July 4, 2019
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14 NIV
Dear Restoration members and friends,
Last week was an incredibly difficult week for our beloved denomination, for many in this faith family, and for me vocationally and personally. Caleb Anderson, member, former Leadership Team member, and former financial officer, traveled with me to Omaha for Gather ’19, the Annual Meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). This year’s meeting had 1,051 approved voting delegates, representing 430 churches of the 875 churches in the ECC. Much like our Annual Vision Meeting, this meeting is the highest legislative body of the ECC, and makes decisions on adding or removing member churches, approving executive leaders, denominational budgets, new missionaries, and new pastors.
The Annual Meeting delegates affirmed the recommendation of the Executive Board of the ECC to 1) involuntarily remove First Covenant Church Minneapolis from the roster of Covenant Churches (for being out of harmony with the ECC) and 2) to remove the ordination credentials of two pastors, one of which was the Lead Pastor of FCCM. While there were many really good things that happened at this year’s Annual Meeting, these events were difficult and painful, made even more so by the media coverage you have likely seen.
I am still processing and praying about the events of the last week; I know many of you are too—with much less information than Caleb and I have, so please consider the following:
To all of the Restoration community: Please be gracious and good to one another-and to Christ’s Church, especially online. Pray fervently. Listen deeply. Speak gently. Imitate Jesus in your interactions. Even in our congregation, we do not all agree on our beliefs and values in all matters. These decisions could so easily divide us, but I pray we move toward each other, hold our anxiety, practice peace and patience, hear each other, help each other, and seek a way forward together. My hope is that Restoration can be a model of how we can have unity without requiring uniformity. I will strive to be led by the Holy Spirit and to lead well through the implications of last week’s denominational decisions.
To our LGBTQ+ families, friends and allies—I grieve for you. I hope you will let me grieve with you. I recognize these decisions impact you the greatest. My heart hurts for this. Please know that I will continue to seek ways to care and embrace you and help others to do the same.
To those of you who are Covenant pastors or missionaries within our denomination—I know you have worked hard and feel the weight of this process and decision. You are weary, maybe exhausted. I encourage you to rest, to be restored by Jesus, and then to continue to use your voice in ways that bring true healing to the divisions, hurts and difficulties within our denomination.
To those in our community who affirm the decisions of the ECC last week—please be patient, kind, and respectful, especially to those in our church and in our denomination who grieve the decisions and what they mean for individuals, families, friends and the neighbors we want to reach with the transformational hope of Jesus Christ.
Peace and Grace,
Pastor Rob
*THIS SUNDAY*
Food on the First
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. Gift cards in any amount to Cub, Wal-Mart or Target 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.
MENA Missions – July 11
You don’t need to go all the way to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to see how God is working in that region of the world. We have a wonderful opportunity to hear more from Jeff and Darlene Anderson and two global guests from Egypt as they share their stories of God's work in North Africa and how the Covenant church is partnering with them through Serve Globally-MENA. Join us Thursday, July 11 from 7-8pm at the Besharas' home in Apple Valley. For questions contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org
Men’s Golf Event – July 13
Restoration Men – Invite a friend and join us for a fun day of golf at Bellwood Oaks Golf Course in Hastings, MN. Start time is 8am on Saturday, July 13. Cost is $33 to walk 18 holes and $50 for a cart + 18 holes. Don’t want to golf but want to join us for burgers after? After golfing, the guys will head to lunch at King's Bar & Grill, 14460 240th St Miesville, MN 55033. Contact events@restorationcov.org to let us know you want to play or to let us know you’ll join us afterwards at King’s.
Summer Sip & Social – July 14
All women of Restoration are encouraged to invite a friend and attend our Summer Sip & Social on Sunday, July 14 from 6:30-8:30pm at Kerry Stok's home in Apple Valley. This relaxed evening of refreshments on the deck is all about creating space for fun and fellowship for Restoration ladies and friends. Contact Kara for the address kararasmussen@restorationcov.org.
Moms and Daughters Small Group
Moms and their preteen girls in grades 5-8 are invited to join us as we begin the study of Treasured led by Kara Rasmussen & Chrystine Vilhauer. Treasured is a 6-session faith-based study designed to connect moms and daughters around topics critical to the preteen years: identity, body, emotions, friendships, technology, and faith. Our first group will be on Monday July 1 from 6:30-8:00pm at the home of Kara, Ava (7th) and Annie (5th) Rasmussen in Apple Valley. Remaining group dates are July 15, 22, 29 | Aug 12, 26. For questions or to join contact KaraRasmussen@restorationcov.org.
