~ A Weekly Listing of Mission Opportunities ~
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May 13, 2012
TODAY AT HOUSE OF PRAYER
9:30 am – No Sunday School today. Kids can worship with their moms!
1:00 pm – Ablaze! Organ Music for Pentecost
Happy Mother’s Day!
Flowers donated by:
* Gary & Nancy Grothe in honor of the birth of their grandson Carter Austin Grothe (son of Neal & Heather Grothe) on April 15 and baptism on May 12
* Nancy Bjornstad.
Bulletin donated by:
*
Sun Current Ad donated by:
* Kristin & Cory Tranby in honor of Everett’s 3rd birthday, baby boy Tranby #2, and MOMS!
Honor an occasion, a special person or the memory of a loved one by sponsoring a Sunday Bulletin, Flowers, or the Sun Current Ad. The sign up sheets are on the bulletin board in the Narthex near the sanctuary.
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Living Giving to God:
On May 6, 207 people worshipped at House of Prayer. Offering was $12,340. Please remember that $10,000 is needed weekly to sustain God’s mission at House of Prayer.
Visitors, there are no strangers here at House of Prayer. We welcome you! please let us know who you are by introducing yourself to us. Please fill out out the blue form in the church bulletin. You may also call the church office at 612-866-8471 for further information and request our weekly e-News on line. Our email address is: office@house-of-prayer.com. Again, welcome to our spiritual home.
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THIS WEEK (May 14-20) AT HOUSE OF PRAYER
* Monday, May 14
1:00 pm Social Seniors
6:00 pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
7:15 pm Northern Winds
*Tuesday, May 15
*Wednesday, May 16
10:00 am Grandmothers’ Club
*Thursday, May 17
6:30 am Early Birds Bible Study
9:30 am Lectionary Bible Study
6:30 pm Human Resources Team
7:00 pm Adult Choir
* Saturday, May 19
9:30 am Northern Winds
5:30 pm MIRA/HOP Ladies Meeting
6:00 pm Senior High Bonfire
* Sunday, May 20
9:30 am Worship
9:30 am Sunday School Closing/VBS Kickoff
2:00 pm Minnesota Boychoir
See the weekly calendar in the Bulletin or the full Monthly Calendar for scheduled events.
Do you have a submission for the Community News? Call 612-866-8471 x207 or email your entry by Monday to the office.
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UPCOMING EVENTS AT HOUSE OF PRAYER
Ablaze! Organ Music for Pentecost
Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 1:00 pm Here at House of Prayer!
Featuring: Joshua Lindgren, Minister of Music (Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church) and Zach Busch, Director of Music (Woodlake Lutheran Church) Come and enjoy a selection of the fiery music and hymns to rouse the Spirit!
May 20 – Interested in an Adult Mission Trip?!
The Outreach Ministry Team would like to schedule an Adult Mission Trip. I know that there are several who are interested in such a trip. I would like to have a short meeting after church on May 20 with those interested to begin the process. I will have some ideas to share, but please bring your ideas as well. If you cannot make this meeting but are interested, contact Jean Robbins by phone or at cjrobbins@visi.com!
May 20 – Minnesota Boychoir at House of Prayer!
The Adult Choir of the Minnesota Boychoir, in collaboration with the Travelers Choir, will be presenting John Rutter’s stunning Requiem, among other fine choral works here at HoP on
Sunday, May 20, at 3:00 pm. The Requiem will also feature some of the most highly regarded solo instrumentalists in the region, so it will certainly be spectacular! Please make a point to come out and support these outstanding musicians as they share their gifts in our beautiful sanctuary!
See the weekly calendar in the Bulletin or the full Monthly Calendar for scheduled events.
Church Use Schedule ~ To schedule your activities and meetings, be sure to fill out a blue sheet, located in the office, or call Cammy in the office. She will be glad to help you with your forthcoming meetings. Forms are also availableonline. Thank you.
Building Use ~ As a courtesy to Ramo and all who use the spaces of House of Prayer for meetings and rehearsals, PLEASE fill out a blue Building Use Request form from the office to schedule ANY event taking place at HoP. Thanks!
Hi-Lines articles due by the 15th each month. Please send your articles via email to the new address: Editor.Hilines@gmail.com. Elyn Kirchner is our new Hi-Lines editor. We welcome her. Also, the weekly Community News articles are due close of day on Tuesdays.
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MINISTRY TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS AT HOUSE OF PRAYER
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SUPPORT MINISTRY TEAM
Help Wanted!!
