June 20, 2018
I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.
2 Corinthians 6:16
A wise friend once gave me some sage advice – "Always go to the funeral." She suggested that, whenever possible, you should always show up for those you love, especially in times of hardship or times of need. I think it's incredibly good advice but I'd also like to add to it, "Always go the party."
Now, for all you introverts, I don't necessarily mean the actual party. But I do think, in good times as much as in bad, it's important to celebrate with the people you love and the friends you care about. That might not look like a party. It might look like sending a card to a friend who just bought a new house. It might mean attending a 50th birthday party for a co-worker or it might be as simple as sending a text to congratulate someone you know who just ran their first 5k. Jesus understood this. In the message Sunday, Rob talked about how Jesus turned water into wine, not to impress or suppress the crowd, but because he was invited to help and this was a way to both celebrate and love the wedding party.
A little over a year ago, my husband Marc got a new job. Shortly after we told them, Kara and Jack Rasmussen brought him a thoughtful gift to congratulate him. You might not think that's a very big deal but here's why it was to us – you see, they knew that Marc hadn't been super happy at his old job and they also knew that he'd been trying to find another job for quite some time. So, even though this new job wasn't a huge milestone, they knew what a big deal it was that he'd finally found a job that was the right fit for him and they celebrated it. There was no party, there was little fanfare from family and friends around this announcement, but it honestly meant something to both of us that our friends recognized and celebrated this little thing that happened to be a pretty big deal to us.
It seems like encouraging and celebrating others should be a simple thing to do, let alone letting Jesus in to help celebrate, but like most things in life, it can sometimes fall low on the priority list. We sometimes find it easier to fit others into our schedule only when the need is dire or the milestone is big. But, I think that's missing the point. Some of the most meaningful moments in my life were times when others helped me celebrate something little – a thank you note from a friend, my brother coming home from college to watch me play softball, a good friend attending my kids' recital. I think life is made up of daily victories that are meant to be celebrated. So, I encourage you to take the time to watch your nephew's baseball game, take your kids out for ice cream to celebrate the start of summer this week, congratulate your neighbors on their anniversary and pay attention to the big and little milestones in your loved ones' lives. And, more importantly, bring Jesus along to celebrate these things with you. He wants to be invited into even the most mundane moments of your life because, just like the empty water jugs, that's when he fills you up. And, when it comes to those you care about, always go to the party – you won't regret it.
In hope,
Kerry
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?
*THIS FRIDAY*
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
*THIS SUNDAY*
Child Baptism
On Sunday, we will celebrate child baptism as part of our worship service. If you are interested in having a child dedicated or baptized, or if you yourself are ready to be baptized as an expression of how Jesus has changed your life, we’d love to hear from you so please talk to Pastor Rob or contact Chrystine in the church office.
*THIS SUNDAY*
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.
*NEXT WEEK*
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.
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
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!
*NEW*
Men's BBQ – July 21
Restoration Men, please join us for food, fun and yard games at the Men's BBQ at Don Braaten's house on Saturday, July 21 from 4-8pm. Main dish will be provided. Invite a friend and bring a side dish to share. See you there!
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.
*NEW*
Students Lake Night – July 12
Students entering grades 6-12, join us for a night on Lac Lavon lake on Thursday, July 12 from 5:30-9pm. Bring swimwear as we plan to do swimming, kayaking, and some beach activities. Meet us at the Beshara home, 15795 Garden View Drive, Apple Valley. Dinner will be provided, so come hungry. If you are able, bring $5 to help with food cost. Invite your friends! Contact DerekWassell@restorationcov.org for RSVP and questions.
*NEW*
Nerf Tournament – July 17
Students entering grades 6-12, join us for a Nerf Tournament on Tuesday, July 17 from 6-9pm. Bring nerf blasters, darts, eye protection, and a barricade to shield you from flying foam (ex: laundry basket, cardboard, etc.). We will play a variety of game scenarios: some team and some solo. Snacks will be available, but eat dinner beforehand. We will meet at Apple Valley Baptist Church, 964 Garden View Dr, Apple Valley. No cost to attend. Invite your friends! Everyone must have a completed Students Participation & Liability form. 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.
