On Saturday, November 9th we filled our Fellowship Hall with both wonderful people and wonderful smells for our Abundant Harvest Meal.
We know that some were not able to attend and those that were able to attend loved the food so much that we had numerous requests for the recipes.
Ask and you shall receive.
On October 30th, Lara Hermanson, music therapist for Cherrywood Pointe Senior Housing, spoke to a group of 30 on the education of therapists and the types of roles she plays in her work. In addition to providing music for the weekly chapel service, Lara works with people who have memory loss, those who are near the end of life and their families, and people who have anxiety. Her style is lively and humorous, and her repertory is extensive, spanning the decades of the 1920’s’s through the 70’s.
Nativity honors the elders of our community by by inviting them to participate fully into the life of the church. The Vital Aging initiative provides educational and spiritual opportunities for those who are in the 3rd stage of life and their families and friends.
On October 16th people over the age of 60 and their families were invited to a special worship service, followed by lunch. The service included a hymn sing, communion, and a message by Pr. Glenn, who encouraged and thanked those present:
“You continue the journey because you know what it is like to be afraid and to feel the loving presence of God. You have endured the peaks and valleys of life and now, as you age, you can pass on the spiritual wisdom.”
Ninety-two people attended this service, and each person received a card from Nativity’s 2-5 year old children that said “You are Loved.” One child printed, “Don’t let anything stop you.”
Nativity’s Quilters have donated hundreds of quilts to people all over the world. The group began in September 1967 as “Day of Caring.” Scraps of material from drapes, bed spreads, and blankets were used for filler, and new fabric was used for the top and bottom of the quilt. Quilts were tied with colorful yarn and hemmed. All quilts were given to Lutheran World Relief, and the first ones went to children in Vietnam.
Franky Sandberg was instrumental in starting this group. Many remember Franky as the “cookie lady.” because she would bring cookies to the Sunday services. The quilters followed Franky’s example, and during the coffee break, there was laughter, jokes, and an abundance of home baked goods. “We always went home on a sugar high and extra baked goods,” remembers Lucy Edlund.
Kay Bjorke remembers, “In the summer, I would bring my daughter and her playmate, and they would sit under the quilt frame and poke the large plastic needle through to us above. They always went home with bits of scraps for their dolls.”
Nativity Quilters will meet for the last time, December 5th. Many women, and a few men, have been a part of this ministry for 52 years. These gracious people have the satisfaction that their quilts, and the love in their hearts, have gone to provide warmth to countless people.
A table of memorabilia will be on display on October 16th for the worship service and luncheon which begins at 11:00 AM. I extend a special invitation to the people who have been part of Nativity Quilting all these years.
There were 45 people from 12 congregations who enjoyed a fun evening at Beer and Hymns! Rainfall made a special appearance to sing a couple songs.
SAVE THE DATE – The next Beer and Hymns will be September 30th and December 2nd.
Our Sustainability/Environment Outreach Team continues to make progress on our front entry. Here are a few pictures of it all coming together. Stop by and have a look for yourself.
Early morning on June 4, 17 persons from our Nativity Community attended the Mental Health Connect fundraiser breakfast at Mt Olivet Lutheran Church. The program involved communication about the important work being done by Mental Health Connect along with individuals sharing their challenges when faced with personal mental illness and mental illness of family members.
Nativity Lutheran Church joined the Mental Health Connect collaboration of 12 faith-based organizations in late 2018. The mission of Mental Health Connect is to:
If you would like more information about Mental Health Connect, contact the ambassadors representing Nativity Lutheran Church to Mental Health Connect – Gail Bergsven, ggantz1@aol.com ..651-329-446, Kurt Bachmayer , kurt.bachmayer@gmail.com, 612-865-7994, and Lisa Dalke,ljdalke@gmail.com, 612-805-6522
NOTE: there will be a navigator from Mental Health Connect available Sunday morning, June 9,between services.
Another successful evening for Beer and Hymns! 54 people attended from 8
different congregations. The event continues to bring new attendees and
musicians!
The next Beer and Hymns is scheduled for Monday August 5th.
Through small group reflection and conversation, Nativity folks are challenged by spiritual questions. What does it mean to grow in faith? What do you do when you know God is there but you can’t feel it? How does God use ordinary people? How does faith initiate and support social action? What is church? Is there a “one size fits all” church? How does tradition inform our faith? What does it mean to follow the example of Jesus today? How does shared Christian language provide confusion on beliefs? Through book and Bible studies, people are invited to wrestle with their own questions, and through the process of conversation, others are given insights.
For more information on our Adult Ministries, CLICK HERE.
Or, contact Pat Hendricks bppat127@gmail.com, 763-221-8149
A group of 30 or so gathered early evening, eager to bond, connect, and offer a world of support. Or more accurately, a team. Nativity members and Thrivent investors came together for the second annual Shark Tank television show inspired fundraising event.
Teams, groups, and individuals presented projects, events, missions, and fundraisers all hoping to be selected as a future recipient of a $250 Thrivent Action Team grant. The Thrivent members for their part reciprocated by waving their shark clad paddles in the crowd, smiling and carrying on as they shouted their support for these inspiring people and pledging their Action Team dollars to their causes.
Over $7,000 was pledged and the work is only beginning. The Nativity Community Outreach Teams, with their soon to be funds in hand, have a slew of projects that will be carried out over the next few months. There are educational events on recycling, community gardens and community meals, mental health training for youth and families, parenting classes, and mission trip bonding opportunities for those embarking on life changing adventures. Just to name a few.
Never forget, with all the love in the world, Nativity gives. Our community gives our selves, our time, and our possessions. There are so many wonderful projects and missions that are still in need of funding and support.
If you are a Thrivent Investor with Action Team dollars to spend, consider Nativity and its network of volunteers, program managers, and community advocates. Contact us and we will do the rest.
If you are a Nativity member looking to spread the love by working on a service project, program or mission that is in line with your passion and talents, please reach out to us and we will connect you with a leader who is doing wonderful work and always looking for helping hands and open hearts.
And, if you are a Nativity member looking to stay connected and engaged, keep your antennas up for all the amazing events and programs that will be promoted, organized, and supported by Nativity members like you, the inspired Nativity Community Outreach Teams, and other loved filled community members and beyond.
In wonderful blessings, with warm regards,
Kyle Soderberg
Coordinator of Community Partnerships
Kyle@NatvityChurch.Org
C: 612.388.7135
Show Us Some Love!