September 12, 2018
But those who die in the Lord will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy! For your life-giving light will fall like dew on your people in the place of the dead!
Isaiah 26:19 NLT
Sunday I said, “Anywhere Jesus is present, a new beginning is possible.” I spent time with Jesus reflecting on this Monday morning as well. I looked back over the past month: spiritually, relationally, physically, emotionally and vocationally. I reflected on where I’ve been and where I've seen God at work. This summer I saw Jesus restoring a marriage and reconciling a family. I saw Him present in the baptisms at the end of August and in the passing of a beloved mom and grandma a couple weeks ago. Even though it’s been almost a month, I continue to feel His presence when I pray for and visit Alayna and Wes Tanaka.
I know Jesus is the greatest restart and yet I also know I can easily get distracted and put my hope in other passions, people and pursuits. How about you?
Over the next few weeks, the Sunday teaching will focus on what God does and what God calls us to experience – a real restart and new beginning. We will reimagine community, rethink priorities and renew our focus.
One of the ways we can prepare ourselves for a restart with Jesus is through prayer and fasting. Fasting is a practice of going without something (usually food) to become more aware of God’s power and more aware of our need. We can read all throughout the Bible of people desperately calling out to the Lord through corporate fasting and prayer. We see it many times in Daniel before they need to go before the king to interpret his dream or when they face many forms of persecution in Babylon (Daniel 2 & 9). We also see it in Esther, when she calls her community to fast and pray before she went before the king to plead for all the lives of the Jews (Esther 4). Jesus fasts in the wilderness during his temptations by the Devil (Matthew 4, Luke 4). And, we also see Jesus’ followers fast when God revealed what to do next and who to send (Acts 13).
Keep reading below for a message from Amy Zaffke about a church prayer and fast for the Tanakas (this weekend). If fasting seems too scary/confusing/weird/unhealthy, stayed tuned for more opportunities in the coming news and notes about ways to engage your soul.
No matter where you are or what you’ve done, Jesus sees you, knows you and wants to transform you. Will you let him start something new you?
Peace and joy,
Rob
Church Prayer and Fast for the Tanakas
Hello Restoration family,
I am feeling a tug on my heart for us as a church body to do a day of prayer and fasting for Alayna and the Tanaka family. I don't believe there is something magical about fasting but it is a time we set aside (something, usually food) to seek God and say, “Lord, we need you and we cry out that you would hear our prayers.” On days that I fast, I use my meal times and each time my tummy grumbles as a reminder to intentionally pray for whatever the purpose of my fast.
I really value the response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, when they are about to be thrown in the furnace, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”" (Daniel 3:16-18). Unfortunately, a day of prayer and fasting does not guarantee healing for Alayna but we do believe God is able to heal and show His power so we can ask as His children. We also trust that regardless of the outcome, the Lord does hear our prayers. They do not go in vain and may be affecting things we don't understand. So I implore you so to join me in a day of prayer and fasting for Alayna and the Tanaka's. You can join in whatever way you feel called and are able . (i.e. You can fast from 1 or 2 meals if you have never done a full day fast. You can also fast from something else if your health or circumstance doesn't allow abstaining from food.) The key piece of fasting is intentional times of prayer throughout the day.
Alayna’s accident occurred one month ago this Thursday. Would you consider skipping a meal (or more) between Thursday and Sunday to join in concerted prayer for Alayna? Please send me a short message to let me know and I can send you some suggested prayers. Contact me at aazaffke@gmail.com.
Care for the Tanaka Family
Thank you so much to all of you who have already provided meals and help to Wes and the kids. Along with prayers, they still need help for meals and lawn care. We'd like to keep this particular care calendar for only the Restoration family or friends of the Tanakas. If you or someone who doesn't know the family well would like to gift the Tanakas with gift cards, feel free to bring them to the ministry center or put them in the offering on Sunday mornings and we will make sure that they get to the family. To access Tanaka Family's CareCalendar site, visit HERE. Please contact communications@restorationcov.org to be validated for the security code.
*NEW Section*
Restoration Praises and Prayers
We're excited to let you know that we've created a new section on our weekly News & Notes newsletter email called Restoration Praises and Prayers. In this new section, we'll include big announcements and happenings within our community. You'll be able to find milestones from the rest of our Restoration community to help keep you better connected. So, we'd love to highlight times like engagements, new babies, retirement announcements as well as if someone in the Restoration family is hospitalized or if an immediate family member has passed away. Please keep us updated on anything you'd like to include by emailing info@restorationcov.org. Likewise, if you're ever interested in writing an article for our News & Notes weekly email newsletter, contact at the same address above – we're always looking for writers!
