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Why do I give? -Rachel Dungca

June 13, 2018
13 Jun 2018

I have been thinking about what my family has received from Nativity and why we give to Nativity.

The “why” is straightforward; we know that we directly benefit from the services and the community that this church creates. Nativity helps shape the conversations we have with our kids about our faith and values – and reminds us that those conversations are critical to our growth and ability to form healthy relationships. Some of the best and most challenging conversations we’ve had with our kids were instigated by a lesson taught by Tori during Faith Formation, an experience shared by Kelly during Pop Tops (Popular Topics), a community/faith event hosted by Meet Me At The River, and a conversation in the Fellowship Hall about affordable housing or homelessness. I’m so thankful for those experiences that come from the wisdom and connection that the church’s leadership and staff cultivate with our community and neighbors.

I think about the sermons, fellowship, and service opportunities as buds on a plant. Financial giving is one of the ways we can help feed the roots of the plant, so the buds can grow, and it takes all our actions and support to make sure the buds can turn into vines that grow beyond the church’s walls. When we give financially on a regularly basis those generosity muscles get a little more use, so when we give it seems more natural. It feels like it comes more out of joy and less out of obedience. We begin to feel thankful for being able to help feed the roots, so the vines can continue to grow.

We still make decisions based more on fear and greed, but I think it happens less often. This connection formed with Nativity and our community reminds us that we need to think about how investment returns are much broader than financial gains. We can live our lives knowing relationships and the love of God that we see in our community can have a much greater value than a bank account getting bigger. I encourage you all to think about how stretching the “generosity muscle” can help form stronger roots for you, our church, and community.

-Rachel Dungca


PLEASE COMPLETE AND SUBMIT/RETURN YOUR PLAN FOR GIVING TO NATIVITY
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE. Thank you!
You can complete your plan or sign up for an automatic withdrawal (Simply Giving) online at www.Nativitychurch.org/give or stop by the Welcome Desk and pick up a form.

The Plan for Giving pledge card is different than the Simply Giving signup form. We would like to receive a Plan for Giving from all Nativity members. We are encouraging those who do not already give by automatic withdrawal/Simply Giving to prayerfully consider it.

in Connected, Nativity in Review /by

Did you know…

June 7, 2018
07 Jun 2018
  • From 2011 to 2020, 10,00 people will turn 65 every day
  • By 2020, people over 65 will comprise 20% of the US population
  • According to current statistics, life expectancy of males in Minnesota ranks 1st in the US. 79 years of age.  Life expectancy of females in Minnesota ranks 4th in the nation, 83 years of age.
  • Nativity members over 65 are 25% of the congregation.

The above statistics illustrate a shift in the US population never before seen in our history. Sociologists,   economists, and health care gurus predict overwhelming challenges today and into the future—challenges to health care, governmental programs, housing, and faith communities.  Nativity Church is aware of these issues and plans to address many of them in the coming months.

While the challenges facing our society seem overwhelming, a cultural trend is emerging that puts a positive spin on the “graying of America.”  Today’s elders are crafting new attitudes toward aging.  Some call this new attitude, vital aging.  “Vital aging is a lifelong process of achieving individual potential and engaging with others to meet the needs of all.” (Vital Aging Network)   

“Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been.” 
—Mark Twain.

In order to achieve individual potential, today’s elders engage in personal reflection, conversation, and learning opportunities in order to find meaning and balance.  This leads a discovery of ways to enrich their own lives through helping others.

Nativity Church has a Vital Aging Initiative to encourage and affirm elders and those who are approaching elderhood.  Through presentations, conversation groups, and seminars; Nativity Church invites all people to participate.  Recent offerings include:  “Elderhood, a New Life Stage,” “Managing Change,” “Facing Loss with Courage,” and “Downsizing/De-cluttering your Life.”  Future topics:  “Planning for Retirement,” “Advanced Care Directives,” “What Happens to my Faith as I Age,” “What Happens to my Body and my Brain as I Age?”

The aging process can be a time when rich experiences and new insights outweigh and inform the challenges of coping with change.  And, with 10,000 people per day turning 65, one is certainly not alone!

Join us June 13th, 2018 for one of our Wednesday evening events: How did I get to be 60 (or 70 or 80), when I’m 35 inside?

in Nativity in Review /by

Why do I give? -Lisa Blanksma

May 30, 2018
30 May 2018

Pastor Glenn invited me to speak on why I give to Nativity.

Today there seems to be so many conversations about making good investments. What’s going to get you your best return on investment. While I think it’s important to think about  stocks and bonds and other options, I think it’s equally important to think about the value beyond the dollars and cents.

I give to Nativity because I view it as an investment in my future. Not because I think it will buy my way into heaven, I’m pretty sure Luther already fought that battle but more so because Nativity is doing the work that I want invested in my community.

  • Nativity invests in building strong and resilient families
  • Nativity invests in those bruised and broken and who might be on the fringes of society
  • Nativity invests in those who are grieving and those who are celebrating

When I first attended Nativity, I was not asked how much I make or how much I can give (monetarily), I was offered an open pew, I was warmly greeted by name, I was generously given time and resources, and I was asked, “how can we help you continue on your journey of faith.” So, quite simply I think I invest in Nativity because they first invested in me.

