Church of the Nativity, Sarasota FL supports Noel House

(From Feb 2000 Nativity newsletter)

UNITED THANK OFFERING

A recent letter from Carol Eisenbaugh, our Diocesan Chair for the UTO, reports that the fall In-gathering had a total of $48,582.72. "I am in awe of our generosity," she wrote. "Remember all that is sent is granted. Of the 77 congregations in our diocese, 56 participated in the effort." Nativity’s gift of $826.50 is part of the Manasota Deanery's total of $10,616.47, and 11 of our 12 churches contributed. Such outpourings in thanksgiving of our numerous blessings are all outstanding witness to all. The Spring In-gathering will be the first Sunday in March.

(From August, 1999 Nativity newsletter)

Isn't it wonderful to belong to a church that has the spirit of giving and the wherewithal to do so? St. John the Divine in Ruskin, offered a $20,000 matching challenge to build new churches in our companion Diocese of the Dominican Republic. On July 12, your Mission Committee joyfully pledged $1,000 to this cause. Not only are we praying for and planning for our new church, but now we bill be part of building a sister church.

The Outreach Commission also presented a list of places for the Mission Committee to consider as recipients of 1999 outreach funds. The list included All Faiths Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief, Agape Flights, Noel House, MCC Chaplaincy, Resurrection House, Sarasota Council of Concern, and the Nativity Alpha course. Please contact me with any comments or suggestions.

— Nicki Coffaro

(From July, 1999 Nativity newsletter)

Although many of you may be familiar with Noel House, there may be others who are not. So I thought I would share with you about the mission and work of this non-profit, non-denominational home and residential program for pregnant women in crisis in Sarasota County.

The guiding light and mainstay of this program is the Rev. Margaret Koor, R.N., residential director. Many Nativity members know Margaret, our former deacon.

Her faith, spirit and sense of humor are integral ingredients to the success of this endeavor. Many volunteers also contribute time and energy at the house.

Founded in 1993, Noel House provides these women with a safe, nurturing environment, in-house programs and referrals to community resources which can effectively decrease chances of prenatal complications, build self-esteem, help the women to set goals and offer them new beginnings--both emotionally and spiritually.

The setting provided to turn lives around. We have seen this evidenced with Gracies and her son Zacieus, baptized at Nativity two years ago.

To date, there have been ten babies born. Four were put up for adoption and the others are being reared by their birth mothers.

"This has been a busy week at Noel House," Margaret wrote. "In the past few days, we have had one girl get married, another graduate from high school and another have a baby.

"Valerie married Tod Adkins on May 29 at First Presbyterian Church. It was a wonderful time and Valerie looked beautiful.

"Heather graduated from Venice High on June 4. She was very happy, and yes, I did cry."

"Kristie had a baby girl on Thursday at 2:37 a.m. Kayla Nicole weighed nine pounds and six ounces. Both mother and baby are doing fine.

"We are awaiting the birth of two more babies the beginning and the end of August. Two of the pregnancies did not go to completion," Margaret added.

Nativity has supported Noel House since its inception financially and with donated items and volunteer help. If you are interested in participating in some way, please call Carolyn Barker Collins, executive director, at 753-2287. Or you can call Margaret at the same number.

— Nicki Coffaro