Dear Coastal,

Okay, it’s time!  Make the ask!  Easter is now 2 weeks away!  We have multiple invite tools for you to use to invite your friends:  the FREE Tickets (sign up for yours on Sunday or reserve them online today), our normal invite business cards, a large card mailer that will be sent out to all 29414 residents (good for mailing to friends-pick them up at the ticket booth), and a small invite card in your bulletin.

On Sunday, pick up whatever best suits you and people you will be inviting.  On top of that,  we have yard signs available!  Pick up a yard sign and put it in the front of your yard, closest to the street where people can see it.

We had lots and lots of names that were turned in on Sunday.  If you would like us to specifically join you in praying for the people that you’re inviting, write their first names on your Connect Card this Sunday.  Our Staff, Elders, and Prayer Team would love to join you in prayer.

Our service times for Easter are the same (8:45am, 10:15am, 11:45am).  However, we are having all 3 services outside, on our property, underneath a BIG TENT!  We’re calling it an Outdoor Community Easter Service (pray for good weather).  It should be a lot of fun! Our new Worship Pastor, Michael Wright, will be leading worship for us!  He will then join Coastal full time beginning Sunday, May 4th!

Here are 5 more things I want you to know about:

1. We begin a new series right after Easter called, “Battlefield.”  We’re going to take a look at the some of the common enemies that we all face in our Christian life – worry, temptation, pornography, debt.  Can you think of others?
2. Attention all Students:  BIG SUR (“Student Ultimate Relay”), Wednesday, April 16th, 6:26pm-8:15pm!  High School (Wear Blue) VS. Middle School (Wear Red) in the ultimate relay!  Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet!  There will be food!  Invite your friends!
3. Prayerfully consider making a contribution to your “All In” Campaign commitment on Easter Sunday!  If you are new to Coastal and would like more information about our New Building Campaign, see me, respond to this email, or let us know on your Connect Card.
4. We are making preparations for the Summer Semester of LIFE Groups!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group or if you simply have a creative idea for a Group, please respond to this email or indicate it on your Connect Card.
5. Coastal Day at the Riverdogs Game!  Sunday, May 4th, 5pm.  Tickets $10 (Student Ministry Camp fundraiser).  Kids eat free!  Pick up Tickets at the Easter Ticket Booth.

Always & Forever All In!

Pastor Chris

P.S.  We already have 316 tickets that have been reserved for Easter!  That does not include children in our Children’s Ministry!!  RESERVE YOUR TICKETS FOR YOU & YOUR FRIENDS TODAY!

P.S.S. Sign up for Mobile TEXT Giving & give it a try!  843-277-8337

Attention all Students:  Don’t miss  BIG SUR (“Student Ultimate Relay”)!  Wednesday, April 16th, 6:26pm-8:15pm!  High School (Wear Blue) VS. Middle School (Wear Red) in the ultimate relay!  Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or wet!  There will be food!  Invite & bring your friends!

Dear Coastal,

The Easter countdown continues!  Easter is just 4 weeks away!  The time is now to start praying and inviting!  In fact, if you would like us to specifically join you in praying for the people you are reaching out to, write their first names on your Connect Card this Sunday.  Our Staff, Elders, and Prayer Team would love to join you in prayer.  You can also respond to this email with their names.

Our service times are staying the same for Easter.  However, we are having all 3 services outside, on our property, underneath a BIG TENT (larger than any we’ve rented before!).  We’re calling it an Outdoor Community Easter Service (pray for good weather).  It should be a lot of fun!

Michael Wright, our new Worship Pastor (if you missed the Big Announcement on Sunday), will be leading worship on Easter Sunday!  He will then join Coastal full time beginning Sunday, May 4th!  Woo-hoo!  I’ll share more about Michael later and how we can all help make his transition a smooth one.

Our FREE Tickets for each Easter service have arrived!!  Use them as an invite tool.  You can pick them up this Sunday!  They also help us to gauge when a particular service is going to be full.

