November 21, 2018
‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’
Luke 15:31-32
On the Myers Briggs Assessment, Achiever is one of my top 5 describers. Partner that with my husband’s amazing entrepreneur heart and endless thirst for new hobbies and adventures, you could say we have a busy household. With two littles running around, both working full time and being involved in great ministries in and outside the church, I can easily fall into two harmful traps. One is getting so stuck in the things already on my list that I am not open to something new God may be opening a door for or pride in I am already doing enough. The other is thinking that the Lord’s love for me is dependent on my good works thus feeling overwhelmed that I will never be able to do enough. I think I tend to fall in the second more than the first, so sometime when I am challenged with new opportunities or growth areas I can get overwhelmed or dive in head first leaving other important things in the cobwebs.
The thing I loved about the BLESS series was it didn’t feel like “I have to do more” but instead what can I be more open to that is already in my sphere of influence and daily schedule by being more present and open to interruption. One of the little steps we took was to buy alarm clocks after Rob talked about “Listening with Care” and keeping my cell phone out of the bedroom. This has opened up more opportunity for discussion with my husband and more reflection time in the morning with the Lord as I now grab my phone last before leaving the house rather than first thing in the morning. More time to process in the morning lead to me forgiving someone that I didn’t even realize I have been holding back on for over 6 years. Another small step has been being more intentional with our neighbors. That means talking with them when we see them outside, praying for them, and attending events when they invite.
So I don’t have any amazing testimony to share or a fuller schedule or accomplishments to show, but I do have little moments the Lord has shown up and opened doors. I am learning how to include white space in my days and be open to divine interruptions rather than labeling them distractions. So I encourage you during this season that can be extra busy, to BLESS those around you not with a new checklist in your life but just being aware of those around you and asking the Lord for His eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to love.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Amy Zaffke
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!
Ministry Center Office Hours
The ministry center will be closed on Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23 so the staff can spend time with their families over the Thanksgiving holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!
New Message Series – Christmas Carols
Familiar sights, sounds and traditions fill this wonderful time of year. Throughout the centuries, musicians, songwriters and storytellers have used music to tell the greatest story of all time: God with us. Join us in fully experiencing these Christmas Carols during Advent, and allow God’s Son to be revealed to you, just as he was revealed to all of humanity over 2,000 years ago on that holy night in the little town of Bethlehem. Join us at Hayes Senior Center Sundays at 10am in December for our Christmas Carols message series.
Amazon Smile
Are you planning on shopping at Amazon? Did you know that when you shop and buy at Amazon.com, if you go through AmazonSmile you can support Restoration? To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile. To sign up, go to the following link Amazon Smile and choose Restoration Covenant Church as your organization to support. Thanks in advance for choosing to support Restoration!
Women’s Christmas Gathering
The Sunday Night Women's Small Group would like to invite all Restoration ladies and a guest to a Sip and Social Christmas party! Join us Sunday, December 9th from 6:30-8:30pm at Kara Rasmussen's house: 161 Spruce drive Apple Valley MN 55124. Consider this opportunity to invite a friend to this informal evening of food, song and holiday festivities. RSVP or contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org with any questions.
No Worship Service on Sunday, December 30
The holidays are a great time to express our appreciation to all of our volunteers who invest in Restoration’s mission on a weekly basis. Thank you to our amazing team leads and loyal volunteers. We are so thankful for you and all the work you do! We hope you'll enjoy sleeping in on Sunday, December 30, because we will not be gathering for a worship service that day. However, we do hope you'll join us that day for…
…Sunday Fun Day!
Restoration is going to have a whole lot of fun on Sunday, December 30. We'll meet at the Ministry Center at 10am until 1pm. Staff will provide brunch from 10-11:30am. Stick around for games and conversation. There will also be some great games set up in the large room, but you are welcome to bring your own game as well. This is an "all church" event which means everyone is welcome. No RSVP required. Festive or tacky Christmas attire is encouraged. Contact LaceySkoglund@restorationcov.org in the church office with questions.
Caroling
Because our Christmas message series focuses on Christmas Carols, the staff thought it'd be an awesome idea to bless others this holiday season through the gift of song. Even if your singing doesn't feel like a gift, your presence is and we hope you'll join us at the Ministry Center on Wednesday, December 19 at 6:30pm to carol with us. This will take place during our regularly scheduled Restoration Students but ALL ages and musical abilities are welcomed and encouraged to carol. Please RSVP to info@restorationcov.org to let us know you're coming so we know how many groups we'll have.
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 10:00am-noon Saturday, December 1. Contact Michele Jacobson at outreach@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
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 the current sermon series
Led by Kara Rasmussen
Family Life Group (children welcome)
Every other Sunday, 5:30-7:30pm in various homes
Studying the current sermon series
Led by Matt & Mallory Allinder
Second Stage Life Group
Every other Sunday, 6:00-8:00pm at the Klatts' home
Studying the current sermon 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 the current sermon series
Led by Amy Day
WEDNESDAY
All Ages Life Group (children welcome)
Every other Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm at the Zaffkes' home
Studying the current sermon 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 November
Toddlers & Preschoolers
The Happy Helpers Club is back, and we want everyone to join! In the past, we’ve talked about all the ways we can help. This time, we want to look at helping from a different angle and focus more on being thankful for the many people who help us. We’re asking, who helps me, and how can I show them I am thankful for them?
Simply put, we want our preschoolers to grow up with eyes that see the helpers and a heart that is thankful, because no matter how grown up you are, you always have people helping you and a thank you goes a long way. When we stop and think about it, we are surrounded by helpers who deserve a big thank you for all the ways they help us. They are making the world we live in—the world our preschoolers live in—a better place.
Memory Verse: “Always give thanks to God” Ephesians 5:20, NCV
Elementary
Cooperation: Working together to do more than you can do alone
Cooperation is a spiritual concept that originates with God. God created us to work together in community. Throughout the Bible, we see how God brought people together to accomplish something big for Him. When we work together, we reflect what Jesus envisioned for His followers. Our love for one another can point people to Him.
Memory Verse: “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Ecclesiastes 4:9, NIrV
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: students@restorationcov.org
Lock & Key Escape Room
Students in grades 6-12, join us and invite your friends for a Lock & Key Escape Room experience on Saturday, December 8. Come ready for a challenge and mystery that will only be solved by working together. Meet at 10:00am at Restoration's Ministry Center: 7707 147th St W, Apple Valley. Cost is $20/student, and each student needs a participation & liability form on file. Bring $5 for lunch. You can get picked up at the Ministry Center at 1:45pm. Sign up early-we are limited to 20 students. RSVP by Sunday, December 2 with cash or check. Email students@restorationcov.org with questions.
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Upcoming Dates: Nov 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: 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.
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Ukraine Mission Trip
Jacob Sturges is preparing for a 10-day mission trip to the Ukraine where he will visit and serve local orphans at a state run orphanage that currently serves about 120 children. If you're interested in learning more about his trip or supporting Jacob through your prayers or finances click HERE or contact him at Jacob.Lee.Sturges@gmail.com.
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.
