Introducing Faith & Neighboring Practices: A New Journey for the Nativity Community
By Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy, Director of Public Ministry for Nativity
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14
As the Director of Public Ministry at Nativity, I am thrilled to share that Nativity has been chosen to embark on a journey that will allow us to practice this commandment in new and meaningful ways.
We have been selected to participate in the Minneapolis Area Synod (MAS) Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices Program. This two-year program will see us joining forces with four other congregations in a cohort group aimed at revitalizing faith practices and fostering deeper connections within our community.
This opportunity has been made possible by a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative, which is designed to help churches adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. The MAS Faith Practices and Neighboring Practices program is open to all congregations in the synod, and we feel incredibly blessed to be participating in this enriching experience.
The program kicked off with a retreat in the fall, attended by all participating congregations. Pastor Glenn and Dr. Kelly have assembled a team from Nativity to actively engage in the program. This team will regularly meet and attend retreats with groups from the other congregations. During these gatherings, we will delve into spiritual practices and community organizing, and then bring these insights back to Nativity. This collaborative endeavor will not only strengthen our bonds with other churches seeking renewal but also equip us with innovative approaches to serve our neighborhood.
This program promises to be transformative for our church community. It will guide our leadership endeavors over the next two years and profoundly shape the life of our congregation. It offers us an opportunity to build upon our rich history and core strengths while encouraging us to explore new paths.
Nativity is blessed with many gifts – a vibrant faith formation ministry, active community groups, a lively music ministry, and an engaged congregation. Moreover, our location within a diverse residential area offers unique opportunities for outward engagement.
As we embark on this exciting journey, let’s offer a prayer of thanksgiving for this wonderful opportunity and ask for guidance as we strive to love our neighbor as ourselves. Join us over the next few weeks as we introduce our FNP Team!