Here are 5 more things I want you to know about:

1. Mobile (TEXT) Giving is now available!  Text any amount to 843-277-8337 and follow the instructions!  Give it a try!  it’s safe, simple, and secure!  Even if it’s not going to be the regular way in which you give, I would encourage you to register.
2. Our next Newcomers Lunch is Sunday, March 30th, immediately following the 11:45am service.  This is for anyone new to Coastal who has not been to a Newcomers Lunch.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday, respond to this email, or right now on our website.
3. Prayerfully consider making a contribution to your “All In” Campaign commitment on Easter Sunday!  If you are new to Coastal and would like more information about our New Building Campaign, see me or respond to this email.
4. We are already beginning to make preparations for the Summer Semester of LIFE Groups!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group or if you simply have a creative idea for a Group, please respond to this email or indicate it on your Connect Card.
5. Coastal Day at the Riverdogs Game!  Sunday, May 4th, 5pm.  Tickets $10 (Student Ministry Camp fundraiser).  Kids eat free!  See Scott Huff for tickets.

Have a great weekend!  See you and your friends on Sunday as we continue with our series, “Hello, My Name Is”!  We’ll be looking at Jabez!

Always & Forever All In!

Pastor Chris

I’m actually surprised that more people haven’t asked the question yet.  I’ve been asked it a few times, but not as many as I thought I would.  The question is, “Are you doing the Egg Drop this year?”  Maybe people just assume we’re doing it, because, you know, it’s our thing now and we’ve done it for 5 years in a row.  Or maybe people assume we’re not doing it because they haven’t heard anything about it.  Either way, I thought I would answer the question and explain.

After 5 years and literally thousands and thousands of eggs (close to 200,000 plastic candy filled eggs to be exact), Coastal will NOT be doing an Egg Drop this year (2014). The reason why is simple.  Our church is growing and we’re building a new building on our property (the Egg Drop field) to accomodate the growth.  Although we haven’t broken ground yet, we weren’t sure when that would happen when we started the process.  And as you may or may not know, the Egg Drop takes months and months of planning and preparation.  It now looks like we will break ground sometime in June.

So be on the lookout for other churches around the area having one and give them your support!  And thank you for participating faithfully and spreading the word.  And a huge thank you to those of you who have volunteered over the years (you have the t-shirts)!  We could not do what we do without you!  Be on the lookout – you know Coastal!  We will always be looking for creative ways to reach out to and serve our children and community.

As always, we’d love for you to come check out our church! We have 3 services: 8:45am, 10:15am, & 11:45am!  This Easter we’re having an Outdoor Community Easter Service, at those same times, underneath a HUGE tent on our property!  It’s going to be a blast!  We’d love to see you!

Dear Coastal,

Easter is just 5 weeks away!  Did you hear that?  EASTER IS JUST 5 WEEKS AWAY!  I know that there are some churches and Christians who complain about people who only show up at church on Easter.  Not me!  And NOT Coastal!  If you know churches and people like that, tell them to send their guests to Coastal!  Instead of complaining about it, let’s take advantage of it.  Let’s pull out all the stops and make them feel at home and welcome.  And most importantly, let’s share Jesus with them.

So what can you do?  Most importantly, you can start praying.  Pray for our church and everyone that will be invited.  Ask God to use Coastal to draw people to Himself.  Pray for all the people you will be inviting.  Pray for my message.  Pray for the 16,000 mailing invitations that will be going out to all 29414 residents of West Ashley.

Start inviting.  Make a list of everyone you know and start inviting.  Use Social Media.  Send personal messages.  Walk across the hall at your office.  And then be open to the Holy Spirit throughout your day asking Him to put other people in your path that you can invite.  Take home an Easter Yard Sign.  Two weeks before Easter we’re going to have Easter Yard Signs available to anyone who would be willing to put one in their yard, especially those of you who live in a busy neighborhood.  The week before Easter, help us blitz West Ashley with the rest of our Yard Signs.

This Easter we are having our 3 normal service times, but we are having them outside, on our property, underneath a BIG TENT (larger than any we’ve rented before!).  We’re calling it an Outdoor Community Easter Service (pray for good weather).  It should be a lot of fun!  We’re also using tickets for the 3 services as an invite tool.  So as soon as the tickets arrive, you can start reserving seats for the service you will attend.  They also, help us to gauge when a particular service is full.

How many people do you think we can reach this Easter?  Our largest service ever was just over 600.  Can we do that again?  Can we blow that away?  I don’t know.  Will you do your part?  I believe God is looking for people and churches to draw people to Himself.  Beg God to look no further than you and Coastal!

