September 5, 2018
I will bring my people Israel back home. I will bless them with great success again. They will rebuild the destroyed cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink the wine they produce. They will make gardens and eat their fruit.
Amos 9:14 NIRV
We like happy stories with happy endings, but what about stories with struggles? What about when people need to overcome obstacles? More often than not, we relate to stories with struggles because we too experience hardships. The book of Amos is a story of Israel’s struggle. It is about people who enjoyed their riches at the expense of others—at the expense of justice.
God used Amos as a prophet to speak the word of truth to Israel they needed to hear. Israel definitely did not want to hear it. After all, they were God’s chosen people. Still, being God’s people did not make them above God’s law. On the contrary, God’s place for his people was to follow his law, to learn from this law, and to change accordingly. They failed this boldly and let themselves believe their wealth was a sign of God’s favor.
Reading this story in Amos is its own struggle. Of all the books in the Bible, this one is predominantly focused on harsh language of judgment. Honestly, who wants to read that? It is not a happy story. If there is one thing we can take from this though, it is that God truly cares about justice and is angered by injustice. Israel failed to recognize and respond to this message from Amos, even though they had 30-40 years thereafter to do so. They ended up facing the consequences of judgment God had named because they were too set in their ways to take a heart check and see if God’s words spoke truth.
When was your last heart check? I am not talking about a visit to the doctor for your blood pressure (although that’s good too). I mean, when was the last time you checked your priorities, your motivation behind things, your intentions in what you think and do? You may not be like Israel, who subjected the poor to below-decent treatment, but if you too believe that God cares about justice – are you living in such a way that your treatment of others is God honoring?
Take a heart check. Talk with God. Pray. Even if it is just for five minutes this week and even if you don't think you "need" to. Talk with your family or other believers. Ask them what kind of heart they see in you. You'll get some honest replies. Let it soak in, and then figure out what you want to do with that information. Imagine what a changed heart can do; imagine what a family or community of changed hearts can do.
God bless,
Derek Wassell
Restart Rethink Renew – New Message Series
What if the season humanity is entering became more about seeing and being than about doing and achieving? What if we made it less about managing our activities and more about engaging our soul? Join us in the journey toward living fully with this new teaching series starting Sunday, September 9 at 10am.
Care for the Tanaka Family
As many of you know, Alayna Tanaka, a member of our Restoration family, was in a serious car accident and suffered a severe brain injury. She is still in a coma. Thank you so much to all of you who have already provided meals and help to Wes and the kids. Along with prayers, they still need help for meals and lawn care. We'd like to keep this particular care calendar for only the Restoration family or friends of the Tanakas. If you or someone who doesn't know the family well would like to gift the Tanakas with gift cards, feel free to bring them to the ministry center or put them in the offering on Sunday mornings and we will make sure that they get to the family. To access Tanaka Family's CareCalendar site, visit HERE. Please contact communications@restorationcov.org to be validated for the security code.
Men's Golf Event – September 15
Men of Restoration – Bring a friend and join us for a fun day of golf on Saturday, September 15th from 8am-1pm. Tee times start at 8am at Southern Hills Golf Course in Farmington (18950 Chippendale Ave). Cost for 18 holes is $39 to walk and $57 for a golf cart. We’ll need to start reserving tee times soon so please RSVP ASAP to get your spot. RSVP and contact: events@restorationcov.org.
September Sip & Social – September 15
All women of Restoration are encouraged to invite a friend and attend our Sip & Social on Saturday, September 15th from 6:30-8:30pm at Kerry Stok's home in Apple Valley. This relaxed evening of sharing snacks and socializing on the deck is all about creating space for fun and fellowship for Restoration ladies and friends. kararasmussen@restorationcov.org.
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
Are you looking for community with others and a way to grow in your faith? Restoration Small Groups create space to be known & to grow within an authentic community of people. Below are some of our available fall Small Groups. More groups will be added in the coming week. For questions or to join a Small Group, please contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org.
Men's Small Group
7:00am Saturdays, weekly
Studying Mark, led by Chad White at the Ministry Center.
Women's Small Group
6:30-8:30pm Sundays, bi-weekly beginning Sept 30
Studying BLESS (upcoming message series), led by Kara Rasmussen at host homes.
