February 13, 2020
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
Malachi 3:10
When Becky and I signed up to take the Financial Peace University class almost six years ago, I knew we would be getting some “good information” about finances, budgeting, and strategies that go along with each. My own enthusiasm might have initially been described as “mediocre” at best. While we were not in a financial crisis mode at the time, looking back on things, we may have been closer than I realized. My mediocrity toward the opportunity rather quickly took on a somewhat more enthusiastic tone as I realized that we were not just getting good philosophical financial advice, but actual tools that we could use in order to get our financial “house” in order.
Several years later, Becky and I still hold monthly budget meetings. While some of the very first meetings were filled with confusion and frustration (and more than one broken pencil!), the results have been incalculable. These monthly budget meetings have produced many important results. To name a few:
- Joyfully tithing to Restoration and other ministries because it’s the very first—not the very last—line item on the budget.
- Paying off my grad school loans five years early.
- Eliminating ALL debt from our financial picture (minus the mortgage!) but also having a plan to pay off the mortgage early.
- Finally having a plan to financially prepare for retirement.
Since then, both Becky and I have been able to utilize a student version of the materials in our classrooms with high school students. The “Peace” aspect of Financial Peace University cannot be underestimated. The budget meetings can still be stressful at times, but we also know that by working through them, we are creating a sustainable financial future for ourselves and to leave a legacy of financial peace for others in our lives, too. When Restoration offers the class again, we can personally attest that it will be worth the investment of time and energy to pursue it. Anything worth doing is worth doing well. We are grateful for both the short-term and long-term biblical principles that have contributed to our financial peace and how our kingdom perspectives on faith, finances, and life have changed for the better.
With hope,
Chris
*NEW*
Financial Peace
If you felt the tug of the Holy Spirit to change things during our Life, Money, and Legacy series then this may be for you. We are offering the Financial Peace University class at the ministry center 12:30-2:30pm on Sundays beginning March 1. This life-changing class will help you live as a good caretaker of God’s resources by showing you how to eliminate debt, save for the future, and give like never before. The cost is $130 per family for the course kit. Some scholarships are available for those unable to afford the expense. Contact: DeeAnn LaLuzerne, deeannlaluzerne@restorationcov.org for registry and questions.
*NEW Message Series*
Unashamed: stories of shame, truth, & hope
Whether we realize it or not, all of us carry a spiritual infection…its name is shame and it affects every aspect of our lives: personal, spiritual, vocational and relational. Shame is universal and yet elusive. It’s sometimes difficult to put into words because it possibly infected us before we had words for it. It causes feelings of embarrassment, humiliation, disgrace, and depression. Shame seeks to disintegrate our minds and our relationships and lock us into invisible prisons. And yet, there is hope. God created a world without shame and He designed us to live in that joyful, creative space. Jesus came to bring us hope, give us sight, and set us free. In this series, we will share stories of shame and see how the truth can break us free from the stronghold of shame. Begins Feb 23.
*NEW*
Membership Class
We are better together! Church membership is about joining with fellow believers and making a commitment to the local church. When we covenant, or commit to each other, it shifts our identity from a “friend of the family” to “family member” status. Through this commitment we put down roots for strong spiritual growth and we join Christ in declaring our love for the Church that He gave his life for. Our next two-night membership class is tentatively scheduled for March 16 and 23 from 7-9pm at the Ministry Center. We say tentatively because we want to accommodate anyone who is interested in joining so please reach out to ChristaYoung@restorationcov.org with any questions or if you’re interested but these times don’t work for you.
*NEW*
Online Giving
In order to meet the financial goals we believe God is guiding us towards, our church needs an increase of giving of 21% over the next six months. We don’t share this to guilt but to encourage you to be a vital part of our church’s health and growth. 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.
Women’s Sip & Social – 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.
Men’s Movie and Games Night – 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.
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. 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.
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
Play Group – February 19
Parents and caregivers of littles, are you looking for a place to connect with others during the week while your kids have friends to play with? We’d love for you to join us on the 3rd Wednesday of the month for an informal time of play, connection and prayer! Our next meeting time is February 19, 9:30-11:30am at Chrystine Vilhauer’s home. Contact chrystinevilhauer@restorationcov.org with questions or to let her know you’ll be there.
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 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 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.