October 10, 2019
So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.
Romans 10:17(NLT)
Greetings Restoration,
We’re now into our third week reading and walking through the Immerse Bible. Hopefully you’ve been able to read, follow along with Rob’s message on Sundays and even begun to discuss the readings with your small groups. Our small group met for the first time on Sunday, and we learned that two of our small group families are reading Immerse using the family guide, and one of those families is the Skoglunds. We asked Jillian Skoglund if she’d share her experience thus far reading Immerse with her family:
What have you liked best so far about going through Immerse?
It’s quiet for 5 minutes while we read it.
Is it hard to find the time to read?
Not really because we read right after dinner when we are all still at the table.
What’s been surprising to you so far in reading the Bible this way?
It doesn’t include pronunciation specifications.
Have you been confused by anything in Immerse?
Not especially because it doesn’t rush through things.
Why would you recommend going through Immerse as a family to others?
It depends on what kind of Bible reading experience you want. If you want to think deeply then I would recommend it.
Gratefully,
Jillian
Immerse: Messiah – Week 3
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 3 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 Week 2
Sunday Message Transcripts
Week 1 Week 2
To find out more or to join a small group, contact groups@restorationcov.org
Immerse – Share Your Story
Have you been reading along? Can you see yourself in God’s story? We want to hear your stories! If you’d like to write a News & Notes article or if you just want to tell us how Immerse has affected your life, please contact us at communications@restorationcov.org.
Staff Update
We want to inform you, that after much prayerful reflection during the past weeks, Kara Rasmussen has stepped down as the Small Group Coordinator. Her family is entering a season where they will need their church to simply be that, their church, without the complexities that working for the church can sometimes bring. Kara will continue to lead the Sunday Night Women’s Group. You will see her and her family in worship, serving in their various roles, and participating in their small group. The leadership team and staff are grateful for the effort and passion she brought to the role and thankful that she and her family will continue as significant members of our faith community. If you have questions or want more information about small groups, please email groups@restorationcov.org.
Restoration Online Directory
Did you know Restoration has an online directory where you can find photos and contact information for others at church? We would love to have everyone’s picture there as another way to help everyone get to know each other. You can find directions on how to use the directory HERE. Contact info@restorationcov.org if you have and questions.
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 about this season of small groups. 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, 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
If you do any holiday shopping at Amazon, if you go through AmazonSmile it can also be a gift to Restoration. To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You have access to all the same items through AmazonSmile. You may want to add a bookmark to make it even easier to start your shopping at AmazonSmile. Sign up 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
*NEW*
Calling All Kids
Do you have friends who’d like to have their kids involved in church but have yet to check us out? We have a great way to reach your unchurched family and friends who are looking for fun ways to get their kids to church. Invite them to participate in our Children’s Program on Sunday, December 15. The kids will start practicing for the program during our regular worship time starting November 11. Parents hear a great message and kids learn more about the Christmas story. We’re always looking for adult volunteers to help with our program so if you’re willing to share your gifts, please contact Chrystine Vilhauer.
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 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.