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
On this first Sunday of Christmas, we hear the story of  Jesus as a boy in the temple sitting among the elders foreshadowing his ministry later in life. Come join us for liturgical worship at 9:30 am and ReFuel at 11 am per our usual schedule.
Church Office Closed
The Church Office will be closed December 23rd through New Year's Day. You can reach Pastor Ben or any staff member outside of regular office hours by leaving a message on their voicemail. Call the church office 612-866-8471 and follow the prompts to leave a voice mail. Staff receive these messages remotely from their cell phones as they are sent as an email audio file. In cases of pastoral care needs, we prefer our members contact the pastor(s) directly in this way.
Pick Up Your Offering Envelopes
2019 contribution envelopes are in the Narthex for you to pick -up. If you need envelopes assigned to you, please contact Jo at jshoberg@hoplc.org or (612) 866-7110.
Year-End Giving
Please prayerfully consider a year-end gift to House of Prayer. All gifts received by 12/31/18 will be included on the year-end giving statement.  Many thanks! Contact Jo Shoberg at jshoberg@hoplc.org, with questions.
Simple Supper Menu
Menu for Wednesday, Jan. 2nd: Tacos, broccoli salad, taquitos (mashed potato & poblano), and fruit. Come join us at 5:30pm in Fellowship Hall!
Children & Youth This Week
No Sunday School on Sunday the 30 - we'll restart the new year on January 6. Next week the Youth Group will have a learning night with their peer groups on these topics: 5th/6th grade - Twelve Disciples, Confirmation - Jesus Calls his Disciples, high school youth - Faith & Healthy Relationships.
Youth Collecting TP for VEAP
The youth group will be collecting toilet paper until February 13th when we take it all to VEAP. Toilet paper is obviously also an essential item for families who visit VEAP for food. Our goal is to collect 1200 rolls of toilet paper - can you spare a square? Donations can be brought to the VEAP bin outside the sanctuary.
High School Retreat at Luther Park
February 1-3 the high schoolers are headed up to camp for a winter retreat! This will be a great chance to enjoy some time out in nature, go sledding or play broomball, build community with the youth group, and dive deeper into our faith. Talk to Ben Whalen for more information and please sign up by January 9.
HOP Preschool Growing
House of Prayer Preschool is growing! New children will begin in January and we look forward to welcoming them to our current group. If you know of someone looking for a Montessori like preschool experience now or in the future, please email nolson@hoplc.org. Happy New Year to you!
Save the Dates for Summer 
ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) - Allyssa Hyde
Hello House of Prayer,
I'm Allyssa Hyde. As a member of the HOP congregation, I wanted to share what I have been doing this year. I am participating in the ELCA's amazing program called YAGM. This year of service invites young adults to become the hands and feet of Jesus. I have been serving at the Lutheran Church in Cambodia since September. My position includes teaching English classes and helping the Church with lessons and other day to day operations. It has been absolutely a life changing experience so far and I can't wait to see what the rest of the year has to offer. I would love any thoughts and prayers. You can follow my journey through my blog at  https://allyssahyde.wixsite.com/website/blog. If you feel called, I would greatly appreciate your financial support as well, you can find this information at  http://support.elca.org/site/TR/Events/General?px=1052891&pg=personal&fr_id=1181. 
With lots of love, Allyssa ( allyssa.hyde@gmail.com)
Wednesday Night
Bible Study
Universally recognized as a literary masterpiece, the Book of Job skillfully intermingles poetry and prose to deliver a delightful rendition of creation. The sovereign grace of God is revealed in its glory. Don't think this is only a sad account of life. Let's dive in together and discover what we can in what some say be the oldest book of the Bible.
Six Wednesdays Starting January 16, 2019
6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall - Led by Pastoral Intern, Deanna Bassett
New Trash/Recycling Cans
Have you noticed the shiny new trash and recycling cans in the Narthex?  The Creation Care Team selected them to help members and visitors become even more conscientious about ways to protect our environment. Please take to separate items as follows: RECYCLING (glass/plastic bottles/aluminum cans), CUPS/NAPKINS (paper coffee cups/napkins) and everything else in TRASH.
Book Discussion Group
Join us on January 3rd at 7:00 pm in the Fireside Conference Room as we discuss "The Magician's Elephant" by Kate DiCamillo. All are welcome!
HOP Fellowship
All Brothers & Sisters are invited for fellowship, devotions and speaker on Thurs., January 10th at 9:00am in Fellowship Hall! Come hear guest speaker Pastor Linda Lund, HOP member and retired HOP pastor, as she discusses "Alaska - The Last Great Frontier." For more information call Noel Sagness (612-866-0833).
Let's Visit!
Would you like a visitor from one of our pastoral staff members? While we often hear of needs within the congregation, sometimes we are unaware of the needs within our family of faith. Pastor Ben or Minister Kelly would be happy to visit any of our members or friends who would like a pastoral visit. These visits could be health related but could be for any reason. Contact the church office via telephone 612-866-8471 or Pastor Ben via email bsandin@hoplc.org.
Watch Christmas in Christ Chapel
The recorded broadcast of Christmas in Christ Chapel at Gustavus Adolphus College is available to watch on YouTube - Click Here to view.
House of Prayer Lutheran Church of Richfield, MN
  ELCA | (61 2) 866-8471
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