Regal Bel Air Cinema Makes Way for Restore Church

It's a new year, and in Abingdon, that means there's a new location for Restore Church.

The "casual, contemporary church"—which embraces a come-as-you-are attitude and includes technology and music to deliver its messages—will offer a 10 a.m. service at Regal Cinema on Constant Friendship Boulevard.

"THIS IS A HUGE DEAL FOR US," the church posted on its Facebook page. 

Since its inception two years ago, Restore Church has grown from its Havre de Grace campus on Ontario Street to Perryville, where it holds services at the high school. Ultimately, it hopes to have more campuses wherever there is a need.

Regal Cinema in Abingdon appeared to be what God had in the cards as the next stop.

"This theater venue was not available when we first started our Abingdon location. After multiple denials from the Abingdon schools and the opening of the theater for us to rent, we felt like God wanted us to move to the theater to better reach the people God is calling us to reach," according to a statement from the church.

Restore Church will have access to theaters one and two, the front lobby and storage space. Movies are not typically played at the same time as services.

Pastor Jess Bousa will lead the inaugural service at the theater on Jan. 5. After that, the church will have live sermons or use the theater to screen pre-recorded messages. Restore Church regularly communicates with its congregation on Vimeo, and Bousa is known for incorporating apps and technology into his practical sermons.

"Churches all over the country have been switching to this church model, and good news… IT WORKS!" Restore Church said to its Facebook followers of using movie theaters.

Restore Church will hold a 10 a.m. service each Sunday, starting Jan. 5, at Regal Cinema, 409 Constant Friendship Boulevard, Abingdon. Classes for children are available during the service.