We will be studying Luther’s Catechism on Wednesdays during Lent.  Come for Soup at 6:00 p.m.  (If you have a favorite soup that you would like to share with Norway Grove, there is still time to sign up on a sign-up sheet on the usher’s table!)  Worship at 7:00 p.m., for about ½ hour. 

On February 17^th, Ash Wednesday started with Confession and the Forgiveness of Sins, along with the Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion. 

February 24^th Topic was the 10 Commandments. The 8^th graders provided a skit for us on this evening called “Foundations”. Pastor Kathy’s reflection was on “Fear and Trust.”

March 3                Apostle’s Creed                                                Reflection     “I Believe”    by pastor Kathy

March 10             The Lord’s Prayer                            Veronica Eicher, Lay School participant, will be giving us

the message this evening.

March 17             Baptism                                               We have two baptisms this evening! 

Reflection “Baptized by God himself” by pastor Kathy

March 24             The Sacrament of the Altar          With Holy Communion this evening.

                                                                                                Reflection “God’s Standard” by pastor Kathy     

Holy Week

April 1                   Maundy Thursday                           With Holy Communion

7:00 p.m.                                             Message “What would you do if you knew this was your

                                                                Last Day on Earth?” by pastor Kathy

April 2                   Good Friday                                       Service of Light and Darkness Tenebrae Service

                                7:00 p.m.                                             Message “Behold the Life-giving Cross” by pastor Kathy

April 4                   Easter Festival Worship                 All services with Holy Communion           

                                Sunrise Service at 6:00 a.m.         Message “Why do You Look for the Living among the

Worship at 8 and 10:00 a.m.        Dead” by pastor Kathy

— Laura Simpson volunteered to be a co-superintendant of the Sunday School starting with the 2010 school year. We are seeking another co- Sunday School Superintendent to serve with Laura.  Veronica will help to train these people in.  Could this be a ministry that you are interested in? Please keep this ministry position in your prayers.  Contact Veronica Eicher, or pastor Kathy for more information.

An initial formational meeting was held on January 21^st. This committee has decided to meet on the fourth Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m.  We welcome  Jill Buchheim, Elaine Jaeke, pastor Kathy, Dona Buchheim, Jan Kuchar, Kris Urban, Jennifer Johnson, Carol Janisch, Lisa Johnson, and Mary Weber to this committee!  And Welcome to Brad Urban, as the Council liaison to this committee. This is a welcome sign here at Norway Grove.

A new member seminar is underway. If you are interested in becoming a member of Norway Grove, there is still time. Talk with pastor Kathy about this opportunity.  New members will be accepted on March 14^th at both services.

Calling all Ladies Aid member s! (and women who have never been part of a woman’s group)

A ladies Aid meeting is being called, for April 24^th at 6:30 p.m., for old time’s sake, as well as for seeing if there is a need for an active woman’s group today.  Dessert will be served and a program will be provided.  We are seeking women’s input regarding Norway Grove, and how to make this anniversary celebration the best one ever. We are also wondering about Norway Grove fulfilling the needs of women within our Worshipping community.

Sunday, September 26th, 2010 is the celebration date and marks Norway Grove’s 60^th year of ministry.  You are invited to participate in the planning and in the celebrating!  We are working on a history book that includes using new technology for getting crisp pictures and a fresh perspective on the history of the faithful people who have made Norway Grove what it is today.

Identifying how God has been involved from the start, and continues to be present at Norway Grove is a great way to launch Norway Grove into the future with the power of the ever present Holy Spirit.  How do we fit into God’s narrative?

All of us are invited to share our faith stories as they relate to others our involvement here at Norway Grove.

You are invited to attend the next planning meeting on Monday evening, March 15^th, at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room.

The 2010 Habitat trip/work week has been set for July 17 - 23, 2010. The team will leave DeForest and travel to Marquette, Michigan. Final details are still to come. An Organizational Planning Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 10, at 6:30 p.m. If you’d like to be a part of this year’s team, please attend this meeting or contact Rick Johnson in advance. If there is insufficient interest, this years trip may be canceled.

Dear Friends at Norway Grove,With great excitement, I am pleased to announce that I have been called by God and the church to serve Trinity Lutheran Church in Manlius , IL as their pastor!  I begin on February 1, and we are packing so that we can move into the parsonage before February 1.  My ordination will be on April 25, location to be determined.  When I think of you at Norway Grove, I think fondly of Philippians 1:3: “I thank my God every time I remember you…”  Although I’ve been away for many years, Norway Grove has always been my church family.  I am thankful for your prayers, support, and encouragement through my candidacy process and my call process.  Please know that I keep you in prayer today and always.  When I know more details about my ordination, I will let you know!

Peace be with you!  Brenda Lovick

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