December 26, 2019
Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.
1 Chronicles 16:24 NIV
Hello Restoration,
The season of Advent is when we focus on the coming of God’s Messiah first as a baby and ultimately as returning Lord. In his Gospel record, the Apostle John refers to this event using the term “the Word” who came and pitched his tent here on earth.
During this Fall, Restoration joined many other congregations in the reading of significant portions of the word of God. Our role as Evangelical Covenant Church Regional Coordinators for MENA (Middle East & North Africa) has allowed us to interact with brothers and sisters in Christ in that region. It has been a privilege to see the way in which the Bible is held in this place where Christianity was born.
In many ways we are seeing a resurgence or second “advent” of Christian faith to the MENA region. In addition to the church communities that have been steadfast in living faithfully in the region, we are seeing increasing numbers of people who have been part of the majority Muslim faith and are now dedicated followers of Jesus. Here are a few stories that have challenged me:
One man we met (let’s call him Joe) grew up in a very dedicated Muslim family where the reading of the Quran was a very important part of life. As a youth, Joe realized that the Quran referred to other holy books including the Injeel or Gospel. Upon asking why there was no study of these holy books he was told to stay away from these; this was not enough to deter him. As Joe read the Injeel he was overwhelmed with the truth of these words, and over time, came to be a follower of Jesus.
Another person I met (let’s call him Jim) lived in an area where the depth of engagement with faith was less impactful. Jim was introduced to the Gospel and was overwhelmed by the love and grace of God. Jim is now part of a small house church. When we had a chance to meet with the small group around a table and asked what help they might need to grow, Jim was very clear. He and his friends needed to grow in their understanding of the Bible and the truth that is found within its pages. The wonder of grace needed to be bolstered with truth.
Many of us have multiple copies of the printed Bible in our homes. We have the opportunity to go online and quickly find multiple versions of the Scriptures. By contrast, our friends have few options in Arabic at the present time and yet there is a genuine hunger and reverence for the word of God.
Maybe this can be a season where we, not only ask for a fresh appreciation for the wonder of the birth of Jesus (the Incarnation), but also a fresh appreciation for Scripture, Maranatha – come quickly.
In Him,
Jeff and Darlene
*THIS SUNDAY*
No Worship Service on Sunday, December 29
The holidays are a great time to express our appreciation to all of our volunteers who invest in Restoration’s mission on a weekly basis. Thank you to our amazing team leads and loyal volunteers. We are so thankful for you and all the work you do! We hope you’ll enjoy sleeping in on Sunday, December 29, because we will not be gathering for a worship service that day. However, we do hope you’ll join us that day for…
Sunday Fun Day Luau!
Restoration is going to have a whole lot of luau fun on Sunday, December 29. We’ll meet at the Ministry Center at 10am until 1pm. Staff will provide Hawaiian brunch from 10-11:30am. Stick around for games and conversation. There will also be some great games set up in the large room, but you are welcome to bring your own game as well. This is an “all church” event which means everyone is welcome. Festive luau or Hawaiian attire is encouraged. Contact LaceySkoglund@restorationcov.org in the church office with questions.
Kids’ Program Video
Restoration Kids, along with some talented students, musicians, and directors, performed a marvelous and humorous telling of the Christmas story. You can find it on our YouTube channel HERE. It is also posted on our Facebook page for you to view and share. Thanks again to Jon Bothun and the Restoration media team for capturing the moments!
Life, Money, Legacy – New Message Series
“Money management” is a phrase that makes some of us cringe. To some, it seems an impossible task. To others, it might feel constricting or negative. Taking practical steps to manage your money can actually be both freeing and healing. In this five-part message series, we will learn practical, biblical advice on topics like budgeting, money myths, and more based on wisdom from trusted financial expert Dave Ramsey. No matter your situation, the principles learned here can help with getting out of debt, making better financial solutions, and ultimately finding peace and creating a legacy that lasts. Series start January 5.
Sewing & Crafts Workshop
We’re looking at putting together a sewing and crafts workshop in January/February. If you or your child is interested in participating, please let us know so we can gauge interest. We’ll determine the project and the location based on the responses we receive. If you’d like to participate or help, please contact KerryStok@restorationcov.org.
Vision Update Meeting – January 26
Every January, we invite the friends and members of Restoration to pause with us as we take a pulse on our church’s health and reflect on where we are seeing God at work through our church community. We’re excited to review our church-wide goals, share progress reports from our ministry teams and staff, and report on the 2019-20 budget. Please join us on Sunday, January 26 immediately following our worship service. Child care provided. If you have any questions prior to the meeting, contact leadershipteam@restorationcov.org.
Restoration Small Groups
Restoration Small Groups exist to help people be known and grow in their relationships with God, the church, and with others far from Christ. If you have a question about our next small group season starting up around mid-January, you can contact Daniel at groups@restorationcov.org.
Restoration Online Directory
Did you know Restoration has an online directory where you can find photos and contact information for others at church? We would love to have everyone’s picture there as another way to help everyone get to know each other. You can find directions on how to use the directory HERE. Contact info@restorationcov.org if you have any questions.
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
What We’re Learning in January
Preschoolers
It’s time for a Beach Party—sand, sun, and a whole lot of fun! Jesus spent a great deal of time on or near the beach. In fact, He performed MANY miracles near the water. So, the beach is the perfect environment for our preschoolers to learn that Jesus can do anything. Our preschoolers learned that God gave us Jesus in December, and now they will learn that because Jesus is God’s Son, He can do anything! With God all things are possible! Throughout their lives, children will encounter things they can’t do. But, in Jesus, they have a friend who can do it all. There is no better friend than Jesus, and He wants to be our friend forever.
Memory Verse: “With God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NIV
Elementary
God is the author of knowledge. Everything we know to be true about the world is because of God. Knowing God is the most important Person to know. And while we may never know all there is to know about God, God gives us lots of ways we can know Him. We can know Him best through Jesus, who showed us how much God loves us. We can pursue knowing more about God through Jesus, who showed why knowledge is so important. The more we know God, the better we can live His way each day.
Memory Verse: “The Lord gives wisdom. Knowledge and understanding come from His mouth.” Proverbs 2:6 NIrV
RESTORATION STUDENTS
Contact: DanielMorgenstern@restorationcov.org
Families of Youth Lunch – January 12
We’ve got some fun plans in the works for our Families of Youth lunches in 2020! Because we’re recovering from the holidays and are working on hosts for the next few months, we’re planning to go back to Culver’s in January for our first FOY for the year. These lunches are a wonderful and fun way to get to know other families who have students grades 6-12. Join us at Culver’s on Sunday, January 12 from 12-2pm. If you have any questions or are interested in hosting, please contact KerryStok@restorationcov.org. See you there!
Restoration Students Wednesday Nights
Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 | Feb 5, 12, 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
Jan 12, 26 | Feb 9, 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.
