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
Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, "Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?" Mark 7:1-5

There are over 600 commandments in the Hebrew scriptures. These commandments include those which are central to one's relationship with God, one's relationship with others, and those for safety. Having rules for washing one's hands before eating seems like good advice for healthy living. Jesus' disciples eat without washing their hands, a clear violation of the commandment, but they have not jeopardized their relationship with God. Join us Sunday as we explore the Spirit of the commandments and how Jesus challenges strict adherence to some commands while challenging us to live as good neighbors.
FEAST this Sunday at ReFuel
Last month at FEAST, we "got equipped for ministry." Come join us on Sunday, Sept 2 at 11am in the Parish Hall for this dynamic worship experience and lunch! Topic is "The Role of Rules." Don't miss it! 
Register Now for Sunday School & Youth Group
The summer activities & trips around church are fun but I do miss the weekly rhythm of Sunday School and Wednesday night Youth Group. In less than a month we'll be starting those up again and I can't wait to see you all! September 9th and 13th mark the kickoff of the new year for these programs and sign-up is already open. You can sign up online at hoplc.org/children or you can contact me, Ben Whalen, for a paper form by emailing [email protected] or calling 612-500-9523.
Are You Ready for Some Football?
The House of Prayer Fantasy Football League is about to begin again. The live draft will be Wednesday, September 5th at 6:30pm in the conference room. The league is a free and friendly league and is open to players of all levels of experience. Contact Pastor Ben [email protected] if you would like to play!
Wednesday Night
Fall Bible Study
Join us on Sept 12, 19, 26 and Oct. 10, 6:30-7:40 pm in Fellowship Hall for a four-week Bible study led by Professor Mark Tranvik from Augsburg University titled: The Challenging Sayings of Jesus: What Do They Mean For Us Today? Mark Tranvik is Professor of Religion at Augsburg University and the author of Martin Luther and the Called Life. He is also an ELCA pastor, having served a church in Brooklyn Center for ten years. Sign up on the Attendance Card in the bulletin or call the church office at: 612-866-8471. There is no cost to attend!
Discussion with Former Bishop Herb Chilstrom
Herbert W. Chilstrom served as the first Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He will be in the Twin Cities giving a series of lectures at local churches and will be at House of Prayer on Monday, Sept 17 at 11 am.  The topic is: "Writing Books: An Unexpected Retirement Venture." Rev. Chilstrom has authored/coauthored several books and will be sharing his writing journey and offering suggestions about how others can write their own memoirs. His books will be available for purchase with proceeds going to ELCA college and seminary scholarships. Please contact Pastor Ben at [email protected] with questions.
Join us at Penn Fest
Each year the ENTIRE length of Penn Ave in Richfield is closed off for the massive Penn Fest event. This year it is on Sunday, September 16 from 12-5pm and House of Prayer will once again have our own tent! Please let Ben Whalen ( [email protected] or 612-500-9523) know if you'd like to help greet folks at our table, play a game of bean bags or giant Jenga with people, or hand out free water and snacks. Otherwise, we just encourage you to go, enjoy the event, and stop by to say hello!
Simple Supper Help Needed
Wednesday Night Simple Suppers are starting September 12th. Volunteers are needed to help with this delicious and much appreciated ministry. Setup/servers are needed at 4:30pm the 2nd, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays. Dishwashers are needed at 6:15pm the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays. Sign up on the Attendance Card to help. Contact DuAnn Thompson at [email protected] to volunteer.
Flu Shots
It's time for your flu shot at our clinic on Sunday, Sept. 23!  Please sign up by Sept. 16 at the Information Desk or by calling the office so the nurses will know how many doses to bring.
Citizenship Classes
House of Prayer will have Citizenship Classes for our neighbors starting  Sept 10, 2018 . Please spread the word if you know anyone that would like to attend. The cost is $10 and registration information is available from Paula Kiehl at [email protected]. If you would like to volunteer as a tutor, the commitment is 11 sessions and training will be provided. This is a great opportunity to connect with our neighbors and help them become US citizens. The number of students will be determined by the number of volunteers.  If you are interested in having a wonderful experience and tutor a neighbor, please sign up on the attendance card.
Men's Fellowship Group
All Brothers & Sisters are invited for fellowship, devotions and speaker on Thursday, Sept 13 at 9:00am. Come hear guest speaker Johanna Clyborne, Brigadier General Minnesota Army National Guard, Assistant Adjutant General. The General will reflect on her involvement and participation with the Minnesota Army National Guard. Refreshments are provided. Sign up at the information desk by 9/11. Contact Noel Sagness 612-866-0833 for more information.
Book Discussion Group
Our summer read is "The Glass House" by Louise Penny. We will meet on September 6th at 7:00pm in the Fireside Conference Room for discussion.
Updates from HOP Preschool 
Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Open House, has donated items, or has given your verbal support! We will open September 11th and can't wait to welcome children to the new room. 