Here are 5 more things I want you to know about:

1. Mobile (TEXT) Giving is now available!  Text any amount to 843-277-8337 and follow the instructions!  Give it a try!  it’s safe, simple, and secure!
2. 1st Impressions Team Dinner/Meeting this Saturday night (tomorrow), 5:30pm at the church.  Dinner & Childcare provided.  This is for anyone currently serving in 1st Impressions or those interested in serving.
3. Prayerfully consider making a contribution to your “All In” Campaign commitment on Easter Sunday!  If you are new to Coastal and would like more information about our New Building Campaign, see me or respond to this email.
4. We are already beginning to make preparations for the Summer Semester of LIFE Groups!  If you are interested in leading, assisting, or hosting a LIFE Group or if you simply have a creative idea for a Group, please respond to this email or indicate it on your Connect Card.
5. Our next Newcomers Lunch is Sunday, March 30th, immediately following the 11:45am service.  You can sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday or right now on our website.

Have a great weekend!  See you and your friends on Sunday as we continue with our series, “Hello, My Name Is”!  We’ll be looking at Deborah!

Always & Forever All In!

Pastor Chris

On Friday, March 28th, from 6-9pm, Coastal’s Student Ministry (6th-12th Grade) is taking a trip to the Carolina Ice Palace.  The cost is $10 and includes skates.  Meet at the church at 5:15pm if you need a ride.

Join us this Easter, April 20th, at Coastal Community Church for 1 of 3 services, outside on our property, underneath a BIG TENT!  Our service times are the same:  8:45am, 10:15am, or 11:45am.  Invite and bring a friend!  The dress is casual – come as you are.  The messages apply to every day LIFE!  The music is ROCKIN’!  We have an awesome Children’s Ministry during each service for your kids!  You’ll be glad you came!

Register Today for FREE Tickets to the Service you will attend!  The Tickets help us gauge the size of each service and when a particular service might be full.  Feel free to use the tickets to invite your friends!  We will either mail them to you or you can pick them up at Coastal – depending on what you indicate on the Registration Form.  Obviously, no one will be turned away without a ticket.  They are simply a tool to build momentum, track each service, and a way to invite our friends!  See you Sunday!

On Saturday, March 15th, at 6pm, we are having a Dinner/Meeting for all 1st Impression Team members at the church.  It will be a great time of fellowship, training, and vision casting as we prepare for Easter, growth, and our new facility.  The 1st Impression Ministry is an easy “on ramp” for serving and it is also one of the largest, most important ministries at Coastal.  It’s purpose is to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for our guests so that they would return to Coastal and take the next step in their spiritual journey.  We want our guests to feel like our welcome, expected guests in our home.

So don’t miss Saturday, March 15th!  Our menu is:  Barbeque, Mac-n’-cheese, Green Beans, Cole Slaw, Dessert, Tea & Lemonade.  Childcare is provided!  Let us know you’re coming on your Connect Card on Sunday.

Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour – “spring forward” – on Saturday night, March 8th!

Attention Coastal Women:  Don’t miss out on one of this semester’s most exciting Groups – our Yoga Group!  Each week, the group has averaged around 30 women of different skill level and experience – from 1st time beginner to seasoned veteran.  Bring a towel or mat.  Enjoy the fellowship, the prayer time, and the exercise!  Feel free to invite and bring a friend!  See Lori Huff, Tracy Gundy, or Jennifer Smith for more information.

Dear Coastal,

Make sure you check out our new website!  Our old website, though nice & effecient, was just that – a little old.  It was time for an update.  The new website is brighter & cleaner with a few new features and the potential to add others that we will need.  There are also several “behind the scenes” features that you wouldn’t notice.  It’s more secure.  It’s a WordPress site which makes the CMS (content management system) more manageable.  And yes, don’t worry, we will be adding more up to date pictures of our people and events.  That simply takes time.

This Sunday, March 2nd, we kick off a new series called, “Hello, My Name Is.”  We’re going to be looking at some of the lesser known characters in the Bible and how their stories intersect with ours and what their lives can teach us.

We’re going to kick off the series with something called, “Nametag Sunday.”  As you come into the service this week, there will be tables with sharpies and nametags!  We’re asking everyone to please wear a nametag!  It will be a fun way to kick off the series and a great way to invite your friends – because everyone is going to feel like a guest!  And who knows?  You might just meet someone new and remember their name!  So pray – invite – bring!

