Here's an update about what is happening at House of Prayer! | |
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Sunday's Worship
Light of the World
Times of political turmoil and turnover are especially lousy times to be called as a prophet. How on EARTH could I — could WE — measure up to everything the moment demands?? Surely there are more qualified, more righteous people that God could call....right? This week, we will learn right alongside the prophet Isaiah that God's call is for us, whether the times are right or not, whether we are "good enough" or not. Who will God send? Please contact Pastor Eric at kmasters@hoplc.org., or 612-866-8471, ext. 514, if you have any questions.
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Coffeehouse Style
ReFuel Worship
February 2,2025
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Office Signage
You may notice signage on the staff offices that reads “Private” and be wondering what that is about.
God speaks through Moses in Leviticus 19:33-34 saying, “And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat them. The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love them as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” When we, as Christians, reflect on these words, we hear the echo of Jesus’ own admonishment to “love your neighbor as yourself.”
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order rescinding the Protected Area Policies passed in 2011 – that policy marked churches, schools, and hospitals among Sensitive Locations where community members could access basic services and support without fear. With this recission, for churches to continue to be places for people to seek spiritual guidance without fear it is necessary to identify specific spaces that are marked “Private.” This allows for pastoral care to be offered without fear of ICE agents entering a space and questioning or removing individuals without presenting a fully executed warrant signed by a judge and naming the individual.
While we do not anticipate House of Prayer to be a target of such interaction, we want to be prepared to offer hospitality to the stranger who dwells among us should such an occasion arise. Such strangers might include a neighborhood resident, an individual seeking assistance from our Friendship Fund, or a member of one of our rental partner congregations.
As a church who centers ourselves on the core values of Welcoming, Relationships, Compassionate Community, and Openness, hear again these words from the Apostle Paul from Romans 12, “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers.”
If you have further questions about this, contact Pastor Eric (eluedtke@hoplc.org., 612-866-8471, ext. 2), or Cara Wright (cwright@hoplc.org., 612-866-8471, ext. 3).
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Thrivent Members-Let Us Know Who You Are!
Are you a Thrivent member? Do you know someone that is a Thrivent member? HOP will be partnering with Thrivent on a number of fundraisers that will utilize Thrivent’s generosity programs to further our event impact. Each member with a policy can apply for $250 to be used toward HOPs outreach ministry projects (like the VEAP Hygiene Kits in March). Please share any Thrivent member information by reaching out to Cara Wright at cwright@hoplc.org. For additional information surrounding Thrivent Action Teams, visit their website:
https://www.thrivent.com/about-us/membership/thrivent-action-teams
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Personal Care Items for VEAP
For February, let's show our love by donating personal care items. These three items are needed to build Hygiene Kits, which we will do between services at 10:30 am on a Sunday, March 9th.
- Toilet Paper
- Diapers (all sizes)
- Menstruation Products
In addition to funding we hope to get from Thrivent, financial support for this project is also needed. An anonymous HOP donor will match funds donated. Write "VEAP Kits" in the memo line of your check or in the notes section if donating online at https://hoplc.org/give. Our goal is to make 300 kits ($3,000). If you have any questions, contact Christine Barneson at cmillerdance@gmail.com.
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HOP Walkers - Indoor Walking Path at HOP & Fellowship
Too icy and cold to walk outside? Meet a friend and come walk the halls at HOP anytime between 10a-4p Monday-Thursday. Follow the "HOP WALKERS" signs to direct you on the walking path down the education hallway and around the Narthex. One lap equals 300 steps (approximately) - 3.5 laps about a half-mile and 7 laps about 1 mile. Feel free to make a cup of coffee with the Keurig coffee maker/pods in the staff kitchen and chat in the Narthex after your walk. All are welcome! Please spread the word! If you have questions about the HOP WALKERS, please contact the Church Office at 612-866-8471.
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Email/Text Scammers
Once again, we are receiving scam emails that appear to be from Pastor Korla, Pastor Eric, and LMT members. Please be aware that NO ONE from the church would EVER email a church member asking for secretive "favors," or to buy gift cards (other than the Walmart or Holiday gift cards to be specifically dropped off for the Friendship Fund). If you receive an email like this, please delete it immediately, and, if you question the validity of an email, contact the church for clarification, either at 612-866-8471, or office@hoplc.org. If you can, it's also helpful to report the email as a phishing scam to your email provider.
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What is a Funeral Anyway?
