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

This Sunday, 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 on Sunday
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 at 12:15pm in the Fireside Conference Room on Sunday, April 29. Lunch will be served!  Even if you have not previously registered to attend, please feel free to come anyway! All are welcome to join us! 
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!
Many Hands Many Meals Thanks!
April 18th was our 5th annual packing event for Many Hands Many Meals. It was a great success!  We had a delicious meal, thanks to DuAnn and the Simple Supper crew.  Over 90 volunteers of all ages packed almost 27,000 life-saving meals.  All worked hard and had a great time. Thanks to all who participated and made a difference!

Simple Supper Menu-Wed 5/2
Mini burgers and mini pulled chicken buns, French fries, corn, garden salad 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 begin a new unit on the Fruit of the Spirit; the different gifts the Holy Spirit gives to each of us. Next Wednesday the youth have a service project helping pick up litter at Christian Park. HOP "adopted" this park and are committed to helping keep it clean.
Last Call for Camp
We're happy to announce that HOP will cover $100 of the cost for summer camp at Luther Park for any children from HOP! You can check out www.lutherpark.com for more information about camp. Contact Ben Whalen by 4/30 if interested! Camp is a chance to grow in faith and make new friendships. We hope you or someone you know is able to take advantage of this great opportunity!
Luther Park Work Day 
THIS Saturday
Saturday, April 28 will be a beautiful day for a trip to Danbury, WI to help Luther Park with some building projects before summer camping season. We will re-shingle cabins, work on the new Retreat Center, chainsaw and split wood, plumbing, install restroom partitions, gardening, along with other projects. The cabin roofing project will include people on the ground as well so you can help even if you don't like heights! Scott Wright has room to take 4-5 more people in his vehicle.  Please contact him at scott.wright@horacemann.com if you can join him. 
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 May 2 nd  via the attendance card in the  Sunday  bulletin or by contacting Ben Whalen ( bwhalen@hoplc.org  or 612-500-9523).
FEAST at ReFuel - May 6th
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. 
Book Discussion Group
Join us on Thursday, May 3rd at 7:00pm, to discuss "Once in a Blue Moon Lodge" by Lorna Landvik. All are welcome!
New Books in the Library
Not all answers are found on Google!  Our library now has an assortment of dictionaries and one-volume encycylopedias for adults and children donated by Nel Swanson (one of our favorite retired teachers.)  Check some out or stop in to double-check the spelling, definition or facts you need.
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.
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 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

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
STAY CONNECTED: