Vestry

My name is Nate Gooden, and I joined Nativity in 2018. I looked for a church and community where I could feel I was accepted and was not just a number. I moved to Lakeville and, after some searching to find that special place, I found Nativity. I have always enjoyed watching football and learning how to smoke food. For the past six years, I have worked as an accountant for a family-owned company in Burnsville.  I joined the Finance Team and previously served as the Treasurer for four years and in the Vestry position of finance.

Andrea Thermos and her husband, Bob Wenck, have been members since 2000, plus they have two adult children.  Andrea is a partner specializing in estate and trust compliance work at a mid-sized, local public accounting firm.  She oversees a team of seven individuals across the country in a mostly remote work environment. Andrea and her husband, enjoy traveling and entertaining while testing new recipes with their guests Andrea has been involved with the Nativity community participating throughout her time with them. She has previously served on the Vestry, been the church treasurer, served on the Finance Team, been involved with Community Life, and chaired the Annual Gala for several years. On Sunday morning services, she lectors, is a member of the altar guild, and reads prayers of the people. Currently, Andrea serves on the Vestry as the Junior Warden.

Elliott has been a member of the Technology Team since 2020 and helped with the transition to virtual and hybrid services. He and his family have been members of the church since they moved back from Iowa in 2018. Prior to that Elliott’s parents have been members for over 30 years, and he went through Sunday School here. This church has played a big part in his life, and he would like to help ensure that this community is here while his children grow up.

My name is Theresa May. I live in Burnsville with my husband of 18 years, Henry. I have two adult stepchildren who live outside of our home.
I was introduced to Nativity in 2019 by a dear friend who knew I was searching for a church home in the Apple Valley / Burnsville area. Nativity’s value of all being welcomed spoke to me leading me to feel that Nativity is a church home where I can continue to grow in my faith.
I recently retired from a career as a pediatric nurse and nurse leader at a local hospital system. My work there included operational accountability for hospital and community-based teams. I am eager to bring my experience in working with teams to create or support new ventures, along with previous involvement as a member of a church council in a former faith community to serving on Nativity’ vestry.

My name is Amanda Adams and my husband Jamie, and I live in Burnsville with our two teenaged children, Eleanor and Chuck. I am a career educator and have taught at Eagan High School for the past 26 years. As a family, we enjoy outdoor activities and taking advantage of the seasonal activities that Minnesota offers. I have multiple years of experience in working with non-profits during my tenure coaching and working with Girls on the Run, supporting veteran’s families through Beyond the Yellow Ribbon in various communities as well as previously helping coordinate SEMN Honor Flight, an organization that worked to bring WWII veterans to Washington DC to see their memorial. I am interested in becoming part of the vestry because I am looking to create community and contribute in a meaningful way. In addition to growing my faith, one strength I have is organizing groups and planning events. I feel that Nativity is a welcoming space that represents the values of radical love and community that I think are important. I look forward to the opportunity to serve our community.

When my wife and I moved to Minnesota three years ago, we attended a service at Nativity as it was the nearest church to our home. We immediately knew that we had found our spiritual home. I am a retired Coast Guard captain and a retired teacher. I have a BS in Finance, an MS in Education, and graduated from the Naval War College. While in the Coast Guard, I gained experience in building maintenance, leading small and large teams of diverse personnel, and project planning. I also have experience in accounting. I previously served on the Vestry at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, Virginia where I was also the lead usher and played in the handbell choir. At Nativity, I attend service every Sunday and play in the handbell choir. Being retired, I have the time and scheduling freedom to participate in parish activities.

Michael enjoys putting to work some of his background in ministry, having served as a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of New Ulm until 1998 and as an active lay member at St. Mark’s Cathedral from 2003 until he joined Nativity in Lent 2019. A member of the Pastoral Care and Adult Formation teams, he has presented many adult forums, three retreats, preached, and served as a lector. He earned graduate degrees in theology at Gonzaga University and the St. Paul Seminary, as well as a certificate in biblical spirituality at Catholic Theological Union. He volunteers weekly at the 360 Communities food shelf in Burnsville and served over 15 years as a tutor of adult immigrants at the Burnsville school district. Now retired for ten years, he also worked at Hennepin County for more than 20 years.