September 5, 2019
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
I love summer! I love the abundance of light with the bright sun poking above the horizon well before 6am and dusk slowly turning to twilight well after 9pm. I love the abundance of warmth, the opportunity to wear a swimsuit all day, run through the sprinkler or jump in a cool, crisp lake. Summer is laughter enveloping the entire backyard. It’s the smell of fresh-cut grass and a myriad of flowers in full bloom. Summer is the tangy taste of lemonade bought from the kids down the street. It’s the sound of s’mores being eaten or wine glasses clinking around a roaring fire.
My summers used to be filled with an abundance of ministry work, family projects and a little fun. I used to get a little stressed at what I didn’t get to do and depressed that all the abundance was coming to an end. But a few years ago I heard someone talk about the sacredness of seasons. The word seasons in the Hebrew Bible is less about marking specific segments of the calendar and more about marking “appointed times” or “sacred seasons.” God appointed and still appoints sacred seasons for us to recognize and respond to, no matter what time of the year it is. The more I understand God’s “appointed times,” the more I accept and experience the good things God has for me in that season, instead of holding too tightly to the season I like or racing through a season of waiting, difficulty, or discomfort.
What about you? What’s your favorite season? What seasons are challenging? With my new understanding of seasons, I am more accepting of and relaxed in what my current season holds, and I am more ready and excited to embrace the next season, and with it, the adventure of seeing God in whatever hard or happy events it may bring.
As we begin a new season, I invite you to join us for the next three Sundays as we learn how to recognize God and respond to where he’s working in the places and people of our world. Click to learn more about two simple ways to begin now – READ together and SERVE together.
With hope,
Rob
Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience
As a Covenant church, we have a long tradition of valuing deep engagement with the whole story of the Bible. Immerse: The Reading Bible will help us to see ourselves in the story as we read it together. Beginning September 22 we will read through the first volume of Immerse, Messiah. For the next 8 weeks, Pastor Rob will preach about the week’s reading and small groups will discuss what they have read in a format similar to that of a book club. We hope to make reading one of the Immerse volumes a fall rhythm as a church over the next six years. Join us in finding your part in the story of God! Thanks to an anonymous donor, we can provide one free Immerse: Messiah book per family, with additional copies for $5 per book. Kara will have the books on Sunday so don’t forget to pick one up! E-books can be purchased HERE. Free audio recording can be found HERE. To find out more or to join a small group, contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org.
*THIS SUNDAY*
Voting Meeting
The Leadership Team unanimously agreed to present two new Leadership Team candidates, Don Braaten and Allison Erickson, to the members of Restoration. Please stay for a brief meeting immediately following worship on Sunday to vote on these candidates. Questions? Please contact info@restorationcov.org.
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! RSVP to events@restorationcov.org
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. Registration deadline is Monday, September 16.
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
At Restoration we value being in Christ-centered authentic community with others. Small Groups create a great space to do this and a wonderful to way to grow in loving God and others. To learn more or if you are interested in leading or joining a group, please contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org.
SUNDAY
Second Stage Life Group
Every other Sunday, 6-8pm at the Klatts’ home
Discussing Immerse
Led by Dick & Patte Klatt
Families of Youth Lunch
2nd Sunday of the month, Noon-2pm
September 8 at the Stoks’ home in Apple Valley
Led by Kerry Stok
Women’s Small Group
Every other Sunday, 6-8pm at host homes beginning in September
Discussing Immerse
Led by Kara Rasmussen
Families Small Groups
Every other Sunday, details TBD
Discussing Immerse
TUESDAY
Prayer Group
Every Tuesday, 7-9pm at the Ministry Center
Led by Mary Beshara and Michael Nybakken
SATURDAY
Men’s Bible Study Group
Saturdays at 7am at the Ministry Center
Studying Immerse
Led by Chad White
*NEW*
Amazon Smile
Did you know that in just three months, Restoration has received $30 from the AmazonSmile Foundation just because members of our church have signed up through AmazonSmile when they shop Amazon? When you shop and buy at Amazon.com, if you go through AmazonSmile you can support Restoration. To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile. To sign up, go to the following link Amazon Smile and choose Restoration Covenant Church as your organization to support. Thanks in advance for choosing to support Restoration!
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
What We’re Learning in September
Preschoolers
When is the last time you took the time to really look at everything God made? When we take the time to look at this amazing world God made, we are filled with awe and wonder. It’s that feeling of wonder we want our preschoolers to have as they learn about God’s creation. We are going to do a lot of counting together this month—one, two, three, four, five, six, seven—pausing to learn what God made on each day of creation. Through our fun and exciting activities and stories we want our preschoolers to learn that God made everything. And IT IS GOOD!
Memory Verse: “God saw everything He had made. And it was very good.” Genesis 1:31, NIrV
.jpg "September Elementary Image / Restoration Covenant Church Apple Valley, MN")
Elementary
This month, we will be talking about Trust or putting confidence in someone you can depend on.
Throughout history God has proven His faithfulness to us, especially in keeping His promise to send Jesus to save us. God will continue to be dependable. The Bible is filled with examples of people who knew first-hand what it means to trust God. This month, we focus on two of them: Jacob and Joseph. Through their stories, we’ll discover how we can trust Him no matter what we face.
Memory Verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5, NIrV
Child Dedication and Baptism
We will be having child dedications and baptisms coming up soon. If you are interested in having a child dedicated or baptized, please contact ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org or contact the church office.
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: students@restorationcov.org
Families of Youth Lunch
We are excited to get the Families of Youth lunches started again on the second Sunday of the month. Huge thanks to Janice Svaren for organizing these lunches last year! These lunches are a wonderful and fun way to get to know other families who have students grades 6-12. Please save the dates for the Families of Youth Lunches this Fall: September 8 at Stoks’, October 13 at Culver’s, November 10 at someone’s home TBD and December 8 at Culver’s. Join us at Marc and Kerry Stok’s house this Sunday from 12-2pm. Stoks will provide burgers and hot dogs, please bring a side to share. Please email KaraRasmussen@restorationcov.org to RSVP (so we can have enough food prepared) and for the address. See you there!
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights – Beginning September 11
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!
Middle School Group
Sept 8, 22 | Oct 13, 27 | Nov 10, 24 | Dec 9, not 23 | Jan 5, 19 | Feb 2, 16 | Mar 1, 15 | Apr 5, 19 | May 3, 17
Students in grades 6-8 begin Sunday mornings in the worship service. On the designated Sundays, they meet in the café for discussion and activities that complement the Sunday morning message. Contact students@restorationcov.org
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.