March 7, 2012
Head First?
Three families were fishing together on a houseboat the summer I was nine years old. One of the kids leaned over the railing to look at a fish and his hat fell into the water. It was just floating there, not too far from the boat. My dad came over and none of us were sure what to do. It was just out of reach. The water was calm but there was no way that big houseboat would be able to maneuver in the little bay we were in. Suddenly my dad turned to me and asked, “Do you trust me?”
“Yes,” I said.
And with that, he reached down, grabbed my ankles and started lifting. As my feet were going over my head, my dad told me to grab the railing with my hands. He would reach me out over the side of the houseboat and lower me down to the hat in the water.
I was not buying it. “Oh no! Then you’ll drop me!”
“Oh come on, I won’t drop you. Don’t you want to be the kid who saves the hat and gets to be lifted over the water? Don’t you believe me that I will hold you?”
After a long pause I just said, “Put me down.”
I’m sure my dad was a little disappointed but he tried not to show it. Then a girl (why did it have to be a girl?) from another family stepped up and said, “I’ll do it.” In an instant, she was up in the air, over my dad’s head. He leaned over the railing and dangled her until her head was just above the water. She stretched out her arm, grabbed the hat that now resembled a lily pad and my dad pulled her back up. She handed the hat over with a huge smile on her face. Everyone was mesmerized.
To be honest, I don’t remember if they were actually mesmerized, but I do remember feeling like I missed out. I had been afraid to take the risk and so I didn’t get the thrill. I also didn’t get that experience of trusting my dad.
In faith it’s a similar thing. I think if we want to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit, we need to take risks. Maybe it is related to giving or serving or investing in new friendships or inviting someone to church. Maybe it is risking by starting a ministry, telling someone about a mistake, or sharing our faith story. If we live completely ‘safe’ lives, not only will we miss out, but we probably won’t feel God’s presence either.
As we conclude our series on the Holy Spirit this Sunday, March 11, we will look at spiritual gifts and why the Holy Spirit gives them. If you want to read ahead, check out 1 Corinthians 12-14.
With hope,
Pastor Rob
Food on the First
Drum roll, please…we collected 250 pounds of food to bless families in the MOMS program and at Westview Elementary School! Westview was overwhelmed with the Food on the First donations this week. The Principal came running out to thank our church for all we do for them. Patsy emailed us, “The food I found in my office yesterday was unbelievable; we are so blessed by all of the support from Restoration Church.” Pam Oslos, who organizes the Restoration monthly food collection, writes, “It was the best assortment of a variety of items we have ever taken over there!!! Praise God for the generosity of our Restoration community!!” Thanks also to Steve Oslos who makes sure the food is delivered each month.
Extra Opportunity in March!
During spring break at the end of the month, some children who receive free and reduced breakfast and lunch at school will be missing meals. Combined with the fact that the end of the month is also when food for many families runs low, a second food drive in March is needed. We are going to do a “Food on the Third” collection on Sunday, March 18.
Parking at Westview
Because of a sports tournament at the Apple Valley Community Center, you may find the parking lot is full this Sunday, March 11. You are encouraged to park at Westview Elementary School, 225 Garden View Drive, and enjoy the short walk to the Hayes Community and Senior Center.
Child Dedications
We’ll be having child dedications as part of a Sunday worship service in April. There will be a brief, but important gathering after church March 18 for families interested in dedicating their children. Contact: Julie Nybakken, JulieNybakken@restorationcov.org
Easter Worship Service
We will gather for worship on Easter Sunday, April 8, at 10:30am. Please join us in praying about the location; we will meet at the Hayes Community and Senior Center if the city is able to staff the facility. Also pray about whom God is prompting you to invite to church for Easter. Contact Julie Nybakken at JulieNybakken@restorationcov.org if you are interested in gifting flowers or helping with decorations for the celebration.
Book Discussion
Do you dream of making a difference in the world? Do you like to read? Join us on the evening of Saturday, March 31, when we will be discussing the book Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. This eye-opening, troubling, but ultimately uplifting book tells stories of people and organizations that are truly changing the world. While the views in the book may or may not reflect the views of Restoration Covenant Church, we hope this book discussion will be a catalyst to inspire us to help our sisters around the world. Contact: Jessica Sanborn, jessicasanborn@yahoo.com, 612-730-6265 jessicasanborn@yahoo.com.
Life Groups
There’s still time to join in! Contact Eric and let him know you want to find a life group: eric.langmaack@gmail.com. You can read more about life groups and see a list of current options at our life groups web page.
Student Groups
The Middle School Student Group now meets monthly. Our first get-together is Friday, March 16, 5-7pm, for pizza at the Nybakken’s house, 6542 137th St. W., Apple Valley. We’ll also have a sleepover on Saturday, April 28, and go bowling on Tuesday, May 22. Don’t miss any of the fun!
The High School Student Group (grades 9-12) is changing its meeting location again. Starting this Sunday, March 11, we will meet on Sundays at 12:30pm at the Wendy’s on 42 & Cedar Avenue in Apple Valley. Contact: Louie Washleski, 952-261-7523
Westview Elementary Serving Opportunity
Volunteers are needed to serve at Westview Elementary School as mentors in the school based Kids ‘n Kinship friendship program. Adult volunteers are matched with children in need of supportive relationships and schoolwork assistance. There is a great kid waiting for you! Being a mentor involves spending about an hour once a week working one-on-one with a child. The program continues through the summer to keep relationships going. For more information, please contact Pam Oslos at pam@lakespromo.com or 612-804-9456.
Promoting Our Partners
Restoration Covenant Church partners with many organizations and institutions to help promote their upcoming events.
Bethel Seminary
Information session for evening M.A. and M.Div. programs
March 12 at 6pm
RSVP at 651-638-6288 or bsem-admit@bethel.edu.
Amnion CPC
“Auction for Life” and dinner
March 17 at 5pm
Tickets and details at www.amnioncpc.org/friends. Have items to donate? Contact Michelle Lamont at mlamont@amnioncpc.org or 952-898-4350.
Bloomington Covenant Church
Human Trafficking Awareness Class
March 10, 8:30am-12:30pm
Professional CEU’s for nurses, educators and social workers available. Details and registration at www.bcov.org/node/120 or call 952-831-8339.
Upcoming Events
Spring Break ISD 191 & 196 · March 26–30
Spring Break ISD 194 · April 2–6
Covenant Pines Annual Father Child Retreat · April 20–22
View the complete calendar
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE!
a prayer. photo by notsogoodphotography