Dear PTPers,
We heard from the Sevierville Events Center yesterday, and the news is not what we had hoped for. They are not budging on social distancing. It is possible (but doubtful) they might relax regulations before August, but we have waited as long as we can to make a final call on this year’s event. Social distancing requirements would mean
- No children’s classes or teen classes.
- Only two adult tracks–one in EHA/EHB and one in Ballrooms ABCD.
Masks will still be required throughout the SCC, although enforcement would be lax (Sevier County lifted the mask mandate but the city kept it in their buildings).
Under these circumstances, we feel PTP would not be very good or well attended. The recent Lads to Leaders event ran about 40% of normal attendance. The Event Center says their events have been running about 40% as well. We expect things will be better in three months, but probably 75% would be the best case. At 75% capacity, PTP could not cover expenses (even cutting back as much as possible).
Based on these facts, the directors have decided it would be unwise to have PTP this year. We do not want to go further into a financial hole to have a subpar PTP (that really is not PTP at all), and we do not want to be unwise stewards of the Lord’s money.
There are some bits of good news.
First, a PTP Spark will be held in St. Louis on September 15-19, 2021. The elders of the host congregation, Arnold church of Christ, say they can accommodate 500 people, so we will set up registration and allow attendance on a first-come-first-served basis. (We will announce when registration opens.)
Second, the date for PTP 22 is August 17-25, 2022. Registration is not yet open for PTP or at the hotel, but we will let you know when you can make reservations.
Third, PTP is okay financially, thanks to all those who made contributions toward our financial situation last year. We had spent about $50,000 before Covid hit. You donated $37,565.77 to put toward that. We believe we can make up the $13,000 with a full capacity PTP in 2022.
Fourth, we are constantly adding content to PTP365. A record number have signed up for this service, and we believe it will become a long-term source for good. Check it out at https://365.polishingthepulpit.com/
Thanks for your support for PTP through the years. We are truly sorry not to be able to have it this year. Let’s plan to have a blow-out year in 2022.
The PTP Directors
