December 6, 2018
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV
There are so many grand expectations for Christmas, yet sometimes it feels as if the Christmas cheer has gone missing, doesn’t it? How do you participate in the merry and glad when you’re just trying to make it through the Holidays? You wish for the normal days to hurry up and come back. Perhaps you’ve called yourself a Grinch. But you’re not, you’re probably exhausted, trying to hold it together for everyone, trying to make this a pleasant time for all the people that you feel depend on you. Perhaps you have a child sick in the hospital, or one who is easily overwhelmed by the Christmas Spirit which brings parties and music and lights. Too much. Too fast. Too loud. Friend take a deep breath, this is not what Christmas is about.
God became flesh. Born without any parties or special decorations, but rather in a manger, in the still of the night.
Christmas can happen in the silent night.
When everyone is sleeping – even if only for a little while – dim the lights, stoke a fire, breathe in the Christmas tree, and if you do not have a tree light a candle.
Breathe in the stillness, the peace, the soft glow of the light. And no matter how messy or hard life has felt lately, know that in that moment you are not alone. The one we celebrate, Jesus, is waiting to meet with you.
He is Emmanuel, God with us. God meeting you in the silence. He knows your pain, your struggles, your heartaches. Let Him be a voice of peace to your weary soul. Let Him remind you that you are not alone, and when life is more than you can handle, He will carry you through.
Let his everlasting light shine in the darkness, in the places where you feel broken. Speak to Him of your hopes and your fears. Of the trials and the dreams.
This is Christmas. You and Him in the silent night.
Let Him remind you that you matter. That you are doing a good job with your kids. That your resilience and determination do not go unnoticed. That the little things you do indeed matter a great deal. That when you keep going when you feel exhausted it’s a testimony of the beautiful person that you are. The person that loves and gives out of that love. Rest in Him knowing how precious you are to Him, how proud He is of you.
So have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light. Let your troubles fall at the feet of the One we celebrate during this time. Let His peace cover you.
Sometimes a silent night turns out to be a Holy night. And that is the best Christmas of all.
Blessings,
Ellen
*THIS SUNDAY*
Women’s Christmas Gathering – December 9th
The Sunday Night Women's Small Group would like to invite all Restoration ladies and a guest to a Sip and Social Christmas party! Join us Sunday, December 9th from 6:30-8:30pm at Kara Rasmussen's house: 161 Spruce drive Apple Valley MN 55124. Consider this opportunity to invite a friend to this informal evening of food, song and holiday festivities. RSVP or contact kararasmussen@restorationcov.org with any questions.
New Prayer Team Leader
As of December 1, Mary Beshara will take over as the leader of the Prayer Ministry team, taking on the role that Leanne Esch has faithfully held here at Restoration. Mary has a proven passion for prayer- both in engaging in prayer for others, and in helping others grow in their experience of prayer. We hope you'll join us in welcoming Mary into this new role and thanking Leanne for her loving leadership on the prayer team.
Christmas Eve Service – December 24, 3:30pm
We will gather for a special time of worship at 3:30pm on Monday, December 24, at our usual worship location, 14601 Hayes Road in Apple Valley. Child care will be provided for younger children, birth through preschool, and busy bags will be available at the worship services for children in grades K-5. Please visit the information table in the lobby on Sunday for invitations you can share with someone you know.
Christian Reading Recommendations
Based on an excellent recommendation from one of our members and because we’re always looking for ways to encourage spiritual growth and learning, the staff and leaders of Restoration have helped to compile a list of Christian book recommendations. THIS LIST can be used as a reference for personal use, small group reading selections or if you’re looking for a book for a friend or family member this Christmas. Printed lists can be found at the information table. If you have any questions or have any suggested books for either adults or children to add to the list, please contact Kerry at kerrystok@restorationcov.org.
Amazon Smile
Do you order online from Amazon for Christmas? Did you know that when you shop and buy at Amazon.com, if you go through AmazonSmile you can support Restoration? To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile. To sign up, go to the following link Amazon Smile and choose Restoration Covenant Church as your organization to support. Thanks in advance for choosing to support Restoration!
No Worship Service on Sunday, December 30
The holidays are a great time to express our appreciation to all of our volunteers who invest in Restoration’s mission on a weekly basis. Thank you to our amazing team leads and loyal volunteers. We are so thankful for you and all the work you do! We hope you'll enjoy sleeping in on Sunday, December 30, because we will not be gathering for a worship service that day. However, we do hope you'll join us that day for…
…Sunday Fun Day!
Restoration is going to have a whole lot of fun on Sunday, December 30. We'll meet at the Ministry Center at 10am until 1pm. Staff will provide brunch from 10-11:30am. Stick around for games and conversation. There will also be some great games set up in the large room, but you are welcome to bring your own game as well. This is an "all church" event which means everyone is welcome. No RSVP required. Festive or tacky Christmas attire is encouraged. Contact LaceySkoglund@restorationcov.org in the church office with questions.
Caroling – December 19
Because our Christmas message series focuses on Christmas Carols, the staff thought it'd be an awesome idea to bless others this holiday season through the gift of song. Even if your singing doesn't feel like a gift, your presence is and we hope you'll join us at the Ministry Center on Wednesday, December 19 at 6:30pm to carol with us. This will take place during our regularly scheduled Restoration Students but ALL ages and musical abilities are welcomed and encouraged to carol. Please RSVP to info@restorationcov.org to let us know you're coming so we know how many groups we'll have.
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 in various homes
Studying the current sermon series
Led by Kara Rasmussen
Family Life Group (children welcome)
Every other Sunday, 5:30-7:30pm in various homes
Studying the current sermon series
Led by Matt & Mallory Allinder
Second Stage Life Group
Every other Sunday, 6:00-8:00pm at the Klatts' home
Studying the current sermon series
Led by Dick & Patte Klatt
Families of Youth Life Group (potluck lunch)
2nd Sunday of the month, Noon-2:00pm in various homes
Fellowship with some discussion and prayer
Led by Janice Svaren
TUESDAY
Women's Life Group (children welcome)
Every other Tuesday 10am at the Days' home
Studying the current sermon series
Led by Amy Day
WEDNESDAY
All Ages Life Group (children welcome)
Every other Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm at the Zaffkes' home
Studying the current sermon series
Led by Garrett & Amy Zaffke
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
Kid’s Christmas Program – December 16th
Invite your friends and family to join us at 10am on December 16 as the kids usher us into a morning of worship that will help inspire your Christmas season. Pastor Rob shares the stage with the children of Restoration Kids as they retell the Christmas story and remind us that Christ's presence is the real gift of the season. Parents please have your kids to church at 9am on Sunday, December 16. Contact: ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: students@restorationcov.org
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Upcoming Dates: Dec 19, Jan 9, 16, 23, 30
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 students@restorationcov.org
Middle School Group
Upcoming Dates: Jan 6, 20
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.
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Ukraine Mission Trip
Jacob Sturges is preparing for a 10-day mission trip to the Ukraine where he will visit and serve local orphans at a state run orphanage that currently serves about 120 children. If you're interested in learning more about his trip or supporting Jacob through your prayers or finances click HERE or contact him at Jacob.Lee.Sturges@gmail.com.
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.
