August 5, 2020
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15
I don’t know about you, but I feel like it’s been months since we’ve gathered in person. Oh wait. In all seriousness, many of us have had to adapt to distance learning, navigate the challenges and stress of unemployment, set up work-from-home stations, learn how to create community through digital tools, and adopt gathering as a church community online. All of these shifts and changes are coupled with the seemingly second-by-second updates and recommendations at the national, state, and local level regarding COVID-19.
As members of the Leadership Team, we are closely monitoring the current recommendations and requirements around COVID-19. In fact, we have a dedicated committee with our own church community representatives who are meeting regularly to discuss how we safely and wisely regather, relaunch, and return in person. Those serving on this committee are Garrett Zaffke, Michele Jacobson, Chrystine Vilhauer, Janae Barriuso, Stephanie Carlson, Carrie Harpell, DeeAnn LaLuzerne, and Michael Van Dyken, along with myself. It’s been an honor to have all perspectives brought to the discussion, hear each other’s hearts, and wisely discern and pray about our recommendations for regathering.
This committee’s goal is to bring our well thought out and prayed about recommendations to the August 18th Leadership Team meeting. After recommendations are presented, there will be further communications and guidance provided to our church community.
In closing, we miss you and I know you all miss each other. We will continue to be obedient in prayer, wise in our decision making, and loving our neighbors while the ocean around us continues to feel unsettled. I leave you with this, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15
With much hope,
Allison
*NEW*
Outdoor Worship Service
On Sunday, August 30, we invite you to join us at Central Park in Rosemount for an outdoor worship celebration. We will also have our worship service online for those not comfortable with meeting in person yet or for those who can’t make it. We are so excited to see you, hear what God is doing, and celebrate where we’ve been and where we are going.
A couple things to know about this outdoor celebration:
Bring a chair or blanket, a beverage and a picnic lunch for you/your family.
You are welcome but not required to wear a face covering (since we will be outside).
We will be social distancing so we trust that you will stay roughly 6 feet away from each other and we ask that you refrain from hugging or handshakes. I know some of you will be VERY disappointed about that.
We will be inviting testimonies to what God has been doing in our lives during our time apart.
We want to celebrate believer baptisms, so please let us know if you are interested.
We will only be singing at the beginning (spaced out) but we understand if that is an obstacle for you, we invite you to join us at 10:20am.
Again, if you are not comfortable meeting in person, we hope you will join us online.
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.
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 on August 30. 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:
- 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 17
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
Restoration Kids’ Lessons
We believe that every moment with your kids matters and that as parents, we have the opportunity to impress Biblical truth in a kid’s life, especially during these unprecedented circumstances.
Follow this link to access each week’s video lesson that your kids can complete on their own or with you.
Play & Pray – August 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 19 at 9am.
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact Daniel with questions about any Restoration Students events at DanielMorgenstern@restorationcov.org or 952-686-8408.
*NEW*
Students Movie Night – August 12
There’s nothing more fun in the summer than watching a classic outdoors with friends. Students and their parents are welcome to the Svarens’ backyard (14371 Garland Avenue, Apple Valley) from 8-10pm Wednesday, August 12 to watch The Sandlot. Bring your own snack, a lawn chair, bug spray, a blanket, and a friend. Hand sanitizer and pre-packaged snacks will be provided at the event and masks are recommended but not required. Please reach out to Janice Svaren at svaren96@yahoo.com for further information..
*NEW*
Disc Golf – August 19
Hey Students, let’s test your aim. We will be playing disc golf at Alimagnet Disc Golf Course from 3-4:30pm on Wednesday, August 19. Wear athletic clothes and bring bug spray, golf discs if you have them, and a friend. Golf discs will be available at the event so come even if you don’t have discs to play. Please reach out to Daniel Morgenstern at danielmorgenstern@restorationcov.org or 952-686-8408.
*NEW*
Students Nerf Event
Do Nerf guns make a “bang bang” noise or a “pew pew?” You’ll have to come and find out. We’re having a little backyard Nerf and water war. Meet at the Stoks’ backyard (14706 Dunbar Ct, Apple Valley) from 5:30-7:30pm on Wednesday, August 26. Wear athletic clothes and bring Nerf guns and ammo, water guns, and a friend. Oh, and don’t forget your cardboard tank (or any other creations). I know I won’t forget mine. Hand sanitizer will be provided at the event and masks are recommended but not required. Please reach out to Daniel Morgenstern at danielmorgenstern@restorationcov.org or 952-686-8408.
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.