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Friday’s 5 – 9-14-18

Wow, what a crazy week!  Hopefully, by now you’ve received all of our Hurricane Florence Updates.  Earlier this week, due to the evacuation order and the unpredictable nature of this storm, we decided to cancel all services for this Sunday, September 16th.  However, while there will be no services this Sunday at our facility, we recorded a message for you to watch or listen to sometime this weekend!  The link to that message is located below.  While I will miss seeing you in person, I hope this message will serve as a source of encouragement and hope for the storms of life that we all face.

We also made the decision to postpone the launch of ALL LIFE Groups ONE WEEK.  In other words, all LIFE Groups will begin the week of September 23rd.  We’re still not sure what this weekend will look like in Charleston, when people who evacuated will return, and when school will resume.  With all that uncertainty, it just makes sense to postpone all of our Groups one week.

We also decided to reschedule our Big Day and the kick-off of “Losing My Religion” for NEXT Sunday, September 23rd.  After all the events of this week, I can’t think of a better time to put our faith into action and serve our community.  Don’t forget, we will have 3 services – 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am!  We are asking you to bring: supplies for Habitat for Humanity, food for our Food Bank, toys for Operation Christmas Child, sign up to give blood through the Red Cross and sign up to volunteer at Oakland Elementary School.  All of those details are located on our website.  If you are a volunteer and you are able, please connect with your Ministry Leader and plan to serve for one of our 3 services NEXT WEEK, September 23rd.

You definitely won’t hear this from the media this week, but I believe that the weakening of this storm is nothing more than an answer to prayer.  But please keep praying.  Pray for all those affected by the storm and for those who will be responding.  Pray for believers everywhere to rise up and be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are hurting.  Pray for our Big Day next week, that we can leverage all the events of this week to put our faith in action and make an IMPACT in our community.  Pray for your ONE!  Pray for everyone who got our postcard this week, that it will still have an IMPACT next week and beyond.  Wherever you are and whenever you return, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.  Stay safe and stay prayerful.  I really can’t wait to hear all your stories, HUG ALL YOUR NECKS, and hopefully see you and all your friends next Sunday, September 23rd!  It’s going to be AWESOME!  I love you Coastal!  I love being your Pastor, and I love what we get to do together!

LIFE & LOVE,
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Our 1st Impressions Team needs your help preparing for our 3 services (8:30am, 10am, 11:30am) on our Big Day on Sunday, September 23rd!  Would you be willing to: drive a golf cart from the parking lot to the auditorium;  stand at the guest tent and welcome first time guests;  open a door before and after the service and tell people “Welcome to Coastal!”;  greet people in the parking lot, making sure they know where to go;  pass out bulletins so everyone gets a Connect Card and sermon outline;  greet people in the auditorium so people can easily find a seat?  Those are just a few spots that we need to fill for all three services!  If you are interested in serving, please respond to this email or reach out to Chris Ranew at chrisranew@gmail.com or call him at 706-941-2044.

2. FINALLY. . .LIFE Groups start the week of Sunday, September 23rd!  There are 3 different ways to sign up for Groups 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 the LIFE Group Tables in the back of our auditorium.  Go to our website, check out the catalog, and sign up for a LIFE Group today!

3. It’s that time of year again – FOOTBALL (Go Tigers!) – which also means it’s time for our Annual Coastal Tailgating Day – Sunday, October 16th!  We’d love to have at least 15-20 people/groups volunteer for Tailgating.  This year, if you tailgate, you won’t feel the pressure to feed everyone!  We’re going to have a couple of people designated to provide food and we’ll provide the drinks.  We’ll also have jump castles and other outdoor activities for the kids.  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.  Also, you can sign up to Tailgate by simply responding to this email or on your Connect Card beginning next Sunday, September 23rd.  Wear your Team Colors!

4. I’m so proud of the way our church has responded to serving over at Oakland Elementary School – 40+ volunteers!  If you would be willing to donate 1 hour a month or more of your time and make a difference in our community, please contact Susan Cumbie or respond to this email.  For those of you who have already signed up, make sure you complete the CCSD volunteer form.  You will also have an opportunity to sign up to serve next Sunday, September 23rd at the kick-off of “Losing My Religion.”

5. Our next “Saturday Serve” is Saturday, October 6th (the first Saturday of every month)!  Meet at the church at 8:30am, learn about some awesome service opportunities, pray, and GO SERVE!

P.S. With Coastal canceling services this weekend, this is the perfect time for you to give 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!  Thank you!

Friday’s 5 – 9-7-18

I’m really looking forward to preaching this week!  I am rested, focused and ready to go!  During the month of August I’ve been able to take a nice little preaching break for several Sundays thanks to Ryan & Scott.  It’s been good for me, good for them, and good for our church.  In fact, last week we took off early for Labor Day Weekend and stayed at a cabin on a lake about 50 minutes from Clemson!  Janet took her sewing machine and worked on a few projects (relaxing for her).  We both took books and caught up on some reading.  I canoed and fished on the lake.    And yes, we drove down to Clemson for the opening game and got to tailgate with good friends!  There was no internet or cell phone coverage at our cabin, and it was GLORIOUS!  But now I am pumped up and ready for what God has in store for Coastal this Fall!  Don’t miss this Sunday!  My message sets the stage for this new series and our Big Day, September 16th!  But trust me, this Sunday’s message is powerful!  Invite & bring a friend because people are going to get saved!

We kick off our new series, “Losing My Religion” next Sunday, September 16th!  Our postcard invitation to all of West Ashley, James Island, and Johns Island hits the mail next week!  Please be in prayer for the service, my message, your ONE, and all the invitations that will be made!  I hope you’ve been collecting/saving items & supplies to bring to church on that Sunday.  Remember, there will be tents outside on our campus where you can sign up to give blood to the Red Cross, bring food for our Food Bank (which is very low), bring Toys/Supplies for Operation Christmas Child, and bring old household items for Habitat for Humanity Restore.  Help us make an IMPACT in our community and our world!  Leverage all of those opportunities when inviting your friends to church.  And don’t forget, we’re having 3 services that day to make room for all our guests: 8:30am, 10am, & 11:30am!

And speaking of making an IMPACT, I’m so proud of the way our church has responded to serving over at Oakland Elementary School – 40+ volunteers!  We now have a schedule of volunteers every week sitting with students/classes during lunch, providing teachers with a “duty free” lunch each week.  Many of those volunteers will soon be moving into a classroom to volunteer.  In fact, when people in the community call the school now to volunteer, they send them to Coastal!  If you would be willing to donate 1 hour a month or more of your time and make a difference in our community, please contact Susan Cumbie or respond to this email.  For those of you who have already signed up, make sure you complete the CCSD volunteer form.

LIFE & LOVE,
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. Our next Newcomer’s Reception is THIS Sunday, September 9th, immediately after the 11:15am service in the Welcome Center!  It’s a great next step for people new to Coastal.  You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Coastal, meet our staff & ministry leaders, and meet other new people just like yourself.  It only lasts about 40 minutes, and pizza & childcare are provided.  You can sign up online or simply respond to this email to let us know you’re coming.

2. Join us this Sunday night, September 9th, at 6pm for a special night of prayer and worship as we officially ordain Ryan Spell into full time Christian Ministry as a Pastor.  We will also have a special time of prayer for our Big Day the following Sunday!  There will be childcare and a reception following the service!  Don’t miss it!

3. Our 1st Impressions Team needs your help preparing for our 3 services (8:30am, 10am, 11:30am) on our Big Day on Sunday, September 16th!  Would you be willing to: drive a golf cart from the parking lot to the auditorium;  stand at the guest tent and welcome first time guests;  open a door before and after the service and tell people “Welcome to Coastal!”;  greet people in the parking lot, making sure they know where to go;  pass out bulletins so everyone gets a Connect Card and sermon outline;  greet people in the auditorium so people can easily find a seat?  Those are just a few spots that we need to fill for all three services!  If you are interested in serving, please respond to this email or reach out to Chris Ranew at chrisranew@gmail.com or call him at 706-941-2044.

4. Woohoo!  LIFE Groups start the week of Sunday, September 16th!  There are 3 different ways to sign up for Groups 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 the LIFE Group Tables in the back of our auditorium.  Go to our website, check out the catalog, and sign up for a LIFE Group today!

5. It’s that time of year again – FOOTBALL (Go Tigers!) – which also means it’s time for our Annual Coastal Tailgating Day!  We’d love to have at least 15-20 people/groups volunteer for Tailgating.  This year, if you tailgate, you won’t feel the pressure to feed everyone!  We’re going to have a couple of people designated to provide food and we’ll provide the drinks.  We’ll also have jump castles and other outdoor activities for the kids.  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.  Also, you can sign up to Tailgate by simply responding to this email or on your Connect Card beginning next Sunday, September 16th.  Wear your Team Colors!

P.S. We’ve been praying for all of the names that people have turned in that they’re inviting to our Big Day.  I am overwhelmed with all the ONE‘s you’re reaching out to, loving, serving, and praying for.  If you have a name that you’d like for us to add to our list, simply respond to this email or turn it in on your Connect Card on Sunday.