Family Small Group
6:00-8:00pm Sundays, bi-weekly beginning Sept 23
Studying BLESS (upcoming message series), led by Matt & Mallory Allinder at host homes. Children welcome.
All Ages Small Group
6:30-8:30pm Wednesdays, bi-weekly beginning Oct 3
Studying BLESS (upcoming message series), led by Garrett & Amy Zaffke at the Zaffkes' home. Children Welcome.
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
Restoration Kids News
This Sunday, September 9, marks the fall kick-off for Restoration Kids! Kids will begin their new classes based on their new grades. We have some exciting changes too. These changes will improve safety, increase fun and provide more opportunities to know Jesus. Parents, please note that many Kids Ministry classes will be in different spaces starting September 9. It is likely that your child’s class and pick-up area will be different. Parents please look for an email from Chrystine for all the details.
What We're Learning in September
Toddlers & Preschoolers
This month’s Colorific theme is going to help us teach preschoolers that God keeps His promises. We’ve all experienced a broken promise or two and our preschoolers won’t have to wait long to experience one too. We want them to grow up knowing that God always keeps His promises. No matter how long we have to wait, God will come through. Colors are a huge part of a preschooler’s world, and as we explore the colors of the rainbow, we will teach preschoolers that God loves them, and that He always keeps His promises. This is such an important part of the foundation we want to build for preschoolers as they grow to believe that God made them, God loves them, and Jesus wants to be their friend forever.
Memory Verse: “Trust the Lord with all of your heart.” Proverbs 3:5, NCV
Elementary
This month, elementary classes are taking a look at initiative. When God saw our sin, He took initiative. He sent Jesus to make things right. When we see a need and choose to do something about it, people can see the reality of God’s love for them. All month long, we’ll be taking a closer look at Nehemiah, one of the best examples of someone who showed initiative even when he didn’t have to.
Memory Verse: “Work at everything you do with all your heart. Work as if you were working for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23A
Bible Presentations – September 16
If you have a child entering 2nd grade this year or if your child is past 2nd grade but doesn't own their own Bible yet, please let us know! On Sunday, September 16, we'll be presenting Bibles and celebrating a milestone where we recognize that kids are going from an age where they are learning to read to a time when they are reading to learn. Our goal as a church is to support parents so they can be their child's spiritual champion. Part of achieving that goal is providing children with an age-appropriate Bible so they can really understand God's Word.
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: DerekWassell@restorationcov.org
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Upcoming Dates: Sept 12, 19, 26
Students in grades 6-12 are encouraged to join us at the Ministry Center (7707 147th St W, Apple Valley) from 6:30-8pm on Wednesday nights for a time of teaching, activities, and groups that focus on encountering Jesus, building meaningful relationships, and restoring hope to the world. If you have a Bible, bring it. Invite a friend! Contact DerekWassell@restorationcov.org
Middle School Group
Upcoming Dates: Sept 16, Oct 7, 21
Students in grades 6-8 begin Sunday mornings in the worship service. On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, they are sent to the café for discussion and activities that complement the Sunday morning message.
Students Lock-In – September 22
Students in grades 6-12, join us for a Lock-In overnight at the Ministry Center on Saturday, September 22. There will be food, countless fun activities, and perhaps a little bit of staying up late. Meet at the Ministry Center (7707 147th St W, Apple Valley) at 6pm. Dinner, snacks, and a light breakfast in the morning will be provided. Cost is $7/student. Bring a sleeping bag and air mattress, if possible. Students can be picked up at 9am on Sunday morning. Invite your friends! Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 19 and contact DerekWassell@restorationcov.org for questions.
Covenant Pines MEA Retreat
Students in grades 6-12, join us this MEA break for a retreat to Covenant Pines. This is a great way for you to take a small step back from life and refocus on your relationship with God. Grades 6-8 will go from Oct 17-19 and grades 9-12 will go from Oct 19-21. The full cost is $153 for Junior High and $170 for Senior High, but you can sign up by October 1 for a discount. Additional scholarships are available both from Covenant Pines and from Restoration, if requested. Sign up here: covenantpines.campbrainregistration.com. You will create an account to register. More retreat information is available at the Sunday morning resource table or restorationcov.org/students. Contact DerekWassell@restorationcov.org for questions.
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.
