October 17, 2019
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
2 Corinthians 13:14
Greetings Restoration,
My heart is overflowing with joy that we are reading the Bible together as a church. While many of you read from the Bible, it’s invigorating to know that we are in the same place at the same time.
There is so much that I’ve read so far that I’m just bursting about. The many themes I saw in the early church: the relentless determination to get the Good News to as many people as possible; the joy the believers shared over gaining new believers; the way the apostles didn’t bat an eye, slow down, or question their calling when they met persecution time and time again. I love that Paul didn’t share the gospel in a place and then leave them forever to continue his mission; he wrote letters and returned where he could so he could strengthen and encourage them. The leaders were so prompt to follow the Holy Spirit. The church in Acts was more than teaching – it included fellowship, prayer and meals. Restoration does an amazing job of creating space for all four of these important aspects of our church community and it’s just further confirmation that we are headed in the right direction.
One theme that has been on my heart for a few weeks was absolutely illuminated as I read through Romans 12 this morning. Mary Beshara had asked in our prayer group what set us, as Christians, apart from other people. There are many good people amongst non-believers. They can be kind, giving, helpful, patient, etc. Romans 12 is titled “A Living Sacrifice to God” and is full of ways that we are called to be set apart. Paul is asking us to step into the gifts God has given us in His grace. He asks us to not just pretend to love others, but really love them. As we get to verse 14, Paul challenges worldly behavior more extremely when he asks us to bless those who persecute us and pray that God will bless them. We are not to pay evil with evil but conquer evil by doing good. These commands are so different from what conventional wisdom and many healthy, caring friends would recommend I do in a situation. Justified resentment or revenge seems to be the standard of our society. They ask, “why would you be kind after they did that to you?” or even “why would you pray for somebody who hurt you so badly?” Because we are asked to and because we can defeat the enemy with good. Because we are set apart in Christ.
Remember, we fight an enemy that is not of flesh and blood. When we carry unforgiveness and resentment, it does nothing to the target and everything to us. When I carry it, I believe it blocks me from doing what God would have me do and keeps me from fully living the life God would have me live. Luckily, we don’t have to rely on our own striving to achieve this lifestyle. Verse 12:2 tells us to let God transform us into a new person by changing the way we think.
This is just one example of revelation that came from conversation and reading as a community through the Word. I encourage you to strike up conversations about what you’re reading. Take advantage of this time of unified learning as we journey through the Word together.
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14
Hilary
Immerse: Messiah – Week 4
We have started reading through the first volume of Immerse, Messiah. It’s not too late to get involved! If you want to get started, don’t worry about catching up, just read this week’s reading. This Sunday, Daniel will preach from the readings covered in Week 4 of the Reading Plan and small groups will have a book club style discussion on the same material. There are additional resources available on our website HERE as well as linked below.
Some helpful links:
Reading Plan
E-books
Audio Files
Family Guide
General Discussion Guide
Additional Discussion Questions
Week 1 Week 2 Week 3
Sunday Message Transcripts
Week 1 Week 2 Week 3
To find out more or to join a small group, contact groups@restorationcov.org
Immerse – Share Your Story
Have you been reading along? Can you see yourself in God’s story? We want to hear your stories! If you’d like to write a News & Notes article or if you just want to tell us how Immerse has affected your life, please contact us at communications@restorationcov.org.
*THIS SUNDAY*
Intergenerational Sunday
At Restoration, we believe that it’s important for children and students to learn spiritual concepts alongside their parents at home and in age-appropriate class settings such as Restoration Kids and Restoration Student groups. We intentionally look for ways to cultivate intergenerational relationships, encourage all ages to participate in various serving roles and structure the worship set and message in such a way so as to include something that speaks to all generations. This Sunday is designed to be an experience where all ages can be seen, heard and welcome to participate. Kids and students will remain in service today to worship alongside their families and church community. Busy bags will be available for younger kids. Nursery is available for infants and toddlers.
