October 25, 2018
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Acts 2:42
One of the reasons I've been loving the BLESS series so far is for the reminder of all the SIMPLE ways that Jesus changed the lives of those around him. Of course we know all the huge and miraculous ways that Jesus showed His love for us, but if you look closely, he also demonstrated His love in small and practical ways that were also impactful. He spent time with people. He told stories that others could easily understand. And He shared meals with those who weren't usually invited to the table.
Do you remember a time when you were invited to join someone for a meal? I vividly remember a time when I was living in North Carolina, my husband Marc was deployed and another military family invited me to celebrate Father's Day with them after church. I didn't think it was a big deal at the time, but once I had a family of my own, I realized that they sacrificed their precious time as a family (the dad they were celebrating also deployed often) to include me because I was lonely and a long way from home. Another family religiously invited me to their house to eat with them after church. These invitations may seem pretty insignificant as I write about them but they meant so much to me at the time because I'd spent so many meals eating cereal or a TV dinner by myself because I was new to the area and didn't have family or friends nearby. My church family at that time cared for me in this big way, and they did it by inviting me into something they were already doing – eating together.
And guess what I enjoy doing now? I love to host other people for meals. I love the chance to prepare meals (even though I'm not a great cook) and learn more about them because I remember what it meant to me when someone took the time to do this for me. It's sacred when someone invites you into their home, shares a piece of their life with you and really takes the time to get to know you better by sharing a meal. I can't tell you the countless times that good friends have become great friends because we broke bread together. It's personal and it's meaningful and it's the way of Jesus. I encourage you to think of someone you could easily invite to share a meal with you soon and bless them in this simple but meaningful way.
Choosing joy,
Kerry
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 the same address above – we're always looking for writers!
Alayna Tanaka’s funeral has been scheduled for 11am Saturday, October 27 at Crossroads Church in Lakeville (17671 Glacier Way, Lakeville, MN 55044). If you’d like to help serve at the funeral on Saturday, we have several opportunities to usher, serve food or bring desserts. Please contact Lacey Skoglund at laceyskoglund@restorationcov.org or 952-373-1274.
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 FRIDAY*
Pumpkin Party – Oct 26
Join us for our annual Pumpkin Party 6-7:30pm on Friday, October 26 at Apple Valley Baptist Church (964 Garden View Dr). 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.
Armful of Love
Restoration will partner with 360 Communities' Armful of Love for our Christmas outreach opportunity again this year. Armful of Love matches hundreds of local families in need with sponsors to provide gifts in the Christmas season. This year Restoration signed up to support 12 people in five families, which corresponds to about 60 gifts. We will have ornaments that list desired gift items from these families for Restoration families to pick up on Sunday, November 18 and November 25. Gifts may be brought unwrapped and labeled with the ornament to the Ministry Center before 10am on Saturday, December 1. We hope you'll invite a friend and join us to wrap gifts and create cards at the Ministry Center from 10am-noon Saturday, December 1. Contact Michele Jacobson at outreach@restorationcov.org.
Reserved Seating Signs
One of our values at Restoration is Accepting Community. We don’t live our faith alone; we choose community and we welcome others with grace like Jesus did. For this reason, we want to make sure that we are constantly creating space for others to feel at home and welcome here at Restoration. One way we’re doing this is that we are now using reserved seating signs to make it easier for visitors and those needing accessible seating to find a place to sit and to feel welcome here.
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 in various homes
Studying BLESS (message series)
Led by Kara Rasmussen
Family Life Group (children welcome)
Every other Sunday, 5:30-7:30pm in various homes
Studying BLESS (message series)
Led by Matt & Mallory Allinder
Second Stage Life Group
Every other Sunday, 6:00-8:00pm at the Klatts' home
Studying BLESS (message series)
Led by Dick & Patte Klatt
Families of Youth Life Group (potluck lunch)
2nd Sunday of the month, Noon-2:00pm 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 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 at the Zaffkes' home
Studying BLESS (message series)
Led by Garrett & Amy Zaffke
THURSDAY
All Ages Disciple Group
1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7pm at the Barriusos' home
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
Calling All Kids
Do you have friends who would like to have their kids involved in church but have yet to check us out? We have a great way to reach your unchurched family and friends who are looking for fun ways to get their kids to church. Invite them to participate in our Children's Program on Sunday, December 16. The kids will start practicing for the program during our regular worship time starting November 11. Parents hear a great message and kids learn more about the Christmas story. We're always looking for adult volunteers to help with our program so if you're willing to share your gifts, please contact ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org.
What We're Learning in October
Toddlers & Preschoolers
There are a lot of things in the life of our children we just can’t do. That’s right. Sometimes we just don’t have it. We don’t have a handle on our circumstances. We don’t have what it takes to makes things better. We don’t have the answers, energy, wisdom, patience, solution, or way out of a situation. But, we do know the One who does. And, when you know the One who does, there’s no need to worry.
God’s got it. That’s what we’re talking about with our preschoolers this month. No need to worry, be afraid or feel alone. God’s got it! No matter what the situation or need. No matter how big or small the circumstance. God’s got it. Because, God loves us—A LOT! And THAT is what we want our preschoolers to know.
Memory Verse: “God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9, NLT
Elementary
Everything we have comes from God. He is faithful to provide what we need. And even more than what we own, God can also provide what we need to face whatever happens in our life. God has proven time and again, that we can trust Him no matter what. We can complain or become jealous of what others have, or we can choose to respond with contentment, knowing that God has a plan for our lives.
Memory Verse: “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against wanting to have more and more things. Life is not made up of how much a person has.’” Luke 12:15
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: students@restorationcov.org
Restoration Students News
Derek Wassell will be leaving his role as Student Director and Strategic Development Coordinator to start a full-time position with a local IT firm. We know this was a prayerfully considered and positive move for Derek and we wish him the best in his exciting new role. We will very much miss his God-given talents at Restoration and we hope you'll join us in prayer for both Derek and the individual who will replace him on our staff. Please read these two letters, from Derek, and from the Leadership Team.
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Upcoming Dates: Oct 24, Nov 7, 14, 28, Dec 5, 12, 19, Jan 9, 16, 23, 30
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 students@restorationcov.org
Middle School Group
Upcoming Dates: Nov 4, 18, Dec 2, Jan 6, 20
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.
Sharing the News
Information from organizations and institutions in and around our community are offered as resources and not necessarily with the full endorsement of Restoration Covenant Church.
—
Operation Christmas Child Seeking Seasonal Help
In order for Samaritan's Purse to be successful and reach as many children as possible, they need Team Coaches, Greeters, Floor Coordinators, and Dock Workers to assist with the volunteers that come every day to help package shoeboxes for children all over the world. If you're interested in supporting this great mission and making a few dollars while doing so, please check out the attached pdf HERE.
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.