Happy Easter everyone! As I write this, we are in the week prior to Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. The Easter weekend, a time to celebrate the Good News, was certainly one topic of prayer as the Elders met for our monthly time together. We long to see many people impacted by the Holy Spirit and transformed this Easter across the many Christian churches in Chilliwack and the Eastern Fraser Valley.
As is our normal practice, we enjoyed the first 45 minutes of the meeting praying, including for individuals within our congregation. If you desire prayer, be sure to engage with a wonderful prayer volunteer at the end of each Sunday service across all campuses or submit a prayer request on our website.
We are pleased to announce that Cecily Dickey has chosen to fulfil the role of Women’s Director here at Central. Cecily and family have been long-time active members of our Agassiz Campus. She will step down as Agassiz Worship Coordinator as she engages this new role. We look forward to the equipping work that Cecily will oversee. Please drop a word of encouragement to Cecily in the coming weeks.
Be sure to mark your calendar for the upcoming Men’s and Women’s Summits happening soon. Saturday, May 3 for the ladies and May 24 for the guys. Both events will take place at our Harrison Campus.
The elders engaged in a lengthy conversation regarding future development of the Chilliwack Campus. God continues to bless us with growing numbers of people seeking Him on Sundays. We discussed many different options the Development Team researched for us. In the short term, we are exploring minor renovations to the sanctuary that would accommodate more seating. The longer term conversation continues.
Equipping people to understand and share the good news of Jesus is something we value here at Central. The past four years we have engaged congregants with a Ministry Internship Program, which included a class component held one day per week. With the demand for quality, orthodox, Christian education being high, we are exploring what an expanded education program could look like this coming fall. This will be an exciting opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Christian faith within a structured classroom environment that will be available to all of us.
As previously discussed, we intend to launch the Promontory Campus as an independent church. Pastor Jonathan briefed us on where the Promontory Community Church launch planning stands. We engaged in questions regarding congregation, facility, finances and staffing needs. Presently the Promontory Campus planning team is working full steam ahead to launch this healthy, independent church in September, 2025.
We are pleased to have Gabriela Carter heading up our new counselling initiative. Not only will we be better equipped to help those in need of care but look forward to launching a biblical counselling training centre and biblical counselling centre.
With so many issues in the news and our society that seek to divide us, it is wonderful to hold to the truth that unites us. There is one God and one Gospel. Thank you for being part of what God is doing here at Central Community Church. We cherish your prayers.
Ernie Charlton
- On behalf of the Elders at Central Community
Finance Update
The Elders received a year to date report regarding Central’s finances. Giving to the mission of the church continues to be strong with overall giving to the end of March up 7% from the previous year. The Elders received word that several capital projects will need to be addressed in the next few months. These include replacing a significant portion of the Chilliwack roof, and replacing the sound board for the Agassiz campus. Overall expenses are well within budget parameters with the exception of facility maintenance which includes a deposit for the upcoming roof repairs. Year to date expenses currently leave us with a deficit in the amount of $94,429. This amount is in keeping with our historic giving and expense trends. The elders encourage you to consider your part in ensuring Central meets its ongoing operational and ministry costs.
In keeping with our five year strategic plan the elders discussed the financial implications of launching a school of ministry. Given the opportunity to bolster our commitment to discipleship, the elders agreed to increase the budget for 2025 to accommodate the addition of this strategic initiative. The elders also discussed how Central can bless Promontory church as they move towards autonomy with the goal of providing for them in practical and financial ways. Other points of discussion included a report from the development team in response to a five year plan approved by the elders. Creative immediate solutions to provide more sanctuary, meeting, and ministry space, combined with more strategic long-term revisions should prove effective in ensure we continue to respond faithfully to the growth and opportunities God is providing.
Overall the elders are encouraged by the faithful investment of the congregation to ensure that we achieve our vision to reach the Eastern Fraser Valley with the Gospel. Giving in response to the grace of God is a faithful outworking of our worship. Thank you for participating in the work of God through Central.
ELDER'S PRAYER
We believe in the power of prayer. We value prayer. And we believe that God answers prayer and uses it as a means of achieving His purposes in the church and world.
Central's Elders invite you to come and receive prayer in the Chilliwack Campus Sanctuary.
Tuesday, June 17 | 6.30PM - 7.00PM
Chilliwack Campus | 46100 Chilliwack Central Road
You can also submit prayer requests using the link below.
Got questions or words of encouragement? We'd love to hear from you!
Please contact The Elders - elders@centralcommunity.ca