HOH building
 Drawing by John A. Goodding
House of Hope News
797 Summit AvenueˇSt. Paul MN 55105ˇ651-227-6311ˇhoh@hohchurch.org
April 20, 2010
 
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10 a.m. is the ONLY WORSHIP SERVICE ON SUNDAY, MAY 2. (no 8:30 worship)

In This Issue
Preschool Auction
Members' Art Show
Anchor Society
Literature Series
Farewell to Andrew Altenbach
Last Sunday of two Services
May in the Gallery
Love Gardening?
Book Study "Wisdom Jesus"
Didier Seminar
Red Cross Blood Drive
Seekers
Youth Sunday
Hard Hats
Mission Sewing
Presbyterian Homes Tea
Choir School Conceert
Feed My Starving Children
Confirmation
Kirk Club brunch
Bach St. Matthew Passion
Loaves & Fishes
Hunter Farrell
Habitat for Humanity
Job Support Group
Weekly Grief Groups
Office Hours

Quick Links...

Our Newsletter

Preschool
Silent Auction
April 23

Join family and friends of The House of Hope Preschool on Friday, April 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Meeting House (761 Summit).  Bid on a variety of unique items for children: original art work, events, photography sessions, gifts from local businesses.  Proceeds benefit the preschool scholarship fund and programs.  To make a reservation, contact Paige Hagstrom,
phagstrom@hohchurch.org
or 651-223-7546


Members' Art Show
sargentart
In April, The Cloister Art Gallery will feature the works of our talented artist members.  This show, an annual favorite, is always surprising and impressive.  The works are in a variety of media and cover a range of mood--from the humorous to the sublime. The gallery can be visited during office hours and on Sunday mornings.  Come and see what your fellow congregants have created. 

Anchor Society
Appreciation Event
May 2

Anchor society
An appreciation luncheon for members of the Anchor Society will be held at the Manse on Sunday, May 2. Invitations have been mailed.
    The Anchor Society includes those who have indicated their intention to include The House of Hope in their estate plans. Already, more than 45 households have notified the church that The House of Hope is a beneficiary of their estate.  
    If you are considering including The House of Hope in your estate plans, you are welcome to attend the luncheon. Please contact Diane Smith (651-223-7554 or dianes@hohchurch.org) or Michelle Freyholtz (651-223-7556 or michellef@hohchurch.org) to receive an invitation. We look forward to seeing you there!
    For information about how a gift through your estate can support future generations at House of Hope, please contact Rev. David Van Dyke. He will be pleased to discuss with you the programs and needs that can be supported by your gifts.



First Thursday
Literature Series


On Thursday, May 6, at 10:15 a.m., Joy Davis' seminars will conclude its year of discussions with Sarah Orne Jewett's The Flight of Betsey Lane.  This is a lighthearted story of a small group of New England women who delight in the strengths of their friendship.  We will meet in the Church Library. All are welcome.  Reservations are not required.

May 16 is
Andrew Altenbach's
Final Sunday at
The House of Hope

Altenbach

In late February, Andrew Altenbach submitted his letter of resignation as Choirmaster at The House of Hope Presbyterian Church.  Andrew's conducting career has blossomed over the past year, during which time he has been leading orchestras in the United States and in Europe.  Unfortunately, his conducting schedule does not permit him to continue at House of Hope in the fall.   He will continue to live here in the Twin Cities as he travels to conducting engagements around the U.S.  
    We are grateful for Andrew's gifts and his leadership over the past three years. We send him and his wife, Julia, our gratitude and sincerest blessings.  Andrew's final Sunday is May 16. His final event at House of Hope
will be the Music at Four concert on May 16, Bach's St. Matthew Passion with the Motet Choir and Bach Chamber Players.
   Come to the Kirk Parlour after the 10 a.m. worship on May 16, to greet Andrew and wish him well.


May 23 is the
Last Sunday of
Two Services 
May 23 is the last Sunday of two worship services until Fall.  The schedule of two worship services (8:30 and 10 a.m.) resumes on Rally Sunday, September 12.

Coming in May to the
Cloister Gallery

cunningham1
Paintings by
Joshua Cunningham


Love Gardening?

Our warm spring brings excitement and anticipation for gardening at The House of Hope. Planting will be scheduled for May; general maintenance of the Garth garden will continue May through October. If you would like to help in this effort, contact Sarah Jensen at 651-699-3061 or srkj@comcast.net. Work days and times are very flexible.  Some gardening experience is preferable, but not required.


