This past week we met again for our monthly elders meeting. It was so encouraging! We met forty-five minutes before the meeting to pray for and with those in the congregation who needed prayer. Most months we do this, and this is another an invite to any of you who feels like you need prayer in our church, either for yourselves or for other people you love and care for. This is one of our favourite things to do as elders. James 5:16 says “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed.” This is a wonderful time to do this in our church. We also have been providing time after each service for those that need prayer to come forward and do so, and we encourage you to do that as well if you feel the prompting of the Spirit.
We kicked off the meeting talking and praying with some of the new elder candidates. One of the steps in discernment for being an elder is for the guys to come and ask any questions they may have of what the role is like, etc. While it is early on in process it is exciting to see the godly men that have been nominated by the church. Please pray for those on the discernment team as well as all those that were nominated and their families for the Holy Spirit’s direction through this process.
We also spent some time debriefing the AGM we recently had. It was so awesome to see so many of you come out! At our AGM’s we try to really celebrate what God has done in the last year as well as communicate well on what we believe—by the Spirit’s leading—the future holds for Central as we try to reach the entire Eastern Fraser Valley with the gospel. It can sometimes be challenging to communicate enough but we believe the AGM is another channel to do that. If you are a ministry partner at Central, I would say this is not a typical boring business meeting of the church, but more of a celebratory worship night, and would encourage you to check it out next year if you have not before.
Pastor Matt also gave us an update on where many of the church ministries are at. Some of the highlights are that Women’s ministry is about to begin a weekly study through the book of Colossians, Core doctrine wrapped up recently on the north side of the river in Harrison, and Kids ministry summer camp dates are set. I am also leading Freedom Session with Pastor Eldon, and we are nearing the home stretch with 8 weeks left. It has been such a blessing being part of it. We are also planning to have four Good Friday services. Two in Chilliwack, one in Harrison, and in Promontory. Easter Sunday services will be held at all campuses and we look forward to celebrating the resurrection of Jesus with you all. There is much to give thanks to God for. While running five campuses has many challenges, there are also many evidences of God’s grace, and we are so thankful for so many of you that serve faithfully week in and week out in many different ministries!
Gary Baars
- On behalf of the Elders at Central Community
Finance Update
We have started a new ministry year that includes a budget set to facilitate our vision to reach the Eastern Fraser Valley. At our recent AGM we agreed to set our 2023 budget at $2,735,643. This amount includes income and expenses at all five campuses. The Elders noted that ministry expenses continue to be in line with budget projections, and giving remains consistent. Year to date giving to the end of February is on par with last year. We are thankful for the generous participation of the congregation as we strive to be faithful to the vision God has given us.
This year capital projects are being funded through an increase in our mortgage. The Lake Errock campus is almost restored for full operations and the Harrison campus renovations are substantially complete. Similar to last year, we currently are experiencing a shortfall of revenue to expense in the amount of $100,520. The Elders encourage you to consider how you might invest the resources God has given you to make up this shortfall. The Elders celebrate God’s faithfulness to the church, including providing for us financially. 
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, April 18 | 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