July 29, 2020
For in Him [Jesus Christ] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
Colossians 1:16 NIV
What is worship? What does it encompass? How do we do it? One of the things I was challenged with about worship during college was when someone I looked up to said, “Show me where you spend your time and where you spend your money, and I will show you what you worship.”
I had always heard the word ‘worship’ used in reference to church and mostly to singing, so this leader’s definition challenged me. His definition made me realize I had a pretty limited view on what worship was and is.
During this time of quarantine and limited church gathering, where, how, and what have you worshipped? Has your view of worship shrunk or expanded?
I’m so excited for the Holy Spirit to expand our understanding and practice of worship beyond singing and beyond an hour on Sundays. He (the Holy Spirit) will help us grow as people who, like Jesus said, worship him in spirit and in truth, wherever and whenever we worship.
With much hope,
Pastor Rob
P.S. We have a return, regather, relaunch team working on when and how we can come back together safely and joyfully. We hope to have an update for you soon.
*NEW*
Housewarming Registry
Thanks to everyone who helped us move into our new location on Cedar! Almost everything has been moved from the old Ministry Center and we are in the process of getting settled into our new space. If you are interested in helping our new ministry space feel like home, we have created a “housewarming” registry on Amazon.
Remember to use smile.amazon.com and choose Restoration as your organization to support. Click HERE for instructions getting signed up. If you have any questions contact ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org.
*THIS SUNDAY*
Food on the First
In lieu of our usual Food on the First food collections for the summer, we’ll be collecting gift cards to provide to families in need. Please send grocery gift cards from Target, Cub, Aldi, or Walmart to Michele Jacobson. Please message us at info@restorationcov.org
Love Thy Neighbor Bingo
When Jesus was asked what the most important commandment was, he replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” When Jesus was asked who one’s neighbor was he told a story about a compassionate outsider. Jesus wasn’t just talking about his (or our) physical neighbors; he was talking about all the people around us, whether it be the people we work with, play with, learn with, or live near.
While all of these are included in his definition of neighbor, we want to focus on the neighbors we live near, especially during our beautiful Minnesota summers.
Our hope and prayer is that each of us can build relationships with our neighbors and hear their stories and have an opportunity to share ours. As an encouragement to our Restoration community, we created a Love thy Neighbor Bingo Card and Sign. Thanks to Culver’s in Apple Valley, we will hook you up with a free scoop of custard if you complete the entire card by August 30. Just let us know by filling out the form HERE.
Baptism and Dedication at Restoration
Did you know Believer Baptism is a picture of how Jesus has changed your life and a response to God’s redeeming love for us? If God has been working in your life, have you considered being baptized? We will be doing believer baptisms in August. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact MatthewGoerdt@restorationcov.org. If you are interested in having a child dedicated or baptized, please contact ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org or contact the church office.
Small Groups Meeting Online via Zoom
In these unprecedented times, it’s more important than ever to have face time with friends and family – even if it’s virtual. We recognize the huge value in this opportunity to stay connected and some of our small groups have formed online zoom chats to stay connected:</style=”display:>
- Men’s Group – Every Saturday morning at 7am – led by Chad White
- Prayer Group – Every Tuesday 7-9pm – led by Mary Beshara and Michael Nybakken
- Adultish? Group – Friday evenings – led by Daniel Morgenstern
These groups are all easy to join. Please reach out to DanielMorgenstern@restorationcov.org to get connected to these zoom chats or to find the group that fits best.
You are invited to Family Game Night! – August 3
We want to stay connected and have fun through these times, so every other Monday from 7:30pm-8:30pm we will be gathering through Zoom to play some fun party games together! No installation or purchase required. Anyone age 12+ can join the game via computer, phone, or any other device that can browse the internet. If you’re interested and would like to know more, please contact Matthew at: matthewgoerdt@restorationcov.org
Sunday Coffee Time
Are you missing after service chats by the coffee cart? Join us after the message Sunday on a zoom call for our virtual coffee meeting; we’ll bring the company you bring the coffee. We will break up into groups of 3-4 callers to give you a chance to chat and check in on folks you might not have connected with otherwise. Use this link to join. A link will also be posted in the chat at the end of the service on Sunday.
Online Giving
There’s no time like the present to set up online giving. Because our regularly scheduled worship service will be online for the next few weeks, online tithing is a way to remain faithful in your giving even in the most uncertain of times. Decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. We encourage you to consider giving online so that your giving is regular and easy to manage – it’s easy to sign up HERE.
Pray or Receive Prayer
Now more than ever, people are turning toward prayer or are in desperate need of prayer. We have an amazingly gifted prayer team you can depend on for prayer. They’re always looking for other prayer warriors if you want to join or if you need prayer for any situation, you can contact them. 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
Play & Pray – August 5, 19
Looking to get out of the house and connect with other parents and kids this summer? We are bringing back Play and Pray! Bring a chair or blanket so we can sit at a safe distance while we talk about the things going on in our lives and share prayer requests. We will be meeting at Apple Grove Park (by the fire station at CR42 and Hayes) on Wednesday, August 5 and 19 at 9am.
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.