January 2014 - House of Hope Presbyterian Church

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The House of Hope Presbyterian Church

Issue No. 217 January, 2014

he Bash was a huge success!! All of the proceeds go to support the many important outreach missions of HOH. The Bash Committee was well organized, efficient and had a really fun time working together. The Bash Committee extends a tremendous THANK YOU to those who worked on various aspects leading up to the Bash, those who worked the night of the Bash, those who donated items and those who attended and purchased items. A great evening was had by all!


Resolution

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no longer make New Year’s resolutions. I gave them up because I know myself too well. The problem isn’t that resolving to do things or change things isn’t a good idea. My problem is that I usually got around to making those resolutions too late in the year, without enough intentional planning or shall I say, resolution, to actually fulfill them. Besides, if there are things I’m serious about changing, January 1 seems like an arbitrary date—an excuse for not changing now. And not making New Year’s resolutions doesn’t mean that I don’t take stock of my life. I’d like to think I’m in a constant state of evaluation and am never complacent about how I could do things better. So it’s never bad to consider things like, where do I find joy? Where do I discover meaning? To what or to whom am I committed? During the month of January, we will all have an opportunity to evaluate our commitment to the church as we will once again be asked to support its mission financially. The House of Hope is a complex place with many balls in the air at any given moment. It requires an enormous amount of staff time, volunteer time, and financial resources to maintain our momentum as a congregation and keep us moving forward. We are blessed with a sizable endowment but honestly, that only covers half of our annual operating budget. The rest we must be responsible for offering. This, I believe, is a good thing. Without the endowment, we would not be able to maintain our property and the building would become the sole focus of our existence. Not needing to step up and cover the other half through our annual giving, would, I’m convinced, make us complacent. Our building, lovely as it is, is no mission. Rather, it is what we do in this building, and on whose behalf we serve when sent out from this building, that the real work of the church occurs. It is how we are inspired and empowered while in the building that sends us out to be the church in the world. Needless to say, the church needs the financial support of the congregation to make it function and there is never a point when we couldn’t have done more if we had only had more. So let me take this opportunity early in the new year to invite you to consider your commitment to the House of Hope. Consider the role this church plays in your life. Consider the ways in which your life is different because of this congregation. Pray about ways your commitment can deepen and be strengthened. Pray about what God might be calling you to do or to give on behalf of the church. Someone once asked me if I get tired of asking people for money. My answer is this: I never tire of asking people to do something on behalf of their church. I’m not asking for myself, I’m asking on behalf of the church and I know how deserving the church is of our financial support. I also never tire of asking people to give, knowing what a good and faithful steward the church is with the precious resources entrusted to it. So know that I will be asking. And know that I’ll be praying along with you regarding my own financial commitment for the year 2014. In the meantime, Happy New Year! —David

Sunday, January 5, 2014, 10 a.m. Second Sunday After Christmas Day Holy Communion David A. Van Dyke, preaching.

Sunday, January 12, 2014, 10 a.m. Baptism of the Lord

David A. Van Dyke, preaching. Motet Choir: This is My Beloved Son, Thomas. How Lovely Are Thy Messengers, Mendelssohn. Choir School: Psalm 150, John Harper.

Sunday, January 19, 2014, 10 a.m. Second Sunday After Epiphany

David A. Van Dyke, preaching. The Motet Choir: Precious Lord, Take My Hand, Ringwald. Give Us the Wings of Faith, Bullock Choir School: O Lord, Our Governor, Benedetto Marcello.

Sunday, January 26, 2014, 10 a.m. Third Sunday After Epiphany

David A. Van Dyke, preaching. The Motet Choir: Light Everlasting, Christiansen. Holy is the True Light, Shepherd.

Holy Communion January 5

The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated at the 10 a.m. service on Sunday, January 5. In the Presbyterian Church, all who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ are welcome to receive Holy Communion. The elements served are bread and grape juice. Gluten free wafers are available. Commitment Sunday January 26

Pledges toward the maintenance of the church’s operating budget will be received on January 26, 2014. These are the funds which sustain the day-to-day operation of our church and the many programs which enhance our spiritual, social, family and intellectual lives. Without the regular support of the members, the gifts of the church cannot be offered to all who need them, within and outside of these walls. The church serves us, the community, and the larger world on so many levels. We all must commit ourselves to its well-being, and thereby the well-being of our people.

