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 Jesus began to say to them, "Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come." Mark 13:5-7

In times of tumult and strife we seek to make meaning of it all. We search for simple answers to complex and paradoxical conundrums. Our search for answers to why life is so difficult and often crazy can lead us to be led astray. Jesus warns against this and encourages us to trust in the midst of struggle and despair, always believing God is more than our current situation. Join us Sunday as we seek to move beyond our need for control and toward a more trusting relationship with God.
Associate Pastor Forum Discussion This Sunday
Please come to the forum discussion between services on Sunday, November 18th, 2018 at 10:30am in the sanctuary to explore the possibility of calling an Associate Pastor to House of Prayer. Copies of the letter from the LMT that sent to the congregation are available at the Information Desk. Contact Scott Wright 612-386-6847 / scott.wright@horacemann.com or Monica Dorow 612-387-5917 / monicadorow@gmail.com with questions.
Cub Scout Wreaths or Swags This Sunday
Help support the Richfield Cub Scout Pack 384's fundraiser by purchasing Christmas door wreaths or swags on Sunday, November 18th. 25" wreaths are $17, and swags are $16. Please drop by the stand to talk to Max Jurcich. Credit cards accepted.
Collaboration Thanksgiving Eve Service
On Wednesday, November 21st at 7:00pm, please come enjoy the opportunity to worship together with our friends from Woodlake Lutheran Church and Oak Grove Lutheran Church on Thanksgiving Eve. Music will be provided by a combined choir and tasty pie will follow the service. Woodlake is located at 7525 Oliver Ave S. in Richfield.
No Simple Supper Next Week
Instead, we encourage you to attend the Collaboration Thanksgiving Eve Service at Woodlake Lutheran at 7:00pm. Pie will be served following the service!!
Children & Youth This Week
The Sunday School children will begin preparing for this year's Christmas Program! (more info below) Next week there will be no youth night but families are encouraged to join us at Woodlake for the Thanksgiving Eve service.
Children's Christmas Program
The Sunday School children will present their Christmas Program on Sunday, December 16th during the 11:00 worship service. Mindy Mennicke will once again lead them in song as they remind us of the love, joy, peace, and hope that Christ brings to us. Please contact Mindy at mennickes@comcast.net if you have questions about rehearsals, prep, etc.
Intergenerational Advent
At the start of both worship services in the Advent season (Dec. 2 - Dec. 23), we will be lighting a candles on the Advent wreath in the sanctuary and at the ReFuel service. We would like to have this done by a different family or group of people each week. There is also a speaking part that accompanies the candle-lighting. Each week's group can be as few or as many people as sign up for that week. Instruction will be provided during the week leading up to your Sunday. Sign up at the information desk or contact Phil Mennicke or Pastor Ben with questions.
Deck the Halls!
On Wednesday, November 28th at 6:00pm we'll be putting up the Christmas trees and wreaths around church! If you'd like to come and help spread some festive spirit we would love to have more volunteers. All ages can help. Please sign up on the attendance card for more information.
Festival of Carols
Sunday December 16 is also the annual Festival of Carols service. It will be slightly different this year as it will be held at 9:30am, essentially serving as the 9:30 service that morning. It will feature the spectacular pageantry and reverent "awe" as the afternoon version of past years. HOP members who have not been able to attend in the afternoon in past years, have a chance to take in what is truly a grand and very worshipful tradition in celebrating the coming, birth and life of our Lord and Savior .
Advent Candle Lighting
At the start of both worship services in the Advent season (Dec. 2 - Dec. 23), we will be lighting a candles on the Advent wreath in the sanctuary and at the ReFuel service. We would like to have this done by a different family or group of people each week. There is also a speaking part that accompanies the candle-lighting. Each week's group can be as few or as many people as sign up for that week. Instruction will be provided during the week leading up to your Sunday. Sign up at the information desk or contact Phil Mennicke or Pastor Ben with questions.
Richfield Housing Team
Interested in helping address the affordable housing crisis? The next RCHT meeting will be on Tuesday, November 20, from 5-6:30pm at House of Prayer. All are welcome to join us as we continue reaching out to engage the community around this topic and working with the city of Richfield to find policy solutions. Please contact Paula Kiehl (paula@ecosmarte.com) if you have any questions or want to learn more!
Northern Winds Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 9th - 4:00pm
Woodlake Lutheran Church, 7525 Oliver Ave S., Richfield
Northern Winds Concert Band is celebrating our 40th Anniversary. We are made up of 50 musicians ranging in age from the 9th grade to 90 years of age. Our concert calendar consists of nearly 20 concerts throughout the Twin Cities area. Please join us for a Holiday Concert featuring Christmas songs as well as a sing along and the story of the "Nutcracker Suite." It'll be an afternoon of Christmas music that will truly enhance your overall holiday experience. Please visit our website at: www.northernwindsconcertband.org 
For more information, please contact Joe Speakman - 612-414-4426 or musicmanjjs@aol.com.

Christmas in Christ Chapel
Gustavus Adolphus College invites you to campus in St. Peter for this year's celebration. It combines vocal and instrumental music, spoken word, dance, and visual arts to tell a story of divine mystery.members and GAC  students Julia Jacobs and Caity Wright will be singing and handbell ringing. Tickets are $30 each and available at gustavustickets.com. Afternoon and evening concerts are available as well as a delicious Scandinavian Smorgasbord ($25) before and after each concert. You can tune into thelive stream on Saturday evening, Dec 1, or check your local public television listings.
Book Discussion Group
We will meet on Thursday, Dec 6th at 7:00pm, we will talk about the book by Jonas Jonasson, "The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window and Disappeared." 
VEAP Donations for Nov & Dec
We will be collecting baking items for VEAP through November and December. Please put donations in the VEAP bin in the Narthex.
Bloomington-Richfield Grief Coalition
Thursdays,  4:30-6:00 p.m.
St. Richard's Catholic Church
7540 Penn Ave. S
Richfield, MN
612-869-2426 / www.strichards.com
 
November 8 - Where is God in My Grief Stuart Walker
November 15 - A Time of Remembrance Joan Apt
House of Prayer Lutheran Church of Richfield, MN
 ELCA | (61 2) 866-8471
STAY CONNECTED: