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 people came out to see what had happened, and when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Luke 8:35

Our gospel text this week features a powerful story of healing. A man was possessed with many demons that tormented him physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He was an outcast in his community, well known for his antics, and feared by all. Jesus seeks this man out to bring healing and restoration to his life. Once healed, he has the opportunity to share with his community all God had done! Join us Sunday as we consider the power of God's healing and our opportunity to witness.
Chicago Mission Trip
Our high schoolers (and adult leaders) head to Chicago June 23-29 for a week of service with the group Serve Boldly. It will be a great chance to build relationships, encounter God through the people and organizations we serve, and get ideas for how to serve back in Richfield when they return. We ask for your prayers for everyone's safety throughout the week and that God would work in and through each person on the trip!
The Veggie Table
Once again this summer we'll be handing out FREE produce at our "Veggie Table" events! Join us from 4:30-6:30pm on the first and third Tuesday of July, August, and September at Season's Park Apartments. In addition to the produce, we'll have yard games, snacks, and a chance to meet neighbors and spend time together. Many thanks to VEAP, one of our mission partners, for providing the food this year! If you'd like to volunteer to make this event happen, please contact Brent King (brentgking8157@gmail.com).
Fourth of July Parade
Richfield LOVES to celebrate the Fourth of July, so much so that they make a three-day festival out of it! We've been enthusiastic participants in the annual parade for several years now and are excited to be part of it once more. It's not too late still to walk in the parade with us on Thursday, July 4th if you contact Ben Whalen asap (bwhalen@hoplc.org or 612-500-9523). We'll hand out candy, spread the word about what our congregation does, and celebrate with the community. Don't forget to check out the rest of the festivities July 2nd and 3rd - more info at www.facebook.com/richfieldredwhiteandbluedays
Incredible Race VBS
Registration is open for this year's Vacation Bible School July 29 - Aug 1. Family Dinner: 5:15-5:50 pm & Program: 6:00-8:15pm. Our theme is "The Incredible Race" which will take us around the world to different continents each night to learn that people all around the world are all part of God's big human family. Activities include music, crafts, drama, and more! Register at www.hoplc.org or reach out to Heidi Thomas with questions (heidit1109@live.com). 
Water, Water Everywhere
Pastor Ben and The Creation Care Team will be talking about Water: Rivers, Baptisms, and Living Water on Sundays during the month of July, specifically July 7, 14, and 21.  Speaker and Scientist Paul Nelson, Environmental Services Program Manager for Scott County and volunteer with EcoFaith Network, will be at House of Prayer July 14th to talk between services about Nurturing Life in the Waters of Creation, the theme of the ELCA's year-long effort to encourage: Prayer and Learning, Growing Green Hearts, and Connecting the Drops.   Do you know your Watershed District? 
Got Books?
The supply of books in our Little Free Library outside the Chicago Ave. entrance is dwindling.  If you have any extras that you think our neighborhood adults and kids would like to read, please drop them off.  And see if there are any available you would like to read yourself!  "Take a book, Share a Book."
Sponsor Bulletin/Flowers
Honor loved ones or celebrate special occasions by sponsoring the Sunday bulletin, Sun-Current and/or flowers. Visit the Information Desk to fill out the donation envelope and leave it in Cara Wright's box in the church office or with an office volunteer. (Flowers-$40, Bulletin-$20).
Summer Youth Group
The high school youth group decided once again they want to keep meeting in the summer so we'll have a few youth night activities each month. They picked out activities like Skyzone, capture the flag, movie night, and a lock in. All summer activities will be free and open to friends. If you'd like more information, please contact Ben Whalen (bwhalen@hoplc.org or 612-500-9523).
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 ( bwhalen@hoplc.org or 612-500-9523). More information is available at www.urbanwildland.com.
Women's Summer Bible Study at Oak Grove
All women of Oak Grove, Woodlake and House of Prayer are invited to attend our summer Bible Study sponsored by Lydia Ruth Circle of Oak Grove. The study, For such a time as this: Lessons from Esther, will be on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the lower lever 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.
July 9: Esther saves the Jews
August 13: Using our voices
Libera Boy's Choir
The London-based boy's choir "Libera" will be performing at the Cathedral of St. Paul on July 26th at 7:30 PM. They last performed here in 2011. Their music encompasses a wide range of genres, from Classical and chant, to ambient and popular styles of music. You can listen to their albums on music streaming sites such as Spotify and Apple music, and you can see their music videos and live performances on Youtube. Go to  www.ticketsource.us/uslibera for ticketing information.
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 Pastor 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 bsandin@hoplc.org.
House of Prayer Lutheran Church of Richfield, MN
 ELCA | (61 2) 866-8471
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