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 
W hen the days drew near for him (Jesus) to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?"   (Luke 9:51-54)

In your personal life, in the church, in the world, how do you respond when someone doesn't receive your point of view or beliefs? What is your initial reaction? What do you say or want to say? What do you do or want to do? In the above passage, the disciples wanted to "command fire to come down from heaven and consume" the Samaritan people for refusing to receive Jesus. Jesus certainly had something to say to that. Hope you can join us on Sunday to hear more on what it looks like to follow Jesus' way instead of our own.
Chicago Mission Trip
Our high schoolers (and adult leaders) left for Chicago on Sunday morning, June 23, for a week of service with the group Serve Boldly. They are hoping to build relationships, encounter God through the people and organizations they serve, and get ideas for how to serve back in Richfield when they return. They ask for your prayers for everyone's safety throughout the week and that God would work in and through each person on the trip!
Fourth of July Parade
Richfield LOVES to celebrate the Fourth of July, so much so that they make a three-day festival out of it! It's not too late still to walk in the parade with us on Thursday, July 4th if you contact Pastor Ben asap (bsandin@hoplc.org
). We'll hand out candy, spread the word about what our congregation does, and celebrate with the community. Meet at 12:30 pm at 73rd & Harriet and wear your HOP t-shirt. Get more information about the rest of the festivities July 2nd and 3rd at  www.facebook.com/richfieldredwhiteandbluedays .
First Veggie Table Next Tuesday
Once again this summer we'll be handing out FREE produce at our "Veggie Table" events! Join us from 4:30-6:30pm on the first and third Tuesday of July, August, and September at Season's Park Apartments. In addition to the produce, we'll have yard games, snacks, and a chance to meet neighbors and spend time together. Many thanks to VEAP, one of our mission partners, for providing the food this year! If you'd like to volunteer to make this event happen, please contact Brent King (brentgking8157@gmail.com).
Incredible Race VBS
Registration is open for this year's Vacation Bible School July 29 - Aug 1. Family Dinner: 5:15-5:50 pm & Program: 6:00-8:15pm. Our theme is "The Incredible Race" which will take us around the world to different continents each night to learn that people all around the world are all part of God's big human family. Activities include music, crafts, drama, and more! Register at www.hoplc.org or reach out to Heidi Thomas with questions (heidit1109@live.com). 
Water, Water Everywhere
Pastor Ben and the Creation Care Team will be talking about Water:  Rivers, Baptisms, Living Water on Sundays during the month of July, specifically July 7, 14, and 21.  Speaker and scientist Paul Nelson, Environmental Services Program Manager for Scott County and volunteer with EcoFaith Network, will be at House of Prayer July 14th. He will talk between services about Nurturing Life in the Waters of Creation. This is the theme of the ELCA's year-long effort to encourage Prayer and Learning, Growing Green Hearts, and Connecting the Drops.   Do you know your Watershed District?   
Got Books?
The supply of books in our Little Free Library outside the Chicago Ave. entrance is dwindling.  If you have any extras that you think our neighborhood adults and kids would like to read, please drop them off.  And see if there are any available you would like to read yourself!  "Take a Book, Share a Book."
Sponsor Bulletin/Flowers
Honor loved ones or celebrate special occasions by sponsoring the Sunday bulletin and/or flowers. Visit the Information Desk to fill out the donation envelope and leave it in Cara Wright's box in the church office or with an office volunteer. (Flowers-$40, Bulletin-$20).
Notary Service in Church Office
Our Director of Operations & Communications, Cara Wright, is a   Notary Public. If you need documents notarized, make an appointment with Cara in the church office at 612-866-8471 or via email at cwright@hoplc.org. There is no charge for this service.
Summer Youth Group
The high school youth group decided once again they want to keep meeting in the summer so we'll have a few youth night activities each month. They picked out activities like Skyzone, capture the flag, movie night, and a lock in. All summer activities will be free and open to friends. If you'd like more information, please contact Ben Whalen (bwhalen@hoplc.org or 612-500-9523).
Summer Collaboration Project-VEAP Diapers
The VEAP Collaboration Team, with a VEAP representative from each church - Oak Grove, House of Prayer, and Woodlake - asks you to bring diapers from now until the end of September. The diapers can be any size and quantity. If you would prefer they be purchased by others, please contribute with a check made out to House of Prayer and designate "VEAP Donate & Do" in the memo line.  We will pick a Saturday in October for volunteers to meet at the VEAP warehouse to repackage the diapers for distribution. During this repackaging, VEAP gives the volunteers a tour of their facilities so we can see the whole operation and how they serve our neighbors in need. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, so plan to bring your whole family. Thank you for your continued support of this awesome organization.
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 ( bwhalen@hoplc.org or 612-500-9523). More information is available at www.urbanwildland.com.
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 Pastor 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.
Amazon Smile-Donates to HOP
House of Prayer received a $90 donation from Amazon Smile for purchases made by our supporters from January - March of 2019. Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile  purchases to HOP. Just Shop at www.smileamazon.com using your existing Amazon account and select House of Prayer as your charity. Thank You!
Women's Summer Bible Study at Oak Grove
All women of Oak Grove, Woodlake and House of Prayer are invited to attend our summer Bible Study sponsored by Lydia Ruth Circle of Oak Grove. The study, For such a time as this: Lessons from Esther, will be on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the lower lever of the church. Light refreshments will be served. No preparation is required. The Bible Study is published in the Gather magazine, a publication of the ELCA for women. Copies of the study will be available at each session.
July 9: Esther saves the Jews
August 13: Using our voices
Libera Boy's Choir
The London-based boy's choir "Libera" will be performing at the Cathedral of St. Paul on July 26th at 7:30 PM. They last performed here in 2011. Their music encompasses a wide range of genres, from Classical and chant, to ambient and popular styles of music. You can listen to their albums on music streaming sites such as Spotify and Apple music, and you can see their music videos and live performances on Youtube. Go to  www.ticketsource.us/uslibera for ticketing information.
House of Prayer Lutheran Church of Richfield, MN
 ELCA | (61 2) 866-8471
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