Dear Restoration,
You can probably imagine that the possibility of church planting would be simultaneously exhilarating and daunting. At least that’s how I felt before planting Restoration.
In those early days, God tenderly spoke to me through Acts 18. He encouraged me with the same words he used to encourage Paul going into Corinth, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” This was an inspiring premise for an intimidating mission —God was going before us in this work. He had people in the Twin Cities that he was going to call out and call forth. And this has been our lived experience.
The story of planting Restoration is one of God’s kindness, and one of the chief ways I’ve experienced His kindness is through the provision of his people.
It’s been an incredible privilege to serve Restoration as the Children’s Director for the last five years, but this was never a solo endeavor. I simply could not have served in this role without God bringing us so many faith-filled, servant-hearted, Jesus loving, joyful people.
I’m grateful for the Children’s Leadership Teams of our Mother and Sister churches. We inherited a rich legacy of family ministry, and our partnership with them only deepens with each passing season.
I’m grateful for the incredibly gifted women who’ve served on Restoration’s CLT at various times: Erica Lehn, Jenni Nichols, Emily Childs, Lauren Belt, Elise Kling, Emily Collings, Sara Pimental, Jessica Preston, and Megan Tucker. These are powerhouse individuals who've mightily shaped our ministry to families.
I’m grateful for every single volunteer who’s ever devoted their Sunday morning to shepherding our children. We’re the largest group of volunteers at Restoration! This communicates to me that our church takes seriously the vow we make at every baptism, “to do everything in our power to support the next generation in their life in Christ.”
Thanks be to God for drawing his people to Restoration and for providing such wonderful co-laborers in this ministry to children and families. I'm confident that He will continue to do so in the years to come!
Love in Christ,
Molly Stawarz
