The history book is nearly complete - if you still have information to include, please submit articles! The program schedule for the music concert on the Saturday evening, September 25^th, includes the Unkalung group with director Betty Mansfield. It will include music by Steve Johnson and Jim Erickson (former Norway Grove Memorial Music Directors) as well as Bill  Frederick. A coffee hour with bars or cookies will follow and baking offers are needed - there’s signup sheet on the usher’s table at church. The officiating pastor for Sunday’s church service, September 26^th, will be Rev. Brenda Lovick. The program following the church service is still in the planning stage, but a pot luck dinner will follow. We are looking for someone to supervise the kitchen for that day. The Grape Harvest Festival is also in need of volunteers.  Please contact the church office to volunteer (846-9711).                                 - The History Committee

We are looking for items to be included in the Silent Auction which will be held in conjunction with the Grape Harvest Festival on Sunday, September 26^th. Last year, if you remember, we had many donations of gift certificates, scrapbooking materials, wine baskets, different theme baskets, even guided tours, like fishing or kayaking! It was all great fun!

We would like things to be donated by September 15^th. Please contact Kris Smith or Rick Johnson to donate - or if you have any questions.  Thank you!!

Bringing back a special tradition to know that NGMLC is a family who celebrates one another by remembering the birthday of its members. This, being the year of celebrating our 60th Anniversary, is the right time to carry on John Voegeli’s ‘Ministry of Caring’ by sending birthday greetings from the church to you.How can you be a part of this ministry?  Supplying cards – several of you do stamping as a hobby. Perhaps you are in a club already, but how about getting together as a small group at the church? Can you come on Sunday afternoon, August 22, at 1:30 p.m. (fun time) for making and supplying the birthday cards?  Everyone is welcome.  If you have extra birthday cards, or old cards sitting around that can be used, or parts of cards used for making a new card, that would be wonderful. Elaine will help start us off, by bringing her stamping supplies, and if anyone else wants to do that, it would be wonderful.  Contributions of forever postage stamps would be most welcome. The price is soon changing. Or be responsible for a month of sending out the cards. Already signed up is Elaine Jaeke, Pat Lovick, and Ginger Pippert who will each take a month.  We need a total of 12 people.The Evangelism Committee thanks each of you who choose to participate in celebrations of birthdays. You are the church. We can do all things, by faith, love, and hope.  We want everyone to be involved in  “GROWING THIS FAMILY OF GOD!”

Your ideas and gifts are appreciated and welcome.  Come to the table – the board is spread. All ye who are able, come and feast. The love we have for one another will be felt by this whole community. It is with pleasure that WE SERVE a risen Christ. GET ALL EXCITED –GO TELL EVERYBODY THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD! We will get this ministry flying again.  Thank you!

Following Rally Sunday Lunch - September 12!With Professional Storyteller Don Falkos …EXPLORING THE BIBLE by TELLING ITS STORIESIn the first hour together, we will explore a short Bible story through strictly oral methods. Professional storyteller Don Falkos will tell the story. Then, through fun, interactive exercises you will become familiar with the story in a way you have never experienced before. By the end of the hour, you will be able to tell the story in your own words.In the remainder of our time together, we will learn and tell another short Bible story, this time starting from the Biblical text. You will explore and analyze the text in order to learn its content without having to memorize anything. The end result will be your ability to tell the story in your own words with confidence that your story honors the original text and accurately reflects its contents.You will be surprised how much better you understand this Bible simply by learning and telling its stories. The methods used in this practical, hands-on-workshop are transferable to any story you choose to learn to tell and to any ministry setting in which you wish to pass a Bible story on to others.

No prior storytelling experience is needed! More information will be in bulletins & September newsletter!

November 5-7!

November, 5-7, (Friday, 5:30 p.m. - 11:30 a.m., Sunday) - total cost for the weekend is $80 – which includes 2 nights, plus 4 meals, craft supplies for a Victorian Christmas tree ornament, learning session, and lots of fun and conversation. Learning sessions will be led by Gayle Brecke, director of YWAM. Gayle led parts of our last retreat, and she is great. 

Location: “Youth With a Mission” learning center in HamptonWhat to bring: Sleeping bag, or blanket; pillow; toiletries; Bible; pad for notes.

Registration forms are available at church. Please fill one out and turn in to Betty Koenig, Retreat Registrar, or put in the Evangelism mailbox in the church office. Please include a down payment of $20 - remainder to be paid by October 10. All ladies are invited!  Friends are always welcome too! We always enjoy fun games, and are open to new attendees - bring your ideas. Thank you and we’re looking forward to a great time!

YOUTH ROCK! ‘10

Saturday, October 2nd, 6:00 p.m.What do you get when you combine 100 DeForest-area Youth with a band of traveling college Christian musicians? One of the best lock-in musical events in Wisconsin!! Led by Youth Encounter’s Captive Free West Lakes Team, a group of young adults who minister throughout the United States with a faith-encouraging program of music, testimonies, and group building activities to inspire kids of all ages, your kids are sure to have a memorable and spirit-filled evening!

So kids, mark your calendars, tell your friends, and plan to join us for an evening of friendship, faith, and fun!

Being aware of the personal and economic concerns people face, Norway Grove wants to “be there” for your prayer concerns. Beginning April 22^nd, and continuing every fourth Thursday of the month, our doors will be open from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. for a Prayer Hour. During that special time, two or more persons will be present at church to pray with you, or you can just be present in a quiet time with God at the altar, in the pews, or in the Fellowship Room. You can come and go as you wish, and if you know someone in need of prayer invite them

Due to increased Scrip Handling Fees, starting in March we will be ordering Scrip once a month. We will be ordering the 3^rd Sunday of the month with our next order being Sunday March 21^st. Please contact Anne Staniforth with any questions at 846-3352.

Also, Uno’s has filed for Chapter 11. Please use any Uno’s gift cards as soon as possible. Uno’s will not be available for sale through our Scrip Program, until they are out of bankruptcy. Thank you!

Interested in finding out more about Norway Grove? Waiting for your time to become a member? Your opportunity has arrived. A new member seminar is scheduled for Sunday Mornings at 11:30 am on February 21, 28, and March 7. New members will be received on Sunday, March 14^th at both services.

In honor of Norway Grove’s 60^th Anniversary celebration, we are asking all members, former members, relatives of members, to share their stories about their connection to Norway Grove. We are also accepting artifacts for the archives. Please consider submitting your connections and remembrances of Norway Grove.  If you are interested in helping to shape activities for the celebration, you are welcome to attend the second formational meeting on Monday evening, February 8^th, at 7:00 p.m., at the Church. Any questions? Contact pastor Kathy