push”, why not do it over the Easter Weekend?  Simply respond to this email – just let us know which service.

2. Big Days like Easter also mean extra expenses.  At Coastal, among other things, that means advertising & outreach (direct mail, digital marketing, extra supplies, etc.).  Make a commitment to give above and beyond over the Easter weekend.  You can give through our website, our App, or TEXT any amount to 843-277-8337!

3. 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 16th – Friday, July 20th, 6pm-8pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade.  The theme is Shipwrecked – Rescued by Jesus!

4. Our next Newcomer’s Reception is Sunday, April 15th, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website or simply by responding to this email now.  This is a great opportunity for anyone new to Coastal to meet our Staff, our Ministry Leaders, and learn more about Coastal!  It’s a great introduction to Coastal!

5. Looking for a way to serve our community and make an IMPACT?  Come and be a part of Saturday Serve!  Saturday Serve meets the first Saturday of every month (the next one is April 7th) at 8:30am in the Old Welcome Center (in the old building).  They explain all the different opportunities that day, pray, and then send everyone off.  For more information or to share any ideas or to be added to a “Saturday Serve” Group, contact Kiersten Brown 918-798-7299 or  kbrown@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  You can also visit our website each month to check out the different areas of service:  https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/missions-outreach/.

He Is Not Here, He is RISEN!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  There are a couple of great opportunities to gather over the weekend to pray for all of our services and the people coming!  Today (Friday) at 1pm our Super Service Friday Team will be having a Guided Prayer Walk around our building/campus.  And on Saturday at 6pm our Prayer Team will gather for a time of prayer.  Both opportunities are open to anyone!

Dear Coastal,

I hope this never gets old, but this past Sunday we had 3 more people give their lives to Jesus!!!  I pray for the day that Acts 2:47 becomes a reality at Coastal, “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” 

Our Easter services begin exactly one week from today!  I hope you’re as excited as I am!  Obviously, every Sunday is big here at Coastal in the sense that every Sunday is important, every Sunday we share the Gospel, and every week we encourage you to invite and bring your friends.  But. . . there is still something special about Easter in our culture that we can leverage for the Kingdom.  People are still slightly more open to an invitation at Easter than any other time of the year.

So, what can YOU do to help make Easter Weekend a success?

1. Pray!  Pray for the people you are inviting.  Pray for all the people our church will be inviting.  Pray for people to come to know Jesus.  Pray for me & my message.  We begin a new series on Easter called, “The Simple Life.”  My message on Easter is going to be, “The Simple Gospel.”    Beg God to draw people to Himself through our church!
   
2. Invite!  Make a personal goal to invite and bring so many people – see if you can fill up a row!  Make phone calls.  Send emails.  Send personal messages on facebook and other social media.  Send text messages.  Our service times are: Friday, March 30, 7pm;  Sunday, April 1st, 8am, 9:30am, 11:15am.  You can register for your FREE Easter Service Tickets from our website: www.EasterAtCoastal.com.  Spread the word and start registering NOW!  By the way, have YOU registered for a service yet?  YES, we even want our members & regular attenders to register for a Ticket/Service.  It helps us to know which service is getting full so we can direct people to another service.  
3. Serve!  A Big Day means we need more and more volunteers.  If you’re not already serving somewhere, it’s time to start!  We need you!  Our 1st Impressions Team is a great place to get started.  Give Chris Ranew our 1st Impressions LIFE Team Leader a call or send him an email – 706-941-2044, chrisranew@gmail.com.  Our Children’s Ministry could definitely use more volunteers in Nursery or in any of their classes.  Call Janet, our Children’s Ministry Leader or send her an email – 843-442-8299, janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  Honestly, all of our Ministries need more volunteers!  Respond to this email and we’ll get you connected.
   
4. Get BAPTIZED ON EASTER WEEKEND!  At Coastal, we’re ready any service and any Sunday for you to be Baptized!  But if you’ve been waiting for that “little push”, why not do it over the Easter Weekend?  You can sign up on your Connect Card or respond to this email – just let us know which service.

5. 5 More Things to Consider on the day of the Easter itself – parking, service times, seating, giving, and Connect Cards.  Parking:  the further away you park, the better.  Please park at Oakland and save the closer parking for guests.  Service times:  the key is come to the service that your guests are coming to.  BUT THIS IS IMPORTANT, if it does not matter, PLEASE come to the Friday night 7pm Service or the Sunday morning 8am service!  The Sunday morning 9:30am Service is by far the largest.  Seating:  no matter which service you come to, PLEASE sit to the front and center of each section.  This makes more room for people as they come in.  Giving:  Big Days like Easter also mean extra expenses.  At Coastal, among other things, that means advertising & outreach (direct mail, digital marketing, extra supplies, etc.).  Make a commitment to give above and beyond over the Easter weekend.  You can give through our website, our App, or TEXT any amount to 843-277-8337!  And finally, everyone PLEASE, PLEASE FILL OUT A CONNECT CARD!  Our Connect Cards are the only way we have to follow up and connect with our Guests.  When you fill one out, it creates positive peer pressure for everyone to fill one out.
   

Whew!  I think that’s about it!  Easter Weekend is going to be AWESOME!  Most importantly, people are going to come to Jesus!  Like we always say Coastal, let’s pray like it all depends on God, let’s work, invite, and share like it all depends on us, let’s walk by faith, trust God with the results, and then celebrate the outcome!

All In!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  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 16th – Friday, July 20th, 6pm-8pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade.  The theme is Shipwrecked – Rescued by Jesus!

Dear Coastal,

Well we’ve got two more weeks left in our Easter Fast!  For those of you who have participated, I hope it’s been a truly spiritual experience – prayerful, challenging, thoughtful, encouraging – and most of all that it has pointed you toward the Savior.  I know that personally I have felt your prayers and have seen God moving at our church.  By the way, if you haven’t been fasting, there’s nothing that says you can’t join in and start a fast leading up to Easter.  Just decide to give up something that would be a sacrifice for you (some sort of food or food group, social media, buying, negativity, worry, time, etc.) and commit to prayer and a time of devotion for the next two weeks.  I promise that it will be a powerful experience.  In fact, I’d love to hear about your experience!  Shoot me a quick email and let me know what God’s been teaching you!  

One way that I can tell that God has been moving is that we had 2 more people this past week give their lives to Jesus!!!  One of them was a young girl.  She prayed with her mom to accept Christ at home!  It’s a testimony to the prayers and discipling of her family and to the partnership with our church and Coastal Kidz.  The other person was a young woman who was invited to Coastal by her boyfriend and came this past Sunday for the first time.  Her boyfriend is a Trainer at Chucktown Fitness, the gym that I go to – which means that he hears about Coastal from me, Justin, Zach, Leslie, and too many others to name!  AGAIN, you never know THE POWER OF AN INVITATION!

This Sunday we’ll have another tool for you to use to invite people to Coastal for our Easter Services – a Ticket from Ticketmaster!  But tools are of no use unless they are used!  So – who are you praying for and inviting to 1 of our 4 Easter Services?   And have YOU registered for a service yet?  Yes, we even want our members & regular attenders to register for a Ticket/Service.  It helps us to know which service is getting full so we can direct people to another service.  Our service times are: Friday, March 30, 7pm;  Sunday, April 1st, 8am, 9:30am, 11:15am.  You can register for your FREE Easter Service Tickets from our website: www.EasterAtCoastal.com.  Spread the word and start registering NOW!

Friday’s 5:

1. With 4 Identical Easter Services, it’s ALL HANDS ON DECK!  In other words, we need everyone serving and volunteering!  Touch base with your LIFE Team Leader and go ahead and sign up now – Coastal Kidz, 1st Impressions, Cafe, Security, Prayer Team.  If you are not yet serving, respond to this email and we will help you find a place to serve God by serving others!
   
   
2. Join one of our office volunteer groups: Monday Morning Follow-Up (Mondays from 9-11am) or Super Service Friday (Fridays 10:30am-12:30pm) in the Coastal Kidz Building. We’ll need lots of help Good Friday morning and the Monday after Easter! Childcare provided upon request. Respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card.

3. Get BAPTIZED ON EASTER WEEKEND!  At Coastal, we’re ready any service and any Sunday for you to be Baptized!  But if you’ve been waiting for that “little push”, why not do it over the Easter Weekend?  You can sign up on your Connect Card or respond to this email – just let us know which service.

4. If you haven’t heard yet, Pastor Scott and I are leading a Trip to the Holy Land – a trip of a life time!  The dates are November 5-14, 2018.  The cost is $4200 (could be less depending on how many people go).  You can also learn more about the trip by visiting this link: http://www.maranathatours.com/Diamond-Nov-2018-Israel.  If you are interested in going or have any questions, reach out to Pastor Scott at scottw@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

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 16th – Friday, July 20th, 6pm-8pm, 4 year olds – 5th Grade.  The theme is Shipwrecked – Rescued by Jesus! 
   

All In!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Big Days like Easter also mean extra expenses.  At Coastal, among other things, that means advertising & outreach (direct mail, digital marketing, extra supplies, etc.).  Remember it is the faithful, consistent, generous giving of our people that make all of that possible – period.  There are multiple ways to give at Coastal.  You can give through our website, our App, or TEXT any amount to 843-277-8337!  It’s simple, safe, secure, and convenient!  Give it a try today!

Dear Coastal,

Okay, let me go ahead and get this out of the way – THIS SUNDAY IS TIME CHANGE SUNDAY!  In other words, when you go to bed on Saturday night, make sure you turn your clocks forward (“Spring Forward”) one hour (for those of you who still have clocks that you have to manually change).  For you 9:30am service folks, if the hour throws you off, pretend like nothing changed and come to the 11:15am service.  For you 11:15am service folks, come on, it’s 11:15am!

When churches get serious about reaching people, God draws people to that church.  It’s the principle of “spiritual readiness”.  In other words, when God is looking to birth new life, He searches for the “warmest incubator” to deliver that new believer.  So, what are the marks of a warm incubator?  Or, another way to look at that question – how do we raise the evangelistic temperature of our church?  That’s a longer answer than I have time and space here, but let me share a few things.  It always starts with prayer.  What do we say at Coastal?  “Let’s PRAY like it all depends on God.”  What are 291 of us doing right now?  Praying and fasting.  During this time leading up to Easter, beg God to draw people to Himself at Coastal AND to use you to do it.  That’s the next part – YOU.  “Pray like all depends on God, work like it all depends on you.”  What does that mean?  Invest and Invite.  Build relationships, love people, live out your faith where you live, work, and play.  AND INVITE PEOPLE TO COASTAL!  There is no better, easier time to invite people to church than Easter weekend!  Leverage that for the Kingdom.  “Pray like it all depends on God, work like it all depends on you, walk by faith, trust God with the results.”  Jesus does the saving.  You and I are just links in a chain.  We’re not responsible for the results – we’re just responsible for casting the seed.  People still have to respond.  That’s the faith part, that’s the trusting part. “Pray like it all depends on God, work like it all depends on you, walk by faith, trust God with the results, and then celebrate the outcome.”  Each and every time we put a “sticker” on our IMPACT Board, all of Heaven throws a party (Luke 15)!  I can’t wait to throw ONE big, huge party when we reach 100 salvations this year!  But along the way, don’t forget that each sticker, represents a real person, a story, a resurrected life, a new brother or sister in Christ!  Let that fill your heart each and every Sunday!

Another way to raise the evangelistic temperature of a church is to equip the people of that church to feel more comfortable in sharing their story and their faith with people that God puts in their life.  That’s what our IMPACT Seminar is all about tonight, 6pm-9pm at the church.  We’re making it so easy for you – we’re providing childcare and food (Chick-fil-a)!  If you haven’t signed up yet, it’s not too late – simply respond to this email (or just show up – we’ll have plenty).

By the way, how do I know that Coastal is a warm incubator?  Just yesterday a man came over to my office and gave his life to Jesus!  He and his wife and their 2 children have been to coming to Coastal as a family for the last couple of weeks.  In fact, they have been on our mailing list for over 7 years.  Their first contact with our church was one of our Easter Egg Drops – invited by a friend!  And now, that man, that family, those children are FOREVER CHANGED!  It doesn’t get any better than that!  That’s why we do what we do!  That’s why we keep reaching out!  That’s why we give!  That’s we serve!  That’s why we invite!  And that’s why we celebrate!

Friday’s 5:

1. So – who are you praying for and inviting to 1 of our 4 Easter Services?   Have YOU registered for a service yet?  Our service times are: Friday, March 30, 7pm;  Sunday, April 1st, 8am, 9:30am, 11:15am.  You can register for your FREE Easter Service Tickets from our website: www.EasterAtCoastal.com.  Spread the word and start registering NOW!

2. Join one of our office volunteer groups: Monday Morning Follow-Up (Mondays from 9-11am) or Super Service Friday (Fridays 10:30am-12:30pm) in the Coastal Kidz Building. Enjoy snacks, coffee & fellowship. Childcare provided upon request. Respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card.

3. Get BAPTIZED ON EASTER WEEKEND!  At Coastal, we’re ready any service and any Sunday for you to be Baptized!  But if you’ve been waiting for that “little push”, why not do it over the Easter Weekend?  You can sign up on your Connect Card or respond to this email – just let us know which service.

4. WAVES Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) heads to the SC Stingrays Hockey Game!  TONIGHT @ 6pm (drop them off and stay for the IMPACT SEMINAR).  Return by 10pm.

5. If you haven’t heard yet, Pastor Scott and I are leading a Trip to the Holy Land – a trip of a life time!  The dates are November 5-14, 2018.  The cost is $4200 (could be less depending on how many people go).  You can also learn more about the trip by visiting this link: http://www.maranathatours.com/Diamond-Nov-2018-Israel.  If you are interested in going or have any questions, reach out to Pastor Scott at scottw@coastalcommunitychurch.org. 
   

Celebrating New Life!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  With 4 Identical Easter Services, it’s ALL HANDS ON DECK!  In other words, we need everyone serving and volunteering!  Touch base with your LIFE Team Leader and go ahead and sign up now.  If you are not yet serving, respond to this email and we will help you find a place to serve God by serving others! 

Dear Coastal,

Wow – what an amazing day we had last Sunday at Coastal!  We had 24 1st & 2nd time Guest Connect Cards turned in (that represents a lot of people)!  3 people renewed their commitment to Jesus and 1 more person gave their life to Jesus!  The person who gave their life to Jesus was invited to church by a neighbor!  Let that sink in for a moment – a neighbor simply invited another neighbor to church and the trajectory of that person’s life (and the lives of their family and future generations) has been forever changed!  That’s the power of a simple invitation!  You never know what might happen!

Speaking of the power of a simple invitation – who are you praying for and inviting to 1 of our 4 Easter Services?   Have YOU registered for a service yet?  Our service times are: Friday, March 30, 7pm;  Sunday, April 1st, 8am, 9:30am, 11:15am.  You can register for your FREE Easter Service Tickets from our website: www.EasterAtCoastal.com.  Spread the word and start registering NOW!

Friday’s 5:

1. Looking for a great way to serve our community and make an IMPACT?  Come out tomorrow morning and be a part of Saturday Serve!  Saturday Serve meets the first Saturday of every month at 8:30am in the Welcome Center.  They explain all the different opportunities that day, pray, and then send everyone off.  For more information or to share any ideas or to be added to a “Saturday Serve”, contact Kiersten Brown 918-798-7299 or  kbrown@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  You can also visit our website each month to check out the different areas of service:  https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/missions-outreach/.
2. Want to feel more comfortable in sharing your story and your faith with 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, NEXT Friday night, March 9th, 6pm-9pm at the church. We’ll provide childcare and food!  Sign on up on your Connect Card or respond to this email.  We already have 71 people registered!
3. Join one of our office volunteer groups: Monday Morning Follow-Up (Mondays from 9-11am) or Super Service Friday (Fridays 10:30am-12:30pm) in the Coastal Kidz Building. Enjoy snacks, coffee & fellowship. Childcare provided upon request. Respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card.
4. Get BAPTIZED ON EASTER SUNDAY!  Interested in going public with your faith through Baptism on Easter Sunday?  Sign up on your Connect Card or respond to this email.
5. WAVES Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) head to the SC Stingrays Hockey Game!  FRIDAY, MARCH 9th @ 6pm.  Meet at the church.  Return by 10pm.

Freedom!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  With 4 Identical Easter Services, it’s ALL HANDS ON DECK!  In other words, we need everyone serving and volunteering!  Touch base with your LIFE Team Leader and go aheand and sign up now.  If you are not yet serving, respond to this email and we will help you find a place to serve God by serving others!

Dear Coastal,

How about the weather this week in Charleston!?  I LOVE IT!  I hope you’ve been able to eat your lunch outside or maybe take a walk.  I don’t know about you, but I’m chomping at the bit for TIME CHANGE (just a couple of weeks away) and the longer days!

The other thing this weather has gotten me excited about is EASTER AT COASTAL!  I can’t wait!  Last year we had 3 services and broke 1,000 in attendance for the first time in the history of our church!  This year we’re having 4 services: Friday, March 30, 7pm;  Sunday, April 1st, 8am, 9:30am, 11:15am.  Our goal is to break 1200!  We’re using FREE Tickets for our Easter services!!  Not only are they a great invite tool, but they also help us to gauge when a particular service is going to be full.  You can register for your FREE Easter Service Tickets from our website:  www.EasterAtCoastal.com.  Spread the word and start registering NOW!