Our heartfelt condolences are with Lynda Quien and her family on the loss of her mother, Jacquie Ostroot. Please be in prayer for her family during this difficult time.
Help us congratulate Don and Colleen Braaten as they celebrate the engagement of their daughter Jessica Renae, to Jesse Beulke, son of Bob and Paula Beulke of Montgomery, MN. A summer of 2020 wedding is planned.
*NEW*
Feed My Starving Children
Restoration Covenant Church, join us for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) to pack meals for hungry kids worldwide on Wednesday, October 3 from 6-7:30pm. We will meet at 5:45pm at 990 Lone Oak Road, Suite 136, Eagan. There is no cost to participate, but FMSC welcomes donations if you would like to bring one. Invite your friends and family for this awesome international outreach! Everyone age 5 and up is welcome, but space is limited. Please RSVP first name, last name, and if you are an adult to DerekWassell@restorationcov.org.
New TVs used in Worship
In case you missed it last week, we're delighted to announce that the Senior Center has purchased new TVs for their facility that they've allowed us to start using for worship on Sundays. These new TVs are available to us as part of our existing contract with the Senior Center and will allow us a better opportunity to view the worship songs and scriptures. Because we just started using the TVs, please know that we value your input and are working towards optimizing their use to enhance our worship experience. We're grateful to the Senior Center for making these available to us.
THIS SATURDAY
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.
THIS SATURDAY
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.
Join the Setup Team
Are you a behind-the-scenes type of person ready to serve alongside other men and women at Restoration? Do you know someone who could serve in this capacity? If you're willing to move chairs, do light lifting, and set up the stage and worship area once a month on Sunday mornings, then you'd be a valuable asset on the set up team. At Restoration, the set up team creates the environment where people can encounter God. Michael Van Dyken, the team leader, is looking for volunteers to to serve. To learn more, contact him through setup@restorationcov.org.
Small Groups
Are you looking for community with others and a way to grow in your faith? Restoration Small Groups create space to be known & to grow within an authentic community of people. Below are some of our available fall Small Groups. More groups will be added in the coming week. For questions or to join a Small Group, please contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org.
SUNDAY
Women's Life Group
Every other Sunday, 6:30-8:30pm beginning Sept 30 in various homes
Studying BLESS (the upcoming message series)
Led by Kara Rasmussen
Family Life Group (children welcome)
Every other Sunday, 6-8pm beginning Sept 23 in various homes
Studying BLESS (the upcoming message series)
Led by Matt & Mallory Allinder
Families of Youth Life Group (potluck lunch)
2nd Sunday of the month, Noon-2pm beginning Oct 7 in various homes
Fellowship with some discussion and prayer
Led by Janice Svaren
TUESDAY
Women's Life Group (children welcome)
Every other Tuesday 10am beginning Oct 2 at the Days' home
Studying BLESS (the upcoming message series)
Led by Amy Day
WEDNESDAY
All Ages Life Group (children welcome)
Every other Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm beginning Oct 3 at the Zaffkes' home
Studying BLESS (the upcoming message series)
Led by Garrett & Amy Zaffke
THURSDAY
All Ages Disciple Group
Thursdays at 7pm at the Barriusos' home
Studying BLESS (the upcoming message series)
Led by Janae Barriuso
SATURDAY
Men's Bible Study Group
Saturdays at 7am at the Ministry Center
Studying Mark
Led by Chad White
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
What We're Learning in September
Toddlers & Preschoolers
This month’s Colorific theme is going to help us teach preschoolers that God keeps His promises. We’ve all experienced a broken promise or two and our preschoolers won’t have to wait long to experience one too. We want them to grow up knowing that God always keeps His promises. No matter how long we have to wait, God will come through. Colors are a huge part of a preschooler’s world, and as we explore the colors of the rainbow, we will teach preschoolers that God loves them, and that He always keeps His promises. This is such an important part of the foundation we want to build for preschoolers as they grow to believe that God made them, God loves them, and Jesus wants to be their friend forever.
Memory Verse: “Trust the Lord with all of your heart.” Proverbs 3:5, NCV
Elementary
This month, elementary classes are taking a look at initiative. When God saw our sin, He took initiative. He sent Jesus to make things right. When we see a need and choose to do something about it, people can see the reality of God’s love for them. All month long, we’ll be taking a closer look at Nehemiah, one of the best examples of someone who showed initiative even when he didn’t have to.
Memory Verse: “Work at everything you do with all your heart. Work as if you were working for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23A
THIS SUNDAY
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 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 October 1 for a 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.
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.
