October 3, 2019
We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.
2 Thessalonians 1:3
.jpeg "Women's Retreat 2019 / Restoration Covenant Church in Apple Valley, MN")
Greetings Restoration,
In the message on Sunday, Rob talked about how and why Jesus prayed and recommended that we look at where, when, and why we pray. In my family, our nighttime prayer includes what we’re thankful for that day. The answers range from eating awesome walking tacos at a friend’s house to being grateful for good friends and family. Indulge me as I use this format to say the ways in which I’m grateful for our church this week and why:
Staff and volunteers: I’m so very grateful for the enormous amount of care and service that happens within our church. As I see other churches where people can go in and out on a Sunday without being noticed, I’m incredibly grateful to know nearly every person at our church and know that there’s so much love, contribution and connection here. People volunteer huge chunks of their time which is a precious commodity and does not go unnoticed. Our staff pours a lot of love and gifting into their work as well and I’m thankful for each of them.
Outreach: ICYMI, Westview’s school nurse Eileen blessed us on Sunday with an explanation of the many reasons that it’s important that we contribute through Food on the First and Sheridan Story. She’s personally seen the change in kids who come in hungry and leave filled from the very food you bring in once a month. We’re making a difference at that school, one food donation, gift card, pair of shoes, and backpack at a time.
Women’s Retreat: Erin Garcia felt a nudge from God to prepare a women’s retreat and, despite her fear of answering the call, listened to His prompting and put on an incredible retreat for 20+ women last Saturday. Leanne Esch shared her incredible talents of music and powerful testimony to help lead. Kate Washleski, Lezlie Steiner, and Kara Rasmussen all shared their beautiful gifts of testimony, hospitality and touch while Lacey Skoglund blessed us with not one, but three incredible meals all in a gorgeous setting at the Blessing House. I felt very loved by God and inspired by the strong women of our church that day.
Last but not least, I leave you with some prayer requests. Please pray for our staff, leadership team, and volunteers. There’s a tremendous amount of work that goes into the work our church does each week. Please lift these folks up in prayer so that they have the perseverance to keep doing God’s good work. Take a minute to thank them and show your appreciation. Please remember Westview in both prayer and practicality when you consider buying snacks, easy-to-cook meals, and gift cards for NEXT Sunday’s Food on the First collection. Pray to be like Erin and, not just listen for God’s leading in your life, but be bold and courageous in following through with His promptings in both big and small ways this week.
Gratefully,
Kerry
Immerse: Messiah – Week 2
We have started reading through the first volume of Immerse, Messiah. It’s not too late to get involved! If you want to get started, don’t worry about catching up, just read this week’s reading. This Sunday, Pastor Rob will preach from the readings covered in Week 2 of the Reading Plan and small groups will have a book club style discussion on the same material. There are additional discussion questions available in the Family Guide as well as on this Discussion Guide. Sunday Message transcripts will be available on our website HERE. If you have been reading along, we hope you are finding your part in the story of God! Books are available on Sunday if you still need one. Contact info@restorationcov.org for more information.
Some helpful links:
Reading Plan
E-books
Audio Files
Family Guide
General Discussion Guide
Additional Discussion Questions
Week 1
Sunday Message Transcripts
Week 1
To find out more or to join a small group, contact groups@restorationcov.org
Food on the First – October 6
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.
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 groups@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
Child Dedication – October 13
We will be having child dedications on October 13. If you are interested in having a child dedicated or baptized, please contact Chrystine Vilhauer or the church office.
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.
What We’re Learning in October
Preschoolers
We all want to be strong and courageous. We all want to say we would be brave when faced with fear. But how? What can help us be brave? How can our preschoolers be strong and courageous Super Kids without the capes and super powers we see in the movies? This month we plan on giving preschoolers the answers to all of these questions. We want our preschoolers to grow up knowing that they can be brave because God is with them. How awesome would it be if preschoolers began thinking, ‘God can help me be brave,’ when they are afraid to walk into the dentist office or talk to a new friend at school. Rather than shy away, they can go for it! And, they don’t even need a cape or a mask!
Memory Verse: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid…for the Lord your God goes with you.” Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV
Elementary
This month, we are talking about courage, or doing what you should do, even when you are afraid. Throughout our lives, God may ask us to take risks or do something we may not feel prepared to do. But God will also give us the courage we need to face that challenge. We see this as Jesus faced death on the cross. He chose to be brave and follow through on God’s plan.
Memory Verse: “Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.” Joshua 1:9B NIrV
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: DanielMorgenstern@restorationcov.org
Families of Youth Lunch – October 13
These lunches are a wonderful and fun way to get to know other families who have students grades 6-12. Join us at Culver’s on Sunday October 13 from 12-2pm. See you there! Contact KerryStok@restorationcov.org.
Upcoming Dates: November 10 at the Schroeders’ home, December 8 at Culver’s.
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 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.
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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Fundraising Banquet
Adventurous Christians, a Covenant Pines Ministry, will be hosting a fundraising banquet Saturday October 26. If you’re interested in learning more about this event click HERE or check out https://covenantpines.org/fundraising-banquet/.
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.