The HoP Nominating Committee is looking for individuals to serve in two exciting and interesting positions! The Youth and Family Ministry Team (YFMT) is seeking an organized and fun-loving person to chair the team. Time commitment is approximately 5-10 hours per month, and the pay is low ($0), the but rewards are priceless! Also, the Executive Ministry Team (ExMT) will have an opening for the Congregational Vice President position on the ballot at the June 10th Annual
Meeting. This person will act in the absence of the Congregational President, and also serve as the chair of the Risk Management Team. Please consider serving in one of these vital positions, or even contacting the Nominating Committee with the name of someone else you know who would be qualified. For full job descriptions and more information, please contact a member of the Nominating Committee: Cindy Jacobs, Joe Speakman,Shari Sjostrand, John Bostrom or Kristi Liu.
Are you counting your volunteer hours? Please enter your volunteer hours on the blue inserts in the bulletin. Countable hours are any organization in which you participate, such as card ministry, property team, prayer shawl, funeral committee, and other services in your church and to the world. This week’s 51 hours included :Food shelf Home visits, Took a friend to the doctor, Update Apple Valley Band Booster website, Office volunteer, Homebound Communion, Set up spreadsheets for House of Prayer staff payroll and vacation tracking.
Keep up the amazing work and God bless! Your time is greatly appreciated!
Volunteers Needed!
We in the office are looking for some great Volunteers. We need them in 3 different areas:
1). We need an office volunteer on Tuesday mornings 9:00 am to 12:00 pm to answer phones and do some light clerical work.
2). We need people who can deliver flowers to the shut-ins on Sunday or Monday.
Linda Lund Visitation Pastor
Carly Harrison Office Manager
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OUTREACH MINISTRY TEAM
Lutheran Social Services called to thank House of Prayer for our generous donation to combat homelessness amongst Minnesota’s youth.
According to the Wilder Foundation, on any given night there are 2,500 youth in Minnesota that are homeless. An estimated 2,000 are in the Metro Area. On Wednesday, May 2, Luther Social Services put on a Homeless Youth Luncheon at the Radisson Roseville. Lutheran Social Services held the luncheon to educate the public on this issue and to raise funds. Thank you House of Prayer for continuing your generous giving ways.
Thanks from Synod Hunger Committee
Martin Fergus and the rest of the Minneapolis Area Synod Hunger Committee want to pass along a HUGE thank you to the congregation at House of Prayer for your donations towards hunger appeal and disaster relief. The congregation at House of Prayer ranks as the 10th most generous congregation in terms of donations out of the entire Minneapolis Area Synod. What an amazing effort by everyone here at House of Prayer and please continue with your generosity!
The Minneapolis Area Senate Hunger Committee thanks you immensely!
Volunteer Opportunity ~ Methodist Hospital Hospice will be providing training sessions this spring for new volunteers. Our volunteers give respite care to caregivers who are caring for terminally ill loved ones in their own private homes. Commitment is a maximum of 4 hours per week, and training is 4 sessions. If interested, please call Libby Swanson at 952-933-5381. Thank you for your interest.
Loaves and Fishes – Last Chance in 2012 ~
House of Prayer will be preparing and serving the meal for L & F on Tuesday, June 5. We expect to feed around 120 hungry souls and many hands make the job easier. Please consider signing up at the information desk in the Narthex for one of the time slots that’s most convenient for you.
This will be our last preparation and serving event in 2012.
Loaves and Fishes’ Richfield serving location is Hope Church
(7132 Portland Ave.-close to HoP). Each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening L & F volunteers serve a hot meal at 5:00 PM to anyone in need of that service (no questions asked). If you know of anyone that might be interested, encourage them to attend.
With careful planning we keep the ingredient cost for our meal to around $2.00 per person.
If you can’t help that evening, you may consider contributing funds for a meal(s)- make checks payable to HOPE fun % Loaves & Fishes). If you have additional questions, ask Mike Murphy or any member of the Outreach Ministry Team.
Thank you!
Outreach Ministry Team needs you! ~ Doing God’s work with our hands! Do you have an interest in service to our local and global community? The Outreach Ministry Team is looking for you. We have a core group of dedicated members but as always more hands make lighter work. We meet the third Thursdays of the month at House of Prayer at 5:30pm. We manage the outreach accounts and determine where to donate the HOPE funds. Please give prayerful consideration to joining us. Contact Larry Edlund.
Simpson Shelter ~ House of Prayer serves the homeless on the second Tuesday of every month. The time commitment is about 3.5 hours. If you would like to be a part of this outreach ministry, contact Karen Steenson.
