January 17, 2019
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
Our sermon series for this month is titled Live Fearless. This past Sunday, Pastor Rob’s message challenged us to live a life free of anxiety.
Like many others, anxiety is something with which I am all too familiar. One my earliest memories of feeling the intense “storm” of anxiety was being left at a boarding school when I was nine years old while my family served as missionaries in Congo. Since then there have been many other “storms” of anxiety in my life, moving to the States and starting school at a big middle school when I was 12, going away to college, my husband Jack being diagnosed with cancer when we were newly married, financial struggles, various health scares we have had, postpartum anxiety and depression after each of our three kids. I have also battled irrational internal fears and worry about the kids and my future.
Pastor Rob shared three practical things we can do to help to calm the storms of fear and anxiety in our life. From my own experience, I found them to be helpful as well.
1) Ask. Ask God for wisdom. Cry out to Him for help. Our anxiety is not too much for God. Ask others to pray with you and for you. The enemy wants us to think we are all alone in our moments of anxiety. But when we authentically share where we are and what we are feeling, anxiety can lessen. The power of fear diminishes when it’s brought into the light (shared with someone). Ask for help. The enemy wants us to think asking for help is a sign of weakness. But there is no shame in seeking professional help when needed. God can work through counselors and doctors. I have needed both at times in my life when my anxiety kept me from doing daily life, the things I love or from being the person I was meant to be.
2) Thanksgiving. Spend time reflecting on God’s past goodness and faithfulness. Reflect on times in your own life when God led you through a storm and thank Him for that. Remind yourself He can and will do it again. Read stories of the Bible where God calmed the storms of others and use that as a reminder that He can do the same for you. I found journaling, even simple thoughts of thanksgiving, can help provide both a new perspective and an attitude change, as well as a powerful tool to go back to when going through a difficult storm of anxiety.
3) Worship. Listen to worship music and sing along. Get out in nature and marvel at the beauty of God’s creation. Continue to try to do the things you love and find joy in; paint, sing, run, create. I find taking a bath while listening to calming worship music, walking around a pretty lake, or reading the Psalms to be moments of worship amidst the storm.
Friends, life can be hard. We were created to live a life free of fear and anxiety but when it hits, it is a battle. As the Body of Christ, we are called to bear one another’s burdens. You are not alone! We are here for each other. If you would like to meet over a cup of coffee or tea, myself, Pastor Rob, and many others would love to sit down and hear your heart. You, my friend, are deeply loved.
Grace and Peace,
Kara
*NEW*
Mom's Play Date Small Group
Moms of littles, are you looking for a place to connect with other moms during the week while your kids have friends to play with? We’d love for you to join us on the 2nd Wednesday of the month January through April for an informal time of play, connection and prayer! Our next meeting time is February 13th, 9:30-11:30am at Chrystine Vilhauer’s home. Contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org or chrystinevilhauer@restorationcov.org with questions or to let Chrystine know you'll be there.
*NEW*
Prayer Meeting – January 28
We’re enhancing our Prayer on the First experience by changing the format to a monthly, in-person meeting at the Ministry Center so that we can better connect and update one another. Our first prayer meeting will be on Monday, January 28. We’d love to see you there! Contact MaryBeshara@restorationcov.org with questions.
*THIS SATURDAY*
January Fellowship Dinner
Fellowship dinners are a wonderful way to meet and connect with others from Restoration outside of Sunday morning. Join us this month for a fun, potluck, informal evening of food and fellowship. Saturday, January 19 5:30pm-7:30pm at Kirk and Chrystine Vilhauer’s home. For questions, the address, or to RSVP contact events@restorationcov.org.
Eli Jeffrey Erickson
We celebrate the birth of Eli Jeffrey Erickson, 8lbs 11oz 22in long, born to Ryan and Allison Erickson on January 5, 2019 at 3:50pm! Eli is also welcomed home by big sister Autumn. Everyone is doing well and is so in love with their newest addition. Please keep the Erickson 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. A Meal Train site has been set-up between the dates of January 10-31. Please sign-up through this link: MEAL TRAIN.
Piper Mae Mueller
We celebrate the birth of Piper Mae Mueller, 6lbs 12oz, 21.5in long, born to Joe Mueller & Caresse Christensen on January 5, 2019 at 11:15pm! Piper is also welcomed home by big sister Riley and big brother Jack. Please keep Joe, Caresse, and the 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. A Meal Train site has been set-up between the dates of January 10-31. Please sign-up through this link: MEAL TRAIN.
Vision Update Meeting – January 27
Every January, we invite the friends and members of Restoration to pause with us as we take a pulse on our church's health and reflect on where we are seeing God at work through our church community. We're excited to review our church-wide goals, share progress reports from our ministry teams and staff and report on the 2018-19 budget. Please join us from 11:15-11:45am on Sunday, January 27 in the Yosemite Auditorium at the Hayes Senior Center immediately following our worship service. Child care provided. If you have any questions prior to the meeting, contact leadershipteam@restorationcov.org.
