August 29, 2018
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn— shout for joy before the Lord, the King.
Psalm 98:4-6
Growing up, I was never one to seek out nature-filled activities. My idea of camping was in a camper, with a bed, off the ground. Bugs and spiders were not welcomed guests. If you were to ask my parents and sisters, they would be able to not only share this part of my life, but tell you many stories that reflect my uneasiness with nature. And, yes, today, I still prefer to sleep in a bed off the ground, and have yet to even consider a trip to the Boundary Waters. However, there are aspects of nature and creation that I have come to recognize as miraculous, beautiful, and sacred.
This past Sunday, which is one of my favorite Sundays at Restoration, we celebrated life and restoration through baptism. Not only did we celebrate our community, we were able to celebrate and praise our Creator in His creation. My daughter said it best, as most kids do. She said, “We get to sing to Jesus outside today, mommy?” Why yes, we do. And we did. There’s something incredible about leaving the walls of a worship center and worshiping God in His creation. As the wind blew through the trees, as birds flew in the sky, and as the waves of the lake washed upon the sandy shore, I was reminded that we far too often find ourselves only worshipping in a room with walls. As the body, we are invited to take our worship beyond the walls of a church and into His beauty and creation. There is true power and purpose when we step beyond, listen to the wind, see the leaves sway and hear the water make its way to shore.
Wherever you may find yourself this week mentally, emotionally, physically, or spiritually, I pray you continue to seek His Spirit. May you trust and believe that as the wind moves the trees, His Spirit is moving in ways we cannot explain, but we stand in awe of. May you feel the movement of the Spirit in your everyday life as you worship Him beyond the walls.
In Christ,
Allison
*THIS SATURDAY*
Prayer on the First
Join other prayer warriors on the 1st of every month to pray over the phone for ministries at Restoration Covenant Church. Prayer needs will be explained along with additional prayer for a special Voice of the Martyrs topic. Dial 712-832-8330 and put in access code 475-2417*- it prompts you give your name but you don’t need to, just join in! Looking forward to praying with you! Contact: prayer@restorationcov.org
*THIS SUNDAY*
Intergenerational Communion Sunday
At Restoration, we intentionally look for ways to cultivate intergenerational relationships, encourage all ages to participate in various serving roles and structure the worship set and message in such a way so as to include something that speaks to all generations. Kids and students will remain in service to worship alongside their families and church community. Busy bags are available for younger kids. We will also be celebrating communion near the end of the worship service. If you questions about kids and communion, please contact Chrystine Vilhauer, Restoration Kids Director. ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org
*THIS SUNDAY*
Food on the First
On the first Sunday of the month, we donate food for Westview Elementary School staff to distribute from a “food locker” to hungry families. To help, head to the store for healthful, non-perishable food and bring it to church. Gift cards in any amount to Cub, Wal-Mart or Target will also be greatly appreciated since they help families purchase meat and fresh produce.
Men's Golf Event – September 15
Men of Restoration – Bring a friend and join us for a fun day of golf on Saturday, September 15th from 8am-1pm. Tee times start at 8am at Southern Hills Golf Course in Farmington (18950 Chippendale Ave). Cost for 18 holes is $39 to walk and $57 for a golf cart. We’ll need to start reserving tee times soon so please RSVP ASAP to get your spot. RSVP and contact: events@restorationcov.org.
September Sip & Social – September 15
All women of Restoration are encouraged to invite a friend and attend our Sip & Social on Saturday, September 15th from 6:30-8:30pm at Kerry Stok's home in Apple Valley. This relaxed evening of sharing snacks and socializing on the deck is all about creating space for fun and fellowship for Restoration ladies and friends. kararasmussen@restorationcov.org.
Small Groups
We are incredibly excited that a new season of small groups is approaching. As we prepare for the launch of small groups in the fall, we encourage you to consider joining a small group to better connect with others at Restoration. Feel called to lead a group or curious about the small groups forming in the fall? Please contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org.
Pray or Receive Prayer
Are you gifted at prayer or do you have a prayer request that you’d like to share with our prayer team? We believe in the power of prayer and know that God is listening. We would love to pray for you. If you’re interested in joining the prayer team or have any prayer requests, send them to our prayer team at prayer@restorationcov.org
RESTORATION KIDS
Contact: ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org
Kick Off Sunday – September 9
The new season of Restoration Kids classes will kick off on September 9th. Parents please look for an email from Chrystine with new classroom location details.
*NEW*
Bible Presentations – September 16
If you have a child entering 2nd grade this year or if your child is past 2nd grade but doesn't own their own Bible yet, please let us know! On Sunday, September 16, we'll be presenting Bibles and celebrating a milestone where we recognize that kids are going from an age where they are learning to read to a time when they are reading to learn. Our goal as a church is to support parents so they can be their child's spiritual champion. Part of achieving that goal is providing children with an age-appropriate Bible so they can really understand God's Word.
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: DerekWassell@restorationcov.org
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Upcoming Dates: Sept 12, 19, 26
Students in grades 6-12 are encouraged to join us at the Ministry Center (7707 147th St W, Apple Valley) from 6:30-8pm on Wednesday nights for a time of teaching, activities, and groups that focus on encountering Jesus, building meaningful relationships, and restoring hope to the world. If you have a Bible, bring it. Invite a friend! Contact DerekWassell@restorationcov.org
Middle School Group
Upcoming Dates: Sept 16, Oct 7, 21
Students in grades 6-8 begin Sunday mornings in the worship service. On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, they are sent to the café for discussion and activities that complement the Sunday morning message.
Students Lock-In – September 22
Students in grades 6-12, join us for a Lock-In overnight at the Ministry Center on Saturday, September 22. There will be food, countless fun activities, and perhaps a little bit of staying up late. Meet at the Ministry Center (7707 147th St W, Apple Valley) at 6pm. Dinner, snacks, and a light breakfast in the morning will be provided. Cost is $7/student. Bring a sleeping bag and air mattress, if possible. Students can be picked up at 9am on Sunday morning. Invite your friends! Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 19 and contact DerekWassell@restorationcov.org for questions.
Covenant Pines MEA Retreat
Students in grades 6-12, join us this MEA break for a retreat to Covenant Pines. This is a great way for you to take a small step back from life and refocus on your relationship with God. Grades 6-8 will go from Oct 17-19 and grades 9-12 will go from Oct 19-21. The full cost is $153 for Junior High and $170 for Senior High, but you can sign up by Sept 3 for a BIG discount or October 1 for a SMALL discount. Additional scholarships are available both from Covenant Pines and from Restoration, if requested. Sign up here: covenantpines.campbrainregistration.com. You will create an account to register. More retreat information is available at the Sunday morning resource table or restorationcov.org/students. Contact DerekWassell@restorationcov.org for questions.
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