News from The House of Hope Presbyterian Church

Our Hope for Years to Come video and other campaign information can be found on the House of Hope website: www.hohchurch.org. Click on the video locator and enjoy hearing about the importance of House of Hope in our member's lives. Background about the campaign and its goals as well as the campaign prayer, hymn and pledge form are also available. If you haven't made a commitment to the campaign, you can download the pledge form and submit it to the church office. To date, 264 gifts totaling $$4,932,000 have been received. Join others in supporting the restoration and renovation of our church.

JANUARY IN THE CLOISTER GALLERY

Jewish Women's
Artists' Circle

Tikkun: Repair is an
exhibit of the Jewish
Women Artists' Circle, a group of Jewish artists in the Twin Cities. In modern Judaism, the concept of tikkun, which literally means "repair,"
connotes healing,
wellness, wholeness,
justice and compassion.
The Jewish Women
Artists' Circle was
founded in 2005,
initially funded by a
grant from Rimon, the Minnesota Jewish Arts Council, an initiative
of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation. The artists are diverse in age and Jewish backgrounds.
They work in varied
media, both two- and
three-dimensional, often putting together
materials and ideas in
unique and interesting
ways. A vital component of their group is study.
For each exhibit, they
select a spiritual theme and they hold study sessions with community scholars.
The exhibit artists are Sandra Baron, Jane
Bassuk, Rachel Breen,
Sandra Brick, Gloria
Cooper, Lucy Rose
Fischer, Bette Globus Goodman, Natalie
Halpern (Eichen), Rani Halpern, Barbara Boko Kvasnick-Nunez, Joyce
Lyon, Lynda
Monick-Isenberg, Aimee Orkin, Paula Leiter Pergament, Dianne Silverman, Sharon
Stillman, and Anita White.
For further
information about the
Jewish Women Artists' Circle, contact Lucy
Rose Fischer, Coordinator, lucyrosedesigns@comcast.net
or 952-925-0649.

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY for the 2011
Stewardship Drive
will be January 23, 2011

Stewardship is everyone's opportunity to contribute toward the operating budget that covers all church activities in a calendar year. The exciting capital campaign is raising funds for the much-needed repair and updating of the church facilities; it does not cover operating costs. Please make your annual stewardship pledge in January to support the worship, education and mission programs of the church, and all of the wonderful programs that are regularly highlighted in the newsletter and church bulletins. We can be proud of the good work this church accomplishes within these walls and out in the world, all supported by our Stewardship pledges.

TAKING STOCK

If you have occasion to donate stock in fulfillment of

your pledge obligation, please contact Michelle

Freyholtz, Assistant for Administration and

Stewardship, 651-223-7556, or mail or fax to her (fax number: 651-227-9969) the following statement: "I/We hereby make a legal gift of (number) shares of (stock name) to The House of Hope Presbyterian Church in

payment of my/our pledge to the Operating Fund (or other fund)."

IRA-CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

The ability of seniors to contribute up to $100,000 tax-free from an IRA to a charity expired at the end of 2009. The Tax Extension Bill allows this tax benefit for both 2010 and 2011. Additionally, the bill allows contributions made in January 2011 to count toward the 2010 minimum distribution requirement. For more information contact Michelle Freyholtz in the church office: michellef@hohchurch.org or 651-223-7556.

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MISSION SEWING
JANUARY 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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FIRST THURSDAY LITERATURE SERIES
JANUARY 6

Joy Davis' First Thursday Literature Seminars will continue reading F. Scott Fitzgerald with a discussion of his story "Winter Dreams," a title appropriate for its January 6 meeting. The group will meet at 10:15 a.m. in the Church Library.

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ELIZABETH CHAPEL ORGAN RECITAL SERIES JANUARY 9

The Elizabeth Chapel Organ Recital Series presents A New Year's Blessing, featuring Ben Crickenberger, Bass; Tonya Anderson, Harp; Aaron David Miller, Organ. On Sunday, January 9, at 4 p.m., join us for a New Year's Concert for organ, harp, and bass vocalist. This program will feature English carols that are traditionally sung at New Year. In addition, contemporary pieces for organ and harp will be performed. There will also be a performance of Frank Ferko's Music for Elizabeth Chapel written for the dedication of the Jaeckel organ in 2001. The concert will be preceded by a 30-minute carillon prelude given by David Johnson.

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HARD HATS JANUARY 13

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. Ordinarily 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 Assembly Room at 9 a.m. on Thursday, January 13.

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IMAGES OF JESUS
IN MUSIC
January 16
and 23

These presentations will be offered in the Sanctuary from 11:15 a.m. to noon. Children in grades 1-5 will participate with their parents in these intergenerational events. The presenter on January 16 will be Dr. Aaron Miller. Watch for more details. All are welcome!

