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!
Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them" (Mark 6:6b-11) .

After teaching in his hometown synagogue, Jesus was rejected. And while "he was amazed at their disbelief," he was not hindered by it. He went right out and taught again in the surrounding villages, and then instructed his disciples to do the same. Join us this Sunday to hear more about persevering in the face of opposition.
Thanks to 4th of July Marchers
Thanks to all who marched with the House of Prayer group in the Richfield July 4th parade! They handed out a bunch of candy and almost 2000 invitations to join us for worship, VBS, Preschool, and community events. Tons of fun!

Houston, We Have a Gathering
Several youth & adults from House of Prayer returned this week from the ELCA National Youth Gathering in Houston. It was an amazing experience with more than 30,000+ high schoolers from around the country! The youth and leaders will share stories and insights at the shareholder dinner on Monday, July 16. Contact Ben Whalen at [email protected] for more information. 
Summer Bible Study: 'Reclaiming Revelation'
Starts Next Wednesday
Join us for this Bible study video series on a book that many find confusing and is often misunderstood.  Pastor Ben and Minister Kelly will lead this summer study as requested by our members.  The study will be on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:00pm in Parish Hall, for 6 weeks beginning July 11. Sign up on the attendance card to let us know you're interested and contact Pastor Ben at  [email protected]  with any questions.
VBS - It's not too late to register! Spread the Word!
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.
Register Now for HOP Preschool
House of Prayer Preschool has openings for fall! Do you know a child aged 3-5 years looking for a part-time preschool for the upcoming school year? House of Prayer Preschool will be open Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 9-11:30 a.m. beginning September 11th and still has space for more children. The program will transition from a traditional preschool to a Montessori setting this year. Look for Open House information in August to come see the room and meet the staff! Contact Nicole Olson, Preschool Director, at 612-861-7110 or [email protected] with questions or to register. 
The Veggie Table
Next Tuesday
This summer we continue our partnership with Second Harvest to offer free produce to the community (previously called The Gardener's Market) but in a new form as "The Veggie Table." On July 10, August 4, September 11, and October 9, we'll be at the parking lot of Season's Park Apartments from 5-7pm to hand out free produce, have snacks, and socialize with our neighbors. Everyone is invited to participate! If you'd like to volunteer, please contact Karen Steenson [email protected] ) or sign up on the attendance card during worship.
AED Training at HOP
The Richfield Fire Department will be at HOP on Thursday, July 19 from 6:00-7:30pm in Sunday School Rooms 1-2  to lead a training session on the use of the AED (Automated External Defibrillator), CPR,  and basic first aid. This will not be a certification class, but an educational seminar that will give you the basics.  There is no charge for the class so come and bring a friend!  Sign up on the worship attendance card or call the church office at 612-866-8471. Contact Brent King at brentgking8157@gmail.com with questions.
New Church Pictorial Directory
We're excited for our new church photo directory! The directory will feature HOP families, ministries and activities, provide contact information, and be a useful resource to keep us connected. LifeTouch Photography will be at HOP from August 8-11 and September 19-22 for afternoon and evening appointments to take photos of all congregation members and their families. Portrait scheduling be available Sunday mornings beginning Sunday, July 15, and on-going 24/7 online at www.hoplc.org. Contact Mary Settles-Kroeplin at [email protected] or Cara Wright at [email protected] with questions.
VEAP School Supply Drive
We will be collecting school supplies for VEAP July 1st through August 12th. Most needed items are backpacks, ear buds, USB thumb drives and calculators. Further suggestions will be on the VEAP board. Thank you!
Blood Pressure Checks
As a part of our ongoing commitment to work together as collaborative churches in Richfield, Oak Grove is offering free blood pressure checks by their Parish Nurse, Lisa Martin. The blood pressure checks will take place between 9:30 and 9:55 in the basement Choir Room on July 8th and 22nd. You are also invited to visit for worship at 8:30am and 10am. 
Collaboration Outdoor Worship
Our next opportunity for outdoor worship will be  Sunday, August 26 at 10am  at Veteran's Park.  Mark your calendar to come worship with our friends from Woodlake and Oak Grove. A picnic lunch will follow. HOP will bring salads and sides.
Women's Summer Bible Study at Oak Grove
All women are invited to attend our summer Bible Study sponsored by Lydia-Ruth Circle of Oak Grove Lutheran Church (7045 Lyndale Ave S, Richfield). The Bible Study will be on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the lower level 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.  This summer's study is written by Anna Madsen who will present a three-part study on prayer.  Anna is a freelance theologian and proud mama to daughter Else and son Karl. She works with OMG: Center for Theological Conversation (omgcenter.com) and enjoys seeing the occasional moose and bear in their woods.

Session one: the paradoxes of prayer (1 Samuel 12:16-23) - (June 12)
Session two: the practices of prayer (Psalm 19:14) - (July 10)
Session three: the products of prayer (Romans 8:26-28) - (August 14)
Bloomington-Richfield Grief Coalition
Thursdays,  4:30-6:00 p.m.
Peace Lutheran Church
8600 E. Bush Lake Rd
Bloomington, MN
952-944-6510

July 5:    An Overview of Grief - Steve Simms
July 12:  Energy Healing for Grief - Karen Morey
July 19:    Grief and Shame  -  Robert H. Albers Ph.D.  
July 26:  Family Matters: The Impact of Loss on Family - Ed Holland
Aug 2:   Will I Always Feel This Way? - Nancy Jo Sullivan
Aug 9:     Wellness During Grief -  Phyllis Bruce
Aug 16:   The Greatest of These is Love: Cherishing What Remains -  Nancy
              Jo Sullivan                           
Aug 23:    Multiple Loss - J ulie Ditzler
House of Prayer Lutheran Church of Richfield, MN
 ELCA | (61 2) 866-8471
STAY CONNECTED: