 Have you ever experienced a “wall?” I told a story to introduce this week’s teaching when I hit “the wall” in my first (and only) marathon. (You can listen to that HERE.) Walls in marathons are different from the spiritual walls we hit in our life of faith. Spiritual walls are circumstances or crises beyond our control: unexpected job loss, a cancer diagnosis—especially in a child… divorce, death, or even the betrayal of a friend. Walls are infertility, a serious car accident, or a disillusioning church experience. It’s a wall if you don’t know where God is, what God is doing, where you are going, or when it will be over. Walls are places where we can get stuck, but they are also places—if let God take us through—where our image and understanding of God can be radically transformed. “Walls are places where our image and understanding of God can be radically transformed.” People all over the Bible ran into walls and God met them at those walls… it wasn’t the end of their faith, it’s actually a new beginning. Walls are not one-time events but repeated occurrences in our ongoing relationship with an eternal, mysterious and loving God. In this clip, I describe one of Jacob’s biggest walls. I didn’t expect to get emotional. (Maybe you did if you know me—ha!) I think it was the Holy Spirit’s prompting, describing the intensity, vulnerability and emotion of that moment. Walls can bring us to the end of our false selves, and if we let God take us through, we become our true selves that God saw all along. I’d love to hear what you heard and what you’re hearing and experiencing in your journey of faith. Even, and maybe especially, if it’s difficult or you feel stuck, don’t quit. Keep going! God will meet you and bring you through. Like Jacob, you may ‘walk with a limp,’ but you may also see with greater clarity who God is and who you are because you journeyed through the wall. With hope, Pastor Rob Church Survey Deadline is March 7! We want our Church to be a welcoming place where we gather to grow, renew and refresh but also be an outpost from which to serve and reach others. We remain committed to being a church that serves as a Lighthouse to our community and the world. We want to hear from you! What are the outreaches and ministries we should rally around and partner with in the years to come? Help us to define and understand our identity so we can look for a space that can support that vision. Please fill out this short survey that we will use to help understand our future needs at Restoration, from your eyes. ALSO: If you had requested to have your results e-mailed to you, your results may not have been recorded – we were having intermittent issues with this feature. If you are able to resubmit your answers we would greatly appreciate hearing your feedback. TAKE THE SURVEY before March 7, 2022 Small Groups Launch! Participating in a small group is one of the best ways to grow in your relationship with Jesus and with Jesus’ people. From Feb. 6 – April 3, most of our small groups will be doing a study based on the upcoming sermon series “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.” Purchase a book today on Amazon and get started in the journey to being emotionally healthy. If you have any questions about small groups, contact Leanne Esch. PURCHASE THE DAY BY DAY DEVOTIONAL Upcoming Events at Restoration Sunday, March 6 | In-Person + Online at 5:15pm Tuesday, March 8 | Come and See Prayer 7pm Sunday, March 13 | In-Person + Online at 5:15pm Tuesday, March 15 | Come and See Prayer 7pm Sunday, March 20 | In-Person + Online at 5:15pm Tuesday, March 22 | Come and See Prayer 7pm Sunday, March 27 | In-Person + Online at 5:15pm Covenant Pines Early Bird Discount Covenant Pines uses Summer Camps to change lives and make Jesus known. Summer camps are designed to encourage growth in all areas of a child’s life while providing a loving, exciting and energizing environment where life-changing moments can happen on a daily basis. Youth camps are available for students in grades 2-12. Save $15 if you register by March 1. To register or find more information, visit www.covenantpines.org. Reach out to Chrystine@restorationcov.org with questions. Learn More Online Giving There’s no time like the present to set up online giving. Online tithing is a way to remain faithful in your giving regardless of worshipping with us in-person or online. 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. You can also Text to Give by texting any dollar amount to 84321. 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  Here’s what we are learning this month in Restoration Kids! PRESCHOOL  While Jesus was on earth, He lived a life that very clearly said, “Everyone can be friends with Me!” While not everyone took Him up on His invitation, those that did were changed forever in the best way. That is why we are teaching preschoolers that no matter what kind of shoes we wear, everyone can be friends with Jesus. We can be friends with Jesus no how young or old. We can be friends with Jesus wherever we live and whatever language we speak. We can be friends with Jesus no matter how much money and education we have. There are no special requirements to be friends with Jesus. It’s a come as you are kind of friendship that lasts forever. Everyone can put on their shoes and follow Jesus. “’Come and follow me,’ Jesus said.” Matthew 4:19, NIrV ELEMENTARY  Elementary kids will be talking about cooperation in March. Cooperation is a spiritual concept that originates with God. God created us to work together in a community. Throughout the Bible, we see how God brought people together to accomplish something big for Him. When we work together, we reflect what Jesus envisioned for His followers. Our love for one another can point people to Him. “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Ecclesiastes 4:9, NIrV  Save these upcoming events for ALL students: Middle School Bible Study FRIDAY 6:30-7:30pm Whirlyball + Laser Tag Student Family Night | Saturday, May 7, 2022 Middle School Bible Study The Middle School Bible Study continues Friday, March 18 from 6:30-7:30pm at Restoration and will meet every first and third Friday (April 1, May 6, 20, June 3, 17). Bring your Bible, a friend and questions you would like answered as we dive in to God’s word together. If you have any questions, contact Paula Herko. |
News + Notes 3.3.2022
