February 7, 2019
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
For those of you who missed the Vision Update meeting a couple weeks ago, I wanted to summarize the many ways the meeting was a blessing to me:
I got to hear about how our church is impacting others
I'm currently only coming to church on Sundays and not taking part in any meetings or groups. So all I see and experience is what the service means to me (which is a lot!). But, I didn't realize how much more was going on behind the scenes. It was so cool to hear about how many people are involved in groups, how many people are serving, and how the holes and gaps in our needs are filling up as needed. We don't have time to hear about all that on Sunday and I don't soak it in on my way in and out of church.
It was also amazing to hear about Westview Elementary coming to us for prayer. I've heard in Sunday service enough to know we help their students meet their basic needs, but to hear of a school asking a church to be involved in a prayer capacity is so inspiring. It makes me tear up!
I got to learn more about our history
It was neat to hear from Lezlie all about where our church was and what it's become. Seeing how much we've grown is inspiring. It helps to hear and see where we've struggled in different ways but also how we have come out on the other side better off than we were.
I got to learn about what our future may look like
I wasn't aware of our possibilities within the Community Center or the conversations with another church regarding their building so I enjoyed getting a peek into all of those happenings. I especially liked hearing the way God is moving within the Community Center. Getting all those pieces helps me to better understand how and why decisions regarding the church facility are made.
The meeting also made me more sure of my decision to become a member. I didn't start planning for the last membership class in time to make it work, but getting to hear more about it from Christa and seeing the new members welcomed in made me positive I'll be on the list for the next membership class.
Lastly, I want to thank the Leadership Team for putting the time and effort into not only this meeting, but all that you do for our church! You guys did a great job of presenting, and I, for one, appreciated the information, updates, and each of you for your contribution to our church.
Grace and Peace,
Hilary
Men's Bowling Night – February 8
Restoration Men, bring a friend and join us on Friday, February 8th from 7-9pm at Apple Place Bowl (14917 Garrett Ave, Apple Valley) for a fun night of bowling with the guys. Costs are $5 per game and $3 for shoes. Please RSVP to Kirk Vilhauer at events@restorationcov.org.
Mom's Play Date Small Group – February 13
Moms of littles, are you looking for a place to connect with other moms during the week while your kids have friends to play with? We’d love for you to join us on the 2nd Wednesday of the month January through April for an informal time of play, connection and prayer! Our next meeting time is February 13th, 9:30-11:30am at Chrystine Vilhauer’s home. Contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org or chrystinevilhauer@restorationcov.org with questions or to let Chrystine know you'll be there.
Ukraine Mission Trip Report – February 16
Join Jacob Sturges to celebrate and hear stories about all God did during his time visiting the orphanages and ministries in the Ukraine. He’ll have a short program and dessert February 16 from 6:30-7:30 at the Ministry Center (7707 147th St W, Apple Valley). Please RSVP to jacobsturges@restorationcov.org so he can plan accordingly. See you there!
Feed My Starving Children – March 16
Looking for an amazing opportunity to serve kids in need with your friends and family? Join us for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) to pack meals for hungry kids worldwide on Saturday, March 16 from 2-4pm. We will meet at 1:45pm at 990 Lone Oak Road, Suite 136, Eagan. There is no cost to participate, but FMSC welcomes donations. 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 communications@restorationcov.org.
Serve in Church
Interested in serving within our church community? Great! We need you and your God-given gifts. Serving on Sundays is a great opportunity to get to know other people within the Restoration community by serving alongside them. Click HERE for a list of some of the volunteer opportunities. Please feel free to contact the person in charge of the area in which you’re most gifted or interested.
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
Did you know it's not too late to join a Restoration Small Group? Many of our groups discuss Sunday's message which makes it easy to join in at anytime. If you've considered joining a group but never quite got around to it, there’s still time! 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
WEDNESDAY
Moms with Young Kids Play Group
2nd Wednesday of the month, January through April, 9:30am in various homes
Informal time of connection and prayer with other moms while our kids play
Led by Chrystine Vilhauer
All Ages Life Group (children welcome)
Every Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm at the Zaffkes' home
Studying the current sermon series
Led by Garrett & Amy Zaffke
SATURDAY
Men's Bible Study Group
Saturdays at 7am at the Ministry Center
Studying the Book of Isaiah
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 February
Toddlers & Preschoolers
We can’t think of a better time to teach preschoolers about how much Jesus loves them than February— the month of love! And how much does Jesus love preschoolers? Well, the same as He loves you and me—A LOT! In fact, there is nothing wider or longer or higher or deeper than the love Jesus has for you and the preschoolers in your life. This month, our goal is for preschoolers to know Jesus loves them and that nothing will ever change that. To do that, we’ve planned some super fun, hands-on-activities and are ready to tell amazing Bible stories in ways that will engage young minds. We also have some colorful, little love bugs joining us!
Memory Verse: “How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
Elementary
In February, we will be talking about the connection between service and God’s character, as shown through God’s big story. Jesus demonstrated what serving really means by washing His disciples’ feet and even laying down His life for the sins of the world. We reflect His character to the people around us when we lend a hand and serve.
Memory Verse: “Jesus sat down and called for the 12 disciples to come to him. Then he said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last. They must be the servant of everyone.’” Mark 9:35, NIrV
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: students@restorationcov.org
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Upcoming Dates: Feb 13, 20, 27
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: Feb 17, Mar 3, 17
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.
