Hello Central,
This past Tuesday, we Elders enjoyed our monthly meeting. It was an extra special evening, in that all of the Pastors of Central joined us for a meal. It is rare to have us all in one place at one time. What a wonderful team of Godly men and women we have serving Central in vocational ministry! We are reminded from Colossians 3 how we are to continually ‘put on’ compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, bear with and forgive one another. I am struck how these are the traits exhibited by this great family of pastors. God has blessed us with a tremendous team, unified by the Gospel of Christ. The elders prayed over the Pastors before moving into the regular meeting time.
There are tremendous things happening in the lives of people in all our Campus locations. I was struck by the story of the Lake Errock Campus meeting practical needs in their community. A family in the Scowlitz First Nation community recently suffered a house fire. The people of Central provided clothes, food and, with resources from our Benevolent fund, purchased mattresses for the family. We are thankful for these opportunities to demonstrate Christian love to people in need and celebrate new relationships in the Lake Errock community.
The renovation work continues in Lake Errock and Harrison Campus locations. There are still some upgrades required to maximize the ministry potential of these locations. We are thankful for the financial generosity of all of you that supports these capital projects. Despite the work being unfinished, these locations are engaged in consistent, ongoing outreach and ministry work.
Our Foundations classes are underway. We desire that all of us are equipped and growing in our knowledge of the Christian faith; being sanctified in our roles as ambassadors of Jesus Christ. I encourage you to check out the events calendar on our website and take advantage of these classes.
There are still many places to serve in, and through, Central. Fill out a Connecting Card this Sunday or contact the church office for opportunities. Please don’t just be a consumer, but rather engage and receive the joy that comes in serving others.
If you are currently in need of prayer or help, let us know. Your church family is here so you don’t have to journey alone. You can request prayer at centralcommunity.ca/Prayer, by phoning our Office | 604 792 8037 (Mon-Thurs | 9.00am - 3.30pm), or by email: office@centralcommunity.ca
We spent substantial time reviewing the financial budget for the current and upcoming year. God has given Central the vision to see the entire eastern Fraser Valley transformed by the Gospel. We do this by supporting other local churches, organizations, and ministries, as well as planting church campuses. A member of the stewardship team joined us and delivered a summary of their observations. We commit to being wise stewards of the financial gifts you provide and thank God for His provision.
Ernie Charlton
- On behalf of the Elders at Central Community
Finance Update
The Elders received an updated financial report to the end of October. The report received was encouraging in terms of overall giving, noting that giving was up considerably even as they wrestled with the reality of significant capital expenditures as a result of the flood in Lake Errock, renovations required for the Harrison Campus start up, and significant maintenance issues at the Chilliwack Campus. While there is an overall deficit between income and expense, it was noted that ministry expenditures are inline or even under budget, with the bulk of the costs attributed to capital costs as noted below.
Budget projections suggest that we will end the year on budget if donations given follow the trends from previous years. The elders recognize that these are difficult financial times for many. The benevolent fund continues to be engaged to provide for people in need. The elders strive to steward the gifts given to Central to accomplish our mission and are encouraged both by the management of funds, and the generosity of the Central congregation. As 2022 draws to a close the elder encourage you to join them and prayerfully consider investing in the mission of Central so we can achieve our vision of seeing the entire Eastern Fraser Valley transformed but the Gospel.
RECEIVE PRAYER FROM THE ELDERS
Our Elders have such a heart for the family of Central. Whatever burden you are carrying, the Elders count it a privilege to lift you up in prayer. You're invited to come receive prayer from them before each monthly Elder's meeting.
Tuesday, December 13 | 6.30pm - 7.00pm
Chilliwack Campus | 46100 Chilliwack Central Road
Got questions or words of encouragement? We'd love to hear from you!
Please contact The Elders - elders@centralcommunity.ca