September 26, 2018
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God"
Psalm 46:10a
Life is busy. It seems there’s never enough hours in the day to get everything done that needs to get done, much less time to do things I want to do. I remember thinking when I graduated from college that I’d have so much free time on my hands. All that time I used to spend studying could now be used to do fun things, like traveling, crafts, and spending time with friends. But somehow that time got filled with other things, like working full time, raising two kids, and other obligations.
When the kids were young, I thought I’d have more time when they got older. Life will get easier when they can feed themselves, when they’re out of diapers, when they can dress themselves, when they can drive, when they go away to college. I really thought I’d have so much free time when we became empty nesters. But somehow, I manage to fill that time and still go to bed at night thinking there’s not enough time to get everything done.
Can you relate? Perhaps, like me, your busyness robs you of peace and leaves you spiritually empty. Technology was meant to make life easier but instead it often makes life busier; it allows us to cram more stuff into the time we have, and often those things drain us. Pastor Rob shared in his message last Sunday from Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” Jesus always sought out a quiet place, a “wilderness”, where He could be alone to hear God speak. We usually associate “the wilderness” as a bad thing, as the problem, but in reality, it is the solution. We need to go to the wilderness in order to hear God speak! Often, we feel separated from God, but He is always present; it’s the distractions that keep us from hearing and feeling Him. As Pastor Rob said, if we want renewal in our lives, if we want to be spiritually fed, we have to make being still a priority. I challenge you this week to spend some time in the wilderness with God. I promise you won’t regret it. It doesn’t have to be a lot of time, but it does have to be a focused time. We need to be still…so we can know…He is God.
Choosing joy,
DeeAnn LaLuzerne
*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!
Join us in celebrating Ken Beukelman in his retirement from Korn Ferry after working in their IT department for over 20 years. After spending 45 years as a programmer, Ken is looking forward to volunteering and spending time with his wife Barb, who also recently retired. Congrats on your retirement, Ken!
*NEW*
Pumpkin Party – Oct 26
Join us for our annual Pumpkin Party 6-7:30pm on Friday, October 26 (location TBD). Kids and parents work together to carve and decorate their pumpkins in interesting and unique ways. This is not just a family event and is open to “kids” of all ages! We will have carving tools and craft supplies on hand so just bring your friends, your creativity and, of course, a pumpkin! Have fun and leave the clean-up to us. Snacks are provided so an RSVP will help us plan. Contact ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org.
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.
*THIS SUNDAY*
Meeting to Vote on Leadership Team Candidates
The Leadership Team unanimously agreed to present three new Leadership Team candidates to the members of Restoration. Please stay for a brief meeting immediately following worship on Sunday, September 30 to vote on these candidates. Questions? Please contact info@restorationcov.org. info@restorationcov.org.
Prayer on the First Conference Call
Join other prayer warriors from 7:00-7:15pm on the 1st of every month to pray over the phone for ministries at Restoration Covenant Church. This month the focus will be Westview Elementary teachers and students. 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.
Feed My Starving Children – Oct 3
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.
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
Restoration Small Groups exist to help people be known and grow in their relationships with God, the church, and with others far from Christ. We believe that people need different things to grow at different points in their life. Because of that, we offer three types of Restoration Small Groups. Below are some of our available fall Small Groups. 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 (message series)
Led by Kara Rasmussen
Family Life Group (children welcome)
Every other Sunday, 5:30-7:30pm
Beginning Sept 23 in various homes
Studying BLESS (message series)
Led by Matt & Mallory Allinder
Second Stage Life Group
Every other Sunday, 6:00-8:00pm
Beginning Oct 7 at the Klatts' home
Potluck on the first night
Studying BLESS (message series)
Led by Dick & Patte Klatt
Families of Youth Life Group (potluck lunch)
2nd Sunday of the month, Noon-2:00pm
Beginning Oct 14 in various homes
Fellowship with some discussion and prayer
Led by Janice Svaren
MONDAY
Prayer Study Group (Fall session only)
Mondays, 7:00-9:00pm
Oct 1 through Nov 26 at the Ministry Center
Studying the book The Battle Plan for Prayer
Led by Michael Nybakken
TUESDAY
Women's Life Group (children welcome)
Every other Tuesday 10am
Beginning Oct 2 at the Days' home
Studying BLESS (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 (message series)
Led by Garrett & Amy Zaffke
THURSDAY
All Ages Disciple Group
Thursdays at 7pm at the Barriusos' home
Studying BLESS (message series)
Led by Janae Barriuso
SATURDAY
Men's Bible Study Group
Saturdays at 7am at the Ministry Center
Studying the Book of 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
*THIS SUNDAY*
Intergenerational Sunday
At Restoration, we believe that it's important for children and students to learn spiritual concepts alongside their parents at home and in age-appropriate class settings such as Restoration Kids and Restoration Student groups. 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. The fifth Sunday of the month is designed to be an experience where all ages can be seen, heard and welcome to participate. Kids and students will remain in service today to worship alongside their families and church community. Busy bags are available for younger kids.
Also this Sunday, we will celebrate communion as part of the worship service. If you would like help processing whether or not your child is ready for communion or you would like to start having conversations with your child about communion but are not sure how or where to start, contact Chrystine Vilhauer.
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: DerekWassell@restorationcov.org
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Upcoming Dates: Oct 10, 24
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: 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.
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.
