Welcome to our special day…

Just in case you can’t join us tomorrow, here is my note of greeting to those who are worshiping with us.

Dear Friends,

I am so glad you joined us today for this special service of Institution.  Over the last 2000 years, the church has regularly and intentionally set aside days like this to give thanks for what God has done, to listen for His direction, and to set apart leaders for the task of shepherding (see Acts 13:1-3).

Today, we give thanks that God called me to be His Rector of our church.  ‘Rector’ is an Anglican term that designates the pastor in charge of a financially self-sustaining parish.  Often, churches will have a clergy team and the Rector is the leader of that team.

We give thanks that God has called together a vestry, which is the team of elders who provide spiritual leadership, financial oversight, and specific annual goals to move us forward in mission.

I am thankful for each of you who are here today:

• for those who are members of Restoration–  the ones who have gone ‘all in’ and are committed to seeing God grow His Kingdom through our church

• for those who are curious about Restoration and curious about Jesus who leads us

• for those who are friends of Restoration–  the ones who have prayed and given to see this day become a reality

• for my family–  the ones who have nurtured me, stood by me, cheered for me, admonished me, and called me to yield all that I am to the One who holds it all together.

God has given us a ministry of restoration:

“that’s why we work urgently with everyone we meet to get them ready to face God.”
(2 Corinthians 5:10-11 The Message)

Shall we press on with everything we’ve got?

Submitted to Him,
David