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WORSHIP MINISTRY TEAM
Rainbow Bag Volunteers!
We are in need of someone to fill Rainbow Bags! This is a vital ministry for our little ones and requires a once-a-week commitment. Thank you to Jeanne Lindstrom for her faithful dedication to this ministry. Contact Kristin if you are interested – training and supplies are provided!
Favorite Songs For Worship ~
Has anyone ever told you a story about a song that was meaningful to them? Often our lives are enriched by the music we hear at special events – weddings, funerals, baptisms, graduations, the list goes on. What songs are important to you? What have you sung in worship or heard played that makes you feel worshipful and at-one with your Creator?
The Worship Ministry Team invites you to share your favorite songs for worship with us. Please use the forms and the box at the Information Desk to tell us about the music that is meaningful in your worship life.
Honor Loved Ones in 2012!
Sign up to sponsor our Sanctuary flowers, bulletin, and Sun Current Ad in 2012! The sign-up sheets can be found in the Narthex, just outside of the Sanctuary by the South doors. Thank you for your support of the mission of House of Prayer!
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EVANGELISM MINISTRY TEAM
Guide Book Updates
We are in the process of updating our annual Guide Book & Directory. This book will be the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of our Congregation. The book is being provided at no cost to our church, including the mailing to each family in August, and again is being subsidized by local businesses that advertise in it. If you own or manage a business and would like to find out about advertising in our book, please call Mary Markes by the end of May.
Recent survey results by the Guide Book Publishing shows that 92.1% of families would rather patronize a Guide Book & Directory advertiser over a non-advertiser. It will “pay” to advertise in our new Guide Book & Directory.
Update Membership Information
Does our Church database have YOUR family membership record correct? Here is your chance to update YOUR record for our Annual Guide Book & Directory (if you haven’t already done so).
It is time to for us to update our database with any changes, additions, or deletions that may have occurred in YOUR family over the past year. Have you changed your phone number? Have you moved? Are you preparing to move soon? Are all of your children still at home and are they all included in your membership record? Do you want some information omitted? Please use the Blue Sheet to tell us about changes to your record so that the information in the Guide Book & Directory is correct. Thank you for your help!
Ladies Tea at the Towers
The Evangelism Ministry Team will be hosting a Ladies Tea at the Towers on Sunday, June 3, at 2:00 pm. We would appreciate anyone who can help set up, make tea, pour at a table and visit with the residents. We need about 2 hours of help and expect three dozen guests. Also, we would like to borrow some fancy tea cups and saucers. Please contact Shirley Moen by phone or via email at smoen@riverway.com if you can assist in any way.
The relationship between House of Prayer/MIRA (Modulo Informacion, Recursos y Apoyo) Continues!
We are working toward making use of the computer lab at HoP for a series of 10-week Beginning Computer classes. That goal has been postponed a couple of times due to lack of an instructor! At this time, we have six computers in the lab and more equipment has been donated by HoP members. That said, we need help in two ways:
1. Someone with computer knowledge that can
access the equipment that has been donated and let us know what we need to get this equipment to the stage at which our current PCs are
operating;
2. Someone who can teach a Computer 101 class. This would include the very basics of a computer and how to use the internet.
In order to become better citizens, immigrants must become computer savvy enough to use the internet to apply for jobs. As many of them have no computer knowledge, they also need basics of a word program.
While we would welcome with open arms a
volunteer who can do either or both of the above, there is a small stipend available if that would
influence the decision to assist!
Please contact Shirley Moen if you are available to give your time and expertise for any of the above. Thank you!Relationship Continues!
and Modulo Informacion,
Recursos y Apoyo (MIRA)
We are working toward making use of the computer lab at HoP for a series of 10-week Beginning
Computer classes. That goal has been postponed a couple of times due to lack of an instructor!
At this time, we have six computers in the lab and more equipment has been donated by HoP members. That said, we need help in two ways:
1. Someone with computer knowledge who can access the equipment that has been donated and let us know what we need to get this equipment to the stage at which our current PCs are operating;
2. Someone who can teach a Computer 101 class. This would include the very basics of a computer and how to use the internet. In order to become better citizens, immigrants must become computer savvy enough to use the internet to apply for jobs. As many of them have no computer knowledge, they also need basics of a word program.
While we would welcome with open arms a volunteer who can do either or both of the above, there is a small stipend available if that would influence the decision to assist!
Please contact Shirley Moen if you are available to give your time and expertise for any of the above. Thank you!
