Whenever I speak about Central’s vision, I invariably say something along the lines of “God has called us to an audacious vision; the kind of thing that makes us fall flat on our faces if God doesn’t move in power.” After all, if a church’s vision doesn’t require God’s power, resources, and renown, it’s probably not a vision worth having.
We aim to see the entire eastern Fraser Valley transformed by the gospel for the glory of God and good of all people. Audacious. I know. But God has been opening doors for us to reach further into communities in the eastern Fraser Valley in powerful ways and we have seen gospel transformation happen in every campus community. And this really is only the beginning!
We are nearing the midway point of 2023 and the summer months are upon us. Summer will be filled with day camps in every one of our campus communities, youth events, a women’s retreat, and of course our weekly Sunday gatherings at every campus.
Finances tend to be tight at this time of year. Giving tends to ebb and flow and finish strong in November and December. We praise God that we have been reaching our growing budget year after year and that giving is up from this time last year. Your generosity and commitment to Kingdom ministry is incredible.
The reason for this message is to remind you that while giving typically lulls over the summer months, ministry and our vision of reaching people with the gospel do not. So, we are asking everyone who calls Central home to help us erase our year-to-date budget shortfall of roughly $180,000 so we can continue to fulfill the ministry we have set out on this year.
We are asking everyone who calls Central home to help us erase our year-to-date budget shortfall of roughly $180,000.
That might seem like a lot of money but it works out to about $145 per person who attended church this past Sunday or $500 per household. Those amounts may seem like a lot of money too! But while some can give more and some can give less, together we can accomplish the Kingdom work Jesus has called us to in the eastern Fraser Valley!
Your Kingdom come and will be done in Lake Errock, Harrison, Promontory, Agassiz, and Chilliwack as it is in heaven.
Practically speaking, a one-time gift would help us reach our $180,000 goal and would be greatly appreciated. Setting up recurring monthly giving (online or through your financial institution), if you haven’t already, would help our operations run more smoothly throughout the year. And the discipline of regular, generous giving simultaneously brings joys to the giver and fuels our mission to make disciples.
We are thankful for our elders, stewardship team, and staff who oversee, provide counsel, and steward our finances with integrity. We are thankful for you who call Central home and who give toward the progress of the gospel in the eastern Fraser Valley and beyond.
Together for the gospel,
Matt Shantz
Lead Pastor
Got questions? We'd love to answer them!
Please contact The Office - office@centralcommunity.ca