Whatever you do, don’t miss this Sunday at Coastal!  It’s “D-Day!”  We’re in week 3 of “Financial Freedom” and we’re going to be talking about getting out of debt!  (By the way, 291 people are participating in this year’s Easter Fast!)

Friday’s 5:

1. Our next Newcomer’s Reception is THIS Sunday, February 25th, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website or simply by responding to this email now.  This is a great opportunity for anyone new to Coastal to meet our Staff, our Ministry Leaders, and learn more about Coastal!  It’s a great introduction to Coastal!
2. Looking for a way to serve our community and make an IMPACT?  Come and be a part of Saturday Serve!  Saturday Serve meets the first Saturday of every month (the next one is March 3rd) at 8:30am in the Welcome Center.  They explain all the different opportunities that day, pray, and then send everyone off.  For more information or to share any ideas or to be added to a “Saturday Serve” Group, contact Kiersten Brown 918-798-7299 or  kbrown@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  You can also visit our website each month to check out the different areas of service:  https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/missions-outreach/.
3. Want to feel more comfortable in sharing your story and your faith with 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, Friday night, March 9th, 6pm-9pm at the church. We’ll provide childcare and food!  Sign on up on your Connect Card or respond to this email (we already have 67 people registered!).
4. Digital Giving allows you to give as God blesses you.  There are multiple ways to give digitally at Coastal.  You can give through our website, our App, or TEXT any amount to 843-277-8337!  It’s simple, safe, secure, and convenient!  Give it a try today!
5. Don’t forget that Coastal has a fully stocked Food Bank. If you or any one you know is in need, please drop by and pick up some food – Monday-Friday 9am-4pm.  Spread the word!

Freedom!

Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal,

What an amazing week at Coastal!  First of all, we had a great kick-off to our “Financial Freedom” series – lots of excitement, lots of energy, lots of guests, and most importantly 2 more people gave their life to Christ!  This Sunday we’ll be talking about breaking free from the bondage of materialism.  Don’t miss it!

So far 225 people have already signed up to participate in our Easter Fast!  Wow!  The Easter Fast begins this Sunday, February 18th and continues until Good Friday, March 30th.  A Fast is a period of time where you give up something physical to focus yourself spiritually.  What do you fast?  Well, it’s different for different people.  It’s probably the thing that first comes to mind when you start considering to fast. It might be some form of technology or social media that seems to have a stronghold in your life.  It could be television.  It might be some specific type of food or food group – sugar, caffeine, sodas, meat, etc (if you have any health concerns, please consult a doctor).  It could be drinking or smoking.  It could be time – where you get up earlier each day for 40 days and have a quiet time.  It could be gossip or negative words.  You decide that for 40 days nothing negative will come out of your mouth.  It could be worry.  You pray.  You decide.  Read through Matthew 6:16-18.  Don’t make a big deal or a fuss about it.  Don’t post it on Facebook.  If you would like to share with us what you decide to fast, you can, but you don’t have to.  If you haven’t already signed up to join with us, simply respond to this email or you can sign up on Sunday on your Connect Card.  We’ll be adding you to a specific email group and will send out weekly notes of encouragement and information over the course of the fast.

The other exciting thing about this week is that our 2018 Winter/Spring LIFE Group Semester has started!  From all reports, we’ve had a great week!  But don’t worry, it’s still not too late to join a Group. In fact, you can check out our 2018 Winter/Spring Semester LIFE Group Catalog online and sign up today!

Friday’s 5:

1. Looking for a way to serve our community and make an IMPACT?  Come and be a part of Saturday Serve!  Saturday Serve meets the first Saturday of every month (the next one is March 3rd) at 8:30am in the Welcome Center.  They explain all the different opportunities that day, pray, and then send every off.  For more information or to share any ideas or to be added to a “Saturday Serve” Group, contact Kiersten Brown 918-798-7299 or  kbrown@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  You can also visit our website each month to check out the different areas of service:  https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/missions-outreach/.
   
2. Want to feel more comfortable in sharing your story and your faith with 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, Friday night, March 9th, 6pm-9pm at the church. We’ll provide childcare and food!  Sign on up on your Connect Card or respond to this email (we already have 38 people registered!).    

3. Our next Newcomer’s Reception is Sunday, February 25th, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website or simply by responding to this email now.  This is a great opportunity for anyone new to Coastal to meet our Staff, our Ministry Leaders, and learn more about Coastal!  It’s a great introduction to Coastal!
   
4. We’re having 4 Easter Services this year:  Friday, March 30, 7pm, Sunday, April 1st, 8am, 9:30am, 11:15am.  Our goal is to break 1200!  Start praying now!
   
5. The mom who was attacked and had her child abducted this week on John’s Island is a part of Coastal’s MOPS (Mother’s of Preschoolers) Group.  It was such a miraculous answer to prayer that the little girl was found and returned to her family.  Please continue to pray for the Todd family as they recover and put the pieces of their family back together.  Our MOPS ministry organized meals for the famliy (already full) and is now collecting restaurant (close to MUSC downtown) gift cards.  If you would like to donate a gift card or help with other possible needs, please contact Carol Wessel:  843-725-8670 or  carolwessel@hotmail.com.
   

FREEDOM!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Have 30 minutes you could spare on a Saturday morning?  Enjoy getting a little exercise, hanging out with some cool people, making an IMPACT?  Come help set up the chairs in our “worshi-gym-a-torium” Saturday morning (tomorrow) at 9am!

Dear Coastal,

Wow!  All I can say is that God must be up to something big this Sunday!  I’m definitely not one of those Pastors who sees a demon behind every bush, BUT, I do believe in Spiritual Warfare and I know that we are in a battle and that Satan doesn’t like it when people come to know Jesus and lives are changed and set free!  And that’s exactly what’s happening at Coastal!

Thursdays for me are typically “Service Run-Through” Day.  I preach my sermon to 4 or 5 people from my Staff, receive feedback, and we go over everything for Sunday.  But not yesterday.  I got a call from my Mom sometime after 5am in tears asking me to come take her to the hospital.  She told me that she thinks she’s having a heart attack.  In somewhat of a groggy state, I jumped up, told her I would be right there, and started getting dressed.  Once I cleared the cobwebs I quickly called her back and told her to call 911.  I called Christopher and Lizzy who live just around the corner from Mom and told them to head on over.  When I got to her home, the ambulance was already there and I followed my Mom to the Hospital.  To make a long story short, she WAS having a heart attack.  The cardiologist did a heart cath and put in a stent to open a blocked artery.  The Doctor said everything went great and we are expecting a full recovery.  It’s possible she will go home over the weekend.  I can’t say enough great things about all the wonderful people at Roper Hospital!

But most importantly, I can’t say enough about all of you, our church family!  To say that we felt your prayers yesterday, would be such an understatement.  I talk all the time about the importance of having 3 o’clock in the morning friends – well, I’m blessed to have more of those than any man deserves.  I can’t thank you enough for all the texts, emails, and calls.  Several people dropped by throughout the day and Ricky Spell was probably 30 minutes behind me, met us in the ER and stayed with me until my Mom came out of surgery and he could see her for himself.  Many more people offered to come down and help in any way possible. Thank you!  Thank all of you!  Coastal you never cease to amaze me!  I am constantly humbled and blown away by your love!

It seems I am reminded all the time of the brevity and frailty of life.  You just never know what the next moment will bring and how quickly life can change.  So . . . what do we do?  What’s our response?  Do we fret, worry, complain, or hide from the world?  I don’t think so.  I think we’re called to remain faithful, to make the most of every opportunity, to cherish each moment as a gift, to live on mission, to love, to serve, to boldy share the Good News of the Gospel with as many people as possible.  That’s the only thing that really matters after it’s all said and done.  One day God will call all of us home.  Am I grateful that yesterday wasn’t my Mom’s Homecoming?  You betcha!  But . . . one day He will call each of us home OR one day the sky will split, the Trumpet will sound, Jesus will will return, and He will call ALL of His children home and EVERY knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of all!  I think about those days a lot.  I can’t wait to see Him face to face!  But, He’s obviously not done with me or my Mom just yet.

Oh, and don’t worry, my sermon IS ready for Sunday!  Like I said, I’m pretty sure God is going to do some amazing things at Coastal this week!  This Sunday, February 11th – we’re kicking off “Financial Freedom!”  Obviously, every Sunday is big here at Coastal in the sense that every Sunday is important, every Sunday we share the Gospel, and each week we encourage you to invite and bring your friends.  But, pull out all the stops, do whatever it takes, and make that extra push to get your friends to church this Sunday!  During this series, we’re going to be talking about things like, “How Do I Find Financial Peace?  How Do I Get Out of Debt?  How Do I Save in this Economy?  How Do I Make Wise Financial Decisions?”  We all need this.  We’re so serious about helping people find Financial Freedom that this Sunday we’re doing a “Debt-Free” Giveaway in both services – where we give away $500 to help pay down someone’s debt! 

So what can you do to help make this Sunday a success?

1. Pray!  Pray for the people you are inviting.  Pray for all the people our church will be inviting – the large postcards that hit West Ashley this week.  Pray for people to come to know Jesus.  Pray for me & my messages.  Pray for our staff.  Pray for our volunteers.  Beg God to draw people to Himself through our church.
2. Invite!  It’s time to put everything we talked about in our IMPACT series into practice.  Make it a personal goal to invite and bring so many people.  Send emails.  Send personal messages on facebook and other social media.  Share my Facebook post.  Use our invite cards.
3. Welcome!  Go out of you way to speak to & welcome all of our guests (or anyone you don’t know).  Help us treat everyone as our welcome, expected guests in our home.  Remember, guests are GIFTS from God!  Help us treat everyone that way!
4. Consider serving!  A new series & new people means we need more and more volunteers.  If you’re not already serving somewhere, it’s time to start!  Our 1st Impressions Team is a great place to get started.  Give Chris Ranew our 1st Impressions LIFE Team Leader a call or send him an email – 706-941-2044, chrisranew@gmail.com.  Our Children’s Ministry is also a great place to serve on Sunday morning.  Contact Janet, our Children’s Ministry Director:  843-442-8299 or janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
5. Give.  Special Days incur extra expenses.  Come prepared to give generously.  Or better yet, you can give any time using any of the different ways we have to give at Coastal – our website, texting (843-277-8337), or our app.  Maybe those of you who are out of debt will consider subsidizing our Debt Free Giveaway!
6. 4 More Things to Consider on the day of the “Big Day” itself.  Parking:  the further away you park, the better.  Please park at Oakland (even at the new Oakland) and save the closer parking for guests.  Service times:  the key is come to the service that your guests are coming to.  BUT THIS IS IMPORTANT, come early!  Everything goes smoother (Child Check-In, coffee, getting a seat, helping our guests) when you come a little earlier.   Seating:  no matter which service you come to, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE sit to the front and center of each section.  This makes more room for people as they come in.  And finally, everyone PLEASE FILL OUT A CONNECT CARD!

Whew!  I think that’s about it (I know, that’s a lot more than 5 things)!  Sunday is going to be AWESOME!  Most importantly, people are going to come to Jesus!  Like I’ve said Coastal, let’s pray and beg God like it all depended on Him.  But then let’s work, invite, and share like it all depends on us.  Then let’s walk by faith and trust God with the results – today and every day!

See You & Your Friends Sunday!  Again, thank you and I love you all!

(In my best William Wallace “Braveheart” voice) FREEDOM!

Pastor Chris

Dear Friend,

I just wanted to personally invite you to a brand new message series that kicks off this coming Sunday, February 11th, at Coastal Community Church.  The series is called, “Financial Freedom.”  We’re going to be talking about things like, “How Do I Find Financial Peace?  How Do I Get Out of Debt?  How Do I Save in this Economy?  How Do I Make Wise Financial Decisions?”  This series has the potential to make a huge IMPACT in our community!

We have 2 services to make it convenient for you:  9:30AM & 11:15AM.  As a part of the kick-off of this series, during both services we’re doing a “Debt-Free” Giveaway – where we give away $500 to help pay down someone’s debt!

Also during both of our services we have a great program for children Birth-5th Grade called Coastal Kidz.  Trust me, they will have a blast!  I would also encourage you to invite and bring a friend with you.  We expect guests at Coastal!  Hope to see you this Sunday, February 11th, 9:30am or 11:15am!

FREEDOM!
Pastor Chris

Coastal Community Church
460 Arlington Dr.
Charleston SC 29414

P.S.  If you’re planning on coming (and even bringing friends), I’d love for you to respond to this email to let me know.  I love hearing from you!

Dear Coastal,

What an amazing LIFE GROUP SUNDAY we had last week (in spite the weather)!  Our LIFE Group Leaders and all of our Volunteers really went above and beyond.  The engergy, excitement, sense of community, the food, the fun (the Pastor Chris body double) – it was such a great day!  And MOST IMPORTANTLY – A LOT OF PEOPLE SIGNED UP FOR A LIFE GROUP!  Right we have over 400 signups in all of our Groups!  And people are still signing up!  In fact, you can check out our 2018 Winter/Spring Semester LIFE Group Catalog online and sign up today!  Most of our Groups begin the week of Febrary 11th.  Spread the word and invite someone to join you!

“Saturday Serve” officially launches TOMORROW!  What is “Saturday Serve” you ask?  Well, the first Saturday of each month we’ll gather at the church at 8:30am and then send off groups of people to love, serve, help our neighbors or different organizations in our community.  And don’t worry, each project will be organized and have a leader.  All you have to do is show up, pick an activity you’re interested in, and serve.  It’s our way to make being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community a priority.    This month, for example, we are collecting any and all Thrift Store Donations (furniture, household items, basically anything you’re getting rid of).  There will be a truck here to collect everything from 9am-12noon.  Those donated items are collected to raise funds for families at My Sister’s House (a shelter for abused women).  There will be a group serving at the Lowcountry Food Bank.  Another group will help beautify a local Community Garden.  We’ll have volunteers serving at Jenkins Orphanage.  And we’ll be putting on a “Tailgate Party” for a Homeless Ministry in North Charleston.  WOW!  For more information or to answer any of your questions, contact Kiersten Brown  918-798-7299 or  kbrown@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  You can also visit our website each month to check out the different areas of service:  https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/missions-outreach/.  See you in the morning!

Friday’s 5:

1. Interested in offically making Coastal your church home?  Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, February 3rd, 9am-12noon.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.
2. On Sunday February 11th, we kick off a brand new series called, “Financial Freedom”!  We’re going to talk about things like, “How Do I Find Financial Peace? How Do I Overcome the Desire for More?  How Do I Get Out of Debt?  How Do I Save in this Economy?  How Do I Make Wise Financial Decisions?  How Do I Honor God with My Finances?”  This series has the potential to make a huge IMPACT not only in our church, but in our community!  And as a part of the kick-off of this series, we’re doing a “Debt-Free” Giveaway – where we give away $500 to help pay down someone’s debt (one person in each service)!  Start spreading the word now – invite & bring your ONE!
3. “Covered In Love” – As a part of making an IMPACT in February, we’re collecting filled out Valentines and blankets now through February 14th (you can drop the items off at the church) to be distributed to a local Assisted Living Center.  We’re also looking for Volunteers to deliver them on Valentine’s Day!  Contact Kiersten Brown for more information – 918-798-7299 or kbrown@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
4. Want to feel more comfortable in sharing your story and your faith with 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, Friday night, March 9th, 6pm-9pm at the church. We’ll provide childcare and food!  Sign on up on your Connect Card or respond to this email (we already have 38 people registered!).
5. Our next Newcomer’s Reception is Sunday, February 25th, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website or simply by responding to this email now.  This is a great opportunity for anyone new to Coastal to meet our Staff, our Ministry Leaders, and learn more about Coastal!  It’s a great introduction to Coastal!

Making an IMPACT!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Remember to pray for your ONE!  We will reach our IMPACT goal of 100 Salvations & Baptisms this year ONE life at a time!  Make sure you check out our IMPACT sign this Sunday!

Dear Coastal,

Woohoo!  This Sunday is LIFE GROUP SUNDAY!! Which means that you get to check out all the different groups, meet the Leaders, enjoy some great food, have a blast and MOST IMPORTANTLY – SIGN UP FOR A LIFE GROUP!  You can also go ahead and check out our 2018 Winter/Spring Semester LIFE Group Catalog online and sign up from our website!  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.  So spread the word and invite someone to join you!

I want to let you know about our next series starting on Sunday February 11th!  I’m really excited about this series!  It’s called, “Financial Freedom” (and no, don’t worry it’s not all about giving)!  We’re going to talk about things like, “How Do I Find Financial Peace? How Do I Overcome the Desire for More?  How Do I Get Out of Debt?  How Do I Save in this Economy?  How Do I Make Wise Financial Decisions?  How Do I Honor God with My Finances?  How Do I Live Like No One Else?”  I read the prayer requests every week, trust me, we all need this.  This series has the potential to make a huge IMPACT not only in our church, but in our community!  And as a part of the kick-off of this series, we’re doing a “Debt-Free” Giveaway – where we give away $500 to help pay down someone’s debt (one person in each service)!  Start spreading the word now – invite & bring your ONE!

