House of Hope News
797 Summit AvenueˇSt. Paul MN 55105ˇ651-227-6311ˇhoh@hohchurch.org
HOH building
 Drawing by John A. Goodding
January 4, 2011
 
In This Issue
Adult Enrichment
Capital Campaign
Office Volunteers Needed
Cloister Gallery
Stewardship 2011
IRA-Charitable Contributions
Refugee Assistance
Mission Sewing
Literature Seminar
Chapel Recital Series
Hard Hats
Images of Jesus in Music
Kirk Club
Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast
Living the Questions
Women's Advocates
Youth Snow Camp
Sunday-Weekday
Chili Cook-off
Seekers
Pre-Didier Seminar Events
Great Decisions
Men's Retreat
Job Support Group
Grief Groups
Office Hours

Quick Links...

January Newsletter

Our Website
Josh Heikkila Blog

ADULT ENRICHMENT
SUNDAYS
11:15 a.m.
Assembly Room
 
January 9


Advanced Health Care Directives: Honoring Choices, presented by Dr. Kent Wilson, member of The House of Hope.

 


January 16


Some of the Legal Issues to Address in Preparing for Retirement, presented by attorney Brian Alton, member of The House of Hope.


 
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
campaign logo

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 members' 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. 


 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
to  help with
Sunday Bulletin inserts
church front

Office volunteers are needed to help prepare the Sunday bulletins. The schedule is flexible.  The group meets Friday mornings.  Contact: Kristin Klaustermeier in the church office: kristink@hohchurch.org



JANUARY IN THE CLOISTER GALLERY

Jewish Women's
Artists' Circle
Tikkut
 
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.

This exhibit will be on display in our Cloister Gallery through the end of January.


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.



IRA-CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
HOH logo
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.

"TAKING ROOT"
A Program to
Assist Refugees

Christ said, "Just as you have served the least of these, who are members of my family, you have served me" -Matthew 25.  Refugees are among the 'least of these.' They cannot return to their home country because of religious or political persecution.  They need a safe place to raise their children and a chance at a better life.  Join a Taking Root inter-aith team of volunteers to support a family arriving in 2011. Dedicate a few hours a week for four months to helping a family find their way.  Be blessed by the friendship and deep gratitude you will receive from the family you serve.  For more information or to book a Taking Root speaker, contact Lynea Geinert at lynea.geinert@mnchurches.org

or 612-230-3243.  The House of Hope Board of Deacons' Community Service Committee has endorsed this program.

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spoolsMISSION 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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music posterELIZABETH 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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organwindow.jpgIMAGES OF JESUS
IN MUSIC
January 16

 

This presentation  will be offered in the Sanctuary from 11:15 a.m. to noon.  Children in grades 1-5 will participate with their parents in this intergenerational event. The presenter on will be Dr. Aaron Miller. Watch for more details.  All are welcome!

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Kremlin
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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MLK
Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
Annual Community Breakfast January 17



The House of Hope congregation is once again participating in the Summit-University neighborhood Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Annual Community Breakfast.  This year the breakfast, which is funded by a grant from the General Mills Foundation and co-sponsored by the St. Paul Area Council of Churches, is being held on Monday morning, January 17, from 7 to 9:30 a.m., at Mount Zion Temple, 1300 Summit Ave., St. Paul.  This year the breakfast will feature a big-screen simulcast from the Minneapolis Convention Center of a keynote address by Newark, N.J. Mayor Cory Booker.  The breakfast is free, but reservations are necessary. Call 651-789-3877 by January 12 to register, or register on-line at www.spacc.org/mlk. For further information contact Rev. Tom Forster-Smith at tomf@hohchurch.org.

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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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sundaymonSUNDAY - 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. Make reservations at the table by the Kirk Parlour on Sunday mornings, or in the church office during office hours.  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 cookoff 

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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Theology and artsPRE-DIDIER SEMINAR
ADULT EDUCATION
OPPORTUNITIES
BEGIN FEBRUARY 9



The topic of the 2011 Didier Seminar (March 11-13) is "Theology, Spirituality, and the Arts." Join us for the following pre-seminar events at 7 p.m. in the Assembly Room. (Please note the special location of the February 24 event.*)


Wednesday, February 9: Photographer Wing Young Huie, "Identity and American Landscape"


Wednesday, February 16: James Sewell, Founder and Director of the James Sewell Ballet, "Connecting Your Spirit: Mind/Body Connection"


Wednesday, February 23: Professor Paul Westermeyer, "The History and Development of Hymns"


*Thursday, February 24 at the MINNEAPOLIS INSTITUTE OF ARTS: Professor Wilson Yates leads a tour of Christian art at the MIA entitled  "Reflections on Major Works of Christian Art"


Wednesday, March 2, Jordan Sramek, Founder/Artistic Director of the Rose Ensemble


These events are free and open to the public.


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GREAT DECISIONS FEBRUARY 15

GREAT DECISIONS will meet on Tuesday, February 15, at 7 p.m. in the Church Library.  The topic will be "Rebuilding Haiti," presented by Sam Usem, a volunteer with Compatible Technology, Inc., and CTI's Project Advisor for Haiti. 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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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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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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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.