April 4, 2019
“When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.”
Nehemiah 6:16
An important part of the season of Lent is taking a slow walk to Easter and the resurrection. Who doesn’t love the joy and excitement of saying, “He is Risen…He is Risen Indeed!” But without some time reflecting on Jesus’ journey to the cross, the resurrection loses much of the depth and impact we love to celebrate.
In going through the account of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall we see some of the same dynamic at work. This godly man Nehemiah hears of the way Jerusalem is not even a shadow of its former days; the walls as a real and symbolic symbol of security are broken down. He hears the call to leave his life in Persia (modern Iran) and travel to oversee the rebuilding process. He goes at personal risk and cost; is that not enough?
Upon arrival back in Jerusalem the situation is worse than he realized but he is undaunted. To make matters worse there is opposition growing from external enemies who don’t want to see the walls rebuilt. A plan is instituted that sees workers carry their weapons and be on the ready to join any other workers if an attack occurs. When only the gates are left to be restored, a last round of opposition (primarily threats and psychological attacks) takes place but Nehemiah is undeterred. Finally, we read the amazing words found in Nehemiah 6:16: “When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.”
Sadly, any chance for celebration was lost because some of the Jewish leaders were now opposing Nehemiah and the work God called him to lead. So too, in the lead up to the cross, it was those who should have known better that were in opposition to the work of God. One of the lessons of Nehemiah is that it is actually quite easy to be on the other side of God’s plan. All it takes is a threat to our privilege and comfort and we join Tobiah or the Pharisees in missing the amazing work God is doing.
Maybe this Lenten season is a good time to slow up enough to reflect on our life and see if we are like the outsiders who see what is happening “with the help of our God” or if we are focused on the uncomfortable cost that God’s plan may mean to us as followers of Christ.
Peace,
Jeff Anderson
*THIS SUNDAY*
Food on the First – April 7
At the start of the month, we donate food for Westview Elementary School staff to distribute from a “food locker” to hungry families. To help, head to the store for healthful, non-perishable food and bring it to church. Specific items needed at this time include peanut butter & jelly, mac and cheese, spaghetti noodles and sauce, snacks (granola bars, protein bars, goldfish, crackers, and squeeze apple sauce). Gift cards in any amount to Target or grocery stores will also be greatly appreciated since they help families purchase meat and fresh produce. Cash, check and designated online donations go to The Sheridan Story program that puts a weekend meal in participating students’ backpacks every Friday of the school year.
UPCOMING DATES: May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4
Women's Sip & Social
The Sunday night women’s small group would like to invite all Restoration ladies and guests to a fun evening of socializing at our next Sip & Social on Sunday, April 28 from 6-8pm at Lezlie Steiner's home in Eagan. Join us for heavy hors d'oeuvres and a relaxing time of connecting with other ladies. Contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org with questions or to get the address.
Serve in Church
Please pray about and consider serving in one of the areas of critical need listed within our church. At this time we need:
- Setup Team members
- Restoration Kids Elementary small group leaders
- Restoration Students small group leaders
Whether you’re already serving or considering where you can best bless our church, thank you for sharing your much needed gifts! Look for a list of additional serving opportunities on our website at HERE and at the Info Table in the lobby on Sundays. Please feel free to contact the person in charge of the area in which you’re most gifted or interested.
Join the Students Team
Do you have a passion for working with students? Are you interested in serving Restoration through our Wednesday Night Student Groups? We would love to hear from you! The students team is looking for adult men and women who would like to get involved in being a part of our team. We welcome anyone who loves God and loves the idea of working with students. Contact aidengosiak@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.
