The elder met Tuesday and we started our evening on our knees praying for the church. We recognize our need for God to be the centre of all we do and plan to do. We bring before Him the needs in the church, petitioning Him to help guide us as we shepherd those that He has put in our care. It is always humbling to be in a room with men giving themselves to our almighty Father’s will. Some elders had the opportunity to pray with people who came to receive prayer. Please come and receive prayer for whatever your needs might be from 6:30-7:00pm on our meeting nights. If that night does not work, you can request prayer on the website or come to us on a Sunday morning.
After prayer were joined by the elder candidates and had an opportunity to let them share a bit about who they are and also ask any questions to the current elders about the role, what it has looked like, and how we have been impacted through this role God has called us to. We prayed over those men, asking God to continue leading them to further clarity on the path He has for them. The Wheels of Hope car ministry team joined us and shared how they hope to bless people in need of a reliable vehicle. The elders prayed over them. If you are mechanically inclined or have a vehicle or parts you would consider donating, they would be grateful. You can reach out to the church office.
We celebrate what God has been doing in the church. Easter was such a beautiful time to remember Christ’s death and resurrection. We were able to do this through participating in the Lent season and a sermon series in Leviticus, focusing on the holiness of God and pointing to the atoning sacrifice that would be complete in Christ. We hope it was a blessing to spend that time focused on who Christ is and what he has done for us.
This month we celebrate so much that has happened and look forward to what God will continue to do. We celebrated 17 baptism, 30 new ministry partners, 22 people graduating from level 1 Equipped to Counsel, and 56 people completing Freedom Session. God is so good. “…if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Please join us in praying for the those who are continuing learning and joining the Care and Counselling Team. We have new classes at the school of ministry, and 65 people have signed up. The Mens Summit is happening May 2 and we will be joined by Dr Dave Currie who will be leading 2 sessions on Champion Your Marriage and Command your Legacy. Men, there’s still time to register.
Safe Families and Gospel Commonwealth are two of Central’s newest ministry partnerships. And we are excited to share more about them in some upcoming services in May and see what God will do in both ministries and the those who lean in and get involved.
As elders we continued our conversation about how to deal with the growth that is still happening in our church and how it is affecting so many different areas. We are continuing to look at best options to address all the needs of Central to support our vision of reaching the eastern Fraser valley with the gospel. We covet your prayers as we continue to discern, discuss, and plan.
Central did an engagement review with Loewen Kruse CPA and the overall review found our financials to be “in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organization”. We are thankful to the Stewardship Team and staff for there faithfulness to steward what God has given us.
As we continue into spring, find some time to go for a walk, grab a coffee, or just spend time with a friend or family member and share about what God is doing in your life. We pray for you to be filled with the love of Christ and to let that love spill out to those around us.
Travis Slootweg
- On behalf of the Elders at Central Community
Finance Update
The elders recently reviewed Central’s financial position for the first quarter (January–March), and there is much reason for gratitude and encouragement. God continues to provide through the faithful generosity of His people, and it is evident that many are investing meaningfully in the Kingdom work taking place through Central.
While overall giving is comparable to the same period last year, it is important to note that 2025 figures included contributions from Promontory. When that is taken into account, giving across our four current campuses has increased by an encouraging 16% year-over-year—a clear sign of growing engagement and shared commitment to the mission. At present, our year-to-date budget-to-expense shortfall is $141,265. This aligns with our typical seasonal pattern and does not represent an unexpected concern at this stage of the year.
Expenses remain well managed and within approved budget parameters. A notable investment this quarter was in missions, particularly through the youth team’s trip to Mexico in March—an opportunity that reflects our ongoing commitment to both local and global outreach. Looking ahead, several previously approved capital projects will be completed in April. These include upgrading the speaker system in Agassiz, undertaking necessary roof repairs in Chilliwack, and covering the cost of our annual external audit.
We are also pleased to report that our external accountants, Loewen Kruse, have completed their review. Their assessment affirms that Central’s financial practices are well-structured, with clear controls in place and strong overall stewardship.
Above all, we give thanks to God for His continued provision. We also invite each of you to prayerfully consider your part in this shared mission—to see the Gospel continue to advance throughout the Eastern Fraser Valley.
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 16 | 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