Rector’s Update: Here we go!
Dear Restoration,
Psalm 18 is one of King David’s most intimately confident prayers. He is so aware of God’s presence and so trusting of His goodness that he can begin quite simply with, “I love you Lord…” Psalm 18:1
In the midst of all that is starting and all that is unknown for our church, I have come back to this prayer over and over, each time arrested by that simple start, “I love you Lord.” Can you say that to the One who loved you first?
Throughout the psalm, David prays his distress, his relief, his fear, his consolation, his despair, his salvation. And throughout the psalm, David asks for help- with confidence that the Lord (whom he loves) will give it.
For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness.
For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.
This God— his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:28-30)
Prayer Gatherings each week
Every week, you are invited to gather with us in prayer as we stay close to the Lord we love, in all the ways He is guiding, through this season of waiting, newness, and transition. We are praying about our diocesan bishop process and the impact that could have on our church. We are waiting together and asking for the Lord’s will to be done.
Tonight (Wed, Sept 7) we will be at the home of Jen and Lide Paterno at 8:00pm. Next week, (Wed, Sept 14) we will gather at 7:00am at Restoration. You can find the calendar for these prayer gatherings, here. I hope you will join us for one. May the Lord our God lighten our darkness and help us to see.
SUNDAY- HERE WE GO!!
On Sunday, everything kicks off for us! We can’t wait to see you, to worship with you, and to serve alongside you. Here’s what you need to know:
A new Sermon Series
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,
To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (2Timothy 1:1-2)
We are starting a new sermon series on Paul’s second letter to Timothy. We will pick up the story where we stopped last week at the end of Acts 28: Paul is in Rome, in jail, experiencing freedom, writing to the young man he has been mentoring and partnering with for the last decade. Over the course of 7 Sundays in September and October, we will see Paul focus on an unchanging theme he wants Timothy to grasp: It’s worth it.
Timothy, you have a gift from God that you have to use. Don’t be afraid. It’s worth it.
Timothy, you have been entrusted with sharing the Gospel of grace and new life. It’s worth it.
Timothy, faithfulness to God in the midst of relational conflict and societal persecution requires perseverance. It’s worth it.
Timothy, all of Scripture is given by God and is useful for teaching and correcting. Teach and correct. It’s worth it.
Timothy, I have been poured out as a drink offering and I am waiting for my crown of righteousness. It’s worth it.
I hope that we will experience together the beauty of God’s grace, the power of His Gospel, and the trustworthiness of His Word. We start on Sunday!
Small Groups For All Ages
Kids’ Small Groups for children 5th grade and younger start on Sunday. Please make sure you have registered all of your children, here! Kids who are under 3 start the service in the nursery. Kids who are pre-K to 5th grade will start the service in the sanctuary and then head out for their small groups after the opening music set. They join us again in the sanctuary for the Eucharist.
Apex Small Groups for students in 6th-12th grade also start on Sunday! Apex begins at 6:30pm with dinner and games. Then a speaker and small groups. They wrap up at 8:30pm. Make sure your middle school or high school student is registered, here.
Adult Small Groups kick off next week as well. There are still LOTS of great ones that are available to you! Choose a group that fits your schedule and interest, and get to know some wonderful Resto folks! Sign up here!
Serve on Sundays
Want to get to know more people at Restoration? We’d love for you to join the Sunday Morning Volunteers Team! We have opportunities for over a dozen people to serve at each service on a Sunday morning. That’s a lot of fun people to meet and a tangible way to serve our Restoration community. This is the form that gets you started as a Sunday volunteer. Opportunities and scheduling are very flexible. Just let us know how you would like to serve and feel free to contact Lexi McMann with any questions.
After Service Prayer Training
One of the Sunday Volunteer opportunities that we most appreciate are people who like to pray. Every week, after every service, we give an opportunity for people to respond to what God is saying to them by asking for prayer. Would you like the privilege of confidentially coming alongside folks and interceding for the work that God is doing in their life? We have a special training session just for you. Please join us after the 11:00 on Sept. 18 at 12:45pm. Contact Beth if you can come!
Here we go!
The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! (Psalm 18:46)
I can’t wait to see you on Sunday.
-David
