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
From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, "Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." But she answered him, "Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." 
Mark 7:24-28

So many questions come to mind when reading this week's Gospel passage, like where was Jesus before he left for Tyre and why was he going there? How far did he travel? Would Tyre trigger something important for 1st CE readers? What do we need to know about it? Whose house did he enter and why did he want to escape notice? How did the woman know he was there? And why the harsh and demeaning insult Jesus? One thing is certain, the Syrophoenician woman, in great reverence and faith, humbled herself at the feet of Jesus and begged on behalf of her daughter. Her persistence was not hindered by his insult. Join us this Sunday as we explore what the Gospel of Mark might be up to and the difficult, but good news we need to hear.
Sunday School & Youth Group
This Sunday, Sept 9th will be our first day back at Sunday School! Children can attend during either worship service as we kick off the year with music, games, and introductions. Parents should make sure to stop by the classroom after worship to meet their child's teachers for the year! Wednesday, Sept 12th will be our first night of youth group with some icebreaker games and a preview of what we'll be doing this year. Everyone is welcome to Simple Supper at 5:30 and closing worship at 7:45 each Wednesday. If you have questions about either program please talk to Ben Whalen ( [email protected] or 612-500-9523).
Simple Supper Starts Wednesday
Simple Suppers start on Wed, Sept. 12th at 5:30pm. Dishwashers and setup/servers are needed to help with this delicious and much appreciated ministry. Sign up on the Attendance Card to help. Contact DuAnn Thompson at [email protected] with questions. Menu for September 12th: tacos, broccoli salad, guacamole, corn/bean salsa, and ice cream.
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!
Veggie Table Tuesday
Tuesday,  September 11, we'll be at the parking lot of Season's Park Apartments (951 E. 77th St) from 5-7pm to hand out free produce, have snacks, and socialize with our neighbors. Everyone is invited to participate! If you'd like to volunteer, please contact Karen Steenson [email protected]).
Discussion with Former Bishop Herb Chilstrom
Herbert W. Chilstrom served as the first Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He will be in the Twin Cities giving a series of lectures at local churches and will be at House of Prayer on Monday, Sept 17 at 11 am.  The topic is: "Writing Books: An Unexpected Retirement Venture." Rev. Chilstrom has authored/coauthored several books and will be sharing his writing journey and offering suggestions about how others can write their own memoirs. His books will be available for purchase with proceeds going to ELCA college and seminary scholarships. Please contact Pastor Ben at [email protected] with questions.
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.
Flu Shots
It's time for your flu shot at our clinic on Sunday, Sept. 23!  Please sign up by Sept. 16 at the Information Desk or by calling the office so the nurses will know how many doses to bring.
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.
Join us at Penn Fest
Each year the ENTIRE length of Penn Ave in Richfield is closed off for the massive Penn Fest event. This year it is on Sunday, September 16 from 12-5pm and House of Prayer will once again have our own tent! Please let Ben Whalen ( [email protected] or 612-500-9523) know if you'd like to help greet folks at our table, play a game of bean bags or giant Jenga with people, or hand out free water and snacks. Otherwise, we just encourage you to go, enjoy the event, and stop by to say hello!
Worship Audio Visual Volunteers Needed
You can do it! Volunteers are needed for the sound board for the 9:30am service and sound/power point slides for 11:00am ReFuel service. Training is provided and you'll work with an experience tech until your are comfortable. We will work around your schedule for Sunday services (once/month) Contact Cara Wright at 612-866-8471 or   [email protected] to volunteer.
Updates from HOP Preschool
Thank You to everyone who has donated items to the preschool! We received some lovely placemat material, fabric and paper, as well as plastic folders and a beautiful magnifying glass. We open on Tuesday and have 7 families joining us. We can't wait to get the year started!

