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
So Peter got up and went with them; and when he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Peter put all of them outside, and then he knelt down and prayed. He turned to the body and said, "Tabitha, get up." Then she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. Acts 9:39-40

The season of Easter is a time for all of us to reflect on the power of the resurrection. This passage from Acts reminds us that resurrection not only happened for Jesus but it the future for all the faithful. Tabitha was a saint of the early church known for her acts of generosity. When Peter raises her from the dead it not only demonstrates the power of God over all the forces of death and darkness, but also provides a powerful witness for the community. Tabitha, or Dorcas, would provide testimony to many and her sharing allowed the church to grow. Join us Sunday as we remember Dorcas and all the powerful witnesses to the resurrection.
Former Bishop Herbert Chilstrom Visits HOP Sunday
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.
New Members Welcomed Sunday
Today we welcome six families as they become members of House of Prayer. Please stop by between services and say hello to:
Shawn Barneson
Beth Buswell
Jeff and Kate Desannoy, Thea & Mabel
Ester Konney, Malvin & Isabel
Matthew Van Horn and Stacia Leavitt, Millie & Ray
Eric and Amy White
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].
Many Hands Many Meals Thank You
A big thank you to those that contributed to the success of the Many Hands Many Meals Pack-a-thon.  We had about 80 volunteers that packed almost 22,000 meals.  Thanks also to DuAnn and her crew that prepared a delicious meal to get us started.
Children & Youth This Week
The Sunday School children are finishing up learning about the story of Lydia and the Apostle Paul, especially focusing on how we can help spread God's word. Next Wednesday the youth group will be part of the annual Youth Banquet which you are all invited to as well! More details below.
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!
Summer Sundays With Mindy
From June 9th through July 28th during the 11:00 worship service, children ages 3-12 are encouraged to join Mindy Mennicke (our Sunday School music director) for a chance to learn more music and assist with various parts of the worship service. Please contact Mindy at [email protected] with any questions.
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!
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/. 
Clean Up Christian Park-New Date
We've rescheduled the park cleanup to Saturday, May 18th from 1:30-3:00pm. Join folks from both House of Prayer and Southview churches as we care for God's creation, give back to our community, and build relationships with a congregation who uses our same building. We'll meet at Christian Park (69th St and Bloomington Ave) and start with pizza lunch before picking up litter. If you can join us or have questions, please contact Paula Hall ( [email protected]).
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.
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).
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
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.
HOP Fellowship Speakers - Back in the Fall
Thanks to Noel Sagness, Steve Barnes, and the leadership team for bringing many great topics and guest speakers for the HOP Fellowship Speaker Series. This morning, Kielyn Simonson-OrgaNice Professional Organizing Services, joined us for a seminar on how to declutter your life and organize your home. "Clutter, it's not just you!" Many raised their hands in agreement. The speaker series will resume in the Fall. Please contact Noel Sagness (612-866-0833) if you have questions or would like to be part of the planning team.
Conversations with Friends Penpals
Become a penpal with people in Immigration Detention in Minnesota.  Conversations with Friends (CWF) invites English and Spanish speakers (22 years old and older) to become pen pals with people being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in MN county jails. CWF letter writers commit to writing a weekly letter until their pen pal is released or, more likely, deported. Attendees will also be trained to visit so that if/when we receive approval to visit at the Sherburne County Jail, they can participate if interested.

This is an opportunity to live the Gospel by accompanying those experiencing tremendously challenging times. Our brothers and sisters in ICE detention are suffering from isolation, uncertainty and/or fear as they face deportation and, as a consequence, likely permanent separation from their spouses, children, relatives, and friends. They have lived and worked in the U.S. for a median of about fifteen years, many as long as twenty and even thirty years. Through our ministry they come to know that we in the community truly care; they are not abandoned, not alone.

Training is Saturday, May 25th, 9 am - 1 pm, next to the Basilica of St. Mary in Mpls. For more details and to register, please email Steve Kraemer, Director, at [email protected].
Join Us in the Fall for Simple Suppers
Thanks to all that came to enjoy Simple Suppers and Crock Pot Meals throughout the year. We especially thank Simple Supper Coordinator, DuAnn Thompson, and all the hands that helped set up, prepare, serve, and clean up! This Wednesday, May 15, is the Youth Banquet and all are encouraged to come for a meal together at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall.
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].
House of Prayer Lutheran Church of Richfield, MN
 ELCA | (61 2) 866-8471
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