PO Box 1574, Mechanicsville, VA 23116
(804) 228-7488
www.restorationrva.org
Restoration for the Week
April 6, 2017
Changed Lives Through Restoration Church
Shared by Erin McGraw
Throughout my own middle and high school years, I attended Disciple Now and small groups and it made a
huge impact on my spiritual life. The connections I formed with mentors and peers helped develop a support
system that is actually still with me today. I've been a mentor off and on for Disciple Now weekends the past 10
years or so, but never really considered being a small group leader until just a few months ago. I took the
Strengths Finder assessment and met with Jon Gibson, who told me that I should consider being a mentor in
some way. I didn't feel qualified. I'm an introvert, and I would much rather listen than talk to a group of middle
schoolers every week, but I felt God reminding me of my small group experience and how much those leaders
impacted my life. So before I could chicken out, I sent Jen a message asking if she had any volunteer
openings for small group mentors, and now 4 weeks in with my sweet 7th grade girls, I'm so glad of God's notso-subtle nudging.
NEW
Welcome to Bill Moore, Discipleship Director!
Bio:
Favorite Music: I really enjoy listening to movie soundtracks while doing work, especially when the feel
matches my mood. Otherwise, I'm a lyrics and story-song guy. These days I also listen to lots of kids' music,
and think that Rain for Roots is excellent.
TV and Movies: When I watch TV I'm usually watching sports, preferably fast-forwarding through commercials.
Recently I have enjoyed two BBC shows -- Sherlock and Planet Earth 2. But the movie I have watched the
most is Transformers (1986--the real one!).
Favorite Quote: "Texas, it's like a whole other country."
Bible verses: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10. "...being confident of
this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 1:6
Why I do what I do: For joy in Christ. Throughout my life, I have been most satisfied when fully engaged in
gospel ministry. I love seeing people come to cherish Jesus more than all else.
Person of Influence: I spent six years ministering to university students at Davidson College, my alma mater.
During that time, I had several significant mentors, but I have been most influenced by the men I had the
privilege to disciple. Their encouragement, gracious criticism, and late-night antics formed me into the man I
am. Today, years later, their growing walks with Jesus inspire me to continually position myself to be used by
God in others' lives.
More about me: My life is enriched by being a husband to Kristen and father to Gabriella and Vivienne. For me,
a great day might include: a big family breakfast, giving my girls new experiences, athletic competition,
celebrating beauty, chopping wood, or having friends around our table. I also love being outside with a
purpose, such as hunting, fishing, hiking, or grilling.
I grew up in Houston, Texas, spent a decade in North Carolina, and three years in Vancouver, BC, before
landing here, in my wife's home state. I really enjoy travelling, but being rooted even more.
Easter Drama - April 13th at 7 pm
Come and see a dramatic reenactment of The Last Supper. To be held at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center,
500 S. Center St, Ashland. This is a FREE community event.
Discover Restoration - May 5th-6th
Are you interested in learning more about Restoration Church? Would you like to connect with new people?
Are you considering becoming a member? Discover Restoration is a six hour informational experience
designed to share more about our mission, beliefs, leadership, and ministries. It begins on Friday evening from
6:30pm to 9pm and continues on Saturday from 8:30am - 12:30pm. Refreshments will be served Friday
evening and some breakfast snacks will be served Saturday morning. Childcare will be provided both days.
This is an in-depth time of sharing for those of you who are considering learning more and possibly becoming
members of Restoration Church. Our church leaders and staff will be on hand to tell you all about our church
and answer any questions you may have. Registration for this event is open through May 1st. Contact Lesley
Meisoll at [email protected] if you have questions.
If you are ready to register please click
here: https://secure.accessacs.com/access/eventlogin.aspx?id=U/2ZIklVemGsL5p1NAECMQ==&site=155662
&ReturnUrl=events%2fwz_people.aspx&ChurchID=5131&EventID=130181&sn=155662
New Church Office Location
We're excited to announce our new church office address as of May 1, 2017! Our new address will be 10465
Dow Gil Rd, Ashland, directly behind the Goodwill store on Rt. 1 (near the Ashcake Rd intersection). We will be
painting the interior walls and trim and doing minor construction to add a kitchen to the space over the next 4
weeks. Click this link if you'd like to volunteer to help us paint:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B084CAAAD29A13-painting
Priority Giving Campaign
At the congregational meeting on March 26th, Elder Johnny Davis challenged us to increase our usual
contribution to the church for the month of April during the Priority Giving Campaign. This campaign
encourages us to focus on trusting God and giving Him our tithe before we spend money in other ways. Please
prayerfully consider joining this campaign to enable us to continue to use funds to reach the lost and change
lives through the Holy Spirit.
