Nativity Lutheran Church

Who else loves this time of year at Nativity? 🌺

Celebrating our new Bishop-Elect, Pastor Jen Nagel! We offer gratitude for all those who shared in the discernment process and prayers for the transition ahead.

After 3 days of discernment and prayer, Bishop-Elect Jen Nagel addresses the Assembly. Congratulations!

The Holy Spirit: A Divine Mystery
Wednesdays, May 8, 15, 22, 10:00-11:30 am | Commons & Zoom

In the Gospel of John, Jesus promises his disciples and us, that the Holy Spirit will live among us and provide comfort and guidance. But who is this Spirit? Why haven’t we, as Lutherans, spent more time learning about this advocate? Is the Spirit as present now as during the years of the early Christian Church? All are welcome to this three-part series of reflection and study. Questions or for the Zoom link, contact Pat Hendricks, [email protected] or 763-221-8149.

May Is Mental Health & Wellness Outreach Month

Nativity’s Mental Health and Wellness Outreach Ministries respond to the reality that people in our community are facing life challenges and that they can benefit from our appropriate and timely help and care. These ministries promote awareness of local resources and offer both educational programming and support opportunities.

All Month Long:
Visit the ministry team at the Mental Health and Wellness Outreach information table in the Commons to learn more about Nativity's mental health ministries and upcoming opportunities.

This Weekend in Worship
Executive Director of Mental Health Connect Rev. Hannah Campbell Gustafson will bring the message this weekend.

Mental Health Connect - “Stories of Hope” Breakfast
May 9, 7:30-9:00 am | Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
5025 Knox Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN
MHC collaborates with 37 faith communities that have a reach of 80,000 people and provides education to reduce stigma. David Lohman will be the spotlight speaker at this year's “Stories of Hope” Breakfast. He's a songwriter, singer, theater teacher, and activist. All are invited to join us that day to enjoy the meal and fellowship, feel the support, listen to impactful stories, and learn about MHC’s collaborative work. Register online at the QR Code or at mhconnect.org.

"Mother to Mother: Conversations about Things That Matter"
May 12, 9:00-10:00 am | Fellowship Hall
This event is an opportunity for mothers to join other mothers with similar-aged children in a discussion about their parenting joys, challenges, and questions.

Art as a Restorative Practice - Jessi Fraser, Art Therapy
May 16, 6:30-7:30 pm | Nativity Commons
Join Nativity Mental Health Connect and Jessi Fraser, an artist and motivational leader who is certified in art therapy and has a certification from Yale University in the Science of Well-Being for creative techniques for releasing life stresses with mindful artistic expression. Jessi also has a personal story to share along with the use of art for healing. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate, and all supplies will be provided. For those who join us online, we suggest you have paints or anything you can use for art (markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc.) available. We stress that you do not need to be an artist to participate!

MHC Representative at Table in the Commons
May 18-19, after all worship hours | Nativity Commons
Nativity partners with Mental Health Connect (MHC), a collaborative of faith-based communities working together to support community-based resources, provide support and education, improve access to mental health services, and connect individuals and families with the services they need. This weekend Nativity’s Mental Health Connect Ambassadors will host a table before and after worship with resources about mental health. An MHC Navigator will also be with us to answer questions about their role and the support Mental Health Connect provides. We invite you to come see us, introduce yourself, and ask questions.

Dragonfly Project Packet Assembly Event
May 25-26, after all worship hours | Nativity Commons
Join the Dragonfly Project team after worship to learn more about their ministry to those grieving the loss of a loved one. We'll have a table in the Commons with information as well as a packet assembly project where you can help pack cards and keychains to spread hope and healing. All are welcome!

Who's up for fried chicken?

Join us in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 pm for a good dinner (you don't have to cook!) as well as great fellowship. Meals are $6.00/person or $20/family. All meals include a side, drinks, salad, veggies/fruit, and dessert. Gluten-free and vegetarian options will be available. All are welcome!

Thursday, May 2, 6:30-8:00 pm | Room 218

Rainbow Connections is a group at Nativity for those supporting LGBTQ+ family members or friends. We’re a peer group sharing resources, faith, stories, and emotions within a confidential and non-judgmental space so that we can, in turn, better support our LGBTQ+ loved ones. The group meets the first Thursday of each month and would love to welcome anyone supporting LGBTQ+ loved ones.

In addition to personal sharing time, we’ll continue discussing In Transit: Being Non-Binary in a World of Dichotomies by Minneapolis writer Dianna E. Anderson. Please join us whether or not you’ve read the book!

