Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland, Inc.

In prayer, faith and wisdom, churches around the country are practicing "social distancing," by pausing "in-person" worship. Many are hosting online worship services, ZOOM sessions and Facebook live streaming. During this season, each Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m., Restoration Ministries will hold Worship Service via conference call. For more information about this service and or to participate, email us at rmgrcle@gmail.com 

On Friday, August 21st, 2020,  the group, "Faith in the City," in collaboration with Euclid City Hall, MetroHealth Medical Center and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health offered free COVID-19 testing to the City of Euclid and beyond. Restoration Ministries of Greater Cleveland is a member of Faith in the City.

Individuals desiring to be tested did not need to have a prescription or 

specific symptoms.

(Pictured above are members of the Group, "Faith in the City," including Euclid's Mayor, Kirsten Holzheimer Gail, 8th District House of Representatives, Representative Kent Smith, Dr. Tony Minor, Manager of Faith Communities Engagement, MetroHealth Medical Center as well as MetroHealth nurses. Restoration Ministries was well represented by volunteers - Bro. Aristide Smith, Jr., aka, "1st G," Rev. Kathryn R. Johnson, Jr. Deacon Aristide Smith, III, Caleb Smith, Aris Smith and Pastor Chris) 

The only requirement was that they pre-register. The testing was offered in a “drive-thru” fashion as well as “walk-ups.” Packets containing masks, hand-sanitizers, gloves, voter registration and census information were also distributed. Many have been concerned that Cuyahoga County was without testing for months, despite the fact that the County was given the 2nd highest level alert for the virus (read about Covid Testing in Cuyahoga County and the response by clicking here...). In an effort to address this concern in the City of Euclid, Faith in the City worked diligently to collaborate with partners to offer testing to our residents and surrounding areas. In keeping with the scriptural guidance to “do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God,” (Micah 6:8) Faith in the City strives to be a blessing, promoting the “beloved community” concept. The group does so through addressing social justice matters such as food insecurity, voter suppression, education, health care disparities, and issues concerning brutality and law enforcement in communities of color.  Faith in the City was honored and surprised when it received a letter of commendation from The Ohio House of Representatives, presented by Representative Kent Smith, of the 8th District! Faith in the City is a religious organization comprised of churches, clergy and faith leaders across the Greater Euclid area.  You can read more about this event in the News-Herald, click here...

In 2018, our ministry joined with others from across Cuyahoga County to address food insecurity in our communities. These important conversations led us to become more active in "Common Ground," an initiative from the Cleveland Foundation.  The Foundation states, " Common Ground is a day of community conversation. United by a common question, all Common Ground conversations have the same goal: to create spaces where meaningful connections are made and purposeful actions begin..." In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continued institutional and systemic racism "epidemic," all Common Ground conversations will be held virtually. Restoration Ministries will serve as a virtual host for an upcoming conversation surrounding these issues in the coming months. The $500 grant  given to Restoration Ministries by Common Ground will be used to collaborate with other community organizations to offer designated assistance for COVID-19 related issues. Stay tuned for updates on these exciting new ministry developments!

On May 25th, 2020, an African American man named George Floyd had his life stifled out of his body as a Minneapolis, MN police officer knelt down upon his neck, his full weight upon his airways. Mr. Floyd's painful cry for help, his plea to breathe, his cries for his deceased mother were all ignored. For 8 minutes and 46 seconds he suffered in humiliation, pain, agony. Three other policemen knelt down upon his body, his hands cuffed behind his back. As a young woman courageously stood in front of the scene video taping the tragic event, the police officer looked at the cell phone camera as if to say, "So what?"  This happened in AMERICA. Unfortunately, this was not the first time an unarmed, non-violent African American cried out for help and to breathe, due to being strangled at the hand of rogue police officers.  The WORLD saw the video footage and is crying out for systemic changes. How many more lives must be lost before we acknowledge the pandemic named RACISM? The CHURCH must not remain silent. We must emphatically declare,  BLACK LIVES MATTER!!! 

We must stand. We must lead the tough conversations. We must search our hearts and ask ourselves, "What can I do to make a difference?" We must listen. We must learn. We must engage. We must VOTE and send individuals who will not work to break the back of systems that perpetuate inequality and injustice back home. May our prayers empower our hearts, minds and feet to march towards justice!

Pastor Chris Smith

Watch Pastor Chris' interview with local news station, 19 Action News regarding Mr. Floyd's death 

Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You. Psalm 56:3, NIV

“Looking back across the landscape of my lifetime, I realize that something unexpected and larger than life seems to happen every once in a while, that acts as a corrective measure...” These are the words shared by Dr. Ken Druck in his article, “The 'One Planet, One People' coronavirus corrective.” In this article, Dr. Druck suggests that life has a way of reminding us about what really matters.

Right now, the world is facing a pandemic in the form of the Coronavirus. Many are gripped by fear. Many are hoarding hand sanitizer, toilet paper and water, depriving others of what is needed to try and stay healthy. Churches are struggling with real decisions regarding meeting the needs of their congregation, pastoral care and finances. Some are in a panic.

However, as the people of God, we must remember that “we are not as those who have no hope.” Even in the midst of this modern-day plague, God is still in control. Even though many painful and sad things are happening including death, isolation, fear and struggle, several positive things are happening. We are being reminded of our humanity, our frailty, our need for compassion and our need for one another.  CLICK HERE to  read more...

For over 60 years, "Covenant Baptist Church" served in the Wickliffe, Ohio community.  As the congregation experienced many challenging transitions, Senior Pastor, Rev. Christine A. Smith, along with the church officers, led the congregation in a five-year vision plan to move the church forward. 

Read more about our church history by clicking here...