We welcome donations for our Christmas Celebration. The donations will be used for Christmas greens, poinsettias, trimmings, and outdoor lighting.
An idea from the Nativity Hunger Outreach TeamThe average American spends more than $700 on Christmas gifts each year.
How to participate starting the weekend of November 30/December 1
Pick up an ELCA Good Gifts catalog at the welcome desk to see all the gift options
Faith Formation-Grades 1-4 got a head start by collecting $90 toward ELCA Hunger in October. They plan to purchase a goat, honeybees, and chicks for families in need around the world.
Courtesy of the Hennepin County Library
Sponsorship
In order that use of the fund be an expression of concern for people on the part of the Nativity congregation, each application for a grant-in-aid must be sponsored (or requested) by a member of Nativity.
Stewardship
The awarding of the grant will not have a negative impact on the stewardship of the congregation, i.e., the fund must not be used to do those things that are considered the inherent responsibility of the congregation. In general, the grants-in-aid are sponsored by the membership of the congregation for use outside Nativity. Priority is often given to grants to individuals or to smaller organizations for whom alternative sources of support are not readily available.
Timeliness
All application forms must be completely filled out and received by the church administrator by November 15. Secondly, consideration is given to various time elements which may be involved in the grants. Some priority may be given to grant requests involving “seed” money used to initiate projects or support programs in their early stages of development.
This Application is Due, November 15, 2019
Service & Learning Trips
On a Service & Learning Trip, we serve and we learn.
We come into a community to serve with our brothers and sisters in that community; not to do something new, but to participate in the beautiful and unique ministries that are already happening there.
We come into a community to learn from our brothers and sisters in that community; to learn about history, cultures, and context and to engage in relationship building.
On these trips, we are proud to partner with Serve Boldly; a young and growing church youth trip non-profit with roots in the ELCA. Check out their website: serveboldly.net
2020 Service & Learning Trip Destinations:
Cost:
Wilderness Backpacking Trip
There are many exciting things happening in our services that support children and youth across the Twin Cities metro area. Below are some highlights from the past few months, and ways you can help by volunteering or contributing items to support youth in your community.
What’s New
|
|
As the weather chills, we are gathering essential winter items for youth experiencing homelessness. You can make a difference for youth by donating or coordinating a winter donation drive. The youth we serve need items that will last, so we can only accept new items.
To stay connected and informed on news and events for LSS Metro Homeless Youth follow them on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/MetroHomelessYouth/, or visit their web page at: www.lssmn.org/blog/youth-homelessness
Marilyn’s service to Lutheran congregations began when she was in the 9th grade. As the only person who could play piano in her church in Miltona, MN (near Alexandria), she was asked to play for Sunday services and the Lenten season. Her mother would not allow her to skip school to play for funerals, although she was willing to do so. Marilyn’s church involvement continued as she taught Bible study at a church in Austin, MN, and it was there that she realized she loved teaching about the Scriptures.
When Nativity was in its early stages, she and Allen and baby Tori joined. She was invited to be a part of Lutheran Social Service Auxiliary and eventually, she became president of that organization. The Church Women group held a Bible study and Marilyn began to teach for that group. When Jerry Hoffman became pastor, he sent her to a two year course in the Bible. “I didn’t know that Jerry knew me that well to send me. I was the only woman and the only lay person. I have always been thankful to Jerry for having the courage to ask me to do this as a woman.” Marilyn’s education continued when she took courses in the School of Theology at Luther Seminary. Marilyn reflects, “I always respected people’s time if they came to a Bible study. I wanted to be sure I prepared well and had all the facts accurate.”
Marilyn is very much a part of Nativity today, attending the 10:30am service, the Wednesday morning Bible study, Lutheran Social Service Circle, and the Legacy Giving Program. She recently moved to Chandler Place.
We will be honoring Marilyn at the special worship service on October 16th from 11:00-11:45 followed by lunch.
Faces were painted, food was eaten, connections were made, a puppet show was enjoyed, laughs were had, and in general a great time was had by all. We are looking forward to next time… stay tuned.
During the Vital Aging weekend, people over 60 had an opportunity to respond to statements about the aging process. If they agreed with the statement, they placed a post it note next to the statement.
The statement that had the most responses was #3. Second place went to #2 and #7. And in last place was #6. How would you respond to these statements? Several good conversations emerged from this process.
After all the services, June 29 and 30th, people had the opportunity to look at antique kitchen and garage/shop gadgets. People of all ages participated as they attempted to guess the purpose of the mystery items. The many gadgets included: a wooden coffee grinder, a meat/cheese slicer, a corn planter, hair curlers, old cook books, veggie cutter, potato masher, and a sock darner. One person commented that none of the gadgets needed electricity. This event was part of Nativity’s Vital Aging weekend.
Our youth continue to explore, learn, grow, and serve in Atlanta this week. On Wednesday they did a Bible study at Ebenezer Baptist Church, worked with Books for Africa, and again with Open Hand Atlanta.
They are on their way home with some time to reflect on an experience that has changed them and the people they served with.
Show Us Some Love!