October 24, 2019
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
Romans 15:4
Greetings Restoration,
Though I’ve been in God’s Word for many years, I will admit that I have never read it from cover to cover. I have, however, attempted it several times. I’ve bought many different translations, hoping one would be easier to understand than another. I’ve tried to follow a one-year reading plan, a chronological reading plan, and attempted to start in Genesis and read all the way through to the end of Revelation (I’m pretty sure I got lost somewhere in Leviticus). So, when Pastor Rob announced that we’d be reading the Bible together as a church, I was so excited. I had been told that this version of the Bible took away the chapters and verse numbers and was written more like a novel than a Bible; this appealed to me since one of the things I struggle with when reading the Bible is the sometimes-illogical placement of chapters and verses. I eagerly started reading… and by Day 3 was already struggling. You see, when it comes to reading the Bible, I am a rather slow reader; I get hung up on trying to pronounce all the odd names and then I lose focus and end up re-reading a lot. Then my husband told me that he had been listening to the podcasts on his way to and from work, so I decided to give them a try. I’m so glad I did!
Listening to the daily readings has brought the Bible to life for me. Each podcast (unless it’s a continuation of the previous day) begins with an introduction, providing context and background information regarding what was taking place at the time the book or letter was written, and why it was written. These introductions have answered many questions and filled in a lot of “blanks” for me and have helped immensely with my understanding of these parts of the Bible. And, since I no longer have to worry about how to pronounce all the names of people and places, I don’t get stuck on them and lose focus. As I listen to the reader, it’s almost as if they’re sitting in my living room relating the stories to me personally! Who knows, I may even continue with the other Immerse volumes after we’re finished with this one.
If you’re like me and have been struggling with reading the Immerse book, I encourage you to give the podcasts a try. Romans 15:4 tells us “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Find a comfortable spot, grab a cup of coffee and sit a spell (I like to crochet as I listen; I’m halfway finished with a sweater!), allowing the stories of the Bible to come to life for you.
Blessings,
DeeAnn LaLuzerne
Immerse: Messiah – Week 5
We have passed the halfway mark 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, Pastor Rob will preach from the readings covered in Week 5 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 Week 4
Sunday Message Transcripts
Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4
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 FRIDAY*
Pumpkin Party – 6:30pm
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!
*THIS SUNDAY*
Communion Sunday
This Sunday we’ll be celebrating communion as part of the worship service. Communion is a sacred practice in the Christian church instituted by Jesus Christ. The bread and cup represent and remind us of Jesus’ body and blood freely being offered to restore us with God. Please note that we always use juice instead of wine and have gluten-free bread available so that all members of our community can participate in communion. If you have questions about kids and communion, please contact ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org
*NEW*
Membership Class
Becoming a member of Restoration is about joining with fellow believers and making a commitment to the local church by recognizing that we are better together. Through this commitment, we put down roots for strong spiritual growth and join Christ in declaring our love for the Church that He gave his life for. A one-day Restoration membership class will be offered on Saturday, November 23 from 10am-1pm at the Ministry Center with a pizza lunch included. More information can be found HERE. If you’re interested in membership but this day doesn’t work for you, we’d love to talk with you. If you need childcare to be able to attend this class please let us know. Contact ChristaYoung@restorationcov.org with questions regarding membership.
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
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.
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
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 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 three 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 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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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.