P3 Retreat – April 6
P3 = Pray, Play, Plan
Every spring, Restoration’s staff, ministry team leaders and members of the Leadership Team meet to pray, play and plan for the year ahead. We reflect and listen to how God has been working and leading us and then we play and plan how we can best respond as a church towards the vision God is calling us to. These plans are then shared and reviewed for approval at our annual Vision Meeting in June. This year's P3 retreat will be held on Saturday, April 6 from 8:30am-3:30pm at the Ministry Center. First and foremost, we ask for your prayers for this important day. If you have specific prayers, input, ideas, or revelation from God for our church or for a particular ministry, we highly encourage you to share them with a Ministry Team Leader or with the Leadership Team. Contact John Schroeder with any questions: JohnSchroeder@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 at the Ministry Center
Fellowship with some discussion and prayer
Led by Janice Svaren
TUESDAY
Book Study Group
Tuesdays, March 5 through April 30, 7-9pm at the Ministry Center
Reading and discussing the book Everyone Can Do Something by Jason Johnson
Led by Jacob Sturges
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
Play & Pray
Upcoming Dates: May 29 | June 12 | July 10, 24 | August 7, 21
Looking to connect with other parents and kids this summer? Parents, bring your kids, your friends, and your friends' kids to Apple Grove Park (by the fire station at CR42 and Hayes) at 9:30am. The kids enjoy themselves at the park while the grown-ups talk about the things going on in their lives and share prayer requests. Play and Pray mornings are an easy way to be in community with each other during the summer months. Contact: ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org
VBS 2019
Get ready to Power Up! Are you ready to raise your game? Get ready to change the world because God’s power gives us everything we need to do just that. Mark your calendars and invite your friends to join us June 24-28 from 9-11:30am at Apple Valley Baptist, 964 Garden View Drive, Apple Valley.
What We're Learning in April
Preschoolers
God created us to be in a relationship with Him and in relationships with people here on earth. He wants us to have friends, and He wants us to be a good friend. In fact, He wants it so much, God sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to show us how to be a good friend and make a way for us to be friends with Him forever.
Friendships are a big part of preschoolers’ lives. Through these first relationships, they are learning how to be a friend, have fun with friends, get along with friends, problem solve with friends, resolve conflict with friends, and above all, love friends. This month, we hope preschoolers will learn that Jesus is their friend – the best friend they will ever have. If our preschoolers finish this month knowing that Jesus wants to be their friend forever, that is a huge win! That will make it a very happy Easter!
Memory Verse: “A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17, NIrV
Elementary
This month, Elementary students will be talking about Hope or believing good can come out of something bad. We can’t always understand why some things happen. But we can believe in a God who keeps His promises. We can have hope, even in the toughest times, because we know He can make something good out of something bad.
Memory Verse: “In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world.” John 16:33b, NIrV
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: students@restorationcov.org
Restoration Students Director Update
In October, we said goodbye to Derek Wassell as he took on a new, full-time position with a local IT firm. In January, we welcomed Aiden Gosiak as our Interim Students Director through May of this year. We are beginning the search for a permanent, part-time Students Director who will help develop mature followers of Jesus. The Leadership Team is assembling a search team of leaders and parents of current and future students. The position has been posted on Restoration’s website along with other public job boards. Please visit the job posting and if you have any questions or would like more details, email the LT@restorationcov.org. Please direct any interested applicants to our website HERE.
Restoration Students High School Sunday Nights
Upcoming Dates: Apr 7 | May 5, 19
We’re excited to announce High School Students Sunday Nights on the first and third Sunday of March-May. This will be an opportunity for High School Students to dig into the book of Daniel together. They’ll discover what it means to live in the world but not of the world when presented with today’s teen challenges. Daniel himself faced unbelievable challenges as a believer under Babylonian authority. Each meeting will be tailored to engage students with thought-provoking questions and discussions while delving into the personal lives of believers who share their testimony and how they navigate today’s ebb and flow of modern morals. We will meet from 6:30-8pm at Pastor Rob Jacobson’s house. Snacks will be provided, but please eat supper before you come.
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Upcoming Dates: Apr 10, 17, 24 | May 1, 8, 15
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: Apr 7, May 19
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.
