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
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, 'I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3:15-16).

John the Baptist had a particular purpose. He prepared the way of the Lord. He offered a baptism of repentance. He spoke of the one to come who would be much more powerful than he could ever be. John was humble, yet had a privileged role in baptizing many, including Jesus. Join us this Sunday as we give thanks for our own baptism and are reminded of what God has done for us that we could not do for ourselves.
Associate Pastor Update
The LMT approved the motion to go forward with calling a ¾ time associate pastor.  Members on the call committee are:
From LMT: Chair, Scott Wright and Brent King
From HR: Jon Lankey and Recording Secretary, Monica Dorow
HOP Members: Karen Amezcua and Tom Haffely
Simple Supper Menu
The menu for Wednesday, January 16th is beef stroganoff, cauliflower with bacon, roasted green beans, and cake! Join us at 5:30 pm in Fellowship Hall!
Wednesday Night
Bible Study-Starts Next Week
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
Community Organizing Training
Next week some of our Community Engagement Team will attend an organizing training hosted by the Minneapolis Synod. This will provide new skills to keep reaching out into our neighborhood to work for positive change and will also connect us with other local churches seeking to do the same. Please pray for Kim Houle, Savanna Kamara, and Ben Whalen to have a transformative experience at this training!
Claiming Our Voices: ISAIAH'S 2019 Leadership Convention
Claiming Our Voices: ISAIAH'S 2019 Kick-off 
Statewide ISAIAH Leadership Convention and Legislative Launch is on Saturday, January 19th from 11-4 at the Minneapolis Convention Center! More than 1,000 leaders of faith across race, faith and geography will gather together for a day of celebration and formation to powerfully lead on our Faith Agenda through 2019. At this convening, we hope to engage with Governor Walz and legislative leadership about how we can partner to make our agenda a reality in 2019. Please register at www.bit.ly/cov2019 to attend the 2019 convention for ISAIAH (mission partner at House of Prayer) as we hear about the transformational work they are planning for 2019.  Together we will become engaged around issues that affect us all - a caring economy; access to healthcare; Muslim civic inclusion; LGBTQ rights; climate justice; and much more! There will be free child-care offered, but registration is required.
Children & Youth This Week
The Sunday School children will continue exploring how Jesus gave us the Lord's Prayer as an example of how to pray. Next week the Youth Group will have a learning night with their peer group on the following topics: 5th & 6th grade - Parables, 7th & 8th grade - The Beattitudes, High school - Faith and Mental Illness.
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 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.
HOP Preschool Growing
House of Prayer Preschool is growing! We welcomed three new boys to our group and are already enrolling for fall. Contact us to learn more: nolson@hoplc.org. Happy New Year to you!
Sign up for Family Mission Trip 2019
Everyone ages 0-100+ is invited to join us for a long weekend in Superior, WI on July 12-14. We'll serve several different organizations in town with a variety of projects and you'll also get a chance to relax on the shores of Lake Superior. Please contact Ben Whalen (bwhalen@hoplc.org or 612-500-9523) for more information. The deadline to sign up is February 1st!
Which is Which??
Recycling/Compost/Trash
The Creation Care Team is hoping everyone will become even more conscientious about ways to protect our environment. Please notice the labeling on our new metal cans: 
RECYCLING: glass/plastic bottles/aluminum cans/clean paper/cardboard
COMPOST: paper coffee cups/napkins 
TRASH: everything else.  
And a "Thank you" to those who are beginning to toss their used cups into the new composting bin next to the coffee bar.
Having everything sorted correctly will make it much easier for Ramo and for our garbage haulers. Watch for more information soon about Richfield's new composting program!
Strength & Resiliency in Grief
Strength and Resiliency in Grief: February 11th at 5:00 pm. Come and hear Rev. Catherine Duncan, Integrated Spiritual Consultant as she addresses the topic of strength and resiliency in grief. This special event is for the women of the congregation who have lost their partners. Dinner will be served; watch for more details to follow.
HOP Fellowship
Thursday; February 14, 2019
9:00 AM; HOP Fellowship Hall
Guest Speaker - Mr. Louie Larson, HOP Member
All Brothers & Sisters are invited for fellowship - devotion; speaker; meet; greet; chit-chat; including refreshments.Speakers subject - "2009 Military Vehicle Transcontinental Convoy, from Washington D. C. to San Francisco". The convoy includes a variety of war-time motor vehicles - carrying war supplies and equip- ment, as well as men and officers. Other convoy procedures, details and conditions will be discussed and noted.
Fantasy Football Champion!
In a battle of the Bens, Gnashing of Teeth (Pastor Ben) defeated Seek Ye First Downs (Ben Whalen) in the House of Prayer Fantasy Football Championship. When it comes to winning the league it feels like we have "ben" here before! It was a great season for all involved. Keep an eye out for an announcement for next year.
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.
House of Prayer Lutheran Church of Richfield, MN
 ELCA | (61 2) 866-8471
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