*NEW*
Armful of Love
Restoration will partner with 360 Communities’ Armful of Love for our Christmas outreach opportunity again this year. Armful of Love matches hundreds of local families in need with sponsors to provide gifts during the Christmas season. This year Restoration signed up to support 12 people in five families, which corresponds to about 60 gifts. We will have ornaments that list desired gift items from these families for Restoration families to pick up on Sunday, November 24 and December 1. Gifts may be brought unwrapped and labeled with the ornament to the Ministry Center by Friday, December 6. Please note that the wrapping will not take place on Saturday as in the past but on Friday night instead. Contact Michele Jacobson at outreach@restorationcov.org
*NEW*
Christmas Showcase – December 7
We have a fun opportunity for our church family to fellowship and get to know one another better during the holiday season. We want to showcase your talent and hard work on Saturday December 7 from 2-4pm. Have a special talent to share? Let us know! We’re looking for people of all ages who’d like to play an instrument, sing, dance, read a poem, or perform a skit. Showcase your favorite holiday goodies, sing some Christmas carols, and let’s celebrate the holidays together. If you’d like to participate in the showcase, bring food, or help plan the event please email laceyskoglund@restorationcov.org.
Restoration Online Directory
Did you know Restoration has an online directory where you can find photos and contact information for others at church? We would love to have everyone’s picture there as another way to help everyone get to know each other. You can find directions on how to use the directory HERE. Contact info@restorationcov.org if you have any questions.
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
We’re very excited about this season of small groups. If you’re looking for a deeper connection with others within our church, we highly encourage you to plug in to one of the many small groups offered below. If you want to learn more or you’re not sure which group would be the best fit for you or your family, please contact groups@restorationcov.org.
SUNDAY
Second Stage Life Group
Every other Sunday, 6-8pm in host homes
Studying Immerse: Messiah
Led by Dick & Patte Klatt
Families of Youth Lunch
2nd Sundays, Noon-2pm
Eating together and fellowship
Led by Kerry Stok
Women’s Small Group
2nd/4th Sundays, 6-8pm in host homes
Studying Immerse: Messiah
Led by Kara Rasmussen
Family Small Group
1st/3rd Sundays, 5:30-7:30pm in host homes
Studying Immerse: Messiah
Led by Nick and Andrea Youngberg
Family Small Group
1st/3rd Sundays, 5:30-7:30pm in host homes
Studying Immerse: Messiah
Led by Evan and Vinesha Frey
MONDAY
Intergenerational Small Group
Every Monday through November 18, 7-9pm at the Fagerstrom home
Studying Immerse: Messiah
Led by Steve Fagerstrom
TUESDAY
Prayer Group
Every Tuesday, 7-9pm at the Ministry Center
Led by Mary Beshara and Michael Nybakken
Women’s Small Group
Every Tuesday, Oct 1-Nov 19, 7-8:30pm in the Ministry Center Prayer Room
Studying Immerse: Messiah
Led by Val Magnuson
WEDNESDAY
Parents with Young Children Play Date Group
3rd Wednesdays, 9:30am-11:30am in host homes
Informal time of fellowship while kids play
Led by Chrystine Vilhauer
SATURDAY
Men’s Bible Study Group
Saturdays, 7-8am at the Ministry Center
Studying Immerse: Messiah
Led by Chad White
Amazon Smile
If you do any holiday shopping at Amazon, if you go through AmazonSmile it can also be a gift to Restoration. To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You have access to all the same items through AmazonSmile. You may want to add a bookmark to make it even easier to start your shopping at AmazonSmile. Sign up 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
Calling All Kids
Do you have friends who’d like to have their kids involved in church but have yet to check us out? We have a great way to reach your unchurched family and friends who are looking for fun ways to get their kids to church. Invite them to participate in our Children’s Program on Sunday, December 15. The kids will start practicing for the program during our regular worship time starting November 11. Parents hear a great message and kids learn more about the Christmas story. We’re always looking for adult volunteers to help with our program so if you’re willing to share your gifts, please contact Chrystine Vilhauer.