A new outreach partner of Nativity, Solid Ground is an award-winning nonprofit organization whose proven, holistic approach helps families build the strong foundations they need to emerge from homelessness into a brighter future. Through safe, affordable housing and innovative supportive programming, Solid Ground helps families transition to a higher-level of self-sufficiency and break the cycle of homelessness and poverty for the next generation. This free-to-attend breakfast event is a great opportunity to connect with members of the Solid Ground community on all levels, including volunteers, staff, board members, and a Solid Ground participant speaker, who will share a personal testimony as part of the program.

Please RSVP at www.cosolidgroundmn.org/every-family-needs-a-home-fundraiser/. “Every Family Needs a Home” Breakfast
Wednesday, May 1 from 8:00-9:00 am | Vadnais Heights
Commons, 655 County Rd F East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127

Join Us for Spring Cleaning at East Metro Place
Saturday, April 27, 9:00 am
East Metro Place, 3521 Century Ave N., White Bear Lake
There are planned renovations at the East Metro Place facility soon. Volunteers will be helping clear out spaces for that renovation and doing some “spring cleaning” on the outside of the building. Join us by coming when you can between 9:00-3:00 that day.

This weekend Nativity’s Children’s Choirs are spreading their light with the spring musical, Light It Up!, written by Gina Boe. We offer our gratitude to the cast, crew, and musicians for their hard work and to the Bonde Family for the generous endowment that supports our annual productions. Join us for the musical at all worship hours.
Saturday 5:30 pm
Sunday 9:00 & 10:30 am

"I know now how to resist fear's paralyzing grasp. Follow the Lord. Seek rest. Take a breath. Restore the soul. Walk justly with one another, and surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life."

This weekend we honored Earth Day and welcomed Johan Baumeister, Congregational Organizer for Climate Justice for the Minneapolis Area Synod, who brought a guiding message of resilience with Psalm 23. Watch online anytime. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2WkcKC2ShA

Tomorrow is Baked Ziti night!

Join us in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 pm for a good dinner (you don't have to cook!) as well as great fellowship. Meals are $6.00/person or $20/family. All meals include a side, drinks, salad, veggies/fruit, and dessert. Gluten-free and vegetarian options will be available.

This weekend we're celebrating Earth Day and the continuation of our Environment & Sustainability Outreach Month.

Join us Sunday morning at 9:00 am as John Krenn from the Sierra Club shares ways you can take advantage of the 2022 “Inflation Reduction Act,” legislation that has opened up new possibilities for climate action. As an individual consumer, you can find opportunities for rebates and cost-savings for home energy improvements, appliance purchases, and more. We'll also welcome guest preacher Johan Baumeister, Congregational Organizer for Climate Justice with the Minneapolis Area Synod at all worship hours. Enjoy special music in worship, and visit the outreach table in the Commons for resources on sustainable living.

Tomorrow is Taco Night!

Join us in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 pm for a good dinner (you don't have to cook!) as well as great fellowship. Meals are $6.00/person or $20/family. All meals include a side, drinks, salad, veggies/fruit, and dessert. Gluten-free and vegetarian options will be available.

Learn “Prayer Yoga” This Thursday!
We carry a lot of anxiety, and letting go is not easy! In Matthew 11:30, Jesus tells us his yoke is easy and his burden is light. Yoga is about yoking both mind and body. Prayer yoga, as Pastor Michelene Verlautz will teach us, is a practice of letting go and yoking with Christ.

Prayer yoga is for everyone! No yoga experience or flexibility is required, and no mats or equipment will be needed. This event is part of Nativity Mental Health Connect’s Restorative Practices Series.

Thursday, April 18, 6:30-7:30 pm | Room 218 and Zoom
Zoom link available here: https://www.nativitychurch.org/learn-prayer-yoga/

This weekend Deacon Kyle reflected on God's healing spirit, sharing his own healing journey and inviting us to participate in the healing of creation during this Environment & Sustainability Outreach Month--and beyond.

"Why do I believe...that there's no one better than the Christian community to accept this opportunity to support the environment and people at every level through acts of healing? Because environmental health experts, as well as many others, see churches as anchors of the community where people gather to learn, grow, love, and make an impact in the world. I believe doing so opens us up to be conduits of God’s healing spirit."

Watch online anytime. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E5grkd10_A

April is Environment & Sustainability Outreach Month at Nativity. Now is the opportunity to start and sustain your climate action journey!

This month we’ll share simple eco-friendly practices you can start along with ways to take advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act. We’ll also discuss the inequities of climate change—and more!

