HOH building
  Drawing by John A. Goodding
House of Hope News
797 Summit Avenue·St. Paul MN 55105·651-227-6311·hoh@hohchurch.org
February 16, 2010
 
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Ash Wednesday February 17
Our Lenten journey begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17, with a worship service and Holy Communion at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary.  David Van Dyke will preach.  The sermon title is "A Holy Smudge." The Motet Choir and Choir School ensembles will provide the service music.
      Lent is a season of penance and reflection which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption. In the ancient Judeo-Christian tradition, ashes are a symbol of mourning and penance. We are marked with ashes to remind us of our mortality, our human failings, and our need of God's forgiveness. 

You are dust, and to dust you shall return.
--Genesis 3:19

In This Issue
Ash Wednesday Feb. 17
Women's Advocates Feb. 18
New Member Class Feb. 21
February Art Show
Baptism Class March 21
April Book Study "Wisdom Jesus"
Didier Seminar April 23, 24, 25
Weekly Job Support Group
Mission Sewing Feb. 18
Enrichment Feb. 21
Caritas Vocal Ensemble Feb. 21
Sunday-Weekday Feb. 23
Series on Meditation Feb. 11, 24
Kerygma Class for Lent
Presbyterianism 101
Youth Ski Outing Feb. 28
Family Bowling Feb. 28
Lenten Series on Faith & Writing
Music in March
Members Art Show in April
Haiti Relief Kits
Haiti Donations Tax News
Weekly Grief Groups
Office Hours

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Our Newsletter

Women's Advocates
February 18

WOMEN'S ADVOCATES shelter for battered women serves nearly 1,000 women and children a year.   Women are given emergency shelter, food, clothing and personal items as well as support and counseling.  Children are given child care; safety plans; support groups; education and counseling; animal-assisted intervention and art therapy; and facilitation of school enrollment, transportation and tutoring.  The Rose Program helps families move into permanent, stable housing and gives intensive care and support services after women and children move out of the shelter.  A group of women under the leadership of House of Hope member Liz Boyd volunteers every Third Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 pm.  They do a craft project or play bingo with the women and children, and then provide a treat for them. If you would be interested in joining this group (men included), leave your name in the church office, 651-227-6311.

New Member Class
February 21

THINKING ABOUT MEMBERSHIP? We offer many opportunities for fellowship, worship, learning, and service--for adults, children, and youth.  To learn more about the life of this church, come to our new member class on Sunday, February 21, at 11:15 a.m. in the Library.  A light lunch will be served and child care will be provided. For lunch and child care reservations, call Michelle Freyholtz at 651-223-7556. The next new member class will be held on March 21.

February Art Show
brooks photo
The artist whose works will be on display in the CLOISTER GALLERY during the month of February is photographer Linda Brooks.  In 2008, Brooks accompanied Peabody Award-winner, Kellogg Foundation Fellow, broadcast journalist Mary Stucky on various projects in Mexico.  In conjunction with her work for the non-profit organization she founded, Round Earth Productions, Stucky researched and produced many stories on Latin America.  She invited Brooks and another photographer, Ginny Grossman, to meet her in Mexico to take photographs that would eventually become online slide shows to go with Stucky's radio stories.  Brooks' photographs from these "Mexico Projects" will be on exhibit in our gallery.  Meet the artist in the gallery on Sunday, February 7, following the 10 a.m. worship service.

Baptism Class
March 21
baptismbanner
New or prospective parents interested in Baptism may attend a Baptism class on Sunday, March 21, at 9 a.m. in the Church Library. This class will provide parents with information about the sacrament and its purpose, and will be another way for the church to offer support and encouragement to families. Please call Michelle Freyholtz at 651-223-7556 to schedule your baby's baptism and to register for the class. Baptism classes are offered quarterly. Baptisms are ordinarily celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of each month.

Book Study
April 7, 14 and 21
The Wisdom Jesus by Cynthia Bourgeault
wisdomjesus
This Wednesday Evening In-depth Series book study features Cynthia Bourgeault's The Wisdom Jesus: Transforming Heart and Mind--A New Perspective on Christ and His Message.  It will be led by Sister Virginia Matter, Spiritual Director, The Benedictine Center, Maplewood. She has experience in several spiritual traditions: monastic East/West, dialogue with Buddhists and Hindus, Native American Creative Arts, and Christian Spirituality.   The book study will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Assembly Room.   This series is free and open to the public.  (The Reverend Dr. Bourgeault will be the 2010 Didier Seminar speaker on April 23, 24 and 25.)

Didier Seminar
April 23, 24 and 25
Bourgeault

Mark your calendar for the DIDIER SEMINAR, April 23, 24 and 25, 2010. The guest speaker will be The Reverend Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault, Episcopal priest, author, Principal Teacher for the  Contemplative Society, and past fellow of the Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research at St. John's Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota.  She will speak on the topic "Meditation and Visionary Seeing in the Christian Tradition." The Didier Seminar is free an open to the public.

