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!
While it can be difficult to present music that speaks specifically and literally to the beheading of John the Baptist (this week's Gospel), there is also a tone within that story that depicts the absolute truth of the hope within the Word of God - even in the midst of extreme hardship - and the music and hymns on Sunday do speak to that idea. 

From the Gathering Hymn, "O Word of God Incarnate", to the Sending Hymn, "Lead On, O King Eternal", we sing of the everlasting hope and truth of our faith. Additional music (presented by Jon and Karen in the form of organ/piano duets) also go that direction in the form of a setting of "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise". Come out and hear and sing the truth!
Pray for the Family Mission Trip
This weekend, July 13-15, is our annual Family Mission Trip! Twelve families from House of Prayer and Oak Grove Lutheran Churches will be helping out around town in Superior, WI and staying at Camp Amnicon. Please pray for safety, new or growing friendships, meaningful service, and powerful encounters with God. Pictures and stories to come once we return!
Luther Park Open House This Saturday
Come help us celebrate our 60th year of ministry at Luther Park Bible Camp! Spend the day with other Luther Park supporters and enthusiasts by worshiping at the outdoor chapel, enjoying a fabulous lunch, greeting the summer staff (including HOP member Caity Wright) & enjoying God's creation. All ages are welcome. See you there- rain or shine!

Schedule of Events:
10:00 a.m. Arrive at your leisure & enjoy coffee/rolls
11:00 a.m. Outdoor Worship & Recognitions
12:00 p.m. Bethel Family and Adult Retreat Center progress, and cheering in the bicyclists www.mightycause.com/story/Ewn4pf
12:15 p.m. Free will offering Buffet lunch
2:00 p.m. Ice cream social, pontoon rides, camp tours, waterfront open with lifeguard, camp store, relaxing in the great north woods & more!
4:00 p.m. Farewell
Calling All Gusties! Gustie Sabbath
Gustavus Adolphus College would like to extend the experience of the GAC faith community from Christ Chapel to its home congregations. This Sunday, July 15, wear your Gustie gear to worship and connect with others who either attended GAC or are friends of the college. This will provide opportunities to meet fellow Gustie Church members you may not have known previously and continue to grow the network of Gustavus in your community. After church we will gather in the Narthex for a photo of the group (whether you have Gustie gear on or not) so the College can include it in their collection. Contact Paul or Sue Danielson for more information at [email protected].
More About the Youth Gathering
Our high schoolers are back from the Youth Gathering in Houston and we want to share about our experience! Shareholders (those who invested in the trip) are invited to dinner on Monday, July 16th to hear about it. We also will be posting photos & reflections on the House of Prayer Facebook Page throughout this week so check those out. You can also watch the speakers & musicians from the event on the Youth Gathering YouTube channel or you can read the ELCA Youth Gathering Blog from during the trip. It truly was a life-changing experience, we hope that hearing about it and listening to some of the speakers helps God change your life for the better too!

So Many Onions You Could Cry!
Tuesday night we had our first Veggie Table of the year and gave away more than a literal ton of produce! It was a fun night of conversation and games along with helping provide fresh apples, watermelon, bread, and onions to our neighbors. We do still have some onions left though! If you want some, come over to church and grab a bag from the hallway downstairs. First come, first served until they are gone. Our next Veggie Table is on August 14th, please let Karen Steenson ([email protected]) know if you have questions or want to help out!
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.
Housing Work Session
Richfield City Council is considering two ordinances that would help protect tenants from being displaced without much notice and help ensure affordable housing is available in the future. This coming Monday, July 16th from 6:15-7:00pm they have a work session at City Hall (6700 Portland Ave S) where they'll be reading the draft language of these two ordinances. Please come show your support for our neighbors who rent in town! Please contact Ben Whalen ( [email protected] or 612-500-9523) for more information.
Northern Winds Band Concerts
Here are two concerts you won't want to miss!
Sunday July 22nd - 7:00 pm Centennial Lakes Amphitheater
Sunday July 29th - 7:15 pm HOP Church Back Yard-Final Concert of the Summer & Ice Cream Social. 
For more information contact Joe Speakman at [email protected] or 612-414-4426. www.northernwindsconcertband.org
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. 
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.
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!
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 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
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