Friday’s 5 – 8-24-18

Woohoo!  This Sunday, August 26th, is LIFE Group Sunday at Coastal!  It’s always one of my favorite Sundays of the year!  For those of you who’ve never been to a LIFE Group Sunday, let me explain what happens.  Both of our Sunday morning services – 9:30am & 11:15am – will be just like normal, only slightly shorter.  At the end of each service we’re all going to take a field trip out to the Big LIFE Group Tent outside where you’ll have a chance to check out all the different groups at Coastal this semester.  There will be a table/booth representing each Group.  You’ll be able to meet the leaders, ask questions, enjoy some great snacks, and most importantly, sign up for a Group!  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 on one of the LIFE Group Tables.  Go to our website, check out the catalog, and sign up for a LIFE Group today!

I’d love to hear about who you’re inviting to our Big Day on Sunday, September 16th (respond to this email with their names).  The week before the Big Day, we’re going to be mailing out a large postcard to all of West Ashley, James Island, and Johns Island – over 70,000 homes!  Please pray that the card will reach just the right people and that God will prepare the hearts of the people receiving it.  And this is important.  To make room for all of your friends and everyone we’re inviting, we’re changing our service times and adding a 3rd service just for that Sunday.  Our service times for Sunday, September 16th will be 8:30am, 10am, & 11:30am!  We’ll go back to our current service times the following week.  But I’ll be honest with you – I can’t wait until we HAVE to go to 3 services because of the growth of our church!

LIFE & LOVE,
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1. There is a Peru Missions Tripinformation meeting this Sunday, August 26th at 1pm at the church.  The Mission Trip to Lima, Peru is next year, June 25th – July 2nd, 2019.  Come hear all the details and learn how you can make a difference in Peru.

2. DON’T FORGET – next Sunday, September 2nd(Labor Day Weekend), there will be only 1 combined worship Service at 9:30am.  There will be NO 11:15am service.  Our 9:30am service will be live online as usual.

3. Our next Newcomer’s Reception is Sunday, September 9th, immediately after the 11:15am service!  It’s a great next step for people new to Coastal.  You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Coastal, meet our staff & ministry leaders, and meet other new people just like yourself.  It only lasts about 40 minutes, and pizza & childcare are provided.  You can sign up online or simply respond to this email to let us know you’re coming.

4. Join us on Sunday night, September 9th, at 6pm for a special night of prayer and worship as we officially ordain Ryan Spell into full time Christian Ministry as a Pastor.  We will also have a special time of prayer for our Big Day the following Sunday!  There will be childcare and a reception!  Don’t miss it!

5. Looking for a great place to serve at Coastal? Have flexible morning hours?  Consider joining the Monday Morning Follow-up Team & the Super Service Friday Team!  The Monday Team meets from 9am-11am and the Friday Team meets from 10am-12noon.  Both Teams meet in the Coastal Kidz Building.  You will have the opportunity to help with follow-up from the Sunday Service.  You will help with processing Connect Cards, data entry, recycle bulletins, connect with our 1st and 2nd time guests, pull together the prayer requests for the Coastal Prayer Team, and help prepare for Sunday Services.  You’ll work with other awesome volunteers and make a huge IMPACT on our ministry.  Childcare is provided if needed.  If you are interested in volunteering you can simply respond to this email or contact Rachel Speer directly at rachel@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

P.S. WAVES Wednesdays resumes this coming Wednesday, August 29th, 6pm-8:15pm for our WAVES Student Ministry (6th-12 Grades)!  WAVES Wednesday is a night of Games, Food, Fun, Worship, Teaching & Small Groups!  Get your Student and his/her friends here!

Friday’s 5 – 8-17-18

Well, the Summer is officially over!  When I grew up, the Summer wasn’t over until after Labor Day, but all Charleston County students head back to school on Monday.  I can’t wait to see all the back-to-school/first-day-of-school pictures on social media.  Whether it’s Kindergarten or College, these are emotional days for parents.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers this week!  I hope you and your family have had a great Summer – making memories and sharing experiences you will cherish for a lifetime!  We’ve had a great Summer here at Coastal – Summer of IMPACT, “At the Movies”, Student LIFE Camp, salvations, Beach Baptism, VBS, “Summer Reading.”  

September typically ushers in two big things – and no I’m not talking about traffic and College Football!  I’m talking about LIFE Groups & our Fall Big Day!