All Church Picnic – July 28
Mark your calendars now-we’re having an all-church picnic on July 28! We’ll be gathering after the worship service at the Senior Center. We’ll provide pulled pork sandwiches, beverages & paper products. If your last name starts with A-O, please bring a salad or picnic food to share. If your last name starts with P-Z, please bring a dessert to share. Consider inviting a friend to join us for this great time of fun and fellowship! Contact info@restorationcov.org
Outdoor Worship – August 25
We’ll have our annual outdoor worship service at Crystal Beach Park in Burnsville on Sunday, August 25 at 10am. We'll worship together, celebrate believer baptisms at the lake and then spend time in community over a picnic lunch. This is a great opportunity to invite someone to church in a beautiful setting outside in God's creation. Grilled meat, beverages, chips, condiments and dinnerware will be provided. Last names A-L, please bring a SIDE or SALAD to share; M-Z please bring a DESSERT to share. We recommend bringing lawn chairs for your comfort. Bring some games to play too! Note there will not be Restoration Kids that Sunday so kids can enjoy worship with their families.
Baptism and Dedication at Restoration
Did you know Believer Baptism is a picture of how Jesus has changed your life and a response to God’s redeeming love for us? If God has been working in your life, have you considered being baptized? We will do believer baptisms at our outdoor worship service on Sunday, August 25. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact MatthewGoerdt@restorationcov.org. If you are interested in having a child dedicated or baptized, please contact ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org or contact the church office.
Serve in Church
Please pray about and consider serving in one of the areas of critical need within our church. 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 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
Many of our small groups take a break over the summer months. However there are a couple of groups that continue to meet. The Men’s Group meets weekly on Saturday mornings at 7am at the Ministry Center and the Second Stage Group meets biweekly Sundays nights at 6pm in host homes. Both groups are open to join at anytime. There are also several connection opportunities for men, women, and families throughout the summer. For more information about these opportunities or if you’re interested in joining or starting a small group, Kara would love to talk to you! Contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org.
SUNDAY
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 (lunch)
2nd Sunday of the month, Noon-2:00pm
Led by Janice Svaren
MONDAY
Moms and Daughters Small Group
Mondays, 6:30-8pm at the Rasmussens' home
Studying Treasured
Led by Kara Rasmussen and Chrystine Vilhauer
SATURDAY
Men's Bible Study Group
Saturdays at 7am at the Ministry Center
Studying the Book of Ruth
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: 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
*THIS SUNDAY*
Intergenerational Sunday
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 today to worship alongside their families and church community. Busy bags will be available for younger kids. Nursery is available for infants and toddlers.
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: students@restorationcov.org
Restoration Students Pool Party
On Wednesday, July 10, we will be having a Students Pool Party at the Svarens' home in Apple Valley. ANY student who would be going into grades 6-12 this fall is welcome to join us from 6:30-8:30pm. We'll have snacks, play some games, and enjoy the pool. Students are encouraged to bring friends! Contact students@restorationcov.org.
*UPDATED DATES*
High School Sunday Nights
"We use the word 'love' all the time. But do we really know what that means? Jesus laid down His life on the cross for us. Do you know what that means!? He gave up His life so we could know what real life, and what real love is all about. The best way we can show His love to others is by giving of ourselves for them. How are you 'laying down your life' for the people around you?" Students grades 9-12 will be meeting at the Svarens’ home to study and discuss the book Love Out Loud by Doug Fields. Join us Sunday evenings from 6:30-8pm. Contact students@restorationcov.org with questions.
DATES: July 7, 14, 28 | August 11, 25
Summer Middle School Group
Students going into grades 6-9 this Fall begin Sunday mornings in the worship service then they meet in the café for discussion and activities that complement the Sunday morning message. Contact students@restorationcov.org
DATES: July 21 | August 4, 18
Upcoming Events
Students Cannon River Tubing
July 24 | 12:30-6pm
Drop off and pickup at the Ministry Center
Students Lake Party
August 14 | 5:30-9pm
at the Besharas' home in Apple Valley
Wild Mountain
August 28 | 8:30-5:30
Drop off and pickup at the Ministry Center
MUUUCE
Students entering grades 6-9, join us for MUUUCE (Most Unbelievable Ultimate Urban Camping Experience) on August 1-3. This is an unforgettable, spiritual, high-energy three days of chaos, Valleyfair, live worship, food, and fun with hundreds of middle school students and leaders from all over the Northwest Conference. Invite your friends to this event! We also welcome adults willing to help lead. Cost is $125/person. Registration forms and payments are due Sunday, July 15. Forms can be downloaded below or picked up at the information table on Sundays. Contact students@restorationcov.org for RSVP and questions.
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 students@restorationcov.org