Dear Restoration,
We have another unanticipated location change to share with you. We are moving our Sunday Worship back to the Parkway Theater for this Sunday.
Over the past several weeks, including weeks we were not in Nokomis Park, the Park District has received regular noise complaints from the surrounding neighborhood. Therefore, the Park District has decided to cancel all outdoor permits for all organizations using Nokomis, including Restoration’s.
We looked into other outdoor venues. The Park District even suggested a few. But, we are unable to find a spot within our neighborhood with ample shade, parking, and ease of accessibility.
Parkway Theater
This leads us to the Parkway Theater, which thankfully is available this Sunday. Parkway staff is presently confirming availability for subsequent Sundays until our building is ready later this fall. Stay tuned.
Health Precautions
In light of information from MDH, we believe it is possible and good to gather responsibly.
We will do what we have always done, which is to submit to and not exceed what is required by local authorities. Since neither our governor nor mayor have issued a mask mandate, neither will we. That being said, I am hearing of more and more breakthrough cases in my own circle of friends and among Restoration attenders. This causes me to reiterate things we can do to help preserve our community’s health.
Stay home if you are sick or vulnerable.
We will livestream our service for those who stay home.
Masks are encouraged, but not required.
You’ll see some people mask the entire service, some mask only when entering/exiting, and some do not mask.
The Parkway is well ventilated and because it seats 340, folks can spread out, if they like.
We are so very tired of this pandemic and the devil’s plan to leverage it for petty division among the people of God. Let us press forward in loving our neighbor, contending for unity, and rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Good News
The good news is that our building refresh is progressing quickly. Come and see! This week, workers are pouring concrete in needed areas, hanging new sheetrock, and skim-coating walls. Our artists are preparing wood and metal for the new sanctuary cross. Moving into a building when it’s ready will not make Covid go away, but we will have better options and more flexibility to create a safe place. And it will be very beautiful.
The very good news is that God Almighty is with us. Like the Israelites wandering through the wilderness, receiving manna from heaven, we wander through various locations, continuing to be nourished by his Word and Table, praising his Name always and everywhere.
Blessings,
Rick+
