Dear Restoration,
It’s coming quickly! Our first Sunday in our new home will be October 31st, and we are beyond thrilled. As we make physical preparations for our new home, there are also worship preparations that I would like to mention as well.
1. Passing the Baskets
Our Sunday offering is not just a time to collect money for the church; it is a physical reminder of our sacrificial worship of the living God. After a year and a half of not passing our offering baskets and not lifting the offering prior to Eucharist, we will return this act of physical worship once we’re in our new home.
2. Organ on Special Days
Many have asked about the organ in the back of our sanctuary. We anticipate using the organ on special days. For example, we currently have an organist scheduled to play the opening hymn on All Saints Sunday, Nov 7th. Restoration’s musical style is not changing, and we look forward to being led by our musicians in a space designed for congregational singing.
3. Vestments
This next item is a slight visual change that I hope will bless our congregation.
As a symbol of baptism given to all believers, Anglican pastors typically wear a white robe during worship. This white robe, called an “alb,” reminds the congregation that we are all clothed in the righteousness of Christ.
In the past, I’ve only worn the alb for special services, like Christmas Eve, Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday. None of those services were in the Community Center. My personal opinion is that wearing an alb in the Community Center seemed more like a distraction rather than an aid.
Once we’re in our beautiful sanctuary, I’ll be vesting in my alb. I believe its beauty and symbolism actually work with the space to convey the ongoing power of Christ’s baptism in all our lives. May this be a teaching opportunity for our children and reminder to adults of Christ’s washing of our sins and the boldness in which we approach the throne of grace.
May this be a time to draw near to one another and to our God. We are entering a house of worship, prayer, and mission!
Yours in Christ,
Rick+
