House of Prayer 
is a gathering of God's people who value:
Welcoming,
Openness, 
Compassionate Community, 
and Relationships

Here is an update of what is happening at
House of Prayer this week!
Worship This Sunday!
But (Elijah) himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: 'It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.' Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, 'Get up and eat' (1 Kings 19:4-5).

This part of 1 Kings is between two better known passages about the prophet Elijah. What precedes it is a dramatic scene where Elijah calls fire down from heaven to show God's power over the Canaanite god, Baal, and what follows is Elijah encountering God on Mount Horeb. But here, between these two passages, we find Elijah tired and fearing for his life as he runs to the wilderness for refuge. Though he asks God to let him die, what he gets instead is rest and enough food and water to help him carry on for a new journey. Join us this Sunday as we explore wilderness times and what God does, and who God sends, to strengthen us.
Parking Lot Party This Sunday
Our annual Parking Lot Party will be 3-6pm on Sunday, August 12th. Where else can you win raffle prizes, play games, eat tasty food, jump in a bounce castle, and dunk your pastor all in one spot? Invite your friends and neighbors to come join us for the fun! Come at 2pm to join a community bike ride hosted by Tapestry! Different distance options will be possible so all levels of riders can join. We'll have air pumps and some tools available too if you need a quick adjustment to be ready to ride. Hope you can come!
Register Now for HOP Preschool 
House of Prayer Preschool has openings for fall for children aged 3-5 years. Classes are Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 9:00-11:30am beginning September September 11th. The program will transition from a traditional preschool to a Montessori setting this year. For questions and/or registration, contact Nicole Olson, Preschool Director, at 612-861-7110 or  [email protected] .  
Donations Requested for HOP Preschool
House of Prayer Preschool is looking for new or gently used donations! If you have any of these items to donate, please drop them off in the church office or email [email protected]

small wood, brass, or metal objects
small chalkboard or expo erasers
small baskets or trays
plastic placemats
small house plants
Church Directory Photos Today, Friday, Saturday, 
Space Available
We're excited for our new church photo directory! The directory will feature HOP families, ministries and activities, provide contact information, and be a useful resource to keep us connected. LifeTouch Photography will be at HOP downstairs in the Fellowship Hall from August 8-11 and September 19-22 for afternoon and evening appointments to take photos of all congregation members and their families. Portrait scheduling be available Sunday mornings beginning Sunday, July 15, and on-going 24/7 online at www.hoplc.org. Contact Cara Wright at [email protected] 612-866-8471 with questions.
Veggie Table
Our next Veggie Table event will be on August 14th from 5-7pm at Season's Park Apartments (951 E 77th St) outside their main rental office. Come join us as we hand out free fruits and vegetables and enjoy some fun time with neighbors.
Collaboration Outdoor Worship
Our next opportunity for outdoor worship will be  Sunday, August 26 at 10am  at Veteran's Park.  Mark your calendar to come worship with our friends from Woodlake and Oak Grove. A picnic lunch will follow. HOP will bring salads and sides.
Register Now for Sunday School & Youth Group
The summer activities & trips around church are fun but I do miss the weekly rhythm of Sunday School and Wednesday night Youth Group. In less than a month we'll be starting those up again and I can't wait to see you all! September 9th and 13th mark the kickoff of the new year for these programs and sign-up is already open. You can sign up online at hoplc.org/children or you can contact me, Ben Whalen, for a paper form by emailing [email protected] or calling 612-500-9523. I'm also happy to offer more info or answer any questions you may have. Thanks!
Wednesday Night
Fall Bible Study
Join us on Sept 12, 19, 26 and Oct. 10, 6:30-7:40 pm in Fellowship Hall for a four-week Bible study led by Professor Mark Tranvik from Augsburg University titled: The Challenging Sayings of Jesus: What Do They Mean For Us Today? Mark Tranvik is Professor of Religion at Augsburg University and the author of Martin Luther and the Called Life. He is also an ELCA pastor, having served a church in Brooklyn Center for ten years. Sign up on the Attendance Card in the bulletin or call the church office at: 612-866-8471. There is no cost to attend!
Citizenship Classes
House of Prayer will have Citizenship Classes for our neighbors starting  Sept 10, 2018 . Please spread the word if you know anyone that would like to attend. The cost is $10 and registration information is available from Paula Kiehl at [email protected]. If you would like to volunteer as a tutor, the commitment is 11 sessions and training will be provided. This is a great opportunity to connect with our neighbors and help them become US citizens. The number of students will be determined by the number of volunteers.  If you are interested in having a wonderful experience and tutor a neighbor, please sign up on the attendance card.
Lose Something??
Please check the lost and found bins outside the office on Sunday. Items not claimed will be donated to Goodwill.
Book Discussion Group
Our summer read is "The Glass House" by Louise Penny. We will meet on September 6th at 7:00pm in the Fireside Conference Room for discussion.
Fall Festival-Save the Date
Our annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival will be on Saturday, November 3. Save the date and invite any vendors you know to contact Ann Haffely at [email protected] now. Space is filling up!
VEAP School Supply Drive
We will be collecting school supplies for VEAP July 1st through August 12th. Most needed items are backpacks, ear buds, USB thumb drives and calculators. Further suggestions will be on the VEAP board. Thank you!
Cybersecurity & Voting
MN Secretary of State, Steve Simon, will give a presentation on Cybersecurity and Voting on Wed, Aug 22, 6:30 at Richfield Municipal Center (City Hall), 6700 Portland Ave S. A question & answer period will follow. Event sponsored by the League of Women Voters Richfield.
Foster Care Family Picnic
We are seeking volunteer support for the upcoming Foster Care Family Picnic on August 18th with shifts from 1:30-8:00pm at Veteran's Memorial Park in Richfield. This is a celebratory, community building event to thank and honor the foster care parents and children in our community. Contact Abbie Hugunin if you are interested in helping: ( [email protected]) or call 612.348.9062.
Bloomington-Richfield Grief Coalition
Thursdays,  4:30-6:00 p.m.
Peace Lutheran Church
8600 E. Bush Lake Rd
Bloomington, MN
952-944-6510

Aug 9:     Wellness During Grief -  Phyllis Bruce
Aug 16:   The Greatest of These is Love: Cherishing What Remains -  Nancy
              Jo Sullivan                           
Aug 23:    Multiple Loss - J ulie Ditzler
House of Prayer Lutheran Church of Richfield, MN
 ELCA | (61 2) 866-8471
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