Book Study Concludes April 21
The Wisdom Jesusby Cynthia Bourgeault
wisdomjesusThis Wednesday Evening book study features Cynthia Bourgeault's The Wisdom Jesus: Transforming Heart and Mind--A New Perspective on Christ and His Message. It is led by Sister Virginia Matter, Spiritual Director at The Benedictine Center in Maplewood. Sister Virginia has experience in several spiritual traditions, including monastic, Buddhist, Hindu, Native American and Christian. Join us from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Kirk Parlour.  This event 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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Didier Seminar April 23, 24 and 25
bourgeault2
Mark your calendar for the DIDIER SEMINAR, April 23, 24 and 25, 2010. The guest speaker at all sessions 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.  The theme of the 2010 seminar is  "Meditation and Visionary Seeing in the Christian Tradition." The Didier Seminar is free and open to the public. 
Schedule:
ˇFriday, April 23, 7:30 to 9 p.m. "Thomas Merton and the Christian
Contemplative Tradition" (Great Hall).
ˇSaturday, April 24, 9 a.m. to noon. "Jesus as Visionary," "Gnosis and Gnosticism." 1:30 to 3 p.m.: Practicing Centering Prayer (Great Hall).
ˇSunday, April 25,10 a.m.: Dr. Bourgeault preaches at worship (Sanctuary). 11:15 a.m.: "Christian Contemplatives as Visionaries and Prophets" (Assembly Room).
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Red Cross Blood Drive April 25
blood driveThe House of Hope will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Sunday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Great Hall. This is our opportunity to give blood for those who have suffered through disasters such as earthquakes, floods, fires, and storms; and for those who have experienced deeply personal and often quiet disasters that require a gift of blood.   Please sign up at the table by Kirk Parlour on Sundays, April 18.
 
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Seekers April 26
Celtic Medallion
The SEEKERS will meet on Monday, April 26, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Meeting House (761 Summit).  The Seekers meet to explore "Thin Places." This term is an early Celtic Christian metaphor for those times or places when the boundary between the sacred and the everyday feels "thin," when God's presence is more strongly felt.  For information, contact Margie Crone at maccrone1@aol.com or 651-735-8043.
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Youth Sunday May 2
bible and cross
Once again, the youth of House of Hope will plan and lead worship on Youth Sunday, May 2, 2010.  .
    The St Cecilia, St Nicholas, St Andrew and Girls Vocal Ensemble will lead music on Youth Sunday. The St. Nicholas Choir will present Vivaldi's Gloria
   A masterpiece of the Italian Baroque, the Gloria is one of Vivaldi's most popular pieces, written while he was choirmaster at the Ospedali de Pieta, a girls orphanage in Venice. The choir will present selected choruses and solo movements with orchestra at the 10 a.m. worship service.
 The Youth Handbell Choir will also play at the service.
  Youth Sunday is always a special day for our youth and their families, as well as for us, their church family. Please plan to be here for the 10 a.m. worship service to support our youth. There is no 8:30 a.m. worship on May 2.

Ugly Jobs Auction! Back by popular demand, the senior high youth will once again auction off their services for any of those "ugly jobs" that are begging to be done at your house! Come to the Assembly Room after worship on May 2, and put your bid in for the services of an enthusiastic youth (or two!) willing to clean garages, rake yards, wash cars, weed gardens, or any other spring cleaning tasks.
 
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Hard Hats May 6
Lady builder.jpg
This group of hard-working volunteers is looking for a few good people to help them keep The House of Hope facilities in great condition.  The group works on a task list provided by their crew leader, Erv Lentz.  Facilities Manager Doug Wakefield is on hand to guide their efforts.  For more information, call Erv Lentz at 651-484-7976. Otherwise, just come to the next gathering at 9 a.m. in the Assembly Room on Thursday, May 6.    

 
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Mission Sewing May 6

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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Presbyterian Homes Mother's Day Tea May 8
tea2The Presbyterian Homes Mother's Day Tea will be held on Saturday, May 8, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.  This annual tea is a fun, family-friendly opportunity to serve our community. Join the deacons as they celebrate spring with the residents of Presbyterian Homes in Arden Hills.  Serve cookies and tea, play music, or simply visit. Families with children of all ages (including babies) are welcome. For more information or to sign up, contact Carie Essig at cmessig@msn.com or 612-618-7755.
 
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Choir School Spring Concert May 9

Join us for a wonderful afternoon of music on May 9, as the House of Hope Choir School presents their annual Spring Concert. The five choirs of the Choir School will perform, and the concert will feature the St. Nicholas Choir singing Vivaldi's Gloria conducted by Sofia Ardalan. The concert is at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary and is free and open to the public.

