January 31, 2019
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
My faith story is not so different from most stories. Stories begin with “everything was going along like normal, until one day”. Everything was fine. Everything was normal. I had become a Christian early in my life and spent most of my life thinking I was somehow immune to the world or safe from hard times because I had found Christ so early on. It wasn’t until fall of 2017 that I began to realize that maybe there was more to it.
Maybe I wasn’t fine. Maybe things, in fact, were falling apart around me and I truly believed that as long as I continued getting my kids to church, following the rules of being a ’30 something’ Christian mom I had things under control. I continued functioning as though I was fine. “I’m fine.” Aren’t we all just fine? I had been working in a job I had convinced myself was somehow fulfilling me for about five years. The truth was, I was just keeping busy enough to ignore the problems that were sending my life into a downward spiral. In effort to take control of my life, which we often think we are capable of doing, I decided to quit and be a stay-at-home mom. It was the right choice for our family. It really was. It was liberating and I was excited to see if this was going to make things better. I recall telling a close friend, “I feel like there is something wrong. It’s like there is something in my life that just isn’t right. Maybe I need a better protein shake or a better vitamin?” The truth was about to hit me.
Before I could even complete my two week notice I came down with a very rare autoimmune disease which made it extremely difficult to even walk. I saw several doctors and couldn’t get any answers. Overnight, my leg muscles were half of what they had been. The pain was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I had felt so stuck in my job and now I was stuck in a new way. Shortly after, when I wasn’t sure life could get much worse, I took a horrible fall down the stairs and had a whole new type of pain from that. Finally, as the downward spiral goes, it came to my attention that my marriage was battered and bruised as well. It had been for several years, but somehow we managed to keep busy enough in our day to day life to ignore it. I didn’t need a vitamin, I needed a restart button. I needed oneness with my husband. I needed a Savior.
As we sat together one night, Pastor Rob at our sides, we faced the reality of where we were. Done. Broken. You see, we think we understand brokenness until one day we learn that there are, indeed, many different ways to be broken. I was broken in all the ways. We were broken. This news… this news nearly killed me. There is physical pain and there is emotional pain, and I had plenty of each. Our society tells us a hundred reasons to walk away when problems arrive in marriage. Sometimes it is the right decision. For Ryan and I, the news of brokenness was either going to be the end or a new beginning. What if we took this news and used it as a beginning? Was that possible? Were we allowed to do that?
Again and again the song lyrics ‘you make beautiful things out of the dust’ ruminated my thoughts. Was it possible? Can all these things go wrong and tear us apart, but not completely break us? My life felt like ashes and I wanted so badly to believe that God could bring something beautiful out of these ashes. For Ryan and I, our broken marriage so easily could have meant walking away. But we decided to take this news of brokenness and turn it over to God. Our house foundations had crumbled and no doubt the rebuilding was going to take work. The beautiful thing was that this new house,-the rebuilding of our oneness- was never going to look like it had before. We trusted that God could help us lay the foundations of our marriage again, brick by brick, prayer by prayer.
So we decided to trust.
The news we receive can often seem too big. Our brokenness can often seem too big. I recall a time when our daughter was an infant and Ryan received a deployment call with the military which took him away from us for six months. A dear friend of mine commented, “When things go wrong, it is so exciting to know that God is working. He is moving and He has plans for us. What is He going to do next?” These words come back to me when I receive bad news. We can choose to wallow in the muck of bad news, or we can take God’s hand and trust that something new is coming from the muck. That something new might be so much more beautiful than we could have imagined. My bad news, my brokenness, turned our lives around. The renewal of our hearts, our faith and our love for each other has restored our marriage in a way I didn’t think was possible. The crash is hard, but somehow I am thankful for it. Our bad news can be big, but our reactions can be bigger. We can live with an understanding that we are not immune to bad news. In fact, scripture warns us that we absolutely will have hard times. John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” If the God we serve has overcome this world, do you doubt His ability to help us overcome our hard times?
As we receive our inevitable bad news we have a choice to trust that God is moving and to humble ourselves enough to see what beauty He has in store for us. Whether it’s our physical health, marriage, relationships, or work, we do have a choice to trust God in our bad news. Maybe if we allow our reaction to be bigger and stronger than the news itself we can faithfully and humbly await the beauty which comes from ashes!
Church, Christ has overcome this world and He is restoring my brokenness, day by day. I promise you, He can restore whatever you might be going through as well, if you choose to trust Him!
Grace and Peace,
Ellie
*THIS SATURDAY*
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
*THIS SUNDAY*
Football Sunday
We're excited to let you know that this year's Football Sunday presentation features our very own Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. If you don't know what Football Sunday is, it's a video introducing believers and non-believers to NFL athletes, many of whom are playing in this year's Super Bowl. This presentation points unapologetically toward Jesus, and displays how these athletes are decreasing so that the life of Christ might increase in and through them. Besides Cousins, you'll hear stories from Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum, and New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis. It's all hosted by New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson. See Watson's video here.
This video is so inspiring it's brought even the toughest football fans to tears so consider inviting a friend to church. Because this Sunday is Winterfest at the Community Center, we encourage you to come a bit early and if the lot is full, you'll find plenty of parking at Westview Elementary.
Map of parking options:
*THIS SUNDAY*
Food on the First
Based on prior data, the average American family spends about $75 on food, decorations and team apparel for the Super Bowl. This year, our Food on the First non-perishable food collection just so happens to fall on Super Bowl Sunday. When you’re out buying food and supplies for your big game parties, please also consider food and gift card donations for the families of Westview Elementary School. When we provide these donations, we all win (even if our team’s not in the Super Bowl).
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.
Mom's Play Date Small Group – February 13
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.
Ukraine Mission Trip Report – February 16
Join Jacob Sturges to celebrate and hear stories about all God did during his time visiting the orphanages and ministries in the Ukraine. He’ll have a short program and dessert February 16 from 6:30-7:30 at the Ministry Center (7707 147th St W, Apple Valley). Please RSVP to jacobsturges@restorationcov.org so he can plan accordingly. See you there!
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
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 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
We can’t think of a better time to teach preschoolers about how much Jesus loves them than February— the month of love! And how much does Jesus love preschoolers? Well, the same as He loves you and me—A LOT! In fact, there is nothing wider or longer or higher or deeper than the love Jesus has for you and the preschoolers in your life. This month, our goal is for preschoolers to know Jesus loves them and that nothing will ever change that. To do that, we’ve planned some super fun, hands-on-activities and are ready to tell amazing Bible stories in ways that will engage young minds. We also have some colorful, little love bugs joining us!
Memory Verse: “How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18, NIV
Elementary
In February, we will be talking about the connection between service and God’s character, as shown through God’s big story. Jesus demonstrated what serving really means by washing His disciples’ feet and even laying down His life for the sins of the world. We reflect His character to the people around us when we lend a hand and serve.
Memory Verse: “Jesus sat down and called for the 12 disciples to come to him. Then he said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last. They must be the servant of everyone.’” Mark 9:35, NIrV
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: students@restorationcov.org
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Upcoming Dates: 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: Feb 17, Mar 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.
