June 13, 2018
Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.
1 Thessalonians 2:8
“Absolutely not” was my response to my husband suggesting we join a small group.
I found every reason not to join a small group. We each worked two jobs. We had a baby on the way to prepare for. We’d had bad experiences with small groups before. Everyone in the group already knew each other. My husband works for the church, isn’t that enough? I felt like it added hours to our week, when in reality it only added about a couple hours to our schedule.
One thing few people understand is, as an introvert, small group did add hours to my week. Mental hours. Church and church-related activities are so…extroverted. Why on God’s green earth would I want to add more church to my week? From mentally preparing for small group, to interacting with our fellow group members, to processing everything, to mentally decompressing, small group took up way more space than the couple hours we allotted in our schedule every other week. So, though we could find the space in our schedule, I felt like I didn’t have space in my brain.
Despite my better judgement, I decided to give small group a chance. A little chance. I did not go with an open mind. I don’t think I said anything the whole time, I just sat in the corner of the couch listening to everyone else talk and laugh. When the men and women split up, I felt a little more comfortable. One or two people at a time is more my thing. I made it through sharing prayer requests relatively unscathed. Then came “Now, we will go around and pray aloud for the person to your left.” WHAT?! My first thought was “How can I get out of this?” My second thought was “I wonder if I can drown myself in their fish tank.” My third thought was “How can I convince my husband that I can never come back?”
As I continued to attend, I found more and more time in my week for the things I originally felt small group was pushing aside, whether it was cancelled plans, getting off work unusually early, or unexpected alone time. The Lord was constantly replenishing my hours. I have made friends and have a place to share my thoughts and prayer requests with no judgement or shame. I found making a little extra room for small group in my life was more life-giving than I had expected.
In hope,
Amanda
Current Message Series – Make Room
Creating space for God’s dreams to flourish
Imagine you were absolutely confident that God really existed, that He was always with you and He knew about everything that came your way. Perhaps someday you might even understand how it all fit. Imagine you believed God really had your best interest in mind when He gave you His directions to live by. Imagine what would happen to your stress and fear level if you truly believed this. What if God actually designed us to operate this way? What if He invites each one of us to make room for that kind of life? Would you make room?
*NEW*
Fun in the Sun – June 22
Parents of littles, you and your kids are invited to a fun morning on Friday, June 22 from 10am-12pm at Mary Beshara's home in Apple Valley. The Besharas have a lovely private beach on Lac Lavon Lake. Bring sand toys, towels, snacks or lunch and come ready for fun and fellowship with other parents and kids! Contact events@restorationcov.org
Annual Vision Meeting – June 24
Friends and members of Restoration, please stay after the worship service Sunday, June 24 for our church's annual vision meeting. Learn what God's doing here at Restoration and how we've seen Him move in the past year. The leadership team will share the way our church is working towards His vision. They'll also tell how we'll fund the next fiscal year, announce new members, and members will vote on the 2018-19 budget. Child care provided. Contact LeadershipTeam@restorationcov.org with questions or for more information.
VBS AMPED – June 25-29
We are AMPED for VBS this summer where we will have an EXTREME, action-packed week full of songs, games, crafts and learning what it means to LIVE FULLY ALIVE with Jesus! Mark your calendars and invite your friends to join us June 25-29 from 9-11:30am at Apple Valley Baptist, 964 Garden View Drive, Apple Valley. Sign up now at www.restorationcov.org/VBS.
*NEW*
July Sip & Social – July 8
All women of Restoration are encouraged to invite a friend and attend our Summer Sip & Social on Sunday, July 8 from 6:30-8:30pm at Kerry Stok's home in Apple Valley. This relaxed evening of sharing snacks and drinks on the deck is all about creating space for fun and fellowship for Restoration ladies and friends. kararasmussen@restorationcov.org
*NEW*
Girls Tea Party – July 14
Young ladies of Restoration – the pleasure of your company is requested at a traditional tea party hosted by Lauren Jacobson at the Jacobson's house on Saturday, July 14 from 1-3pm. Please RSVP to events@restorationcov.org. Dress is formal so don't forget to bring your tea hat!
