January 30, 2020
“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
Luke 11:28
I was so excited when I learned that Pastor Rob was going to be teaching about the biblical perspective of financial responsibility. This is a topic near and dear to me. I know what it feels like to be drowning in debt, and I know what it feels like to be free from it! But these biblical principles don’t just apply to you and me; they also apply to our churches. A church needs a financially healthy congregation in order to support its staff and missions; however, the church is also called to be good stewards of the tithes and offerings they receive.
At the last church we attended, the decision was made to run a capital campaign and ask the congregation for funds to pay off the existing mortgage of the church building and become debt-free. My husband and I, and many other members of the congregation, were totally on board with this and pledged an amount above and beyond our normal tithing. The campaign was successful and after a short time, the church was debt-free! They now had the ability to fully fund their missions, cancel the deficit in retirement contributions promised to the staff which they were previously unable to pay, and establish a much-needed maintenance fund for an aging building in need of repairs.
We live in a culture of instant gratification, one where it is very easy to get caught up in the “I want it all, and I want it now!” mentality. And if we’re not careful, we can easily find ourselves living in the bondage of debt. This is not what God desires for His children or His church! Restoration has been in a “temporary” space now for almost 10 years. As our congregation has grown (thank you, Jesus!), our space has become cramped. Our setup/teardown teams are tired. Our portable equipment is showing wear and tear. And as a volunteer who regularly helps with the setup and teardown for our weekly Sunday service, no one wants a permanent home more than me (just ask several members of the Leadership Team!). That’s why I was very excited to hear during the Vision Update that Restoration has started a fund to make a permanent facility a reality! I am so thankful to be a member of a church that practices financial responsibility and follows the principles laid out for us in the Bible. God calls us to be good stewards of what we are given. Luke 11:28 tells us “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” And when we, as a people and as a church, obey God’s principles, we are always rewarded.
God Bless,
DeeAnn
*THIS SUNDAY*
Football Sunday – February 2
We’re amping up Football Sunday this year with a tailgating experience you won’t want to miss! Join us during our regular worship time for food, games, and fun you don’t have to be a football fan to enjoy. In fact, Football Sunday is actually a celebration of how God is in the middle of all aspects of life, even the NFL. Be blown away by how God can make even the biggest, strongest professional football player rely on His strength. Football Sunday is a great opportunity for you to invite a friend or a sports fan to church to hear players share their faith stories before the big game. If you’re not a fan or don’t have a team in the game, Football Sunday might actually even make you cheer for the Christian players you’ll hear from. Food and games begin at 9:45am.
*THIS SUNDAY*
Food on the First: Super Bowl Edition
Based on prior data, the average American family spends about $75 on food, decorations and team apparel for the Super Bowl. This year, our Food on the First non-perishable food collection just so happens to fall on Super Bowl Sunday. When you’re out buying food and supplies for your big game parties, please also consider food and gift card donations for the families of Westview Elementary School. When we provide these donations, we all win (even if our team’s not in the Super Bowl).
*NEW*
Men’s Movie and Games Night – Saturday, February 29
Men of all ages are invited to enjoy an afternoon/evening of games and a movie at the ministry center February 29 from 4-7pm. We’ll be watching Black Panther. If you don’t want to watch the movie, come for the food and hang out and play games. RSVP by Feb 23 to DanielMorgenstern@restorationcov.org so we can get enough food.
*NEW*
Women’s Sip & Social – Friday, February 28
Women of Restoration – winter is long in Minnesota, can I get an Amen? Please join us for a break in the long winter season to socialize with Restoration ladies at Jo Jo’s Rise & Wine, 12501 Nicollet Ave #100, Burnsville. We’ve reserved a room from 6:30-8pm at Jo Jo’s and food and beverages are available for purchase there. RSVP by Feb 23 to kerrystok@restorationcov.org.
Current Message Series – Life, Money, Legacy
“Money management” is a phrase that makes some of us cringe. To some, it seems an impossible task. To others, it might feel constricting or negative. Taking practical steps to manage your money can actually be both freeing and healing. In this five-part message series, we will learn practical, biblical advice on topics like budgeting, money myths, and more based on wisdom from trusted financial expert Dave Ramsey. No matter your situation, the principles learned here can help with getting out of debt, making better financial solutions, and ultimately finding peace and creating a legacy that lasts.
Parking
Just a reminder that this time of year is always a busy sports season at all the buildings surrounding the Senior Center. Due to ever-evolving sports schedules, please build in time for parking and remember that you can always park in Westview’s parking lot if you have a hard time finding a spot. Thank you for your patience and good job getting that extra walking in that you planned for in your new year’s resolution!
Covenant Pines Family Camp
Did you know that several families from Restoration have participated in Covenant Pines Family Camp for the past few years? Covenant Pines family camps are designed to give you quality time with your family. Covenant Pines works hard to provide a loving, exciting, and energizing environment where life-changing moments can happen on a daily basis. They have two programmed Family Camps at CPBC every summer from July 4-7 or August 8-11. Early bird registration discount ends February 1. Covenant Pines also has their Silver Beach Family Area available all summer for families to have a less programmed, but still very intentional stay. You can pick up a brochure at the info table on Sunday or check out their website HERE.
