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Here is an update of what is happening at
House of Prayer this week!
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Worship This Sunday
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe." John 20:24-25
Church history has not always been kind to Thomas. His moniker of "doubting Thomas" has diminished both his contributions to the early church and his legitimate questions about the resurrection of Jesus. While the other disciples had a first hand experience of the risen Christ, Thomas only hears the story about it. He is reluctant to believe but wouldn't we all in that situation? The truth for Thomas (and us) is God will seek us out and come to us in whatever way we need. Thomas had questions and this was part of what made him who he was. This is true for us all. Join us Sunday as we continue to explore the power of the resurrection and the gift of faith.
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Arbor Day Celebration Sunday
This Sunday, April 28, the Creation Care Team is giving out Arbor Day Foundation White Pine tree seedlings to members and guests to take home for planting and the opportunity to make an environmental difference while adding beauty to our surroundings. Arbor Day, a holiday dedicated to trees marks the 147th year that America has been celebrating trees. Trees give off oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, reduce storm water runoff, help save energy, provide food, protection, and homes for birds and mammals, and they add beauty to the earth. One large tree provides a day's supply of oxygen for four people. Plant a tree and help care for God's creation.
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New Member Orientation
If you are new to House of Prayer and are ready to become a member or would like to learn more about who we are, the New Member Orientation is for you! Join us on May 5 at 12:00 p.m. We will be serving lunch so please RSVP on the attendance card (childcare provided). Feel free to contact Pastor Ben (
[email protected]) if you have any questions.
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Former Bishop Herbert Chilstrom Visits House of Prayer
Herbert W. Chilstrom served as the first Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He will be at House of Prayer on Sunday, May 12th, to preach at the 9:30 am worship service and lead a forum at 11 am that morning. He will discuss his book,
"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.
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Simple Supper Menu
The menu for Wednesday, May 1, is sloppy joes, hot dogs, baked beans, pasta salad, garden salad, chips, cookies and fruit. Join us for dinner at 5:30pm upstairs in Parish Hall next week. All are welcome!
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Children & Youth This Week
The Sunday School children begin a new unit this week on the story of Lydia and the Apostle Paul. Next week the youth group will join volunteers of all ages for the Many Hands Many Meals food-packing service project!
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Children on Easter
Thanks to the children who sang in worship on Easter Sunday and to all who came and enjoyed the egg hunt!
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GoSolar! Kidz Summer Camp
Come on Sunday, Aprl 28th to meet Sunny Solar in the Narthex and learn about summer solar science camp for kids. Campers will build cool projects like solar drones, windmills, and solar cars. GoSolar! Kids will be at HOP for 4 weekly sessions (June 17 -July 19). Contact Gretchen Thomas at 952-923-8719 for questions or register at
http://gosolarkidz.com/summer-camps/.
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Preschool Summer Camp
Exciting news! House of Prayer Preschool will offer three weeks of Summer Camp in June! It will be open to 3-5 year olds and meet Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9-11:30 a.m. For more information, contact Nicole Olson, Preschool Director,
[email protected]. Come join the fun!
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Thanks to HOP Foundation
A big THANK YOU to House of Prayer Foundation! They funded a request to bring additional Montessori materials and furniture into the HOP Preschool. We are so excited to use these new pieces!
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End of Year Youth Banquet
Join us on Wednesday, May 15th to celebrate all that our youth have done this year! We will have dinner at 6:00pm, a photo slideshow from the year, and presentations of awards. The whole congregation is invited to come honor the youth. Please contact Ben Whalen ([email protected] or 612-500-9523) with any questions or to RSVP for this event!
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Christians Clean Up Christian Park on Sat
House of Prayer members are joining Southview members (who worship at HOP on Saturdays) to jointly clean up Christian Park on Saturday, April 27th. We'll meet there (70th/Bloomington) at 1pm and eat lunch together before we start picking up litter. This is a great chance to care for the earth, serve the community, and meet our fellow Christians who worship in our building. If you'd like to join us and help out, please contact Paula Hall at 612-413-1214.
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Many Hands Many Meals This Wednesday
On May 1st, House of Prayer will host its 6th annual packing event with Many Hands Many Meals. The meals we packed last year were sent to Sierra Leone. This year's meals will be sent to Malawi in Africa. The event will start in the Parish Hall at 5:30 with supper, then move down to the Fellowship Hall at 6:15 to pack from 6:30 to 8:00. Collection of donations and volunteer sign up will begin on April 7. Don't miss this chance to have fun and make a difference to those in need.
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Confirmation Class Photos - Help Needed
Confirmation class photos from 1954-2018 have been added to the HOP website (www. hoplc.org/confirmation-photos). We need your help to complete the identification of the students in each class. Many are done, but many are left! We believe the names in black font in the caption under each picture are in the correct location, but are unsure of the names in red font. Please contact Mike Murphy at [email protected] if you can help.