Friday’s 5:

1. “Covered In Love” – As a part of making an IMPACT in February, we’re collecting filled out Valentines and blankets now through February 14th (you can drop the items off at the church) to be distributed to a local Assisted Living Center.  We’re also looking for Volunteers to deliver them on Valentine’s Day!  Contact Kiersten Brown for more information – 918-798-7299 or kbrown@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
2. Want to feel more comfortable in sharing your story and your faith with 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, Friday night, March 9th, 6pm-9pm at the church. We’ll provide childcare and food!  Sign on up on your Connect Card or respond to this email (we already have 38 people registered!). 

3. Make an IMPACT in our community by coming to “Saturday Serve!”  The first Saturday of each month (beginning next Saturday, Februrary 3rd, 8:30am) we’ll gather at the church and then send off groups of people to serve, help, assist different organizations in our community.  This month, we are collecting any and all Thrift Store Donations (furniture, household items, basically anything you’re getting rid of).  There will be a truck here to collect everything from 9am-12noon.  Those donated items are collected to raise funds for families at My Sister’s House.  So even if you can’t stay, come by and drop off your “stuff”!  Contact Kiersten Brown, for more information:  kbrown@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 918-798-7299.

4. Interested in offically making Coastal your church home?  Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, February 3rd, 9am-12noon.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.

5. Our next Necomer’s Reception is Sunday, February 25th, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website or simply by responding to this email now.  This is a great opportunity for anyone new to Coastal to meet our Staff, our Ministry Leaders, and learn more about Coastal!  It’s a great introduction to Coastal!
   

Making an IMPACT!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Today is my Beautiful Bride Janet’s Birthday!  She’s not on social media, so feel free to wish her a Happy Birthday via text or email – janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 843-442-8299. 

Dear Coastal,

So many exciting things to share with you today!  First of all, our Students had an awesome Winter Retreat!  Most importantly 19 of those Students gave their life to Jesus over the weekend!  Woohoo!  And right now 6 of those Students are getting Baptized this Sunday!  Add that to the 4 peple we Baptized two weeks ago and the 2 people who gave their life to Christ this past Sunday, that’s 21 Salvations and 10 Baptisms so far this year!  Thank you Jesus!  Keep praying!  Keep inviting!  Keep loving!  Beg God to use our church to draw people to Himself!  And when we see each other on Sunday morning, I hope to see the steam rising off of everyone because together we’ve been beating down the gates of Hell and rescuing people ONE life at a time!  Can you tell I’m pumped?!

And Coastal, let me say this – that’s why we give!  We’re funding this mission of “sharing & experiencing the LIFE & LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world!”  We’re going to keep reaching people, keep growing!  We’re going to fill both services, add a third, and then build another building!  And then our current building will be completely dedicated to our Students and the Community!  Are you with me?  I know so many of you are!  How do I know that?  Because so many of you give sacrificially!  Our Christmas Offering Goal this past year was the largest we’ve ever set – $60,000.  Drumroll please. . . this year WE gave $66,876.88!!  Wow!  Just WOW!  Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  I know where your heart is!  Together we are making and IMPACT – ONE life at a time!

Friday’s 5:

1. If you are leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this Semester there is a Mandatory Life Group Training – either 7pm, Tuesday, Jan 23rd or 10am, Saturday, Jan 27th.  ALL Life Group Leaders (Leaders, Co-Leaders, Assistants), are required to attend one, just choose the date that works best for you.  Childcare provided.

2. Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) kicks off the new semester with WAVES Wednesday Night, January 24th, at 6pm!  Invite and bring a Student!
   
3. Life Group Sunday – January 28th!  The Big Tent will be setup and everyone will have the opportunity to check out all the different Groups for the Winter/Spring Semester!  Life Groups Kick-Off the week of Sunday, February 11th and end the week of May 13th.  

4. Help us make an IMPACT in our community by coming to “Saturday Serve.”  The first Saturday of each month (beginning Februrary 3rd, 8:30am) we’ll gather at the church and then send off groups of people to serve, help, assist different organizations in our community.  It’s a tangible way to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  Sign up on your Connect Card to volunteer.  If you have any questions or an idea about a worthy cause or volunteer/service opportunity, please contact Kiersten Brown, our Director of Missions & Outreach at kbrown@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 918-798-7299.

5. Interested in offically making Coastal your church home?  Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, February 3rd, 9am-12noon.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.
   

Making an IMPACT!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  If you haven’t heard yet, Pastor Scott and I are leading a Trip to the Holy Land!  The dates are November 5-14, 2018.  The cost is $4200 (could be less depending on how many people go).  You can also learn more about the trip by visiting this link: http://www.maranathatours.com/Diamond-Nov-2018-Israel.  If you are interested in going or have any questions, reach out to Pastor Scott at scottw@coastalcommunitychurch.org. 

Dear Coastal,

Our Students leave for their Annual Winter Retreat in Pigeon Forge, TN TODAY at 6pm!  They return Monday, January 15th at 6pm!  Right now I believe they are taking 66 Students and 16 Adults for a grand total of 82!  Last year’s total was 52!  And more significantly, 14 Students last year indicated that they gave their life to Christ on the Retreat.  I ask you to join me in not only praying for their safety, but that even more of our Students come to Christ this weekend!  Parents, if you have any last minute questions about the Retreat, please call Ryan at 843-442-8985.

We kicked of the New Year baptizing 4 people this past Sunday – woohoo!  Our goal for 2018 is to Baptize 100 people.  To help us accomplish that goal we knew we needed to make getting Baptized more accessible and more available.  So we purchased a new portable Baptistry to help us do that.  In fact, from here on out, you don’t have to wait until WE schedule a Baptism Service.  When you’re ready, just sign up on our Connect Card or on our website and we’ll Baptize you as soon as the following Sunday.  We’d eventually love to see people getting Baptized every Sunday during our worship.  We’d also love to start seeing the people who had a hand in that person becoming a believer do the Baptizing (parents, LIFE Group Leaders, friends).  We will still have several specific Baptism Services throughout the year (like our Beach Baptism). So, let us know when you’re ready!

Friday’s 5:

1. This Sunday, January 14th, is the last Sunday to give toward our 6th Annual Christmas Offering!  Our goal is $60,000.  We’ll announce our grand total  after this Sunday.  Please designate your gift with the word, “Christmas.”
2. If you are leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group this Semester there is a Mandatory Life Group Training – either 7pm, Tuesday, Jan 23rd or 10am, Saturday, Jan 27th.  All Life Group Leaders are required to attend one, just choose the date that works best for you.
3. Life Group Sunday – January 28th!  The tent will be setup and everyone will have the opportunity to check out all the Groups for the Winter/Spring Semester!  Life Groups Kick-Off the week of Sunday, February 11th and end the week of May 13th.
4. Help us make an IMPACT in our community by coming to “Saturday Serve.”  The first Saturday of each month (beginning Februrary 3rd, 8:30am) we’ll gather at the church and then send off groups of people to serve, help, assist different organizations in our community.  It’s a tangible way to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  Sign up on your Connect Card to volunteer.  If you have any questions or an idea about a worthy cause or volunteer/service opportunity, please contact Kiersten Brown, our Director of Missions & Outreach at kbrown@coastalcommunitychurch.org or 918-798-7299.
5. Interested in offically making Coastal your church home?  Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, February 3rd, 9am-12noon.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.

Making an IMPACT!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Interested in a fun way to serve at Coastal?  Join us tomorrow morning for Chair Set Up!  Each Saturday morning at 9am a group of volunteers come to the auditorium and set up our chairs for Sunday worship.  With 6 or more volunteers it only takes less than 30 minutes.  Plus it’s great fun, you meet other people, and get in some quick exercise!

Dear Coastal,

Wow – talk about a crazy weather week here in Charleston – SNOW and lots of it!  I hope you’ve been able to enjoy this Winter Wonderland!  Like me, I’m sure many of you have a bit of “cabin fever” by now.  We haven’t left our house since Tuesday night!

Right now, we’re simply monitoring the situation for Sunday morning – planning for services as normal, but again, we’ll see what the weekend brings.  Our top priority is safety.  We’re hoping that 2 more days of sunshine clear the roadways for travel.  Check our Facebook page and website for any updates.  Anticipate receving a text/email by Saturday afternoon.  Honestly, it would be great to get out of the house and see everyone on Sunday!

This Saturday, tomorrow, was supposed to be our first “Saturday Serve” of the new year!  However, due to the weather we have decided to officially launch “Saturday Serve” in February – February 3rd to be exact.  Saturday Serve meets the first Saturday of each month and gives our church an opportunity to serve and make an IMPACT in our church and community.’

This Sunday, January 7th, the first Sunday of the New Year, we’ll be kicking off a series called, “IMPACT”.  The word IMPACT is our theme for 2018 – making an impact with our lives in our church, our community, and our world!  The series will be specifically about how to share your faith with the world around you and make an IMPACT!  Don’t miss it!

Friday’s 5:

1. Our Students leave for their Annual Winter Retreat in Pigeon Forge, TN next Friday, January 12 at 6pm!  They return Monday, January 15th!  If you know you have not turned in the medical release form you can do so on our website under the Student page. You can also complete one when you drop of your student the day of departure.  Also if you need to pay or finish paying for your student’s trip you can do so on the website. Just click give and enter your students name in the special instructions box (Your Students Name/ Winter Retreat). If you have already paid the deposit or are unsure how much you have paid please contact Ryan Spell. If paying online is not possible, you can bring the money the day of departure and we will have a table set up to collect.  If you are interested in providing a scholarship to pay for a Student’s trip, please contact ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
2. If you are planning on leading a LIFE Group in the new semester of 2018, please turn in all your Group information to Pastor Scott by Tuesday, January 9th – scottw@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  Life Group Training – either 7pm, Tuesday, Jan 23rd or 10am, Saturday, Jan 27th.  All Life Group Leaders are required to attend, just choose the date that works best for you.
3. Life Group Sunday – January 28th!  The tent will be setup and everyone will have the opportunity to check out all the Groups for the Winter/Spring Semester!  Life Groups Kick-Off the week of Sunday, February 11th.
4. Interested in going public with your faith through Baptism?  Never been Baptized by immersion?  Respond to this email or sign up online to be Baptized on the first Sunday of the New Year – this Sunday, January 7th (or any Sunday).
5. Interested in offically making Coastal your church home?  Our next Membership Class is Saturday morning, February 3rd, 9am-12noon.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.

Happy New Year!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Only 2 more Sunday’s (January 7th & 14th) to give to our 6th Annual Christmas Offering!  Our goal is $60,000.  We’ll announce our grand total  after January 14th.  Please designate your gift with the word, “Christmas.”

Dear Coastal,

Good Friday morning Coastal!  I sincerely hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas!  For those of you who have had some time off this week from work, I hope you got to spend time with family, have some fun, relax and refresh.  I know many of you are out of town and will be traveling back to Charleston this weekend.  I’ll be praying for safe travels.

Let me begin by saying what an awesome Christmas Eve we had at Coastal!  Our attendance was 675 with over 400 of those in the first service (we had to bring in more chairs)!  Next year we’ll definitely go back to tickets, so we can get a better feel for how many people will be in each service.  We had almost 40 1st & 2nd Time Guests turn in their Connect Cards!  I just LOVE when someone from Coastal comes up to me and introduces me to their guests!  I LOVE hearing about some of you trying your best to fill a row!  Most importantly 4 people indicated that they renewed their commitment to Jesus and 2 more people gave their life to Jesus!  Woohoo!  That’s what it’s all about Coastal!  That’s why we do what we do!

Oh and let me say that as a result of this past week’s offering, we are REALLY CLOSE to reaching our goal of $60,000 for our Christmas Offering!  I’m going to hold off telling you the grand total until after January 14th (the last Sunday to give), but let’s just say that we’re very close.  For those of you who want your offering to go toward your 2017 Giving Statement, this Sunday, December 31st is obviouslly your last Sunday to give.  Anything given after this Sunday will go toward your 2018 Giving Statement.  Our entire offering on Christmas Eve went toward the Christmas Offering total, but from here on out, remember, please use the designated word “Christmas” to give toward the Christmas Offering.  I’m always blown away by the generosity of our church!

This Sunday we’ll be wrapping up our “Grateful” series.  On January 7th, the first Sunday of the New Year, we’ll be kicking off a series called, “IMPACT”.  The word IMPACT is our theme for 2018 – making an impact with our lives in our church, our community, and our world!  The series will be specifically about how to share your faith with the world around you and make an IMPACT!  Don’t miss it!

Friday’s 5:

1. Remember, there will only be ONE SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE this Sunday for New Year’s Eve at 9:30am.  If you’re out of town or home sick, don’t forget you can always catch our services live online at https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/resources/live.
2. If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group in the new semester of 2018, please let us know now on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott at scottw@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
3. Interested in going public with your faith through Baptism?  Never been Baptized by immersion?  Respond to this email, sign up online, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday to be Baptized on the first Sunday of the New Year – Sunday, January 7th.
4. Don’t forget that Coastal has a fully stocked Food Bank.  If you or any one you know is in need (especially over the Holidays), please drop by and pick up some food.  Spread the word!
5. There will be a Security Team Meeting on Saturday morning (TOMORROW), December 30th, 9am in the auditorium – and we’re serving you BREAKFAST!  This meeting is for all current Team members and those interested in serving.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Don’t forget – only ONE SERVICE THIS SUNDAY, NEW YEAR’S EVE, AT 9:30AM!

Dear Coastal,

We had another person give their life to Jesus this past Sunday and 4 more people getting Baptized on January 7th!  Woohoo!  Keep it up Coastal!  Keep praying, keep sharing, keep loving, serving, and inviting!  Remember, we work like it all depends on us, pray like it all depends on God, walk by faith, trust God with the results, and celebrate the victory!  Together we are making a dent in Hell!  Jesus said, “I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”  We miss the emphasis of this verse in our English translations, because it sounds like we’re on the defensive.  You know, “Jesus will build the church, and by His power, in the end, we’ll be able to withstand the beating we take from Satan.”  But in the original language, we’re on the offensive, “Jesus will build the church and ultimately even hell itself won’t be able the withstand the butt-whupping WE’LL put on Satan!”  The church is marching forward and even Hell can’t keep us out!  That’s us Coastal – you and me – beating down the gates of hell, rescuing people, making an IMPACT, ONE life at a time!

It always bothers me when churches and Christians complain about people who only come to church on Christmas and Easter.  Listen, that’s why we exist – to share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and world!  If you know someone who might come to church because it’s Christmas (probably more people than you realize) invite them to Coastal!  Becasue here’s what I guarantee you – we will lift up Jesus and we will share the good news of the Gospel!

So – you should know the drill by now – do whatever it takes and invite & bring someone to church with you this Christmas Eve!  We’re having 2 Family Christmas Eve Services on Sunday night, December 24th, 5:30pm & 7pm!  Nursery – 3year olds will be cared for in the Coastal Kidz Building, but all other children will be in the auditorium (there will be a “special guest” at the end of both services with giveaways).  Come early. Park over at Oakland to make more room for guests (the further away you park, the better).  Fill out your Connect Card (this encourages our Guests to do the same). Sit to the front & center of each section of the auditorium, making more room for others.  And then most importantly, during the entire service, PRAY!  Pray me, pray for my message, pray that all of it fits together and leads people to Jesus!

Remember, there will be NO SUNDAY MORNING SERVICES this Sunday – just our 2 Christmas Eve services at 5:30pm and 7pm.  If you haven’t done so yet, please volunteer to serve in one of the two services.

Friday’s 5:

1. There are just three weeks left to give your gift toward our Annual Christmas Offering (now through January 14th)!  Remember, our entire offering on Christmas Eve will go toward the Christmas Offering.  Right now, we’re at $25,000!  I know that’s a long way from our goal, but it’s still worth celebrating!  We can’t all give the same amount, but we can all make the same sacrifice and give something.  Every gift counts – large and small!  To give toward the Christmas Offering, simply designate your gift with the word “Christmas.”  Remember this is above and beyond your regular giving.  Our theme for 2018 is “IMPACT”.  This offering simply enables our church to continue to make an IMPACT in our church, community, and world!
2. If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group in the new semester of 2018, please let us know now on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott at scottw@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
3. Interested in going public with your faith through Baptism?  Never been Baptized by immersion?  Respond to this email, sign up online, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday to be Baptized on the first Sunday of the New Year – Sunday, January 7th.
4. As we strive to create a safe, nurturing enviromment for worship, learning, and serving, we’re forming a Medical Response Team made up of qualified individuals who would be on call in case of an emergency during our services to administer CPR, use the defibrilllator, etc. until an ambulance arrived. If you are trained for such situations and are interested in joining this Team, you can respond to this email, call Janet Rollins directly at 843-442-8299, or email her at janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
5. There will be a Security Team Meeting on Saturday morning, December 30th, 9am in the auditorium – and we’re serving you BREAKFAST!  This meeting is for all current Team members and those interested in serving.

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Don’t forget that Coastal has a fully stocked Food Bank.  If you or any one you know is in need (especially over the Holidays), please drop by and pick up some food.  Spread the word!

