September 26, 2019
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
1 Peter 4:10 NLT
Greetings Restoration,
I am so excited to write to you all this week. In May of 2009 Restoration church was just a twinkle in Pastor Rob and Michele’s eye. Ten years ago my family said “Yes” to the Jacobson’s invitation to join them on this adventure called church planting. I NEVER EVER would have imagined I would one day be a part of the leadership team, much less serve in the chair position! This past month with great joy, I was able to slip on my invisible sash that reads, “First Lady Chair” as I’m the first woman chair in the history of Restoration Church. For such a time as this…I will wear my sash with great humility and pride. I take this opportunity to serve the Lord and the people of Restoration very seriously.
I would like to help you become a little more acquainted with this group of people we call LT. We meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month. I come to the ministry center and have the privilege of sitting down at the conference room table with the other LT members. (see the LT members HERE) We represent our church body with a wide variety of backgrounds, passions, season of life, and spiritual gifts. We are a group of people who serve and volunteer their time to work on the church’s behalf.
The LT meeting begins with prayer and we want our time, agenda, and decisions guided by the Holy Spirit. We want to uphold Restoration’s values/mission/vision in all that we do. We prayerfully and thoughtfully make decisions that, not only impact our times together on Sundays, but the other six days of the week when we “do church” in our spheres of influence. We also want to be approachable and know that you can come to any of us with questions, concerns, or ideas.
With great anticipation of all that I see the Lord is doing, I am excited for this next season. I would encourage all of you to get to know your leadership team, and please be in regular prayer for us, Pastor Rob’s family, and the body of Restoration Church.
With love from your Lady Chair,
Lezlie
Immerse: Messiah
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. We have started reading through the first volume of Immerse, Messiah. Pastor Rob will preach about each 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 offer the Immerse Messiah Bible one free per family, additional copies for $5 per book. Books will be available at church or in the church office.
Some helpful links:
Reading Plan
E-books
Audio Files
Family Guide
*THIS SUNDAY*
Intergenerational Communion Sunday
At Restoration, 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. Kids and students will remain in service to worship alongside their families and church community. Busy bags are available for younger kids. We will also be celebrating communion near the end of the worship service. If you questions about kids and communion, please contact Chrystine Vilhauer, Restoration Kids Director.
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 at the Schroeders’
- December 8 at Apple Valley Culver’s
Eating together and fellowship
Led by Kerry Stok
Women’s Small Group
2nd/4th Sundays, 6-8pm in host homes
Studying Immerse: Messiah
Led by Kara Rasmussen
Family Small Group
1st/3rd Sundays, 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 Monday through November 18, 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, 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
*THIS SUNDAY*
Bible Presentations – September 29
If you have a child entering 2nd grade this year or if your child is past 2nd grade but doesn’t own their own Bible yet, please let us know! On Sunday, September 29, we’ll be presenting Bibles and celebrating a milestone where we recognize that kids are going from an age where they are learning to read to a time when they are reading to learn. Our goal as a church is to support parents so they can be their child’s spiritual champion. Part of achieving that goal is providing children with an age-appropriate Bible so they can really understand God’s Word.
*NEW*
Pumpkin Party – October 25
Our popular Pumpkin Party at AV Baptist Church (964 Garden View Dr) is not just for families. Join us October 25 @ 6:30pm for this free event, open to any “kid” at any age. Children and parents work together to carve and decorate their pumpkins. We will have a few ideas and tools on hand so bring your friends, your creativity and, of course, a pumpkin! Please RSVP by October 20 to Chrystine Vilhauer.
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 Chrystine Vilhauer or the church office.
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: DanielMorgenstern@restorationcov.org
Families of Youth Movie Night – October 18
Strap in for sword fights, monsters, romance, and adventure; we’re watching the Princess Bride. You think you won’t have fun? Inconceivable! This is a student event but that doesn’t mean what you think it means because the whole family is invited. Join us at the Svarens’ house on October 18. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and movie snacks to share. Please RSVP by October 13 to Daniel Morgenstern. That’s all the advice I can give you except maybe to never go against a Sicilian when death is on the line.
Restoration Students Raking – November 2
Romans 12:4-5 “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” We are going to be living that out November 2 starting at 2pm. Restoration Students will be joining students from Faith Covenant Church, South Suburban Evangelical Free Church, and Chapel Hill Church to together as one team to bless the body of Christ. We will be raking the yards of people from all four congregations who could use a little extra help. Meet at South Suburban in the parking lot, bring a rake, gloves, clothes that can get dirty, and a can-do attitude. Let’s be Christ’s hands and feet! Please RSVP by October 27 to Daniel Morgenstern.
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | Nov 6, 13, 20 | Dec 4, 18
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
Oct 13, 27 | Nov 10, 24 | Dec 8, not 22 | 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.
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 Daniel Morgenstern.
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.