Here are 5 more things I want you to know about:

1. Our Children’s Director, Janet Rollins, is putting together a VBS Planning Team!  If you are interested in helping to plan and organize VBS this year, shoot Janet an email and let her know – janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org!
2. Parking!  One of the growing pains of a growing church is parking.  Very soon, instead of just greeting people, our 1st Impressions people in the parking lot (large field) will actually be directing traffic.  I need you to help the process by doing a couple of things.  One, follow their direction.  Two, please start parking along the tree line in the large field or over at Oakland Elementary School.  No on at Coastal has “their spot.”  We gladly, willingly give up our spots to make room for others.
3. Prayerfully consider making a contribution to your “All In” Campaign commitment on Easter Sunday!  If you are new to Coastal and would like more information about our New Building Campaign, check the box on the back of your Connect Card or respond to this email.
4. Attention all Students & Parents of Students:  Deposits ($100) for Student Llife Summer Camp are due this Sunday!  Camp dates are June 16-20 at Wake Forest University.  See Pastor Scott for more information.
5. The Peru Summer Mission Trip (June 21-28) deposit ($500) is due this Sunday!  If you don’t have the deposit or are new, but interested in going, please see Pastor Scott for more information.

Have a great weekend!  See you and your friends on Sunday!

Always & Forever All In!

Pastor Chris

One of Coastal’s longstanding LIFE Groups has been my Wednesday morning Men’s Group.  It is always one of my favorite groups and a great way to start the day!  We meet before work for just under an hour.  We read through a book of the Bible, discuss it, and apply it to our lives.  We drink coffee and eat biscuits.  We pray together.  We laugh together – a lot!  We answer 2 questions:  How are you doing?  How can we pray for you?  Iron sharpens iron in this group!  We’d love for you to join us!

Dear Coastal,

One of the marks of a growing, thriving church is change.  There are several changes coming for Coastal I want you to know about.  Some of those changes are small; some are big.  One small change coming is our new sign out front.  The previous sign was destroyed and replaced with a temporary banner.  Our new sign should be ready in about a week. It will be a simple, clean, contemporary look.

Sometime this Spring, we will be going to electronic child check-in for our Sunday morning Children’s Ministry.  Parents will be assigned a number and given a key card that they will swipe and their child’s sticker will be printed.  It is a faster, more efficient way of checking in our children.

Another change in March is really more of an addition.  We will be adding another option for giving to Coastal – texting.  After a very simple one step sign up process, anyone with a smart phone will be able to text any amount, any time, any where, and give to Coastal.  It is simple, safe, and secure.  It is not tied to your phone bill.  It is connected to your Bank/Credit/Debit card that you register.  It’s just another way to make it convenient for people to worship God through their giving.

Probably one of the biggest ways that people find and come to Coastal is through our website.  For a church our size, we have a pretty decent website.  However, we felt like it was time for a change.  Our current website was looking a little dark and dated, so we decided to give it an overhaul.  Look for the unveiling in about a week.

Wow!  Lots of exciting changes!  And those don’t even include our new building and our search for a new Worship Pastor.  Healthy things grow and growth means change.  I’m just excited to be a part of a church that values and embraces change as an asset and not a liability.

On Sunday, March 2nd, we kick off a new series called, “Hello, My Name Is.”  We’re going to be looking at some of the lesser known characters in the Bible and how their stories intersect with ours and what their lives can teach us.

We’re going to kick off the series with something called, “Nametag Sunday.”  I don’t know about you, but we have so many new people each and every week that I have a hard time remembering everyone’s name.  Well, instead of asking only guests to wear Nametags, everyone is going to wear one!  It will be a fun way to kick off the series and a great way to invite your friends – because everyone is going to feel like a guest!  And who knows?  You might just meet someone new and remember their name!  Sunday, March 2nd, start praying and inviting!