A funeral is many things all at once and there can be a lot of pressure to make all the right choices for our own or our loved ones’ funeral services. How do we choose the best hymns? the right scripture readings? the best readers and leaders for the service? BREATHE! And know that while there actually aren’t perfect funeral plans, some of these choices get easier if we spend some time thinking about what a funeral is and what we do through it.
Join folks from House of Prayer and Woodlake later this month for a half-day retreat that explores these questions. We’ll sing together, share a meal, and dig into what makes for a funeral that is faithful to the gospel and to the person who has died.
Saturday, February 22, 10am-2pm
Woodlake Lutheran Church (Fireside Room)
Please register so that we can be the best possible stewards of our finances and the food we order: https://tinyurl.com/ndd6jpkj.
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Pastor's Bible Study - February 11th
Join us on Tuesdays at 9:30 am for Bible study with Pastor Eric. The following are the verses for next week:
- Jeremiah 17:5-10
- Psalm 1
- 1 Corinthians 17:5-10
- Luke 6:17-26
We will meet via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81815908947 Meeting ID: 818 1590 8947 Or, you may come to Pastor Eric’s office. Contact Pastor Eric with any comments, insights, or questions at 612-866-8471, ext. 2, or eluedtke@hoplc.org.
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Stories from Germany
Back in November, Pastor Eric was invited to represent our Minneapolis Area Synod at the 25th Anniversary of the Wittenberg Center. There are many stories to tell, here’s a link to one that was shared on the Synod Blog, with an invitation to a Zoom event in March to hear more stories and an invitation into our Synod’s renewed commitment to partnership with the Lutheran Church in Leipzig. Questions? https://mpls-synod.org/2025/02/a-window-into-our-leipzig-partnership/. Questions? Contact Pastor Eric at 612-866-8471, ext. 2, or eluedtke@hoplc.org.
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Renew & Refresh: Women's Retreat 2025
“The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart.” – Romans 10:8
Escape the busyness of life and join us for the second annual Renew & Refresh: Women's Retreat—a weekend of tranquility, worship, and growth. Reflect on the stories that shape us and explore the greatest story of all: God’s Word bringing life and salvation. Through scripture, worship, and fellowship, we’ll connect deeply with God and one another.
Dates: February 7–9, 2025
February 21–23, 2025 (Same programming—choose the weekend that suits you!)
Details: Check-in by 5:00 PM, with dinner at 6:00 PM. Optional early arrival at 1:00 PM. Depart at 12:00 PM on Sunday. Activities include worship, crafts, guided sessions, meals, and free time. Price options available for commuting or overnight stays (starting at $146, scholarships available). Music will be led by someone familiar... Monica Livorsi! (Woodlake’s Modern Worship Director) and Andrea Griner will be the guest session leader. Come experience a weekend of renewal, connection, and inspiration! If interested, please contact Kristie Olson kclo239.2@gmail.com. She will be connecting with Caity Wright from House of Prayer to help organize interested participants.
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SOUP”ER SUPPORT FOR VEAP!
Thank you to everyone who donated soup for our January campaign. These donations were delivered to VEAP and will help warm the bellies of recipients, both young and old. In January, the delivery included a total of 62 cans of soup, 6 boxes of cereal, and a case of noodle cups. Thanks also to our delivery ambassadors, Christine Miller-Barneson and David Burgwald for picking up and delivering our donations to VEAP.
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Feed My Starving Children Collaborative Event Save the Date 3/1/25
Please consider joining us for this fun intergenerational opportunity to work together as one. On Saturday, March 1st, 2025, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm. We will be coming together, folks from Woodlake and House of Prayer, to pack food at Feed My Starving Children in Eagan. It will be a fun afternoon to help others and make some new connections with our ministry partners.
We will meet at House of Prayer at 1:45pm to carpool to the FMSC facility in Eagan. Ages 5 years old and older are welcome. Any volunteer 8 years old or younger will require an adult partner. Please look for a sign up sheet at each church. You can contact Heidi Thomas at heidit1109@live..com or 612-865-1230 with any questions.
If you can’t join us that day but want to help in some way, consider donating to help cover the cost of the food and materials needed to accomplish this important work. You can donate directly to Feed My Starving Children at FMSC.org or in the offering plates labeled for FMCS and we will make sure the funds are received.
We look forward to seeing you on the 1st of March.
