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 him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep." John 21:17

The final resurrection appearance of Jesus in the gospel of John is filled with drama. The disciples first catch no fish, then with Jesus' instruction catch a literal boat full. Next, he serves them a nice brunch of grilled fish and tasty bread. Finally, Jesus asks Peter if he loves him three separate times. Each time, Peter assures Jesus he loves him and is instructed to "feed my lambs," "tend my sheep," and "feed my sheep." These instructions provide followers of Jesus a calling to care for serve God's people. For Peter however, the repetition of three was familiar. Just as Peter denies knowing Jesus three times to save himself, here he proclaims his love of Jesus three times in a commitment to care for others. Join us Sunday as we explore the difference the resurrection makes in our life!
New Member Orientation
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 on May 5 at 12:00 p.m. We will be serving lunch so please RSVP on the attendance card (childcare provided). Feel free to contact Pastor Ben ( [email protected]) if you have any questions.
Former Bishop Herbert Chilstrom Visits House of Prayer
Herbert W. Chilstrom served as the first Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He will be at House of Prayer on Sunday, May 12th, to preach at the 9:30 am worship service and lead a forum at 11 am that morning.  He will discuss his book,  "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.
Simple Supper Menu
The menu for Wednesday, May 8, is mini sliders, cauliflower/bacon salad, french fries, brownies and rice krispie bars. Join us for dinner at 5:30pm in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome!
Children & Youth This Week
The Sunday School children continue exploring the story of Lydia and the Apostle Paul, as well as helping plant in our community garden! Next week the youth group has their final learning night of the year on the following topics: 5th/6th grade - Resurrection, Confirmation - Pentecost, High schoolers - Faith and Immigration.
GoSolar! Kidz Summer Camp
Come on Sunday, Aprl 28th to meet Sunny Solar in the Narthex and learn about summer solar science camp for kids. Campers will build cool projects like solar drones, windmills, and solar cars. GoSolar! Kids will be at HOP for 4 weekly sessions (June 17 -July 19). Contact Gretchen Thomas at 952-923-8719 for questions or register at http://gosolarkidz.com/summer-camps/. 
Preschool Summer Camp
Exciting news! House of Prayer Preschool will offer three weeks of Summer Camp in June! It will be open to 3-5 year olds and meet Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9-11:30 a.m. For more information, contact Nicole Olson, Preschool Director, [email protected]. Come join the fun!
May Day Fun
House of Prayer Preschool children tried not to get caught as they delivered May Day baskets to HOP staff! 
End of Year Youth Banquet
Join us on Wednesday, May 15th to celebrate all that our youth have done this year! We will have dinner at 6:00pm, a photo slideshow from the year, and presentations of awards. The whole congregation is invited to come honor the youth. Please contact Ben Whalen ([email protected] or 612-500-9523) with any questions or to RSVP for this event!
Christians Clean Up Christian Park-
Rescheduled
Due to inclement weather, the Christian Park Clean Up day that was originally scheduled April 27th was postponed. Please watch for updates as we will be rescheduling when we can go out and clean out the park!
Confirmation Class Photos - Help Needed
Confirmation class photos from 1954-2018 have been added to the HOP website (www. hoplc.org/confirmation-photos). We need your help to complete the identification of the students in each class. Many are done, but many are left! We believe the names in black font in the caption under each picture are in the correct location, but are unsure of the names in red font. Please contact Mike Murphy at [email protected] if you can help.
HOP Fellowship-"OrgaNice"
Everyone is invited to join us in Fellowship Hall on Thursday, May 9, at 9:00 am, to hear guest speaker/HOP member Kielyn Simonson, for a seminar on how to declutter your life and organize your home. We will discuss the impact of clutter on your health, finances and happiness, and more as well as learn easy-to-implement strategies to help organize your entire home. This includes strategies for seniors to maximize safety and independence in your home environment, and help you organize conditions that impact your home life. This is an interactive workshop designed to help organize your home life. Contact Noel Sagness (612-866-0833) with questions.
Book Discussion Group
Join us on May 2nd at 7:00pm in the Fireside Conference Room to discuss The Lightkeepers Daughter by Jean Pendziwol. All are welcome!
Join our Muslim Neighbors for an Iftar Meal
Each year during Ramadan, the MN Council of Churches works with mosques around the metro area to host Taking Heart Iftar Meals. This is a great chance for non-Muslims to learn more about Islam and Ramadan before joining in the (very delicious) breaking of the fast. Dar Al Farooq in Bloomington is hosting one on Thursday, May 16th at 7pm and several House of Prayer members plan to attend! If you have questions or want to sign up, please contact Pastor Kelly Sandin ([email protected] or 612-500-9525).
LSS 2019 Benefit for Youth
I would like to invite you to join me at my table for a complimentary luncheon to benefit Lutheran Social Service (LSS) Youth Services. The luncheon is Tuesday, May 14th at the Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power Street in Minneapolis. Reception & registration is at 11:30 with the Program and Lunch at 12:00.

LSS helps keep youth and children safe and supports their healthy development by providing:
- Early intervention and prevention services
- Supportive shelters and housing options for youth experiencing homelessness
- Services to restore and strengthen families

Join in walking alongside the youth served by LSS. You will hear the stories of youths' journeys and have the opportunity to give to critical services that help LSS go further in supporting young people in our community.
Reserve a spot by contacting Jean Robbins e-mail: [email protected] cell: 952-738-1704
Urban Wildland Race
Each summer, Richfield hosts the Urban Wildland half marathon and 5k race - this year on Saturday, July 27th starting at 7am. It's a fun event that funds the opportunity for students of Richfield schools to get hands-on education through the Wood Lake Nature Center. House of Prayer is helping sponsor the event and already have 7 folks committed to run! There are also many volunteer opportunities to hand out snacks/water, help runners check in, and more. If you'd like to run, volunteer, or just cheer folks on please reach out to Ben Whalen ( [email protected] or 612-500-9523). More information is available at www.urbanwildland.com.
National Lutheran Choir Spring Concert
Sunday, May 5 - 4:00pm, Central Lutheran Church (333 S. 12th St, Minneapolis). Tickets: Adult $30/Senior $28/Student & Children free at www.nlca.com or 612-722-2301. NCL's Spring Concert Light and Dark explores the music of equatorial areas and the dark north of Europe, including selections from Einojuhani Rautavaara's work Vigilia and a cappella choral music from Cuba's leading classical composer, Leo Brouwer. 
Northern Winds - Mother's Day Concert
Sunday May 12th, 7:00 pm

Edinborough Indoor Park (7700 York Ave S, Edina)
Bring Mom out to a Great Concert with many House of Prayer members playing in the band.
For more information, contact Joe Speakman at [email protected].
Let's Visit!
Would you like a visitor from one of our pastoral staff members? While we often hear of needs within the congregation, sometimes we are unaware of the needs within our family of faith. Pastor Ben or Minister Kelly would be happy to visit any of our members or friends who would like a pastoral visit. These visits could be health related but could be for any reason. Contact the church office via telephone 612-866-8471 or Pastor Ben via email [email protected].
House of Prayer Lutheran Church of Richfield, MN
 ELCA | (61 2) 866-8471
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