Sip and Social Baby Shower – February 2
At Restoration we value living life in community and part of living in community includes celebrating major milestones with one another. We are excited to be welcoming several babies at the end of this year and beginning of next. To celebrate these new little ones and to simply gather as women of Restoration of all ages and life stages, we will be having a Sip & Social Baby Shower on February 2 from 1-3pm at the Ministry Center. It'll be a fun-filled afternoon of connection, cake and punch, games, a devotional, and time of prayer. If you have have recently had a baby or will be soon, please come as our guest of honor. Each new mama will leave with one meaningful gift. If you would like to provide a gift, find out how you can help, have any questions or would like to RSVP, please contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org
Football Sunday – February 3
We hope you'll join us again this year for Football Sunday during our normal worship time on Sunday, February 3. "Football Sunday" will feature exclusive video interviews with professional football players, some who'll be playing in the upcoming Super Bowl as they share how Jesus has made a difference in their lives. Football Sunday is a great opportunity for you to invite a friend or a sports fan to church to hear players share how God shaped their story.
Men's Bowling Night – February 8
Restoration Men, bring a friend and join us on Friday, February 8th from 7-9pm at Apple Place Bowl (14917 Garrett Ave, Apple Valley) for a fun night of bowling with the guys. Costs are $5 per game and $3 for shoes. Please RSVP to Kirk Vilhauer at events@restorationcov.org.
Feed My Starving Children – March 16
Looking for an amazing opportunity to serve kids in need with your friends and family? Join us for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) to pack meals for hungry kids worldwide on Saturday, March 16 from 2-4pm. We will meet at 1:45pm at 990 Lone Oak Road, Suite 136, Eagan. There is no cost to participate, but FMSC welcomes donations. Invite your friends and family for this awesome international outreach! Everyone age 5 and up is welcome, but space is limited. Please RSVP first name, last name, and if you are an adult to communications@restorationcov.org.
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
Restoration Small Groups exist to help people be known and grow in their relationships with God, the church, and with others far from Christ. We believe that people need different things to grow at different points in their life. Because of that, we offer three types of Restoration Small Groups. Below are some of our available fall Small Groups. For questions or to join a Small Group, please contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org.
SUNDAY
Women's Life Group
Every other Sunday, 6:30-8:30pm in various homes
Studying the current sermon series
Led by Kara Rasmussen
Family Life Group (children welcome)
Every other Sunday, 5:30-7:30pm in various homes
Studying the current sermon series
Led by Matt & Mallory Allinder
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 Life Group (potluck lunch)
2nd Sunday of the month, Noon-2:00pm in various homes
Fellowship with some discussion and prayer
Led by Janice Svaren
WEDNESDAY
*NEW*
Moms with Young Kids Play Group
2nd Wednesday of the month, January through April, 9:30am in various homes
Informal time of connection and prayer with other moms while our kids play
Led by Chrystine Vilhauer
All Ages Life Group (children welcome)
Every other Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm at the Zaffkes' home
Studying the current sermon series
Led by Garrett & Amy Zaffke
SATURDAY
Men's Bible Study Group
Saturdays at 7am at the Ministry Center
Studying the Book of Isaiah
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
RESTORATION KIDS
Contact: ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org
What We're Learning in January
Toddlers & Preschoolers
One of the wonderful things about preschoolers is they know they have needs and they are not afraid to let you know. That’s a good thing and something we want to use to help preschoolers see another need they have – a need we all have – and that is Jesus. “I need Jesus” is the focus this month. We know from experience that the older preschoolers get, the more they will need Jesus. Life can be tough. Having a friend like Jesus who knows us, loves us, and has the power to help us can truly change our lives. After all, that’s what friends do. They help one another when they need it. And there is no better friend than Jesus.
Memory Verse: “You are everything I need.” Psalm 119:57, NIrV
Elementary
This month we will be discussing the connection between self-control and God’s character, as shown through God’s big story. We will be looking at Solomon to help us see examples of self-control in difficult situations and how God can help lead us through those times.
As we follow Jesus, His love transforms us. His Spirit gives us the power to show self-control. We can follow His example and choose to do what we should do—instead of what we want to do.
Memory Verse: “God’s power has given us everything we need to lead a godly life.” 2 Peter 1:3A, NIrV
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: students@restorationcov.org
New Restoration Students Director
The Restoration Students Director interview team is excited to announce Aiden Gosiak as the Interim Restoration Students Director. The interview team is excited about how Aiden senses God’s call to student ministry and that his experiences and education align with this calling. Aiden embodies Restoration’s values of Christ Centered, Authentic People, Accepting Community, and Serving Humbly. He is thrilled to get to know our students and their families. Please introduce yourself to Aiden and join us in welcoming him at church this Sunday.
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Upcoming Dates: Jan 23, 30, Feb 6, 13, 20, 27
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! Contact students@restorationcov.org
Middle School Group
Upcoming Dates: Jan 20, Feb 3, 17
Students in grades 6-8 begin Sunday mornings in the worship service. On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, they are sent to the café for discussion and activities that complement the Sunday morning message.
