On June 20 we had a great group of people join us at Nativity to help assemble DRAGONFLY PROJECT PACKETS. This event was sponsored by a Thrivent Action Team. The DRAGONFLY PROJECT is a mission partner with our Nativity Community Outreach, Care and Support Team.
If you are interested in getting involved with the DRAGONFLY PROJECT or one of our other Outreach Teams contact Gail Bergsven, Director of Community Partnerships: 651-329-4446 or ggantz1@aol.com
Nativity supports the Little Kitchen and NEED food. People from the Hunger Outreach Team are looking for fresh produce to give out to food pantry clients. People that visit food shelves love fresh produce as they often find it hard to buy on their limited budget. We are thankful to the Nativity community garden for the fresh produce donated to Little Kitchen. To expand donations please consider donating fresh produce from your home garden, CSA fresh produce, or any produce you might pick up at a grocery store.
A basket will be set out by the welcome desk marked as fresh produce for food shelves and will be picked up regularly and taken to food shelf by Nativity volunteers. Thank you for your donations.
If questions please contact Grace Gee at gracegee50@gmail.com or 218-348-3381.
“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
After 14 years at Nativity Church it’s time for me to try a new adventure. I am sad, grateful, and a little scared for what lies ahead. Thank you Nativity for making me feel like part of a family.
I was offered a job (not looking) and it sounded like a great opportunity and couldn’t pass it up.
Nativity has been my church home for a long time and I don’t plan on going anywhere else so you will still see me around! Thank you all for being such a big part of my life over the years.
-Jodi Dean
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
-Winnie the Pooh
Thank you Jodi!
Nativity is grateful for Jodi’s 14 years of ministry. Her pleasant smile and helpful attitude will be missed. Blessings to Jodi as she starts a new job.
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
The Intertwine community shared a moment of gratitude for Nativity’s ongoing support at our Sunday gathering at Water Bar & Public Studio over Art-A-Whirl weekend. Your generosity is helping to fund Intertwine’s experimenting and growth as we engage un-churched peoples in and around Northeast Minneapolis.
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’.
Luther Park Camping and Retreat Center is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. Nativity Lutheran Church has been a member congregation for over 30 years. In addition to Luther Park being a summer camp, it is also a year-round Retreat Center hosting families, adults, confirmation groups, and work gatherings.
Each year 30 kids from Nativity go to camp, 35 kids attend the Luther Day Camp and both youth and adults from Nativity participate in retreats at Luther Park.
Due to the generosity of our Nativity Community, on May 6 we presented Luther Park with a check for $1000.
During the month of May, Nativity’s Lutheran Partnership Community Outreach Team will provide opportunities to learn about and participate with the ELCA, Luther Park, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and LSS Circle, and Lutheran College Scholarships.
The team’s purpose is to coordinate Nativity’s engagement with our Lutheran partners, to heighten awareness and increase communication with the congregation, and to create opportunities for participation with these important partners.
You are invited to the following opportunities to learn more and become involved:
On May 19 & 20, 2018, Nativity will say “Thank You” to Tori Setterholm for her 11 years of faith-filled, inspired ministry as Director of Faith Formation for Grades 1-6.
Tori has decided to retire in order to spend more time traveling with her husband, Keith, visiting their children in San Diego and Boston and enjoying postponed house, garden, genealogy and sewing projects. Tori is not leaving Nativity! She grew up at Nativity and intends to remain active, worshiping with the Nativity community and volunteering when she is able.
Letters and cards of appreciation should be sent directly to Tori.
Throughout the season worship will feature the favorite carols of Christmas.
All are welcome!
Nativity Lutheran Church
3312 Silver Lake Road
St. Anthony, MN 55418 United States
Phone: 612-781-2766
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