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Adult Education/ Events

Men’s Breakfast Groups uesday Men’s Breakfast Group meets weekly at 7 a.m. at the Copper Dome at 1333 Randolph to study the lectionary lessons from the coming Sunday’s Scripture lessons. Thursday Men’s Breakfast Group meets weekly at 7 a.m. on Thursdays at the St. Clair Broiler on Snelling and St. Clair. All House of Hope men are welcome to attend. Contact Rev. Tom Forster-Smith, 651-2237553. Newcomers welcome!

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Sunday Morning Adult Enrichment (11:15 a.m. to 12 noon in the Assembly Room) January 5: The Twelve Days of Christmas: An Intergenerational Event. Presenters: Jan Snell and Aaron Miller. January 12: Enriching Your Life Through Travel: Doing it Well. World travelers Laura Merriam and Peter Armstrong will present their personal approach to experiential learning through global adventure travel. January 19: Working to Fulfill The Dream. Presenters: Otis Zanders and the Men of Ujamaa Place will discuss the work they are doing to help fulfill the vocational dreams of young AfricanAmerican men in St. Paul. January 26: Faith Partners: From Addiction to Recovery. Presenter: Robert Bisanz, Chairman of The Retreat, Wayzata, Minnesota.

Wednesday Evening in-depth Studies (7 p.m. in the Kirk parlour) Winter recess. No programs until January 29. January 29: The Promise of Interfaith Dialogue and Collaboration. Presenter: Rev. Donald Mackenzie, United Church of Christ retired pastor and member

of the “Tres Amigos” dialogue group on the “TedxRainier” on-line series. Rev. Mackenzie will discuss his groundbreaking work in interfaith dialogue between Christian, Jewish and Muslim clergy.

welcome! There is parking right across the street on Grand Avenue. Sunday Lectionary Scriptures for use in worship and Bible study January 5: Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147: 12-20; Ephesians 1:314; John 1:1-18 January 12: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17 January 19: Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:111; I Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42 January 26: Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 49; I Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23

Grief Support Groups ponsored by the Capital City Grief Coalition, the groups are meeting Thursdays through February, at The House of Hope from 5:30 to 7 p.m. These groups are designed for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one through death. Newcomers are welcome. For more information, contact coordinator Lois Knutson, at 651-227-4430.

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Women’s Breakfast Group omen’s Breakfast Group meets Friday mornings from 7 to 8 a.m. in the Kirk Parlour to enjoy breakfast, camaraderie, and lively discussion of scheduled books. Guests and newcomers are always welcome. If you plan to attend for the first time, please call Jan Dickinson at 651-6471786 or Elly Verhagen at 651-293-1924 for information. January 3: Holiday Break No Meeting. January 10, 17 The Power of Introverts In a World That Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain. January 24, 31: Great Expectations, Charles Dickens.

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The 12 Days of Christmas or all ages. Sunday, January 5, from 11:1011:30 in the Assembly Room. The story goes that the familiar Christmas song is actually a catechism for Catholic children during a time when being Catholic was highly dangerous. Come and learn what the verses

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Faith and Fibers ill meet on Thursday, January 16, from 67:45 p.m. in the Meeting House (761 Summit). Knit, crochet, embroider, or sew on buttons! Bring an appetizer to share; beverages are provided. Contact Jan Snell at 651-223-7547 or 2014 Didier Seminar Save the dates! March 28-30 Dr. Amy-Jill Levine

Acclaimed Jewish scholar and author; New Testament Professor at Vanderbilt. Jesus, Judaism and Christianity In collaboration with Mount Zion Temple.

Don’t miss this extraordinary learning and worship opportunity!

Stewardship 2014 “Now concerning the collection for the saints...”

