Growth Groups

Why Growth Groups?

God designed us to be in relationship with one another. It is in community—or Growth Groups (small groups)–that people get close enough to know each other, to care, to share, to challenge and support, to …laugh and weep together, …and to grow together (Bilezikian). Much of the essence of true church life is worked out in “small groups” (Schwarz). They are God’s gift to help us become more like Jesus.

Nativity defines growth groups as groups that meet at least six times with a consistent group of people and incorporate a spiritual component. A spiritual component doesn’t have to be Bible study or a devotional, but it could be any activity that helps you and your group grow closer to God.

If you are not in a growth group, we encourage you to join one! You can join an existing group, or request for the church staff to help you get a new one going.

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.

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

PRAYER SHAWL

PRAYER SHAWL GROUP MINISTRY

Marcy Sorensen facilitates this group. Anyone who knits or crochets is welcome – beginners and experts. We will even set up new members with yarn and needles or crochet hooks. Our group’s mission is to knit or crochet blankets for baptisms and prayer shawls for people dealing with difficult life events. These shawls can be given to family and friends – that person does not need to be a member of Nativity. Our meeting consists of a short devotion and then we knit or crochet and have social time. Blankets and shawls are prayed over by the knitter or crocheter as they are created to bless and comfort the recipient. Please join us to see if our group is a good fit for you. We meet on the last Tuesday of each month (sometimes even in December) from 6:30-8:00pm at Nativity in the Commons near the fireplace. (Note: If you know of someone who is dealing with a difficult life event to whom you would like to give a shawl, please contact staff member, Joanne Griffin, at Joanne@nativity church.org or Marcy Sorensen at john_sorensen@comcast.net.).

SATURDAY AT NINE

Facilitated by John MacLeod, 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.

For more information contact John MacLeod at mnadvrider@gmail.com.

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.

Toolbox of Resources for Growth Groups

Suggested Ground rules for Groups
Here are some suggested ‘ground rules,’ leaders that groups can use to create an inclusive and safe environment (adapted from the Roseville League of Women Voters and several Nativity small group leaders).

For Facilitators:

  • Be Transparent
  • Patient
  • Listen
  • Non-judgmental
  • Break larger groups into smaller groups when necessary
  • Ask probing questions; what questions do the participants want to ask?
  • Host a ‘brave’ space (knowing you can’t control others’ triggers)
  • Understand your space–how much you need and how much you are taking up
  • Give everyone a chance to speak (encourage people to ‘hold up their hands’ on a virtual gathering)
  • Consider doing intros or check-ins at each gathering

For Participants:

  • Share air space and honor the time
  • Speak authentically and listen actively
  • Experience discomfort and know it is a necessary part of the learning
  • You can always pass on answering a question
  • Reserve judgement and assume others have positive intent
  • No put-downs
  • Use ‘I’ statements
  • Acknowledge personal baggage, moving forward with grace
  • Comments stay in group (confidentiality); learning leaves with you
  • Listen with respect
  • One person talks at a time. Do not cut people off from speaking.
  • Speak for yourself and not as a representative of any group of people
  • Be honest
  • It’s OK to disagree
  • Listen from the heart:
    Attentive
    Sincere
    Bearing witness
    Not reactive
    Deep, compassionate listening
  • Speak from the heart:
    From our own true stories
    Share your journey

Online Small Group Essentials:
Making the Most of Your Virtual Community, by Bill Search
www.SmallGroups.com

NEWS & SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

November Is Homelessness & Housing Outreach Month

The Nativity community has a “heart” for those experiencing homelessness, and we work to recognize and respond to the reality that many people are unable to acquire and maintain regular, […]

Support Metro Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Donations Accepted through November 29 Each year, LSS Circle coordinates an annual fundraiser for youth experiencing homelessness who are served by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. This drive provides them […]

A Milestone for Gladstone!

November 12, 12:00-1:00 pm Join the celebration with Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, community leaders, and neighbors for Gladstone Crossing’s official groundbreaking in Maplewood! Gladstone Crossing will create 40 high-quality, deeply […]

“The Christian Call to End Homelessness”

November 22, 9:15-10:15 am | Fellowship Hall Join us for the next Grounded & Growing session with writer and advocate Kevin Nye as he shares his work toward ending homelessness […]

Grounded & Growing: Outreach Panel

“Being Active in Public Ways as a Christian” Sunday, November 8, 9:15-10:15 | Fellowship Hall The weekend following the election, all are invited to join the Sunday Grounded & Growing […]

Advocating for Our Neighbors

October 31-November 1 | After All Worship Hours | Commons Twice a year, Nativity joins thousands of congregations in Bread for the World’s Offering of Letters—a simple yet powerful way […]