Dear Coastal,

We had 9 inviduals join our church last week and after last Sunday’s message, “I’m grateful for my church,” we had another 15 people sign up for our Membership Class tomorrow morning!  That’s 24 people in just the last 2 weeks and another person gave their life to Jesus (that’s 60 people so far this year)!  This Sunday’s message is, “I’m grateful for my salvation.”  You know what I believe?  People are going to get saved this Sunday!  Invite and bring your ONE to church this week!  This Sunday could be their day – their “Birthday”!

I want to tell you something pretty cool that’s happening today that you’re a part of because you are a part of Coastal and give to our church.  This morning over at Oakland Elementary School every Student and Teacher is going to be given a FREE brand new “Oakland Orca” t-shirt (800 shirts) – designed and paid for by Coastal!  I wish you could see the excitement and joy in all the kids when they get their shirt!  Just like I said on Sunday, “I love my church!”  I’m so grateful to be a part of a generous church that is making an IMPACT in our community!

Ministry Opportunity Spotlight:

Today, I’d like to highlight a brand new Ministry opportunity at Coastal – a Medical Emergency Response Team.  As we strive to create a safe, nurturing enviromment for worship, learning, and serving, we would like to add a Team of qualified individuals who would be on call in case of an emergency during our services to administer CPR, use the defibrilllator, etc. until an ambulance arrived. If you are trained for such situations and are interested in joining this Team, you can respond to this email, call Janet Rollins directly at 843-442-8299, or email her at janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

Friday’s 5:

1. Interested in offically making Coastal your church home?  We just scheduled a LAST CHANCE Membership Class, this Satuday morning (tomorrow), December 16th, 9am-12noon.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online or respond to this email.  This is the LAST MEMBERSHIP CLASS of 2017!
2. If you haven’t heard yet, we’re having 2 Family Christmas Eve Services on Sunday night, December 24th, 5:30pm & 7pm!  Nursery – 3year olds will be cared for in the Coastal Kidz Building, but all other children will be in the auditorium (there will be a “special guest” at the end of both services).  There will be NO SUNDAY MORNING SERVICES that day.  Invite & bring your friends – as always it’s going to be AWESOME!  And if you haven’t done so yet, please volunteer to serve in one of the two services.
3. Our 6th Annual Christmas Offering is in full swing!  Now through the second Sunday of the New Year, January 14th (just 4 more weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s special Christmas Offering.  To give toward the Christmas Offering, simply designate your gift with the word “Christmas.”  Remember this is above and beyond your regular giving.  Our theme for 2018 is “IMPACT”.  This offering simply enables our church to continue to make an IMPACT in our church, community, and world!
4. If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group in the new semester of 2018, please let us know now on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott at scottw@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
5. Interested in going public with your faith through Baptism?  Never been Baptized by immersion?  Respond to this email, sign up online, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday to be Baptized on the first Sunday of the New Year – Sunday, January 7th.

I love MY church!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Did you know that we had 72 Middle & High School Students at WAVES 6.2.SIX this past Wednesday night for their Christmas/End of the Year Party?!  Start praying now for their Winter Retreat, January 12-15, that many Students get saved and give their life to Jesus!

Dear Coastal,

So . . . have you hugged your kids today?  Your spouse?  Have you told the people in your family that you love them and that you’re grateful for them?  Have you done it today?  We’re in a series right now called, “grateful” and last week was, “I’m grateful for my family.”  Instead of taking our families for granted, today let’s express our love and gratitude.  Don’t wait for a tragedy or a funeral to remind you to be grateful for your family.   This week’s message, “I’m grateful for my church.”  Don’t miss it!

Speaking of being grateful for my church, I was truly amazed that ALL the food was taken and given away last week!  Not because I doubted your heart, but simply because there was so much of it!  But then again, you really never cease to amaze me!

Our newly announced 2018 IMPACT Goal is to see 100 Salvations & 100 Baptisms for the year!  How are we going to make that kind of IMPACT?  Simple.  Just like last year – ONE life at a time!  Keep praying for your ONE!  Keep inviting and bringing people to church!  Keep spreading the word about Coastal!  And beginning in 2018 we’re going to make it even easier for people to get Baptized during our Worship services.  We’re purchasing a brand new portable Baptistry that will be ready for people to get Baptized each and every Sunday!  In fact, you can sign up now to get Baptized the first Sunday of the new year – January 7th!  Simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up online!

Ministry Opportunity Spotlight:

Today, I’d like to highlight a part of our 1st Impressions Team that we need to expand – our Parking Team.  Over the years, especially on Big Days & Special Events, we’ve always made sure we have volunteers in our Parking Lots, the Street Crossing, and our Golf Carts.  Well, we’re now realizing that we need volunteers in those areas each and every Sunday – helping people find parking, welcoming our Guests, and offering assistance (and yes, driving the Golf Carts).  If you are interested in serving in this capacity, you can respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, call Chris Ranew directly at 706-941-2044, or email him at chrisranew@gmail.com.

Friday’s 5:

1. If you haven’t heard yet, we’re having 2 Family Christmas Eve Services on Sunday night, December 24th, 5:30pm & 7pm!  Nursery – 3year olds will be cared for in the Coastal Kidz Building, but all other children will be in the auditorium (there will be a “special guest” at the end of both services).  There will be NO SUNDAY MORNING SERVICES that day.  Invite & bring your friends – as always it’s going to be AWESOME!

2. Our 6th Annual Christmas Offering has begun!  Now through the second Sunday of the New Year, January 14th (5 more weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s special Christmas Offering.  Our goal is BIG – $60,000 – but what we keep learning over and over again is that we serve a BIGGER GOD!  To give toward the Christmas Offering, simply designate your gift with the word “Christmas.”  Remember this is above and beyond your regular giving.  Our theme for 2018 is “IMPACT”.  This offering simply enables our church to continue to make an IMPACT in our church, community, and world!

3. If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group in the new semester of 2018, please let us know now on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott at scottw@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
4. WAVES Student Christmas Party – Wednesday night, December 13th at 6pm.  Bring a gift for the Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange!  Wear your favorite Christmas PJ’s or Christmas Sweater!  Invite & bring your friends!

5. Interested in offically making Coastal your church home?  We just scheduled a LAST CHANCE Membership Class, Satuday morning, December 16th, 9am-12noon.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.  This is the LAST MEMBERSHIP CLASS of 2017!
   

With a Grateful Heart!

Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal,

Wow!  It’s hard to believe that today is December 1st!  Christmas is just around the corner.  Are you ready?  Have you seen the lights yet at J.I. County Park?  Do you have your tree up yet?  Guess what?  We have ours up at Coastal!  I can’t wait for you to see all the decorations!  Don’t miss this Sunday as we continue with our “Grateful” series!  This Sunday’s message:  “I’m Grateful for My Family.”  And yes, we’re back to our regular service times of 9:30am & 11:15am.

Tonight, 6:30-8:30, we’re having an Oyster Roast (and Hotdogs & Chili) for our Life Group & Life Team Leaders!  It’s our way to recognize & thank our Leaders, give thanks for this past semester, and cast vision for the new year. 

Come ready to help “Feed Charleston” this Sunday!  When you come to church there will be several tables of pre-bagged food.  We’re asking everyone to take a bag of food and give it to someone in need – a nearby shelter, a shut-in, someone in your community.  Start thinking now about who you will bless!  The overabundance of food is thanks to our good friends at Oakland Elementary School.  Their food drive enabled us to fully stock our Food Bank AND give away food this Sunday!

Ministry Opportunity Spotlight:

Today, I’d like to highlight our Prayer Team.  One of the things that I love about our church and our Sunday morning services in particular, is that we have a group of people who are ready to pray with anyone in need or making decisions.  Yes, people can turn in their Prayer Requests on the back of their Connect Card, but sometimes you just need a fellow follower of Jesus to pray with you then and there during a service.  Our Prayer Team does that.  If you have a passion for praying with people, seeing people come to Christ and taking next steps, this may be the place for you.   If you are interested in volunteering, you can respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, or email Billy Burnett directly at billy.burnett@GRSI.com.

Friday’s 5:

1. Our 6th Annual Christmas Offering has begun!  Now through the second Sunday of the New Year, January 14th (6 more weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s special Christmas Offering.  Our goal is BIG – $60,000 – but what we keep learning over and over again is that we serve a BIGGER GOD!  To give toward the Christmas Offering, simply designate your gift with the word “Christmas.”  Remember this is above and beyond your regular giving.  Our theme for 2018 is “IMPACT”.  This offering simply enables our church to continue to make an IMPACT in our church, community, and world!

2. If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group in the new semester of 2018, please let us know now on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott at scottw@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  Childcare will be provided. 

3. New to Coastal?  Like to meet our Staff, Ministry Leaders and other new people like yourself?  Like to learn more about Pastor Chris and the history of our church?  Make plans to attend our next Necomer’s Reception, THIS Sunday, December 3rd, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or simply by responding to this email now.

4. Interested in offically making Coastal your church home?  Our next Membership Class is THIS MONDAY NIGHT, December 4th, 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.

5. WAVES Student Christmas Party – Wednesday night, December 13th at 6pm.  Bring a gift for the Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange!  Wear your favorite Christmas PJ’s or Christmas Sweater!  Invite & bring your friends!

With a Grateful Heart!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Looking for a fun way to volunteer at Coastal that only takes 30 minutes?  Come help with Chair Set-Up on Saturday mornings at 9am!

Dear Coastal,

There’s “Black Friday”, “Cyber Monday” and today is typically called, “Giving Tuesday”!  Regardless of what labels we assign these days, the reality is that more people will buy more stuff online this week 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 are shopping online over the next month, why not consider doing one of 3 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.  You do not have to have a PayPal account to give.
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.
3. If you haven’t done so already, download our church app onto your phone, ipod, or tablet.  Simply go to your app store and search for Coastal Community Church Charleston.  It’s free!  Not only is it a great way to spread the Word and keep up with all things Coastal, but you can GIVE through our app as well!  Simply click on the giving tab and follow the instructions.

Today would be a great time to start giving toward our Christmas Offering – simply use the keyword “Christmas”.  This year’s Christmas Offering is going toward our Student Ministry (Camp), our Children’s Ministry (VBS), remodeling our Coastal Kidz Building, and our Summer of IMPACT serving our community.  Our goal that enables us to fully fund each of these iniatives is $60,000!  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.

Happy Shopping (and Giving)!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  We’re back to our regular service times this Sunday of 9:30am and 11:15am.  We’re in a new series called, “grateful.”  I promise – you’ll be glad you came!  And make plans now to attend one of our two Familiy Christmas Eve Services, Sunday night, December 24th at 5:30pm or 7pm (no morning services).

Dear Coastal,

Don’t forget that we only have one combined service again this weekend at 9:30am (no 11:15am service).  We’re kicking off a new series called, “Grateful.”  Don’t miss it!  If you’re still out of town, remember you can watch our services LIVE from our website at https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/resources/live.

We had quite an IMPACTful weekend at Coastal this past week!  First of all, I want to thank everyone who supported our Student Ministry by helping with, coming out, and bidding on items at the Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction.  It was a great event that raised over $8000 for their Winter Retreat.  Please continue to pray for our Students and their Retreat and that lives are changed!  We hope to take approximately 60 Students to the Retreat (January 12-15).

And then what can I say about our ONE Service/Party?!  I told you back in January that when we reached our goal of 52 people giving their life to Jesus this year that we were going to celebrate – and celebrate we did!   I also announced our goal for 2018 – 100 Salvations & 100 Baptisms!  How are we going to reach that goal?  By making an IMPACT – ONE life at a time!  We will pray like it all depends on God;  love, serve, give, share, invite like it all depends on us; walk by faith and trust God with the results!  Read the Parable of the Talents this week (Matthew 25:14-30).  I believe that God is calling on us to double our IMPACT!

And then something else IMPACTful happened on Monday that many of you might not have seen.  Oakland Elementary School donated over 2800 canned goods and food items for our food bank – more than doubling what they gave last year!  Not only will their donation mean that our Food Bank will be fully stocked for months to come, but on Sunday, December 3rd we’re going to do something called, “Feed Charleston.”  When you come to church that Sunday there will be several tables of pre-bagged food.  We’re asking everyone to take a bag of food and give it to someone in need – a nearby shelter, a shut-in, someone in your community.  Start thinking now about who you will bless.

Ministry Opportunity Spotlight:

Today, I’d like to highlight our Chair Set-Up Ministry.  I jokingly call our facility a Worshi-Gym-Atorium!  What does that mean?  Our facility gets used by our church and our community all week long!  That’s exactly what we hoped for when we built our facility – that it would be a tool for ministry and growth.  Now what does that practically mean for our church week in and week out?  It means that we have to “stack & pack” our chairs after the last service on Sunday and set-up the chairs again on Saturday morning at 9am.  During the LIFE Group Semester, each one of our Groups volunteers at least once to help with set-up.  But there is also a faithful group of volunteers who come almost every Saturday to help set up the chairs.  With 8 or more people, it only takes 30 minutes or less.  But that 30 minutes makes a huge IMPACT during the week!  If you are interested in volunteering, you can respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, or email Joey Broach directly at joey.broach14@gmail.com.

Friday’s 5:

1. Our 6th Annual Christmas Offering has begun!  Now through the second Sunday of the New Year, January 14th (7 more weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s special Christmas Offering.  Our goal is BIG – $60,000 – but what we keep learning over and over again is that we serve a BIGGER GOD!  To give toward the Christmas Offering, simply designate your gift with the word “Christmas.”  Remember this is above and beyond your regular giving.  Our theme for 2018 is “IMPACT”.  This offering simply enables our church to continue to make an IMPACT in our church, community, and world!
2. On Friday night, December 1st, 6:30pm-8:30pm, we are having an Oyster Roast & Appreciation Party for all LIFE Group & Ministry Leaders!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group in the new semester of 2018, please let us know now on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott at scottw@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  Childcare will be provided.
3. New to Coastal?  Like to meet our Staff, Ministry Leaders and other new people like yourself?  Like to learn more about Pastor Chris and the history of our church?  Make plans to attend our next Necomer’s Reception, Sunday, December 3rd, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or simply by responding to this email now.
4. Interested in offically making Coastal your church home?  Our next Membership Class is Monday night, December 4th, 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.
5. WAVES Student Christmas Party – Wednesday night, December 13th at 6pm.  Bring a gift for the Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange!  Wear your favorite Christmas PJ’s or Christmas Sweater!  Invite & bring your friends!

With a Grateful Heart!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  While you’re shopping online this weekend, 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 and give to our Annual Christmas Offering!  Use the keyword “Christmas.”  It’s simple, safe, secure, and convenient!

Dear Coastal,

I just want to take this opportunity 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.  Coastal is not just a church I attend or a place where I work.  It is a family I belong to, a community I’m a part of.

1Thessalonians 5:18 says, “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  One of the questions I get asked more than any other is, “What’s God’s will for my life?”  Part of God’s will for all of us is gratitude.  We might not be able to give thanks FOR all circumstances, but we can choose to give thanks IN all circumstances.

Each year brings with it ups and downs, joys and sorrows, big & small changes.  Through it all, it is my prayer that we are a grateful people and just a little bit more like Jesus.  Ephesians 1:3, “How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ.”  We belong to Jesus and because of that we are blessed!  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!

If you and your family are in town, we would love to see you at Coastal on Sunday!  There will only be 1 morning service this Sunday: 9:30am!  This is a great time of the year to come back to church!  We begin a new Christmas series this Sunday entitled, of all things, “Grateful.”  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 and give to our Annual Christmas Offering!  Use the keyword “Christmas.”  It’s simple, safe, secure, and convenient!

Dear Coastal,

There are so many exciting things going on at Coastal right now, I don’t know where to begin!  So I decided to start on a personal level. If you haven’t heard yet our daughter Lydia is getting married!  Andrew proposed this past Sunday at sunset on Newport Beach out in Southern California (and she said “yes” of course).  The wedding will be May 27th, there in California, over Memorial Weekend.  I’ll be giving Lydia away AND performing the ceremony (hmmm, what will I say – haha)!  At some point they will come out to Charleston and we’ll throw a little party for them.  We’re so excited and grateful!

Now, what’s happening at Coastal you ask?  Well for starters the WAVES Student Ministry Silent Auction & Spaghetti Dinner is TONIGHT 6:30pm-8:30pm! Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door if you haven’t gotten one yet. All the proceeds go to the Winter Retreat.  The most important thing though is to come out and bid on items at the Silent Auction and buy some cool new WAVES Apparel.  Trust me, there will be a wide variety of great stuff to bid on!  Come prepared to support our Student Ministry!

And then of course THIS SUNDAY is our ONE Combined Service & Party to celebrate reaching our goal of at least 52 people giving their life to Christ this year!  The one service time is 9:30am (no 11:15am service).  Immediately after the service, we’re going to feed you!  There will be Barbeque (of course),  chicken, mac & cheese, red rice, cole slaw, drinks, and CAKE!  Make plans to be there and most importantly, invite & bring someone to join you!  It’s going to be an AWESOME day!  Oh and feel free to bring lawn chairs, corn hole, frisbee, and enjoy the day with your Coastal friends & family!