Commitment Sunday is January 26

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Loaves and Fishes he Loaves & Fishes team will gather again this month when the team serves guests on Monday, January 20, at Faith Lutheran Church, Charles and Mackubin Streets in Saint Paul. The food prep team starts at 2 p.m.; servers and expediters begin at 5 p.m. Questions? Please call Kay or Paul Solon at 651-690-3024.

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Living Generously

–I Corinthians 16:1-4 —

ow concerning... The N church at Corinth had questioned Paul regarding a

number of issues related to relationships, food, freedom and responsibility, and the collection for the saints.

...the collection...In conversation with Jerusalem church leaders, Paul had readily agreed to remember the poor of the congregation in Jerusalem. Taking the message of a risen Christ to the Gentiles, he would also receive a collection for the poor, the saints in Jerusalem.

...for the saints... While “saints” is a term that can simply mean “members of the church,” in Greek, the original language of the New Testament, it was understood to mean “those separated from the world,” a people set apart. Paul’s collection has a clear purpose.

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Kirk Club he Kirk Club will meet at 12:15 on Sunday, January 12 at the Green Mill. Please make reservations with the church office, 651-227-6311, by noon on Friday, January 10. All are

mean, and sing the song together. Led by Jan Snell and Aaron Miller. A good way to begin a new year and celebrate Epiphany!

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O God, our guide in generous and faithful lives, teach us again what it means to be set apart in the world for your way of loving and giving. Amen.


Children’s Christian Education

SUNDAY MORNINGS FOR CHILDREN

The regular program year schedule is underway. Here is what you need to know:

Nursery/Toddler Care • Nursery/toddler care is provided each Sunday morning from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. • Infants (birth-18 months) go to the Noah¹s Ark nursery in Room 8. • Toddlers (19 months-35 months) go to the Garden of Eden in Room 2. Both of these rooms are staffed by trained paid staff and volunteers.

If you are coming to the 10 a.m. worship service: • Infants and toddlers go to Room 8 or 2 (see above). • Three-year-olds go to Room 6 starting at 9:45 for supervised play and Sunday School activities. Children must be 3 by August 31. • Children ages 4 through grade 5 attend the beginning of the worship service. • Following the Time for Children: Age 4-K go to their classrooms. Grades 1-5 go to Sunday School. The weekly schedule for grades 1-5 is always printed in the Sunday bulletin.

Sunday School classes for age 3-grade 5 conclude at 11:30 a.m. An extended time activity, ending at noon, will be provided for children whose parents are attending Adult Enrichment.

SiXTH ANNUAL CHiLi CoNTEST and TALENT SHoWCASE! Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 26. All who enter their chili in the contest will be eligible to win a coveted “Toot Award”!

HoUSE oF HopE pARENT GRoUp, open to all parents of young children, will gather on Tuesdays, January 14 and 28 in the Kirk Parlour. The time is from 9:30-11a.m. Childcare is provided in Room 2. Newcomers are always welcome! Contact Jan Snell at 651-223-7547 or [email protected] with questions.

Beginning at 11:30 in the Great Hall, we will have lunch together, eating the chili that has been donated for the cook-off, plus bread and beverages. There will be hot dogs for the children.

pARENT GATHERiNG GRoUpS: If you did not get a chance to join a group, it is not too late. Contact Jan Snell if you are interested in being part of a group. Each group consists of 3-4 families with children. Each group determines their own schedule, activities, and whether or not children are included. The commitment is to meet 4 times during the year.

Find your favorite chili recipe and plan to participate in the annual House of Hope Chili Cook-Off and talent show!

There will be several categories of “chili winners” including hottest, vegetarian, most unusual, etc. There will even be prizes!

Following lunch, our entertainment will be children and adults from House of Hope who will sing, dance, play instruments, plus there will be some surprises!

Announcing the 2014 CHiLDREN’S AND YoUTH ART SHoW February 16 through March 9 (February 23 is Youth Sunday)

Immediately following the talent portion of the afternoon, the Chili Winners will be announced and prizes awarded.

All House of Hope children and youth are invited to submit artwork for this annual display in the Cloister Gallery.

EVERYONE is invited to participate by doing one or both of the following: • Bring a pot of chili (enough to serve at least 10) for the contest and to provide the main course for lunch • Plan to attend the event! Cost is $3 per person. Sign up at the table outside of the Kirk Parlour on Sunday mornings or contact the church office.