Small Groups
Although most of our small groups take a break over the summer, the Men’s Group still meets weekly on Saturday mornings at 7am at the Ministry Center and is open for men to join at anytime. There are also other opportunities for men, women and families to connect throughout the summer. For more information about these opportunities or if you’re interested in joining or starting a small group this fall, Kara would love to talk to you! Contact KaraRasmussen@restorationcov.org
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
Play & Pray
Looking to connect with other parents and kids this summer? Parents, bring your kids, your friends, and your friends' kids to Apple Grove Park (by the fire station at CR42 and Hayes) at 9am. The kids enjoy themselves at the park while the grown-ups talk about the things going on in their lives and share prayer requests. Play and Pray mornings are an easy way to be in community with each other during the summer months. Contact: ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org
DATES: Jul 11, 25 | Aug 8, 22
What We're Learning in June
Preschool:
Have you ever used a compass to show you which way to go? They’re great for helping you on a hike, but not as great when we’re trying to figure out which way to go in life. We need the Bible for that. This month, we’re going to start our ride through the Bikes and Trikes theme as we teach our preschoolers that the Bible tells us which way to go. How wonderful would it be if our preschoolers grew up using the Bible as their compass as they ride through life! So, get geared up to hop on your bike or trike so you can spend the next two months with your preschoolers learning that the Bible tells me which way to go.
“SHOW ME THE RIGHT PATH, O LORD; POINT OUT THE ROAD FOR ME TO FOLLOW.” Psalm 25:4, NLT
Elementary:
God is stronger than anyone and He can do things that would be impossible for you or me. He has proved this throughout history, but nowhere is this more evident than in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Because of what Jesus has done, we can have confidence. And when you put your faith in Jesus, you can live fully alive.
“I REMAIN CONFIDENT OF THIS: I WILL SEE THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING.” Psalm 27:13, NIV
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: DerekWassell@restorationcov.org
MUUUCE 2018
Students entering grades 6-9, join us for MUUUCE (Most Unbelievable Ultimate Urban Camping Experience) on August 2-4. This is an unforgettable, spiritual, high-energy three days of chaos, Valleyfair, live worship, food and fun with hundreds of middle school students and leaders from all over the Northwest Conference. Invite your friends to this event! We also welcome adults willing to help lead. Cost is $130/person. Registration forms and payments are due Sunday, July 15. Forms can be downloaded at restorationcov.org/students or picked up at the information table on Sundays. Contact DerekWassell@restorationcov.org for RSVP and questions.
Cannon River Tubing
Students entering grades 6-12, join us for a day tubing down Cannon River on Wednesday, June 20 from 10am-3:30pm. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and water shoes. Arrive at the Ministry Center (7707 147th St W, Apple Valley) at 10am for departure via bus. We plan to return around 3:30pm but possibly earlier depending on river water levels. Cost is $20, includes a tube and bus transportation (the more people we get, the more our bus cost will go down!); bring extra money for Dairy Queen afterwards. Invite your friends! Everyone must have a completed Students Participation & Liability form. RSVP with cash payment only by Sunday, June 17. Contact DerekWassell@restorationcov.org for RSVP and questions.
Summer Middle School Group
Students going into grades 6-9 this Fall begin Sunday mornings in the worship service then they meet in the café for discussion and activities that complement the Sunday morning message. Contact DerekWassell@restorationcov.org
DATES: Jun 24 | Jul 15 | Aug 5, 19
Students Summer Nights
Students going into grades 6-12 this Fall, join us Wednesday nights this Summer from 6:30-8:30pm for exciting activities, talking about God, tasty snacks, and overall good times together. We will meet at the Ministry Center (7707 147th St W., Apple Valley) and plan on outdoor activities. If the weather is poor, we will head inside. Invite your friends! Contact DerekWassell@restorationcov.org
DATES: Jun 27 | Jul 11, 25 | Aug 8, 22
Restoration Students Facebook Page
Did you know we have a Restoration Students Facebook page? Check it out and "Like" the page!
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.
