July 25, 2018
 
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25
 
Westview Backpacks / Restoration Covenant Church in Apple Valley, MN
 
Each year for VBS, we include an outreach component to drive home the point that living a life with Jesus includes giving generously to others.
 
We choose to contribute to Westview Elementary School for a variety of reasons.
 
Because we already have a solid relationship with Westview, we know what their needs are. The staff has told us that they get school supplies from others in the community but that many of their families struggle to buy necessities like new shoes and backpacks, so that is where we focus. Choosing to give to kids just like them helps our kids feel invested and excited in the outcome of their giving. Most of the kids that come to VBS are not from Restoration and many of their parents also enjoy the opportunity for their kids to be involved in giving to a cause that helps their community. Also, because we focus on Westview for our other outreach, it helps us towards our goal of being a church that makes a difference in the community around us. This is a huge way we can continue to love the families in our own backyard.
 
We're thrilled that our VBS kids raised $508 towards buying new shoes and backpacks for Westview. But, we don't want to stop there. There are plenty of kids who need these items to start their school year on the right foot. We want to outfit as many of them as we can, and we need your help to do it. This coming Sunday, July 29, we will do a special offering to continue to collect money for this cause. Please bring cash or a check to help us achieve the goal of MATCHING the dollar amount the VBS kids collected. If we meet our matching goal, we'll celebrate with ice cream after the service. We have always proven to be a community that steps up to give, we pray that spirit of generosity will continue. Thanks in advance for considering a donation to this great cause.
 
Love and Peace,
Chrystine

 
Chrystine / Restoration Covenant Church in Apple Valley, MN
 
Prayer on the First – Aug 1
Join other prayer warriors on the 1st of every month to pray over the phone for ministries at Restoration Covenant Church. The ministry of the month and prayer needs will be explained along with additional prayer for a special Voice of the Martyrs topic. Dial 712-832-8330 and put in access code 475-2417*- it prompts you to give your name but you don't need to, just join in! Looking forward to praying with you!
 
Current 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.
 
VBS Highlights
We are excited to share that we had 79 kids attend Vacation Bible School the last week of June. Of those 79 kids, 51 of them don't attend Restoration. The kids also raised $507.52 that will help us buy shoes and backpacks for Westview students to have a great start to the school year. Thanks to all the volunteers who dedicated their time and talents to love and care for these kids. Thanks to all who prayed for, provided snacks and supplies, and support Restoration financially so that we can provide these great opportunities for our kids to learn more about Jesus.
 
Shoes and Backpacks for Westview
Although the VBS kids and families collected over $500 for shoes and backpacks, we don't want to stop there and let the kids to have all the fun! Please join us at the July 29th service as we continue to collect cash for shoes and backpacks for the kids at Westview. When Restoration was started, our goal was to be a church that made a difference in the community around us. This is a huge way we can continue to love the families in our own backyard. Please bring a cash or check to help us achieve the goal of MATCHING the dollar amount the VBS kids collected. If we meet our matching goal, we'll celebrate with ice cream after the service. Thanks in advance for your generosity.
 
Outdoor Worship & Baptism Service – 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. Questions? Please contact MatthewGoerdt@restorationcov.org
 
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 MatthewGoerdt@restorationcov.org.
 
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
 
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RESTORATION KIDS
 
Contact: ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org
 
Intergenerational Sunday – July 29
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. The fifth Sunday of the month 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 are available for younger kids.
 
Play & Pray – Aug 8, 22
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
 
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RESTORATION STUDENTS
 
Contact: DerekWassell@restorationcov.org
 
Summer Middle School Group – Aug 5, 19
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
 
Students Summer Nights – Aug 8, 22
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
 
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!
 
Restoration Students Facebook Page
Did you know we have a Restoration Students Facebook page? Check it out and "Like" the page!
 
Restoration Students Facebook / Restoration Covenant Church in Apple Valley MN
 
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