Ministry Opportunity Spotlight:

Today, I’d like to highlight our WAVES Student Ministry.  Waves Student Ministry exists to connect Students (6th-12th Grade) to each other and grow deeper in their faith.  The goal is to build real, lasting relationships with God and each other.  Every Wednesday night (6pm-8:15pm) during the school year, Students come together for a time of Food, Fellowship, Games, Worship, Message, and Small Groups.  Throughout the year there are Service Projects, Retreats, and Camp!  For more information you can check out their webpage at https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/connect/students/.   If you have a heart for Students and are interested in learning more about how you can get involved, you can respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, email Pastor Ryan directly at ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org or call him at 843-442-8985.

Friday’s 5:

1. Our 6th Annual Christmas Offering has begun!  Now through the second Sunday of the New Year, January 14th (8 more weeks), we are encouraging our entire Coastal family to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offering to this year’s special Christmas Offering.  Our goal is BIG – $60,000 – but what we keep learning over and over again is that we serve a BIGGER GOD!  To give toward the Christmas Offering, simply designate your gift with the word “Christmas.”  Remember this is above and beyond your regular giving.  Our theme for 2018 is “IMPACT”.  This offering simply enables our church to continue to make an IMPACT in our church, community, and world!

2. On Friday night, December 1st we are having an Oyster Roast & Appreciation Party for all LIFE Group & Ministry Leaders!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group in the new semester of 2018, please let us know now on your Connect Card or contact Pastor Scott at scottw@coastalcommunitychurch.org. 

3. New to Coastal?  Like to meet our Staff, Ministry Leaders and other new people like yourself?  Like to learn more about Pastor Chris and the history of our church?  Make plans to attend our next Necomer’s Reception, Sunday, December 3rd, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or simply by responding to this email now.

4. Interested in offically making Coastal your church home?  Our next Membership Class is Monday night, December 4th, 6pm-9pm.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.

5. WAVES Student Christmas Party – Wednesday night, December 13th at 6pm.  Bring a gift for the Annual White Elephant Gift Exchange!  Wear your favorite Christmas PJ’s or Christmas Sweater!  Invite & bring your friends!

All In!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Can’t wait to see you at 6:30pm tonight for our WAVES Student Ministry Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction!  Come out and support our Student and BUY SOME STUFF!

Dear Coastal,

I can’t tell you how excited I am about our Operation Christmas Child Wrapping & Packing Party TONIGHT, 6pm at the church!  We’ll start setting up the auditorium beginning at 10:30am (come out and help if you’re available).  Our goal tonight is 500 PACKED BOXES!  That’s more than triple what we’ve done before!  Come help make that dream a reality and celebrate what God is doing through our church!  It’s a great way to kick off the Holiday Season!

Another exciting event and an example of what God is doing through our church is our ONE Service & Party on Sunday, November 19th – ONE Big Combined Service and ONE Big Party to celebrate 52 people already giving their life to Christ this year!  The one service time is 9:30am.  Trust me, you’re not going to want to miss this service!  We’re going to CELEBRATE Coastal Style!  And then immediately after the service, we’re going to feed you!  There will be Barbeque (of course), fried chicken, mac & cheese, red rice, and CAKE!  Make plans to be there and most importantly, invite & bring your friends to join you!  It’s going to be an AWESOME day!  Oh and feel free to bring lawn chairs, corn hole, frisbee, and enjoy the day with your Coastal friends & family!

You should have received our Annual Christmas Offering Letter/Email from me already this week.  Our goal is BIG – $60,000 – but what we keep learning over and over again is that we serve a BIGGER GOD!  You can start giving toward the Christmas Offering this Sunday, simply designate your gift “Christmas.”  Remember this is above and beyond your regular giving.  Our theme for 2018 is “IMPACT”.  This offering simply enables our church to continue to make an impact in our church, community, and world!  Involve your entire family and start praying about what you can give.

Ministry Opportunity Spotlight:

Today, I’d like to highlight our Security Team.  Honestly, I wish we didn’t even have to talk about Security at church – but obviously we do.  People want to know, “Am I safe here?  Are my children safe and secure here?  Are you doing everything in your power to reasonably ensure my safety?”  Well, you might not be aware of this, but each and every Sunday at Coastal we have a group of volunteers stationed all over our campus who do their best to help provide a safe and secure environment for us and our children.  The Security Team is led by Bryan Miller, a former SC State Trooper and Stephen Voges, a Sargent in the City of Charleston Police Department.  In fact, beginning this month we will also have a uniformed off duty City of Charleston Police Officer providing security at both of our services.  If you have any Security/LEO experience and are interested in learning more about our Security Team and possibly volunteering, you can respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, email Bryan directly at bryan.bcmill@gmail.com, or call him at 843-296-2991.

Friday’s 5:

1. The WAVES Student Ministry Silent Auction & Spaghetti Dinner is one week from today, Friday, November 17th, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from our students or Ryan Spell. All the proceeds go to the Winter Retreat.  If you have something to donate (goods, services, items, trips, memorabilia), you can sign up on your Connect Card, email ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org, or give Ryan a call at 843-442-8985.  Come prepared to support our Student Ministry!

2. Several dates to put on your calendar:  ONE Combined Service on Sunday, Nov. 19th at 9:30am (ONE Party).  One Combined Service on Sunday, Nov. 26th at 9:30am (Thanksgiving Weekend).  And for all you planners, we’re having 2 Family Style Christmas Eve Services on Sunday, December 24th at 5:30pm & 7pm (no Sunday morning services).

3. Pastor Chris & Pastor Scott are leading a Trip to the Holy Land next year!  The dates are November 5-14, 2018.  The cost is $4200 (could be less depending on how many people go).  If you are interested in going, there will be an information meeting immediately after church THIS Sunday, November 12th in the 1st-5th Grade auditorium.  You can also learn more about the trip by visiting this link: http://www.maranathatours.com/Diamond-Nov-2018-Israel

4. ONE Can makes a huge difference!  Help us stock our Food Bank!  You might not be aware of this, but throughout the week we give away A LOT of food to hungry/hurting people in our community.  We accept all non-perishable food items, but definitely need rice, pasta, spaghetti sauce, soups, canned meats, and canned fruit.  Simply bring the food with you to church on Sundays or drop it off during the week.  Thanks!

5. New to Coastal?  Like to meet our Staff, Ministry Leaders and other new people like yourself?  Like to learn more about Pastor Chris and the history of our church?  Make plans to attend our next Necomer’s Reception, Sunday, December 3rd, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or simply by responding to this email now.

All In!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Can’t wait to see you 6pm tonight for our Operation Christmas Child Wrapping & Packing Party!

Dear Coastal,

Okay, so this is your official Pastoral reminder.  This Sunday is Time Change Sunday!  But don’t worry, it’s the “good one.”  Your clocks “Fall Back” one hour.  So what are you going to do with that extra hour of sleep?  This would be the perfect Sunday to “fall back” into some good habits for your Spiritual Growth.  If it’s been a while since you’ve been at Coastal, come back.  You need it, and we need you!  We’re better together.  Start reading your Bible.  Spend some time in prayer.  Download the youversion.com app and start a daily devotional.  Everyone has a next step to grow spiriutally.  Renew your commitment to take yours – whatever that may be.  And remember we’re here to help you in that journey!  1 Timothy 4:7, “Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness.”

THIS SUNDAY IS THE LAST SUNDAY TO BRING ITEMS FOR OPERATION CHRISTMAST CHILD!  Help us reach our goal of filling 500 BOXES!  Bring any toys that will fit in a shoe box (no perishables, liquids, used items, candy, or toys associated with war or fighting).  Our Wrapping & Packing Party will be next Friday, November 10th, 6pm at the church.  You can also donate money directly to the church to be used to purchase toys.  Simply designate your offering envelope, check, or text – “occ”.

I’m getting so excited for our ONE Service & Party on Sunday, November 19th – ONE Big Combined Service and ONE Big Party to celebrate 52 people already giving their life to Christ this year!  The service time is 9:30am.  Trust me, you’re not going to want to miss this service!  We’re going to CELEBRATE Coastal Style!  Immediately after the service, we’re going to feed you!  There will be Barbeque (of course), fried chicken, mac & cheese, red rice, and CAKE!  Make plans to be there and most importantly, invite & bring a friend to join you!  It’s going to be AWESOME!  Oh and feel free to bring lawn chairs, blankets, corn hole, frisbee, and enjoy the day with your Coastal friends & family!  

Ministry Opportunity Spotlight:

Today, I’d like to highlight our Tech Team!  Each Sunday during both Worship Services, the Tech Team manages everything that you see and hear on our stage and live online.  They take care of our lights, video, and projection.  If you have any technology/worship service production experience, are focused and quick on your feet, and can multi-task, this team just might be for you! If you’re interested in serving, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, or reach out to Brian Hill, our Worship Pastor, at 843-814-6066 or brian@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

Friday’s 5:

1. If you’d like to help NOW with Operation Christmas Child, please see Teresa Spell.  There are shoe boxes to wrap and other various things that need to be done in preparation for the Wrapping & Packing Party.  You can email her at TeresaSpel@aol.com or call her at 843-442-4555.

2. The WAVES Student Ministry Silent Auction & Spaghetti Dinner will be Friday, November 17th, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from our students or Ryan Spell. All the proceeds go to the Winter Retreat.  The reason you need to know about it now is that Ryan needs to start collecting a list of goods/services/items that you might be willing to donate for the auction.  If you have something to donate (goods, services, items, trips, memorabilia), you can sign up on your Connect Card, email ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org, or give him a call at 843-442-8985.

3. Several dates to put on your calendar:  ONE Combined Service on Sunday, Nov. 19th at 9:30am (ONE Party).  One Combined Service on Sunday, Nov. 26th at 9:30am (Thanksgiving Weekend).  Newcomer’s Reception, Sunday December 3rd, immediately after the 11:15am service.  Membership Class, Monday December 4th, 6-9pm.  And for all you real planners out there, we’re having 2 Family Style Christmas Eve Services on Sunday, December 24th at 5:30pm & 7pm (no Sunday morning services).

4. Pastor Chris & Pastor Scott are leading a Trip to the Holy Land next year!  The dates are November 5-14, 2018.  The cost is $4200 (could be less depending on how many people go).  If you are interested in going, there will be an information meeting immediately after church next Sunday, November 12th in the 1st-5th Grade auditorium.  You can also learn more about the trip by visiting this link: http://www.maranathatours.com/Diamond-Nov-2018-Israel

5. ONE Can makes a huge difference!  Help us stock our Food Bank!  You might not be aware of this, but throughout the week we give away A LOT of food to hungry/hurting people in our community.  We accept all non-perishable food items, but definitely need rice, pasta, spaghetti sauce, soups, canned meats, and canned fruit.  Simply bring the food with you to church on Sundays or drop it off during the week.  Thanks!
   

All In!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Have you heard that this Sunday is Time Change Sunday! Your clocks will “Fall Back” one hour!

Dear Coastal,

I hope you’re enjoying our series on David, “After God’s Heart”, as much as I am!  We’re really just hitting the highlights of his life.  There’s so much written about David that we could spend a year just talking about his life.  This Sunday, we’ll be talking about the second most famous story that David is known for (after killing Goliath) – the story of David and Bathsheba.  Feel free to read ahead – 2 Samuel 11 & Psalm 51.

I can’t thank everyone enough for already bringing items for Operation Christmas Child!  Our goal is HUGE this year – 500 BOXES!  So keep it coming – we’ve got a long way to go to reach our goal!  Bring any toys that will fit in a shoe box (no perishables, liquids, used items, candy, or toys associated with war or fighting) to the church on Sunday morning or during the week until Sunday November 5th.  Our Wrapping & Packing Party will be Friday, November 10th, 6pm.  You can also donate money directly to the church to be used to purchase toys.  Simply designate your offering envelope, check, or text – “occ”.

I’m getting so excited for our ONE Service & Party on Sunday, November 19th – ONE Big Combined Service and ONE Big Party to celebrate 52 people already giving their life to Christ this year!  The service time is 9:30am.  Trust me, you’re not going to want to miss this service!  We’re going to CELEBRATE Coastal Style!  Immediately after the service, we’re going to feed you!  There will be Barbeque (of course), fried chicken, mac & cheese, red rice, and CAKE!  Make plans to be there and most importantly, invite & bring a friend to join you!  It’s going to be AWESOME!  Oh and feel free to bring lawn chairs, corn hole, frisbee, and enjoy the day with your Coastal friends & family!  

Ministry Opportunity Spotlight:

Today, I’d like to highlight our Monday Morning Follow Up Team & our Super Service Friday Team!  The Monday Team meets at the church on Mondays from 9-11am.  The Friday Team meets at the church on Fridays from 10:30am-12:30pm.  Both of these Teams are essential to accomplishing what we do on Sundays!  They help with data entry, writing notes, deconstructing bulletins, and making sure everything is ready for Sunday.  If you’re interested in serving, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, or reach out to Rachel Speer, our Adminstrative Assistant, at 501-940-0293 or rachel@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  If you’re a mom with small children, we’ll even provide Child Care (just let us know the ages and number of children). 

Friday’s 5:

1. If you’d like to help NOW with Operation Christmas Child, please see Teresa Spell.  There are shoe boxes to wrap and other various things that need to be done in preparation for the Wrapping & Packing Party.  You can email her at TeresaSpel@aol.com or call her at 843-442-4555.

2. The WAVES Student Ministry Silent Auction & Spaghetti Dinner will be Friday, November 17th, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from our students or Ryan Spell. All the proceeds go to the Winter Retreat.  The reason you need to know about it now is that Ryan needs to start collecting a list of goods/services/items that you might be willing to donate for the auction.  If you have something to donate (goods, services, items, trips, memorabilia), you can sign up on your Connect Card, email ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org, or give him a call at 843-442-8985.

3. Several dates to put on your calendar:  Time Change Sunday is Nov. 5th (clocks “fall back” on Saturday, Nov. 4th).  ONE Combined Service on Sunday, Nov. 19th at 9:30am (ONE Party).  One Combined Service on Sunday, Nov. 26th at 9:30am (Thanksgiving Weekend).  And for all you planners, we’re having 2 Family Style Christmas Eve Services on Sunday, December 24th at 5:30pm & 7pm (no Sunday morning services).

4. Pastor Chris & Pastor Scott are leading a Trip to the Holy Land next year!  The dates are November 5-14, 2018.  The cost is $4200 (could be less depending on how many people go).  If you are interested in going, there will be an information meeting immediately after church on Sunday, November 12th in the 1st-5th Grade auditorium.  You can also learn more about the trip by visiting this link: http://www.maranathatours.com/Diamond-Nov-2018-Israel

5. WAVES FRIDAY TAKEOVER,  TONIGHT, October 27th, 6-9pm at Coastal.  Costumes are HIGHLY encouraged!  Best Costume will win a prize!  Dinner, Candy, and Games!  Invite and bring friends!
   

All In!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Be on the lookout for information about our Annual Christmas Offering!

Dear Coastal,

Hopefully you’ve heard by now, but all 52 lights on our ONE Sign have now officially been lit!  In fact, this past Sunday 2 more people gave their life to Jesus, which actually makes 53!  So what are we going to do?  We’re going to keep sharing the Gospel, keep inviting and bringing our friends, keep reaching out, keep loving!  AND WE’RE GOING TO PARTY!  On Sunday, November 19th, we’re having ONE Big Combined Service and ONE Big Party!  The service time is 9:30am.  Trust me, you’re not going to want to miss this service!  We’re going to CELEBRATE Coastal Style!  Immediately after the service, we’re going to feed you!  There will be Barbeque (of course), fried chicken, mac & cheese, red rice, and CAKE!  Make plans to be there and most importantly, invite & bring a friend to join you!  It’s going to be AWESOME!  Oh and feel free to bring lawn chairs, corn hole, frisbee, and enjoy the day with your Coastal friends & family!  

Ministry Opportunity Spotlight:

Today, I’d like to highlight our Cafe Team!  I don’t know if you know this or not, but WE GIVE AWAY A LOT OF FOOD AND COFFEE each week at Coastal – FOR FREE!  This AWESOME Team of Volunteers makes all the coffee, puts out all the food, preps & cleans everything before and after each service.  If you have ANY hospitality and food service experience, if you can smile and love making others smile, this just might be the Team for you!  Reach out to Matt & Kathy Beam our Cafe Team Leaders today at 843-296-0203 or mattbeam13@yahoo.com.  

Friday’s 5:

1. October is Operation Christmas Chlid month at Coastal!  Bring any toy that a child ages 2-13 would like that will fit in a shoe box (no perishables, liquids, used items, candy, or toys associated with war or fighting).  Bring all donations to the church on Sunday morning or during the week until Sunday November 5th.  Our Wrapping & Packing Party will be Friday, November 10th, 6pm.  You can also donate money directly to the church to be used to purchase toys.  Simply designate your gift “occ”.

2. It seems like it’s a long way off, but we need to get the WAVES Student Ministry Silent Auction & Spaghetti Dinner on your radar.  The date will be Friday, November 17th, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from our students or Ryan Spell. All the proceeds go to the Winter Retreat.  The reason you need to know about it now is that Ryan needs to start collecting a list of goods/services/items that you might be willing to donate for the auction.  If you have something to donate, you can sign up on your Connect Card or email ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

3. Our Community Food Bank/Pantry is running low.  You might not be aware of this, but throughout the week we give away A LOT of food to hungry/hurting people in our community.  We accept all non-perishable food items, but definitely need rice, pasta, spaghetti sauce, soups, canned meats, and canned fruit.  Simply bring the food with you to church on Sundays or drop it off during the week.