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KIRK CLUB JANUARY 16 Special Guests:
Justice Paul Anderson and Jan Anderson

On Sunday, January 16, the KIRK CLUB will have a special program featuring State Supreme Court Justice Paul Anderson and his wife Jan. They were recently invited to Russia by the U.S. Russia Foundation so that Paul could deliver an address on aspects of private property in our legal system. They will give an account of their interesting experienes during their visit to Russia. All are welcome to the Lexington Restaurant (on Grand at Lexington in St. Paul) at 12:30 p.m. Brunch starts at $13.78 including tax and tip. Make reservations by calling the church office, 651-227-6311 by noon on Friday, January 14.

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Living the Questions
Adult Education In-Depth Studies
January 19, 26 and February2

Join us on these Wednesday evenings, 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Kirk Parlour for Living the Questions 2. If you missed the opportunity this past Fall to participate in this DVD-based small group discussion series of the topic of a "Progressive Christian" approach to faith in the 21st Century, these three Wednesday evenings will offer you another chance to learn and grow in your faith. Featuring thirty acclaimed scholars, theologians and other experts discussing current developments in religious thought and practice, the DVD will serve as a discussion starter for participants. Contact Rev. Tom Forster-Smith at tomf@hohchurch.org or 651-223-7553 for further information.

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WOMEN'S ADVOCATES

THIRD THURSDAY GROUP
January 20

The Women's Advocates shelter for battered women serves nearly 1,000 women and children a year. A group of volunteers under the leadership of House of Hope member Liz Boyd gathers every Third Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the shelter. 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, leave your name in the church office, 651-227-6311.

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YOUTH SNOW CAMP RETREAT
January 21-23, 2011

Join other Presbyterian Youth in Minnesota for a special winter retreat at Presbyterian Clearwater Forest, Friday to Sunday, January 21 to 23! This is for youth in grades 6-12. Please RSVP by Monday, January 10, 2011, to Joann Lee at joannl@hohchurch.org or 651-223-7549.

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SUNDAY WEEKDAY CONNECTIONS
January 25

House of Hope women of all ages and various backgrounds enjoy stimulating discussion, friendship and fellowship. *Meet, relax and share a meal. The evening begins with a social time at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the speaker's presentation. The evening ends at approximately 8:30 p.m. *Hear another House of Hope woman reflect on her Monday-Saturday experience. *Talk together about how our faith works throughout daily life. *Our Tuesday, January 25, meeting is at the Meeting House (former manse, 761 Summit Avenue). You can get to the Meeting House back door from the Portland parking lot if you prefer to park there, or park on Summit Avenue and enter the front door. *Cost is $25 per person for a meal and related expenses. House of Hope's Bonnie Alton will be our January speaker. Bonnie will share her faith journey as she moved into the realm of small business ownership 16 years ago and began to understand fully God's call to be in community. Please join us January 25 when Bonnie shares with our group. Watch for more information. *Mark these future dates on your calendar now: Joann Lee will speak on February 22 and Catherine Nurmi on March 29.

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CHILI COOK-OFF

January 30

Mark your calendars! The third annual House of Hope Chili Cook-off and talent show will be held on Sunday, January 30, beginning at noon. Dust off your favorite chili recipes, and think about what talent you would like to share that day. Watch for the sign up table beginning January 9.

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THE SEEKERS January 31

The SEEKERS will meet on Monday, January 31, at 7 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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ANNUAL HOUSE OF HOPE MEN'S RETREAT

February

25 and 26.

Mark your calendars for the 2011 Men's Retreat, when Lt. Colonel John Morris, Chaplain, Minnesota National Guard, will lead House of Hope men in considering the topic: "Managing Change and Transitions in Men's Lives." Registration: $25, in the church office. Call John King at 651-414-0421 for further details.

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OUR NEW WEBSITE HAS BEEN LAUNCHED

We have switched over to the new House of Hope website. The web address is the same www.hohchurch.org but the look is brand new! Thanks to all who contributed time and talent to make this project a success.

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A WELCOMING CHURCH

Are you someone who enjoys hospitality and engaging others? If so there is a new volunteer opportunity that might interest you. The Deacons New Member Committee is charged with providing the first welcome to people interested in joining The House of Hope. They could use your help. The committee is looking for volunteers to add to their activities and expand the welcome we give to others.

Members of the committee make phone calls to prospective members and then welcome those who are interested to a monthly Sunday after service luncheon and class that describes membership. David Van Dyke conducts the class. Every quarter Deacons organize a recognition event in which all the new members who have recently joined gather before worship to sign the historic Book of the Covenant. During worship these new members are recognized and a reception is held for them after the service in the Kirk Parlor.

All that is required is a friendly smile and a willingness to participate in one or more of the activities of the committee. If you would like more information please drop a note in the church office or call Michelle Freyholtz at 651-223-7556 or at michellef@hohchurch.org. One of the committee members will contact you.

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JOB SUPPORT RESOURCE BOOK

A resource book for job seekers is available on the information table in the Church Library.

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GRIEF GROUPS AT THE HOUSE OF HOPE

Grief groups of the Capital City Grief Coalition are meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The House of Hope through March of 2011. 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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Holiday Office Hours

The church office will be closed on Friday, December 31.

Regular Office Hours
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: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.