“I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” –John 15:5People have been asking lately, what is your dream for Norway Grove? It is a good question that I think we all ought to be answering for ourselves. This could be one way that God is letting you in on the plan that God has for your ministry here in this place. Where is God calling you to participate?Let me tell you what’s on my mind.  I would love to see Norway Grove living and thriving, and running like a well oiled machine. A place for everyone and everyone happy in the place where they are serving God and celebrating God’s love for all of God’s people.  Helping people inside the congregation, and outside serving the local community, and reaching out around the world.Things are happening here at Norway Grove, and it is an exciting time to be here!! My hope is that all people are embraced for the gifts they are willing to share and develop, and that we play to people’s strengths more often than we look to eliminate people’s weaknesses. Let’s build up the body of Christ more and more, and refuse to tear it down!!!One way to increase fellowship, and people working together is to get involved in the upcoming GRAPE HARVEST FESTIVAL, to be held on Sunday, September 27^th, from 12-5, here at  Norway Grove. This event also reaches out into the community, and will support the sustaining and growing of the ministry plan for Norway Grove. Be thinking about what you would like to participate in. Items for purchase could include grape jelly made from our grapes, extra grapes from our vineyard, make and take wreaths made from our grape vines, or ready made ahead of time by people in the congregation. A bake-off contest, with grape baked goods also for sale is being planned, as well as  a silent auction, games for the kids, and plenty of food to keep our fall tummies happy.The Grape Harvest Festival is a great way to capitalize on natural resources that are presently available on the church property! It will be fun to work on this project together, get to know the community in which we live in better, and help out the financial situation that surrounds us in today’s economy.With such a ‘grape bunch’ of people here at Norway Grove, this dream is sure to be a great success!

God’s Blessings to you!! Pastor Kathy

Are you on Facebook? Check out Norway Grove’s new Fan Page today! Log into your Facebook account and search for Norway Grove. Then be sure to click on the “Become a Fan” link.

Sometimes receiving does not come without pain. Have you ever had a painful experience in receiving? What do you remember about the pain? What do you remember about the joy that followed?

In John 16:21, Jesus uses the example of childbirth as a real life experience where the pain of receiving is overcome by the joy that follows. He tells others the woman “no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy.” The context of this example is Jesus explaining to the disciples his departure to the Father and his return, “and again a little while, and you will see me” (John 16:17). If you had been there with the disciples, how would you have understood Jesus’ words? Do you feel the joy of receiving Jesus each day?These examples tell us that sometimes the joy of receiving does not come without pain. Sometimes the joy of receiving after the pain may not be immediate. However, Jesus promises to be with us.Prayer:  O God of abundance, help me to see that all receiving is not without pain. Give me the strength to endure anguish that I may discover the joy you have in store for me. May I always know that Jesus is with me, and that your will is for joy in my life. Amen.

The Money Leadership devotion for this month, developed by the Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission Unit of the ELCA, is particularly poignant for our current economic times. Even though there is plenty of pain to go around, it is important for us to stick together, to not be judgmental of ourselves or others…..to remember to worship faithfully, whether or not we can afford to bring an offering and to accept help from others when it is needed. All of us are affected by what is happening in the world today, from stock loss, to job loss, to increased prices and greater instability in our lives… in so many different ways, there is a renewed need to embrace the steadfast and never changing love of God into our hearts and into our lives…..what better place to do this than the Church??? – Pastor Kathy

HEROES OF FAITH Vacation Bible School

August 3-7, 2009, 9 a.m. - 12:00 noon

NEW LOCATION at Windsor United Church of Christ, 4434 2nd Street, Windsor

3 years (must be completely potty trained) through 6th Grade (6th Grade Heroes Challenge)

Everyone Welcome!

Pre-Registration is necessary! Registration closes July 5 or when enrollment reaches 230 students. Pick up a registration form, or call the church office at 846-9711 to have us mail you one. Registration Fee (includes t-shirt) If received by June 7: $10/student (maximum $30 per family); If received by July 5: $15 per student (maximum $35 per family)