Emergency Trip Bag for Church Van
If you would like to donate to the Emergency Trip Bag for the Restoration church van, click on the following
link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0544a4af2dabf58-items. This bag will act as an emergency bag
when the youth go on outings. Items can be dropped off at church beginning Sunday, 4/23. Look for the signs
in the foyer.
UPCOMING
Ties That Bind - Tuesday, April 11th
Karen Westbrook will be leading us in singing the glorious and uplifting hymns of the Resurrection. We'll also
look at why bunnies, eggs and chicks are part of our Easter celebration and sing a few of those secular songs.
The program and luncheon will be on Tues., 4/11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Northside Baptist Church (7600
Studley Rd., Mechanicsville). $5 luncheon fee plus a donation for the food pantry of Mechanicsville Christian
Emergency Functions (MCEF). Please RSVP by Thurs., 4/6, to [email protected] or by calling 804-2287488.
DISCIPLESHIP
Lent Sermon Series
We have started a Lent sermon series, "When God's People Worship". We will continue to offer daily devotions
via email and these devotions will provide an opportunity to go deeper with the sermon content. We will not be
offering a separate small group study this year but small groups can use the devotions for discussions if they
want to track with the series. You can sign up for the daily devotions here:
http://www.restorationrva.org/devotions.html
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Sunday Morning Door Greeters Needed
If you enjoy talking to people or are looking for an easy way to get connected at Restoration Church, here's a
great opportunity for you. Sunday morning greeters are needed to greet people as they arrive before service
and as they depart after service on Sunday mornings. This is great opportunity to serve for everyone,
regardless of age, gender, etc. If you can say, "Good Morning!", "It's good to see you!", or "I'm glad you're
here!", you're equipped and ready. No sign-up necessary. Just show up at 9:15am on Sunday morning and
check in with the Deacon(s) at the Welcome Center, and we'll point you to where you can best serve. If you
have questions, feel free to call or email Brad Dugai at 804-221-5141 or [email protected].
MS Walk - Saturday, May 6th
Creative Office will be participating in this MS Walk in honor of the mom of one of their employees. If you would
like to participate by walking or by donating, please click on the following link:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/TeamChrista
Creative Office donates office space to our church by giving the office staff a space and tools to work. Contact
Paul Jeffrey at Creative with any questions (228-7491).
MISSIONS
MCEF Needs Volunteer Drivers for Seniors
MCEF Senior Rides needs volunteer drivers for seniors who can no longer drive themselves. Volunteer drivers
use their own vehicles and choose the rides to fit their schedule. MCEF pays for volunteer driver training,
provides insurance and reimburses the drivers .25 per mile. If you can share 8-10 hours per month and have a
desire to serve others, please contact MCEF Senior Rides at (804) 357-9360, or by email at
[email protected] or [email protected]. Contact Deb Horan at 201-3567 or [email protected] with
any questions.
ONGOING
Kroger and Amazon Charity Rewards
A very easy way to help the church financially is to designate Restoration Church as your charity of choice at
Kroger and Amazon Smile. It doesn't cost you anything, but a portion of every purchase you make will be
donated to the church on a quarterly basis. Our last Kroger donation check for Q4 2016 was $326! Please be
aware that Kroger requires you to sign up every year and will notify you via email when it's time to do so. If you
need instructions on how to sign up for either of these reward programs, please contact Carrie Dugai
at [email protected].
TRANSIT: 5th Grade Transition To Middle School
Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. in the Auxiliary Gym. Meetings Feb 5th - April 30th (except 4/16). Contact Laurie
Lee [email protected] or Susan Tyler [email protected].
Administrative Update
Budget Information
If you're interested in a church budget update or would like other financial information, please contact Carrie
Dugai at [email protected]
Stay Connected
Website http://restorationrva.org
Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/restorationrva