December 20, 2018
People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Luke 18:15-17
This past Sunday was Restoration's annual children's Christmas program. There has been a kids' Christmas program for more than four years. It's grown and changed since the first one, but what hasn't changed is the story we tell and the impact we pray it will have. And like the carols we've been studying in this sermon series, we strive to make the familiar, new; the comfortable, exciting. From my perspective, that's really easy to do with our Restoration children.
This year, the story was told through the eyes of the shepherds. As the kids and I talked through the script during our second rehearsal, we discussed the fact that shepherds had to deal with some pretty scary challenges like lost sheep, lions or wolves. And even in their fear, shepherds were brave and faced the trials as best they could…like Jesus going to the cross. We talked about the angels as God's army and His announcers and that nothing scares them. And once the conversation started, the kids were quick to provide all kinds of motivation and back-story for the characters of the Magi and innkeepers. It seems like the story is very familiar to every child who participated. But I sense that telling it as a character in costume made it fresh and new for most of them.
Did any of those messages translate into their performance? Well, not for everyone. Did any of those messages make a lasting impression? I'm still praying they will. Did they know their lines were right out of Scripture? Not today, but maybe in a few years, they'll read it in the Bible again and recognize it as a line they memorized in the Christmas play.
And I hope the fresh-familiar was not limited to the kids' experience. Barb Ongna, the program's music director, found wonderful songs that were new, but impactful. Ginny Bauman, Jackie Johnson, Mary Beshara, Amy Day (and crew), and Erin Garcia provided invaluable production help reviving old costumes and making new ones. Brian and DeeAnn LaLuzerne and a half dozen men from the set-up ministry gave up a Saturday afternoon to make sure we had a stage, a sophisticated sound system and cameras to help all the kids (for the most part) be seen and heard. The Middle Schoolers and High Schoolers who were in the choir/band shared their God-given talents just like the Magi shared their gifts – just for the joy of it. Matthew and the band (Jordan, Tim and Joe) gave their time and support so we had live music to go with the authentic, enthusiastic voices of our children. The story was truly theirs to tell.
I thought about doing a take on the 12 Days of Christmas and list out all the stats like 12 square feet of staging, 11 shepherds' hooks, 10 by 10 feet of mic cord, 9 script revisions, etc. But it's not about statistics. The children's Christmas program at Restoration is about changed lives. So, I'll close with my favorite lyrics from last Sunday's songs…"Even when He saw my heart and knew what I would need, God gave His Son to save all those who would believe. And out of His great love, He included me." May you find something fresh-familiar this Christmas.
In peace,
Christa
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.
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.
Sip and Social Baby Shower – February 2nd
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
Membership Class – January 12th
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.
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
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 STUDENTS
Contact: students@restorationcov.org
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Upcoming Dates: 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.
