Dear Coastal,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pastor Chris

P.S.  Don’t forget:

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