December 13, 2018
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
Luke 1:35 NIV
In Rob's message on Sunday he talked about how humility paves the way for God's favor. He further explained that many of the key characters in the Bible, specifically Mary in regard to the Christmas story, were used by God because of their humility. How do we grow in our humility and how does that help us connect with one another?
Humility is defined as a modest or low view of one's own importance; humbleness. I think it's fair to say that we live in a world where humility is not admired. Our subtle and not-so-subtle bragging extends from our beautiful Christmas cards to our social media feeds and everywhere in between. We tend to leave our dirty laundry out of these places because we think that showing only the beautiful side of our lives will draw favor from our family and friends. The fact that Jesus Himself was born in the lowliest of places and hung out with people with super dirty laundry is a significant sign that God wants us to understand that He was sent for all of us, not just those who appear to have it together.
As Rob related on Sunday, you don't find a lot of self-help books that preach of the importance of humbleness but you'll find book after book about getting ahead, going after what you want and finding ultimate success. When I think of the people who have made the most impact in my life, they are not the richest nor most successful people I've known, but the ones who have selflessly given of themselves (their time, talents, finances) in order to help me or someone who needed it more. The worldly way is selfishness and self-righteousness, but humility is the way of Jesus.
What does humility look like for each of us in this busy season of Christmas? For me, it looks a little tougher than I'd like to admit. It looks a lot like hosting my husband's family for the umpteenth time for Christmas and not being grumpy about it because it stresses us out much less than it does others to do so. It means slowing down when my son desperately wants to build Lego cars to race (and beating him, so he knew my heart was truly in it) even though I have presents to wrap, desserts to bake and laundry to do. Sometimes humility means taking help from friends in order to provide care for yourself or your family when you really need it.
On Sunday we sent home some hot chocolate and tea with you. This week, I pray you'll selflessly take the time to sit with someone and really just be with them – pray with them, drink with them, listen to them and their needs during this busy time. It may be a friend, a neighbor, a child, a spouse, or even someone you're not particularly fond of who really needs a listening ear. I urge you to pray about a way you can slow down and take in this season. In this second week of Advent, I pray you'll seek out peace and find it in the quiet and humble places Christ leads you.
In peace,
Kerry
*NEW*
Sip and Social Baby Shower
At Restoration we value living life in community and part of living in community includes celebrating major milestones with one another. We are excited to be welcoming several babies at the end of this year and beginning of next. To celebrate these new little ones and to simply gather as women of Restoration of all ages and life stages, we will be having a Sip & Social Baby Shower on February 2 from 1-3pm at the Ministry Center. It'll be a fun-filled afternoon of connection, cake and punch, games, a devotional, and time of prayer. If you have have recently had a baby or will be soon, please come as our guest of honor. Each new mama will leave with one meaningful gift. If you would like to provide a gift, find out how you can help, have any questions or would like to RSVP, please contact kararasmussen@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, January 12 from 10am-1pm at the Ministry Center with 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. For questions of any kind regarding membership, contact ChristaYoung@restorationcov.org or KaraRasmussen@restorationcov.org.
Advent in Action
We encourage you to join us as we take the practices we’ve learned throughout the BLESS series and extend them during Advent. Advent is really a season of promise and of waiting. In our worship, we prepare for the birth of the baby in a dusty stable in Bethlehem. The promise of the baby is also the promise of eternal life to all who believe. As we go into Advent, we hope you’ll join us as we provide you with the tools to BLESS someone else in your community. Please know that these are only tools to help you, you may have your own ways that you bless others this season, but we know that this is a season where people are open to the promise of Jesus. Stay tuned each week for a new way for you to experience Advent in Action. You can find printable copies of the handouts on our website HERE.
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.
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.
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.
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.
