August 15, 2019
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
When we see people going through tough times, we don’t always know what to say. So we toss out a well-meaning platitude like “Everything happens for a reason.” It’s meant to offer a bit of comfort and some sense that we understand their struggle. We’ve heard it so often that it must be true, and of course it’s biblical…at least we think it is.
This spiritual myth is not only unbiblical, but it also can lead to a misunderstanding of who God really is. What we’re saying is that God causes everything that happens to happen for a reason. If we take that line of thinking to its logical conclusion, we are really suggesting that God causes the hurricanes, or earthquakes, or job losses, or deaths, or hammer-hitting-finger incidents for some greater purpose. At best, it makes God the author of suffering and the perpetrator of evil. At worst, it makes God a monster who takes pleasure in causing pain.
But Scripture doesn’t teach that. The bad things in life don’t happen because God orchestrates them. They happen because of a fallen world, our self-inflicted wounds (our sins), and our foolish choices. When we choose to go our own way instead of God’s, we have to deal with the consequences of those decisions. Our sins–our hurtful, selfish, greedy actions–cause a lot of bad things to happen in this world.
Romans 8:28 gives us this promise: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” That doesn’t say that God causes everything, but that He works in all things, both the glorious and the grievous, to bring about His ultimate good for those who love Him.
So what do we say to a grieving parent who has lost their child to cancer? What do we do for the neighbor who was notified by the police that her spouse was killed in a car accident? How can we comfort an unemployed friend who is facing mounting bills with no job prospects? What do we tell our kids as they battle depression, loneliness or addiction?
Don’t say that everything happens for a reason. You can agree with them about how difficult their loss or struggle is. You can mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). You can tell them about the God who loves them and assure them of His promise; though His heart breaks over their pain, He will accomplish His purpose in spite of it. In all things God works for the eternal good of those who love Him.
Blessings,
Greg
*NEW*
Engagement Annoucement
We’re so excited to announce the engagement of Teresa Slepicka and Scott Rhone. They were engaged on July 15 and are planning a wedding for October 2020. We hope you’ll join us in congratulating Teresa and Scott!
Tobias “Toby” Mark Goerdt
We celebrate the birth of Tobias “Toby” Mark Goerdt, 7lbs 15oz, 22in long, born to Matthew & Amanda Goerdt on July 31, 2019! Toby is also welcomed home by big brother Benji. Please keep the Goerdt family in your prayers during this busy time and praise God for a healthy mom and baby. We welcome the Restoration family to support and bless them by providing meals. Please sign-up HERE.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit – August 20
Have you ever wondered about the gifts of the Holy Spirit? How did Peter and Paul heal, know things ahead of time, feel direct promptings of the Holy Spirit? Please join Mary Beshara for a teaching about the gifts of the Holy Spirit at the Ministry Center on August 20, from 7-9pm. Learn a Bible-based teaching on the power that the early church enjoyed! Contact MaryBeshara@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.
Moms and Daughters Small Group – August 26
Moms and their preteen girls in grades 5-8 are invited to join us as we go through the book 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. We will meet 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.
Prayer Meeting – August 28
Join us as we lift up needs within our church and around the world and pray with faith that the Lord will help us in every area of our lives! We will meet from 7-9pm on Wednesday, August 28 at the Ministry Center. We would love to see you there! Contact MaryBeshara@restorationcov.org with questions.
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.
Men’s BBQ – September 21
There’s nothing better than an afternoon of grilling out with the guys. Please join us for some delicious food on the grill and some stiff competition at yard games at the Men’s BBQ at Don Braaten’s house on Saturday, September 21 from 4-8pm. Main dish will be provided. Invite a friend and bring a side dish to share. See you there!
Women’s Retreat – September 28
As women we shoulder a lot, but we often forget to take time to be revitalized. You are invited to a day set aside just for you. We will gather in a beautiful lakeside home with peaceful outdoor spaces. There will be time to fellowship with other women, to be still and rest with God, and to be reminded of God’s great love for YOU. Join us as we explore together how we are each Uniquely Made, Deeply Loved. Bring a friend! Cost is $30, which includes lunch, dinner, coffee, tea, and light snacks. Scholarships are available. No childcare will be provided. Space is limited, so reserve your place today! Register HERE. Contact Erin at ekg451@yahoo.com.
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 Lunch
2nd Sunday of the month, Noon-2:00pm at the Ministry Center
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 2 John
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
August 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 August
Preschoolers
Mining for gold has been around ever since humans discovered that first glittering speck of rock. What’s even better than gold? It’s the Bible! It teaches us that God loves us all the time. It teaches us that God loves us so much He gave us Jesus to be our friend forever. It teaches us how to live our best life. And, it teaches us how to share our stuff. The teachings in the Bible are worth more to us—are more valuable in this life—than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. At the end of the day, learning how God, our Creator, wants us to live is worth way more than anything money can buy. So grab a Bible, and get ready. We’re going on a treasure hunt! We want to begin to uncover some nuggets of truth and set our preschoolers on a lifelong search for treasure—the kind of treasure that is better than gold.
“Your teachings are worth more to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.” Psalm 119:72 NCV
Elementary
In August, elementary kids will be talking about obedience. God is the creator of the world. He’s in charge of everything. We show that we trust God by obeying Him and His plan for our life. Jesus showed the ultimate act of obedience when He chose to obey His Father’s plan to die for our sins.
“The way we show our love is to obey God’s commands. He commands you to lead a life of love. That’s what you have heard from the beginning.” 2 John 6, NIrV
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: students@restorationcov.org
Summer Middle School Group
August 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 Nerf Tournament
August 21 | 6-9pm
Students entering grades 6-12, join us for a Nerf Tournament on August 21 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! Contact DanielMorgenstern@restorationcov.org for RSVP and questions
High School Sunday Nights
August 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.
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
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.