Please note that Nativity offices will be closed Friday, January 23, in solidarity with the Day of Truth and Freedom. This closure will not affect the previously scheduled funeral service.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
With ICE’s continuing activity in the Twin Cities, we know many vulnerable individuals and families are in urgent need of financial assistance. This includes those who are impacted by detention, deportation, sudden income loss, fear of accessing services, or the inability to work in a safe environment.
Nativity is coordinating with local groups, area schools, and Faith United Methodist in St. Anthony to help meet the needs of these vulnerable families and individuals. At this time, we wish to share two ways of giving.
St. Anthony Village Community Aid Fund
The St. Anthony Village Community Aid Fund is coordinated by a local group for the purpose of raising funds and other forms of assistance for residents of St. Anthony Village and the surrounding areas. The fund will provide rapid and confidential support for immediate survival needs such as emergency rent support, utility assistance, food, and other basic necessities. Both Nativity and Faith United Methodist clergy will be assisting in directing the funds to those with the most urgent needs.
Donations made to the St. Anthony Village Community Aid Fund will be processed through Saint Anthony’s Faith United Methodist to make them tax deductible.
GIVE TO THE ST. ANTHONY VILLAGE COMMUNITY FUND
Nativity Local Relief
Nativity Church will also collect funds for the above purposes. You can give to Nativity Local Relief through Nativity’s normal giving options, including our Venmo (@NativityLutheran). Please put “Local Relief” in the subject line of your contribution.
Nativity Local Relief in Action: Gethsemane Lutheran is a bi-lingual congregation actively involved with many immigrant families. They are working toward offering food and rent support to 40 households. In collaboration with Gethsemane’s Pastor Jeff, Nativity pastors donated $1000 from the Nativity Local Relief Fund, which will support one of those 40 families for the next month. Thank you for making a difference, Nativity!
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Nativity is also working with Redeemer Lutheran and other local partners to provide volunteer support for local individuals and families.
Nativity Call for Communion & Interpreter Volunteers
Nativity is working with the St. Anthony Village Mutual Aid group to offer individuals and families spiritual support and communion, especially for those who are afraid to leave their homes. We are particularly in need of volunteers who speak Spanish or other languages to accompany pastors and lay volunteers to act as interpreters. To volunteer, please reach out to Pastor Angela, Angela@NativityChurch.org.
Nativity & St. Anthony Village Additional Volunteer Opportunities
For those who are interested in offering logistical help such as grocery delivery and safe transportation, contact Pastor Angela directly at Angela@NativityChurch.org.
Nativity REJM-Redeemer Lutheran Collaborative Diaper Drive
Nativity’s Racial Equity & Justice Outreach (REJM) Team is hosting a Diaper Drive in partnership with Redeemer Lutheran Church. Please support the community by donating diapers and/or wipes in the Narthex to support families with these basic necessities. Diapers sized 4-6 are especially needed, however all donations are gratefully accepted. If you are unable to purchase goods, donations of time are also welcomed as volunteers are needed for monthly diaper distribution events at Minneapolis Central Church of Christ. Contact Terri at tawarren.joy@gmail.com for more information.
Redeemer Lutheran Community Aid Volunteering
Redeemer Lutheran is creating a list of volunteers to help families in their area with food/household supplies. Current needs include providing basic food, toiletry, and household items for approximately 50 North High families. Common requests: eggs, milk, potatoes, green peppers, garlic, onions, lemons, limes, bread, toilet paper, toiletry items, and feminine products.
Redeemer is also developing a list of people who can help cover miscellaneous needs that come up such as retrieving prescriptions, doing laundry, offering temporary childcare, etc. To learn more or volunteer for any of the above needs, contact sally@giftfamilyservices.com.
LEARNING & ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES
Nativity, in collaboration with our REJM Outreach Team, would like to share resources that may be helpful in learning more and taking action.
Training & Advocacy:
Unidos MN: https://unidos-mn.org/
Monarca: https://monarcamn.org/training
Learning More:
MIRAC: https://www.miracmn.com
Immigrant Defense Network: https://immigrantdefensenetwork.org/
Immigrant Law Center of MN: https://www.ilcm.org/
Immigrant Advocates Network: https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/
St. Anthony Village: https://www.saintanthonychamber.org/ice-resources
Thank you, Nativity, for your commitment to serving God and neighbor.