LIFE Groups:  Here at Coastal we run our small groups on a semester basis – just like school.  There is a Fall Semester & a Spring Semester, each lasting 8-12 weeks.  This Sunday, we’ll have our new Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalog in your bulletin.  You’ll have the chance to check out all the different Groups being offered this Fall (Groups start the week of September 16th).  The following Sunday, August 26th, is LIFE Group Sunday at Coastal!  On that day, you’ll have the opportunity to go outside to a large tent filled with tables/displays representing all of our LIFE Groups for this semester.  It’s kind of like a job/college expo, but for LIFE Groups!  You’ll be able to meet the leaders, ask questions, enjoy some great snacks, and most importantly, sign up for a Group!  There are 3 different ways to sign up for Group at Coastal, but you only have to sign up one time/one way.  Starting next Sunday, you can sign up on your Connect Card, online from our website, or on a LIFE Group Table.  Now, for those of you who read my “Friday 5”, here’s a little secret – you can go ahead and check out all of our Groups and sign up online NOW!

Fall Big Day – Sunday, September 16th:  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 any of 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.  In fact, September 16th is “National Back to Church Sunday.”

So on Sunday, September 16th, we’re kicking off a new series called, “Losing My Religion” from the book of James.  It’s all about putting our faith into action.  And so to put our faith into action on that day we’ll have tents & trucks outside on our campus where you can give blood to the Red Cross, bring food for our Food Bank, bring Toys/Supplies for Operation Christmas Child, and bring old household items for Habitat for Humanity Restore.  Again, that’s Sunday, September 16th – start praying now!  We’re having 3 services that day (we’re changing our services times that day only):  8:30am, 10am, & 11:30am!

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

1. We’re signing up volunteers to serve over at Oakland Elementary School.  In fact, 39 people have already signed up!  If you’d be willing to give 30 minutes-1 hour of your time, once or maybe twice a month, simply respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  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.  For those of you who have already signed up, please go ahead and complete the CCSD volunteer form and contact Susan Cumbie.

2. Attention all LIFE Group Leaders & Assistants – don’t forget that LIFE Group Training will be this Tuesday night, August 21st, 7pm-9pm OR Saturday morning, August 25th, 10am-12noon (childcare provided for both).  Please RSVP with Pastor Scott for which Training you will attend.

3. There is a Peru Missions Tripinformation meeting on Sunday, August 26th at 1pm at the church.  The Mission Trip to Lima, Peru is next year, June 25th – July 2nd, 2019.  Come hear all the details and learn how you can make a difference in Peru.

4. On Sunday, September 2nd (Labor Day Weekend) there will be only 1 combined worship Service at 9:30am.  There will be NO 11:15am service.  Our 9:30am service will be live online as usual.

5. Our next Newcomer’s Reception is Sunday, September 9th, immediately after the 11:15am service!  It’s a great next step for people new to Coastal.  You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Coastal, meet our staff & ministry leaders, and meet other new people just like yourself.  It only lasts about 40 minutes and pizza & childcare are provided.  You can sign up online or simply respond to this email to let us know you’re coming.

P.S. Join us on Sunday night, September 9th, at 6pm for a special night of prayer and worship as we officially ordain Ryan Spell into full time Christian Ministry as a Pastor.  We will also have a special time of prayer for our Big Day the following Sunday!  There will be childcare and a reception!  Don’t miss it!

Friday’s 5 – 8-10-18

Dear Coastal,

I know this is common place to say at Coastal – but WOW, what an AMAZING DAY this past Sunday!  Almost 200 people came out to Folly Beach to witness 33 people getting Baptized in the ocean!  And we still have another 14 people signed up to get Baptized soon (by the way, we’re ready any time you are – any service, any Sunday – just let us know)! Plus, after Sunday, we added another 5 Salvations to our IMPACT Board! That means we have now have baptized 52 people so far this year and 60 people have given their life to Jesus!  Our goal this year is 100!  We’re more than halfway there!  Coastal, keep praying for your ONE!  The best way to make an IMPACT is still ONE life at a time.  Beg God to keep using Coastal, to draw people to Himself through our church.  And then, do your part – keep inviting, keep sharing, keep reaching out.  And when guests do show up to church (which they do every Sunday at Coastal), go out of your way to be friendly & welcoming.

And speaking of inviting and reaching out – on Sunday, September 16th, we’re having a BIG DAY!  In other words, I’m asking you to pull out all the stops and do whatever it takes to get your friends, neighbors, family, co-workers – your ONE – to church that day!  We’re kicking off a brand new series called, “Losing My Religion”from the book of James.  Many people today have lost faith in “organized religion”?  They have a number of reasons for not attending church, but lack of faith isn’t usually one of them.  They want a growing relationship with God.  They want to see faith put in action.  They actually want be a part of a movement of people that’s making a real difference in our community and our world.  Well, that’s what we want at Coastal Community Church and that’s what this series is about – putting our faith into action.

