Programs and Ministries
Ministries
SERVICE IN CHRIST
MINISTRIES OF WORSHIP
MIND & HEART
Greeters Ministry: Greeters are in charge of making all who enter our church feel welcome and comfortable! Being a greeter is a wonderful way to connect with others and get to know one another! We're currently searching for someone to handle greeter scheduling, - contact the church office if you can help!
Hospitality Ministry: The Hospitality Ministry is largely responsible for organizing the coffee hour each week, as well as recruiting volunteers to host coffee hours, and planning/organizing receptions for special events such as: Lessons & Carols, weddings, funerals. They also help put on special dinners, like the Newcomers' Dinner, stewardship dinners, and parish potlucks. Volunteers are warmly welcomed!
Outreach Committee Ministry: The Outreach Ministry is responsible for reaching out and addressing needs outside of the parish. The outreach committee organizes financial gifts to food banks, children's organizations, a children's hospital in Nepal, and much more.
In 2017, the Church of the Nativity, through its Outreach Ministry, 'adopted' Bonnie's House. This is the latest in transitional housing for previously homeless teens in the Grand Valley, run by Karis, Inc. , website http://thehousegj.org/ or http://thehousegj.org/index.php/2018/01/16/bonnies-house/ . We started with completely remodeling and furnishing the house and now we are on to supporting the 7 young adults who live there with food, fellowship, and things like gardening ideas. Come join us! Photos below of church members happily engaged in the remodeling process!
In 2016 this ministry initiated a Reverse Collection Plate campaign where participants found unique ways to conduct their own small, private mission with $25. Listen to stories below shared at Sunday Services.
Click Here: A Nativity Cares 2016 Campaign Audio Story
Click here: A second audio story from Nativity Cares 2016 Campaign
Prayers & Squares Ministry: Prayers & Squares is an interfaith outreach ministry that combines the gift of a custom-made, hand-tied quilt with the gift of prayer for someone in need. The essence of this ministry is in the prayers offered for the recipient; it is not about the quilts.
The Altar Guild Ministry: The Altar Guild is responsible for the care of the altar, vestments, vessels, and altar linens of the parish. Altar Guild members prepare the sanctuary for services. Altar Guild members frequently supervise the decoration of the sanctuary of the parish with flowers.
Music Ministry: The Music Ministry is composed of a group of volunteers who collaborate to choose hymns and special music to complement each Sunday's Bible lessons, help lead the singing during worship services, and create special concerts/events for the community and our parish. We encourage anyone who wants to sing, play an instrument, or otherwise help with the musical side of worship to join in on the fun!
Sunday Education Series: This multi-generational program is open to young adults and adults! Share your questions and insights while learning from other age groups as we dig into a variety of Christian topics. Sunday Education is held on Sunday mornings 8:30-9:15 am. Everyone is welcome to join in, both in person and via Zoom.
You can view past sessions in this series on our YouTube Channel, along with all our worship videos. For specific weeks, follow these links:
The Lord's Prayer Series:
Learn a little more about this innovative approach with this video from Rev. Lauren:
Paws for a Blessing Ministry: PAWS for a Blessing offers a range of programs, honoring our commitment of Caring for All Creation. Programs are open to the public.
Monthly Blessing: Please join us the first Sunday of every month from 5-6 pm for an all-faith ceremony that includes hands-on blessings for your furry, feathered and scaled children. Well-behaved, leashed dogs, crated cats, caged birds, and all manner of safely secured pets are welcomed and blessed during this service. If your pet is too big to accompany you, bring a photo!
Animal Memorial Services are conducted twice a year on the first Sunday in May and December, beginning at 5:00 pm. Weather permitting, we gather outdoors near a fire to grieve and share stories about our cherished, departed pets.
Owners of departed pets are welcomed to remain after the brief blessing service for a special parting service centered around the internment of your pet's cremains (ashes only) in a designated memorial garden. The $45.00 burial fee includes an engraved marker stone with a photo of your pet and any epitaph you may wish to include. Contact our staff for more information.
Spiritual University: This program offers study and discussion of a wide variety of spiritual concepts and topics, usually including a specially-chosen DVD series to focus the discussion. Church of the Nativity offers a variety of study leaders and session times, so keep an eye on the website for the latest offerings or call the church office. To see our current offering, click here.