August 8, 2018
Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5
“Please wait,” I find myself saying regularly to my children these days. Whether they are both requesting something at the same time or asking for something while I’m in the middle of something else, I have this response at the ready. Sometimes I’m able to answer with patience and gentleness in my voice (semi Mary Poppins sing-song even) and other times, not so much.
Thankfully, when we are in periods of waiting and longing and cry out to God with requests of our own, He never runs out of patience, kindness, gentleness and grace as He answers, “Please wait.”
Sometimes my kids are in the other room and call for a snack, while I’m literally plating their dinners. I answer, “Please wait, it’s almost time for dinner,” but they have a hard time understanding how long that really means before they can eat something. I know that what I’m getting ready for them is much better than a snack and will satisfy much longer. I know it contains more nutrition and nourishing qualities than even the healthiest snack could offer.
How much more do you think God knows what we are waiting for and all the value it contains? It’s not just in the “what” we are waiting for, I believe it’s also in the waiting for the what that we get what God has for us. The preparation, the refining, the character and endurance building, the teaching us to hope in Him greater than our circumstances. While waiting is even more painful than hunger pains, it can teach us a lot if we ask God to help us see and be open during the waiting.
Romans 5:1-5 says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Friends, I encourage you to find your hope in Jesus and all He has already done and who He created you to be. You are His beloved one, who God rejoices over with singing and delights in hearing your hearts. Be honest in the struggle that waiting is and ask Him to help you learn what He has for you as you wait to see what is on the other side of the longing. And be blessed in Jesus’ name and in the peace He has already given all who believe.
Blessings to you,
Kate Washleski
Celebrating New Life – George Day
We celebrate the birth of George Andrew Day, born to Tim and Amy Day on July 26. George was 9lbs, 14oz. Please keep the Day family in your prayers during this busy time and praise God for a healthy mom and baby. If you'd like to provide meals for the Day family please us this LINK.
Send-off Celebration for the Washleskis
It’s bittersweet to announce that the Washleski family’s last Sunday at Restoration will be August 12. Although we will miss this dear family who has been with Restoration since the beginning, we’re so excited to see God at work in their future as Louie begins a new chapter as the Director of Family Ministry at the Presbyterian Church of the Apostles in Burnsville. Please join us in congratulating, praying for and sending off the Washleski family during worship on August 12.
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
RESTORATION KIDS
Contact: ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org
*LAST ONE FOR THE SUMMER*
Play & Pray – Aug 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
What We're Learning in August
Preschool:
We are super excited about our new theme as we leave land and head for water with Anchors Away. We’re even more excited about our bottom line as we set sail to teach preschoolers that God’s way is perfect. When you think about it, there are tons of different ways we can go in life. And they can all sound like the right way at the same time. Our kids are going to grow up with more choices than ever on which way to go. Every day, they will have to decide if they are going to go this way or that way. Is this the right way, or is that the right way? That’s where we come in! We have the opportunity to begin teaching our children that God’s way is perfect. In fact, GOD’S way is the ONLY way that is 100% the RIGHT way every single time.
Memory Verse: "God's way is perfect." 2 Samuel 22:31, NIrV
Elementary:
In Elementary classes this month we are talking about wisdom; finding out what you should do and doing it. When Jesus was a boy, He grew in wisdom. God wants us to discover wisdom, too. When we make the wise choice, we reflect the character of Jesus to people around us. That’s why giving kids a strong foundation of wisdom is important. We want them to be equipped to face whatever choices they may need to make in the future.
Memory Verse: "If any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He will give it to you." James 1:5a, NIrV
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: DerekWassell@restorationcov.org
*LAST ONE FOR THE SUMMER*
Summer Middle School Group – Aug 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
*LAST ONE FOR THE SUMMER*
Students Summer Nights – Aug 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!
Sharing the News
Information from organizations and institutions in and around our community are offered as resources and not necessarily with the full endorsement of Restoration Covenant Church.
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Community Oil Change
Coming up on Saturday, August 18, from 9:30am-3:30pm, Ten:27 Ministries, a church in Apple Valley, is putting on an oil change outreach event. For this effort we will be changing the oil of peoples' cars who are in need. There is no charge – we are just doing this to help people in need. For more information on this event, click here.
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.
