This weekend (Sunday, Oct 27 at 1:15 pm) we invite you to join us for our annual business meeting. What is an AGM and why is it good to attend?
Celebration – as a church, multi-site yet one church, we gather to hear and rejoice in what God did through our efforts and partnership with him. CLA’s ministry year (and fiscal year) runs from July 1 to June 30. Once a year (in late October) members and attenders are invited to celebrate the goodness of God. Each year has challenges and opportunities that the Holy Spirit guides us through. A document was sent out to members and is available at Guest Services with written reports from our Campus Pastors. I encourage you to read these reports as there is much to celebrate.
Accountability – is defined as “an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions”. This is an important principle. CLA’s leadership and staff are accountable to God, our members and committed families. The AGM is evidence of that. For example, our finances, which are the tithes and offerings of our people, go through an annual outside audit. Our treasurer shares those findings with you at the AGM. This is an important part of our checks and balances towards a transparent organization.
Vision – Not only does our AGM allow for us to look backwards to the previous year, but it also allows us to look forward into the future. What is God laying on our hearts for future acts of service and outreach? Important things like Jenny Gaglardi Place or the planting of Abbotsford Campus don’t simply “happen”. They start with a seed of vision and prayer. We want you to understand where God is taking us as a church.
Good Governance – this does not happen without intentionality. Governance is the system by which an organization is controlled and operates. It is our system of leadership; CLA’s board, committees, MLT (Ministry Lead Team), and supervisors. There is management, compliance with government expectations and the BC society’s act. From safety to staff environment, we work hard to make CLA a good workplace. In fact, last year, CLA was named as one of the best workplaces in North America! This could not happen without good governance. The AGM is part of that.
Decision Making – we invite members into the process of ratification of our board members, major financial decisions and to help us oversee our constitution. I’d like to thank Valerian Crasto from our Maple Ridge Campus for serving on our board for a two-year term (board members are elected to a two year term and can run for 3 consecutive terms before stepping down). Due to life realties, he did not allow his name to stand for a second term, therefore we need to replace him at the AGM. The CLA Board is the highest lay leadership office of our church. I’ve deeply appreciated Val’s contribution both on the board and the finance committee. He will be missed.
Fellowship – after the second service we will have pizza available at the café. We encourage people to enjoy food, friendships and to meet someone new. This is a good opportunity to meet others who are passionate, devoted and partnering with us in CLA’s mission. We are a spiritual family on an important mission. This year we have dozens of new members. I hope you will introduce yourself to one of them.