New Member Class Series Begins in June!
There will be a new class series beginning on June 10. If you or someone you know is interested in joining or rejoining House of Prayer as a member, please do the following:
1). Fill out a “blue” sheet with your contact information and check the box “I am interested in becoming a member of House of Prayer”.
2). Place the blue sheet in the offering plate or bring it to the church office and place it in Pastor Anne’s mail box.
3). Go to www.house-of-prayer.com and find Pastor Anne’s email address (ahokenstad@house-of-prayer.com) and send her an email.
You will be contacted by Carly once we get your “blue” sheet, and begin the process!
Sunday Morning Greeters Needed!
We are seeking several friendly faces willing to be greeters at the door before Sunday and Holy Week services. Only requirement is to arrive at church about 15-20 minutes before the start of service, put on the special nametag, smile and welcome worshippers, members or visitors alike. Great volunteer opportunity for families! Call Emilie Femrite if you could help one time or more.
INFORMATION DESK ~ Check it out this morning! Lots of health information from the City of Richfield. Flyers are available. Help yourself.
Also, we are looking for a few helpers to staff the Information Desk on Sunday mornings. If you have any interest in helping, please contact Sally Boyd.
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ADULT MINISTRIES
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
The Bible study is an overview of Genesis through Revelation that introduces the key people, places, and events of scripture in an easy-to-understand story. Participants are invited to explore where they fit in the greatest story and how the greatest story fits in their lives. Each session is visually depicted through captivating session videos that feature the sand art of renowned artist Joe Castillo. Wednesdays November 2011 through May 2012 (Study took a break during Lent) at 6:30 pm.
LIBRARY NEWS ~
Some new books in our House of Prayer Library:
Paul among the People by Sarah Ruden
— The author tackles some of of the more controversial topics in Paul’s epistles, role of women, marriage, homosexuality, slavery, etc., and reexamines them in context of the history and culture of Paul’s Greek and Roman world.
Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
– Novel about an American woman researching the truth of Vichy France’s complicity in the Nazi Holocaust
Quetico by Jon Nelson (brother of HoP’s Carol Johnson!)
– Nature lovers will appreciate reading about the flora, fauna, geology, history, and personal anecdotes about this Canadian Provincial Park, which adjoins Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Changing the Converstion: a Third Way for Congregations by Anthony B. Robinson (donated by Pastor Anne and Arvid)
– Thought-provoking ideas for a church in transition like ours!
Lectionary Bible Study meets each Thursday from 9:30- 11:00 am. to discuss the upcoming Sunday morning Bible texts. Coffee is served. All are welcome.
Reading Materials are Available in the Narthex!
Our Narthex has several periodicals for members and visitors to enjoy and take home.
The Lutheran, published by the ELCA. New copies will arrive quarterly in 2012. The cost is covered by the Macedonia Project, a church-wide initiative to grow financial stewardship of our members. Pick up a copy; you will find some great articles!
Metro Lutheran Monthly publication. “The purpose of the Metro Lutheran is to provide factual information reflective of activities and concerns existing among Lutheran people, their churches and their serving affiliates.” We receive lots of copies so help yourself!
Lutheran Vistas Quarterly publication. Their mission statement is: “Publishing the Gospel is part of Christ’s plan to make His salvation known to the ends of the earth. The printed Word itself is a missionary…” It contains great Bible studies and much food for thought.
Book Discussion Group ~
The next meeting is Thursday, May 3, to discuss State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
We meet at 7:00 pm in the Fireside Conference Room. Everyone is welcome!
If you have questions, contact Jeanne Lindstrom.
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YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY
Butter Braids
Butter Braids are still available! Apple, Cinnamon, Blueberry Cream Cheese, Strawberry Cream Cheese, and Raspberry are all available. The cost of each is $10 and proceeds go to the youth mission trip! Contact Dan Nelson.
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HERITAGE TEAM REMEMBERS…
Heritage Team Display Case
The Heritage Team has a fresh Easter presentation on the display case located in the Narthex near the Choir Room. Stop by to check it out; we welcome your comments and suggestions. Again, special thanks to our “artistic director” Ruth Nordholm, and to Darlene Clauson!
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LIFE TOGETHER
Social Seniors and Grandma’s Club Outing!