Feed my Starving Children AND Families of Youth Dinner – February 8
Looking for an amazing outreach opportunity to serve kids in need with your friends and family? Join us for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) to pack meals for hungry kids worldwide on Saturday, February 8 from 4:30-6:30pm. We will meet at 4:15pm at 990 Lone Oak Road, Suite 136, Eagan. There is no cost to participate, but FMSC welcomes donations. Invite your friends and family for this awesome international outreach! Everyone age 5 and up is welcome, but space is limited. We will meet back at the Ministry Center following FMSC for pizza. Please plan to contribute $5/person with a maximum of $20/family for pizza. Additionally, because this is the day before our normally scheduled Families of Youth lunch, pizza at the Ministry Center will serve as our monthly get-together for Families of Youth so we hope you can join us for FMSC, pizza or both! All are welcome – you don’t have to be a FOY to join us for pizza following FMSC. Please RSVP to DanielMorgenstern@restorationcov.org.
Sewing & Crafts Workshop – February 16
We’ve set a date for the sewing and crafts workshop on Sunday, February 16 from 2-4pm. If you are interested participating as a learner or a teacher, please let us know by January 26 so we can plan. If you’ve already signed up, we’ll be reaching out to you soon. If you’d like to participate or help, please contact KerryStok@restorationcov.org.
Restoration Small Groups
Small Groups exist to help people be known and grow in their relationships with God, the church, and with others. If you have a question about our next small group season starting up soon, please contact Daniel at groups@restorationcov.org.
SUNDAY
Second Stage Group
Every other Sunday, 6-8pm in host homes
Studying the sermon series
Led by Dick & Patte Klatt
Families of Youth Lunch
2nd Sundays, Noon-2pm
Eating together and fellowship
Led by Kerry Stok
Women’s Small Group
Every other Sunday, 6-7:15pm in host homes
Studying the sermon series
Led by Teresa Slepicka
Family Small Group
Every other Sunday, 5:30-7:30pm in host homes
Studying the sermon series
Led by Nick and Andrea Youngberg
TUESDAY
Prayer Group
Every Tuesday, 7-9pm at the Ministry Center
Led by Mary Beshara and Michael Nybakken
WEDNESDAY
Parents with Young Children Play Date Group
3rd Wednesdays, 9:30am-11:30am in host homes
Informal time of fellowship while kids play
Led by Chrystine Vilhauer
SATURDAY
Men’s Bible Study Group
Saturdays, 7-8am at the Ministry Center
Studying the book of Revelation
Led by Chad White
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.
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
What We’re Learning in February
Preschoolers
All Aboard! Jesus loves everyone, and He wants everyone to come aboard and be His friend forever. When we look at the kind of friend Jesus was while He was on earth, we can see that Jesus truly does love everyone. Throughout the Bible, we find accounts of the times that Jesus loved those considered unworthy and wanted to be their friend—no matter what.
At some point, even our precious preschoolers will all find themselves in the shoes of these “unworthy” people. Like Zacchaeus, they will have friends mad at them for a wrong choice. Or, they may not feel like they fit in because of where they’re from much like the woman at the well. But, Jesus loves them anyway—no matter what. That is what we want them to know. That will help them choose grace and to love everyone the way Jesus loves them. So let’s get ready for an amazing ride together. All Aboard!
Memory Verse: “Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12, NIV
Elementary
All throughout the Bible, the writers of Scripture remind us that God is love. From the creation of the world to God’s relentless pursuit of us, God has shown time and again that love is most important. Even though we’ve all sinned, God loved us enough to make a way for us to have a forever relationship with Him. The Gospels are full of moments where Jesus prioritized love above all else, especially when He summed up the greatest commandment with: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus made this real when He showed us how much God loves us by sacrificing His life for our sins.
Memory Verse: “Here is what love is. It is not that we loved God. It is that he loved us and sent His son to give His life to pay for our sins.” 1 John 4:10, NIRV
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: DanielMorgenstern@restorationcov.org
Homemade Snacks Needed
Every Wednesday, Restoration Students crave snacks. It takes roughly 20,000 homemade snacks for a student group to feel satisfied (according to hungry students). Yet sadly, our students only receive homemade snacks every once in a while and must instead make do with store-bought cookies and crackers.
“They’re just not the same” -Sad Student
“I’m so hungry!” -Literally Every Student
Please help Daniel feed these poor souls. You can make a difference by volunteering to make snacks. Contact Janae Barriuso at rjbarriuso@gmail.com to volunteer or sign up directly on Signup Genius.
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 | Mar 4, 11, 18, 25 | Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | May 6, 13, 20, 27
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!
Middle School Group
Feb 9, 23 | Mar 8, 22 | Apr 26 | May 10, 24
Students in grades 6-8 begin Sunday mornings in the worship service. On the designated Sundays, they meet in the café for discussion and activities that complement the Sunday morning message.
Join the Students Team
Do you have a passion for working with students? Are you interested in serving Restoration through our Wednesday Night Student Groups? We would love to hear from you! The students team is looking for adult men and women who would like to get involved in being a part of our team. We welcome anyone who loves God and loves the idea of working with students. Contact Daniel Morgenstern.
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.
