September 12, 2019
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Ephesians 2:4-5
I don’t recall a previous time in my life where I have felt God calling me to action, or at least not a time when I acknowledged it. However, when He called me to host a women’s retreat, I didn’t feel like I could say no. The day I finally realized this is what I was going to do and took the first step forward, my heart exploded with excitement.
I remember that day and sharing my excitement with my small group. I couldn’t stop smiling, but there was also some worry because I knew that this was beyond my comfort zone. I prayed that God would provide and lead me and the group of women I have been working with. He did provide! We have an amazing group of women who have been both praying and planning for months to prepare a weekend with the goal of providing a lovely experience for the women of our church. As a working, single mom of two very active little girls, I know the importance of taking some time for myself as well as setting aside time to spend time with God and other women who strengthen and inspire me. Believe me, we have a lot of those women in our church and I can’t wait to spend the day in a beautiful setting with them.
In a few short weeks, my answer to God’s call to host a women’s retreat will come to fruition and I am still so excited. I feel like my heart is on fire with excitement and love for God and I am really looking forward to sharing it with the women attending! I am so excited to share my journey with women at the retreat and see how God’s idea will work out and how we will see the Holy Spirit on that day.
The theme is Uniquely Made, Deeply Loved and even though this message is not necessarily a new concept; I am hopeful we can dive in and figure out what makes us unique and remind ourselves of how deeply loved we are. We will also have some time for quiet reflection and community with other women. Our goal was to offer a variety of different options to help you on your journey with God.
I want to invite the women reading this to join us on Saturday September 28, 2019. I really hope to see you there. Please reach out to me if you have any specific questions! Don’t forget to register before September 16. You can do it online HERE.
With hope,
Erin
Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience
As a Covenant church, we have a long tradition of valuing deep engagement with the whole story of the Bible. Immerse: The Reading Bible will help us to see ourselves in the story as we read it together. Beginning September 22 we will read through the first volume of Immerse, Messiah. For those 8 weeks, Pastor Rob will preach about the week’s reading and small groups will discuss what they have read in a format similar to that of a book club. We hope to make reading one of the Immerse volumes a fall rhythm as a church over the next six years. Join us in finding your part in the story of God! Thanks to an anonymous donor, we can provide one free Immerse: Messiah book per family, with additional copies for $5 per book. Kara will have the books on Sunday so don’t forget to pick one up! E-books can be purchased HERE. Free audio recording can be found HERE. To find out more or to join a small group, contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org.
Ready, Set, Go!
September is like a new New Year’s. It’s not the start of the calendar year, but it’s the start of school, the start of Fall, and if you engage in the right ways, it can be the start of a new you. Ask around, in your city, or your work or even your friends, and you’ll likely hear people talk about wanting more spirituality. They often define spirituality as a deeper sense of peace and purpose, but if you listen longer, they not only desire something that helps them internally, but something that makes a difference externally: their public life.
Not all spirituality is equal…As we enter a new season, we will discover how Christianity affects every part of people’s lives, not only our private lives, but everything in our world. Join us for stories of people who are able to engage their faith in ways that anybody can find relatable and relevant. Are you willing to take a look at and let God’s Spirit touch every area of your life? This could be the start of, not just a new season, but a new you.
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! Please RSVP to DonBraaten@restorationcov.org as soon as possible so we can plan enough food.
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. Registration deadline is Monday, September 16!
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
We’re very excited to launch a new season of small groups soon. If you’re looking for a deeper connection with others within our church, we highly encourage you to plug in to one of the many small groups offered below. If you want to learn more or you’re not sure which group would be the best fit for you or your family, please contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org.
SUNDAY
Second Stage Life Group
Every other Sunday, 6-8pm in host homes
Studying Immerse: Messiah
Led by Dick & Patte Klatt
Families of Youth Lunch
2nd Sundays, Noon-2pm
- October 13 at Apple Valley Culver’s
- November 10 location TBD
- December 8 at Apple Valley Culver’s
Eating together and fellowship
Led by Kerry Stok
Women’s Small Group
2nd/4th Sundays starting September 22, 6-8pm in host homes
Studying Immerse: Messiah
Led by Kara Rasmussen
Family Small Group
1st/3rd Sundays starting September 15, 5:30-7:30pm in host homes
Studying Immerse: Messiah
Led by Nick and Andrea Youngberg
Family Small Group
1st/3rd Sundays starting October 6, 5:30-7:30pm in host homes
Studying Immerse: Messiah
Led by Evan and Vinesha Frey
MONDAY
Intergenerational Small Group
Every other Monday starting September 23, 7-9pm at the Fagerstrom home
Studying Immerse: Messiah
Led by Steve Fagerstrom
TUESDAY
Prayer Group
Every Tuesday, 7-9pm at the Ministry Center
Led by Mary Beshara and Michael Nybakken
Women’s Small Group
Every Tuesday, Oct 1-Nov 19, 7-8:30pm in the Ministry Center Prayer Room
Studying Immerse: Messiah
Led by Val Magnuson
WEDNESDAY
Parents with Young Children Play Date Group
3rd Wednesdays starting September 18, 9:30am-11:30am in host homes
Informal time of fellowship while kids play
Led by Chrystine Vilhauer
SATURDAY
Men’s Bible Study Group
Saturdays, 7-8am at the Ministry Center
Studying Immerse: Messiah
Led by Chad White
Amazon Smile
Did you know that in just three months, Restoration has received $30 from the AmazonSmile Foundation just because members of our church have signed up through AmazonSmile when they shop Amazon? When you shop and buy at Amazon.com, if you go through AmazonSmile you can support Restoration. To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile. To sign up, go to the following link Amazon Smile and choose Restoration Covenant Church as your organization to support. Thanks in advance for choosing to support Restoration!
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 September
Preschoolers
When is the last time you took the time to really look at everything God made? When we take the time to look at this amazing world God made, we are filled with awe and wonder. It’s that feeling of wonder we want our preschoolers to have as they learn about God’s creation. We are going to do a lot of counting together this month—one, two, three, four, five, six, seven—pausing to learn what God made on each day of creation. Through our fun and exciting activities and stories we want our preschoolers to learn that God made everything. And IT IS GOOD!
Memory Verse: “God saw everything He had made. And it was very good.” Genesis 1:31, NIrV
.jpg "September Elementary Image / Restoration Covenant Church Apple Valley, MN")
Elementary
This month, we will be talking about Trust or putting confidence in someone you can depend on.
Throughout history God has proven His faithfulness to us, especially in keeping His promise to send Jesus to save us. God will continue to be dependable. The Bible is filled with examples of people who knew first-hand what it means to trust God. This month, we focus on two of them: Jacob and Joseph. Through their stories, we’ll discover how we can trust Him no matter what we face.
Memory Verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5, NIrV
Child Dedication and Baptism
We will be having child dedications and baptisms coming up soon. If you are interested in having a child dedicated or baptized, please contact ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org or contact the church office.
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: students@restorationcov.org
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
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!
Middle School Group
Sept 22 | Oct 13, 27 | Nov 10, 24 | Dec 9, not 23 | Jan 5, 19 | Feb 2, 16 | Mar 1, 15 | Apr 5, 19 | May 3, 17
Students in grades 6-8 begin Sunday mornings in the worship service. On the designated Sundays, they meet in the café for discussion and activities that complement the Sunday morning message. Contact students@restorationcov.org
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
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.