August 15, 2018
Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the Lord.
Haggai 1:8
Putting together this week's sermon reminded me of a conversation that I had with my mom awhile back. We were talking about a missionary couple who caused my mom to question if she has done enough for Jesus in her lifetime. This completely took me by surprise because my mother is truly a saint (or pretty darn close). Whether it is helping with her church's weekly fellowship snack or coordinating food for funerals, potlucks, and special events, my mother handles it all. A wealth of fellowship and relationship building flows through those events. Even Jesus himself (he would have fit nicely in Minnesota, we love to eat) used meals for fellowship bulding. There is just something that happens when food enters the equation.
On top of that, my mother has also volunteered to teach in Children's Ministry and VBS, house missionary families while they visit stateside, donate toys to yearly toy-drives, help those less fortunate in our small town, pray for those who are in need, tithe to the church and donate money to many different causes. Where did she possibly get the idea that she wasn't doing "enough" for Jesus and His kingdom? Ha!
Some of us will be called into vocational ministry and missions, but many more of us will be called to use our time, talents, gifts, and skills to expand the kingdom in our "normal" lives. It is the same message that Haggai preached to the Jews when they were coming back home from being exiled in Babylon. Haggai reminded them to not put their little kingdoms (your house, your wealth, your status, etc.) first but to focus on God's kingdom. For the Jews in the time of Haggai, it was rebuilding the Lord's Temple. For our time, it is building up the New Kingdom of Jesus Christ by sharing the Gospel with other people. Building is hard work and so is creating relationships with people, but if we are faithful and open to God to use anything and everything we have, we will be amazed by just how much can get done with His power and strength.
And remember, we do not serve a works-based God. Doing more for God doesn't win us any more favor or love from Him than what we currently have. It should be out of love and passion that we desire to build God's kingdom up. We do not do it for a reward, we do it because we are in love with our Savior. We tell people about how awesome Jesus is because He is awesome, not because it wins us points in Heaven. So do what you do best, invite people into that world and fellowship with them, and take heart, for you build more than what you see!
Blessings to you,
Garrett Zaffke
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
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.