Job Support Group
The Big Net: Congregations Working Together to Provide Job Seeker
Programs and Services provides a weekly support program, at 4 p.m. on Thursdays, covering resume review, networking, cover letters, personal assessment, interview practice and general support. This program is held at
the Church of St. John the Evangelist, 60 Kent St., St Paul (between Portland and Holly). For more information, contact Rev. Tom Forster-Smith at tomf@hohchurch.org or 651-223-7553, or visit www.thebignet.net.
The House of Hope is a member church of The Big Net.

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Mission Sewing February 18
The MISSION SEWING GROUP meets on the first and third Thursday of the month, September through May, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Dining Rooms A&B. The group does good work for the missions and enjoys fellowship.  Sewing ability is not required.  Bring a sandwich; coffee is provided. For further information, contact Janet Brownell, 651-765-4990, or Terry Maroney, 952-423-6960.
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Enrichment Program February 21:
A Family's Struggle with Addication
Teen challengeOn Sunday, February 21, Cynthia and James Betz will recount their family's struggle with addiction and James' path to recovery. They will speak during the Adult Enrichment hour in the Assembly Room. The program is sponsored by House of Hope Faith Partners. Cynthia is a long-time member, as well as an elder and a deacon of The House of Hope. Her son James entered Teen Challenge, a program for addicted youth, in 2008. Today, he is clean and sober. Cynthia and James will describe the Teen Challenge program and how James' recovery journey affected the entire Betz family. Please join us for this moving and meaningful presentation on February 21 after the 10 a.m. worship service.
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Caritas Vocal Ensemble February 21
Caritas EnsembleOn February 21 at 4 p.m., House of Hope's MUSIC AT FOUR Series presents the Caritas Vocal Ensemble performing early and contemporary selections written for chamber vocal ensemble.  This recital in the Sanctuary is free and open to the public.
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Sunday-Weekday Connections February 23
womenThis inter-generational House of Hope women's program will meet at the Meeting House (761 Summit) on Tuesday, February 23, at 6:00 p.m. to hear our speaker, Louise Klas. NOTE TIME CHANGES: The evening begins with a social time at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the speaker's presentation. Sign up on Sunday, February 21, at the table outside the Kirk Parlour after the 10 a.m. worship service. Or make your reservation and pay at the church office by Sunday, February 21. The cost is $20 for dinner and related costs. Sign up now for a great evening. Make your check to The House of Hope.  This event is open to all women.
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In-Depth Adult Education Series on Meditation
Concludes February 24
   
    ·The series concludes on Wednesday, February 24, when Ken Ford of the Clouds in Water Zen Buddhist Center in St. Paul speaks on meditation in the Zen tradition.  7 p.m. in the Assembly Room.

     This Adult Education In-Depth Series has been offered in preparation for the 2010 Didier Seminar: "Meditation and Visionary Seeing in the Christian Tradition." 


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Kerygma Class Begins February 28
kerygmaThe Reverend Tom Forster-Smith and The Reverend Gale Robb will teach a Kerygma Bible Study Class on "A Spiritual Journey Though Holy Week," beginning Sunday, February 28, and continuing each Sunday through Lent.  Please register in the church office and pick up a copy of the resource book. The registration fee is $15.  The class will be held in the Meeting House (761 Summit, next door to the church) from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and will include a light lunch.  Contact Tom Forster-Smith at tomf@hohchurch.org or 651-223-7553, or Gale Robb at galer@hohchurch.org or 651-223-7549 for more information.
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Presbyterianism 101 February 28

David Van Dyke will present the ENRICHMENT PROGRAM on Sunday, February 28, entitled "Presbyterianism 101," at 11 a.m. in the Assembly Room.
 
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HIGH SCHOOL & MIDDLE SCHOOL SKI OUTING
February 28
High School and Middle School youth and their families are invited to an afternoon of skiing at Afton Alps on Sunday, February 28. Lift tickets and rental are covered for High School and Middle School youth; other family members pay their own way.  We plan to leave House of Hope shortly after 11 a.m. and return around 5 p.m.  Lunch is not provided, so please bring a bag lunch or money to buy your own in the chalet. Contact Gale Robb to reserve your spots as space is limited: galer@hohchurch.org.
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Family Bowling February 28

