April 18, 2019
“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
Mark 14:6, 9
As I read through the events of Easter week, one of the stories that haunts me is Mary’s anointing of Jesus. Jesus, the disciples, and some others were reclining around the meal hosted by Simon the leper when “a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head” (Mark 14:3). A year’s worth of wages flowed from that flask. The fragrance filled the room. For some it was the scent of a magnificent offering, but for others it was the stink of a missed opportunity. “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.” (Mark 14:4–5).
This event in particular haunts me because it makes me wonder where I miss moments of sacrificial worship. At least one of the disciples could only see the value of the perfume, but he had slowly become unable to see the value of Jesus. The woman, identified as Mary, the sister of Lazarus in John 12, clearly sees the value of the perfume and the value of Jesus. And she chose to freely give that gift, and she experienced something amazing in return.
If it was easy for some of Jesus’ closest followers to miss what’s most valuable, it is definitely a challenge to us. That’s why we need each other! Who could encourage you and who could you encourage to help them see what’s most valuable?
I encourage you to make some sacred space between now and Easter for reflection, confession, and worship because of who Jesus is and what he has done. Sit with the Holy Spirit, with the Bible, and with a small group to see the value of Jesus. Then join us Easter Sunday to celebrate the miraculous power of Christ’s resurrection.
With hope,
Rob
*THIS SUNDAY*
Easter Message Series
The deepest love poured out of the greatest sacrifice in history. A love that heals. A love that forgives. A love that welcomes. This Easter we celebrate the power of Christ’s resurrection! But is Easter a ‘one and done’ day, or does what happened that day still impact today? For many people, even Christians, there’s a trace of doubt. For those first followers of Jesus, however, they claimed Jesus’s resurrection had the power to revolutionize the messy, dysfunctional culture of the Roman Empire, filled with violence, injustice, and personal pain. Some of those followers even took the news to the intimidating capital of Rome. There, they challenged the most sophisticated, skeptical, and insensitive crowds; crowds not much different than people today. Join us for Easter and weeks that follow to learn what the resurrection means in our everyday lives.
Intergenerational Worship
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. This Sunday is designed to be an experience where all ages can be seen, heard, and welcome to participate. Kids and students will remain in service to worship alongside their families and church community. Busy bags will be available for younger kids.
Women's Sip & Social – April 28
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.
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
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) from 9:30-11:30am. 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 High School Sunday Nights
Upcoming Dates: 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 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: 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.
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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Mary Goblirsch Fundraising/Benefit for Mission Work in Honduras
Sunday, April 28, 12-4pm, American Legion 14521 Granada Dr, Apple Valley. For more information on this event, click HERE.