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

My family and I have been members at Nativity for a number of years and our children also attend the Nativity Child and Family Center.  The church is important to us for many reasons, but some of the main points that come to mind include the charitable events and causes that the church participates in as well as the people that organize and invest their own time and effort accordingly.  From the team of pastors and staff at the church to the volunteers that are involved donating time, I think financial donations are also a very important component of the church.  My family and I choose to make financial donations to the church because we trust and believe in Nativity!  At this time in our lives we are trying to teach our children the importance of the church and the opportunity to be generous within the church.  I remember my parents teaching me about donating to church at a young age, and our intent is to teach our children the same values.  I know that financial contributions to the church can and do help many other people but the donations also help our family mentally and spiritually recognizing that the opportunity to donate to the church is something that improves our lives too!

-Luke Juhl

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.

• 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?

• 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

“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 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’.

• $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