Serve

When Jesus wanted to teach his followers what it meant to be great in the kingdom of God, he grabbed a basin and towel and began to wash their feet (John 13).
We believe that we find meaning by addressing the real needs of real people.
Whether it is a loving visit, a shared resource, a letter to a legislator, or a prayer offered for another,
the love of God flows through us when we reach out to others (Isaiah 58).

There are many different opportunities to serve both within and outside the walls of Nativity. We encourage and invite you to find a place where you can serve with us.

The Bethlehem Inn

Founded in 1999 as a ministry of Nativity, the Bethlehem Inn has grown to become Central Oregon’s largest emergency homeless shelter. The Bethlehem Inn serves families, single adults, the elderly, veterans, and pregnant women. Ages at the Inn range from newborn to eighty-two.

Originally housed on a rotating basis by volunteer churches, the Bethlehem Inn now has its own location. With 72 beds, 8 apartments, a laundry room, a dining hall, a health and wellness center, case management, a internet wired classroom, drug testing, and transportation, the Bethlehem Inn offers people in crisis the opportunity to break the cycle of homelessness.

Homelessness is no longer a seasonal issue. On any given night there are more than 1,300 homeless people in Central Oregon, with 44% under the age of eighteen. The need for emergency housing is daunting as Central Oregon grows from a sleepy town to a thriving metropolis. The Inn anticipates providing over 26,280 bed nights and serving more than 78,480 meals this year.

There are many ways to serve at the Bethlehem Inn. If you would like to help coordinate, prepare, serve meals or help with operational support please contact Ruth@nativityinbend.com

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat has built more than 225,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1 million people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter.

It is no secret that the cost of land and the housing market in Bend have sky- rocketed in the last few years, making it impossible for many families to own a home. Habitat for Humanity makes it possible for working families to own a home. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, they build homes with the help of the homeowner. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build future Habitat homes.

Nativity has had the opportunity to be a part of a recent build in Sisters for the Bantz and Florian families. This was a great experience! We are looking forward to our next Habitat project starting in May for a family of six here in Bend. Stay tuned for more information to come!
Family Kitchen

An organization seeking to lessen hunger in the community by serving dinner on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and a bag lunch on Saturday. If you would like to help prepare bagged lunches please contact Ruth@nativityinbend.com