bowlingWe're going BOWLING on Sunday, February 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Bernard's lanes. Families of all ages and stages are invited. Bumpers will be provided for the young ones. Join us for pizza and good fun. Cost is $7 per person or a maximum of $30 per family. Children under 2 years of age attend for free. Sign up on the poster outside of the Christian Education office or contact Jan Snell, 651-223-7547.
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LENTEN SERIES ON FAITH & WRITING
Begins March 3
shouts
The House of Hope Adult Education Lenten Series, The Writing Life: Finding the Voice of Faith and Writing will meet on five Wednesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Kirk Parlour. Lent is a time of exploring the inner life of faith as Christians make the long walk to Holy Week and the resurrection of Christ. This year The Rev. Dr. Lucy Forster-Smith will lead a five-week series looking at the intersection of faith and writing. Using selections from the text Shouts and Whispers: Twenty-One Writers Speak About Their Writing and Their Faith (included in the registration fee), the class will investigate how wonderfully engaged Christian men and women speak of their faith through writing. The class will read portions of the text weekly, discuss the ideas suggested by the writers, take time to reflect on what we have read by writing prompts, and then conclude with some participants sharing their own writing (voluntarily) with the group. On March 23 the class will have a special guest, Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew, a Minneapolis writer, who will speak on her own experience in writing and teaching classes on spiritual memoir. To register for the class, please bring or mail your registration fee ($15) to the church office, 797 Summit Avenue, St. Paul MN 55105. (Make checks payable to House of Hope.) 
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Music in March:
Elizabeth Chapel Organ Recital Series March 7
Bach's Birthday Celebration March 21
aaron chapl
On March 7, the Elizabeth CHAPEL ORGAN RECITAL SERIES continues with ORGANIST CAROLYN DIAMOND and flutist Libby Lauffers.  Carolyn is a frequent performer at the Van Cliburn Piano Institute in Texas where she was a winner of the 2003 Piano Concerto Competition, performing with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. She is currently Principal Organist at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Excelsior and Staff Musician at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. She has worked with the American Symphony Orchestra and participates as an accompanist, having performed with soloists from the Metropolitan and New York City Opera Companies. The concert will be preceded by a 30-minute carillon prelude performed by David Johnson. Reception will follow the event. Free and open to the public. 

MUSIC AT FOUR: BACH'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
On Sunday, March
21, at 4 p.m., the SUMMIT HILL BRASS Ensemble and organist AARON DAVID MILLER, under the direction of David Baldwin, will perform an all-Bach program commemorating Bach's Birthday with well-known Bach works for brass and organ.  Many of the pieces on the program were transcribed by director David Baldwin.  Come join us for an all-Bach afternoon!  Free and open to the public. 


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Members Art Show in April

painting - seuratIn April, the Cloister Gallery will feature the works of our talented artist members. Please begin to think about what you would like to bring and share with our House of Hope community. Please bring your work to the Bridal Room on Sunday, March 28, before and after the church services. Work should be ready to hang or to be displayed. Limit of 3 pieces per artist. All artwork will be up in time for Easter Sunday, April 4! For more details, contact Patty Paulus 651-644-6274 or email ppaulus@spa.edu.
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Donations and Volunteers Needed
for Assembly of Haiti Relief Kits.

The Presbyterian Church (USA) in partnership with Church World Service is requesting volunteer donations of items for emergency relief kits for the victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti. Items are being collected at the House of Hope, where kits will be assembled on Saturday morning, February 20, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Items needed are as follows:

For Baby Kits
cloth diapers
T-shirts or undershirts (no one-sies)
washcloths
gowns or sleepers
diaper pins
sweater or sweatshirt
receiving blankets (can be a hand-knitted or crocheted baby blanket)
All items should be new and under 12 months in size.

For Hygiene Kits
Towels (16" x 28", no fingertip or bath towels)
washcloths
wide-tooth combs
nail clippers (no metal files or emery boards)
bars of soap (bath size in wrapper)
toothbrushes (in original packaging)
Band-Aids® or other adhesive bandage strips

In addition to the items for the kits, we will need:
·One-gallon plastic bags with zipper closures
·Boxes
·Money for shipping (Checks can be made out to The House of
Hope Presbyterian Church and marked for "Haiti Relief Kits" in
the memo line.) Please bring your donated items by February 12 to the west Portland Avenue door of the church during office hours weekdays or on Sunday mornings, and leave them in the hamper marked "Haiti" or on the long table in the hallway by the Elizabeth Chapel.

For more information on the relief
effort, please go to Presbyterian Church (USA)'s website at: www.pcusa.org/pda. 

To volunteer to help with assembly of the kits on February 20, call Mary Senkbeil at 651 270-9914 or e-mail her
at mary.senkbeil@gmail.com.
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2010 CASH DONATIONS FOR HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF are deductible on 2009 tax return.
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WASHINGTON - People who give to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti can claim these donations on the tax return they are completing this season, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Taxpayers who itemize deductions on their 2009 return qualify for this special tax relief provision, enacted Jan. 22. Only cash contributions made to these charities after Jan. 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, are eligible. This includes contributions made by text message, check, credit card or debit card.

"Americans have opened their hearts to help those affected by the Haiti earthquake," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman." This new law provides an immediate tax benefit for the many taxpayers who have made generous donations."
 
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Grief Groups at House of Hope through March

Grief groups of the Capital City Grief Coalition will meet
at House of Hope on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. through March 2010.  These groups are designed for those who have lost loved ones through death. Newcomers are welcome to join at any time.  For more information, contact Coalition Coordinator Lois Knutson, 651-227-4430.
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Office Hours
art deco clockSeptember through May:
Monday and Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.