August 8, 2019
 
May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5
 
God's Help / Restoration Covenant Church in Apple Valley, MN 
Sometimes it is really hard to do things that are outside of our comfort zones. When it was a for-sure that I was going to preach in front of the congregation, I was very much outside of my comfort zone.
 
I’m used to teaching Sunday school, not people older than 14, so writing a sermon was something that set off the fight or flight in me. As I said on Sunday morning, never in a million years did I think I would be preaching. However, through lots of prayer, time in the Word, conversations, and lots of ideas, I was able to get something out.
 
It was amazing to me, as I asked God for His help and for my words to reflect what He wanted me to say, how easy it was to write what I shared on Sunday morning. It was also very cool to see how many people were reached by the words that I spoke during service, because, if I am honest, I was not so sure how it was going to go. It really proves the point that sometimes God sets hard things in front of you, but if you ask for His help, He won’t let you drown.
 
Blessings,
Dorothy

 
Dorothy / Restoration Covenant Church in Apple Valley, MN
 
*NEW*
Tobias “Toby” Mark Goerdt
Toby Goerdt / Restoration Covenant Church in Apple Valley, MN

We celebrate the birth of Tobias “Toby” Mark Goerdt, 7lbs 15oz, 22in long, born to Matthew & Amanda Goerdt on July 31, 2019! Toby is also welcomed home by big brother Benji. Please keep the Goerdt family in your prayers during this busy time and praise God for a healthy mom and baby. We welcome the Restoration family to support and bless them by providing meals. Please sign-up HERE.
 
*NEW*
Men’s BBQ – September 21

There’s nothing better than an afternoon of grilling out with the guys. Please join us for some delicious food on the grill and some stiff competition at yard games at the Men’s BBQ at Don Braaten’s house on Saturday, September 21 from 4-8pm. Main dish will be provided. Invite a friend and bring a side dish to share. See you there!
 
*NEW*
Women’s Retreat – September 28

As women we shoulder a lot, but we often forget to take time to be revitalized. You are invited to a day set aside just for you. We will gather in a beautiful lakeside home with peaceful outdoor spaces. There will be time to fellowship with other women, to be still and rest with God, and to be reminded of God’s great love for YOU. Join us as we explore together how we are each Uniquely Made, Deeply Loved. Bring a friend! Cost is $30, which includes lunch, dinner, coffee, tea, and light snacks. Scholarships are available. No childcare will be provided. Space is limited, so reserve your place today! Register HERE. Contact Erin at ekg451@yahoo.com.
 
Moms and Daughters Small Group
Aug 12, 26
Moms and their preteen girls in grades 5-8 are invited to join us as we go through the book 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. We will meet from 6:30-8:00pm at the home of Kara, Ava (7th) and Annie (5th) Rasmussen in Apple Valley. For questions or to join contact KaraRasmussen@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.
 
Prayer Meeting – August 28
Join us as we lift up needs within our church and around the world and pray with faith that the Lord will help us in every area of our lives! We will meet from 7-9pm on Wednesday, August 28 at the Ministry Center. We would love to see you there! Contact MaryBeshara@restorationcov.org with questions.
 
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 Lunch
2nd Sunday of the month, Noon-2:00pm
Meeting at Culver’s on Galaxie Ave. August 11
 
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 1 John
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
 
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RESTORATION KIDS
 
Contact: ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org
 
Play & Pray
August 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
 
What We’re Learning in August
 
August Preschool / Restoration Covenant Church in Apple Valley, MN
 
Preschoolers
 
Mining for gold has been around ever since humans discovered that first glittering speck of rock. What’s even better than gold? It’s the Bible! It teaches us that God loves us all the time. It teaches us that God loves us so much He gave us Jesus to be our friend forever. It teaches us how to live our best life. And, it teaches us how to share our stuff. The teachings in the Bible are worth more to us—are more valuable in this life—than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. At the end of the day, learning how God, our Creator, wants us to live is worth way more than anything money can buy. So grab a Bible, and get ready. We’re going on a treasure hunt! We want to begin to uncover some nuggets of truth and set our preschoolers on a lifelong search for treasure—the kind of treasure that is better than gold.
 
“Your teachings are worth more to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.” Psalm 119:72 NCV
 
August Elementary / Restoration Covenant Church in Apple Valley, MN
 
Elementary
 
In August, elementary kids will be talking about obedience. God is the creator of the world. He’s in charge of everything. We show that we trust God by obeying Him and His plan for our life. Jesus showed the ultimate act of obedience when He chose to obey His Father’s plan to die for our sins.
 
“The way we show our love is to obey God’s commands. He commands you to lead a life of love. That’s what you have heard from the beginning.” 2 John 6, NIrV
 
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RESTORATION STUDENTS
Daniel Welcome / Restoration Covenant Church in Apple Valley, MN
 
Contact: students@restorationcov.org
 
High School Sunday Nights
August 11, 25
“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.
 
Summer Middle School Group
August 18
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
 
Students Lake Party
August 14 | 5:30-9pm
Students entering grades 6-12, join us for a night on Lac Lavon lake on Wednesday, August 14 from 5:30-9pm. Bring swimwear as we plan to go swimming, kayaking, and some beach activities. Meet us at the Beshara home in Apple Valley. Dinner will be provided, so come hungry. If you are able, bring $5 to help with food cost. Invite your friends! Contact students@restorationcov.org for RSVP, the address, or any other questions.
 
Students Nerf Tournament
August 21 | 6-9pm
Students entering grades 6-12, join us for a Nerf Tournament on August 21 from 6-9pm. Bring nerf blasters, darts, eye protection, and a barricade to shield you from flying foam (ex: laundry basket, cardboard, etc.). We will play a variety of game scenarios: some team and some solo. Snacks will be available, but eat dinner beforehand. We will meet at Apple Valley Baptist Church, 964 Garden View Dr, Apple Valley. No cost to attend. Invite your friends! Contact DanielMorgenstern@restorationcov.org for RSVP and questions
 
Wild Mountain
August 28 | 8:30am-5:30pm
Students entering grades 6-12, join us for a day at Wild Mountain on Wednesday, August 28 from 8:30am-5:30pm. Enjoy some crazy fun at the waterpark, alpine slides and go-karts. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and dry clothes. Arrive at the Ministry Center (7707 147th St W, Apple Valley) at 8:30am for departure via bus. We plan to return at 5:30pm. Cost is $40 for park ticket, transportation, and a supplied lunch; bring extra money if you want additional snacks while there. Invite your friends! Everyone must have a completed Students Participation & Liability form. Contact students@restorationcov.org for RSVP and questions. Please let us know ASAP if you are interested in coming!
 
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
 
 

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