Last week a communique was sent to our members and it was read to all attenders at all campuses on Sunday. As pastor and chair of our board it was an exciting moment to share important news. Here is that communication.
“I’m sharing an announcement that brings me great joy. A new opportunity has opened for CLA, and I’m asking you to make this a matter of prayer.
On February 25th, our board’s bid to purchase a Lutheran church in Abbotsford, shaped by careful research and due diligence, was accepted. There were eight churches that submitted bids, and we are grateful that ours was chosen. This acceptance now allows us to move forward into the next phase of research and completion.
There are still important steps ahead, including financial reviews, membership consultation, and fundraising. This is not the finish line, but it is an important open door and an initial step of faith.
We are deeply grateful to God for granting us the opportunity to proceed with prayerful discernment and careful research. We do not take this lightly. We want to listen well to the Lord and walk in wisdom together.
Please pray for this process of discernment. If we take possession, it would be in the summer. We would complete a few renovations, and our Abbotsford Campus would move into the new space for fall ministry in September.
I am excited to share this news with you, and I invite you to join us in prayer as we seek the Lord together.”
What are the next steps? First, the finance committee is doing research in how to fund this project without jeopardizing ministry. Second, we are inviting our campuses to an open house on Easter Saturday, April 4 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Come for a tour, talk to Pastor Bryce from our Abbotsford Campus, ask any questions you may have. Third, we have called for a special meeting of CLA’s membership after the second service on Sunday, April 12th to consider this important matter. All major financial decisions must be embraced by our membership. Fourth, we continue to pray every day for wisdom, discernment and faith. For almost 90 years God has guided CLA and we trust Him for our future steps as well. Thank you for joining me in prayer about this important and unique opportunity.
