Here's an update about what is happening at House of Prayer! | |
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Mardi Gras Worship This Sunday
Come one! come all! to House of Prayer on Sunday, March 2 at 10am for a shared worship service with singers and instrumentalists from Woodlake and House of Prayer celebrating Transfiguration Sunday with a festive Dixieland Jazz influence. We’ll weave the familiar elements of worship among the festive tunes and celebration of the Good News. Join us following worship to meet new friends and connect with familiar ones. If you have any questions about this service, contact Pastor Eric 612-866-8471, ext. 2/eluedtke@hoplc.org.
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Coffeehouse Style
ReFuel Worship
February 23, 2025
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Feed My Starving Children Collaborative This Saturday, March 1
Join 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. 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 FMSC and we will make sure the funds are received.
We look forward to seeing you on the 1st of March.
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What's a Funeral Anyway Retreat Recap
On Saturday, February 22, about fifteen people from House of Prayer, Woodlake, and beyond gathered around the idea that "the hymns and Bible passages chosen for a funeral can work together to comfort, connect and proclaim Christ."
Using a workshop created by Women of the ELCA, we explored what a funeral is and what it does, particularly through our choices of scripture and hymnody. Folks shared their own experiences of funeral choices they have found meaningful and connective, as well as a few experiences that helped illustrate the importance of being intentional when we make these choices. In particular, we played with the idea that two things can be true at the same time: the well-worn hymns and scriptures for funerals are well-worn for a reason (they're really powerful!); AND in our unusual choices, we sometimes craft a service that best serves the aims of comforting the grieving, connecting the living and the dead through the service itself, and proclaiming the resurrection hope we have in Christ.
If you have any questions, contact Pastor Korla at kmasters@hoplc.org., or 612-682-3162.
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Personal Care Items for VEAP
This 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 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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Combined Choir Invitation & Schedule for the Lenten Season
As part of our special offerings during the upcoming season of Lent, all are invited to sing with the Combined Woodlake & HOP Choir. From 6:30 to 7:00 pm, we will lead the Lenten Holden Evening Prayer services in the Fellowship Hall at Woodlake, followed by rehearsals from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Woodlake Choir Loft or Choir Room. We will together prepare beautiful choral music for our Lenten services, strengthening the community we share through the meaningful experience of singing together.
WELCOME TO ALL! Our Combined Woodlake & HOP Handbell Choir will have an adjusted rehearsal schedule during Lent, meeting from 5:00 to 5:45 pm. If you have any questions, please contact Roselyn Hanson Weber, Director of Liturgical Worship at HOP/Interim Worship & Music Director at rhansonweber@hoplc.org., or 612-866-8471, ext. 7.
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Ash Wednesday / Lent - Real Presence
House of Prayer and Woodlake will be sharing our Wednesday evenings in the season of Lent again. The last few years have been a great opportunity to get to know new and old friends, share a meal, and have a time of worship.
We’ll be gathering at Woodlake on Wednesday, March 5th (2120 W 76th St, Richfield) for Ash Wednesday worship with the imposition of ashes (8:30am and 7pm) and for the Wednesdays in Lent. More information will follow about how we’ll engage this year’s theme “Real Presence” as we listen to one another’s stories about how Jesus is made real in the ways we serve in our churches. Contact Pastor Eric at 612-866-8471, ext. 2, or eluedtke@hoplc.org. with questions.
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Free Legal Advice Clinic
Friday, February 28, 2025, from 1-5:30 pm at Richfield Community Center.
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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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Ramadan Conversations
Ramadan is the month of the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset; in 2025 it falls between the dates of February 28 - March 30. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the “five pillars” of Islam, and is performed to learn compassion, self-restraint, and generosity.
Taking Heart Open Houses is a long-running program coordinated by the Minnesota Council of Churches and the Muslim American Society of Minnesota to bring Christians together with Muslims for food and conversation during Ramadan. Minnesota mosques and Islamic community centers welcome their non-Muslim neighbors for a traditional Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast. These events are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required.
Please visit mnchurches.org to learn more about Taking Heart and to sign up for one of these events. More events are added during the month so check back if you don't see one near you. If you have any questions, please contact the Rev. Cynthia Bronson Sweigert at revcbs11@gmail.com
This year Woodlake is offering a special opportunity to learn more about our Muslim neighbors. On Sunday March 9, John Emery from the Islamic Resource Group will speak about Islam and the Muslim experience in America. Please join us in the Fireside Room after the 9:00 a.m. service for this informative presentation.
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Pastor's Bible Study - March 4th
Join us on Tuesdays at 9:30 am for Bible study with Pastor Eric. The following are the verses for next week:
- Deuteronomy 26:1-11
- Psalm 91:1-2,9-16
- Romans 10:8b-13
- Luke 4:1-13
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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Leipzig Partnership Conversation
Join the Minneapolis Area Synod Leipzig Partnership Team for a webinar about our partnership with the Leipzig District (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Saxony).
This presentation will include time for Pastor Adam White and Pastor Eric Luedtke (pictured right) to share about their experience at the ELCA Wittenberg Center in November and reflections on our partnership with the church in Leipzig. During the presentation, we will also introduce Pastor Erik Haaland, Pastor Amber Ingalsbe, and Lora Dundek (the leaders for the renewed MAS/Leipzig Partnership team), hear the history of our partnership, and build energy to restart our work. All are welcome to join and learn more! Questions? Contact Pastor Eric at 612-866-8471, ext. 2, or eluedtke@hoplc.org.
Thursday, March 6 | 7:00 p.m. on Zoom
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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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RALY Wednesdays
RALY raced all across Woodlake for Giant Relay Pictionary! Two teams went head to head, drawing everything from "seafood" to "gravity" to "lifeguard". They worked together to figure out some ... creative drawings, always finding a way to communicate with their team. Thank you everyone who came! There is no regular RALY during Lent, however a homework hangout will start up weekly from 7-8pm in Woodlake Lutheran' Porch. As always, if you have any questions about RALY, contact Rachel Larson at rlarson@hoplc.org., or 612-409-7275
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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, All-Skills Horse Camp, or full week Treehouse 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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VBS
July 6-11; Grades Pre K-Grade 5
Must be potty-trained
RALY Vacation Bible School is happening again this summer (July 7-10th) hosted by Woodlake! We're excited to bring back Luther Park staff, Woodlake, and House of Prayer youth and adult volunteers to ensure a fun and faith filled week! All the info you need is below. If you have any questions, please contact RALY Director Rachel Larson (rlarson@hoplc.org). We hope you join us for a summer filled with faith activities expressed through songs, games, crafts, skits and more! Follow the link for more information and registration. (https://shorturl.at/6JSRs)
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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.
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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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