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!
I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Jesus spoke these words to his disciples as a metaphor for continued relationship when he would eventually depart from them. It is beautiful imagery of staying in the vine where the fruit of love is made possible. Come join us this Sunday to hear more about abiding in the vine of love.
FEAST at ReFuel THIS SUNDAY
Come join us for this dynamic worship service and lunch. The topic for May is mutual relations (abiding) and dependence in order to live out the commandment to love. Contact Pastor Ben ( bsandin@hoplc.org) if you would like to help prepare meals for future FEASTs. 
Demystifying Alzheimer's Event
The Demystifying Alzheimer's Event last night was terrific! Many thanks to Dr. Michael Rosenboom and the staff from HealthPartners Center for Memory & Aging for giving us insight into Alzheimer's disease, how to care for loved ones, and tips for brain-healthy living. Check out the HOP Facebook Page to see more.
Simple Supper Menu-Wed 5/9
Pizza burgers (beef), broccoli salad, tater tots, and for dessert - cook's choice! Join us at 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall for dinner!
Children & Youth This Week
This week the Sunday School children continue learning about the Fruit of the Spirit and how the Holy Spirit leads us. Next Wednesday the youth have their final learning night of the year - 5th/6th graders: review of the Israelites in exile, 7th/8th graders: Martin Luther movie, high schoolers - wrapping up Peer Ministry with personal mission statements. 
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 heidit1109@live.com with questions.
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 THIS SUNDAY, May 6th  via the attendance card in the  Sunday  bulletin or by contacting Ben Whalen ( bwhalen@hoplc.org  or 612-500-9523).
Summer Stretch
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 ( bwhalen@hoplc.org or 612-500-9523).
Music of America Concert SUNDAY
Come and hear the Synod Senior Band and the Augsburg Centennial Singers in concert on Sunday, May 6, at 4:00pm at Westwood Lutheran Church, 9100 Cedar Lake Rd, St Louis Park. Free will offerings are accepted.
Northern Winds Band Concert
Plan to attend this annual Mother's Day event at Edinborough Park, 7600 York Avenue South at 7:00 pm. Several members of HOP play in the band. Bring Mom out for a fun evening of great music!
Men's Fellowship
All Sisters and Brothers are invited to join us in Parish Hall (new location) on May 10th at 9:00am to hear guest speaker Scott Dahlquist, Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society. He will discuss lighthouse preservation; old and new. Join us for fellowship, refreshments and chit-chat! Sign up before 5/18 at the information desk. Contact Noel Sagness (612-866-0833) with questions.
Funeral Luncheon Team
Many thanks to Cara Wright and our Funeral Luncheon Team for continuing our luncheon ministry. Cara will serve as the Coordinator and the team will continue to set up, serve and clean up. We are excited to offer several new luncheon choices, including lasagna, chicken alfredo pasta, chicken breast dinner and Swedish meatballs, in addition to our sandwich buffet menu. We will be working with Affordable Best Catering in Bloomington for all our luncheons. For more information, contact Cara Wright at cwright@hoplc.org or 612-866-8471
Community Garden
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.
Prayer Opportunity
HOP would like to be part of the Circle of Compassion. Through the Circle of Compassion, individuals, groups, and congregations hold those detained in immigration custody in thought and prayer. Each month a list is provided of detained individuals that would like to be included in your prayers along with their families. Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity. Check the box on the attendance card to sign up to be a member of the Circle of Compassion prayer group.  Contact Jean Robbins at cjrobbins@visi.com with any questions.
Unity in the Community
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 paula@ecosmarte.com.
Men's Softball Team
Enjoy softball and looking for a "joy of the game" experience rather than competitive success?  Consider playing with the Woodgrove Saints, a composite team made up of members of Richfield churches and their friends.  Games are on Thursday evenings at Dred Scott fields in S/W Bloomington starting April 26th.  Contact team manager Scott Dahlquist for further information at sjaadahlquist@comcast.net or at (612) 919-9232.  Men (18+) of any ability are welcome. 
VEAP News
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

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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