Rector’s Update: Coming up in 2022
Dear Restoration,
‘The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.’
Thank you for joining us for worship on Christmas Eve. It was good to sing these words with you. As we move through the season of Christmastide and embrace a new year, I would like to invite you to join our church in all of the opportunities we have to grow closer to God and to each other in this adventure of faith in Jesus.
Grab your calendar!
Sunday, December 26, we will have just one service at 10:00am. This is one of the most laid back and light-hearted services of the year. Wear a Christmas sweater! Wear your slippers! Come be with your Resto family as we sing carols and give thanks that because the Word became flesh, “…from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John 1:16). Nursery for kids aged 3 and younger, but no Kids’ Small Groups.
Sunday, January 2, we will worship at 9:00 and 11:00. It’s the second Sunday of Christmas and the carols and story continue! There will be a nursery for kids aged 3 and younger, but no Kids’ Small Groups. After both services, we will host ‘Welcome to Restoration’ which is an opportunity for those who are new to our church to meet some of our clergy and ask questions. Look for special snacks in the window seating area of our 3rd floor mezzanine.
Tuesday, January 4 at 10am, Storytime with Ms. Louise moves inside to Restoration’s Fellowship Hall. Kids and the grown ups who love them are invited to come for a picture book read aloud every Tuesday this winter.
Wednesday, January 5 at 7:00am, Boiler Prayer. Every Wednesday morning, in our sanctuary, a small group of people gather to pray for the opportunities that lie before our church. Everyone is invited to stoke the fires and intercede for the many things that God is doing in our midst.
Sunday, January 9, EVERYTHING starts back up! We will celebrate the sacrament of baptism and rejoice in the lessons God has for us from a new sermon series in the book of James. Kids’ Small Groups and Apex kick off again. Adults can sign up for any of our 25 small groups that meet around northern Virginia and DC.
Tuesday, January 11, RestoWomen will gather at 7:30pm in the fellowship hall to practice listening to the Lord through art! Then, February 5-6, RestoWomen will have their annual retreat at Meadowkirk in Middleburg, VA. Registration is open, here.
Saturday, January 15, we will again deliver meals to Afghan Refugees in our area. You can sign up to participate, here.
Then on Sunday, January 16, there will be an opportunity to learn about Restoration’s community partners– those people and organizations through whom we seek to serve the needs of the world. Head to Fellowship Hall after both services to hear more!
Tuesday, January 18 at 7pm, Living God’s Story at Restoration. The Restoration staff and clergy invite you to join us for dinner and a short program to hear the story of our church and ways that you can join us in serving God and our community. During this event, we talk about membership and what the New Testament says about belonging to a church. It is a wonderful chance to get to know other people who are new to our congregation. You can rsvp for dinner, here.
Thursday, January 20 at 7:00pm, God’s Heart for Justice-Centered Racial Unity. Restoration is offering an evening seminar with Steve Park, the executive director of Little Lights Urban Ministries. Steve will present for 45 minutes and then take questions from the audience for 45 minutes. This event is open to everyone and there is no charge, but we ask that you register. We will offer child care for children 5th grade and below, but you must register ahead of time. Easy to do- right here.
Thursday, January 27 at 7:00pm, Alpha begins. We want everyone to have a chance to explore who God is, ask questions and take the next step in their faith journey. We do this through Alpha— a free dinner, open and honest discussion, and a time to connect with one another. If you are asking questions about God and faith, we warmly invite you to try Alpha.
There are so many opportunities to connect to God, to others, and to the needs of the world through our church. My prayer is that as you set aside some of your precious time to come alongside what God is doing in His people, you will find friendship and companionship for the twists and turns that life brings.
“Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever! His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!”
Looking forward to seeing you in 2022.
-David Hanke, Rector
