Growth Groups

LOOKING AT THE BIBLE THROUGH MANY LENSES (Wednesday Morning Bible Study)

Many lenses include: imagination, wonder, and reflection. This growth group explores the scriptures by asking questions, looking at current scholarship, imagining life in ancient times, and wondering how the Bible is relevant to life and faith today. Several weeks are spent with a specific book such as Life Lessons from Luke, by Max Lucado; Which Way, Lord: Exploring Life’s Purpose in the Journeys of Paul, by Rob Fuquay; and Introducing the New Testament, by Rev. Anne Robertson. The group is conversational, and laughter is a valued part of the experience. The group meets every Wednesday, from 10:00-11:30 am. All are welcome. Two options are available, Zoom and in person in the Commons. The facilitator is Pat Hendricks, spiritual director and Nativity’s Coordinator of Vital Aging and Adult Faith Formation. Pat can be reached at bppat127@gmail.com, or 763-221-8149.

SOCIAL JUSTICE BOOK GROUP

We read, discuss and learn. Readers of all ages are welcome! We discuss the book and close with prayer.

We meet on Tuesdays (see below for specific dates) from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. via Zoom, occasionally in person. The group meets the second and fourth Tuesdays.

Current Book:
Join us as we read and talk about SOMEWHERE WE ARE HUMAN, by Reyna Grande and Sonia Guinansaca.

Want more information or to join our Zoom sessions? Contact Paula Biessener at paulabgolfer@icloud.com.

PRAYER SHAWL

This group is facilitated by Marcy Sorensen. Anyone who knits or crochets is welcome – beginners and experts.  We can even set up new members with yarn and needles.  Our group’s purpose is to knit or crochet blankets for baptisms and prayer shawls for people dealing with difficult life events.  Our meeting consists of a short devotion and then we knit or crochet and have social time. Sometimes we pray over the blankets and shawls as we create them.  Join us and see if it is a good  group for you.  We meet the last Tuesday of the month (except December) from 6:30 – 8:00pm, currently in person at the church. (Note: If you know of someone dealing with a life event to whom you would like to give a shawl, please contact staff member Joanne Griffin at Joanne@nativitychurch.org.)

SATURDAY AT NINE

Co-Facilitated by Jerry Hoffman, a former Pastor at Nativity, and Peder Engebretson, a high school educator, this dynamic group picks a book to discuss and meets weekly for lively conversations related to living out our faith. From the spiritual writings of Richard Rohr to racial issues (Dear Church and Caste), this group tackles a wide variety of topics and uses a participatory, conversational format.  Around 20-25 individuals participate each week through Zoom from 8:30-10:00 am on Saturday mornings.

Current Book:

Join us as we discuss The Tears of Things by Fr. Richard Rohr: “How do we live compassionately in a time of violence and despair? What can we do with our private disappointments and the anger we feel in such an unjust world? In his most personal book yet, Richard Rohr turns to the writings of the Jewish prophets, revealing how some of the lesser-read books of the Bible offer us a crucial path forward today.”

For more information contact Jerry Hoffman at jerjo.hoffman@gmail.com or call 763-443-3353.

MENTAL HEALTH CONNECT

Led by Kurt Bachmayer, Lisa Dalke, and Gail Bergsven, this group has a check-in time, spiritual practice, and discusses current and relevant mental health topics and resources. Meets the 1st Thursday of the month.

START OR JOIN A NEW GROUP

If you don’t see an existing group that is a good fit for you, let us know. Perhaps you want to start or join a new group?
Our Growth Groups coordinator, Joanne Griffin, will follow up with you after you fill out the form below. There may be existing groups that are not listed here that may be a good fit. If not, she can help create a new group.