The summer worship schedule begins on Sunday, May 24 at 9:00 a.m.

Join us also for:

Wednesday Evening Worship, beginning June 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Christ is risen!  Christ is risen, indeed!!  Alleluia! Alleluia!We are deep into the season of Easter, where we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ into the world and into our lives. Easter lasts 50 days, until Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit is celebrated as she makes her way into the Church on May 31^st this year.Easter started back in April, on the 12^th, where a group of 58 of us gathered for worship before the sun rose … we stood outside the church around a new fire, and lit our candles to celebrate the rebirth of Christ into the world as the sun was starting to peak over the horizon. Into the Sanctuary, we carried our lit candles, filling the space with the soft glow of the new born light.By the end of the morning, over 50 people had eaten breakfast, 300 people had worshipped God, and two people were brought into the community of faith here in this place we call Norway Grove. Praise God for the glorious welcoming of the risen Christ on Easter morn, and every morning of our lives. We are a resurrection people, and we live in the everlasting light of Jesus Christ our Lord.During Easter many exciting things are happening at Norway Grove:  On May 3^rd, our third graders are celebrating Holy Communion at the 10:30 service. It is an awesome time of increased understanding for these third graders and a welcoming of them at the table in a special way. On May 10^th, Mother’s Day, and also the last Sunday of Sunday School for the year, we receive new members at the 10:30 service, so be sure to come to worship with a warm welcome to those who are entering into the body of Christ here in this place. As a special treat on May 10^th, seminary student, and daughter of the congregation, Brenda Lovick will be preaching. Brenda is close to completion with her studies and will be seeking call soon. We are very proud of her and are thankful for God’s spirit calling her into ordained ministry and family counseling. This congregation is a big part of launching Brenda into the ministry.On May 17^th, it is another big day!!! Thirteen young people are affirming their faith at the 10:30 service.  Austen Ayers, Jennifer Betthauser, Marvelle Brown Jr., Michelle Cesario, Eldon Davidson, Rebekah Heisig, William Hewuse, Brock Kirkland, Conner Ludeman, Garrett McClurg, Alexandra Reynolds, Nate Solum, and Brad Urban. Congratulations young people on preparing to affirm your faith on this confirmation day. We look forward to your faith continuing to expand and develop as the years go by. We welcome you during the Season of Easter as adult voting members of this congregation.May 24^th, we switch to our summer Worship Schedule here at Norway Grove. For June and July, we will again focus on Bible Stories around the Campfire. Service times are on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m.  On this Sunday, the Holy Spirit is assured to be sent to the people of God, as Jesus ascends into heaven. We are not abandoned, by God, God indeed continues to provide for us throughout all times and situations!May 31^st is the beginning of the loooong Season of Pentecost, where we welcome the Holy Spirit into the Church. It is an awesome day with red paraments, tongues of fire, and the white dove of the Holy Spirit gracing our presence. This year on Pentecost Sunday, we will have a congregational update meeting following the 9:00 a.m. Service.Many exciting things are taking place at Norway Grove during the month of May! Hope to see you at worship as we give praise and thanks to God!!

God’s Blessings to you, Pastor Kathy

As members of the Christian community of Norway Grove Memorial Lutheran Church in DeForest, Wisconsin, we, being sinners and falling short, agree, with the help of God, to relate to each other through Christ, and thus hold ourselves and each other to:

The 13^th and final point of the Covenant is to create a safe environment for communicating differences.  Jesus Christ crossed many boundaries in his life time. He healed people, blessed people and brought people closer to God’s love. Things did not always go smoothly for Jesus in his life, but Jesus was there to connect with all people in need and to free people from captivity, to ministry to the poor, and I believe that Jesus is also there when we live in community with each other.Every person is not that same. We have a variety of opinions, needs, and differences. Being able to express our wants and desires without forcing our opinion on others is important for living in Christian community with one another. Looking not only at just our own needs, but at what is going to be best for the entire body of Christ is what it’s all about. It is good to have investment in the congregation, but we do not have sole ownership. All is done towards God’s glory, not our own. Openly discussing opinions and options with humility and respect of others brings us closer to living in a safe environment where we can freely communicate differences.

Thanks be to God!

EXPECT the UNEXPECTED …  One of the ways God surprises us is by providing gifts we do not expect. Sometimes these gifts may seem extravagant and we do not feel worthy. When was a time you had this experience? In Mark 14:3-9, Jesus gives us a  model for gracious behavior. He graciously accepts and receives a beautiful gift brought by a woman - a jar of very costly ointment. She breaks the jar and anoints his head generously. Yet there were those who did not think Jesus should have accepted this gift. After all, the giver was a woman - what was she doing in the midst of his group of men at dinner? Furthermore, the alabaster jar of costly nard could have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. What economic sense did it make to pour this lavish gift on the head of Jesus?Unbeknownst to the men in the room, this woman was anointing Jesus for his death and burial. Jesus knew this, but said nothing. He simply received the gift gratefully and graciously. He allowed himself to enjoy these precious moments.How often are we insensitive to the genuine expressions of tender love and care offered by others? Perhaps we are in too much of a hurry. Perhaps our attention is focused on something else. Perhaps we do not feel worthy. Jesus invites us to become aware of our surroundings and our relationships—to appreciate what others desire to do for us. By learning to receive a gift gratefully and graciously, we learn to be a giver ourselves.

Prayer: O God of abundance, open my eyes to the gifts that you provide, whether large or small, extravagant or not. Give me the awareness to receive these gifts gratefully and graciously. Amen.