If you would like to participate in the TALENT SHOW, contact Jan Snell at [email protected] or 651-223-7547. 4

• All two- and threedimensional media are welcome—drawings, paintings, prints, photographs, ceramics, constructions, sculpture, etc. • Artwork must be clearly labeled with the child’s or youth’s name, age or grade, and (optional) title • Submissions will be accepted in Jan Snell’s office in late January and early February—watch the Sunday bulletins and other announcements for exact dates. • The exhibit will be installed on Tuesday, February 11; run from Sunday, February 16 through Sunday, March 9;

and artwork may be picked up after the worship service on Sunday, March 9. • If you have questions, please contact Elly Verhagen, 651-293-1924.

Be thinking of art you’ve created at home, in school, in Sunday School, at camp or wherever—or of something new you can make especially for this show. We look forward to your participation!

Upcoming in Youth

January 3: Tweens January 5: High School Youth Dinner January 18: Youth Committee Retreat January 24-26 Snow Camp February 2: Souperbowl of Caring and Super Bowl Party

Snow Camp

Snow Camp registration is now open! High School and Middle School youth are invited to join us to head up to Presbyterian Clearwater Forest from January 24-26. We’ll stay in the lodges, enjoy fun in the snow and ice, and fellowship over hot chocolate. Registration and payment is made through visiting clearwaterforest.org, and clicking on the “Register here” tab on the left-hand side. Contact Jeff with any questions, and to let him know you’re coming!


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179 Individuals Welcomed Strangers to Our “House of Hope”

“Be not forgetful to welcome strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.” —Hebrews 13:2.

e are recognizing and giving thanks to those individuals who served in project Home at The House of Hope during the month of October. The success of this program is completely dependent on the generous time you give as a volunteer. Our hearts were touched by the personal stories that each family shared with us during their stay in our church. The church acting as an extended family cares for all members of our society, especially those who suffer from hunger and homelessness. The daytime shelter for Project Home is The Family Place, located at the First Baptist Church in downtown St. Paul. During the month of October our families plus those from our partner congregation at St. Peter Clavier make their first contact with Project Home through The Family Place either through a visit, a referral or a telephone call. The Family Place employs intake workers whose job it is to interview those who are seeking emergency shelter. If at the conclusion of the interview the worker feels that both The Family Place and Project Home will meet their needs, they are invited to make these two shelters their temporary home. Unfortunately, there are many more families seeking shelter than there is space available during these times.

Those spending the night at The House of Hope and St. Peter Clavier, which can total up to 40 people, have the option of using The Family Place during the day for a safe play room for their children, meals, showers, laundry and storage for their possessions. The Family Place will also assist families in connecting with other non-profits providing childcare, employment services, life skills, job training programs and health care. Both The Family Place and Project Home are almost totally dependent on donations in order to keep their doors open.

We extend a special thanks to those that served as Project Home team leaders this year (an * precedes their names), to volunteers that served multiples times during the month of October, to all of those that made the Halloween party a terrific success and to all of the House of Hope staff members that make Project Home possible each year. We sincerely apologize to those whose names may have inadvertently been left off this list.

We believe Project Home has given us the opportunity to share in God’s love with our neighbors. With Project Home, the congregation, and especially you, the volunteers, have taken up Christ’s call to welcome strangers into our home here at The House of Hope. May God bless all of you. Teddy Altman *Dennis Anderson Jan Anderson Paul Anderson Frances Atmore Ann Atmore Molly Austin Nick Austin Tricia Austin Scott Austin Ginger Bailey *Walt Bailey Lucy Berigan Gus Bjorklund Marilyn Bjorklund Mary Ellen Bland Jonathan Bohn Kathe Bolinder Phil Bolinder Nora Bolsoni Georgia Bond *J.C. Bosse Eric Boylan Ian Boylan Sara Braun Alice Brenengen Amy Brenengen Andy Brenengen Emily Brenengen Matt Brenengen

