July 11, 2018
Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
Jeremiah 1:9-10 NIV
.jpg "Messages from the Mediterranean / Restoration Covenant Church in Apple Valley, MN")
At our vision meeting on June 24, someone gave a testimony to the reality that less than two years ago she thought the Bible was just some ancient book that was difficult to read and couldn’t possibly be relevant for today. She was invited to Restoration, liked it enough to return, met some friendly people, one of whom continued to reach out and invited her to try a disciple group. At the conclusion of that experience she said, ‘I now believe the Bible is absolutely relevant to my life. I can ask questions and find answers in it and it’s a joy to read and get to know God.’
If you ever tried to read the Bible cover to cover, you know it can leave you feeling confused and weary. I have tried, several times. I usually got stuck in Leviticus or Chronicles. If you have ever made it to the end of the Old Testament, to the books called the Prophets, you will see most of them start with the phrase, “The word of the Lord came to…”. I never really thought about what it meant. However, as I read the Prophets, I see that when the word of the Lord came to each of them, it was for something important, something for right now. The word of the Lord didn’t come to people so they could know a little more about God or so they could love God and love others just a little bit better. The word of the Lord came because God wanted something done right now and he wanted to use imperfect people who could recognize and respond to his voice.
Dava Aul spoke to us last Sunday about how many of the prophets resisted God’s call and she invited us to name our ‘go-to’ excuse when God is calling us to do something we may not want to do. She walked us through several examples of how God provided in the past, and then challenged us to consider what keeps us from responding with action. It was powerful and you can listen HERE.
I know one of my obstacles in responding to God is my human view of success. So when I heard Dava say, “Success in God’s eyes is our willingness to follow him while keeping our heart close to him,” I tucked that in my mind and I have pulled it out each day this week to ponder.
We are doing this series because God still calls imperfect people to help others recognize and respond to him. Once you begin to hear, recognize and respond to God, be ready, because he may send ‘the word of the Lord’ to you; for something important, something that He desires right now. It’s scary and exciting at the same time. It is what the adventure of faith is all about. And I’m convinced, the more we learn and practice this kind of faith, the more others will see the difference it makes in our lives, and the difference it can make in their lives too.
I hope you will join us and invite someone you know who needs to know God still speaks and still cares about the world. We have a few guest speakers and pastors during the series to expand the voices of wisdom and experience as we explore the Messages from the Mediterranean.
Love and Peace,
Rob
New Message Series
Messages from the Mediterranean
Some of the most powerful messages of the Bible are found in little books known as “The Minor Prophets.” These ancient prophets of God were each given unique tasks. The closer you read their stories, the more you see how similar the tasks seem – to hear clearly what God was saying and to declare His words to the people around them. Two common threads run through the stories – the importance of actively responding to God and how common it was for people to miss God’s messages. In this series we'll meet high impact people and learn major truth from these small and often forgotten books of the Bible. There is always the promise of something more—another adventure, another battle, a moment to demonstrate your loyalty to your heavenly captain. We'll discover how to recognize and respond to His messages, even in the modern-day storms we face. Join us for adventurous and insightful Sundays each week in July and August.
Believer Baptism
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 baptisms at our outdoor worship service on Sunday, August 26. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact Matthew Goerdt at the church office or through matthewgoerdt@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!
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!
Outdoor Worship – August 26
We’ll have our annual outdoor worship service at Crystal Beach Park in Burnsville on Sunday, August 26 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 DESSERT to share; M-Z please bring a SIDE or SALAD 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.
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 25 | Aug 8, 22
What We're Learning in July
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.
Students Lake Night – July 12
UPDATE: If the weather is poor Thursday night for our event, we will likely move it to Friday night (July 13). Look out for another update on that by Thursday morning on our Facebook Page
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.
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.
Wild Mountain – August 13
Students entering grades 6-12, join us for a day at Wild Mountain on Monday, August 13 from 10am-6pm. Enjoy some crazy fun at their waterpark, alpine slides and go-karts. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and dry clothes. Arrive at the Ministry Center (7707 147th St W, Apple Valley) at 10:00am for departure via bus. We plan to return at 6:00pm. Cost is $40 for park ticket, bus transportation, and a supplied lunch; bring extra money if you want additional snacks while there. Invite your friends! Everyone must have a completed Students Participation & Liability form. Contact DerekWassell@restorationcov.org for RSVP and questions. Please let Derek know ASAP if you are interested in coming!
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: 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: Jul 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.