The room is transitioning to a Montessori environment and, thanks to several donations, we now have a mirror, wooden polishing objects, wooden puzzles, trays, and new baskets in several colors. We also have a generous offer for planting succulent plants with the children this fall!  Other items we could use (new or used), please drop off in church office:
Spray bottles, large or small
10 plain colored school folders or envelopes, paper or plastic
Small non-slip rugs
Magnifying glass
Plastic placemats

There is still space for one or two more children to begin in September - tell your neighbors and friends! They can contact us at 612-861-7110 or [email protected]. We meet Tues/Wed/Thurs from 9-11:30 a.m.
Meals on Wheels Volunteers
Drivers are needed to drive for Richfield Meals on Wheels once a month. If you are interested, please contact Sue Burt at 952-888-4939. Thank you!
Flower Delivery Volunteers
Would you enjoy delivering Sunday sanctuary flowers and visiting a hospitalized or home bound member of HOP? It's an enriching opportunity to connect with other HOP members. Normal rotation includes visits 4 times per year. If you are interested, please contact Ilene Holen at 612-869-7994. Thank you!
It's Not Too Late! 
If you missed having your family portrait taken for our new HOP Directory, you have another chance! LifeTouch Photography will be at HOP again from September 19-22 for afternoon and evening appointments. Schedule your appointment 24/7 online at www.hoplc.org or contact Cara Wright in the Church Office at 612-866-8471.
Fall Festival-Save the Date
Our annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival will be on Saturday, November 3. Save the date and invite any vendors you know to contact Ann Haffely at [email protected] now. Space is filling up!
An Evening With Mikah Meyer
Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 7:00 pm.
St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church, 100 North Oxford St., St. Paul
Featured on NPR, "The Today Show," and in "Living Lutheran," Mikah Meyer is a member of the ELCA traveling to all 417 National Parks to raise awareness and challenge stereotypes of LGBTQ people. Join us for his story and how his faith has made a difference on his journey.
VEAP Donations for September
We will be collecting dish soap, hand soap and laundry soap for VEAP through September. Please put donations in the VEAP bin in the Narthex. Thank you!
Parent/Child Music Classes Woodlake Lutheran Church
Join us for 12 weeks of parent/child music classes for you and your children ages 0-5 years. In our engaging classes, you'll move, laugh, sing, play rhythm instruments and share 45 minutes of pure fun. Our curriculum not only develops music skills, it nurtures creativity, self-expression, and confidence while also supporting social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Classes will be held at Woodlake Lutheran Church (7525 Oliver Avenue South) on Thursday mornings this fall starting Sept 13. Contact us at www.firstnotesfm.com or 612-408-4843 for more info or to register for a free class trial class.
Loaves & Fishes is Hiring
Woodlake Lutheran Church offers free community meals every Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 - 6:30pm, in a partnership with the Loaves and Fishes organization. Loaves and Fishes is currently seeking a new site coordinator at Woodlake and a few other local sites. Click Here for more information or to apply.
Bloomington-Richfield Grief Coalition
Thursdays,  4:30-6:00 p.m.
Peace Lutheran Church
8600 E. Bush Lake Rd
Bloomington, MN
952-944-6510
                     
Aug 23:    Multiple Loss - J ulie Ditzler
House of Prayer Lutheran Church of Richfield, MN
 ELCA | (61 2) 866-8471
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