WOW! I feel like we say that a lot around here at Coastal. And the truth is – we do! But it’s just that we are amazed at the favor and blessing of God and what He is doing in us and through us these days! Don’t take that spiritual momentum lightly or for granted – I know I don’t. Continue to humbly beg God to use you and us together. Beg Him to draw people to Himself through our ministry. Invite, love, serve, give, share like it all depended on you. Pray like it all depends on God. Walk by faith and trust God for the results! From Easter Sunday to our 25th Anniversary to 14 people (as of right now) getting baptized this Sunday, it’s all a little overwhelming and amazing!
By the way, speaking of Baptism, if you would like to join in and get baptized this Sunday, we’d love to include you. Simply respond to this email and let us know. If you’ve given your life to Jesus, but have not yet been baptized by immersion as a believer, baptism is your next step (you can read more about it here). It is an outward way of going public with your faith. Come ready to celebrate!
And speaking of our 25th Anniversary. I know not all of you are on facebook, so I simply want to paste a thank-you that I posted last week:
“It hasn’t happened very often in my life – I AM SPEECHLESS! I am absolutely humbled and overwhelmed by all of the events of today and this entire week! Coastal, past & present, I love you! I actually leave tomorrow to drive down to Orlando for my Pastor’s Coaching Network meeting. I will be bragging about all of you all week long! They will not be able to shut me up!”
“I really don’t know where to begin and I don’t want to leave anyone out – THANK ALL OF YOU! Today was AWESOME! I honestly didn’t know what to expect about today, but it exceeded all of my expectations. I really believe that Jesus was lifted up today, high and clear! I knew in my heart that God was telling me it was time to give thanks for our past, celebrate this milestone, and march forward together. I am so glad we listened to His voice and now I know why it was so important. Today was a real marker. If you’ve been reading with us through the Old Testament, today was a day that we built an altar to God’s faithfulness that will be remembered for generations to come.”
“My face & eyes are literally sore from smiling and crying so much today. I feel like I was nothing but a crying, bawling, ball of emotions all week and especially today. I’m not even sure what I said all day long. And then I came home and just collapsed. Just seeing all the fun, smiling faces, joy, laughter and excitement of today on Facebook and emails from so many is again overwhelming. I can’t thank you enough for how you all loved on me and my family today. The video, the kind words, the surprise visits, the personalized notes, the personalized gifts (I have to single out a couple of quilts), the church gift from all of you, the hugs, oh the hugs – I LOVE YOU!”
“Coastal, all of you, all of US, we are all trophies of God’s love, faithfulness and grace. We are all a part of His unfolding plan and story. I hope you saw and heard that loud and clear today. Any thanks or recognition directed toward me and my family, is really just a reflection of Him. The best is truly yet to come and the thought of getting to do what we do together, for His glory, is pure JOY! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! LOVE CAN!”
There is A LOT of activity around here today as we get ready for Student Ministry’s GLOW Weekend! Pastor Scott tells me that we could have as many as 250 Students and Volunteers representing 8 different churches here tonight & tomorrow. Tonight’s service is from 8-9pm. Tomorrow morning the Students leave from our campus at 8:30am to serve Charleston and then come back at 3pm for games (inflatables) and a cookout. There will be a closing worship service from 6-7pm. Make sure your 6th-12th Grader is here!
Our next Newcomer’s Lunch is Sunday, May 3rd immediately after the 3rd service. You can sign up online or on your Connect Card on Sunday. Our Newcomer’s Lunch is a great way for new people to learn more about Coastal, meet other new people and our staff, enjoy a great meal, and discover possible next steps.
On Mother’s Day, May 10th, we are having our next Baby/Child Dedication Service. If you are interested in participating, please respond to this email or sign up on your Connect Card so we can be prepared.
I think that’s about it. Make sure you notice all of the “underground” activity going on for the new building. We may be pouring the foundation as early as next week! I can’t thank those of you enough who continue to give so faithfully to the new building and our All In Campaign. Up to this point you have truly given by faith. Well, now your faith will soon be made sight!
LOVE CAN!
P.S. It looks like our LOVE CAN Help A Child Interest Meeting (Foster, Adoption, & Support) will be Saturday, May 16th, in the morning. We will let you know more information as we work out the details.
Coastal Exists To Share & Experience LIFE – the LIFE of Jesus!
