A report from the special meeting of the membership…
On Sunday afternoon people from Langley, Maple Ridge and Abbotsford came together for a meeting of our members, while Sooke Campus hosted a watch party. Many also joined us from home, watching online and participating in voting. It was an important meeting. The Board of Directors and Pastor Bryce from our Abbotsford Campus had worked hard to conduct research and prepare people for the meeting. We had sent out documents about the property, regarding potential financing, and the motion. At the meeting Pastor Bryce outlined how this would be a valuable advance for our campus there. Additionally, Ian Martens discussed the research on the property, Cathy de la Rambelje (our treasurer) talked about the potential loan with TD (our bank), and Neil Muth (our Church Manager) discussed how the monthly payments would be met in next year’s budget. I ended with a brief reminder of the importance of corporate guidance, how the decision would be “incarnational”, both fully human (reason & research) and fully divine (a spiritual discernment). I concluded by showing a picture of a group of 400 people who walked down 56 Ave in the late 70’s to this property, an act of courage and faith. We could be in another moment like that. Following this, there was a Q & A time from people online and in the room. The membership then voted, 95% in agreement, to move forward with the decision to borrow and purchase the property. This is exciting news. The next step is to meet the initial deposit of $225,000, which CLA has in our savings. We hope to have our campus in the new building by July 1.
What’s next? Now Pastor Bryce will begin to build new teams from the Abbotsford Campus for landscaping, custodial and maintenance. We will launch both short term and long-term fundraising. We desire to invite adults from all campuses to make a single, significant, donation towards this new chapter in Abbotsford’s history. The fundraiser is to lower the initial mortgaged amount; our ultimate goal is to eliminate the total indebtedness. Many have expressed excitement in participating in this opportunity. It reminds me of the excitement of the Gentile churches participating in offerings for the Jerusalem church. Paul states, "Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come". I Corinthians 16:1-4 Like Paul, I know that Christ will prosper you for partnering in strengthening The Church and helping to expand The Kingdom of God.
How do I become a member? Through the weekend process, some have asked about membership. CLA is made up of both attenders and members. Members are those who choose to join the assembly for business decisions. This is accomplished by completing the Discovery Class and then filling out an application. After it’s processed, there is a brief interview, followed by board approval. There are about 550 members. The next Discovery Class is May 27. Join us!
