Restoration Family,
We’re writing to let you know of an important milestone in the life of our church. We have just transitioned from the oversight of our sending church to that of Restoration members.
You may recall that Restoration Anglican is a church that was planted by Church of the Cross, in Hopkins. Rick and Molly trained and served at Church of the Cross and a number of the first members at Restoration came from Church of the Cross. The Vestry (a lay governing board) of Church of the Cross has been providing formal oversight to Restoration in financial matters and other important matters, although Rick has been increasingly consulting members from Restoration Anglican.
About six months ago, Rick announced the formation of an Advisory Board to help with a transition. Now, we’re writing as the first members of the Parish Council of Restoration Anglican. (This is Restoration’s name for its Vestry, or governing board.) The Vestry of Church of the Cross formally handed oversight to Restoration at a meeting last week.
Going forward, the Parish Council members will be elected by the membership of Restoration. The bylaws are available here. The Parish Council will work closely on the budget and finances, oversee the church property (someday!), and provide oversight for and guidance to the Senior Pastor (Rick). This role situates the Parish Council in ways that are consistent with the structure of the Diocese of the Upper Midwest. The Council will also partner with Rick and other staff as appropriate on decision-making consistent with the vision and call of Restoration. For example, an early consideration is helping to think through meeting times and places in the coming Winter months in this season.
We’re committed to praying for Restoration Anglican, for Rick and Molly, the entire staff of the church, and for all of you. We would appreciate your prayers at this time of transition, and your continued prayers for Restoration Anglican going forward so that she can be a place of rest, worship, healing, and outreach in a world that needs God’s peace.
Blessings,
Bill Blanski
Leah Heino
Daniel Lehn
Joel Nichols
Laura Praske
