At Central, we talk a lot about the “good problems” we are constantly solving around here—like how to baptize so many people and how to make room in our sanctuary for more. God has been so good!
Because our Chilliwack Campus has been steadily growing, we launched our 5:15 PM service back in the fall of 2024 to help alleviate crowding in our morning services. Our goal has always been to create a warm, hospitable environment where newcomers feel welcomed and our services have the capacity for our church family to invite people in our lives. We also continue to value "Family Worship," where kids in grades 1–5 join us for the first part of the service every week, and we want to ensure we create room to continue doing so.
What we have come to discover is that while God has been doing something really beautiful in the lives of those who attend our 5:15 PM service, it has not achieved our goal of alleviating crowding in our morning services to make room for newcomers, who tend to explore Central by attending in the morning.
We aim to reach the eastern Fraser Valley with the gospel… and that requires evangelistic zeal and gospel hospitality, as well as creativity, adaptability, and sacrifice.
Over the past two Easter Sundays, when we offered three morning services in addition to the 5:15 PM service, we discovered that the three morning services were nearly full while attendance at the 5:15 PM service remained small.
Therefore, for the sake of staff and volunteer sustainability, and with our vision to reach the eastern Fraser Valley in mind—part of which means having seats available for people to be introduced to Jesus and His Church—we are going to change our service times starting September 6 to 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, and 11:30 AM.
We have loved seeing people come to faith in Jesus and grow in their faith because of the 5:15 PM service and the engagement of so many at our weekly dinners beforehand. It’s with that value of being gathered in community in mind that we are going to offer lunch on a weekly basis directly after the 11:30 AM service—so that connections and meaningful relationships can continue to be forged.
I know how much people love change, and because every service time is changing come the fall, this means change for everyone!
But I ask that you keep this at the forefront of your minds and hearts:
- Aim to see Chilliwack transformed by the gospel.
- Be willing to step out of your comfort zone so that seats are freed up for people to meet Jesus and be welcomed into our church family.
- Invite people in your life, knowing that there is room for them to sit with you.
We would also ask that you consider attending the 11:30 AM service if you have the freedom to do so, as we anticipate it will be the least attended. Having three services in a row also gives you the opportunity to attend one service and serve during another!
Central, this continues to be a glorious adventure with you all. Thank you for your faith, your sacrifice, your generosity, and your partnership in the gospel.
I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us in this valley in the year ahead!
Got questions? We'd love answer them!
Please contact The Office - office@centralcommunity.ca