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

OCTOBER 2011

Not long ago a friend reminded me of the Scripture text (Luke 13:22-28 ) in which Jesus makes the statement, "I don't know you or where you came from." The question that was posed with these words was, "How have I allowed myself to be known by God?"

I think some have ready answers for the question, "How can I know God?" but usually the answer is introductory and often a pat response that has been learned in one's head and as a point of belief, but the personal knowing remains distant. We catch a glimpse through Jesus' words, "If you know me, you know my Father." This reflects a personal knowing beyond information and facts, a knowing that comes from being with, experiencing another and allowing oneself to be known by the other.

Curt Thompson, M.D., has written a book entitled, Anatomy of the Soul: Surprising connections between neuroscience and spiritual practices that can transform your life and relationships. Thompson states: "Despite the interest in spirituality in much of the West, and North America in particular, our overall experience of God's power and life-giving vitality is often limited--especially when it comes to growth and reconciliation in our relationships. We often see life in Jesus as being more about survival in this life until we "die and go to heaven" than about grace, adventure, and genuine, concrete, life-giving change. This is partly due to the way we encounter the process of knowing and being known. We tend to place a great deal of emphasis on the ways and the degree to which we know God (or know things about God) rather than to the degree we are being known by God."

So the question comes again, "How have I allowed myself to be known by God?" and again, "How have you allowed yourself to be known by God?" 

You might consider the following opportunities for increasing your capacity for knowing and being known. 

UPCOMING RETREAT OPPORTUNITIES

Advent Stillness Creating a space To enter the season with silence Being still to know The I AM WHEN: Saturday, December 3 8:30AM-3:30PM WHERE: Trinity Episcopal Church 322 2nd St. Excelsior COST: $35.00 (Includes lunch) REGISTRATION: Please register online at: www.restorationnmn.org/opportunities

Care of the Serving Soul Leader & Ministry Staff Day - Listening for God in Change Changes... transitions... the death of the old to make way for God's new thing. This day is especially for leaders and full ministry teams trying to hear God in the changes and transitions of ministry and personal life. It's also for those looking for God in the pains and losses associated with moving from old to new things. Could you and your ministry staff benefit from a day spent deeply listening to what God is up to with you right now?

WHO: Ministry Leaders & Staffs
WHAT: Day of renewal & conversation
WHERE: Vision of Glory Church  13200 Highway 55  Plymouth, MN 55441
WHEN: Monday, November 7, 2011   8:30am - 3:30pm
COST: $55.00, includes lunch
REGISTER: Click this link, go to Leaders Day event near top of page

Come and Sit With Me Awhile…

Do you long to find rest for your soul? Are you willing to consider this a God-invitation? How does a day away from the busyness of your life and schedule sound to you? A personal spiritual get-away can provide a time set apart to be with God. A day or half day at our ministry center may include time and space for:

Solitude   Scripture   Meditation   Study Silence   Reflection   Worship Prayer   Journaling   Sabbath   Rest There are no fees for these retreats. We do accept contributions to defray ministry expenses. Please call 952.241.4150 for more information and/or to reserve space

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need."

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