Citadel Brown Sue Browne Anna Burleigh Luvia Burleigh Mary Kaye Carlson David Cleveland Jeff Coffman Judy Cooper Isabelle Crane Dick Crone Margie Crone Sophie Dankers Judy Day Elizabeth Decourt William Decourt Madeleine Dewet *Linda Diekvoss Cate Ellis Liam Ellis Sophia Ellis Carie Essig Liza Essig Gary Findell Allan Floyd Jeff Foels Michelle Freyholtz Lucy Forster-Smith Tom Forster-Smith Debby Fulton Mauricio Garcia

Louise Klas Sarah Kolar Bonnie Kramer Patricia Lacy-Aiken Chris Langer Dick Langer Joann Lee Ann Lewis Herb Lewis Bill Liike Jim MacDonald Molly MacDonald Nan MacDonald Carmen Marcino Donna McCarthy Martha McCartney *Chris McHugh Doug Melena Leslie Meyer Margaret Miller Lauren Millikan Cally Minner Thomas Minner Jane Montgomery Andrew Nelson Mike Nord Jackie O’Keefe Dee Oliveira David Olsen Aaron Paleen

*Ann Geery Bill Geery Tim Godfrey Charlie Green Dave Green Heather Green Will Green Darrel Gubrud Georgia Hagerty Bruce Harrington Susan Heegaard Christine Howard Loice Howard Chloe Hunter Dave Hutchinson Carter Inskeep Max Inskeep Michael Inskeep Tracey Inskeep Zack Inskeep Erika Jamison Lee Jamison Adam Johnson Bruce Johnson Don Johnson Elise Johnson Isabelle Johnson Ruth Johnson Andrew Karre Jane Keyes 5

Clara Paleen Oliver Paleen Stacy Paleen Paul Parish Dave Pearson Carrie Peffley Zenaida Perez Catherine Pomeroy Sherwood Pomeroy Finn Pope Noelyn Porter Truman Porter Julie Pudlick Steve Pudlick Cindy Ramirez Derek Robb Barbara Roy Jim Ruhl Nancy Sabin Patricia Sargent Amber Scaletta Kathy Schubert Jane Schluter Leo Schluter Paul Schluter Janna Severance Gretchen Sjoholm Jack Sjoholm Diane Smith Dianne Smith

Preston Smith Lauren Smithberg Christine Smithberg Jan Snell Kay Solon Paul Solon *Jenny Stevens Mark Stevens Elizabeth Stoneburg Evelyn Sunness Erick Tennessen Nola Tennessen Sam Thompson Nick Thompson Krista Toperzer Debbie Tschida David Van Dyke Don Vandenberg Rita Warner *Carol Weber Lowell Weber Sophie Wharton Cheryl Winget Gary Winget *Bob Wojcicki Annie Yetter George Yetter Ann Yuska Ellen Yuska


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Elizabeth Chapel organ Recital Series

Making a Difference - Slowly

ast fall was a “good news, bad news” time for the L many people who are working to reduce homelessness among young adults in Ramsey County and sur-

n February 2, at 4 p.m., the Elizabeth Chapel Organ Recital Series will present the Ripka Duo. Organist Joseph Ripka and violinist Erin Ripka will present a program of masterworks for violin and organ. Joseph Ripka was winner of the 2008 Dublin International Organ Competition. He is recognized as one of finest young organists in the country. Erin Ripka has performed worldwide and is known for her chamber music specialty. Her performances have been sponsored by the Schubert Club and she is known for her expressive lyricism. The concert is preceded by a 30 minutes carillon recital by resident carillonneur David Johnson. A reception will follow in the Kirk Parlour. This is a free event.

rounding areas. We learned in October that we would not be recommended for Housing Tax Credits by Minnesota Housing this year. The good news is that we have strong support in many areas for the Prior Crossing supported housing project and remain hopeful that funding will be completed in 2014.

In December, members of our task force attended a meeting hosted by the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers at the League of Minnesota Cities. The presenters were Senator Stumpf and Representative Alice Hausman, the Senate and House chairs of the Capital Investment Committees. The discussion focused on bonding issues for the upcoming session and the one hundred million dollar bonding bill.

