June 27, 2019
God's power has given us everything we need to lead a godly life.
2 Peter 1:3a
Get Powered Up!
The theme to VBS 2019 was Power Up. There were games, crafts, snacks, and lots of good music! It was one fun week! Chrystine Vilhauer, our Restoration Kids Director, has made VBS possible these last few years. She gathered supplies, spent countless hours working on decorations, and worked so hard to make VBS week amazing for all the students and staff. A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered or donated supplies!
Music last year was one of the kids' favorite parts of the day and this year's music was nothing short of amazing. Kids got to start and end their day with songs and dancing. The theme song, Raise the Game, was definitely the kids' favorite song and, during music, they sang their hearts out and danced until they were breathless. During music, kids got to learn the songs really well and they had competitions to see who could sing the loudest and dance the best.
The games for VBS were full of fun and energy! They had relays, four-square, and live-action Crossy Road. The kids worked up a sweat while having tons of fun. The crafts for the kiddos were fun and engaging. They got to paint with marbles, creating a one-of-a-kind canvas. More crafts included painting rocks to hide around the community and Pac-Man ghosts!
The snacks every day were fun for kids to eat and they related back to the Bible Story that Pastor Rob and Chrystine talked about every day. One of the kids' favorite snacks of the week was graham crackers and blue frosting with a graham cracker Teddy Graham to represent Jesus getting baptized.
Every day, kids would split into age groups and spend half an hour learning about the Bible Story for the day and doing activities that represent the story. Kids dug deep into God's word while the leaders made it fun and engaging for all age groups.
The week was amazing and the kids had a lot of say about it! We interviewed some kids to see what their favorite activity was and why:
Oliver Vilhauer: "My favorite part of VBS is coin wars because it's competitive and I get to raise money for shoes and backpacks."
Lilah Magnuson: "My favorite part of VBS is crafts and singing, because I like art and making things and learning the songs."
Katy Day: "My favorite part of VBS is games because I like throwing things."
Gus Bothun: "My favorite part of VBS is singing the songs because I like singing."
Kids had the time of their lives this past week, learning songs, dancing, making crafts, and eating delicious snacks, all while praising God!
With Joy,
Lauren
Current Message Series – Happy Home
We want our homes to be places of happiness, peace, and contentment, but so often we struggle in our most important relationships. Often in the busyness of our culture or the fuzziness of our priorities, we miss what’s vital for the people who matter most to us. We will discover ways we can change our homes and the atmospheres around us by studying the ways Jesus treated those around Him. Join us as we chart a course toward building a Christ-centered home where our families can thrive and overflow to bless others.
*THIS SUNDAY*
VBS Sunday
We’re “powered up” to celebrate the close of VBS with a fun Sunday of hot dogs, sno-cones, and other special surprises the kids will learn about during the week of VBS. Join us during our regularly scheduled worship at 10am as the VBS kids lead us in worship with songs they learned. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for our church to match the funds the kids raised at VBS. Over the past three years, Restoration has used the money raised by our VBS kids to buy shoes and backpacks for Westview Elementary families who need them. We're hoping to beat last year's numbers! Here's how you can help – bring cash or check to our VBS Sunday celebration. Thanks in advance for your help with this great outreach to our community. Contact ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org
Moms and Daughters Small Group – July 1
Moms and their preteen girls in grades 5-8 are invited to join us as we begin the study of Treasured led by Kara Rasmussen & Chrystine Vilhauer. Treasured is a 6-session faith-based study designed to connect moms and daughters around topics critical to the preteen years: identity, body, emotions, friendships, technology, and faith. Our first group will be on Monday July 1 from 6:30-8:00pm at the home of Kara, Ava (7th) and Annie (5th) Rasmussen in Apple Valley. Group dates are July 1, 15, 22, 29 | Aug 12, 26. For questions or to join contact KaraRasmussen@restorationcov.org.
*NEW*
MENA Missions – July 11
You don’t need to go all the way to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to see how God is working in that region of the world. We have a wonderful opportunity to hear more from Jeff and Darlene Anderson and two global guests from Egypt as they share their stories of God's work in North Africa and how the Covenant church is partnering with them through Serve Globally-MENA. Join us Thursday, July 11 from 7-8pm at the Besharas' home in Apple Valley. For questions contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org
Men’s Golf Event – July 13
Restoration Men – Invite a friend and join us for a fun day of golf at Bellwood Oaks Golf Course in Hastings, MN. Start time is 8am on Saturday, July 13. Cost is $33 to walk 18 holes and $50 for a cart + 18 holes. Don’t want to golf but want to join us for burgers after? After golfing, the guys will head to lunch at King's Bar & Grill, 14460 240th St Miesville, MN 55033. Contact events@restorationcov.org to let us know you want to play or to let us know you’ll join us afterwards at King’s.
