HOH building
  Drawing by John A. Goodding
House of Hope News
797 Summit Avenue·St. Paul MN 55105·651-227-6311·hoh@hohchurch.org
March 2, 2010
 
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---->IMPORTANT NOTICE: Mark Your Calendars for worship services at
9 and 11 a.m. on Palm Sunday (March 28), and Easter Sunday (April 4).

 
In This Issue
March Art Show
Cynthia Campbell to Preach
Baptism Class March 21
Feed My Starving Children March 25
Didier Seminar April 23, 24, 25
Kerygma Class for Lent
Lenten Series on Faith & Writing
Literature Series March 4
Hard Hats March 4
Mission Sewing March 4
Project Bag-a-Meal
Music in March
Daylight Saving Time
Loaves & Fishes March 15
Great Decisions March 16
Women's Advocates Shelter March 18
Kirk Club March 21
One Great Hour of Sharing
Members Art Show in April
April Book Study "Wisdom Jesus"
Weekly Job Support Group
Weekly Grief Groups
Office Hours

Quick Links...

Our Newsletter

March Art Show
Paintings by
Catherine Hearding
hearding painting iris
"My goal in painting is to portray the beauty of the ordinary. I want the viewers to see their surroundings from a different perspective, to feel the shapes as light hits the form and describes it, to see colors they might not expect.  Minnesota winters are a subject that I enjoy painting because they are all about form and light and color. The shapes created by the snow and wind catch the light and create shadows that contain surprising color and are abstract in nature. To accomplish my goal, I try to focus on more intimate views of the landscape. Many of my landscapes have a high horizon line, focusing our attention on the details in the foreground.
    I like to find abstract forms in a realistic setting, by using shadows or by focusing in closely on a subject.  I am fascinated with how light falls on form, in landscape or still life. Shadows fascinate me and I usually see the shadow before looking at the object. Shadows depict form, and I use them to describe the shape of the landscape or object.  Color and light are intertwined and affect how we see the subject."  
--Catherine Hearding


Cynthia Campbell
to Preach March 14
Cynthia Campbell
Ninth president of McCormick Theological Seminary and one of the first women to lead a large congregation in the PC(USA), Cynthia Campbell will preach at the 10 a.m. service on Sunday, March 14.  Cynthia was ordained in June 1974 and began serving as an associate pastor at Northminster United Presbyterian Church in Dallas.  She has served churches in Fort Worth and San Antonio and was director of the doctor of ministry program at Austin Theological Seminary.  She is the author of A Multitude of Blessings: A Christian Approach to Religious Diversity.  Cynthia will also present the Enrichment Program on March 14 at 11 a.m. in the Assembly Room.  Her program is entitled "Christianity and Religious Diversity."

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.

Feed My Starving Children
March 25

Your help is greatly needed.  Each day over 18,000 children die from starvation or starvation-related causes.  FMSC volunteers make a difference by packaging more than 40 million meals annually for hungry children in more than 60 countries.  FMSC works through local non-governmental organizations to ensure that the aid reaches those that need it.  Currently FMSC is focused on providing desperately needed food aid to Haiti.
    The next opportunity to volunteer is Thursday, March 25, from 8 to 9:30 p.m. To register, please send an e-mail to hohvolunteers@gmail.com or sign up in the church office.  When registering, please make sure to include the date(s) for which you are registering, the name of each volunteer in your party and an e-mail
address.  You will receive a confirmation e-mail with driving directions to the site.  The FMSC facility is at 990 Lone Oak Road, Suite 160, in Eagan.
     To learn more about Feed My Starving Children, please visit their website at http://www.fmsc.org.



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.

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Kerygma Class Continues on Sundays
kerygmaThe Reverend Tom Forster-Smith and The Reverend Gale Robb will teach a Kerygma Bible Study Class entitled "A Spiritual Journey Though Holy Week," each Sunday of 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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WEDNESDAY LENTEN SERIES ON FAITH & WRITING
March 3 though March 31
shouts
Register by calling the church office, 651-227-6311, for the Wednesday evening adult education in-depth series class: "The Writing Life: Finding the Voice of Faith and Writing."  Taught by the Rev. Dr. Lucy Forster-Smith, Chaplain of Macalester College, this class begins Wednesday, March 3, and runs each Wednesday evening through March, in the Kirk Parlour, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.  Textbooks are available in the church office with your $15 registration fee.  For more information contact Rev. Tom Forster-Smith at tomf@hohchurch.org or 651-223-7553.
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FIRST THURSDAY LITERATURE SERIES March 4
poe
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION:
On Thursday, March 4, at 10 a.m., Joy Davis' literature seminar will convene IN THE CHURCH LIBRARY to discuss E. A. Poe's story, "The Cask of Amontillado."  It is a brilliantly crafted drama as well as a psychological study of revenge. All are welcome. Reservations are not necessary.
 
