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The Mass
What I say I don’t feel
What I feel I don’t show
What I show isn’t realWhat is real, Lord-
I don’t know
No, no, no I don’t know.
I don’t know why every time
I find a new love I wind up destroying it
I don’t know why I’m
So freaky-minded, keep on kind of enjoying it-
Why I drift off to sleep
With pledges of deep resolve again,
Then along comes the day
And suddenly they dissolve again-I don’t know…
What I need I don’t have
What I have I don’t own
What I own I don’t want
What I want, Lord, I don’t know.-
Extract from The Mass, by Leonard Bernstein
Exodus 18:7-9, 14-19 So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law. He bowed low and kissed him. They asked about each other’s welfare and then went into Moses’ tent. Moses told his father-in-law everything the Lord had done to Pharaoh and Egypt on behalf of Israel. He also told about all the hardships they had experienced along the way and how the Lord had rescued his people from all their troubles. Jethro was delighted when he heard about all the good things the Lord had done for Israel as he rescued them from the hand of the Egyptians. When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?” Moses replied, “Because the people come to me to get a ruling from God. When a dispute arises, they come to me, and I am the one who settles the case between the quarreling parties. I inform the people of God’s decrees and give them his instructions.” “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him.”
The wilderness is a place where we are threatened and run into trouble. To survive, we then often look to others. It is not only for physical reasons that we look to others but also for emotional, social, and spiritual reasons. Even though we can physically survive independently, it is not possible to survive emotionally, socially, and spiritually on our own.From an evolutionary standpoint, connection was about physical survival, but today it’s more about meaning in life.In Exodus 18 we find a story in which we can see ourselves with all the relationships we live in. We are introduced to the dynamic nature of connection and the dialogue a relationship can establish and maintain. The space between you and someone or something else isn’t static but keeps changing. We are able to establish good, life-giving relationships. I am not a victim if I am living in a relationship that brings only pain. I have a choice. We are invited to grow in the art of connection and dialogue to live in life-giving relationships.
Prayer: “Lord, I ask for the grace of connection and dialogue in my relationships.”
Upcoming Events at Restoration
- Thursday, March 16 | Radical Youth Night 7pm
- Saturday, March 18 | Men’s Bible Study 7:30am
- Sunday, March 19 | In-Person + Online at 10am
- Tuesday, March 21 | NO Come and See Prayer
- Saturday, March 25 | Men’s Bible Study 7:30am
- Sunday, March 26 | In-Person + Online at 10am
- Tuesday, March 28 | Come and See Prayer 7pm
- Saturday, April 1 | Men’s Bible Study 7:30am
- Sunday, April 2 | In-Person + Online at 10am
Let’s Get Acquainted!
New to Restoration? You’re invited to meet the Staff and each other at a casual meet and greet after service on March 12, 2023.
RSVP at info@restorationcov.org. Only 20 seats available.
BOOK CLUB SMALL GROUP: A Call to Balladeers, Pursuing Art and Beauty to Disciple the Nations, by Darrow Miller.
This book dives into the role of art in our lives, the lives around us, and eventually the nations, as art helps determine the culture we live in. During the book study we will walk through the internal study guide, and take time to share our personal creative endeavors and passions. It is open to both genders ages 16 and up. We start on March 26th. The book study will be held at church right after service. Please bring your own lunch and you will be in charge of getting your own book. Please contact me with questions and let me know if you’d like to sign up! Thank you!
Kara Chelgren 406-599-6160 karaj03@gmail.com
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
We’ve made it easy for you to share your prayer requests.
- Send PRAY FOR ME in a text message to: (833) 482-6846.
- Respond to the message and let us know how we can be praying for you.
- We will respond to let you know when you’ve been prayed for.