Summer Sip & Social – July 14
All women of Restoration are encouraged to invite a friend and attend our Summer Sip & Social on Sunday, July 14 from 6:30-8:30pm at Kerry Stok's home in Apple Valley. This relaxed evening of refreshments on the deck is all about creating space for fun and fellowship for Restoration ladies and friends. Contact Kara for the address kararasmussen@restorationcov.org.
All Church Picnic – July 28
Mark your calendars now-we’re having an all-church picnic on July 28! We’ll be gathering after the worship service at the Senior Center. We’ll provide pulled pork sandwiches, beverages & paper products. If your last name starts with A-O, please bring a salad or picnic food to share. If your last name starts with P-Z, please bring a dessert to share. Consider inviting a friend to join us for this great time of fun and fellowship! Contact info@restorationcov.org
*NEW*
Outdoor Worship – August 25
We’ll have our annual outdoor worship service at Crystal Beach Park in Burnsville on Sunday, August 25 at 10am. We'll worship together, celebrate believer baptisms at the lake and then spend time in community over a picnic lunch. This is a great opportunity to invite someone to church in a beautiful setting outside in God's creation. Grilled meat, beverages, chips, condiments and dinnerware will be provided. Last names A-L, please bring a SIDE or SALAD to share; M-Z please bring a DESSERT to share. We recommend bringing lawn chairs for your comfort. Bring some games to play too! Note there will not be Restoration Kids that Sunday so kids can enjoy worship with their families.
Baptism and Dedication at Restoration
Did you know Believer Baptism is a picture of how Jesus has changed your life and a response to God’s redeeming love for us? If God has been working in your life, have you considered being baptized? We will do believer baptisms at our outdoor worship service on Sunday, August 25. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact MatthewGoerdt@restorationcov.org. If you are interested in having a child dedicated or baptized, please contact ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org or contact the church office.
Serve in Church
Please pray about and consider serving in one of the areas of critical need within our church. 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 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
Many of our small groups take a break over the summer months. However there are a couple of groups that continue to meet. The Men’s Group meets weekly on Saturday mornings at 7am at the Ministry Center and the Second Stage Group meets biweekly Sundays nights at 6pm in host homes. Both groups are open to join at anytime. There are also several connection opportunities for men, women, and families throughout the summer. For more information about these opportunities or if you’re interested in joining or starting a small group, Kara would love to talk to you! Contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org.
SUNDAY
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 (lunch)
2nd Sunday of the month, Noon-2:00pm
Led by Janice Svaren
MONDAY
Moms and Daughters Small Group
Mondays, 6:30-8pm at the Rasmussens' home
Studying Treasured
Led by Kara Rasmussen and Chrystine Vilhauer
SATURDAY
Men's Bible Study Group
Saturdays at 7am at the Ministry Center
Studying the Book of Ruth
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
Play & Pray
Upcoming Dates: July 10, 24 | August 7, 21
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) from 9:30-11:30am. 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
*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. This Sunday is designed to be an experience where all ages can be seen, heard and welcome to participate. Kids and students will remain in service today to worship alongside their families and church community. Busy bags will be available for younger kids. Nursery is available for infants and toddlers.
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: students@restorationcov.org
Restoration Students Pool Party
On Wednesday, July 10, we will be having a Students Pool Party at the Svarens' home in Apple Valley. ANY student who would be going into grades 6-12 this fall is welcome to join us from 6:30-8:30pm. We'll have snacks, play some games, and enjoy the pool. Students are encouraged to bring friends! Contact students@restorationcov.org.
High School Sunday Nights
"We use the word 'love' all the time. But do we really know what that means? Jesus laid down His life on the cross for us. Do you know what that means!? He gave up His life so we could know what real life, and what real love is all about. The best way we can show His love to others is by giving of ourselves for them. How are you 'laying down your life' for the people around you?" Students grades 9-12 will be meeting at the Svarens’ home to study and discuss the book Love Out Loud by Doug Fields. Join us Sunday evenings from 6:30-8pm. Contact students@restorationcov.org with questions.
DATES: June 30 | July 14, 28 | August 11, 25
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 students@restorationcov.org
DATES: July 21 | August 4, 18
Upcoming Events
Students Cannon River Tubing
July 24 | 12:30-6pm
Drop off and pickup at the Ministry Center
Students Lake Party
August 14 | 5:30-9pm
at the Besharas' home in Apple Valley
Wild Mountain
August 28 | 8:30-5:30
Drop off and pickup at the Ministry Center
MUUUCE
Students entering grades 6-9, join us for MUUUCE (Most Unbelievable Ultimate Urban Camping Experience) on August 1-3. 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 $125/person. Registration forms and payments are due Sunday, July 15. Forms can be downloaded below or picked up at the information table on Sundays. Contact students@restorationcov.org for RSVP and questions.
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 students@restorationcov.org