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!
We know love by this, that Jesus Christ laid down his life for us-and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. 1 John 3:16-24

This week we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday. The words from 1 John and the 23rd Psalm promise that Christ is the shepherd willing to lay down his own life for his flock. We also are excited to welcome a visiting preacher, Pastor Brice Eichlersmith, Youth & Family Pastor at Oak Grove Lutheran Church. Come out to worship as one loving and loved flock!
Sunday is Earth Day
Help protect our planet; recycle electronics as they may contain chemicals that seep into the ground. U.S. Best Buy offers an in-store program for customers to bring their old, unused, or unwanted electronics for recycling, no matter where they were purchased. Join with HOP's Creation Care Team in the commitment to care for the earth and all of God's creation.  The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for God has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.  Psalm 24: 1-2 .
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 April 29 at 12:15 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 about the orientation or membership at House of Prayer.
Simple Supper Menu-Wed 4/25
Tacos and chips, with all the fixins', broccoli salad, and apple pie. Join us at 5:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall for dinner!
Children & Youth This Week
This week the Sunday School children continue learning the story of Mary & Martha and how we find rest in Jesus. Next Wednesday the youth have a learning night: 5th/6th graders - Roman Occupation of Israel, 7th/8th graders - Living out our Baptism, high schoolers - practicing the decision making model of peer ministry.
Last Call for Camp
We're happy to announce that HOP will cover $100 of the cost for summer camp at Luther Park for any children from HOP! You can check out www.lutherpark.com for more information about camp. Contact Ben Whalen by 4/30 if interested! Camp is a chance to grow in faith and make new friendships. We hope you or someone you know is able to take advantage of this great opportunity!
VBS-Register Now!
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.
Youth Banquet
As summer approaches so does the end of another year of  Wednesday  Night Youth Group. The whole congregation is welcome to join us for a banquet on May 16 th  starting at  6:00pm  where we will celebrate everything we did this year and our wonderful youth & volunteers who make it all possible! The night will include a picture slideshow, awards, and of course dinner. This event is free but please RSVP by May 2 nd  via the attendance card in the  Sunday  bulletin or by contacting Ben Whalen ( [email protected]  or 612-500-9523).
Demystifying Alzheimer's Disease: A guide for Patients and Caregivers
Join us on Wednesday, May 2 nd at 6:30pm - 7:30pm at House of Prayer for this educational discussion. House of Prayer, along with Southview SDA, is hosting this informative and beneficial presentation about Alzheimer's disease. Come and hear Dr. Michael Rosenbloom, from HealthPartners Center for Memory and Aging as he discusses:
  • Dementia versus Alzheimer's disease
  • Clinical features of Alzheimer's disease
  • Living with Alzheimer's disease
  • Progression of Alzheimer's disease
  • Risk factors for Alzheimer's disease
  • Treatment for Alzheimer's
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to learn more about Alzheimer's disease!
Card Ministry Selling Cards Sunday
Stop by their table in the Narthex and check out their selection!
Book Discussion Group
Join us on Thursday, May 3rd at 7:00pm, to discuss "Once in a Blue Moon Lodge" by Lorna Landvik. All are welcome!
New Books in the Library
Not all answers are found on Google!  Our library now has an assortment of dictionaries and one-volume encycylopedias for adults and children donated by Nel Swanson (one of our favorite retired teachers.)  Check some out or stop in to double-check the spelling, definition or facts you need.
Men's Fellowship
All Sisters and Brothers are invited to join us in Fellowship Hall on May 10th at 9:00am to hear guest speaker Scott Dahlquist, Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society. He will discuss lighthouse preservation; old and new. Join us for fellowship, refreshments and chit-chat! Sign up before 5/18 at the information desk. Contact Noel Sagness (612-866-0833) with questions.
Funeral Luncheon Coordinator Position Open
After 9 years of dedicated service as our Funeral Luncheon Coordinator, Shari Sjostrand will be stepping down April 1. HOP is looking to fill the position as soon as possible. The process is well organized and ready for someone to fill the roll. Come work with an awesome team of volunteers in this greatly appreciated ministry. CLICK HERE or visit the Announcements page of the House of Prayer website to view the full job description.
Men's Softball Team
Enjoy softball and looking for a "joy of the game" experience rather than competitive success?  Consider playing with the Woodgrove Saints, a composite team made up of members of Richfield churches and their friends.  Games are on Thursday evenings at Dred Scott fields in S/W Bloomington starting April 26th.  Contact team manager Scott Dahlquist for further information at [email protected] or at (612) 919-9232.  Men (18+) of any ability are welcome. 
22nd Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
On Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. Richfield Lutheran Church (60th & Nicollet in South Minneapolis) is hosting this annual event to support camp scholarships for children attending Luther Park Bible Camp. It will feature an evening of entertainment by Nick Nelson & Molly Weibel. Tickets cost $20/adults, $5/Children, $150/Table for Eight. Limited Seating. Call for Reservations Today! 612.861.2265 x3.
VEAP News
For March, total food items collected was 80 pounds, and contributions were $120. Many thanks to everyone. For April and May, VEAP is asking for contributions of hygiene products; shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, hand lotion, toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Bloomington-Richfield Grief Coalition
Thursdays,  4:30-6:00 p.m.
Atonement Lutheran Church
601 East Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN
952-881-9244

April 19: Is It Grief, Or Something More? - Mary Harlow
April 26: How To Go Back to Familiar Places - Rev. Ken DeFore
May 3: Uncommon Sense About  Change, Loss & Grief - Brenda DeMotte
May 10: Myths of Grief - Brenda DeMotte
May 17: Gender Differences On Grief - Brenda DeMotte
May 24: Service of Remembrance
House of Prayer Lutheran Church of Richfield, MN
 ELCA | (61 2) 866-8471
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