The Social Seniors and Grandmas’ Club are planning an outing to the Old Log Theater on Wednesday, May 16. We will see a comedy called “The Fox on the Fairway”. Lunch is at noon and curtain time is 1:30 pm. The theater tickets are $17.50 and the lunch tickets are $14.75 for a total of $32.25. The price includes tax and tip. We will have the menu at the Information Desk by the sign up sheet. Our plan is to carpool. If you are in need of a ride, please let us know and we will arrange one for you. Please sign up at the Information Desk. Make your checks out to the HOP Social Seniors. Any questions, please call Betty Henrickson or Marg Erickson.
Community Garden News ~
House of Prayer Gardeners! Kim Houle has started a blog page at Reaching Richfield Community Garden where she will be posting regular updates and pictures. Kim says, “I look forward to this new season of growth and hope that you are as excited as I am.”
Thank you to all of those who brought in their empty milk jugs. We now have plenty for transplanting and moving seedlings to the garden. Make sure you stop out and take a look at the gardens on the West side of the building. It’s growing time! -Mission Gardeners
Fall Festival Meeting May 20
Our first fall Festival meeting for 2012 will be Sunday, May 20, following the worship service. We will meet in the Fireside Conference Room for about an hour. Please attend if you are a past or present chair of a committee, have interest in participating in the planning or come as a guest and see what we are all about. We would love to have you visit our fun and dedicated group! We have some new faces this year so we look forward to getting things going for 2012! If you are unable to attend, please contact
Debbie Wessman.
House of Prayer e-News! If you have not already done so, please consider subscribing to our e-News bulletin which goes out every Thursday afternoon at 4:00pm. It’s easy to subscribe…just call the office at 612-866- 8471 or send an email to office@house-of-prayer.com.
Did you Know? ~
* If you miss a Sunday Morning worship service, you can get a copy of the service on CD. Contact the office if you would like a copy. You can also listen to the service on our website: www.house-of-prayer.com/audio-worship.
* If you are interested in being on the email prayer chain, please let Pastors Anne or Linda know your email address. The prayer chain is sent out weekly via email and regular mail for those who do not have access to email.
* If you are a Thrivent Financial Member, you may be able to direct some Thrivent Choice Dollars to assist God’s mission at House of Prayer. Contact Margaret in the office for more details or your Thrivent Representative for information. On the web contact: www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice.
Grandmas wanted!! ~ We want you to join HoP Grandmas’ Club. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month, starting on September 15 through May 18. We start out with a very informal meeting followed by devotions and eating, drinking coffee and socializing. Twice a year we have outings. We welcome you wholeheartly and look forward to seeing you on Wednesday at 10:00 am in the Parish Hall. Follow up with Anne Barnes if you have any questions.
Facebook! ~ Do you belong to the House of Prayer Group? Join us onFacebook, a social network of all sorts of people. Our church has a group on Facebook and it is a way for us to interact and share the good news about our faith community and all that God is up to among us. Pastor Anne and Kristin Tranby are the administers of our page. Share the Good News! Spread the word about House of Prayer on-line!
Fellowship Opportunity If you are looking to meet more people at HoP and develop deeper relationships, we have the answer for you! Fellowship Groups are people who gather on a monthly basis for social and/or service project events. All are welcome! No special talents required, just a desire to connect with others. There are groups of all ages, so please feel free to contact Jim and Heidi Thomas to find out how to get connected.
Military Update ~ Please keep all military personnel and their families in our prayers. It is very important that we remember all those that currently and in the past have served our country to keep us safe and free. Help us update our military board (located on the south side of the main office door) by providing information about House of Prayer members (or relatives of members) who are currently in active military service.
Submit a picture (if possible) and current information on name, where they are stationed and any other information you wish to share with us. We want to honor them, thank them for their service and pray for them. Please consider emailing or writing them once in awhile. Submit your information to Annette Bray. Leave in the box labeled “Military Board”in the church office or call her.
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BEYOND HOUSE OF PRAYER
Northern Winds Concert Band
Annual Mother’s Day Concert – TONIGHT – 7:00 pm – Edinborough Indoor Park – 7601 York Avenue South, Edina
Bring mom out to an evening of great music featuring Show tunes, Marches and Concert Band music. Several members from House of Prayer play in the band. Cookies and punch will be
served after the concert!
HOUSEHOLD AND OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE FOR ELDERLY ~ Seniors, are you looking for some assistance with your household chores? H.O.M.E is a program that helps older adults (age 60 plus) remain independent by providing services they are unable to do for themselves. Service costs are based on a sliding contribution scale.
Our core staff, with a network of skilled workers and volunteers will perform painting, minor repairs, raking, snow shoveling, lawn mowing, house cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping. Call: 952-888-5530.