-Lisa Blanksma


PLEASE COMPLETE AND SUBMIT/RETURN YOUR PLAN FOR GIVING TO NATIVITY
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE. Thank you!
You can complete your plan or sign up for an automatic withdrawal (Simply Giving) online at www.Nativitychurch.org/give or stop by the Welcome Desk and pick up a form.

The Plan for Giving pledge card is different than the Simply Giving signup form. We would like to receive a Plan for Giving from all Nativity members. We are encouraging those who do not already give by automatic withdrawal/Simply Giving to prayerfully consider it.

in Connected, Nativity in Review /by

Nativity Lutheran Scholarship Awards – 2018-2019

May 25, 2018
25 May 2018
The Nativity Lutheran College Scholarship Committee is pleased to award scholarships for the 2018-2019 school year to the following members:
  • Lydia Kalenze attending Gustavus Adolphus College
  • Ian Bachmayer, attending Gustavus Adolphus College
  • Noah Livingston attending St. Olaf College
  • Marcus Papasodora attending Augsburg College
  • Emilie Tomas attending Augsburg College
  • Mackenzie Wild attending Concordia College – Moorhead
Please join us in congratulating this year’s scholarship recipients and in praying for their continued success.
And thanks to the Nativity College Scholarship Committee members: Heather, Anderson, Steve Biessener, Julie Kimball, Lindsay Kimball, Gloria Sorsoleil, and Paul Stroom.

“Dear Scholarship Committee,

I’m writing to express my deep gratitude for the scholarships you have given me, not only this year, but throughout all four years of my college education.  The financial assistance you have provided has granted me access many transformative experiences at St Olaf, allowing me to develop the skills I need to be successful in my chosen profession as well as encouraging me to learn and grow as a person.  Thank you for your continuing generosity as I head into my senior year!”
-Sincerely,
Noah Livingston

Dear Nativity Scholarship Committee,

“I am writing to express muy sincere gratitude for your generous scholarship. The financial assistance which you have provided will allow me to focus on my education, and pursue the career of my dreams.
The Augsburg community has inspired me to pursue a BA degree in Theater, and bring my acting career to life. My passion for acting began in high school when I performed in class plays and musicals. I enjoyed performing in front of a large audience, and sensed that I had a meaningful talent to share with the world. My education at Augsburg University will improve my acting ability to succeed in this highly competitive field.
This scholarship is truly a blessing! I want to set an example about the importance of a college degree, and why it is essentially a precursor to a fulfilling life. The road to success is never straight, but I’m willing to take the journey with the Lord as my guide.
Thank you for your generosity and support!”
Sincerely,
Marcus Papasodora
in Nativity in Review, News /by

Nativity Lutheran Scholarships

May 24, 2018
24 May 2018

Thank you.

Last spring, I graduated from Augsburg College (now, Augsburg University) with my degree in youth & family ministry. As I look back on my time at an ELCA school I am very thankful I had and took that opportunity. My education became not just about learning information for a profession but more about discovering who I am, exploring my own and others’ faith traditions and uncovering what God is calling me to do.

The small class sizes at Augsburg provided more of an open space where each student got the opportunity to hear others and be heard more. Because I was able to openly share my thoughts and opinions, I felt more personally involved in my education and more valued as a person. Augsburg is an ELCA Lutheran school with many students who grew up in different faith traditions than my own. This created a very unique learning environment where we got to not only learn about these different faith traditions but actually engage in open conversations that were challenging and life-changing. Augsburg creates an educational experience that incorporates the whole professional, personal and spiritual being. Throughout my years at Augsburg I felt incredible growth of my whole person. This truly set me on the right path in both my professional and personal life.

Each year of college, I received a scholarship from Nativity to help alleviate some of the cost of attending a private school. This was a huge financial help and also, an encouraging action from Nativity. The scholarships were not only a gift but they were also a reminder that people were investing in me. The community I grew up in was continuing to support me and my dreams. My education was important not only to me but to others, too. Without the extra scholarships I received, a private school would not have been an option for me. So, I want to thank the community of Nativity for continuing to invest in young people beyond the walls of the building. You help us achieve who God is calling us to be and what God is calling us to do to do in this world.

-Leah McDougall

in Nativity in Review, News /by

UPDATE on The Bangladesh School Project

May 7, 2018
07 May 2018
The Bangladesh School Project is part of  the Nativity Lutheran Church Global Outreach Team. It is important to note that many of the Community Outreach Teams and the people and organizations we serve are “Mission Partners”. The Bangladesh School Project is “us”… Nativity Lutheran Church.

In 2015 there was not school at the village. A teacher would visit the village two days a week and have literacy classes outside where the children would gather and sit on the ground.

Nancy with village children at the ground breaking for the village school.

Opening of the school in 2018.

A component of the Bangladesh School Project is support for the Chaklabazar School, a village school that is part of Livingstone School Bangladesh (LSB).

Hoop Heros 2015.

