~ Sunday, December 7 ~

Congregations that approach financial stewardship from a biblical perspective do not view the money Christians give to their church merely as a way to pay its bills. Rather, such congregations see financial contributions as a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting their church’s mission and ministry with a percentage of their incomes.Our congregation’s finance committee has selected the New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program as a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our stewardship education emphasis this year.New Consecration Sunday is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive. Instead of treating people like members of a social club who should pay dues, we will treat people like followers of Jesus Christ who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship. New Consecration Sunday  encourages people toward proportionate and systematic giving in response to the question, “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?” During morning worship on Consecration Sunday, December 7, we are asking our attendees and members to make their financial commitments to our church’s missionary, benevolent, and educational ministries in this community and around the world.Every attendee and member who completes an Estimate of Giving Card does so voluntarily by attending morning worship on Consecration Sunday. We urge people to attend who feel strongly opposed to completing a card. The procedure is done in such a way that no one feels personal embarrassment if he or she chooses not to fill out a card.We will do no home solicitation to ask people to complete cards. During morning worship our guest leader will conduct a brief period of instruction and inspiration, climaxed by members making their commitments as a confidential act of worship.We will encourage participation in Consecration Sunday events through the Consecration Sunday team and governing board members. Since we will make no follow-up visits to ask people to complete their cards, we will make every effort to inform, inspire, and commit everyone to attend Consecration Sunday worship.Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Consecration Sunday events.

Pete Bachman, Council President

It seems we cannot turn on the TV or any media source without hearing of the financial crisis that we are in.  No doubt it has affected many if not all of us in some way.  Not having lived through the “Great Depression” I can only rely on stories from my grandparents of how difficult life was back then.  But how did we get into this mess?  We are reminded of the tenth commandment. Though shall not covet they neighbor’s house; though shall not covet they neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.Looking back, we’ve seen greedy corporate executives, predatory lenders and frankly, even everyday Americans living beyond their means.  But how will God help us through this crisis?  We must remember that contentment is a great gift from God.  In Philippians 4:12-13, Paul the Apostle states: ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do everything through him who gives me strength.It’s in these times that we may be tempted to hold back on giving. However that might be the wrong view of economics.  God has made it clear that as we give, he gives to us. So as we watch our 401K and IRA’s decline, remember that God is our security and our provider!As we enter the last couple of months of 2008, Council is busy dealing with the topics outlined in last month’s Newsletter.1.  Debt – We have begun working on the 2009 budget.  Knowing that we have had six years of a budget shortfall, we are attempting to put the most realistic, cost-conscience budget together.  However, in these challenging financial times, this will be more difficult than ever.2.  Committees – We held an All-Committee Night on October 3^rd.  This meeting was well attended and we had 13representatives from various committees.  We talked about structure, finances, budget  participation and communication.  We hope to hold another meeting toward the end of the year and   continue to empower and promote committees.3.  Conflict –  As we address some of the conflict in the congregation, Council has entered into a “Behavioral Covenant” which states, “As members of the Christian community of NGMLC, we are sinners and fall short, but with the help of God, we agree to relate to each other, through Christ, and hold ourselves and each other to:  Listening to each other, respect the privacy of those who confide, challenge each other with the truth, deal with people directly and don’t complain to others, strengthen each other, be gentle with one another, do not speak ill will of others in the fellowship, do not judge e ach other, pray for one another, confess one’s wrongs to another, forgive one another, freely participate in the Body of Christ according to our gifts and talents and create a safe environment for communicating differences.Vision and Strategy - As we begin to shape our Vision, Council is conducting a Ministry Review. It’s essential we review Norway Grove’s ministry and outline opportunities for and actions to drive improvement in our congregation. We look forward to input from several key areas of the Church, including Pastor Kathy, Council, Committees, Education and the congregation.Best Regards,

Pete Bachman, Council President

It is good to remember how it is that we relate to one another in Jesus Christ for the sake of community. Martin Luther, as well as the Apostle Paul, were well aware that, “we all sin and fall short of the Glory of God.” Even Mother Teresa lived within this reality. Relating through Christ alleviates the difficulties of  living in community with one another.Over the next months, points from the recently adopted Behavioral Covenant will be lifted up to help us remember to deal with each other in positive and Christ like ways. No one is expected to get it perfect every time, but these are goals to strive for. We still greatly rely on God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness in all that we do.1.  Listen to each other.  “Let everyone be quick to hear and slow to speak….”  James 1:10. Dietrich Bohnhoeffer has stated: “The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists of      listening to them.”  Life Together p. 97.2.  Respect the privacy of Those who Confide.  “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy  person keeps a secret.”  Proverbs 11:13.For ways in which the council may have fallen short in listening to members of the congregation, to which leadership is accountable, we are sorry. Here are the best ways to have your voice heard:* Contact the pastor, or a council member, and explain your concern.* Attend a council meeting on the second Thursday of the month, at 7:00 p.m.*     Ask to be on the agenda, if you would like to speak to the council.*     Meetings are open to the public.With this covenant we vow to listen to you, and expect to be listened to in return.Your Servant in Christ,

Pastor Kathy

Pete Bachman, President; Lisa Blaski, Secretary; Lisa Johnson, Treasurer; Mike Switzky, Don Schultz, Betty Koenig, Financial Secretary; Tom Buchheim; Diane Hewuse; Anne Staniforth; Jackie Kelley; and Bryn Goldberg, Youth Rep.

The Council regretfully accepted the resignation from two Council members as of September 1^st:  Tom Kreis and Troy Janisch. Two new council members have been appointed until the annual meeting in    January: David Pahl and David Midthun.

With the elections right around the corner, we know that Uncle Sam needs you, but did you know that NGMLC needs you too?  Perhaps you‚ have thought about getting involved, but you just don’t know who to talk to or how you can help out.  There are many opportunities to get involved.  Committees (Stewardship/Finance, Evangelism/Outreach, Worship and Music, Property/Facilites, Education and Youth) and even Council are always looking for new talents.

In October we will be having an All-Committee Chair night. This meeting is intended for the chairpersons of each committee to promote cross committee communication.  Later this year, we hope to have an All-Committee Night‚ where the entire congregation can come and learn about each of the committees.  In the meantime, if you are interested in getting involved, please contact Pastor Kathy or a member of the Church Council.

As we move into the final three months of the year, Council has several very important items that we are working on.  First, we need to address our debt issue.  For the last six years NGMLC has gone deeper into debt.  Second, we need to increase membership.  Today, we are worshiping to fewer families than we were six years ago.  Third, we need to increase committee participation.  Several key committees, have limited or inconsistent participation. Last, over the last few months we have been sidetracked with conflict surrounding a couple items of the Church.  We need to get past this and start celebrating our successes!

Council’s goal over the next few months is to put together a plan, a vision of where God is calling us at NGMLC.  We need to create an exciting environment that attracts new members.  We need to more effectively address conflict and strengthen internal communications.  Without these changes, our congregation will continue to decline in numbers, in support, in participation and in giving.

In this spirit, I ask for your help.  Come forward, stand-up, raise your hand ‚ This is your Church.

                   Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

                                                                             Ephesians 6:7

Best Regards,

Pete Bachman, Council President