One of the things I’m most excited about for the kick-off of the series is that instead of the usual Jump Castles, Games, & Kona Ice (don’t worry, we’ll have those later for other events), we’re going to give you and your friends a real opportunity to actually put your faith in action.  How?  We’ll have tents & trucks outside on our campus where you can give blood to the Red Cross, bring food for our Food Bank & the Lowcountry Food Bank, bring Toys/Supplies for Operation Christmas Child, bring old household items for Habitat for Humanity Restore.  In other words, our entire campus will be filled with opportunities to be a part of something bigger than yourself and make an IMPACT in our community and world!    Again, that’s Sunday, September 16th – start praying now!  We’ll be having 3 services that day (that day only):  8:30am, 10am, & 11:30am!  It’s going to be another AMAZING day at Coastal!

LIFE & LOVE,
Pastor Chris


Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:
1. We’re so excited to share a new serving opportunity in our community with you!  Most of you are well aware of the wonderful relationship we have with Oakland Elementary School – one of the schools across the street from our church.  Well, we’re going to be “upping our game” this year!  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.  If you are willing to help, simply respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Help us make an IMPACT in our Community!  We already have 23 people signed up to serve!

2. Sunday, August 26th is LIFE Group Sunday at Coastal!  What is LIFE Group Sunday you ask?  During both services (and in between & after) you’ll have the chance to go outside to a large tent filled with tables/displays representing all of our LIFE Groups for this semester.  It’s kind of like a job fair or college fair but for LIFE Groups!  You’ll get to the meet the leaders, ask questions, enjoy some great snacks, and most importantly, sign up for a Group!  For those of you who are LIFE Group Leaders, don’t forget that LIFE Group Training will be 7pm-9pm, Tuesday night, August 21st or 10am-12noon, Saturday morning, August 25th (childcare provided for both).

3. Our next Newcomer’s Reception is Sunday, September 9th, immediately after the 11:15am service!  It’s a great next step for people new to Coastal.  You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Coastal, meet our staff & ministry leaders, and meet other new people just like yourself.  It only lasts about 40 minutes and pizza & childcare are provided.  You can sign up online or simply respond to this email to let us know you’re coming.

4. Join us on Sunday night, September 9th, at 6pm for a special night of prayer and worship as we officially ordain Ryan Spellinto full time Christian Ministry as a Pastor.  We will also have a special time of prayer for our Big Day the following Sunday!  There will be childcare and a reception!  Don’t miss it!

5. As school supplies go on sale, it’s a great time to grab extras for our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Most needed items are: pencils, erasers, manual pencil sharpeners, pens, crayons, small composition notebooks, solar powered calculators, rulers, glue sticks (no liquid glue), and pencil cases. Save them up and bring everything on Sunday, September 16th!  You can go ahead and bring shoeboxes NOW and drop them off at the OCC collection box in the auditorium at church.

P.S. There is a Peru Missions Trip information meeting on Sunday, August 26th at 1pm at the church.  The Mission Trip to Lima, Peru is next year, June 25th – July 2nd, 2019.  Come hear all the details and learn how you can make a difference in Peru.

Friday’s 5 – 8-3-18

Dear Coastal,

It’s going to be an awesome weekend!  First of all, it’s our last weekend of Summer of IMPACT!  If you haven’t served yet in some capacity, we’d love for you to join us tomorrow for Saturday Serve!  It couldn’t be any easier – just show up at the church at 8:30am and then choose from several different opportunities (listed below).  Our goal this Summer has been 2500 hours of community service!  We’ll announce our final number this Sunday, August 5th at our Beach Baptism & Party!

That’s the other thing you don’t want to miss this weekend!  Right now we have 41 people signed up to get Baptized (and it could be more)!  That’s twice as many people as we’ve ever Baptized at one time!  The Baptism Service will take place right at 4pm (come early!) at the Folly Beach County Park (consider carpooling with friends – parking at Folly Beach County Park is now $15 a car.  Parking is free with a Gold Pass).  Immediately after the Baptism we’ll be providing a meal for everyone at the Pelican Watch Shelter!  Trust me there will be plenty of food!  It’s being catered, so you don’t have to bring a thing!  Pray for good weather.  Right now it’s 50% chance of rain – which in Charleston, doesn’t really mean much.

Oh, and on Sunday morning, I’ll be continuing in our “Summer Reading” series with the book, “Messy Grace.”  It tells the story of how a Pastor with gay parents learned to love without sacrificing conviction.

So, here’s what’s happening this final weekend of Summer of IMPACT:
You can learn more and sign up for all of these events by going to our website – https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/outreach.
Making An IMPACT With You,
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1.  Go ahead and put this on your calendar!  On Sunday, September 16th, we’re having a BIG DAY!  We’re kicking off a brand new series called, “Losing My Religion” from the book of James.  It’s all about putting our faith into action.  Our goal is to break 800 in attendance!  We’re having 3 services that day (that day only):  8:30am, 10am, & 11:30am!  Start praying now about who you’re going to invite & bring!

