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!
He said to them, "Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." Luke 24:38-39

The season of Easter continues this Sunday as we explore stories of Jesus' resurrection appearances. Not only do these accounts demonstrate the power of Jesus defeating death and the grave, they also offer invitations for followers of Jesus to bring the power of the resurrection to our world. We share in the promise of resurrection by God's grace, and we share in the power of resurrection by allowing the Holy Spirit to lead our lives. Join us Sunday as we enrich our understanding of God's awesome power.  
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 April 29 at 12:15 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 about the orientation or membership at House of Prayer.
Children & Youth This Week
This week the  Sunday  School children continue learning the story of Mary & Martha and how we make time for Jesus even when we're busy. Next Wednesday the youth will be part of the Many Hand Many Meals service project that everyone is invited to join in on!
Many Hands Many Meals
The 5th Annual HOP packing event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 18th. You will have the opportunity to donate and sign up to volunteer beginning Sunday, March 18th.  Don't miss this fun intergenerational event.  We will start with dinner in the Parish Hall at 5:30 and then move to the Fellowship Hall to pack meals from 6:30 to 8:00.  The over 30,000 meals we packed last year went to Sierra Leone, one of the poorest countries in the world where 75% of the people live in poverty. For more information on MH-MM visit their website www.mh-mm.org
Community Wellness Expo
This Saturday, April 14 from 9am-noon is the annual Wellness Expo at Richfield High School! It's a great chance to meet neighbors and connect with lots of organizations promoting wellness in town. Activities include a one-mile fun run, "Kid Zone" games, obstacle course, local vendors, choir performances, cooking demonstrations and samples, door prizes, and more! We hope you can stop by to check it out.
Habitat for Humanity Outing
House of Prayer is participating in a service project with Habitat for Humanity this Saturday, April 14th. The work at the site goes from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. and you should check in by 8:15 a.m. Registrants must be at least 16 years old to participate. Please dress appropriately for the weather, as work can be outside.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Paul Danielson at 952-887-8896 or [email protected] asap. Please provide an e-mail address, if available, and directions and details on the outing can be forwarded quickly to you. This makes for a rewarding experience that can make a huge difference in people's lives.
VBS-Register Now!
Click HERE to register Now for HOP 2018 VBS - "Shipwrecked" and Discover How Jesus Rescues Us Through Life's Storms!  Shipwrecked is filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences where kids see, hear, and touch! Through games, crafts, and Bible adventures, kids will embark on a journey to discover how we are rescued by Jesus.
When: 7/23/18 - 7/26/18
Family Dinner: 5:15-5:50pm & Program: 6:00-8:15pm
Contact: Heidi Thomas, VBS Director, 612-869-5023 or [email protected] with questions.
Demystifying Alzheimer's Disease: A guide for Patients and Caregivers
Join us on Wednesday, May 2 nd at 6:30pm - 7:30pm at House of Prayer for this educational discussion. House of Prayer, along with Southview SDA, is hosting this informative and beneficial presentation about Alzheimer's disease. Come and hear Dr. Michael Rosenbloom, from HealthPartners Center for Memory and Aging as he discusses:
  • Dementia versus Alzheimer's disease
  • Clinical features of Alzheimer's disease
  • Living with Alzheimer's disease
  • Progression of Alzheimer's disease
  • Risk factors for Alzheimer's disease
  • Treatment for Alzheimer's
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to learn more about Alzheimer's disease!
Youth Banquet
As summer approaches so does the end of another year of  Wednesday  Night Youth Group. The whole congregation is welcome to join us for a banquet on May 16 th  starting at  6:00pm  where we will celebrate everything we did this year and our wonderful youth & volunteers who make it all possible! The night will include a picture slideshow, awards, and of course dinner. This event is free but please RSVP by May 2 nd  via the attendance card in the  Sunday  bulletin or by contacting Ben Whalen ( [email protected]  or 612-500-9523).
Earth Day is April 22
Help protect our planet; recycle electronics as they may contain chemicals that seep into the ground. Every U.S. Best Buy offers the in-store program for customers to bring their old, unused, or unwanted consumer electronics for recycling, no matter where they were purchased. Join with House of Prayer's Creation Care Team in the commitment to care for the earth and all of God's creation. " The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for God has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers."  Psalm 24: 1-2.
Funeral Luncheon Coordinator Position Open
After 9 years of dedicated service as our Funeral Luncheon Coordinator, Shari Sjostrand will be stepping down April 1. HOP is looking to fill the position as soon as possible. The process is well organized and ready for someone to fill the roll. Come work with an awesome team of volunteers in this greatly appreciated ministry. CLICK HERE or visit the Announcements page of the House of Prayer website to view the full job description.
Hope Takes Flight Gala
Please join us on Sunday, April 15 - 4:30-8:00pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington. House of Prayer is hoping to organize 2-3 tables of our members for the NLC Gala. When you register online, in the box that says: I would like to be seated with, please enter House of Prayer and list any names with whom you would like to be seated. The cost is $65 per person. To register: www.NLCA.com/gala2018, or call 612-722-2301, ext. 103 and mention House of Prayer.
Willing to Volunteer?
Contact Kris Rongstad at [email protected] or 612-722-2301 ext. 102 for more information about volunteering. All volunteers receive free dinner and a chance to hear the National Lutheran Choir sing!
22nd Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
On Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. Richfield Lutheran Church (60th & Nicollet in South Minneapolis) is hosting this annual event to support camp scholarships for children attending Luther Park Bible Camp. It will feature an evening of entertainment by Nick Nelson & Molly Weibel. Tickets cost $20/adults, $5/Children, $150/Table for Eight. Limited Seating. Call for Reservations Today! 612.861.2265 x3.
VEAP News
For March, total food items collected was 80 pounds, and contributions were $120. Many thanks to everyone. For April and May, VEAP is asking for contributions of hygiene products; shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, hand lotion, toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Bloomington-Richfield Grief Coalition
Thursdays,  4:30-6:00 p.m.
Atonement Lutheran Church
601 East Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN
952-881-9244

April 12: Grief & Resiliency - Rev. Catherine Duncan
April 19: Is It Grief, Or Something More? - Mary Harlow
April 26: How To Go Back to Familiar Places - Rev. Ken DeFore
May 3: Uncommon Sense About  Change, Loss & Grief - Brenda DeMotte
May 10: Myths of Grief - Brenda DeMotte
May 17: Gender Differences On Grief - Brenda DeMotte
May 24: Service of Remembrance
House of Prayer Lutheran Church of Richfield, MN
 ELCA | (61 2) 866-8471
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