Pumpkin Party – RSVP by Sunday
Our popular Pumpkin Party at AV Baptist Church (964 Garden View Dr) is not just for families. Join us October 25 @ 6:30pm for this free event, open to any “kid” at any age. Children and parents work together to carve and decorate their pumpkins. We will have a few ideas and tools on hand so bring your friends, your creativity and, of course, a pumpkin! Please RSVP by October 20 to Chrystine Vilhauer.
What We’re Learning in October
Preschoolers
We all want to be strong and courageous. We all want to say we would be brave when faced with fear. But how? What can help us be brave? How can our preschoolers be strong and courageous Super Kids without the capes and super powers we see in the movies? This month we plan on giving preschoolers the answers to all of these questions. We want our preschoolers to grow up knowing that they can be brave because God is with them. How awesome would it be if preschoolers began thinking, ‘God can help me be brave,’ when they are afraid to walk into the dentist office or talk to a new friend at school. Rather than shy away, they can go for it! And, they don’t even need a cape or a mask!
Memory Verse: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid…for the Lord your God goes with you.” Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV
Elementary
This month, we are talking about courage, or doing what you should do, even when you are afraid. Throughout our lives, God may ask us to take risks or do something we may not feel prepared to do. But God will also give us the courage we need to face that challenge. We see this as Jesus faced death on the cross. He chose to be brave and follow through on God’s plan.
Memory Verse: “Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.” Joshua 1:9B NIrV
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: DanielMorgenstern@restorationcov.org
Families of Youth Movie Night – October 18
Strap in for sword fights, monsters, romance, and adventure; we’re watching the Princess Bride. You think you won’t have fun? Inconceivable! This is a student event but that doesn’t mean what you think it means because the whole family is invited. Join us at the Svarens’ house on October 18. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and movie snacks to share. Please RSVP by October 13 to Daniel Morgenstern. That’s all the advice I can give you except maybe to never go against a Sicilian when death is on the line.
Restoration Students Raking – November 2
Romans 12:4-5 “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
We are going to be living that out November 2 starting at 2pm. Restoration Students will be joining students from Faith Covenant Church, South Suburban Evangelical Free Church, and Chapel Hill Church to together as one team to bless the body of Christ. We will be raking the yards of people from all four congregations who could use a little extra help. Meet at South Suburban in the parking lot, bring a rake, gloves, clothes that can get dirty, and a can-do attitude. Let’s be Christ’s hands and feet! Please RSVP by October 27 to Daniel Morgenstern.
Families of Youth Lunch – November 10
These lunches are a wonderful and fun way to get to know other families who have students grades 6-12. Join us at the Schroeders’ on Sunday November 10 from 12-2pm. See you there! Contact KerryStok@restorationcov.org.
Upcoming Dates: December 8 at Culver’s.
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Oct 23, 30 | Nov 6, 13, 20 | Dec 4, 18
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
Oct 27 | Nov 10, 24 | Dec 8, not 22 | 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.
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 Daniel Morgenstern.
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.
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MENA Monday
MENA Monday is coming up on October 21st. Jeff and Darlene Anderson both work for MENA. MENA Monday is a chance to pray for and financially support a specific project run by one of our partners. This year MENA Monday is focusing on Healing Grace International – an Egyptian organization that is bringing clean water to under-served communities.Taps are installed outside the walls of the church so that the water is available to anyone in the village. The goal for this MENA Monday is to raise $11,000 which will provide Healing Grace with two new water filtration systems and will provide the necessary maintenance for all 29 filters for one full year. To donate or find more information CLICK HERE.
Fundraising Banquet
Adventurous Christians, a Covenant Pines Ministry, will be hosting a fundraising banquet Saturday October 26. If you’re interested in learning more about this event click HERE or check out https://covenantpines.org/fundraising-banquet/.
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.