May Is Mental Health & Wellness Outreach Month at Nativity. This team responds to the reality that people in our community are facing life challenges. They can benefit by our appropriate and timely help and care. Nativity’s Mental Health and Wellness Outreach Ministries promote awareness of local resources and offer both educational programming and support opportunities.
Throughout May: Visit the table in the Commons to learn more about these ministries!
In-Worship: Weekend worship May 10-11 and May 17-18 will include mental health and wellness related messages.
Dragonfly Project 23rd Annual Celebration & Remembrance
Saturday May 3rd, 1:00 pm with reception to follow | Nativity Sanctuary
Project as we celebrate 23 years of bringing hope to people who are grieving. The program starts at 1:00 pm and includes music, Dragonfly stories, a memorial photo video montage, and a candle lighting memorial. A reception in the Commons will follow the program. All are invited! View the event online at https://www.nativitychurch.org/worship/live-stream/.
Join Growing through Loss Series Continues
May 5 & 12, 6:45 – 9:00 pm | Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 8211 Red Oak Dr., Mounds View, MN
May 5: Grief and the Family
May 12: Service of Comfort and Healing
Read the full brochure online HERE. Questions? Contact Jack Anderson at phyljacka@gmail.com, 612-695-5256.
“Stories of Hope” Breakfast with Mental Health Connect
May 8, 8:00-9:00 am | Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
5025 Knox Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN
This year’s program spotlights youth mental health, showcasing real stories from young individuals and families facing mental health struggles—including a parent and teen from Nativity! To join Nativity’s table at the breakfast, please contact Gail Bergsven (ggantz1@aol.com).
“Creating Caring Faith Communities”
Tuesday, May 13th, 7:00-8:30 pm | Watch Party at Nativity, Rm 218
NAMI Minnesota recognizes that a person’s faith and spirituality are part of the overall treatment and recovery process for mental illness. Discrimination, secrecy and shame are among the great obstacles that cause people to wait to receive help for their mental health and for the health of their loved ones. Faith communities play an important role in reducing these obstacles. Learn about mental illnesses, the impact of negative attitudes and five things each of us can do to make Minnesota a better place for people who experience a mental illness. This one-hour class is for faith communities interested in learning about mental illnesses and helping to change attitudes towards mental illnesses.
Presenter: Kay King, Older Adults Program Coordinator and Community Educator, NAMI Minnesota, St. Paul
“Self-Care for the Caregiver”
Sunday, May 18, 2:00 pm
The Legacy of St. Anthony | 2540 Kenzie Terrace
Former Wisconsin Gov. Martin J. Schreiber is an award-winning crusader for Alzheimer’s caregivers and persons with dementia. Reaching audiences nationwide at live events and via media, he uses humor and compassion to share lessons from his decade-plus journey as caregiver for his wife, Elaine.
Following the presentation, Martin Schreiber will sign copies of his book, My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver, which will be available for purchase. Net proceeds from the books will be used to promote Alzheimer’s caregiver support programs. This event is organized by Nativity Mental Health Connect. Register HERE today!
Dragonfly Project Packing Event
Sunday, May 25, 9:30 – Noon | Nativity Commons
The Dragonfly Project offers a message of hope through its cards and packets sent to people who have lost a loved one in recent months. Help assemble keychains and packets that will be sent to support those grieving.