Something that you’ll hear me say from time to time is, “If a church isn’t constantly trying to reach the next generation for Christ, that church will eventually die.” I’m so thankful to be a part of a church that makes children, students, and young adults a priority. Let me share just a few examples:
– CHILDREN: I seriously can not say enough good things about our Coastal Kidz Children’s Ministry (Birth-5th Grade) – and it’s not just because my wife Janet is our Children’s Director! Janet has been building a phenomenal Team – Aly Huggins, Assistant Director; Tracy Gundy, Nursery Coordinator; Erin Strand, Pre-school Coordinator; Natalie Faust, Elementary Coordinator. And then, of course, it’s the awesome army of Volunteers who serve, love, and teach, week in and week out! I would seriously stack our Team and their volunteers up against group around the country! They are planting seeds of the Gospel that will bear fruit for all eternity! And by the way, with a growing ministry like ours, there is always a place for you to serve in Coastal Kidz! Reach out to Janet, or go to our website and sign up today! One place to get involved and experience the joy of our Children’s Ministry is VBS (see below)! You can sign up your children and volunteer to serve today!
– STUDENTS: One of the best hires we made 2 years ago was Jacob Bonetti, our Youth Pastor. He has a genuine and sincere faith, he loves the Lord, loves God’s Word, loves Students, and loves Coastal. He is a Team Player and a Team Builder. Just like our Children’s Ministry, he is building an awesome Team of Volunteers who love, teach, lead, and serve our Students each and every week! They meet on Sunday nights, doors open at 5pm, and their program is from 5:30-7pm. In fact, let me plug two things going on in Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) right now:
1. SQUADS! Each week, students are put in their teams (squad) and can compete for points by doing different things (such as dressing up in each week’s theme, Scripture memory, inviting friends, etc.). It’s very competitive and a lot of fun! They still have worship, a message, prayer, and Discipleship Groups, but they also have a game built around the SQUADS competition! They’re also taking up an offering each week with the goal of giving $1000 to build a Shanti Home in Peru for a family in need. At the end of the year, the #1 Squad gets a prize! Oh, and they also have food each week!
2. FUGE CAMPS!!! – June 25-29 (Tuesday-Saturday) CSM is headed to Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina for an amazing week at FUGE CAMPS! Students will love every second of this week as they worship, participate in Bible study, go to recreation, pick tracks (activities) to do each day, and of course, there is a MEGA RELAY! It is going to be a transformative week, and we’d love for your student to come! The event costs $350, but do not let money be the reason your student does not attend! Also, you do not have to complete payment until June 6th! So, go ahead and register while spots are limited so your student is LOCKED IN, then you can pay when convenient for you! Reach out to Pastor Jacob if you have any questions about Student Ministry. CLICK THIS LINK TO REGISTER FOR SUMMER CAMP
– YOUNG ADULTS: We have a first this year for Coastal – something we’ve never done before: An 8 week Summer Internship for Young Adults, ages 16-26, June-July. This 8-Week Program is designed to give participants ministry experience and a glimpse into the life of someone in ministry. Participants will gain valuable experience while working alongside Coastal Staff members in areas of Administration, Outreach, Worship Arts, Production & Communications, Children’s, or Student Ministries. Interns are paid $200 a week ($1600 total). If you’re interested in providing housing for out-of-state Interns, please reach out to Rachel Speer. To learn more about our internship program or to apply for the program itself, go to our website today. All applications must be submitted by May 31, 2024.
These are just a few of the ways that we are raising up the next generation of Jesus followers here at Coastal! I love you Coastal! I love being your Pastor! And I love what we get to do together!
LIFE & LOVE!
Pastor Chris
- UPCOMING OUTREACH PROJECTS:
Clothing Team: Our Coastal Clothing Team will be organizing and sorting clothes, TODAY, Friday, April 12th; Monday, April 15th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 2952 Old Pond Road on Johns Island.
Lowcountry Orphan Relief: Lowcountry Orphan Relief provides support services and aid to meet the needs of Lowcountry children identified as at-risk or suffering from abandonment, abuse and/or neglect. Coastal will be serving there, TODAY, Friday, April 12th, 9:30am-11:30am. Meet at 1850 Truxton Ave in North Charleston.
Double Tailgate Day: Meeting Street & Joseph Floyd Manor: Tomorrow, Saturday, April 13th, 10:30am-1:30pm. Meet at the church and then pick which Tailgate you’d like to serve.
Hope Center Tailgate: The Hope Center, managed by the city of Charleston, serves as a one-stop shop in downtown Charleston to assist those who are homeless or who are at-risk of being homeless. We’re sending a Tailgate Team to serve dinner to anyone who is hungry. We meet at Coastal on Tuesday, April 16th, 12pm-3pm.
VA Hospitality Project: This team serves at the VA Hospital in Charleston by providing a hospitality cart, greeting incoming patients and employees, visiting patients, and helping Volunteer Services with small sorting projects. Wednesday, April 17th, 8:30am-12pm. Meet at Coastal.
Patriot Villas Veterans Tailgate: We will be putting on a Tailgate for the Veterans at Patriot Villas on Thursday, April 18th, 6-8:30pm. Meet at Coastal.
Coffee & Doughnuts with the Vets at Patriot Villas – Friday, April 19th, 8:30am-11:30am. Meet at Coastal.
As always, if you are interested in serving in any of these projects, you can sign up on your Connect Card this Sunday or sign up now on our website. If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Chris Jones at 843-870-4613. - Interested in officially making the Coastal church family, your church family? Our next Membership Class is Thursday night, April 18th, from 6pm-9pm, in the Chapel. You can respond to this email, sign up on our website, or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday. Let us know on your Connect Card if you need childcare.
- On Mother’s Day, May 12th, Coastal will celebrate all the women in our lives with fun giveaways, FREE Kona Ice for all ages, a family photo station, and Baby/Child Dedication in all 3 services. If you would like your child to participate in the Dedication Service, sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday. Include the child’s full name and the service you will be attending.
- We are planning our Annual BEACH BAPTISM out at Folly Beach County Park on Sunday, June 9th, at 5pm. You can sign up for it on our website. The only requirement for Baptism is that you have personally given your life to Jesus. Baptism is a public profession of your faith, and it’s a great celebration! It beautifully illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. If you’re unable to participate in our Beach Baptism, remember at Coastal we’re ready for you to get Baptized any service, any Sunday. If you are interested in getting Baptized, simply respond to this email, sign up on your Connect Card, or sign up on our website.
- If you’re fairly new to Coastal, a great next step is our Newcomers Reception. Our next Newcomers Reception is THIS Sunday, April 14th, in our Chapel immediately following the 11:30am service (at approximately 12:45pm). This is a great way to learn more about Coastal, meet staff and key volunteers, as well as meet some other new people. Pizza and childcare provided. You can sign up on our website today!
P.S. Mark your calendars now – Coastal’s VBS is July 8th-12th, 6-8:15pm for children 4 years old – 5th Grade. This year’s theme is, “SCUBA – Diving Into Friendship With God!” Registration for Volunteers and children is now open! Go to our website and register today!