2.  We are putting together our 2018 Fall Semester LIFE Group Catalog right now!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group we need to know now.  Please sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, respond to this email, or contact Pastor Scott at scottw@coastalcommunitychurch.org.  LIFE Group Training will be 7pm-9pm, Tuesday night, August 21st or 10am-12noon, Saturday morning, August 25th (childcare provided for both).  LIFE Group Sunday will be Sunday morning, August 26th!  LIFE is better together!

3.  We’re so excited to share a new serving opportunity in our community with you!  Most of you are well aware of the wonderful relationship we have with Oakland Elementary School – one of the schools across the street from our church.  Well, we’re going to be “upping our game” this year!  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.  If you are willing to help, simply respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.  Help us make an IMPACT in our Community!

4.  We’ll say it again – our BEACH BAPTISM Service will be this Sunday, August 5th, at 4pm at the Folly Beach County Park area!  We already have over 40 people signed up to get Baptized – our largest Baptism ever!  You can sign up online.  This is a powerful experience that you will never forget!  And then of course everyone is invited to come out and celebrate with them!  We’ll be having a church wide cookout/celebration (food & drinks provided by the church – you don’t have to bring anything) at the Pelican Watch Shelter immediately following the Baptism to celebrate Summer of IMPACT!  And yes, please invite friends and family out to the beach to join us!  It’s going to be awesome! (Consider carpooling with friends – parking at Folly Beach County Park is now $15 a car.  Parking is free with a Gold Pass).

5.  As school supplies go on sale, it’s a great time to grab extras for our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Most needed items are: pencils, erasers, manual pencil sharpeners, pens, crayons, small composition notebooks, solar powered calculators, rulers, glue sticks (no liquid glue), and pencil cases. Also, don’t forget to save your shoeboxes as you buy new pairs for your kids this fall!  You can drop all donations off in the OCC collection box at church.

P.S. Our WAVES Student Ministry (6th-12 Grades) have several upcoming events to mark on your calendar:  this Sunday, August 5th, the Students will be leaving from the church at 1pm on a bus for Folly Beach and will be returning at 6pm.  Wednesday, August 15th, 6:30pm-7:30pm, Rising 6th Graders Party at SkyZone!  Wednesday, August 29th, 6pm-8:15pm, WAVES Wednesdays RESUME!

Friday’s Five – 5-25-18

Dear Coastal,

Okay, it’s not the “Royal” Wedding, but by the time you read this, we’ll probably be on a plane heading to California for my daughter’s wedding.  Although I CAN promise you that Lydia & Andrew’s wedding will cost somewhat less than the $45 MILLION Royal Wedding of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle, for me personally, it will be far more captivating and beautiful!  I’ll try to take plenty of pictures and post them as quickly as possible.  It’s going to be a whirlwind of a trip – we leave on Friday, the wedding is on Sunday afternoon, and then we return late on Monday.  I’ll be walking Lydia down the aisle, Andrew’s Dad will be doing the opening part of the ceremony myself until he says, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”  I’ll respond and then “tag him out” and do the remainder of the ceremony (HOPEFULLY, I’ll be able to do the remainder of the ceremony).  Please keep all of our family in your prayers!We’ve already had a great sign up launch to SUMMER OF IMPACT – our opportunity together as a church to make an IMPACT for Jesus where we live, work, and play, right here in Charleston!  Our goal is to see over 2500 hours of community service from Saturday, June 2nd to Saturday, August 4th!    There are over 20 different opportunities/organizations that we will be serving or partnering with multiple times over those two months.

Just like Saturday Serve, we’re going to make it as easy as possible for you to sign up, show up, and serve.  There is a page on our website where you can literally go and see each project listed in chronological order, the day and time, and all the information you need.  You click a button to sign up and that’s it.  You can also pick up a Catalog on Sunday that explains all of the opportunities and then sign up on your Connect Card.  On Sunday, August 5th we’ll conclude Summer of IMPACTwith a 2nd Beach Baptism AND a cookout/party immediately afterwards to celebrate all that God has done over the Summer!  So, go check out the website and dates, look at your calendar, and sign up for multiple events/days.

