Restoration Ministries offers hope, healing and wholistic growth in Jesus Christ. Caring for individuals, families, churches and organizations, we provide space to know and experience Christ's Holy Presence. We facilitate freedom, healing and wholeness and provide paths for spiritual growth and deeper communion with God by offering:

•Spiritual direction and soul care ministries
•Healing prayer sessions
•Resources for support and recovery at personal and/or family points of fracture
•Scripture and spirituality groups
•Retreats and retreat space where souls can find rest and renewal
•Collaborative ministries with the Church, local and at-large

January 2011

On the church calendar, Epiphany is celebrated twelve days after Christmas. Epiphany by definition means a divine manifestation; an illumination; a sudden awareness of a truth revealed that takes on deeper meaning and understanding. In the Scriptures, Epiphany represents the manifestation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. We see in the recorded stories instances where Jesus' divine origin and nature shines through his humanity. The Magi (wise men) sought after the Messiah and when they finally found the holy family, they bowed and worshiped, giving royal gifts to the newborn King.

Again, epiphany is acknowledged at the baptism of Jesus, and in the miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana--instances that allowed people to see and know that God had come into the world in human form. He arrived in vulnerability, died in brokenness, lives in resurrected life. In the short years that Jesus Christ walked on the earth in human form, God was revealed; truth, love and compassion experienced. In his birth, divine light, life and love entered the world. Through his death, divine light, love and eternal life again comes in human form to each of us as we choose to believe in who Christ is. An epiphany occurs again as we are vulnerable to receiving this truth, and when we are broken open to recognize our hunger for God.  It is then we receive real life and freedom from our sin.

The sins of the world were cleansed in one day (Zechariah 3:9).  

Retreat Opportunity: RESCHEDULED

THE TWELVE STEPS: A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
Thursday evenings, 7-8:30 PM

As Christians we believe that God reveals much of his plan for each of us in the Holy Scriptures. Both mature Christians and those who are just being awakened to a personal relationship with God can find tremendous value in the Twelve Steps. By regularly applying them to the events of one’s life, the steps become a means for enriching one’s relationship with God. The steps are especially powerful when used together with the regular Christian practices of prayer, meditation and bible study.

The Twelve Steps—A Spiritual Journey contains scriptural passages that illustrate the harmony between the practice of Christianity and the working of the Twelve Steps. The use of Scripture provides an understanding of the Twelve Steps within a biblical context. The steps are a profoundly powerful process for allowing God to heal damaged emotions.

WHEN: Thursday evenings, beginning February 3 7-8:30pm
LOCATION: Restoration Ministry Center
REGISTER: To register online go to www.restorationmn.org/opportunities
COST: There is no cost for this class. The 12 Steps: A Spiritual Journey book must be purchased prior to class.  Contributions will be accepted.

CONTINUING THE JOURNEY: A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

For those who have completed the first five steps of the 12 Step Spiritual journey, this group will continue on through the program. They will meet on Monday evenings, beginning January 17 from 6:30-8:00pm. This group is open to new participants.

WHEN: Monday evenings, beginning January 17
WHERE: Restoration Ministry Center
REGISTER: To register online go to www.restorationmn.org/opportunities
COST: There is no cost for this class. Contributions will be accepted 

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION MINISTRY AVAILABLE

Restoration Ministries has a number of trained spiritual directors available to provide spiritual companionship in one-to-one sessions.The intention is to provide space and time to listen, notice and be attentive to God's invitations in one's life and journey, to foster a deeper relationship with God, and to cultivate noticing, discerning and responding to God's Holy Spirit.

Call to schedule an appointment at: 952.241.4150

EVENINGS OF LISTENING PRAYER
Every Wednesday: 7-9 pm
Join with us and others for evenings of LISTENING PRAYER. Framed in simple worship, Scripture and prayerful sharing, this space is provided for attentiveness to listening to God and others. We meet every Wednesday evening from 7-9 pm. There is no registration nor cost. Anyone is welcome to come and experience this quiet, worshipful listening space.

Location: Restoration Ministry Center, 952.241.4150

LOOKING AHEAD: Lenten Retreat, Saturday, March 12, facilitated by Jean Leih.

Blessings,

Pastor Jean Leih

For your information and interest:

Dr. Glenn Myers on Christian Spirituality:
http://www.deepwellswithglennmyers.blogspot.com/

Pastor Jean Leih on integrating faith and life:
http://integratingfaithandlife.blogspot.com/

You can find Restoration Ministries Christian Spiritual Direction and Formation on Facebook. Become a fan for the latest news, information and postings.