Dear Coastal Friends & Family,
By now you’re probably making your final preparations for Hurricane Irma. This is certainly a storm to take seriously, and I want you to know that myself and Janet, and all of our pastors and staff are praying for you and for our community in the days ahead.
And while it’s still too early to tell exactly what impact Irma will have on our area, I wanted to write to share a few important updates AND a little hope and encouragement for you today.
#1 – In light of Hurricane Irma, school closings, and probable evacuation, all services this Sunday, September 10th, will be cancelled. We do plan to meet next Sunday, September 17 at 9:30am and 11:15am like normal, so watch your email and social media for updates.
#2 – Our Membership Class originally scheduled for this Saturday is cancelled and will be rescheduled.
#3 – All LIFE Groups are being officially postponed one week and unless notified otherwise will now start the week of September 17th.
#4 – We are postponing our BIG DAY/Tailgating Party/Outdoor Baptism origninally scheduled for September 17th. Right now we hope to reschedule it for Sunday, October 1st. But we will make that official call after the storm.
With the storm making it’s way to us, I know many people are stressed and worried. Storms, however, really are a part of life, whether we give them names like Hugo, Matthew, Harvey, and Irma, or names like depression, bankruptcy, cancer, divorce, and death. God never promises us a storm free life, not even to the faithful, but He does promise to walk with us through the storm. He promises to never leave us or forsake us. And if we let Him, He even has the miraculous ability to use our greatest storm, our deepest pain, for our good and His glory. Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
There is help. There is healing. And there is hope. His name is Jesus. And that’s not just a trite saying, a t-shirt, or a meme. If you will draw near to Him, He will draw near to you. I know that to be true personally and so do many of you. In the days ahead, let’s strive to be a calming presence in the midst of the storm. Let’s show kindness where others show anger and hostility. Let’s be patient when surrounded with impatience. Let’s be the hands, heart, feet, and voice of Jesus to our community. Remember Coastal, we don’t just GO to church, WE ARE THE CHURCH! And as always, together we will look for ways to serve our community!
If you have any prayer requests or needs before, during, or after the storm, please send me an email or a text. Know that you are loved! I’ll check in with you again soon. Be smart. Be safe. Be prayerful!
Psalm 62:5-8, “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
Matthew 14:27, “…But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Nahum 1:7, “The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.”
Standing Strong With You & Praying For You!
Pastor Chris
pastorchris@coastalcommunitychurch.org
843-442-8820
P.S. Your tithes and offerings make a REAL difference at Coastal and are vital to the every-day ministry and mission of our church. Since we will not be meeting this Sunday, September 10th for our normal worship services, you can give online from our website, from our app, or via text at 843-277-8337.