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Hard Hats March 4
HARD HATS.  This group of hard-working volunteers is looking for a few more good men and women to join them in working to keep our beautiful and beloved House of Hope facilities in the best possible condition.  On the first Thursday of the month, the group works on a task list provided by Facilities Manager Doug Wakefield.  If this sounds like your mission opportunity, call Erv Lentz, 651-484-7976, or just meet in the Library at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 4.
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Mission Sewing March 4
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.  Join us on March 4.  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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Project Bag-a-Meal Begins March 7
food shelfAs you leave worship on March 7, you will be invited to take a grocery bag from one of the 5th grade Sunday School students, who will be at the Sanctuary doors. Each bag has suggestions for providing a meal for a family in need. Please fill your bag as you are able and return it by Easter Sunday, April 4. Those who prefer not to take a bag may take just the flyer with suggested donations. All food donations will go to the Hallie Q. Brown Food Shelf for distribution to those in need in our neighborhoods.  This project is sponsored by the Children and Family Ministries Committee, as part of our support for the March Minnesota Food Share campaign.
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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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Daylight Saving Time Begins March 14


Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 14. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour before retiring on Saturday, March 13.
 
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Loaves and Fishes March 15
The SAINTS team will welcome our Frogtown neighbors to supper on Monday, March 15, in the Loaves & Fishes program at Faith Lutheran Church at Charles and Mackubin Streets. The food-prep team leads off the festivities at 2 p.m., and is joined at 5 p.m. by expediters, servers and clean-up crews.  Thank you for your dedication to this program!!  Any questions?  Please call Ray Clark, 651-484-7270.
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Great Decisions March 16: Global Crime
GREAT DECISIONS meets in the Church Library at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, to consider the phenomenon of increasingly organized Global Crime.  The presenter will be George Welles, president of Imaging Futures, Inc., and national security consultant to Fortune 500 companies and government entities.  Great Decisions is a discussion group for U.S. foreign policy issues. Discussions are based on topics in a reading guide put out by the Foreign Policy Association and lead by speakers recommended by the Minnesota International Center. Guests are welcome. For more information please call Bob Mairs, 651-222-3423, Dennis Anderson, 651-730-4003, or the church office, 651-227-6311.  
 
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Volunteer at Women's Advocates Shelter
for Women and Children March 18
The Third Thursday Group is gearing up for 2010.  We have set our calendar and are looking for volunteers.  We encourage both men and women of all ages to join us.  Volunteer every month or just when the activity interests you.  Remember there are always lots of little ones who would want to play games or share a good book.  
     It is hard to believe that two hours a month can make such a difference, but do not underestimate the value of a kind word or gesture to women and children in transition.  Every Third Thursday also includes snacks and conversation.  
     On March 18th we work on Easter crafts at the shelter.
     Women's' Advocates Domestic Abuse Shelter is on the corner of Grand Avenue and Dale Street.  We meet at 5:45 p.m. and are always done before 8 p.m.  Please contact Liz Boyd for details and a background check form: 651-698-0409 or elizaboyd@msn.com.

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Kirk Club March 21
The KIRK CLUB will meet on Sunday, March 21, at 2:30 p.m. at the Lexington, on Grand at Lexington in St. Paul.  The topic of conversation will be "Oh, Those High School Years!" Was that formative time good or bad?  Brunch items start at $13.78. Make reservations by calling the church office, 651-227-6311, by noon on Friday, March 19.
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One Great Hour of Sharing March 28
afghaniboy The One Great Hour of Sharing is the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s annual offering that helps bring life necessities to disaster survivors throughout the world, helps refugees build new futures, and helps impoverished communities develop dependable livelihoods and secure sources of food and water.  Offering envelopes will be arriving in the mail.  Please remember to bring your envelope to church on Palm Sunday, March 28.

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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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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.)
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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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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.