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

February 2011

We experienced an electrical  power outage at our ministry center this past week.  Interestingly, the lights went out about a half hour prior to our Wednesday evening Scripture and prayer service. Our usual experience is one that is quiet and simple worship, reading of the Scripture, time to reflect and share together from what we hear and experience of God as we listen to Word and Spirit. We are intentional about being attentive to God together. But we usually have the lights on, coffee and tea to serve, other spaces to move into for personal space. 

Not so this week. We began to gather in our entry space under the battery-powered security light. As we came into the space and time together, we were invited into something familiar but yet different. Because of the dimness of light we had to listen more attentively to the Word as it was read, not rely on the piece of paper normally in our hands. A small thing perhaps, but I am thinking quite significant for our experience of listening together. A phrase from Psalm 105:4 has remained in my mind and prayer from our listening time, Seek the Lord and His strength. This phrase shifted my gaze again this week and has shaped my prayer anew.

If you live close enough to come and join with us on a Wednesday evening, please do.

Check out our website for other opportunities through Restoration Ministries. We offer retreats, one-to-one spiritual direction, and the opportunity for group spiritual direction; The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius are offered through our ministry center and the 12-Step Spiritual Journey class is now offered two nights a week--one group for those continuing on, and one for those new to the journey. SteppingStones, a cooperative ministry with others in Carver County is now offered through our space, offering after-care groups with women recently released from incarceration.

We provide a professional development and supervision group for those who are offering the ministry of spiritual direction and would like to have a group in which to grow in ministry skills and experience a supervision process.  In addition, we are offering a new initiative called, Refresh and Refocus, directed towards Christian professionals and ministry teams/leaders for set-apart time to listen to God speak through his Word, wait on the Lord, and refocus their lives and ministry in light of God's calling. Call 952.241.4150 or click here for more information.

COMMUNITY GATHERING
Sunday, February 27  5:30-7:30 PM

We invite you to join us in a united gathering of spiritual friendship and community.  We will share food, stories, worship and communion together.  To RSVP click here  or go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/community58 and let us know what you can bring as a part of our meal. 

An Intentional Life: A Lenten Retreat We live in a world that is manifesting a deep hunger and thirst for God and subsequent God-action; for counter-cultural ways of being and loving.  Traditionally, the season of Lent is one of attentiveness, and is often characterized by prayer, fasting and giving. The life journey of Christ demonstrated a way of being characterized by prayer, inner attentiveness and awareness that led to action that manifested God in the world. Our prayer and attentiveness are intentional spiritual practices that provide discernment, direction and power for loving and compassionate action in our world. Join with us in this intentional day to reflect together on the words of Jesus in the Beatitudes as we enter this Lenten season.

When: Saturday, March 12, 2011 9:00—3:00
(Registration and Check-In begins at 8:30)
Location: Living Christ Lutheran Church 820 Lake Drive Chanhassen, MN 55317
Cost: $35.00 Includes Lunch
Register: To register online go to:  www.restorationmn.org/opportunities

SHAPED BY THE WORD The Gospel of Mark “What is the gospel that Jesus preached?” Reading Mark from a typed manuscript (without verses and sub headings) allows us to listen from a new perspective to the story Mark was inspired to create with such literary artistry. Join us on this 12-week journey with Jesus as together we listen to the story and find answers to the questions that arise within us. Manuscripts will be available at the first class.

Where: Restoration Ministries Center
When: Tuesday evenings, 7-9 PM Beginning March 1.
Registration:To register online go to:  www.restorationmn.org/opportunities

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

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.