ADVENT WEEK 3
The third Sunday of Advent signifies joy and reminds us of the angel’s good news told to the shepherds. These daily devotions have led us on a rediscovery of joy. Take time this week to light the third candle in your Advent wreath as well. Imagine yourself on the hillside where the joyous announcement was made by a sky-full of angels. Joy is possible even in the midst of hardship and discouragement.
As you watch for joy in the world around you during this season, surrender the pain and fear in your life and ask God to fill you with the gift of His joy.
READ:
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” —Luke 2:8-12
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. —Isaiah 61:10
ASK:
What brings you the most joy at Christmas? What keeps you from experiencing joy?
WATCH:
Sing Joy to the World with Matthew and ponder in your heart the ways you have seen JOY in the world.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CHRISTMAS NIGHTS OF FUN! This Christmas has no doubt had a different feel to it, but, that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the season, get creative on how we connect together and have fun!
- DEC 21st | Happy Birthday Jesus Party: Bake a cake and have a birthday party for Jesus during the week of December 21st. Post a picture of your party on our Facebook page and let’s celebrate the birth of our Savior.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
Join us for a family friendly Christmas Eve service on December 24th at 3:30pm both online and in-person. We’ve been waiting for this celebration as the Advent season looks toward the first coming of Christ. Bring your family, and neighbors for a meaningful time of worship and celebration. Masks are required, and we’ll practice social distancing as usual.
14201 Cedar Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124
KID’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
One of our favorite traditions this time of year is having Restoration Kids tell the story of Jesus’ birth in their annual Christmas Program. This year, the Christmas Program will look different but the show will go on! The kids have worked hard the past few weeks preparing and recording their program. Be sure to watch during the live stream on Sunday, December 20 as Restoration Kids share the wonder of our Savior’s birth. Invite your friends and family to join us for this special service!
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL
Download the 2020 ReDiscover Christmas Advent Reading Plan on our website or watch a short daily video of the devotional on Facebook or Instagram.
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.
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
With the new State restrictions, Small Groups at Restoration will be pivoting slightly. We are asking that those groups who were meeting in person respect the new guidelines of not holding gatherings in their home. That being said, there are options to still meet. Restoration is willing to sponsor groups as ongoing events at the Ministry Center if those groups follow the Church’s guidelines. Also the Church has a Zoom account that can be used for any group that might need it. Community is so important, friends! Please keep finding ways to seek Jesus together; you’ll be glad you did.
| RESTORATION KIDS VIRTUAL CLASS Restoration Kids will be offering a virtual class this Sunday after the online worship service. Kids in Kindergarten through fifth grade are encouraged to join as we learn about the Bible and apply it to our lives through discussion and activities. Make sure kids have their Bibles handy! The link will be posted in the comments at the end of Sunday’s service or use this link. |
WEDNESDAY NIGHT ZOOM STUDENT GATHERING
December has come and as promised we have made a decision. We will be hosting Student Gathering on Zoom for the next four weeks. We will miss seeing you but it’s not a complete bummer. Student Gathering on Zoom was fun last time and we’re not just doing a repete. We’re trying new games, new methods, and maybe even some new platforms. Don’t miss out, join the fun, and invite a friend!
View past News & Notes by clicking HERE.