Hoop Heros 2016

Hoop Heros 2017

In 2015, Steve and Nancy, led the effort to build a village school. For at least ten years, offerings from the Faith Formation, grades 1-4, have been dedicated, in part, to various small projects as part of the Bangladesh School Project. In 2015, the role of ‘Nativity children’ being involved in global mission was expanded to include Club 56 and a fundraising event called ‘Hoop Heroes’.

The offerings and Hoop Hero events have helped raise over $10,000 during the past three years. Thus, we are calling attention to this accomplishment through the presentation (and headline), It takes a Child to Raise a Village.
The use of the funds from Nativity children can be described as follows:
  • $5,000 was used together with $10,000 from other sources to build the small school facility.
  • $2,500 was used in 2016 to pay the cost of a teacher to serve at the village school
  • $2,500 was used in 2017 to pay the cost of desks and chairs for the children at the school
There are approximately 30 children who attend the village school and directly benefit from the gifts and energy of the Nativity children.
There are also 18 children from the village who travel (about 4 miles) to the Livingstone Elementary School.
On Sunday May 6, 2018 Steve and Steve and Nancy Laible presented this update at our Popular Topics presentation.
in Nativity in Review, News /by

Eastside Meals on Wheels

April 2, 2018
02 Apr 2018

Meals on Wheels programs have existed in the Twin Cities for over 40 years providing nutritious home-delivered meals and a friendly visit from a volunteer to seniors and persons with disabilities.

Nativity Lutheran Church has provided funding and volunteer drivers to Meals on Wheels for more than 10 years.

Most recently Nativity presented a check for $$$ to help support this mission.

Eastside Meals on Wheels would like to thank everyone at Nativity Lutheran Church, not only for the generous donation made to us this March, but also for supporting us through donations and volunteers since our inception 44 years ago!

If you know someone who might benefit now or in the future in receiving meals, or if you are interested in volunteering, please contact us (see below*). Thank you for being there for 44 years!

Kelly Salseg
Outreach Coordinator
www.eastsidemeals.org Eastside Meals on Wheels – 1510 33rd Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418

Meals on Wheels is an important part of the Hunger Community Outreach Team. This team responds to the reality that many people are unable to acquire sufficient food to meet basic nutritional needs.  This team increases awareness and understanding of hunger and food security in our community.

*If you know anyone who is interested in receiving meals contact Kelly Salseg,  Outreach Coordinator for Eastside Meals on Wheels – 612-781-5555.

*If you are interested in volunteering once per month for 1.5 hours, contact  Gail Bergsven at ggantz1@aol.com or Jackie Chattopadhyay at jackiec416@gmail.com

in Nativity in Review /by

Bringing You a Message of Hope

March 20, 2018
20 Mar 2018

It was another busy weekend at Nativity. One of the highlights – The Sixteenth Annual Dragonfly Project Celebration and Remembrance Event.

The event included a business update from Pete Bonde, music by Rainfall (Duane Johnson, Lee Gilbertson, and Mike Forsberg), a memorial montage with music by Luke Bonde, a candle lighting ceremony, and some beautiful dragonfly stories told by Heidi Leppala and Shara Hanley. A reception followed with good food and more stories shared among friends.

Challenge Donation Match

An anonymous couple have graciously offered to match donations given to The Dragonfly Project today (and through March 25th) up to $2,500. We challenge you to donate today, as your donation can go even further in continuing the mission of sharing a message of hope with those who are grieving.

Donations for this Challenge Match will be counted if donated by March 25, 2018 with a note of “Challenge Match”.
https://www.dragonflyproject.org/annual-celebration

As of 3/22/2018 donations are at $1,700 – just a little more to max out our match donation.

The Dragonfly Project is part of Nativity’s CARE AND SUPPORT COMMUNITY OUTREACH TEAM. If you are interested in getting involved you can find more information here: https://www.dragonflyproject.org/get_involved or contact them at: volunteer@dragonflyproject.org.

You can also support The Dragonfly Project by purchasing cards, books, and other gifts from their online store: https://www.dragonflyproject.org/online-store

The Dragonfly Project is a mission partner of Nativity Lutheran Church and a nonprofit organization that sends condolence cards carrying a message of hope to people who are grieving.  The organization consists of volunteers who look up names in obituaries and help pull together and mail packets out to people who are grieving usually 3-6 months after the death has occurred.  Each packet contains a condolence card, a copy of the dragonfly story printed on the inside of the cover and a dragonfly key chain.

in Nativity in Review /by

CAN WE TALK ABOUT GUNS? A CONVERSATION GUIDE

March 3, 2018
03 Mar 2018

An conversation guide about guns in our society.
by Lindsey Peterson

 

OPEN THE CONVERSATION GUIDE

 

DOWNLOAD THE CONVERSATION GUIDE

 

 

 

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Leah Reddy In The News!

February 26, 2018
26 Feb 2018

By Terry Blain Special to the Star Tribune

Leah Reddy plays Nancy Kerrigan in the “Tonya & Nancy” opera.

It was “the whack heard ’round the world,” according to the tabloids.

Nancy Kerrigan, one of the country’s leading figure skaters, was exiting a practice session at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in 1994 when she was bludgeoned in the right leg by an assailant.


Read the full article on startribune.com

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