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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!