Camano’s Restoration Church aims to offer resources for everyone

CAMANO ISLAND — The church is just getting started, and there is plenty of room for more folks to get involved.

The Restoration Church at 788 Smith Road on Camano Island is an offshoot of the Oso Community Chapel.

The church is Baptist-affiliated and part of the Northwest Baptist Convention.

The Rev. Gary Ray aims to teach the Scripture in a way that is understandable and relevant, but not superficial, he said. There is a strong emphasis on family programming and activities for all age groups.

The church is meant to be a support center for the entire community, not just provide a Sunday service, Ray said.

“There is an unusual sense of excitement and energy,” he said. “More than 50 are regularly joining in and more are coming each week.”

A number of events at the new church were canceled or delayed while Ray worked closely with those who lost loved ones in the March 22 Oso mudslide.

Other churches stepped in to help get things going. Ray is now at the new church full time.

“Little by little, we’re trying to get the word out and meet some new people,” he said.

Several projects still are under way, including fields for soccer and baseball. A family-friendly library of books and movies is set to open in September. A fall festival and craft show is planned for November.

Barb Towse, 49, of Camano Island, and her daughter attended the first Sunday service on Easter. They were looking for a new church.

Towse recently was facing a tough decision in her life, and Ray offered encouragement, she said. He knew just the right Bible passage to guide her through.

“He’s really dedicated,” she said. “He’s doing a lot for our community here.”

Parishioner Jim Dallman, 71, lives in Arlington but grew up on Camano Island. Going to the island still feels like returning home, he said.

For the first two months after Restoration Church got started, he and his wife, Sandy, attended Sunday services there and in Oso to make for a smooth transition.

“So far I like it because the pastor speaks the truth, and I kind of know what the truth is, because I’ve been studying it for a long time,” Dallman said.

The folks at Restoration are genuine, and everyone gets along, he said.

“God and salvation is the centerpiece of all of us, and everyone agrees to that centerpiece,” he said. “It’s just a good family setting.”

Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.

Learn more

For more information, call 360-862-3550, email CamanoChurch@gmail.com or go to RestorationChurchCamano.com.

Sunday services are at 10:30 a.m. Bible study is held at 9:30 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Tuesdays.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Gold Bar in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Lynnwood man dies in fatal crash on US 2 near Gold Bar

The Washington State Patrol said the driver was street racing prior to the crash on Friday afternoon.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Thousands gather to watch fireworks over Lake Ballinger from Nile Shrine Golf Course and Lake Ballinger Park on Thursday, July 3, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Thousands ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at Mountlake Terrace fireworks show

The city hosts its Independence Day celebrations the day before the July 4 holiday.

Liam Shakya, 3, waves at a float passing by during the Fourth of July Parade on Friday, July 4, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett celebrates Fourth of July with traditional parade

Thousands celebrated Independence Day by going to the annual parade, which traveled through the the city’s downtown core.

Ian Saltzman
Everett Public Schools superintendent wins state award

A group of school administrators named Ian Saltzman as a top educational leader.

Former Lake Stevens City Council member sworn in to fill vacant position

Kurt Hilt fills the seat left vacant after the sudden passing of former council member Marcus Tageant.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.