Sunday Reflections

Okay, so this really isn't a satellite picture of Saturday afternoon here at Coastal - not even close. But for about 2 hours before our community "Movie on the Lawn" event, it sure felt like it. Obviously, it got cancelled. It was like a mini-monsoon here in West Ashley. For the first hour we kept saying, "It will let up. It will pass. We'll wait it out." It got worse and worse and worse. What made it more scary is that we already had everything set up - sound, amps, chords, a GIANT 16' X21' SCREEN now being used as a very large sail. But you know what? Nothing was damaged or broken. We got it all back inside safe and sound.

I want to thank our band for all the work they put in to practicing, preparing, setting up, and scrambling to break down and clean up! You guys and your families are awesome. Your whatever it takes attitude never ceases to amaze me!

We will look at the calendar and try to reschedule the event. The giant screen is ours now and we want to make good use of it. If you haven't seen it - it's quite impressive. But you know what Coastal? Even though it didn't happen, I believe that God blesses a church that is willing to work hard and do whatever it takes to bless the community and reach out to people. And that's what Saturday night was to be all about - just inviting our community and friends to join us on our campus for a little "community," Coastal style. And now it makes for a good story and an opportunity for you to simply continue the conversation with your friends about our good God and our crazy do whatever it takes church.

Today was awesome at church. Had a few technical snags, scheduling snafus, and a need to tighten up a few things, but we never let those things distract or deter us from what God is doing and what He is calling us to do. There's simply always room for improvement. It was also the last Sunday before the start of school, but we still had several first time guests.

Used the movie, "Sex & the City" to talk about adultery today. I think we did it in a way that was very truthful, but also full of grace. I really wanted to use the message as a way of offering some tools to strengthen and encourage marriages. When I got home I told Janet, "I think I'm about sexed out." Now before you wonder if someone else has hijacked my blog, I just meant that after talking about sex and the single life during our "Wanted" series and now again during this series, I'm ready for a new subject (don't worry, I had to revive my wife as well). But the reality is that for far too long the church has either been silent on this subject or has been so full of judgement and venom that we've done more harm than good. We need to take back this wonderful gift that the world has stolen. We do need to teach truth, but we need to wrap it in love, grace, and kindness. So many people are truly hurting and simply need help. We are all guilty of sin. And we all need the grace of Jesus.

Wes had his first Student Ministry Parent meeting. I think everyone is very pumped about the future. As always, had a bunch of kids and students at church tonight for D.O.G.S. (1st-5th grade) and WAVES (6th-12th grade). Wes is doing a great job!

Making big plans for the fall. Can't wait to share them with you. Don't forget that if you need Dave Ramsey tickets to let us know. We're getting closer to hiring a part time Administrative Assistant at the church. I am so jacked about that. It is going to change our church and more specifically my life for the better! Well that's about it. Keep our schools, teachers, parents, and students in your prayers - school starts this week! (Traffic is about to get bad again - yuck!)