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!
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:1-2

The book of Revelation has long puzzled many in the church. It is a book filled with many disturbing and confusing images and symbols. And yet, this final book of the Bible also contains some of the most powerful promises of God. The final chapters of Revelation provide images of heaven that give great hope for our future. These images do not depict the end of the world with destruction and doom, but a city with a flowing river that brings life and healing to all. God is in control of our future and God's love for us is complete. Join us Sunday as we explore Revelation's final chapters and the promise of God's redeemed and restored heaven on earth.
Parking Lot Party Fun!
Hey Everyone! Thanks for coming to the Parking Lot Party last Sunday! We had a lot of fun, delicious food, and a great turnout with friends from our neighborhood, Richfield Police Department, Richfield City Council, Tapestry, MIRA, Partnership Academy, ReFuel band, and our own HOP members. Thanks to everyone that helped make this awesome event happen!
Veggie Table Veggies
"Corn here! Cucumbers here! Mellons here! Come and get 'em." Thanks to all that helped at HOP's Veggie Table on Tuesday night. Our partnership with Second Harvest Heartland and Season's Park Apartments is working very well! There were veggies and fun for all. Our next Veggie Table event will be on Tuesday, September 11, from 5-7pm at Season's Park Apartments (951 E 77th St) outside their main rental office. Contact Ben Whalen at bwhalen@hoplc.org if you'd like to help out.
Updates from HOP Preschool 
Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Open House, has donated items, or has given your verbal support! We will open September 11th and can't wait to welcome children to the new room. 

The room is transitioning to a Montessori environment and, thanks to several donations, we now have a mirror, wooden polishing objects, wooden puzzles, trays, and new baskets in several colors. We also have a generous offer for planting succulent plants with the children this fall!  Other items we could use (new or used), please drop off in church office:
Spray bottles, large or small
10 plain colored school folders or envelopes, paper or plastic
Small non-slip rugs
Magnifying glass
Plastic placemats

There is still space for one or two more children to begin in September - tell your neighbors and friends! They can contact us at 612-861-7110 or nolson@hoplc.org. We meet Tues/Wed/Thurs from 9-11:30 a.m.
Collaboration Outdoor Worship-Aug 26
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 is asked to 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 bwhalen@hoplc.org or calling 612-500-9523.
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 paula@ecosmarte.com. 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.
Men's Fellowship Group
All Brothers & Sisters are invited for fellowship, devotions and speaker on Thursday, Sept 13 at 9:00am. Come hear guest speaker Johanna Clyborne, Brigadier General Minnesota Army National Guard, Assistant Adjutant General. The General will reflect on her involvement and participation with the Minnesota Army National Guard. Refreshments are provided. Sign up at the information desk by 9/11. Contact Noel Sagness 612-866-0833 for more information.
Meals on Wheels Volunteers
Drivers are needed to drive for Richfield Meals on Wheels once a month. If you are interested, please contact Sue Burt at 952-888-4939. Thank you!
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.
It's Not Too Late! 
If you missed having your family portrait taken for our new HOP Directory, you have another chance! LifeTouch Photography will be at HOP again from September 19-22 for afternoon and evening appointments. Schedule your appointment 24/7 online at www.hoplc.org or contact Cara Wright in the Church Office at 612-866-8471.
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 hopfallfestival@gmail.com now. Space is filling up!
RMS Vision Screening
Richfield Middle School will once again be testing incoming 6th grade students' vision for free during the "Fall Essentials" event. This will be from 11am-7pm on Thursday, August 30, and volunteers are needed to help in two hour shifts. No prior skills needed - it's a simple way to help out our schools and meet some students in the process. Please let Ben Whalen know if you are interested (bwhalen@hoplc.org or 612-500-9523).
VEAP Donations for September
We will be collecting dish soap, hand soap and laundry soap for VEAP through September. Please put donations in the VEAP bin in the Narthex. 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.
Parent/Child Music Classes Woodlake Lutheran Church
Join us for 12 weeks of parent/child music classes for you and your children ages 0-5 years. In our engaging classes, you'll move, laugh, sing, play rhythm instruments and share 45 minutes of pure fun. Our curriculum not only develops music skills, it nurtures creativity, self-expression, and confidence while also supporting social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Classes will be held at Woodlake Lutheran Church (7525 Oliver Avenue South) on Thursday mornings this fall starting Sept 13. Contact us at www.firstnotesfm.com or 612-408-4843 for more info or to register for a free class trial class.
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: ( Abbie.Hugunin@hennepin.us) 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 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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