A part of the vision of Restoration Ministries is to create and foster space in which people can experience and develop deeper awareness of God's presence in their lives. We offer that through the ministry of spiritual direction, through groups, retreats and teaching opportunities. We believe that God reveals Himself to us through the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit to teach, bring truth, to heal and bring us to wholeness, and to deepen our knowledge of God and our relationship with God in Christ. The Scriptures are meant to convey the story (revelation) of who God is and how God is active in the world and in our particular lives. We spend time with Scripture stories as a part of what we offer. As our awareness of God deepens, we begin to experience God in all aspects of our lives and in how we see people and the world around us. Our relationship with God grows in greater importance.

Real relationship invites honesty and transparency. I often hear the comment, "I am afraid that I would be rejected or abandoned if others knew who I really am." It can be these kinds of fears that keep one from being "real." Getting to know oneself or another as we really are, created in the image of God, requires intentional shifts in thinking, feeling and responding and most likely will require some set-aside space and time. We may need to acquire new relational skills or identify and invite healing of old hurts. It usually takes time to be willing to let go of the masks we may be wearing.

I hope you will consider the following retreat that will provide space for you to experience deeper growth and understanding of yourself and of God.

SPRING RETREAT OPPORTUNITY

Location: Restoration Ministries Ministry Center

7975 Stone Creek Drive #130

Chanhassen, MN 55317

Date: Saturday, April 24, 2010

Time: 8:30am - 3:30pm

Cost: $35.00 for the day (includes lunch)

Registration: registration@restorationmn.org

Image management is an actual career today...people are paid to do this work. Though not all are paid, we all are image managers. We carefully select what we allow others to know about us. Why do we, in British author Susan Howatch’s words, create these “Glittering Images”? What is behind these images that cause us to be so fearful? In what kind of relationship is our true self safe and enjoyed?

During our time together we will reflect on Scriptures, the writings of John Ortberg, William Miller and spiritual director Joyce Rupp to help us “explore the inner terrain of our being.”

Ortberg writes in "Everyone's Normal Until You Get to Know Them," “Humility and trust are more at the foundation of community than perfection . . . each of us does his best to hide behind a shield . . . the irony is that we are drawn to people who live with unveiled faces.”

Join with us in this wonderful opportunity to explore your inner life terrain; join with others on the same journey into living true and authentically in your relationships and in your world.

Unveiled Faces will be facilitated by Jane Burg of Burg by Design. Jane is a spiritual director, speaker and teacher. She is the former Associate Dean of the Center for Personal and Spiritual Formation at Bethel Seminary and currently teaches Leadership and Marriage and Family courses at Crown College.

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

Every Wednesday: 7-9pm

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 7-9pm. There is no registration nor cost. Anyone is welcome to come and experience this quiet, worshipful listening space. Location: Restoration Ministry Center, 7975 Stone Creek Drive, #130, Chanhassen, MN   952.241.4150 

SHAPED BY THE WORD

We invite you to join us for a "manuscript" study of the book of Genesis. Groups meet on Tuesday evenings, 7-9pm, and on Thursday afternoons from 1-3pm at the offices of Restoration Ministries. This way of reading and responding through noticing and attending to God's revelation through Word and Spirit fosters personal renewal and transformation of mind and heart.

Cost: There is no cost for these sessions.

Register: registration@restorationmn.org (Please specify class name.)

Facilitator: Marjorie Karjalahti, MDiv.

For further information: Restoration Ministries website: www.restorationmn.org

COMING THIS SUMMER:

11th Step Retreat: For growth in prayer and meditation to foster deeper surrender and dependence on God for daily living

We will be making website changes during the next month and changing the delivery system for our monthly newsletter. Please note that you will be invited to subscribe if you have interest in continuing to receive our newsletter.

Blessings,

Pastor Jean Leih

For your information and interest:

Dr. Glenn Myers on Beguine spirituality

Pastor Jean Leih on integrating faith and life.