July 11, 2019
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Matthew 5:9 NIV
In 2 Kings 6:8-23, a wild story of an unexpected route to peace presents itself to us. This story involves a godly prophet, two kings who are at war with one another, a formidable army, a heavenly army comprised of horses and chariots of fire, and what I fondly call “a jarring mercy.” Intrigued by this intense passage of scripture yet?
I love the story of 2 Kings 6:8-23 because in it God uses His servant Elisha, “the man of God,” to intervene in a tense situation and to bring a disruptive mercy to those who initially were against God and His people, the Israelites. The king of Aram sends his heavy-hitting troops to capture Elisha once he finds out Elisha is the reason his attacks against Israel are being thwarted, but instead of freaking out when he sees the Aramean army, Elisha prays and implores God to intervene and touch the seeing of his frightened servant as well as the seeing of the army which is intent on capturing him.
God answers Elisha’s prayers, and it results in the Aramean army being led straight into the city of Samaria: the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel. Clearly things aren’t unfolding as the king of Aram had hoped. When the king of Israel asks Elisha if he should kill the Aramean soldiers who now are in his domain, Elisha responds by stating that the soldiers should be given water and food and then sent back to Aram unharmed. Talk about an unexpected response! These Aramean soldiers had been sent on a mission to capture Elisha, but when Elisha easily could have ordered they be killed, he instead ordered they be treated with mercy and kindness. And so they were.
Do you wonder how the Aramean soldiers felt as they received the feast freely offered to them by the Israelites? I wonder if some of them maybe, just maybe, began considering if perhaps the God of Israel really was the one true God. Elisha’s act of jarring mercy not only brought peace to a tense situation but also opened a door for the enemies of Israel to experience the kindness of a God who cared about them.
My hope is that as we do our best to bring the peace of God into tense situations–be they at home or at work or elsewhere in the world–we will remember 1) we have supernatural assistance, and 2) when we respond to hostility with the mercy of God, the course of others’ lives may be changed–perhaps for eternity!
Peace and Grace,
Mandy
*TONIGHT*
Global Missions MENA – 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
*THIS SATURDAY*
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 (about 1:45pm), 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.
*THIS SUNDAY*
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.
Moms and Daughters Small Group
July 15, 22, 29 | Aug 12, 26
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. For questions or to join contact 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
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
July 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
What We're Learning in July
Preschoolers
Have you ever played PAC-MAN? The best part of that game is eating the large power pellets. Pac-Man immediately powers up, and then you can do anything. The bad guys can’t get you! You can eat them and earn bonus points doing it! It’s awesome! Feeling like we can do anything is a pretty great feeling.
We may not have power pellets lying around that we can eat to power up, but we do have another power source—a real power source that gives us the power to do everything God wants us to do. His name is Jesus. And, He is AMAZING! We are going to Power Up through the next two months with the hope of creating a super fun and engaging experience for preschoolers to learn about the fruit of the spirit—what happens when we are connected to Jesus, the real source of power.
“I can do everything by the power of Christ.” Philippians 4:13, NIrV
Elementary
God created us in His image, and He sent His Son, Jesus, to show us the way to live. He also knew we would need help; that’s why He sent us the Holy Spirit. With the power of the Spirit, we can produce fruit that points others to Jesus. Every month, kids discover something about God’s character and how they can reflect or respond to that character because they are created in God’s image. We call those Life-Apps. And this summer we’re discovering how several of these Life-Apps show up specifically in what the Apostle Paul calls the fruit of the Spirit.
“The fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy and peace. It is being patient, kind and good. It is being faithful and gentle and having control of oneself.” Galatians 5:22-23a NIrV
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: students@restorationcov.org
High School Sunday Nights
July 14, 28 | August 11, 25
"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.
Summer Middle School Group
July 21 | August 4, 18
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
Students Cannon River Tubing
July 24 | 12:30-6pm
Students entering grades 6-12, join us for a day tubing down Cannon River on Wednesday, July 24 from 12:30-6pm. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, water shoes, and a water bottle that can be tied to your tube. Arrive at the Ministry Center (7707 147th St W, Apple Valley) at 12:30pm for departure. Please eat lunch before coming or bring one along. We plan to return around 6pm but possibly earlier depending on river water levels. Cost is $20, includes a tube and transportation; bring extra money for ice cream afterwards. Invite your friends! Everyone must have a completed Students Participation & Liability form. RSVP with cash payment only by Sunday, July 21. Contact students@restorationcov.org for RSVP and questions.
Students Lake Party
August 14 | 12:30-6pm
Students entering grades 6-12, join us for a night on Lac Lavon lake on Wednesday, August 14 from 5:30-9pm. Bring swimwear as we plan to go swimming, kayaking, and some beach activities. Meet us at the Beshara home in Apple Valley. Dinner will be provided, so come hungry. If you are able, bring $5 to help with food cost. Invite your friends! Contact students@restorationcov.org for RSVP, the address, or any other questions.
MUUUCE – Aug 1-3
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.
Wild Mountain
August 28 | 8:30am-5:30pm
Students entering grades 6-12, join us for a day at Wild Mountain on Wednesday, August 28 from 8:30am-5:30pm. Enjoy some crazy fun at the waterpark, alpine slides and go-karts. Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and dry clothes. Arrive at the Ministry Center (7707 147th St W, Apple Valley) at 8:30am for departure via bus. We plan to return at 5:30pm. Cost is $40 for park ticket, 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 students@restorationcov.org for RSVP and questions. Please let us know ASAP if you are interested in coming!
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