Sunday Evening in the Park hoping for shortened season in Dresden

Organizers of Sunday Evening in the Park remain hopeful that at least part of the 2020 season can be salvaged.

Committee members agreed on Monday, June 15 to postpone the start of the season to August 2 at the earliest.

The committee said in a press release they’re reluctant to entirely pull the plug given the fact that the Province of Ontario recently allowed limited church gatherings.

“There’s hope that rules could be further loosened in the coming weeks,” Sunday Evening in the Park committee members stated.

“Committee members take comfort in the fact that gatherings don’t require a lot of advance notice or preparation.”

Christian music and messages have been presented in Dresden’s Jackson Park on summer evenings since the 1960s, organizers say.

The ministry is currently organized by the Dresden and District Christian Ministerial Association, which represents 13 local congregations.

Arrangements for the current season, including, musicians, speakers and municipal approval for the use of the park, were finalized months ago.

“However, publicity was put on hold due to the uncertainty around public gatherings,” the committee says.

“The municipality has withdrawn permission indefinitely for all events on municipal property.”

Last week, the Sunday Evening in the Park committee appealed to the municipality to allow a purely drive-in gathering, in accordance with the Ontario order allowing drive-in worship.

“The request was denied,” the committee stated.

“The committee has been unable to find church or private property owners who are willing or able to host the gatherings.”

For more information, contact Rev. Andy Cornell, chair of the organizing committee, at 226-229-1695.

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