Cloister Gallery

The Monochrome print Photographs by Chap Achen Through January 12, 2014

Representative Hausman noted that last year there was a very coordinated effort on the part of housing advocates, and it made a difference. She specifically mentioned that Beacon Interfaith Collaborative, our partner with Wilder Foundation in the Prior Crossing project, played a large role in that effort. She also stated that for the first time a new and powerful group is contacting their representatives: the faith community. She went on to say that there was “an important project” involving the Wilder Foundation and The House of Hope Presbyterian Church. Prior Crossing was the only project mentioned during the meeting other than the football stadiums for the Vikings and the U of M.

ed Wing photographer Chap Achen is a retired comR mercial pilot and a self-taught photographer for whom “what started out as a hobby turned out to be a life

long journey.” He specializes in black and white photography, and the images in this exhibit are some of his “favorites from the last thirty years” with many taken near his home in Red Wing, Minnesota. The Homeless in our Midst: “Them Who Are Really Us” A Special Exhibit of Photographs by Wing Young Huie January 19 through February 9

Beacon’s November “Ending Homelessness Together” fundraiser was also extremely successful, bringing in significantly more money this year than last. Among the 850 people, and at least 69 congregations represented by table sponsors and their guests, Members of The House of Hope and sponsored nine tables, inviting a total of 90 people. Thirty-four members of our congregation attended, along with friends from many other congregations. We are indeed spreading the word that together, we can end homelessness!

Wing Young Huie (named “Artist of the Year” in 2000 by Minneapolis Star Tribune) has been photographing the socioeconomic and cultural realities of American society, much of it centered on the urban cores of his home state of Minnesota. Although his work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, his most well-known projects are largescale public installations, including Frogtown (1995), Lake Street USA (2000), and The University Avenue Project (2010), which transformed major Twin Cities’ thoroughfares into epic photo galleries, reflecting the everyday lives of thousands of its citizens in the midst of some of the most diverse concentrations of international immigrants in the country … providing a collective window and mirror of the them who are really us.

“Whether in epic public installations or international museum exhibitions, my intent is to create up-to-theminute societal mirrors of who we are, seeking to reveal not only what is hidden but also what is plainly visible and seldom noticed.” —Wing Young Huie

Our work to make Prior Crossing a reality is ongoing. But the efforts we made as a congregation along with other congregations and as Beacon citizens have made a difference. As the New Year begins, please keep the area’s many homeless young adults in mind. We can still use your old backpacks for our visual demonstration of the needs of young homeless adults. Bring them to the Assembly Room and we’ll take them from there. We also appreciate you showing your support for Prior Crossing by continuing to contact St. Paul City Council members and members of the State legislature to press for their support of the project.

Addressing homelessness is an expression of The House of Hope’s mission in the world and of our congregation’s values and priorities.

—An update from the House of Hope Housing Task Force 6


With Gratitude from the Choir School

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hile the Budget Committee was deliberating on challenges of the 2014 budget, we got to talking about all that we love about The House of Hope. Our conversation brought to mind the opening line of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet 43, How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways.

hank you to the congregation of The House of Hope T for supporting the Choir School Holiday Book Sale on December 1. Many members came out to Barnes and

Noble Roseville to encourage us and hear us sing. We even had some alumni join us! There was tremendous response and the choristers had a wonderful time using their gifts of music to spread some Christmas cheer!

Indeed, it is a very long list of things we love about The House of Hope.

heartfelt Thank You to Linda and Pat Smith for their A most generous gift this Christmas to the Choir School. Through their patronage, we will be able to pur-

The building, the music, the programs, the staff, the sense of community, the friendships all enrich our lives and contribute to our ability to serve the broader community.

chase new robes for the entire choir this spring. Linda and Pat are long-time members of the congregation and Motet Choir and Linda is a past Choir School Director (I was her student!). I am grateful to the Smiths for their gracious support of our wonderful and unique music education program. Their kindness will impact not only our current choristers, but choristers for years to come.

Collectively, we are an institution that makes a difference in so many ways, for so many people. And with so much at stake, for ourselves and the community, and being Presbyterians, we crank up our committees and work hard at developing a budget to maintain our vitality and expand the gifts we share beyond our walls. And work is the operative word here.