4. Pastor Chris & Pastor Scott are leading a Trip to the Holy Land next year!  The dates are November 5-14, 2018.  The cost is $4200 (could be less depending on how many people go).  If you are interested in going, there will be an information meeting immediately after church on Sunday, November 12th in the 1st-5th Grade auditorium.  You can also learn more about the trip by visiting this link: http://www.maranathatours.com/Diamond-Nov-2018-Israel
   
5. WAVES FRIDAY TAKEOVER,  Friday night, October 27th, 6-9pm at Coastal.  Costumes are HIGHLY encouraged!  Best Costume will win a prize!  Dinner, Candy, and Games!  Invite and bring friends!

Celebration Time – Come On!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Don’t forget, you can support the ministry of Coastal any time and any where by giving through our website, our app (download our FREE App today), or through TEXTing (843-277-8337).  Coastal is fully funded by the generous, consistent giving of its members – YOU!

Dear Coastal,

I just had to let you know the GOOD NEWS!  ONE more person gave their life to Jesus at Coastal today!  That makes 52 – all 52 lights on our ONE sign are now lit!  52 people have indicated that they have given their life to Christ at Coastal this year (and we still have 2 months left)!  When we started this year, that was the goal – over the course of the year we wanted to average at least ONE person each week giving their life to Jesus – 52!  We want it to be normal that people get saved at Coastal.

So now what are we going to do?  Just like they did in Luke 15 – WE’RE GOING TO PARTY!  And you’re invited!  On Sunday, November 19th (one month away), the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we’re having a ONE Party in both of our services!  I don’t know exactly what we’re going to do, but I know it’s going to be fun!  I know we’re going to celebrate!  I know we’re going to give God the glory!

Luke 15:6-7, “Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’  I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

Luke 15:9-10, “And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’  In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Luke 15:23-24, “Bring the fattened calf and kill it (at Coastal this means BARBEQUE – yes there will be FOOD!). Let’s have a feast and celebrate.  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.”

Spread the word!  Invite and bring your friends!  Let’s celebrate what God has done in our midst!  And most importantly, let’s keep sharing the Gospel!  The best is yet to come!

My Heart Is So Full!

Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal,

Don’t forget that October is Operation Christmas Chlid month at Coastal!  Check out the insert in the Bulletin as to what to bring – basically, bring any toy that a child ages 2-13 would like that will fit in a shoe box (no perishables, liquids, used items, candy, or toys associated with war or fighting).  We also need large shoe boxes!  You can bring all donations to the church on Sunday morning or during the week until Sunday November 5th.  Our Wrapping & Packing Party will be Friday, November 10th, 6pm.  You can also donate money directly to the church to be used to purchase toys.  Simply designate your gift “occ”.

Speaking of Operation Christmas Child, this past week our WAVES Student Ministry took a little “field trip” to Wal-Mart to purchase toys!  The spit up into 4 large groups and made a little competition out of it.  Who could get the most items for $150?  They came back to the church LOADED down with toys (I think the High School girls won)!  By the way, that’s another example of your giving making an impact!  Not only do these children around the world receive gifts for Christmas – they also receive a Gospel presentation in their own language!  So come to church on Sunday with toys, gifts, and/or money for Operation Christmas Child!

Ministry Opportunity Spotlight:

Today, I’d like to highlight our 1st Impressions Team!  This is the LIFE Team who help create a welcoming, friendly atmosphere each week at Coastal for our Guests!  They serve EVERYWHERE – in the parking lot, escorting people in our Golf Carts, opening doors, handing out bulletins, directing people, seating people, answering questions, emptying trash, cleaning up between services, taking up the offering, and so much more!  It’s one of our largest Volunteer Teams.  It’s a great entry point to our church.  You get to meet a lot of different people, have a lot of fun, and make a huge impact!  If you love people and can smile, consider joining this AWESOME TEAM!  Reach out to Chris Ranew our 1st Impressions Team Leader today at 706-941-2044 or chrisranew@gmail.com.

Friday’s 5:

1. New to Coastal?  Like to meet our Staff, Ministry Leaders and other new people like yourself?  Like to learn more about Pastor Chris and the history of our church?  Make plans to attend our next Necomer’s Reception, THIS Sunday, October 15th, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website or simply by responding to this email now.
2. It seems like it’s a long way off, but we need to get the WAVES Student Ministry Silent Auction & Dinner on your radar.  The date will be Friday, November 17th, 6:30pm-8:30pm.  All the proceeds go to the Winter Retreat.  The reason you need to know about it now is that Ryan needs to start collecting a list of goods/services/items that you might be willing to donate for the auction.  If you have something to donate, you can sign up on your Connect Card or email ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
3. Our Community Food Bank/Pantry is running low.  You might not be aware of this, but throughout the week we give away A LOT of food to hungry/hurting people in our community.  We accept all non-perishable food items, but definitely need rice, pasta, spaghetti sauce, soups, canned meats, and canned fruit.  Simply bring the food with you to church on Sundays or drop it off during the week.
4. Pastor Chris & Pastor Scott are leading a Trip to the Holy Land next year!  The dates are November 5-14, 2018.  The cost is $4200 (could be less depending on how many people go).  If you are interested in going, there will be an information meeting immediately after church on Sunday, November 12th in the 1st-5th Grade auditorium.  You can also learn more about the trip by visiting this link: http://www.maranathatours.com/Diamond-Nov-2018-Israel

5. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY – One more person gave their life to Jesus this past Sunday at Coastal!  That makes 51!  One more person and we’re going to PARTY (more details about that to come)!!  Pray for salvations!  Pray for my message!  Invite & bring someone to church!  The power of ONE!

Loving What We Do Together!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Don’t forget, if you’re out of town, sick, or just want to share our services with a friend, you can watch our services LIVE each week from our website at: https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/resources/live.  You can also watch video of previous messages.

Dear Coastal,

WOW!  This past Sunday was amazing!  First of all, the weather was perfect for our Tailgating Party!  A huge thanks to all of our Tailgaters!  We couldn’t have done it without you!  I want to especially thank Shealy Pendarvis, Ricky Spell, and Billy & Teresa Burnett who basically brought enough Barbeque & food to feed everyone!  We had 749 in attendance!  5 people got Baptized! And most importantly 3 more people gave their life to Jesus!!  That means we only have 2 more lights on our ONE sign to light!  That means it’s almost time to PARTY!  50 people have given their life to Jesus at Coastal so far this year!  We’re just getting started!  Keep praying!  Keep reaching out!  Keep inviting!  This Sunday’s message is entitled, “The Heart of a Giant Killer” as we take a look at the story of David & Goliath.  Invite and bring a friend!  Don’t miss it!

Ministry Opportunity Spotlight:

Today, I’d like to highlight our awesome Children’s Ministry called Coastal Kidz!  Coastal Kidz cares for, teaches, loves, and serves children Birth-5th Grade each  and every Sunday, during both services.  While we’re in the main auditorium, there are somewhere between 125-150 Children & Volunteers in the Coastal Kidz Building each Sunday!  If you have a heart for children and want to make an impact for eternity, I promise you, there is a place for you in Coastal Kidz!  Teachers, Assistants, Child Check-In, Greeters, Nursery Volunteers, people who wipe down toys after each service – there are lots of opportunities for service!  One person, one service, once a month makes a HUGE IMPACT!  Reach out to Janet Rollins our Children’s Director today!  Janet would love to connect with you, give you a behind the scenes tour, and even allow you to shadow someone in order to help you find a fit.  You can contact Janet at 843-442-8299 or janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  

Friday’s 5:

1. New to Coastal?  Like to meet our Staff, Ministry Leaders and other new people like yourself?  Like to learn more about Pastor Chris and the history of our church?  Make plans to attend our next Necomer’s Reception, Sunday, October 15th, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or simply by responding to this email now.

2.  Because of your generosity, $3000 was given toward Hurricane Relief!  Don’t forget, you can support the ministry of Coastal any time and any where by giving through our website, our app, or through TEXTing (843-277-8337).  Coastal – it’s ministry and it’s outreach – is fully funded by the generous, consistent giving of its members – YOU! 

3. It seems like it’s a long way off, but we need to get the WAVES Student Ministry Silent Auction & Dinner on your radar.  The date will be Friday, November 17th, 6:30pm-8:30pm.  All the proceeds go to the Winter Retreat.  The reason you need to know about it now is that Ryan needs to start collecting a list of goods/services/items that you might be willing to donate for the auction.  If you have something to donate, you can sign up on your Connect Card or email ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

4. Our Community Food Bank/Pantry is running low.  You might not be aware of this, but throughout the week we give away A LOT of food to hungry/hurting people in our community.  We accept all non-perishable food items, but definitely need rice, pasta, spaghetti sauce, soups, canned meats, and canned fruit.  Simply bring the food with you to church on Sundays or drop it off during the week.

5. October is Operation Christmas Chlid month at Coastal!  Check out the insert in the Bulletin as to what to bring.  Basically, bring any toy that a child ages 2-13 would like that will fit in a shoe box (no perishables, liquids, used items, candy, or toys associated with war or fighting).  We also need large shoe boxes!  You can bring all donations to the church on Sunday morning or during the week until Sunday November 5th.  Our Wrapping & Packing Party will be Friday, November 10th, 6pm.

In His Service & Yours!

Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal,

Hopefully by now you’ve heard that this Sunday we’re kicking off a new message series at Coastal on the life of David called, “After God’s Heart.”  After both services on our front lawn we’re having a Tailgating Party (wear your Team Colors/Jersey to church)!  There will be plenty of food, Jump Castles, Kona Ice, and Baptisms!  It’s going to be a great opportunity to have some fun, meet people in our community, and usher in the Fall!  If you’re in town this weekend, make every effort not only to attend but most importantly to invite and bring a friend!  By the way, if you’re out of town (or home sick), don’t forget that you can now watch our services live from our website at https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/media/live.

Last week I told you about a couple Coastal Staff Updates.  I have a couple more exciting annoucements!

• Kiersten Brown is our new Director of Missions & Outreach!  If you’ve met Kiersten even for just a moment, you know she has a passion for serving and ministry.  She will be in charge of promoting, training, leading, and organizing local, national, and international service projects.  She will work alongside our LIFE Groups and other Ministries to promote service opportunities in our church, our community, and our world.

• Brian Hill is our new Worship Pastor!  Brian has led worship for us twice in the last month.  Most recently, Brian was the Student Worship Pastor at Northwood Church in Summerville.  While Coastal has been blessed with talented musicians and vocalists, it’s going to be a great addition to our church to have central person on stage each week leading our church in worship.  Christopher will continue as our Band Director and together they will form an unbelieveable team!

Make sure you welcome Kiersten and Brian (and Brian’s wife Haley) to the Coastal Team!  A growing church requires a growing/expanding Staff!  I am so blessed to lead and serve alongside such an amazing Staff!  WE are truly blessed as a church!      

Friday’s 5:

1. New to Coastal?  Like to meet our Staff, Ministry Leaders and other new people like yourself?  Like to learn more about Pastor Chris and the history of our church?  Make plans to attend our next Necomer’s Reception, Sunday, October 15th, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or simply by responding to this email now.

2. Looking for an awesome place to serve?  Have some available time during the week?  Consider joining our “Monday Morning Follow-Up Team” or our “Super Service Friday Team.”  The Monday Team meets on Mondays from 9-11am.  The Friday Team meets Fridays from 10:30am-12:30pm.  Both of these Teams are essential to accomplishing what we do on Sundays!  If you’re interested in serving, simply respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  If you’re a mom with small children, we’ll even provide Child Care (just let us know the ages and number of children).

3. We could always use a few more TAILGATERS for our Big Day, this Sunday, October 1st.  Respond to this email if you’d like to participate and we’ll send you the details.

4. On Sunday, October 1st, after each service, in the center of all the Tailgating Tents we’re going to have an outdoor Baptism Service!  You can sign up to get Baptized on our website or simply respond to this email.

5. It seems like it’s a long way off, but we need to get the WAVES Student Ministry Silent Auction & Dinner on your radar.  The date will be Friday, November 17th, 6:30pm-8:30pm.  All the proceeds go to the Winter Retreat.  The reason you need to know about it now is that Ryan needs to start collecting a list of goods/services/items that you might be willing to donate for the auction.  If you have something to donate, you can sign up on your Connect Card or email ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

All In Baby!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  I know it sounds early, but trust me it’s not – October is Operation Christmas Chlid month!  There will be an insert in the bulletin on Sunday listing different items to start purchasing now.  Our Wrapping & Packing Party will be Friday, November 10th, 6-8pm.

Dear Coastal,

For the last several weeks, we’ve been talking about our “Big Day” this Sunday, October 1st – the kick-off of “After God’s Heart.”  I want to explain what a “Big Day” is and share with you what you can do to help make it a success.

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

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

So, this Sunday, we are kicking off a brand new series called, “After God’s Heart.”  It’s all about the life of David and having a heart for God.  The good thing about this series is that even your friends who have never been to church in their life have heard something about the life of David (Goliath, Bathsheba, for example).  To kick off the series, we’re also having a big Tailgating Party (wear your favorite Team Colors/Jersey) outside on our campus after both services complete with Food, Jump Castles, and Kona Ice – all FREE!

So what can you do to help make this Sunday a success?

1. Pray!  Pray for the people you are inviting.  Pray for all the people our church will be inviting – the large postcards that hit West Ashley this week.  Pray for people to come to know Jesus.  Pray for me & my messages.  Pray for our staff.  Pray for our volunteers.  Beg God to draw people to Himself through our church.
2. Invite!  Make it a personal goal to invite and bring so many people.  Send emails.  Send personal messages on facebook and other social media.  Share my Facebook post.  Use the invite cards we’ve been handing out.
   
3. Welcome!  Go out of you way to speak to & welcome all of our guests (or anyone you don’t know).  Help us treat everyone as our welcome, expected guests in our home.  Remember, guests are GIFTS from God!  Help us treat everyone that way!

4. Consider serving!  A new series & new people means we need more and more volunteers.  If you’re not already serving somewhere, it’s time to start!  Our 1st Impressions Team is a great place to get started.  Give Chris Ranew our 1st Impressions LIFE Team Leader a call or send him an email – 706-941-2044, chrisranew@gmail.com.  Our Children’s Ministry is also a great place to serve on Sunday morning.  Call Janet, our Children’s Ministry Leader or send her an email – 843-442-8299, janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org.
   
5. Give.  Special Days incur special expenses.  Even though there will be a lot going on after each service, come prepared to give generously.  Or better yet, you can give any time using any of the different ways we have to give at Coastal – our website, texting (843-277-8337), or our app.
   
6. 4 More Things to Consider on the day of the “Big Day” itself.  Parking:  the further away you park, the better.  Please park at Oakland and save the closer parking for guests.  Service times:  the key is come to the service that your guests are coming to.  BUT THIS IS IMPORTANT, come early!  Everything goes smoother (Child Check-In, coffee, getting a seat, helping our guests) when you come a little earlier.   Seating:  no matter which service you come to, PLEASE sit to the front and center of each section.  This makes more room for people as they come in.  And finally, everyone PLEASE FILL OUT A CONNECT CARD!
   

Whew!  I think that’s about it!  Sunday is going to be AWESOME!  Most importantly, people are going to come to Jesus!  Like I’ve said Coastal, let’s pray and beg God like it all depended on Him.  But then let’s work, invite, and share like it all depends on us.  Then let’s walk by faith and trust God with the results!

See You & Your Friends Sunday!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  We’re also setting up our Portable Baptistry for Baptisms outside on Sunday!  If you are interested in going public with your faith and getting Baptized, please respond to this email and let us know!  It’s going to be a great celebration!

Dear Coastal,

We’ve had such a great start to LIFE Groups!!  If you’re not in one yet, it’s still not too late to sign up!  While there are multiple ways to sign up, you only have to sign up ONE TIME, ONE WAY!  1.) You can view the LIFE Group Catalog and sign up online.  or 2.) There will be several tables in the back of the auditorium with all the different sign up lists – you can sign up there.  Once you sign up, your LIFE Group Leader will reach out to you.

Keep praying for our Big Day on October 1st.  Pray for your ONE and everyone our church will be reaching out to with invitations.  Pray for my message.  Pray for our Staff and Volunteers.  In fact let’s pray like it all depends on God!  Beg Him to use you and our church to draw people to Himself.  And then let’s work and serve and reach out and invite like it all depends on us!  Reach out to everyone you know – friends, neighbors, family, co-workers.  Use your Social Media.  Use our Invite Cards.  And together, let’s walk by faith and trust God with the results.    

