Links
Here are some folks we work with, think are doing cool things, or just plain admire.
+ Soul Cafe is an online community of individuals, congregations, and synods in Region 1 of the ELCA. Check it out!
+ Rise Up International is a volunteer organization based in Bend, OR who “exists to empower and connect communities to RISE UP against apathy, poverty & social injustice through education, engaging the arts and grassroots activism.”
+ Vima Lupwa Homes is a non-profit started by Bend resident Malerie Pratt. Vima Lupwa Homes developed a safe and stable family home for children with the greatest need in impoverished areas of Sub-Saharan Africa.
+ The Nativity Community Garden is registered with the American Community Gardening Association, an organization celebrating and promoting the practice of locally sourced produce. Here is our listing.
+ The Oregon Synod, of which Nativity is a part, is a participant in the Reconciling in Christ program. RIC works for full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in all aspects of church life.
+ The Central Oregon Peace Network is a regional peace education, advocacy and action group. They are doing important work.
+ The Environmental Center of Bend is working to promote stewardship and sustainability in Central Oregon. This is an issue close to our hearts.
+ The ELCA Global Mission office is redefining mission work in the 21st Century. Their efforts to be culturally respectful, humble and inclusive are important to us.
+ The Bethlehem Inn has its origins at Nativity and has grown into a full-fledged temporary housing ministry here in Bend.
+ The Bend Area Habitat for Humanity has close ties to Nativity. Members have worked, purchased and traveled with Habitat. Our youth helped with the first-ever Youth Build, a house that was built by people 24 years and under.
+ Sara Miles is an author and the Director of Ministry at St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco. She has some great thoughts on feeding the hungry, justice and inclusion. In 2009, a group from Nativity traveled to S.F. to learn from Miles and her community how we might develop our own feeding programs.
+ Richard Rohr is a Franciscan Friar, author and theologian who runs the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Rohr’s work is influential in the spiritual lives of many of our staff and members.
+ Eboo Patel is a Muslim author, organizer and Interfaith advocate who founded the Interfaith Youth Core in Chicago. He has an important vision for combating religious extremism and creating a collaborative, pluralistic society.