Other items we could use (new or used), please drop off in church office:
A small battery powered clock
Chalkboard erasers
Small wooden or metal decorative objects for polishing

There is still space for one or two more children to begin - tell your neighbors and friends! They can contact us at 612-861-7110 or [email protected]. We meet Tues/Wed/Thurs from 9-11:30 a.m.
Read With Students
A new school year means another chance to help 3rd, 4th, or 5th graders at Richfield Dual Language School (RDLS) develop their reading skills! One on one help with students for an hour each week makes a HUGE difference in children's academic success and you can help make that happen. Scheduling is flexible and no teaching experience is necessary. Please talk with Ben Whalen ( [email protected] or 612-500-9523) to learn more.
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!
The Sheridan Story
Starting up once again with the new school year is our partnership with The Sheridan Story to help students at Centennial Elementary have food for over the weekends. Many students rely on free or inexpensive meals at school which means the weekends & holiday breaks can stretch their families' grocery budgets. The Sheridan Story provides food packs in hopes of alleviating that stress. 
You can help in one of two ways:
Volunteer: A group of volunteers go to Centennial every Friday morning to distribute food packs into students' backpacks. If you could commit to an hour one Friday a month (or more) we'd love to have your help! Talk to Ben Whalen for more info ([email protected] or 612-500-9523)
Donate: It costs about $215 to provide food for one student every weekend and holiday break this school year. House of Prayer hopes to sponsor 15 children. If you can cover one month ($24), one semester ($108), a full year ($215), or any amount it all will help us meet our goal! Donations can be made at www.hoplc.org/give (please designate gifts to Sheridan Story) or checks can be written to House of Prayer Lutheran Church with "The Sheridan Story" in the memo line. Any questions about donations can be directed to Jo Shoberg ([email protected] or 612-500-9528).
Thank you for helping students focus on learning and growing up, free from worrying about hunger!
Flower Delivery Volunteers
Would you enjoy delivering Sunday sanctuary flowers and visiting a hospitalized or home bound member of HOP? It's an enriching opportunity to connect with other HOP members. Normal rotation includes visits 4 times per year. If you are interested, please contact Ilene Holen at 612-869-7994. Thank you!
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 [email protected] now. Space is filling up!
Fall Festival-Book Table Donation
Do you have any gently used books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, or games? Would you  like to donate them to our Fall Festival Book Table? Please bring them to the HOP library
and label "For FALL FESTIVAL." Thanks in advance!
Justice Reflection from ISAIAH
What does politics have to do with our faith? Do we think that politics means partisanship? Fortunately for people of faith, they are not the same. For Jesus (and us), being political simply means to be concerned with the public affairs of the community. Jesus made his first public declaration of his ministry and his politics in Luke 4:18, when he bellowed in the temple and stirred the masses with his concern for the poor and oppressed. How is your faith calling you into politics? Pick up a "Justice Reflection" at the information desk with more ways to engage your faith with your community. Contact Kim Houle at 612-558-0634 for more information.
An Evening With Mikah Meyer
Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 7:00 pm.
St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church, 100 North Oxford St., St. Paul
Featured on NPR, "The Today Show," and in "Living Lutheran," Mikah Meyer is a member of the ELCA traveling to all 417 National Parks to raise awareness and challenge stereotypes of LGBTQ people. Join us for his story and how his faith has made a difference on his journey.
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!
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.
Loaves & Fishes is Hiring
Woodlake Lutheran Church offers free community meals every Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 - 6:30pm, in a partnership with the Loaves and Fishes organization. Loaves and Fishes is currently seeking a new site coordinator at Woodlake and a few other local sites. Click Here for more information or to apply.
Bloomington-Richfield Grief Coalition
Thursdays,  4:30-6:00 p.m.
St. Richard's Catholic Church
7540 Penn Ave. S
Richfield, MN
612-869-2426 / www.strichards.com
    
September 27 -  Is it Grief, or Something More? Mary Harlow
October 4 - The Mind-Body Connection Lorry Lundborg
October 11 - My Story Mary Canakes
October 18 - Dealing with Being Grief-Struck Dale Swan
October 25 - How Grief Affects the Family System Catherine Duncan
November 1 - The Courage to Ask: Embracing Help Rene Garpestad
on the Path to Healing
November 8 - Where is God in My Grief Stuart Walker
November 15 - A Time of Remembrance Joan Apt
House of Prayer Lutheran Church of Richfield, MN
 ELCA | (61 2) 866-8471
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