 
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Feed My Starving Children
Volunteer on May 14
The House of Hope is sponsoring a volunteer event at Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) on Friday May 14.  These events are great opportunities for church members of all ages to come together to fight global hunger.
   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. Mark your calendar:

ˇ Friday, May 14, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
At the FMSC facility in Eagan at 990 Lone Oak Road, Suite 160, Eagan, Minnesota, 55121.  
    To register, please send an e-mail to hohvolunteers@gmail.com or sign up in the church office.  Please make sure to include the date for which you are registering, the name of each volunteer in your party and an e-mail address.  You will receive a confirmation email with driving directions to the site.
    To learn more about Feed My Starving Children, please visit their website at http://www.fmsc.org

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Confirmation Sunday May 16
Confirmation is the culmination of a year of work on the part of the 9th grade students.  The class members have made an important decision--to become adult members of this congregation.  On Saturday, May 15, they will read their statements of faith to the elders who will examine them and receive them into full membership in the church.  The students confirm their baptismal vows at the 10 a.m. service on Sunday, May 16.  A reception will be held for the confirmands in the Kirk Parlour following the service.  Please greet and congratulate them and enjoy cake in the Parlour that morning.
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Kirk Club May 16
Guest Speaker Dr. John Davis

The Kirk Club will meet for brunch at 12:30 p.m. on May 16 at the Lexington (on Grand at Lexington in St. Paul).  Our distinguished guest will be Dr. John Davis, former superintendent of Minneapolis Schools and President of Macalester College (1967-1984).  He subsequently served in interim leadership positions at The Children's Theatre, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minnesota State University, Mankato, and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.  Dr. Davis will talk about his life in education  as well as his views on the state of education in our country. Prices start at $13.78, including tax and tip.  Reservations are a must for this very special event and should be made by calling the church office, 651-227-6311, by noon on May 14.

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Music At Four
May 16: Bach's St. Matthew Passion
music poster
On May 16, our Music at Four Series
concludes with a performance of Bach's
St. Matthew Passion by the Motet Choir, Bach Chamber Players, and conductor Andrew Altenbach.  The St. Matthew Passion retells the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ in one of Bach's most dramatic compositions.  The concert is free and open to the public.  A free will offering will be collected in support of our Music at Four Series.  The concert is preceded by a 30-minute carillon prelude by David Johnson.

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Loaves and Fishes May 17

The Apostles team will serve dinner in the Loaves & Fishes program for our neighbors in Frogtown on Monday, May 17, at Faith Lutheran Church, Charles and Mackubin Streets in St. Paul. The food prep team starts at 2 p.m. Later, at 5 p.m., expediters, servers and clean-up crew join in to serve our guests and clean up by 7 p.m.  We greatly appreciate your help for this important community service.  Any questions?  Please call Captain Bob Hennesy at 651-739-7262 or Ray Clark at 651-484-7720.

 
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Hunter Farrell Talks About Mission May 22
Hunter FarrellOn Saturday, May 22, the Rev. Hunter Farrell will talk about "The Role of Mission in the Life of the Church." We will gather at 9 a.m. in the Kirk Parlour for coffee and muffins followed by Rev. Farrell's remarks. This event is for anyone who has ever participated in a mission trip or has an interest in doing so.  As the director of the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s World Mission program, Farrell oversees all aspects of the Church's mission service and recruitment, and the denomination's missionary work with ecumenical and international church partners.  His career has been devoted to international mission, particularly in Africa and South America, since he was 23 years old.  He is fluent in English, Spanish, French and Tshiluba (a language spoken in the south central Congo).  Farrell received his B.A. in political science and Latin American studies from the University of Texas at Austin, his M.Div from Fuller Theological Seminary, and is completing a doctorate at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru (Lima). He also studied traditional African religions at the École des Hautes Études in Paris. To make reservations for Rev. Farrell's visit, contact Teddy Altman in the church office, 651-223-7541, or teddyz@hohchurch.org.
 
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Habitat for Humanity Faith Builders
June 21- July 2

This is the eighth year of House of Hope's participation in Faith Builders, a coalition of churches that will be working on a Habitat for Humanity project in St. Paul.  Coalition members include Assumption Catholic Church, the Cathedral of St. Paul, St. Clement's Episcopal Church, St. John's Episcopal Church, and Unity Church Unitarian.
    We are scheduled to work from Monday through Friday, June 21-July 2, at 875 Jessie Street in St. Paul.  
    The coalition will need a crew of up to 12 people each day and volunteers can work for as little as one day up to the full two weeks.  People of all experience levels are welcomed. No construction experience is necessary and training, tools and materials, and lunch are provided.  If you do not want to do construction work, we need site hosts each day and people to help with the food committee from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day.
    For more information, please contact Kyle Schmidt at 763-972-4015 or kwschmidt03@yahoo.com.

 
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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 Immanuel Lutheran Church

Grief groups of the Capital City Grief Coalition will meet from 5:30 to 7 p.m., April 1 through June 24, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 104 Snelling Avenue North. (Parking lot adjacent to the church.)  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: 8 a.m. to 12 noon