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

A New High School Youth Group has formed between Norway Grove and Christ Lutheran Churches. The group calls themselves: The Community Christian Youth Group of DeForest (CCYGD on Facebook). The group is open to all high school kids from the community or surrounding community. We currently have about 15 active kids in the group between the grades of 9^th and 10^th from either Norway Grove, Christ Lutheran and from other denominations and the community.  Officers of the group are: * President: Justin Wiersma * Vice President: Will Hewuse * Secretary: Sarah Hoffman * Treasure: Clare Hoffman.   They will serve a term of one school year and new officers will be nominated from the group and elected. There are also 7 adult advisors - Tom and Diane Hewuse, Kent and Julie Hoffman, Pastor Kathy Ulrich, Vicki Elmer and Cheryl Holloway - to help organize driving, supervise meetings and suggest ideas when needed, but this a youth run group, which is self-funded by the kids through fund raising events. Meetings are held on Sunday nights, 7:30 to 8:30p at either Christ Lutheran or Norway Grove. The group’s mission statement is: To Serve God, Help In The Community, Respect One Another and Have Fun Doing It.Recently, the group went to a haunted house and corn maze. On Halloween, the group went trick-or-treating for D.A.N.N and rose over $100.00. Other events will include: Paint Ball with Jim Simpson; Cookie Walk/Sale (Funds to go towards gifts to buy of giving tree and care packages); Care Packages to church members in college and military personnel; Skiing with Jim Simpson and Wrapping Christmas presents at East Towne Mall (fund raiser).We all are very excited to be a part of this new group and to provide the high school kids a safe environment to be part of. We welcome anyone that would like to join this dynamic group of kids or any adults help out. Please contact Tom Hewuse, 279-5329, or email dabears89@hotmail.com

Thank you for your support and prayers - Adult Youth Leaders of CCYGD

Saturday, October 3^rd, 6:00 p.m.

Who:     Norway Grove Youth - Grades 2 to 12

Where:  Norway Grove Memorial Lutheran Church

When:   Check-in is at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary. 2^nd through 4^th grade students are invited to stay until 10:00 pm. Students in 5^th through 12^th grade can choose to stay overnight for a lock-in, or be picked up by parents at 10:00 pm.

Event Details:  Captive Free, a group of young adults who minister throughout the U.S., will assist Norway Grove’s Youth Leaders in guiding our kids though a faith-encouraging program of music, testimonies, and group-building activities. Those who stay overnight will have breakfast provided and should plan to attend the Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. service together.

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

Contact:  For more details, contact Jill Buchheim.

Saturday, October 3^rd, 6:00 p.m. 

Last year’s first-ever Youth Rock! event at Norway Grove was such a huge success we’re hosting another one! And this year we’ve invited some friends to help us.  Youth Encounter’s Captive Free West Lakes Team is coming. They’re 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.

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

Personalized bricks for the church entrance area are available to order, at a cost of $150 per brick. The standard printing option includes up to 12 characters per line with a maximum of three lines. Additional bricks may be purchased per order at $100.00.  Please pick up a Brick Personalization Form from the ushers table, or call the church office (846-9711) and we can mail one to you as well.