On Saturday May 23, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, with reservation, gave permission for houses of worship to begin meeting at 25% occupancy starting Wednesday May 27, as long as they follow public health guidelines.
Nativity staff and leaders long to come together, face to face, but only when we think it is safe to do so. And, unfortunately, we think it’s still unsafe at this time. Therefore Nativity will continue with suspension of all face to face activities.
As a faith community, we say that as we are “Loved by God, we love others courageously.” As followers of Jesus we are called to love and care for our neighbor, especially the marginalized, the powerless, the vulnerable (Mt 25:40). Preventing the spread of the virus is essential in our understanding of what it means to “love neighbor” (Mt 22:37-39).
Guided by our mission and values, Nativity Council and Staff, in conversation with Public Health and the Minneapolis Area Synod have a phased plan for resuming face to face activities at Nativity. Currently, we’re in the starting “Safer at Home” phase of that plan.
SAFER AT HOME PHASE Nativity will:
- Suspend all face to face activities.
- Offer online worship only.
- Weddings, Funerals and other rites and rituals will be done online.
- Bible studies, small groups, etc. will meet online.
- Service ministries will use safety protocols focusing on essential needs.
- Staff will work from home except for essential operations.