Here are 5 more things I want you to know about:

1. Our Children’s Director, Janet Rollins, is putting together a VBS Planning Team!  If you are interested in helping to plan and organize VBS this year, shoot Janet an email and let her know – janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org!
2. Interested in joining Coastal’s Security Team?  Simply respond to this email or check the box on your Connect Card on Sunday.
3. Prayerfully consider making a contribution to your “All In” Campaign commitment on Easter Sunday!  If you are new to Coastal and would like more information about our New Building Campaign, check the box on the back of your Connect Card or respond to this email.
4. We are forming a new team to help serve, host, and clean up at our Newcomer’s Lunches (approx. 6 times a year). If you are interested, please respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
5. Is Social Media – facebook, twitter, instagram – a part of your everyday life?  If the answer is yes, make sure you friend, follow, or add Coastal.  Coastal’s facebook.  Coastal’s twitter.  Coastal’s instagram (brand new).

Have a great weekend!  See you and your friends on Sunday!

Always & Forever All In!

(and yes, make sure you friend)Pastor Chris

This Sunday, February 23rd, Pastor Scott Huff, our Pastor of Student Ministries, will be delivering the message.  Pastor Scott will be closing out our “Collide” series with a message on the Parable of the Talents.  Read Matthew 25:14-30 to be better prepared.

Today is mine and Janet’s 27th Wedding Anniversary!  Our first date was on Valentine’s Day and we got married the next Valentine’s Day!  Janet is the only woman I’ve ever kissed.  So yes, I am a romantic and I love Valentine’s Day.  I told someone to “Have a Happy Valentine’s Day” this week and she snapped back, “You mean, ‘Happy Single Awareness Day’?”  I responded, “Wow!  Well after you feed your cats, mabye you can go out with some friends.”  I told someone else the same thing and got a lecture on a Hallmark/Flower Industry conspiracy.  Another married woman told me, “I told my husband, ‘You better not get me flowers or chocolate on Valentine’s Day!  I don’t want that stuff unless you do it all year long.'”

Okay I get it.  Not everyone feels the same way about Valentine’s Day that I do.  By the way, romance has very little to do with expensive candlelight dinners, flowers, or chocolates.  Romance is simply choosing to love someone exactly the way they need to be loved, expecting nothing in return.  It’s the little things, done consistently, over time.  It’s willingly sacrificing your needs for someone else.  And when you find someone who will do that with you – there’s nothing better.

If that’s the real definition of romance – then in many ways, God is the Great Romantic.  He knows exactly the way each of needs to be loved and He chooses to love us that way, expecting nothing in return.  He does the little things, consistently, over time.  Thank God today for His great love and ask Him to help you to be a better lover!

Don’t forget about the new series we’re kicking off on Sunday, March 2nd called, “Hello, My Name Is.”  We’re going to be looking at some of the lesser known characters in the Bible and how their stories intersect with ours and what their lives can teach us.  We’re going to kick off the series with something called, “Name Tag Sunday.”  I don’t know about you, but we have so many new people each and every week that I have a hard time remembering everyone’s name.  Well, instead of asking only guests to wear Name Tags, everyone is going to wear one!  It will be a fun way to kick off the series and a great way to invite your friends – because everyone is going to feel like a guest!  And who knows?  You might just meet someone new and remember their name!  Sunday, March 2nd, start praying and inviting!

Here are 5 more things I want you to know about:

1. Our Children’s Director, Janet Rollins, is putting together a VBS Planning Team!  If you are intersted in helping to plan and organize VBS this year, shoot Janet an email and let her know – janet@coastalcommunitychurch.org!
2. Our very own Pastor Scott Huff is now a published author!  He is a contributing author to “All Time Verses” a 90 Day Devotional Guide for Students (or adults).  The books are $12.  All proceeds from shirt sales help kids go to Summer Camp.  You can purchase them in the Welcome Center on Sunday.
3. Prayerfully consider making a contribution to your “All In” Campaign commitment on Easter Sunday!  If you are new to Coastal and would like more information about our New Building Campaign, check the box on the back of your Connect Card or respond to this email.
4. We are forming a new team to help serve, host, and clean up at our Newcomer’s Lunches.  If you are interested, please sign up on your Connect Card on Sunday.
5. Need Counseling or know someone who does?  Coastal provides affordable (donations only), professional, Christian Counseling through the Counseling Ministry of Kenny Hahn.  Contact him directly at 843-732-0245 or visit his website at burdenbearersccm.org for more intormation.

Have a great weekend!  See you and your friends on Sunday!

Always & Forever All In!

Pastor Chris