October 11, 2018
Since the very beginning of our story with God, he has demonstrated his deep love for us through his blessing. In turn we become a blessing to others.
Genesis 12:2
This week our church began a new message series to help us learn a new way of thinking about loving our neighbors. BLESS, which is an initiative of the Covenant Church, is an acronym for five simple everyday practices that we can intentionally implement into our daily life to share the hope of Jesus to our family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and acquaintances.
On Sunday, Pastor Rob’s first message of the series was on the “B”- begin with prayer. Through Scripture we learned that Jesus prays for us out of the same love that led Him to die for us, and Jesus teaches us how to pray. We learned that we bless others through prayer because we have been blessed through prayers. We are blessed to bless others!
I have never considered myself gifted in prayer. In all honesty, I have even looked at the prayer warriors in my life and felt intimidated. Yet, I know prayer is simply talking to God and I have learned that God doesn’t expect perfect polished prayers! He simply longs for us to regularly communicate with him- praising and thanking him and pouring our desires and needs to Him.
As Pastor Rob and I have been discussing and praying about BLESS over the last several months, I decided I would begin to implement the practices into my life. While on a walk last month I decided to pray that if there were people in my sphere of influence that I could bless that God would show me.
I got home from my walk and, not more than a half hour later, my phone rang and it was Patsy, Westview’s school social worker. She said, “Kara, I have favor to ask you. There is a young girl in Annie’s class whose family is going through a very difficult situation, and the girl needs help with transportation two days week. Could you help?” It was an easy Yes from me and I knew it was God’s answer to my prayer.
My part in their story may be small and insignificant, however, we never know the impact we can make through Jesus. I make sure to hug this sweet girl after each ride I give her and let her know she is special. I felt God nudge me to invite her family to church. She hasn’t yet come to church, but I’m still praying and believing I planted a seed of hope in her heart.
I pray I can continue to faithfully pray for this sweet girl and her family. I hope you too will have renewed commitment ask God to show you the people in your life that He would want you to bless. May we all go into our week with our aim to bless others as we have been blessed in Christ.
Choosing joy,
Kara
*NEW*
Restoration Students News
Derek Wassell will be leaving his role as Student Director and Strategic Development Coordinator to start a full-time position with a local IT firm. We know this was a prayerfully considered and positive move for Derek and we wish him the best in his exciting new role. We will very much miss his God-given talents at Restoration and we hope you'll join us in prayer for both Derek and the individual who will replace him on our staff. Please read these two letters, from Derek, and from the Leadership Team.
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!
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.
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 24, Nov 7, 14, 28
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 21, Nov 4, 18
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.
Sharing the News
Information from organizations and institutions in and around our community are offered as resources and not necessarily with the full endorsement of Restoration Covenant Church.
—
Operation Christmas Child Seeking Seasonal Help
In order for Samaritan's Purse to be successful and reach as many children as possible, they need Team Coaches, Greeters, Floor Coordinators, and Dock Workers to assist with the volunteers that come every day to help package shoeboxes for children all over the world. If you're interested in supporting this great mission and making a few dollars while doing so, please check out the attached pdf HERE.
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.