There are LOTS of days, times, and events to choose from – everything from serving our Veterans, feeding the homeless, helping the elderly, and much, much more – even opportunities for the whole family to do together!  I also want you to talk it up with your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers and invite them to join you.  Even people who don’t go to church and don’t know the Lord are looking for ways to do something significant with their lives.  Leverage that God given desire and invite people to join you!  Here’s the web address:  https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/outreach/

Making An IMPACT With You,
Father of the Bride – Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

 

1.  We announced earlier that Coastal will be hosting Oakland Elementary School’s 5th Grade Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday, May 30th at 9:30am. Well, we’re also hosting Orange Grove Middle School’s 8th Grade Award Ceremony!  Their Award Ceremony will be the next day, Thursday, May 31st at 10:15am.  Needless to say, we’ll be pulling out all the stops for both schools!  This is a great opportunity to make a real IMPACT in our Community!  Many people have already volunteered for the Wednesday morning Oakland Graduation, but if you’re available for the Thursday morning Awards Ceremony for Orange Grove, simply respond to this email.

2.  We have almost 20 people signed up for our BEACH BAPTISM Services on Folly Beach (down at the County Park), Sunday, June 10th, at 4pm!  Love for you to join them!  You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or simply respond to this email.  This is a powerful experience that you will never forget!  We’re having a 2ND BEACH BAPTISM on Sunday, August 5th, 4pm at Folly Beach County Park.  We’ll also be having a church wide cookout/party at the Pelican Watch Shelter immediately following the Baptism on August 5th to celebrate Summer of IMPACT!

3.  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! Spread the word and register today!  Please fill out the VBS Volunteer Insert in this Sunday’s Bulletin to indicate where you would be willing to serve!

4.  On Sunday, June 3rd, we kick off one of our favorite sermon series of the year – “At the Movies!” It’s where we use current, popular movies as a hook to talk about spiritual truth! This year’s theme is, “Heroes Assemble!”  As always with this series there will be popcorn and several fun giveaways!  Each week of the series ALL 1st time Guests will receive a FREE MOVIE TICKET to Citadel Mall Theater.  In fact, if you bring a guest with you to church, come over to the blue Welcome/Guest Tent and not only will your guest get a ticket, but you will too!  So – who are you inviting?

5.  It is the faithful, consistent, generous giving of our people that make all of Coastal’s outreach and ministry possible – period.  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!  If you’re going to be out of town this weekend, it’s the perfect opportunity to give it a try!

P.S. 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).  If you are interested in going or have any questions, reach out to Pastor Scott at scottw@coastalcommunitychurch.org.

Friday’s Five – 5-18-18

Dear Coastal,

I want to share something with you that I’m extremely excited about.  Our church exists to share and experience the LIFE and LOVE of Jesus with Charleston and the world.  LIFE & LOVE – a life worth living and a love worth giving!  That’s our purpose, our mission.  And we believe that one of the most powerful ways to accomplish that, to make a real IMPACT, is through serving.  How do I know that?  Because Jesus said that to find life, you give your life away in service to your neighbor.That’s exactly what we’re going to do this Summer together as a church – making an IMPACT for Jesus where we live, work, and play – right here in our beloved Charleston.  We’re calling it the Summer of IMPACT.  Our goal is to see over 2500 hours of community service from Saturday, June 2nd to Saturday, August 4th.    There are over 20 different opportunities/organizations that we will be serving or partnering with multiple times over those two months.  And just like Saturday Serve, we’re going to make it as easy as possible for you to sign up, show up, and serve.  There is a page on our website where you can literally go and see each project listed in chronological order, the day and time, and all the information you need.  You click a button to sign up and that’s it.  We’ll also have a catalog available to explain all of the opportunities and each Sunday during Summer of IMPACT we’ll take a few minutes during our Sunday Service to highlight the week ahead.  On Sunday, August 5th we’ll conclude Summer of IMPACT with a 2nd Beach Baptism AND a cookout/party immediately afterwards to celebrate all that God has done over the Summer!

Here’s what I want you to do:  First and foremost I want you to pray.  Pray that we will be the hands and feet of Jesus as together we serve our community.  Pray that lives will be changed and people will be drawn to Jesus.  And then, quite simply, I want you to sign up. Check out the website and dates, look at your calendar, and sign up for multiple events/days.  In fact, you can start signing up today!  There are LOTS of days, times, and events to choose from – everything from serving our Veterans, feeding the homeless, helping the elderly, and much, much more, even opportunities for the whole family to do together!  I also want you to talk it up with your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers and invite them to join you.  Even people who don’t go to church and don’t know the Lord are looking for ways to do something significant with their lives.  Leverage that God given desire and invite people to join you!

Coastal let’s open up a BIG OL’ CAN OF . . . LOVE on Charleston and together make an IMPACT for the Kingdom!

https://coastalcommunitychurch.org/outreach/

Making An IMPACT With You,
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1.  Attention all LIFE Group Leaders & LIFE Team Leaders (and spouses):  our End of the Semester Celebration is TONIGHT, 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!  Can’t wait to see you tonight!

