Dear Pastor Rob-
I just finished listening to the Pastor Appreciation tributes. My heart swelled and my tears rolled as I listened to the heartfelt gratitude of your flock. A theme emerged for me in the comments I heard: “I feel seen by you.” This struck a chord of gratitude in me as well, as I considered how significant it has been for me to be seen by you. I suspect that every person under your leadership can recall a way or time they have felt seen by your genuine, intentional care and interest in them.
The beautiful thing about being seen by you as my leader is that it assures me that I am a human first and a co-laborer second. Jesus told us that his sheep hear his voice, but I think a good shepherd also knows the voices of his sheep. I feel incredibly grateful to be led by a pastor who knows me as a human, and who sees not only my service, but my needs, strengths, weaknesses and longings as well. Thank you, Pastor Rob, for seeing me, valuing me, and caring for me. You are a wonderful leader, and I am so very grateful to be part of your flock.
With Deep Gratitude-
Leanne E
Immerse: Beginnings at Restoration
These days more than ever we need a hopeful story of God taking care of His people. It feels like divine planning then that our goal has us slotted to read Immerse: Beginnings. Starting September 28, we will be reading Immerse: Beginnings; finishing the entire Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) in 8 weeks. What better way to combat fear and uncertainty than reading the promises of God? For those 8 weeks, Pastor Rob will preach about the week’s reading and small groups will discuss what they have read in a format similar to that of a book club, and the students will be studying the same material. Thanks to an anonymous donor, we can provide one free Immerse: Beginnings book per family, with additional copies available for $5 per book. Join us as we find hope and comfort in the beginning of God’s story. To find out more or to join a small group, contact danielmorgenstern@restorationcov.org.
How you can get a book (or Family Guide) – In-person services, pick up from the Ministry Center during the week, call or email the office for delivery, or buy the e-book.
*NEW* Armful of Love
We have shared that Armful of Love will look different this year. Instead of giving gifts, we are being asked to give gift cards.
- Gift cards in multiples of $25 (ie $25, $50, $75, $100) to Target, Walmart, Amazon, Visa and Master Card. In addition they would appreciate grocery gift cards to Cub and Aldi.
- The deadline to turn in the gift cards to the Ministry Center is FRIDAY, October 30th.
Please consider donating gift cards for families in Armful of Love this year. Please contact Michele Jacobson at michelejacobson@restorationcov.org.
Fall Schedule
In-person and Online Sundays – Nov 8, Nov 22
Arrive before 10am to grab a chair and be a part of our “studio congregation” at The Family Life Center Building at 14201 Cedar Avenue, Apple Valley, or tune in at 10am for our live stream on Facebook or our website online.restorationcov.org. For parking and worship follow the Restoration sign.
For complete information about our in-person guidelines, click HERE.
*THIS SUNDAY*
Online Only Sundays – Nov 1, Nov 15
Tune in at 10am for our live stream on Facebook or our website online.restorationcov.org. Host a watch party and invite some friends to join you in-person or in a digital small group to connect and grow.
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.
Name Tags
We’re excited to create new name tags for everyone in our Restoration community. These name tags will include your picture to allow everyone to see your smile while we’re safely following mask guidelines when we gather in person. If you’d like us to make you a permanent name tag, with or without a picture, please email info@restorationcov.org. We’ll update the directory with your new image as well. We’ll have a rack to keep the name tags between Sundays but you’re also welcome to bring them back and forth if you’d rather.
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
We’re very excited to launch a new season of small groups. If you’re looking for a deeper connection with others, we highly encourage you to plug in to one of the small groups below. Most of these groups will be studying Immerse and starting late September, and there are options for both in-person and online groups. If you’re interested in joining one of these groups or would like to better understand which group is the best fit for you or your family, please contact Daniel or the leader directly.
- Family Group Lakeville (In Person)
Sundays at 11:30am at the Zaffkes’ Home
Studying Immerse: Beginnings
Led by Amy and Garrett Zaffke - Second Stage Group (Online)
2nd and 4th Sundays at 6pm on Zoom – starts Oct 11
Studying Immerse: Beginnings
Led by Patte Klatt and Christa Young - Women’s Group (In Person)
Sundays at 6pm at the Ministry Center – next Oct 11
Studying Immerse: Beginnings
Led by Ellie Holmquist - Family Group Farmington (In Person)
Sundays at 7pm at the Carlsons’ Home
Studying Immerse: Beginnings
Led by Greg and Stephanie Carlson - Online Group (Online)
Sundays at 7:30pm on Zoom
Studying Immerse: Beginnings
Led by Matthew and Amanda Goerdt - Prayer Group (Online Option)
Tuesdays at 7pm at the Ministry Center and on Zoom
Studying Immerse: Beginnings
Led by Michael Nybakken and Mary Beshara - Men of the Wilderness (Online Option)
Fridays at 6pm at the Sorensens’ home and on Facebook
Studying Immerse: Beginnings
Led by Michael Sorensen - Men’s Group (Online)
Saturdays at 7am at the Ministry Center and on Zoom
Studying Samuel
Led by Chad White - Adultish (In Person)
Saturdays at 6:30pm at Daniel’s Home
Studying Immerse: Beginnings
Led by Catherine Braaten and Daniel Morgenstern
You are invited to Family Game Night!
We want to stay connected and have fun through these times, so every Monday from 7:30-8:30pm 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.
