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

On Thursday, January 24, about 75 individuals, including many members of the Nativity Community gathered at La Doña Cerveceria for DIGNITY BREW, a “friendraiser” and “fundraiser “  sponsored  by Thrivent Financial in support of the Dignity Center.

The Dignity Center has been a mission partner with Nativity Lutheran Church for almost 10 years and is an outreach ministry of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church with a mission to help persons in poverty and most often homeless to get back on a path to stability.

At this festive event, we were also able to showcase 2 artists – E. Raelene Ash, a Freehand Folk Artist and Friend of the Dignity Center along with Spencer Heller from Nativity who entertained the guests with his music and art.

Thank you to all who joined us in supporting the Dignity Center and this important partnership.

The Global Mission Outreach Team thanks the Nativity community for supporting the Days for Girls (female hygiene kits) project. Over $1,100 was raised for support of DFG kits, 80 kits were produced (value over $800) and over $500 of materials were donated. The event culminated with a group of 37 volunteers who helped make components of the kits.  Nancy and Steve Laible will personally deliver DFG kits to school girls in Bangladesh during their mission trip to the LAMB project in Bangladesh during the month of October, 2018. Thrivent Financial provided ‘Action Team’ support for the sewing event.

Nativity made a big impression with over 100 people participating in the St Anthony Village Fest Parade. Nativity’s strength in numbers communicated a COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY and caring for community.

Nativity’s values of caring for neighbor were on display as our group moved through the parade route surrounded by Nativity’s community outreach flags. As I handed out a bookmark, the woman turned it over and commented, “Does your church do all these things?” Yes I answered and so much more.

THANK YOU TO the many who helped communicate a powerful message of compassion to the community; walkers, riders, donating candy, prepping and serving food, giving rides, drivers, passing out candy and bookmarks, carrying the outreach flags and having fun in the process.  

Thank you for giving of yourself.
-Pastor Glenn