A Few Updates:
– Julie Kelly has been serving as my Administrative Assistant for over 5 years now.  I jokingly tell people all the time that she’s “the Wizard behind the curtain” (Wizard of Oz reference)!  In other words, she the one who makes this thing work.  In fact on Sunday mornings when people ask me a question, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said, “See Julie.”  Well, everything and everyone has a season, even employees.  If you haven’t heard yet, Julie has accpeted a position at James Island Christian School as their new Preschool Director.  Before Julie came to Charleston she ran a very large and very successful Preschool in Maryland.  This is a great opportunity for Julie and we’re all very happy for her and very proud of her.  In fact, her daughter teaches there and her grand kids go to school there.  The good new is, she’s not leaving Coastal, just changing jobs.  We’ll still see her smiling face on Sunday’s and see her serving in various ministries.  However, I just couldn’t miss an opportunity to thank her in a more public way for her faithful service!  Not only has she been the very best of employees, but she’s been a good friend and a part of my family!  She has helped to make me a better Pastor!  The good news is that Julie and Ashley Hojnacki have been serving together as quite the dynamic duo for some time now.  Ashley has already stepped up to “Chief Wizard Behind the Curtain” and is now being joined by Rachel Speer!  Wow what a Team!  When you see Julie, thank her and congratulate her!  And now if you have any questions . . . see Ashley!

– If it’s been a while since you’ve visited our website, drop by and check it out – https://coastalcommunitychurch.org!  We are unveiling a brand new look!  It’s definitely picture driven and get this – all the pictures are actually real pictures of us (not stock photos)!  A big shoutout goes my daughter-in-law, Lizzy Rollins, our photographer!  She’s responsible for all of our Social Media photography and now our website!  Check out her own site at: http://elizabethervin.com

– Last week I asked you to please pray for Matt Beam as he was having a tumor removed from one of his kidneys.  The surgery went well.  The next step, was patiently waiting on the pathology.  Kathy called yesterday with the GOOD NEWS – the tumor was BENIGN!!  Matt has been feeling stronger everyday and now they are waiting to hear about next steps.  They are grateful, humbled, and overjoyed – and so are we!  Feel free to send Matt a note at: mattbeam13@yahoo.com

– Josh & Carson Boyd’s home is almost completely dried out from the storm/flood!  They have been overwhelmed with the support from friends, family, and Coastal!  If you are interested in helping with the remodeling phase or helping financially, you can reach out to them at: cvchristenson@yahoo.com

Friday’s 5:

1. Looking for an awesome place to serve?  Have some available time during the week?  Consider joining our “Monday Morning Follow-Up Team” or our “Super Service Friday Team.”  The Monday Team meets on Mondays from 9-11am.  The Friday Team meets Fridays from 10:30am-12:30pm.  Both of these Teams are essential to accomplishing what we do on Sundays!  If you’re interested in serving, simply respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  If you’re a mom with small children, we’ll even provide Child Care (just let us know the ages and number of children).
   
   
2. Sunday, October 1st is going to be a BIG DAY at Coastal!  We’ll be kicking off a new series, “After God’s Heart.”  It’s a series about the life of David.  Begin praying now about who you will invite and bring!  Pray for your ONE!  There will be Tailgating, Food, Jump Castles, Kona Ice, and Baptisms! 
3. WE NEED TAILGATERS for our Big Day, Sunday, October 1st.  Respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday if you’d like to participate. 
4. On Sunday, October 1st, after each service, in the center of all the Tailgating Tents we’re going to have an outdoor Baptism Service!  You can sign up to get Baptized on our website, on your Connect Card, or simply respond to this email. 
5. It seems like it’s a long way off, but we need to get the WAVES Student Ministry Silent Auction & Dinner on your radar.  The date will be Friday, November 17th, 6:30pm-8:30pm.  All the proceeds go to the Winter Retreat.  The reason you need to know about it now is that Ryan needs to start collecting a list of goods/services/items that you might be willing to donate for the auction.  If you have something to donate, you can sign up on your Connect Card or email ryan@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

I LOVE OUR CHURCH!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Don’t forget, you can support the ministry of Coastal any time and any where by giving through our website, our app, or through TEXTing (843-277-8337).  Coastal is fully funded by the generous, consistent giving of it’s members – YOU!  I want to thank those of you who remained faithful in your giving through the Summer and even when we had to cancel our service due to the storm!

Dear Coastal,

I AM SO READY TO SEE EVERYONE ON SUNDAY!!  We are back to our regular service times – 9:30am & 11:15am.  The next two weeks are going to be awesome as we prepare for our Big Day on October 1st.  Yes, it’s official, we’re kicking off our “After God’s Heart” series on Sunday, October 1st with Tailgating, Kona Ice, Jump Castles AND outdoor Baptisms!  Don’t miss it!  Start thinking now about who you’re going to invite and bring!  With moving the date, we could definitely use some more “Tailgaters”.  Respond to this email or sign up on Sunday if you can participate.

LIFE Groups start this Sunday!  It’s not too late to sign up!  While there are multiple ways to sign up, you only have to sign up ONE TIME, ONE WAY!  1.) You can view the LIFE Group Catalog and sign up online.  2.) You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  3.) There will be several tables in the back of the auditorium with all the different sign up lists – you can sign up there.  Once you sign up, your LIFE Group Leader will contact you before the Group begins.

Yes, we are still collecting supplies/donations the month of September for Hurricane Relief to send to Parkway Fellowship Church in Katy, TX http://parkwayfellowship.com/harvey.  (See the list at the end of this email.)  You can bring the supplies to the church during the week or on Sundays.  If you would like to give above and beyond your regular giving, directly toward the Flood Relief, you can give through TEXTing.  TEXT the amount to 843-277-8337 (space) and then type the keyword “Harvey” or “Irma”.  The money given toward Irma will go toward relief here in Charleston or in Florida.

Speaking of relief here in Charleston, Josh and Carson Boyd from our church (you’ve probably seen Carson in the Nursery or in Child Check-In where she serves) had over 8 inches of water flood their home on James Island during the storm.  They have two small children – a 2 year old girl and a 2 month old little boy.  Right now, they’re living with family.  They’ve already gutted their home, waiting on it to dry out, and then begins the process of rebuilding – sheetrock, flooring, etc. That’s where WE come in!  I’ll be in touch with the Boyd’s and when the rebuilding process begins we’ll spread the word!  If you’re willing and able to help, please let us know by responding to this email.  Feel free to send a word of encouragement to Josh and Carson at: cvchristenson@yahoo.com  Thank you in advance for having such caring/giving hearts.

Friday’s 5:

1. Please be praying for Matt Beam, one of our Elders, as he is having a tumor removed from one of his kidneys today at MUSC.  We are praying for NO CANCER and complete healing.  Matt will be out of work for approximately 2 weeks and won’t be able to lift anything for about a month.  Feel free to send Matt & Kathy a note of encouragement at: mattbeam13@yahoo.com.  Among many other things, Matt & Kathy also lead our awesome Cafe Team.
2. Looking for an awesome place to serve?  Have some available time during the week?  Consider joining our “Monday Morning Follow-Up Team” or our “Super Service Friday Team.”  The Monday Team meets on Mondays from 9-11am.  The Friday Team meets Fridays from 10:30am-12:30pm.  Both of these Teams are essential to accomplishing what we do on Sundays!  If you’re interested in serving, simply respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  If you’re a mom with small children, we’ll even provide Child Care (just let us know the ages and number of children).
3. Sunday, October 1st is going to be a BIG DAY at Coastal!  We’ll be kicking off a new series, “After God’s Heart.”  It’s a series about the life of David.  Begin praying now about who you will invite and bring!  Pray for your ONE!  There will be Tailgating, Food, Jump Castles, Kona Ice, and Baptisms!
4. WE NEED TAILGATERS for our Big Day, Sunday, October 1st.  Respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday if you’d like to participate.
5. On Sunday, October 1st, after each service, in the center of all the Tailgating Tents we’re going to have an outdoor Baptism Service!  You can sign up to get Baptized on our website, on your Connect Card, or simply respond to this email.

I LOVE OUR CHURCH!

Pastor Chris

Hurricane Relief:
PERSONAL CARE ITEMS
Bottled water
Hygiene items
toothpaste
toothbrushes
deodorant
feminine products
bar soap
Shampoo / Conditioner Razors
Shaving Cream
New, packaged underwear & socks (all sizes)
Diapers
Wipes
Blankets
Pillows
Contact Lens Saline Solution
Infant formula

Clean Up Supplies:
Buckets
Shovels
Heavy duty trash bags
Plastic bins
Tarps
Packing/Shipping Tape
Box cutters / Sheetrock knives
Wheelbarrows
Box fans
Laundry detergent
Cleaning rags
Gift Cards in increments no larger than $100 (groceries, gas, Lowes/HomeDepot)
Clorox wipes
Ziplock bags (quart & gallon)
Sharpies

Dear Coastal,

Good morning!  Can you believe it – two years in a row now and we cancel services because of a Hurricane!  And what a crazy Hurricane this one in particular has been!  Well, what did I expect?  After all, this is hurricane season and this is Charleston.  And like I’ve said over and over again, “Storms are a fact of life.  You’re either coming out of one, heading into one, or you’re smack dab in the middle of one right now.”

The truth is we could all just as easily say, “I didn’t expect to lose my job.  I didn’t think the economy would tank like it did.  Never in a million years did I think I would get cancer.  I never thought my husband would have an affair.  I never dreamed that my kids would make such poor decisions.  I never pictured being a widow at this age.  You’re not supposed to bury your children.”  Life is unpredictable.  But God is faithful.  “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” -James 4:8

I’ll be honest with you, it feels really weird not to be getting ready to head to church this morning and worship together with you.  So, make sure you take some time today to give God thanks today.  If you’re frustrated or angry, pour out your heart to Him.  Remember, His love for you is big enough – big enough to even handle your anger and pain.  Pray for those people who did not fare as well as Charleston through this storm.  Pray for people of Florida and the people of Texas.  Take some time today to help a neighbor.  Smile, laugh, hug your children.  Remember Coastal, we don’t just go to church – we what?  WE ARE THE CHURCH!  So let’s be the church, today and everyday, where we live, where we work, and where we play.  Let’s let the light of Christ shine through us, in our actions and in our attitudes.

Also, take time today and honor God and worship Him through Giving.  Your tithes and offerings make a REAL difference at Coastal and are vital to the every-day ministry and mission of our church. With a Holiday Weekend last Sunday and no services this Sunday, our online/mobile giving becomes more important and even more practical.  You can give online from our website, from our app, or via text at 843-277-8337.

Oh and just in case you are REALLY MISSING MY PREACHING, we have a little surprise for you!  For a little over a month now, we’ve been recording the video of our messages!  Here is a link to our USTREAM channel where you can watch any of our previous 6 messages.  Just scroll down past the livestream channel and you’ll see them.  Enjoy!

I really believe that 27 years ago, in many ways, God used Hurricane Hugo to till the soil of people’s hearts, to prepare them for the Good News of the Gospel.  And I believe He can do the same thing today with Hurricane Harvey and Irma.  Together let’s pray for that!  And as the news comes in about Florida, just like Texas we will be praying about what we can do together to respond.

Well, I can’t wait hear all your stories, HUG ALL YOUR NECKS, and see you and your friends next Sunday!  I love you Coastal!  And I love what we get to do together!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Don’t forget:

– All LIFE Groups are being officially postponed one week and unless notified otherwise will now start the week of September 17th.
– We are postponing our BIG DAY/Tailgating Party/Outdoor Baptism origninally scheduled for September 17th.  Right now we hope to reschedule it for Sunday, October 1st.  But we will make that official call after the storm.

Dear Coastal Friends & Family,

By now you’re probably making your final preparations for Hurricane Irma. This is certainly a storm to take seriously, and 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 while it’s still too early to tell exactly what impact Irma will have on our area, I wanted to write to share a few important updates AND a little hope and encouragement for you today.

#1 – In light of Hurricane Irma, school closings, and probable evacuation, all services this Sunday, September 10th, will be cancelled.  We do plan to meet next Sunday, September 17 at 9:30am and 11:15am like normal, so watch your email and social media for updates.

#2 – Our Membership Class originally scheduled for this Saturday is cancelled and will be rescheduled.

#3 – All LIFE Groups are being officially postponed one week and unless notified otherwise will now start the week of September 17th.

#4 – We are postponing our BIG DAY/Tailgating Party/Outdoor Baptism origninally scheduled for September 17th.  Right now we hope to reschedule it for Sunday, October 1st.  But we will make that official call after the storm.

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, and Irma, 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 or a text.  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.”

Matthew 14:27, “…But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Nahum 1:7, “The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.”

Standing Strong With You & Praying For You!
Pastor Chris
pastorchris@coastalcommunitychurch.org
843-442-8820

P.S.  Your tithes and offerings make a REAL difference at Coastal and are vital to the every-day ministry and mission of our church. Since we will not be meeting this Sunday, September 10th for our normal worship services, you can give online from our website, from our app, or via text at 843-277-8337.

Dear Coastal,

DON’T FORGET – ONLY 1 SERVICE THIS SUNDAY – 9:30AM – NO 11:15AM SERVICE!  If you’re in town this Labor Day weekend, let’s pack out our building with one huge combined service!  You might even get to meet some people you don’t normally see from another service!

Okay, now that that’s out of the way – WOW – I can’t say enough good things about LIFE Group Sunday last week!  Each and every one of our LIFE Group Leaders did such an amazing job with their Tables/Booths!  And the best part is that we had over 300 LIFE Group Sign-Ups!  LIFE Groups begin the week of September 10th.  It’s not too late to sign up!  While there are multiple ways to sign up, you only have to sign up ONE TIME, ONE WAY!  1.) You can view the LIFE Group Catalog and sign up online.  2.) You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  3.) There will be several tables in the back of the auditorium with all the different sign up lists – you can sign up there.  Once you sign up, your LIFE Group Leader will contact you before the Group begins.

Hurricane Harvey Relief:
Living in Charleston, we are well acquainted with hurricanes and storms.  We’ve all seen the heartbreaking images coming out of Texas and the Houston area in particular as they begin what looks like a very, very long recovery process from Hurricane Harvey.  As a church we’ve been praying about how we can help.  Most of you know that I’ve been in a Pastor’s Coaching Network for a number of years.  About 5 times a year I meet with 25-30 Pastors from around the country for a time of learning and coaching.  In fact it’s how I met our new Associate Pastor Scott.  Well it just so happens that one of those Pastors that both Scott and I have been in Coaching with is Mike McGown of Parkway Fellowship Church in Katy, TX (basically a suburb just west of Houston – http://parkwayfellowship.com/harvey).

We got in touch with Pastor Mike and asked how we could help (most of this week, Pastor Mike has been trapped at his home surrounded by water).  We decided to partner with their church in helping with their recovery.  Their church is being used as a collection/distribution center.  They sent us a list of needs that they are collecting for Flood Relief.  During the month of September (beginning this Sunday) we are going to be collecting these items at the church and then look to deliver these items in early October (some items/supplies will be shipped/sent earlier).  We’ve also talked to our good friends at Oakland Elementary School across the street and the students/faculty will be joining with us in collecting these items (how awesome is that!).

Here is the list we were sent:
PERSONAL CARE ITEMS
Bottled water
Hygiene items
toothpaste
toothbrushes
deodorant
feminine products
bar soap
Shampoo / Conditioner Razors
Shaving Cream
New, packaged underwear & socks (all sizes)
Diapers
Wipes
Blankets
Pillows
Contact Lens Saline Solution
Infant formula

CLEAN-UP SUPPLIES
Buckets
Shovels
Heavy duty trash bags
Plastic bins
Tarps
Packing/Shipping Tape
Box cutters / Sheetrock knives
Wheelbarrows
Box fans
Laundry detergent
Cleaning rags
Gift Cards in increments no larger than $100 (groceries, gas, Lowes/HomeDepot)
Clorox wipes
Ziplock bags (quart & gallon)
Sharpies

One of our “Tailgating” Tents, on Sunday, September 17th will be set aside specifically for Hurricane Relief Collection!  When you invite & bring your friends to church that day, encourage them to bring supplies!

A portion of our offering over the next month will be given/sent directly to Parkway Fellowship Church for Flood Relief.  If you would like to give above and beyond your regular giving, directly toward the Flood Relief, you can give through TEXTing.  TEXT the amount to 843-277-8337 (space) and then type the keyword “Harvey”.

Obviously we can give to/through many different organizations, but I thought it might be good to have a contact there in the area that we actually know and trust – and who can get the supplies/money to the people who need it most.   If you are interested in making the trip with us to Houston or if you have access to a large trailer or shipping/delivery contacts, please let us know.  Thank you in advance for having such caring/giving hearts.

Friday’s 5:

1.  Have you heard yet that this Sunday, September 3rd (Labor Day Weekend) we will only have one Sunday morning Worship Service – our 9:30am service – no 11:15am service?
2. Our next Membership Class is Saturday, September 9th, 9am-12noon.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.
3. Sunday, September 17th is going to be a BIG DAY at Coastal!  We’ll be kicking off a new series, “After God’s Heart.”  It’s a series about the life of David.  Begin praying now about who you will invite and bring!  Pray for your ONE!  There will be Tailgating, Food, Jump Castles, Kona Ice, and Baptisms!
4. WE NEED TAILGATERS for our Big Day, Sunday, September 17th.  Respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday if you’d like to participate.
5. On Sunday, September 17th, after each service, in the center of all the Tailgating Tents we’re going to have an outdoor Baptism Service!  You can sign up to get Baptized on our website, on your Connect Card, or simply respond to this email.

I LOVE OUR CHURCH!

Pastor Chris

P.S. Travel weekends (like Labor Day Weekend) are a great time to watch our services live online and to take advantage of all the digital ways to give to Coastal and automate your giving:

• TEXTing (843-277-8337)
• Our App (did you know Coastal has an App?  Look for our FREE App in your App Store – Coastal Community Church of Charleston)
• Or our website.