All Month Long:
Visit the Environment and Sustainability info table in the Commons for resources and handouts

The Weekend of April 13 & 14 (All Worship Hours)
Deacon Kyle will preach with an environment & sustainability themed sermon

The Weekend of April 20 & 21 (All Worship Hours)
Nativity will host guest preacher, Johan Baumeister, Congregational Organizer for Climate Justice for the Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA, to discuss environmental justice

Sunday, April 21:
Presentation in the Fellowship Hall (9:00-10:00 am)
“How Can I Take Advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act” with speaker John Krenn from the Sierra Club

Sunday, April 28:
Presentation in the Fellowship Hall (9:00-10:00 am):
“100 Climate Solutions for Everyone” with Nativity’s Environment & Sustainability Outreach Team

Have you gotten your order in? It's the final weekend for the Youth Annual Plant and Flower Sale. Proceeds will support travel to the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering and the Middle School Service & Learning Trip.

Orders are due by Sunday, April 14, and will be available for pickup in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, May 11. Order forms are located at the table in the Commons and online. https://www.nativitychurch.org/plant-form/

Join us Saturday, April 13th, at 11:00 am for the final performance of Wingspan’s free concert series.

Nanilo is a duo of women singing traditional songs from Jewish and Eastern European roots, including Yiddish, Russian, Ladino, Hebrew and more. Sarah Larsson and Sarina Partridge showcase the way music has moved through generations of immigrants arriving to North America.

The duo finds a fusion between traditional sounds and an Americana sensibility, spinning out stories of love, longing, and liberation that are carried in the lyrics of their rich traditions. Nanilo loves to invite audiences to participate, using music to open the door to stories of cultural change and migration.

ASL interpretation is available for this event, and refreshments will follow the performance.

Enrollment for the 2024-2025 Half-Day Preschool Program at Nativity Child and Family Center is now open!

REGISTER HERE: https://nativitychildandfamily.org/contact-us/

Nativity Child and Family Center, a mission partner of Nativity Lutheran Church, offers extended day childcare and educational programs for children 16 months through 12 years of age. The center ministers to the “whole child,” encouraging growth and development physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and socially. Our center is safe, child centered and well equipped to meet the changing needs of children.

NCFC recognizes each child is unique and strives to provide an environment which will help each child develop to their richest potential. Our daily activities include the use of a large muscle room, an outdoor enclosed playground, and classrooms with dramatic play and creative activities. Emphasis is placed on providing a warm and nurturing environment giving the emotional support and encouragement that all children need to learn and grow in God’s love. Daily learning centers will incorporate Biblical principles as well as focus on sound educational theories. Discovery based exploration will be in the areas of creative arts, science, premath, blocks, dramatic play, sensory, literature, and music. Strong emphasis on developing social skills partnered with kindergarten readiness.

It’s community meal night! 🥘

Join us each Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall from 5:30-6:30 pm. Meals are $6.00/person or $20/family. All meals include a side, drinks, salad, veggies/fruit, and dessert. Gluten-free and vegetarian options will be available.

April 10: Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
April 17: Taco Night
April 24: Baked Ziti

Community Meals resume this week! Join us for dinner each Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall from 5:30-6:30 pm.

April 3: Sloppy Joes
April 10: Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
April 17: Taco Night
April 24: Baked Ziti

Meals are $6.00/person or $20/family. All meals include a side, drinks, salad, veggies/fruit, and dessert. Gluten-free and vegan options will be available. All are welcome!

What a weekend of Easter joy—and a blessing that we could share it with so many! Our hearts are full. 💛

Watch and share our Easter worship, “HOPE BEYOND WORDS,” online: https://www.youtube.com/live/tCAN02lpQaY?si=4UAKqJWhEiQXOScy

Happy Easter, everyone!

CHRIST IS RISEN!!! 💛

Watch and share our Easter worship “Hope Beyond Words” at https://www.youtube.com/live/tCAN02lpQaY?si=4UAKqJWhEiQXOScy

Happy Easter, everyone!

ALL ARE WELCOME! Join us for Easter worship this Saturday evening at 5:30 pm and on Sunday morning at 9:00 & 10:00 am as we celebrate "Hope Beyond Words" and the good news of the Resurrection.

Stay after worship for special Easter hospitality. All children are invited to join the Children's Easter Promises Scavenger Hunt on Sunday at 10:00 am between worship hours.

Worship in person or online.
NativityChurch.org/Live-Stream

"Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last." - Mark 15:37

Watch our full Good Friday evening worship online. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQC-9ghcTHg

Join us for Maundy Thursday worship at 7:00 pm. in person or online. This evening will include the stripping of the altar in preparation for our Good Friday observance.

Our 11:45 am Maundy Thursday worship is now available on our YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8vnAuzGMLE

Today is Maundy Thursday. Tonight we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we love one another as Christ loves us.

“On the night when Jesus was betrayed he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Just a reminder we WILL NOT have a midweek meal this week because of our Holy Week schedule.

We’ll resume Wednesday community dinners next week with Sloppy Joes.
Stay safe and warm, everyone!