March 28, 2019
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death… You haven’t received the spirit of slaves that leads you into fear again. Instead, you have received the spirit of God’s adopted children by which we call out, “Abba! Father!”
Romans 8:1-2(NIV), & 8:15(GW)
.jpg "Fear Not / Restoration Covenant Church Apple Valley, MN")
What holds you back from living life to the fullest, from doing hard things, or from boldly and joyfully doing what God has called us to do? Is it fear of failure? Fear of being rejected by others? Or even fear of not being accepted or loved by God?
These three fears are so easy for us (myself included) to use as excuses to not take that risk: to not be vulnerable with others or to see a need or feel a prompting from the Holy Spirit and not act on it. For me, and I believe for many others, these fears are rooted in not truly understanding God‘s love for us.
God does not look on us with shame or disgust when we fail. He always meets us right where we are, with kindness and grace, and calls us to rise and try again, not with anger or disappointment, but with love in His voice.
God doesn’t just allow or tolerate us, He joyfully accepts us and absolutely delights in us! So much so, that he was willing to bear the incredible pain of the cross, and our sins so that nothing would stand between us anymore!
God will never EVER push us away from Him. He will never EVER leave or forsake us. His attitude throughout our entire history has always been that of open arms, and an outstretched hand, as an invitation to full and abundant life with Him.
Peace,
Matthew
*THIS SUNDAY*
Intergenerational Sunday
At Restoration, we believe that it's important for children and students to learn spiritual concepts alongside their parents at home and in age-appropriate class settings such as Restoration Kids and Restoration Student groups. We intentionally look for ways to cultivate intergenerational relationships, encourage all ages to participate in various serving roles and structure the worship set and message in such a way so as to include something that speaks to all generations. The fifth Sunday of the month is designed to be an experience where all ages can be seen, heard and welcome to participate. Kids and students will remain in service this week to worship alongside their families and church community. Busy bags will be available for younger kids.
Host Home Needed
Restoration is looking for someone who would be willing to host our Interim Student Director, Aiden Gosiak, in their home for the month of April. If you or someone you know has a spare room or a suitable living space available this month and are willing to help out, please reply to info@restorationcov.org
Women's Sip & Social
The Sunday night women’s small group would like to invite all Restoration ladies and guests to a fun evening of socializing at our next Sip & Social on Sunday, April 28 from 6-8pm at Lezlie Steiner's home in Eagan. Join us for heavy hors d'oeuvres and a relaxing time of connecting with other ladies. Contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org with questions or to get the address.
Serve in Church
Please pray about and consider serving in one of the areas of critical need listed within our church. At this time we need:
- Setup Team members
- Restoration Kids Elementary small group leaders
- Restoration Students small group leaders
Whether you’re already serving or considering where you can best bless our church, thank you for sharing your much needed gifts! Look for a list of additional serving opportunities on our website at HERE and at the Info Table in the lobby on Sundays. Please feel free to contact the person in charge of the area in which you’re most gifted or interested.
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 aidengosiak@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.
P3 Retreat – April 6
P3 = Pray, Play, Plan
Every spring, Restoration’s staff, ministry team leaders and members of the Leadership Team meet to pray, play and plan for the year ahead. We reflect and listen to how God has been working and leading us and then we play and plan how we can best respond as a church towards the vision God is calling us to. These plans are then shared and reviewed for approval at our annual Vision Meeting in June. This year's P3 retreat will be held on Saturday, April 6 from 8:30am-3:30pm at the Ministry Center. First and foremost, we ask for your prayers for this important day. If you have specific prayers, input, ideas, or revelation from God for our church or for a particular ministry, we highly encourage you to share them with a Ministry Team Leader or with the Leadership Team. Contact John Schroeder with any questions: JohnSchroeder@restorationcov.org.
Small Groups
Did you know it's not too late to join a Restoration Small Group? Many of our groups discuss Sunday's message which makes it easy to join in at anytime. If you've considered joining a group but never quite got around to it, there’s still time! 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 at the Ministry Center
Led by Janice Svaren
TUESDAY
Book Study Group
Tuesdays, March 5 through April 30, 7-9pm at the Ministry Center
Reading and discussing the book Everyone Can Do Something by Jason Johnson
Led by Jacob Sturges
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
VBS 2019
Get ready to Power Up! Are you ready to raise your game? Get ready to change the world because God’s power gives us everything we need to do just that. Mark your calendars and invite your friends to join us June 24-28 from 9-11:30am at Apple Valley Baptist, 964 Garden View Drive, Apple Valley.
What We're Learning in April
Preschoolers
God created us to be in a relationship with Him and in relationships with people here on earth. He wants us to have friends, and He wants us to be a good friend. In fact, He wants it so much, God sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to show us how to be a good friend and make a way for us to be friends with Him forever.
Friendships are a big part of preschoolers’ lives. Through these first relationships, they are learning how to be a friend, have fun with friends, get along with friends, problem solve with friends, resolve conflict with friends, and above all, love friends. This month, we hope preschoolers will learn that Jesus is their friend – the best friend they will ever have. If our preschoolers finish this month knowing that Jesus wants to be their friend forever, that is a huge win! That will make it a very happy Easter!
Memory Verse: “A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17, NIrV
Elementary
This month, Elementary students will be talking about Hope or believing good can come out of something bad. We can’t always understand why some things happen. But we can believe in a God who keeps His promises. We can have hope, even in the toughest times, because we know He can make something good out of something bad.
Memory Verse: “In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world.” John 16:33b, NIrV
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: students@restorationcov.org
Restoration Students Director Update
In October, we said goodbye to Derek Wassell as he took on a new, full-time position with a local IT firm. In January, we welcomed Aiden Gosiak as our Interim Students Director through May of this year. We are beginning the search for a permanent, part-time Students Director who will help develop mature followers of Jesus. The Leadership Team is assembling a search team of leaders and parents of current and future students. The position has been posted on Restoration’s website along with other public job boards. Please visit the job posting and if you have any questions or would like more details, email the LT@restorationcov.org. Please direct any interested applicants to our website HERE.
Restoration Students High School Sunday Nights
Upcoming Dates: Apr 7 | May 5, 19
We’re excited to announce High School Students Sunday Nights on the first and third Sunday of March-May. This will be an opportunity for High School Students to dig into the book of Daniel together. They’ll discover what it means to live in the world but not of the world when presented with today’s teen challenges. Daniel himself faced unbelievable challenges as a believer under Babylonian authority. Each meeting will be tailored to engage students with thought-provoking questions and discussions while delving into the personal lives of believers who share their testimony and how they navigate today’s ebb and flow of modern morals. We will meet from 6:30-8pm at Pastor Rob Jacobson’s house. Snacks will be provided, but please eat supper before you come.
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Upcoming Dates: Apr 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15
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: Apr 7, May 19
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.