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HOP Fellowship-"OrgaNice"
Everyone is invited to join us in Fellowship Hall on Thursday, May 9, at 9:00 am, to hear guest speaker/HOP member Kielyn Simonson, for a seminar on how to declutter your life and organize your home. We will discuss the impact of clutter on your health, finances and happiness, and more as well as learn easy-to-implement strategies to help organize your entire home. This includes strategies for seniors to maximize safety and independence in your home environment, and help you organize conditions that impact your home life. This is an interactive workshop designed to help organize your home life. Contact Noel Sagness (612-866-0833) with questions.
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Card Ministry Sales on Sunday
Come check out the Card Ministry Team's cards available on Sunday, April 28, in the Narthex between services.
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Book Discussion Group
Join us on May 2nd at 7:00pm in the Fireside Conference Room to discuss The Lightkeepers Daughter by Jean Pendziwol. All are welcome!
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Collaboration Churches Fund Four Wells!
Throughout Lent we raised money for the ELCA World Hunger clean water initiative with a goal of $5,000 for two wells. After the joint Maundy Thursday service we surpassed TWICE our goal and together raised OVER $10,000!!! Many thanks to all the donors for their amazing generosity.
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Join our Muslim Neighbors for an Iftar Meal
Each year during Ramadan, the MN Council of Churches works with mosques around the metro area to host Taking Heart Iftar Meals. This is a great chance for non-Muslims to learn more about Islam and Ramadan before joining in the (very delicious) breaking of the fast. Dar Al Farooq in Bloomington is hosting one on Thursday, May 16th at 7pm and several House of Prayer members plan to attend! If you have questions or want to sign up, please contact Pastor Kelly Sandin ([email protected] or 612-500-9525).
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LSS 2019 Benefit for Youth
I would like to invite you to join me at my table for a complimentary luncheon to benefit Lutheran Social Service (LSS) Youth Services. The luncheon is Tuesday, May 14th at the Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power Street in Minneapolis. Reception & registration is at 11:30 with the Program and Lunch at 12:00.
LSS helps keep youth and children safe and supports their healthy development by providing:
- Early intervention and prevention services
- Supportive shelters and housing options for youth experiencing homelessness
- Services to restore and strengthen families
Join in walking alongside the youth served by LSS. You will hear the stories of youths' journeys and have the opportunity to give to critical services that help LSS go further in supporting young people in our community.
Reserve a spot by contacting Jean Robbins e-mail:
[email protected] cell: 952-738-1704
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Urban Wildland Race
Each summer, Richfield hosts the Urban Wildland half marathon and 5k race - this year on Saturday, July 27th starting at 7am. It's a fun event that funds the opportunity for students of Richfield schools to get hands-on education through the Wood Lake Nature Center. House of Prayer is helping sponsor the event and already have 7 folks committed to run! There are also many volunteer opportunities to hand out snacks/water, help runners check in, and more. If you'd like to run, volunteer, or just cheer folks on please reach out to Ben Whalen (
[email protected] or 612-500-9523). More information is available at
www.urbanwildland.com.
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National Lutheran Choir Spring Concert
Sunday, May 5 - 4:00pm, Central Lutheran Church (333 S. 12th St, Minneapolis). Tickets: Adult $30/Senior $28/Student & Children free at www.nlca.com or 612-722-2301. NCL's Spring Concert Light and Dark explores the music of equatorial areas and the dark north of Europe, including selections from Einojuhani Rautavaara's work Vigilia and a cappella choral music from Cuba's leading classical composer, Leo Brouwer.
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Northern Winds - Mother's Day Concert
Sunday May 12th, 7:00 pm
Edinborough Indoor Park (7700 York Ave S, Edina)
Bring Mom out to a Great Concert with many House of Prayer members playing in the band.
For more information, contact Joe Speakman at
[email protected].
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Collaboration Families Moving Forward
Woodlake will be hosting families experiencing homelessness with Families Moving Forward (FMF) from Sunday, April 28 to Sunday, May 5th. Volunteers will be needed to set up rooms, help prepare meals, act as hosts, wash dishes, stay overnight, and clean up after the week is through. If you have family or friends that would enjoy participating in this, feel free to invite them along with you. Our most pressing need for volunteers is for dinner and evening hosts. The dinner hosts help serve and clean-up the evening meal, and evening hosts provide activities with the guests children. Both are a two hour commitment. To volunteer or get more information, please contact lead coordinator Scott Dahlquist at (612) 919-9232 or at [email protected] .
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VEAP Donation April
April is canned meat month (chicken, tuna, SPAM, etc). Please bring your donations and place them in the VEAP collection bin in the Narthex. Thanks in advance for your continued generosity and support to VEAP!
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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
[email protected].
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House of Prayer Lutheran Church of Richfield, MN
ELCA | (61
2) 866-8471
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