Sincerely,

Sofia Ardalan, Choir School Director

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Let Me Count the Ways

Work on stewardship, work to support personnel, work to maintain and improve building and grounds, work to grow our membership, work for worship and music, work for Mission and Benevolence and work to provide programs for children, youth, young adults and not so young adults. Hours and hours of work. So much work that we couldn’t work any harder.

Peace and Justice

he Session at its January meeting, acting on the recommendation of the Adult Ministry Committee, established a Peace and Justice Committee.

The Church previously had such a committee but it developed into the Vacláv Havel Civil Society Symposium, which was a partnership with other organizations.

So, it occurred to me that we really need to make all of this budgeting work just a little bit easier. But how could we possibly do that?

The church is richly blessed and well organized for mission across a number of initiatives including food and clothing shelves, homeless programs and many others. But there currently is no committee charged with the development of peace and social justice initiatives and responses at the systemic level. Nor is there a place in our congregation’s organizational structure for the pastors and others to refer social issues that arise.

We could relax, put our hands in our pockets, and dig just a little bit deeper.

As you consider your gifts to The House of Hope for the coming year, think of all that we are and all that we do and know that with a little bit more from everyone, we will continue to change lives, including our own. —Kevin Walli, Chair Personnel Committee

Peace and Justice are proper concerns for the contemporary church as we are called not just to lives of personal piety and faithfulness with individual charity, but are also called to work for a social system based on the central principle of love of God and neighbor. Indeed, peace and justice for human societies are central themes of the Bible and the Judeo-Christian heritage.

Young Adults

oin us for Thursdays on TAP on the last Thursday of Jship. the month at 5:30 p.m. We gather for food and fellowOn January 30, we will meet at Mai Village, 394 W University Avenue in St Paul.

The committee will organize and begin its work in 2014.

—Chris McHugh, Chair Adult Ministry Committee

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If you’d like to join a small group of young adults who meet weekly for prayer and study, contact Joann Lee at [email protected] of 651-223-7549. We meet on Thursdays at 6:15 at various locations (except for the last Thursday of the month which is Thursdays on TAP.


THE ANCHoR (Pub. No. 011-331) is published monthly except in August by The House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 797 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul MN 55105-3392. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE ANCHOR, 797 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105-3392

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Sunday Weekday Connections

Congregation

in Memoriam

phyllis Sjoholm December 3, 2013

Baptism

Sunday-Weekday Connections resumes January 28, 2014. Join this intergenerational group of House of Hope women and enjoy stimulating discussion, friendship and fellowship.

December 15, 2013 David W. Browne

If you’d like more information, talk with us at the registration table, or leave your name and phone or e-mail with the church office, and a member of the group will contact you.

All meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Meeting House. We begin with a social time at 6 p.m. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and is followed by the speaker's presentation and discussion.The evening ends at about 8:30 p.m. Delicious meals are catered by Jan Favorite—always a delight! A House of Hope woman shares her story, reflects on her Monday-Saturday experience and how it connects to her faith. Our next meeting is on Tuesday, January 28. Barbara Roy is our speaker. Barbara wrote a memoir Under the Bridge Backwards in 2012 that deals with effect of Alzheimer’s disease on her family and the death of her husband, Phil.

Joy Davis’ First Thursday Literature Seminars

oy Davis’ First Thursday Literature Seminars will JChurch resume in February at 10:30 a.m. on the 6th in the Library.

Make your reservation by signing up at the table outside the Kirk Parlour on Sundays, January 12, 19, 26 or by calling the Church Office.

In recognition of Valentine’s Day, we will consider Love as “a many splendored thing” by reading a selection of love poems from the 16th to the 20th century. Copies of these will be distributed. No preparation is necessary. All are welcome. THE HOUSE OF HOPE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PHONE: 651-227-6311 FAx: 651-227-9969 www.hohchurch.org [email protected]

Cost is $25 per person for the meal and related expenses.

Please join us on Tuesday, January 28, 2014.

Future dates: February 25, 2014; March 25, 2014. 8