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Gift Cards for HOP Friendship Fund
We remain hopeful and confident that our work makes a great difference in the world around us. We are often visited by neighbors in need, and your gifts to the HOP Friendship Fund are passed along in hopes of sharing a warm meal or tank of gas in times of financial burden.
Please consider donating gift cards of $25 to Holiday or Walmart for our HOP Friendship Fund (bring cards to church office). You can also give online at https://hoplc.org/give (Operating fund with “Friendship” typed in the Note box), put a check in offering plate, or mail it to the church office. For questions, contact Cara Wright at cwright@hoplc.org / 612-866-8471.
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The Concordia Choir
The world-renowned Concordia Choir of Moorhead Minnesota, under the direction of Dr. Michael Culloton, will perform at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2 pm and at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater on Saturday, March 15 at 2 pm. From the music of J.S. Bach to familiar hymn arrangements, the Concordia Choir will amaze you with their technical mastery and incredible sound. Visit ConcordiaTickets.com for tickets.
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RALY Wednesdays - Real Life Clue
"When Mr. Body’s body was discovered, our RALY crew became sleuths and took on the case. Exploring Woodlake, from the library to the attic, they collected clues to discover it was our own Mrs. White in the study with the lead pipe. Congratulations for our teams that solved the mystery!
Next week, bring your big questions about faith to RALY at House of Prayer for Pastor Eric, Pastor Neal, and Rachel as we discuss them… with a twist. Inspired by Hot Ones, The show with hot questions and even hotter wings, we will pair questions with hot wings!
Friday, join us again at Woodlake for A Totally Swankified Sing-A-Long! Calling all Woodlake Ozians, you're cordially invited to join RAFT Young Adults and RALY Youth for a night of singing and dancing through life at this totally wicked viewing party. This event is open for ALL (all singing capabilities too). Costumes are welcome! Hats, crowns, brooms and all. We will provide popcorn and lemonade, please bring a sweet to share!" Contact Rachel Larson (rlarson@hoplc.org) or 612-409-7275.
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Family Event: Snow Tubing
Sunday, February 16, 2-4pm
Elm Creek Park Reserve
12400 James Deane Parkway
Maple Grove, 55369
Meet at Elm Creek Park and join friends from Woodlake for an afternoon of tubing, snacks and hot chocolate. The cost is FREE! Tickets will be distributed once you arrive at the park, and the snacks and hot chocolate will be provided in the Chalet. Children must be 4 years old and 36 inches tall (3 Ft.) in order to hit the hills. You will need to have your own transportation to and from, and we will be tubing for 2 hours. Sign up at the welcome desk over the next two Sundays.
If you have any questions about this event, please contact Rachel Larson at rlarson@hoplc.org., or Wayne Schmieg at wschmieg@msn.com.
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Luther Park Danbury Summer Schedule
We are once again going to Luther Park in Danbury, WI - historically RALY attends Week 1, but youth can pick any week that works for them.
- Week 1: June 22-27 (Standard Cabin Camp or All-Skills Horse Camp)
- Week 3: July 13-18 (7-12 grade in Canoe Camp, not standard Cabin Camp!)
- Summer Celebration: July 19 (All ages, 10am-4pm for camp activities, worship, & fun!)
- Week 4: July 20-25 (Standard Cabin Camp or All-Skills Horse Camp)
More information can be found on Luther Park’s website. http://www.lutherpark.com/summer-camp-2025
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Summer Stretch
July 6-11; Grades 6-8
Summer Stretch is an afternoon program focused on fun and fellowship! This was a blast two years ago and I am excited to bring it back. Possible activities include Urban Air, bowling, or swimming. There will be opportunities for High School leaders to join! In the meantime, contact Rachel Larson at rlarson@hoplc.org., or 612-409-7275. Watch for information regarding VBS soon!
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High School Summer Trip
July 25-August 3, finished grades 8-12
RALY is joining Diamond Lake for our high school trip this summer. We will be taking a road trip to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. We will be working with Spark'Dwell, in a program that provides a week of relationship-building, education, story-telling, and service alongside formerly or currently homeless individuals. More information coming soon. In the meantime, you can check out their website at sparkdwell.org.
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Winter Grief Group
Thursdays, 1/2/2025-2/20/2025
Peace Lutheran Church
8600 East Bush Lake Rd.
Bloomington, MN 55438
952-944-6510
February 6 “Moving Forward with Hope” led by Jay Hillestad
February 13 “Understanding Grief” led by Mary Marcoux
February 20 “Staying in Your Story” led by Annie Lumbar Bendson
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