Worship This Sunday!

All youth finishing up 5th-9th grade this spring are invited to join Summer Stretch on Thursdays in June, July, & August. The youth helps serve the community in the morning through projects at elder care centers, food shelves, parks, and more. In the afternoon, they will do a fun activity, like bowling, beach, or mini golf. The summer finishes with a trip to Valley Fair! If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about this program, contact Ben Whalen ( [email protected] or 612-500-9523).

Plan to attend this annual event at Veteran's Park on Thursday, May 24th at 5pm to celebrate all the different cultures in Richfield and meet some of our neighbors in the process. You'll want to come check it out! Several HOP folks volunteered last year and we hope that is YOU this year! If you would like to help in advance with craft preparation OR you're willing to help on with setup, serving food, or other tasks at the event please contact Paula Kiehl at [email protected].

Members of our community engagement team have partnered with many of our neighbors and city leaders to preserve affordable housing and protect the residents who need it. The City Council has a work session planned for 5:45pm on Monday, May 21st at city hall (67th and Portland). Beforehand, starting at 4:30, there will be a "Gather, Eat, Act" event sponsored by VEAP & CAP-HC where you can learn more about the proposed ordinances and how you can get involved. We hope you can come! Please contact Paula Kiehl ( [email protected]) or Ben Whalen ( [email protected] or 612-500-9523) for more information.

The housing nonprofit Aeon purchased the Season's Park Apartments just south of church this past year and are now working to address years of previously ignored maintenance needs. They'd like community help with some basic landscaping projects to clean up and beautify the complex so residents can be proud to call it home. Join us after church on Sunday, June 10th, from 12:30-3:00pm. No landscaping experience necessary and all ages can help out! Lunch will be provided for all volunteers, please sign up with Ben Whalen by June 3rd ( [email protected] or 612-500-9523).

HOP member Maya Burkstrand, and Bridget Foley are working on their Girl Scout Silver Award. They hope to collect one Spanish and one English book for each student at RDLS. There is a collection bin in the narthex through mid-May for your donations. Spanish books are especially needed. They are available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and other local book retailers. Of interest to this age group include these series:  Diaro de Greg, Diario de Nikki, Elefante y Cerdita and Escalafrios.

As the warm spring sunshine encourages new growth, we too are encouraged to "get back out there" and turn some soil in God's Creation.  The HOP community garden is always welcoming new ideas and helpers.  After several years as dedicated VEAP gardeners, Sandy Jenson and Kim Houle would like to pass the pitchforks to someone new who may have a future vision for what this urban garden can be.  If you are interested in managing or helping please contact Kim Houle at 612-558-0634.

Richfield Garden Club is sponsoring a Plant Sale on Saturday, May 19, 9:00am - 3:00pm and Sunday, May 20, 10:00am - 3:00pm at the Richfield Historical Center, 6901 Lyndale Ave S.