Dear Coastal,

If this past weekend/Sunday is any indication of what the Fall holds at Coastal, hold on to your seats! First of all, we had 80 Students show up for their Back to School Bash Lock-In! WAVES Student Ministry starts meeting regularly for 6.2.SIX this coming Wednesday night, 6pm-8:15pm. Get your 6th-12th Grade Student and their friends there! And then on Sunday we had 542 in worship, a bunch of new volunteers for Shadow Day, lots of people already started signing up for LIFE Groups, and one more person gave their life to Christ! This Fall is going to be AWESOME!

And speaking of the Fall, on Sunday, September 17th, we’re kicking off a new series on the life of David called, “After God’s Heart.” It’s going to be a great series to invite your friends. In fact, on the 17th I’ll be preaching from 1 Samuel 16 when David was first annointed to be the new King. But what’s so amazing about this story is that NOBODY, not even his own family considered the possibility of God using him. The key verse from this story and the entire series is found in 1 Samuel 16:7, “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him (refering to Eliab, David’s older brother). The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Wow! That’ll PREACH! So invite and bring as many people as possible and come prepared for a good heart workout!

To kick the series off we’re also having our Annual Coastal Tailgating Competition! We need at least 10-15 people/groups to volunteer for our Tailgating Competition. And then after each service, in the center of all the Tailgating Tents we’re going to have an outdoor Baptism Service! You can sign up to get Baptized on our website, on your Connect Card, or simply respond to this email. You can sign up to Tailgate on your Connect Card or by simply responding to this email. It’s going to be an awesome day and a great series! I think we can break 700 people in attendance! Other than Easter, that will be our largest attendance ever!

Friday’s 5:

1. Our second (if you didn’t attend the first) LIFE Group Training (for all Leaders and Assistants) is tomorrow, Saturday morning, August 26th, 10am-12noon. The Fall Semester starts the week of September 10th.
2. This Sunday is LIFE Group Sunday at Coastal! It’s similar to a Job or College Fair, but for LIFE GROUPS! Not only will you get to sign up for a Group, but you can check out all the different Groups, meet the Group Leaders, enjoy some great snacks, and have a BLAST! By the way, you can go ahead and check out the semester catalog online and sign up today! Once you sign up for a group, your Group Leader will contact you before the semester begins. All Groups begin the week of September 10th.
3. Our next Membership Class is Saturday, September 9th, 9am-12noon. Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.
4. On Sunday, September 3rd (Labor Day Weekend) we will only have one Sunday morning Worship Service – our 9:30am service.
5. WE NEED TAILGATERS for our our Big Day, Sunday, September 17th. Respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday if you’d like to participate.

Better Together!

Pastor Chris

P.S. Again, don’t forget on Sunday, September 3rd (Labor Day Weekend) we will only have one Sunday morning Worship Service – our 9:30am service – no 11:15am service. Let’s pack out the 9:30am service!

Dear Coastal,

Let me ask you a question.  Are you in need of a miracle in your life?  Do you need a miracle in your relationships?  Are you in need of a miracle in your finances?  Are you struggling with something in your life right now that seems so big, so overwhelming, that short of a miracle, you see no way out?  Well, this week’s book and message are for you!  The book is “Grave Robber” by Mark Batterson.  In the book Mark takes a look at the 7 miracles of Jesus in Gospel of John.  But it’s more than just a book about miracles.  It’s a book about Jesus.  And like Mark says, if you follow Jesus long enough, you eventually find yourself in the middle of some miracles.  My message Sunday is going to take a look at one of those miracles in John 9.  Go ahead and read the passage over the weeke and be prepared for God to do some miracles on Sunday!  Don’t miss it!

And speaking of this Sunday – a couple of things – first of all, it’s “Shadow Day”!  It’s an opportunity for those of you interested in serving to get a behind the scenes look at a particular Ministry – Cafe, 1st Impressions, Coastal Kidz, Security, Tech Booth.  If you haven’t already signed up, simply respond to this email, let us know which Ministry you’re interested in, and we will contact you.  And then secondly, we’ll have our new Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalog available and you can go ahead and start signing up for LIFE Groups!  It’s going to be an awesome semester with a lot of great Groups!

On Sunday, September 17th, we’re kicking off a new series on the life of David called, “After God’s Own Heart.”  It’s going to be a great series to invite your friends.  Each week, as we look at his life, we’ll talk about what it takes to have a heart for God. So invite and bring as many people as possible and come prepared for a good heart workout!

To kick the series off we’re also having our Annual Coastal Tailgating Competition!  We need at least 10-15 people/groups to volunteer for our Tailgating Competition.  And then after each service, in the center of all the Tailgating Tents we’re going to have an outdoor Baptism Service!  You can sign up to get Baptized on our website, on your Connect Card, or simply respond to this email.  You can sign up to Tailgate on your Connect Card or by simply responding to this email.  It’s going to be an awesome day and a great series!

Friday’s 5:

1. Our WAVES Student Ministry is having their Back to School Bash tonight with a LOCK-IN at the church – 7pm-7am!
2. Weren’t able to make our last Membership Class?  Our next 2 classes (pick one) are – Saturday mornings, August 19th (this Saturday) & September 9th, 9am-12noon.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.
3. LIFE Group Training (for all Leaders and Assistants) will be (pick one) Tuesday night, August 22nd, 7-9pm or Saturday morning, August 26th, 10am-12noon.  LIFE Group Sunday is August 27th and the Fall Semester starts the week of September 10th.
4. Sign up and join Coastal’s Fantasy Football League!  It’s a PPR, points based league, with weekly head-to-head matchups for bragging rights.  Draft night will be held at Coastal on Sunday night, August 27th @6pm (if you can’t make it in person, you can draft online).  The number of people who sign up will determine the number of of leagues and the number of people in each league.  You can respond to this email to sign up or sign up on your Connect Card.  Sign up deadline is August 20th.  This League is for ANYONE – men or women!
5. On Sunday, September 3rd (Labor Day Weekend) we will only have one Sunday morning Worship Service – our 9:30am service.

All IN!

Pastor Chris

Dear Coastal,

Well, the Summer is officially almost over.  While we’ve had a lot of people out of town and traveling from week to week, one constant this Summer has been the number of 1st time guests each week at our church.  Well, this Sunday, immediately after our 11:15am service we have an event just for those of you who are new to Coastal – our Newcomer’s Reception (about 30 minutes in length).  It’s a great opportunity to learn more about our church, meet our Staff, Ministry Leaders, and other new people, and discover possible next steps.  Childcare and pizza are provided.  If you’re interested in attending, the easiest thing to do is to attend the 11:15 service this Sunday and then walk over to the Coastal Kidz Building through the Child Check-in doors and follow the signs to the reception (just outside the 1st-5th Grade auditorium).  You can let us know you’re coming by signing up for the Newcomer’s Reception on our website or by simply responding to this email now.  You’ll be glad you came!  Thanks!

We still have 3 weeks left in our “Summer Reading” series, but I want to go ahead and let you know about our next Big Day.  On Sunday, September 17th, we’re kicking off a series on the Life of David called, “After God’s Own Heart.”  It’s going to be a great series to invite your friends.  David is one of the most recognizable characters in the Bible – from an overlooked nobody who replaced the mad King Saul, to a shepherd on the hillside who wrote many of the Psalms, to the boy warriror who defeated Goliath with sling and a stone, to the fallen King who commits adultery with Bathsheba.  Each week, as we look at his life, we’ll talk about what it takes to have a heart for God. So invite and bring as many people as possible and come prepared for a good heart workout!

To kick the series off we’re also having our Annual Coastal Tailgating Competition outside that day!  We need at least 10-15 people/groups to volunteer for our Tailgating Competition.  And then after each service, in the center of all the Tailgating Tents we’re going to have an outdoor Baptism Service!  You can sign up to get Baptized on our website, on your Connect Card, or simply respond to this email.  You can sign up to Tailgate on your Connect Card or by simply responding to this email.  As you can see, it’s going to be an awesome day and a great series!

Friday’s 5:

1. If you have a rising 6th Grader, there is a Welcome to WAVES Party for your Student TONIGHT, August 11th, 6:30pm-7:30pm at Sky Zone in Mt. Pleasant (FREE – includes jumping for an hour, pizza & drink)!  This is a great way for you and your student to meet our Youth Pastor Ryan Spell and other volunteers, answer any of your questions, and have a lot of fun!
2. Weren’t able to make our last Membership Class?  Our next 2 classes (pick one) are – Saturday mornings, August 19th & September 9th, 9am-12noon.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.
3. LIFE Group Training (for all Leaders and Assistants) will be (pick one) Tuesday night, August 22nd, 7-9pm or Saturday morning, August 26th, 10am-12noon.  LIFE Group Sunday is August 27th and the Fall Semester starts the week of September 10th.
4. Love Football and Smack Talk?  Sign up and join Coastal’s Fantasy Football League!  It’s a PPR, points based league, with weekly head-to-head matchups for bragging rights.  Draft night will be held at Coastal on Sunday night, August 27th @6pm (if you can’t make it in person, you can draft online).  The number of people who sign up will determine the number of of leagues and the number of people in each league.  You can respond to this email to sign up or sign up on your Connect Card.  Sign up deadline is August 20th.  This League is for ANYONE – men or women!
5. Interested in serving at Coastal?  Like to get a behind the scenes look at a particular Ministry?  Sign up for “Shadow Day” on Sunday, August 20th (the Sunday before the Solar Eclipse – get it – “Shadow Day”).  You can sign up on your Connect Card.  Just indicate the area that you would like to “shadow” and a LIFE Team Leader will contact you.

All IN!

Pastor Chris

P.S. On Sunday, September 3rd (Labor Day Weekend) we will only have one Sunday morning Worship Service – our 9:30am service.

Dear Coastal,

First of all, and most importantly – 2 more people indicated on their Connect Card that they gave their life to Jesus this past Sunday!  Coastal, that’s why we do what we do!  That’s why we serve, that’s why we share, that’s why we love, that’s why we reach out, that’s why we invite!  Just think about the potential impact of those decisions, not just for those individuals, but for their families and friends for generations and on into eternity! 

Last Sunday we kicked off our “Summer Reading” series by talking about Tim Keller’s book, “Prodigal God” and Luke 15.  Reread the entire chapter of Luke 15 this week.  We’re on the same mission that Jesus had – to seek and save the lost.  There is no such thing as “good” people or “bad” people.  There are only lost people and found people.  And if you’ve been found, you help FIND other people!  Keep praying for your ONE!

Oh, I’m writing this from Los Angeles!  Our entire staff is out here this week for a Church Systems Boot Camp Conference!  We’re learning a lot, but yes, we’re also having a blast together!  The staff will be flying back tomorrow in time for church on Sunday, but Janet and I are staying a little longer to hang out with our daughter Lydia who lives here in LA.  Keep us all in your prayers!

Galen Moyer, from our church, will be preaching for me this Sunday!  Galen has spent his entire life in Ministry – as a Pastor of a local church and currently a Hospice Chaplain.  He and his wife Perry have served faithfully at Coastal in numerous roles over the years.  He’ll be using the book, “The Case for Christ” as the springboard for his message.  The following Sunday, August 6th, you’ll get a chance to hear our new Associate Pastor, Scott Whitaker preach.  He’ll be using the book, “The Greatness Principle.”  I promise you won’t want to miss the next two weeks! 

Friday’s 5:

1. Don’t forget, especially over the Summer with so many people traveling, you can support the ministry of Coastal any time and any where by giving through our website, our app, or through TEXTing (843-277-8337).  Coastal is fully funded by the generous, consistent giving of it’s members – YOU!
2. Weren’t able to make our last Membership Class?  Our next 2 classes (pick one) are – Saturday mornings, August 19th & September 9th, 9am-12noon.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.
3. We are planning and organizing our Fall Semester of LIFE Groups!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group, please let us know now!  LIFE Group Training will be (pick one) Tuesday night, August 22nd, 7-9pm or Saturday morning, August 26th, 10am-12noon.  LIFE Group Sunday is August 27th and the Fall Semester starts the week of September 10th.  If you are leading a Group, we need all your info by Friday, August 11th.
4. If you have a rising 6th Grader, there is a Welcome to WAVES Party for your Student on Friday, August 11th, 6:30pm-7:30pm at Sky Zone in Mt. Pleasant (FREE – includes jumping for an hour, pizza & drink)!  This is a great way for you and your student to meet our Youth Pastor Ryan Spell and other volunteers, answer any of your questions, and have a lot of fun!
5. New to Coastal?  Like to meet our Staff, Ministry Leaders and other new people?  Like to learn more about Pastor Chris and the history of our church?  Make plans to attend our next Necomer’s Reception, Sunday, August 13th, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website or simply by responding to this email now.

Happy Reading!

Pastor Chris

P.S. Mark your calendar now!  Our next BIG DAY is going to be Sunday, September 17th!  We’ll be kicking off a new Fall Sermon Series with Tailgating & Baptisms OUTSIDE!!  We’ll be signing up people for both soon!  Start praying for who you will invite!

Dear Coastal,

I can’t say enough good things about this year’s VBS!  Everything has gone so smooth!  Right now (despite some pretty sketchy weather) we’ve seen over 140 children!  Tonight is the Closing Program. For the Closing Program there will be a Big Party outside from 6-7pm with a petting zoo, jump castles, giant slide, FREE Kona Ice, and hotdogs!  At 6:30pm Ryan, Joe, AND ME will all be taking a pie in the face because the kids GAVE OVER $1000!  The money raised is going to the Lusungu Children’s Home in Zambia, Africa – our mission this week (you can still give tonight).  And then at 7pm everyone will go inside the auditorium for a magician, video, and songs from our children!  It’s been an AWESOME week!  Even if you haven’t been able to come out to VBS during the week, everyone is invited to come tonight and enjoy all the fun!  I know I say this all the time, but it’s true – WE HAVE THE BEST VOLUNTEERS AT COASTAL!

I also want to thank our church for your generosity – your giving!  Everything we do, including our VBS, is fully funded by the consistent, generous giving of our church – YOU!  And this year’s VBS was specifically funded through our Christmas Offering.  On top of that so many people have donated food, supplies, and their time!  Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!  Together we are changing the world – one child at a time!

Our entire Staff is heading out to Los Angeles this Sunday after church!  My Pastor’s Coaching Network will be meeting on Monday & Tuesday at a church in LA.  And then on Wednesday through Friday we’ll all be participating in a Church Systems Bootcamp Conference together!  Keep us in your prayers!  Growing churches require growing leaders and staff.  And we are blessed at Coastal with a great staff!  The staff will be returning to Charleston on Saturday, July 29th.  Janet and I will be staying back in Los Angeles a little bit longer to hang out with our daughter Lydia and for a much needed vacation.  I’ll be preaching this Sunday, July 23rd.  Galen Moyer will be preaching on July 30th.  Scott Whitaker will be preaching on August 6th.

Friday’s 5:

1. Our next Sermon Series, “Summer Reading,” begins this Sunday, July 23rd.  The idea for the series is that each week we’ll be using a the subject matter from one of 7 different books as the subject matter for that Sunday’s message.  All 7 of the books are books that I recommend and are definitely worth reading.  The 7 Books this Summer in order are:  “The Prodigal God” by Tim Keller, “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel, “The Greatness Principle” by Nelson Searcy, “Accidental Pharisees” by Larry Osborne, “Grave Robber” by Mark Batterson, “God Will Use This For Good” by Max Lucado, and “More Than A Carpenter” by Josh McDowell.  Happy Reading!  Remember, “Leaders are Readers!”  We will have a very small amount (first come, first serve) of each book available for sale for only $5 per book!  You can also purchase each book online (Amazon or Christian Book Distributor).
2. Weren’t able to make our last Membership Class?  Our next 2 classes (pick one) are – Saturday mornings, August 19th & September 9th, 9am-12noon.  Childcare and refreshments provided. You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or respond to this email.
3. We are planning and organizing our Fall Semester of LIFE Groups!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group, please let us know now!  LIFE Group Training will be (pick one) Tuesday night, August 22nd, 7-9pm or Saturday morning, August 26th, 10am-12noon.  LIFE Group Sunday is August 27th and the Fall Semester starts the week of September 10th.  If you are leading a Group, we need all your info by Friday, August 11th.
4. If you have a rising 6th Grader, there is a Welcome to WAVES Party for your Student on Friday, August 11th, 6:30pm-7:30pm at Sky Zone in Mt. Pleasant (FREE – includes jumping for an hour, pizza & drink)!  This is a great way for you and your student to meet our Youth Pastor Ryan Spell and other volunteers, answer any of your questions, and have a lot of fun!
5. New to Coastal?  Like to meet our Staff, Ministry Leaders and other new people?  Like to learn more about Pastor Chris and the history of our church?  Make plans to attend our next Necomer’s Reception, Sunday, August 13th, immediately after our 11:15am service (it’s only about 30 minutes).  Childcare and pizza are provided.  You can sign up for our Newcomer’s Reception on our website or simply by responding to this email now.

I LOVE OUR CHURCH!

Pastor Chris

P.S. Ryan Spell is leading a Team of 13 people from our church for a Missions Trip to Peru on Monday, July 31st.  Keep them in your prayers!