Words can't even describe the amazing ways that God brought everything together for the opening service at Restoration this past Sunday. It was a glorious morning! What an awesome yet humbling sight to see the launch team join together early in the morning to set the stage for the morning. They each gave with true servants' hearts to prepare the space for worship. Because we meet at a restaurant, set up and tear down has to be done each week and a great team came to get things set and ready for worship at 10:30. Prayer teams covered the space, even over each chair, before people arrived.
By 10:15 the parking lot was filling up and people were pouring into the restaurant. Today we would be offering something different in the space, spiritual food for everyone who would enter. As people came in they were greeted by a welcoming team of folks who lead them from the front door towards the coffee and on to their seats. With almost 200 visiting Restoration, most for the first time, the room was full. Once the floor space filled up people were able to find seats in booths, barstools and around the perimeter of the room. Thankfully, the restaurant is set-up for live music so there isn't a bad seat in the house.
The worship music was full of passion and energy as Matt lead our time together. There was a joyous spirit that surrounded everyone as they worshiped as one body giving thanks for this amazing new opportunity at hand. Father Jed then offered a heart-felt message as the beginning of a series entitled, "Permission to Speak Freely". His desire is to address our misconceptions about church so that people feel comfortable coming to church. In short, God is full of mercy who loves us right where we are and wants us to do the same towards others. His vulnerable yet passion-filled message set the tone for our life together as one of grace filled mercy from the Father.
By 10:15 the parking lot was filling up and people were pouring into the restaurant. Today we would be offering something different in the space, spiritual food for everyone who would enter. As people came in they were greeted by a welcoming team of folks who lead them from the front door towards the coffee and on to their seats. With almost 200 visiting Restoration, most for the first time, the room was full. Once the floor space filled up people were able to find seats in booths, barstools and around the perimeter of the room. Thankfully, the restaurant is set-up for live music so there isn't a bad seat in the house.
The worship music was full of passion and energy as Matt lead our time together. There was a joyous spirit that surrounded everyone as they worshiped as one body giving thanks for this amazing new opportunity at hand. Father Jed then offered a heart-felt message as the beginning of a series entitled, "Permission to Speak Freely". His desire is to address our misconceptions about church so that people feel comfortable coming to church. In short, God is full of mercy who loves us right where we are and wants us to do the same towards others. His vulnerable yet passion-filled message set the tone for our life together as one of grace filled mercy from the Father.
Two main prayers were answered: that God's glory would be present and and the room would be full. And to think, we will be doing all of this again every Sunday....what a gift.
Thank you friends and family who have supported us, prayed for us and believed in us as we have stepped out in faith to start Restoration. God has blessed us with your love and I can't imagine doing it without you!
Thank you friends and family who have supported us, prayed for us and believed in us as we have stepped out in faith to start Restoration. God has blessed us with your love and I can't imagine doing it without you!
1 comment:
Congrats on a great start! It looks like God is going to do some great thing there. I wish we lived closer to be a part of it! We'll keep Restoration in our prayers!
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