*NEW* Restoration Kids Virtual Class
Restoration Kids is excited to announce that every other Sunday, we will be hosting a virtual Restoration Kids class. On the Sundays that we are not gathering for in-person church, we will be meeting immediately following the streamed service. Kids in Kindergarten through fifth grade are encouraged to join. Before attending, make sure kids have watched that week’s content video via our website. The latest video should be posted by each Friday here. It would also be good to have some paper and crayons or markers nearby for any activities we might do together. The link will be posted at the end of the service or use this link.
Reach out to ChrystineVilhauer@restorationcov.org with any questions.
Pumpkin Carving Party // ON SATURDAY!
Unfortunately, due to the cold weather, we had to postpone the Pumpkin Carving event. We are going to try again this Saturday, October 31st from 2-4pm at the Ministry Center. We will be gathering in the upper parking lot behind where we meet on Sunday morning. Since most of the pumpkins will likely already be carved, we are going to replace the carving with more games, activities and gathering around the fire with warm drinks and snacks. Costumes are welcome! We can’t wait to see you there! Contact chrystinevilhauer@restorationcov.org with questions.
NEW! Restoration Kids Contactless Check-In
We are introducing new contactless check-ins for Restoration Kids. Watch this video for more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjC4hLGOz5c)
First, you will need to download the Church Center App. After you choose Restoration as your church and enter your phone number, the app should be able to access your family information. After you have checked in each of your kids, the app will creat a QR code. When you get to church, use the self check-in station to scan that code. Your child’s sticker name tag will print. You can use the QR code on your phone to pick up your child at the end of service. No more lost pick-up stickers! Contact chrystinevilhauer@restorationcov.org if you have any questions.
Restoration Kids classes have restarted!
Before our in-person services you can pre-check your kids into Restoration Kids and use contactless check-in by downloading the app (see instructions below).
After checking in, kids will enter the worship center with their family. Following the kids’ blessing song, kids will line up with their class by the coffee area, while maintaining a physical distance of six feet. Their teachers will walk them to the Ministry Center in the adjacent building. Immediately after worship service, follow the signs on the Ministry Center door to check-out your child.
Restoration Kids classes will look a little different as we start again. Here is what you need to know:
- Instead of starting in large group, kids will go straight to their small group lesson time
- Masks will be worn by both adults and kids
- All efforts will be made to distance when possible and there will be no activities that involve extended periods of closer than six feet
- Each kid will have their own bag of supplies that they will use each week
- High-touch surfaces will be sanitized before and after classes
There will be an on-line option available the weeks we are not having in-person worship service. Watch for more details on that option! Reach out to Chrystine if you have any questions.
Restoration Kids Nursery
During our in-person Sundays, Preschoolers (kids ages 3-4) will be able to join us in the nursery until our preschool classroom reopens. Parents will check kids in at the table in the entryway when they get to church that morning, or try our new contactless check-in from your mobile device (read below for instructions).
You will receive a name tag sticker for your child and another label for you to keep and present when you pick your child up. All adult volunteers will be wearing face coverings. Face Coverings for children under the age of 5 are optional.
- Parents are asked to maintain a distance of six feet between those around them while waiting in line for the check-in table, dropping children off in the nursery and picking children up at the end of service.
- All toys will be rotated so that the same bin of toys is only being used once a month. Toys will be cleaned after each Sunday morning.
- Volunteers will do their best to remove toys from play if they have been in a child’s mouth.
- High touch surfaces will be sanitized before and after class each Sunday morning.
Raking Event Update
On November 1st the Student’s Ministry has a service project planned from 1-3pm. We have shifted our service project from the original plan of raking to making no sewing required hats and scarves for homeless Adults, children, and teens in our area. This is an awesome and timely way for our Students to give to our community and further Restoration’s goal of being vital to our city.
Sunday Morning Middle School Breakout
It has been a long while since Middle Schoolers got the chance to meet on a Sunday morning. We are excited for the opportunity again but seeing as there are a lot of moving parts for Sunday Morning Kids Ministry relaunch we want to serve them by allowing them to first get settled. We will launch Sunday Morning Middle School Breakout on November 8th and will continue it every in-person Sunday. We will share more details soon.
Wednesday Night Student Gathering
Friends, games, small group discussions, and of course, the one-of-a-kind Daniel’s Video Library of Excellence are all happening every Wednesday from 6:30-8pm, at the Ministry Center (new location: 14201 Cedar Ave)! Bring a friend to join in the fun, we have plenty of space to welcome them. Hand sanitizer will be provided and masks are required while inside. Please reach out to Daniel Morgenstern by email or call him at 952-686-8408 with any questions or concerns. See you soon!
Students Immerse Experience
God’s Story isn’t just for adults! Restoration Students Ministry is excited to launch into Immerse Beginnings. Starting October 7, Student Gathering will draw the teaching and small group discussion from the previous week’s Immerse reading. This way, students will be getting a taste of what the rest of the Church is reading through.
We also ask that parents encourage their students to take part in the Immerse reading as well. If the amount of reading is intimidating, please consider the Family Guides which breaks up the reading into shorter devotionals. You can pick up the Family Guide along with your Immerse: Beginnings book or download one yourself HERE. You could go through the devotional as a family or students could read through them on their own. Whatever method you choose, please encourage your student to join in. We have the opportunity to have the entire church reading through the same passages together! It won’t be the same without them! So, please invite them in, they can’t say “yes” if you never ask.
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.