September 19, 2018
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35
Sunday's service gave me a proper gut check this week. Rob's message about re-imagining community was pretty timely for me. I recently watched a movie on Netflix where the main character was left at the altar by her fiance because she brought her phone down the aisle. Although I thought this was pretty ridiculous, after I watched the movie I found myself noticing that perhaps this premise wasn't as far-reaching as it seemed. I've been a little bit tethered to my phone and have noticed myself and others doing so many of the things Rob talked about (interrupting a conversation to check a text, Facebook, the weather, etc) and not always being fully present in my own life because of it.
At the Sip & Social on Saturday night, we partnered up and "interviewed" someone we didn't know for 15-20 minutes. I was fortunate enough to talk to Rosie and found out that, not only is she an extremely interesting person (ask her about her lead role in the opera sometime) but we also discovered we have a lot in common (like our alma mater and our enjoyment of college football). The reason I think this particular type of connection is so important is that you don't really know how to love or care for someone unless you really know them. It was easy to connect because I was distraction-free. I took a few hours last Friday to walk and talk with a few friends to find out they were having very similar challenges in sending their daughters off to middle school last week. We were raw in our admissions of how hard it was to parent through a million distractions the first two weeks of school provided. And, sharing that time together made me realize how I can continue to pray, check-in on and support them well, in a way I surely wouldn't have discovered through Facebook or Instagram.
At the end of the service on Sunday we got to pray for Colin and Daniel as they head out soon for a year-long deployment with the Army. Although this is Daniel's first deployment, it's not the first for Colin. I know this because I've been in a women's group with his wife Ann. This isn't even the longest deployment Colin's been on as he deployed for almost a two-year span when his daughter Morgan was just in elementary school. She'll graduate from college this year and Colin will likely miss it. The reason it's important to know these things is because it's easier to both pray and care for their family when you know what they're up against while he's away.
I challenge you this week to be really present for your friends and your family. I highly encourage you to check out one of the many small groups starting at Restoration this month to get to know some other really great people at our church. Strive for real-life connections over the plethora of other distractions and discover how to love yourself and others well in the process.
Peace and joy,
Kerry
*NEW Section*
Restoration Praises and Prayers
We're excited to let you know that we've created a new section on our weekly News & Notes newsletter email called Restoration Praises and Prayers. In this new section, we'll include big announcements and happenings within our community. You'll be able to find milestones from the rest of our Restoration community to help keep you better connected. So, we'd love to highlight times like engagements, new babies, retirement announcements as well as if someone in the Restoration family is hospitalized or if an immediate family member has passed away. Please keep us updated on anything you'd like to include by emailing info@restorationcov.org. Likewise, if you're ever interested in writing an article for our News & Notes weekly email newsletter, contact at the same address above – we're always looking for writers!
Care for the Tanaka Family
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.
Meeting to Vote on Leadership Team Candidates – September 30
The Leadership Team unanimously agreed to present three new Leadership Team candidates to the members of Restoration. Please stay for a brief meeting immediately following worship on Sunday, September 30 to vote on these candidates. Questions? Please contact info@restorationcov.org. info@restorationcov.org.
Feed My Starving Children
Restoration Covenant Church, join us for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) to pack meals for hungry kids worldwide on Wednesday, October 3 from 6-7:30pm. We will meet at 5:45pm at 990 Lone Oak Road, Suite 136, Eagan. There is no cost to participate, but FMSC welcomes donations if you would like to bring one. Invite your friends and family for this awesome international outreach! Everyone age 5 and up is welcome, but space is limited. Please RSVP first name, last name, and if you are an adult to DerekWassell@restorationcov.org.
New TVs used in Worship
In case you missed it last week, we're delighted to announce that the Senior Center has purchased new TVs for their facility that they've allowed us to start using for worship on Sundays. These new TVs are available to us as part of our existing contract with the Senior Center and will allow us a better opportunity to view the worship songs and scriptures. Because we just started using the TVs, please know that we value your input and are working towards optimizing their use to enhance our worship experience. We're grateful to the Senior Center for making these available to us.
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
Restoration Small Groups exist to help people be known and grow in their relationships with God, the church, and with others far from Christ. We believe that people need different things to grow at different points in their life. Because of that, we offer three types of Restoration Small Groups. Below are some of our available fall Small Groups. For questions or to join a Small Group, please contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org.
SUNDAY
Women's Life Group
Every other Sunday, 6:30-8:30pm
Beginning Sept 30 in various homes
Studying BLESS (message series)
Led by Kara Rasmussen
Family Life Group (children welcome)
Every other Sunday, 5:30-7:30pm
Beginning Sept 23 in various homes
Studying BLESS (message series)
Led by Matt & Mallory Allinder
Second Stage Life Group
Every other Sunday, 6:00-8:00pm
Beginning Oct 7 at the Klatts' home
Potluck on the first night
Studying BLESS (message series)
Led by Dick & Patte Klatt
Families of Youth Life Group (potluck lunch)
2nd Sunday of the month, Noon-2:00pm
Beginning Oct 14 in various homes
Fellowship with some discussion and prayer
Led by Janice Svaren
MONDAY
Prayer Study Group (Fall session only)
Mondays, 7:00-9:00pm
Oct 1 through Nov 26 at the Ministry Center
Studying the book The Battle Plan for Prayer
Led by Michael Nybakken
TUESDAY
Women's Life Group (children welcome)
Every other Tuesday 10am
Beginning Oct 2 at the Days' home
Studying BLESS (message series)
Led by Amy Day
WEDNESDAY
All Ages Life Group (children welcome)
Every other Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm
Beginning Oct 3 at the Zaffkes' home
Studying BLESS (message series)
Led by Garrett & Amy Zaffke
THURSDAY
All Ages Disciple Group
Thursdays at 7pm at the Barriusos' home
Studying BLESS (message series)
Led by Janae Barriuso
SATURDAY
Men's Bible Study Group
Saturdays at 7am at the Ministry Center
Studying the Book of Mark
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
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
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: DerekWassell@restorationcov.org
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Upcoming Dates: Sept 26, Oct 3, 10, 24
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: 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.
*THIS SATURDAY*
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.