2. We announced earlier that Coastal will be hosting Oakland Elementary School’s 5th Grade Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday, May 30th at 9:30am.  Well, it just keeps getting better!  We’ve also been asked to host Orange Grove Middle School’s 8th Grade Award Ceremony!  Their Award Ceremony will be the next day, Thursday, May 31st at 10:15am.  Needless to say, we’ll be pulling out all the stops for both schools!  This is a great opportunity to make a real IMPACT in our Community!  Many people have already volunteered for the Wednesday morning Oakland Graduation, but if you’re available for the Thursday morning Awards Ceremony for Orange Grove, simply respond to this email.

3. We’re signing people up now for our Annual BEACH BAPTISM Services at Folly Beach!  The date is Sunday, June 10th, 4pm at Folly Beach County Park!  You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or simply respond to this email.  This is a powerful experience that you will never forget!  We’re having a 2nd Beach Baptism on Sunday, August 5th, 4pm at Folly Beach County Park.  We’ll also be having a church wide cookout/party at the Pelican Watch Shelter immediately following the Baptism on August 5th to celebrate Summer of IMPACT!

4.  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!  Spread the word and register today!  Please fill out the VBS Volunteer Insert in this Sunday’s Bulletin to indicate where you would be willing to serve!

5.  On Sunday, June 3rd, we kick off one of our favorite sermon series of the year – “At the Movies!” It’s where we use current, popular movies that people are seeing and talking about as a hook to talk about spiritual truth!  This year’s tagline/theme is, “Heroes Assemble!”  As always with this series there will be popcorn and several fun giveaways!  Each week of the series ALL 1st time Guests will receive a FREE MOVIE TICKET to Citadel Mall Theater.  In fact, if you bring a guest with you to church, come over the blue Welcome/Guest Tent and not only will your guest get a ticket, but you will too!  So – who are you inviting?

P.S.  Chair set-up this Saturday morning at 9am!  Love for you to join us!  With 6 or more people it only takes 30 minutes or less!  Great exercise, great service, and great fun!

Friday’s Five – 5-11-18

Dear Coastal,
We are so pumped up about Mother’s Day this Sunday!  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!  Don’t miss it!  Pull out all the stops and invite and bring your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers!

I realize that for many people, especially women, Mother’s Day can be very painful.  I promise that my message on Sunday will be one of hope and strength.  While it’s not a “Mother’s Day” message specifically or a message geared only toward women, I am going to be talking about God’s Healing Grace – how God heals the hidden wounds of our lives.  One of the ways He does that is by renewing our minds with the truth of His word.  You see, many people, especially many women, struggle with hurt and pain and low self-esteem because they have believed the lies of this world about who they are and whose they are.

As with all “Big Days” make sure you come early (especially if you’re serving), park over at Oakland, and help us create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all of our Guests!  If you don’t have a preference, come to the 11:15am service – 9:30am will be packed!  I can’t wait to see you Sunday!

In Him,
Pastor Chris

Here are this week’s “Friday 5”:

1 – Attention all LIFE Group Leaders & LIFE Team Leaders (and spouses):  our End of the Semester Celebration is next 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 on your Connect Card on Sunday or simply respond to this email!

2 – We announced earlier that Coastal will be hosting Oakland Elementary School’s 5th Grade Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday, May 30th at 9:30am.  Well, it just keeps getting better!  We’ve also been asked to host Orange Grove Middle School’s 8th Grade Award Ceremony!  Their Award Ceremony will be the next day, Thursday, May 31st at 10:15am.  Needless to say, we’ll be pulling out all the stops for both schools!  This is a great opportunity to make a real IMPACT in our Community!  Many people have already volunteered for the Wednesday morning Oakland Graduation, but if you’re available for the Thursday morning Awards Ceremony for Orange Grove, simply respond to this email.

3 – We’re signing people up now for our Annual BEACH BAPTISM Services at Folly Beach!  The date is Sunday, June 10th, 4pm at Folly Beach County Park!  You can sign up online, on your Connect Card on Sunday, or simply respond to this email.  This is a powerful experience that you will never forget!

4 – 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!  Spread the word and register today!  Please fill out the VBS Volunteer Insert in this Sunday’s Bulletin to indicate where you would be willing to serve!

5 – Coastal Pantry Food Drive!  We are collecting “pop top” canned goods (cans with a pull tab) to serve at our monthly Saturday Serve Tailgating Party for the hurting, hungry, and homeless in North Charleston.  You can bring your donations to the church during the week or on Sunday mornings you can drop them off in the Food Pantry in the Old Kitchen in the Coastal Kidz Building.

Friday’s Five – 5-4-18

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!

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