October 3, 2018
Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
John 20:21-22
Whenever I heard someone talk about being “sent by God” before I really knew Jesus, I just thought it was weird. After I believed in Jesus and surrendered my life to Him, when I heard someone talk about being sent by God, I didn’t think it was weird, but I thought only really special people were sent by God: people that heard God’s voice, people who had seen angels, or missionaries. Missionaries seemed like super special people who went to far away places to help other people find their way to God.
I spent much of college struggling and learning to trust in Jesus. Along the way, I met people I simply call “converters.” These people believed in Jesus and wanted to make sure everyone else around them did too. They really liked to talk about their faith but they liked even more to talk about how ‘you’ needed faith in Jesus. I didn’t see this group ‘making friends and influencing people.’ The second group of Jesus people I noticed were a people I will call “blessers.” This group lived and talked to others in ways that were helpful– even to people who disagreed with their faith. They tried to bless those around them and the community they lived in. In fact, it was the second group of people that listened to me more than talked at me, helped me when I was struggling, and challenged me to practice my faith.
Jesus sends every person who believes and follows Him into a world that doesn’t know Him. His life mission was summed up in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Jesus came to reach the lost, restore the broken, and reproduce His mission in others. Yet, when I talk to people who love Jesus about seeking and saving or reaching and restoring, they get a little nervous. They think suddenly being who God created them to be and living as God created them to live suddenly changes whenever ideas like “seeking or reaching” come up.
What if it didn’t?
What if there were normal and natural ways for us to live like that group of “blessers” I met in college? There are. Seriously. I promise. Normal and natural ways to live your faith with people who love Jesus AND people who are far from Jesus. Starting Sunday, October 7, we will introduce five simple practices which authentically BLESS the people in your spheres of influence—friends, relatives, acquaintances, neighbors and colleagues—with the hope that we may help them journey towards Jesus.
Choosing joy,
Rob
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!
*NEW*
Approved Leadership Team Candidates
Restoration Members voted unanimously to approve candidates Pete Svaren and Amy Zaffke for the leadership team at the special congregational meeting held September 30 for that purpose. Prior to the vote, Michele Jacobson removed her name from the ballot to remain consistent with the church constitution that states the Leadership Team shall consist of 5-9 members. (Approving all three candidates at the meeting would have put the Leadership Team at ten members.) A special thank you to the current leadership team, the nominating committee, the candidates and all those who stayed to participate after the worship service Sunday. Questions? Please contact info@restorationcov.org or leadershipteam@restorationcov.org.
Pumpkin Party – Oct 26
Join us for our annual Pumpkin Party 6-7:30pm on Friday, October 26 at Apple Valley Baptist Church (964 Garden View Dr). Kids and parents work together to carve and decorate their pumpkins in interesting and unique ways. This is not just a family event and is open to “kids” of all ages! We will have carving tools and craft supplies on hand so just bring your friends, your creativity and, of course, a pumpkin! Have fun and leave the clean-up to us. Snacks are provided so an RSVP will help us plan. Contact ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org.
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.
*THIS SUNDAY*
Food on the First
At the start of the month, we donate food for Westview Elementary School staff to distribute from a “food locker” to hungry families. To help, head to the store for healthful, non-perishable food and bring it to church. Gift cards in any amount to Cub, Wal-Mart or Target will also be greatly appreciated since they help families purchase meat and fresh produce. Cash, check and designated online donations go to The Sheridan Story program that puts a weekend meal in participating students’ backpacks every Friday of the school year.
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 October
Toddlers & Preschoolers
There are a lot of things in the life of our children we just can’t do. That’s right. Sometimes we just don’t have it. We don’t have a handle on our circumstances. We don’t have what it takes to makes things better. We don’t have the answers, energy, wisdom, patience, solution, or way out of a situation. But, we do know the One who does. And, when you know the One who does, there’s no need to worry.
God’s got it. That’s what we’re talking about with our preschoolers this month. No need to worry, be afraid or feel alone. God’s got it! No matter what the situation or need. No matter how big or small the circumstance. God’s got it. Because, God loves us—A LOT! And THAT is what we want our preschoolers to know.
Memory Verse: “God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9, NLT
Elementary
Everything we have comes from God. He is faithful to provide what we need. And even more than what we own, God can also provide what we need to face whatever happens in our life. God has proven time and again, that we can trust Him no matter what. We can complain or become jealous of what others have, or we can choose to respond with contentment, knowing that God has a plan for our lives.
Memory Verse: “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against wanting to have more and more things. Life is not made up of how much a person has.’” Luke 12:15
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: DerekWassell@restorationcov.org
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Upcoming Dates: Oct 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
*THIS SUNDAY*
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.
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.
