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!

Giving time and moneyLike people’s lives, sometimes the same story offers many lessons. This is particularly true of “The Good   Samaritan.” The Samaritan gives himself, his time, and his possessions. There is no false comparison of those gifts as though one is more important or more readily given than the others. The Samaritan doesn’t  argue, “Look, I have time to give, but no substance.” He doesn’t say, “Here, take my stuff, but don’t bother me.”The Samaritan gives himself in a very personal way. Cleaning wounds, bearing beaten bodies, tending the man in his recovery is about as personal a gift as could be given. The Samaritan doesn’t begrudge the giving of his time - at least a day, more than that most likely. And, the precious possessions that he has - they too are given freely: wine, oil, bandages, transport, and money.Have you ever found it easier to give time than money? How about easier to give money than time? Sometimes our busy schedule or financial situation influence this decision process. Yet Jesus asks us to give both and more. We are invited to share a portion of all that we have received. How are you sharing your time and money?Prayer: O God of abundance, help me to be generous with everything that is precious to me: my self, my time, and my possessions - signs of your gracious love. Amen.Money Leadership devotions are developed by the Evangelical Outreach

and Congregational Mission Unit of the ELCA.

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!

In past five years, confirmation has taken a different form from the confirmation classes most parents were a part of years ago, but the purpose is the same – to bring the students to the place where they can say with confidence, “Yes, I believe” on that day when they affirm their baptismal vows first made by their parents. We are seeking to plant the seeds of faith, and water them, and nurture them so that each student will develop a strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ.As a warm-up to confirmation, Kings Kids began in 2005 with 5^th and 6^th graders in mind. Kings Kids include times of worship, special small group learning sessions during Lent, music, prayer, faith sharing, humor, fun service projects, learning from others, and games. Getting comfortable with growing in faith for a lifetime is a goal.Music Director, Jill Buchheim, contributes to the excitement and fun for each gathering. We have relied on contributions from many volunteer guide leaders, chaperones, guest speakers and other supporters. They bring the joy of God upon us.

Students have the opportunity to contribute to the DeForest community in a variety of ways, including shopping for the food pantry, ringing bells for the Salvation Army and other activities. All students are encouraged to participate in Youth Quake - a regional weekend event for middle school youth designed to build a caring community among youth and adults, grow a faith in Jesus Christ, and develop healthy relationships among peers.

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!

Several ladies have requested we make plans for another Women’s Retreat. We are awaiting a return call next week, to see what dates might be available. In the meantime, our ladies have been invited to an event beginning at 9am, coffee and registration, Saturday, June 12 at Living Water Church. The focus of this event is being the light of the world. Meryl Bishop, a devotional writer, will present “Keepers of the Light.” There will be a lunch at noon, program ends at 2:30pm.  Cost is $10 for advance registration, or $12 at the door. Call Betty Olson at 347-6407, for more information. This could be like a mini-retreat.

Future plans for couples - who are interested - 4 to 6 couples becoming a group for a year, and go out a couple times for dinner – purpose being to become more acquainted. We look forward to your input and participation!

“Reflections of Faith - Building A Firm Foundation”  books are now available. Cost is $10 per book, but for those who cannot afford that, the charge is negotiable. These make wonderful gifts, and a keepsake for many years. All of us have need of encouragement in our “walk with God.” These are hard times. As you can see by the stories in this book, there were hard times in the past, but with perseverance, dedication, and love, we overcome. We will have a new  publication after June 14, for those who wish to yet contribute. Many thanks for all those who have contributed. This is an amazing book. Thanks be to God for you!

Evangelism Committee

A big thank you to everyone who made the service for the High School Graduates so special. We appreciate Pastor Kathy’s blessing, the choir singing, the music committee’s selection of songs and corsages for the students, and Betty Olson’s kind words and booklet given to the graduates. We also appreciate the support the entire congregation has given to our children throughout their time at Norway Grove Memorial, whether it was teaching them in Sunday School or Confirmation, being a chaperone for an outing, supplying cookies for the Cookie Walk, supporting their fundraisers, sponsoring them for Habitat, keeping them in prayer, and all the countless other ways this congregation has cared for them. Thank you!PARENTS OF THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2010

To My Dear Friends at Norway Grove,

Thank you so much for your attendance and support at my ordination service on April 11. It was a joy to see so many people there from Norway Grove! Thank you for all of the cards with beautiful messages and the gifts to me, especially the beautiful cross! Thank you, Pastor Kathy, for your presence as my “sending” pastor. You have been a blessing to me over and over again. Words cannot describe my gratitude for you all. We are well here at Trinity in Manlius, Illinois. Cally is growing fast and keeping Steve and me on our toes. We are preparing for a busy day coming up on June 6 when I will be installed as the pastor at Trinity. I keep you in my prayers with joy and thanksgiving, and I pray that Norway Grove’s ministry continue to be a place that reflects God’s love and grace in the community. I am looking forward to Norway Grove’s 60^th anniversary celebration!

Peace!
Pastor Brenda Lovick

The following members of NGMLC helped with the 2010 Madison Area Lutheran Council (MALC) Jail Chaplaincy Quilt Auction. With your support, we were able to raise $11, 851.50 for this wonderful organization.

NGMLC Quilters and helpers were: Beth, Randy & Holly Krey; Carol and Darrell Potter, Jan Homuth, Laura McGoveran, Helen Brausen, Nancy Nelson, The High School Youth Group from Norway Grove and Christ Lutheran, Tom and Will Hewuse,  Don & Anne Staniforth.

We would also like to thank Thrivent Financial for Lutherans East and West Dane Co., and Columbia Co. Chapter’s for their financial support.

For over 39 years, MALC has sponsored a chaplaincy program at the Dane County jail. This ministry has a vital impact on the lives of  those held at the jail and with the law enforcement personnel who supervise them. Our chaplains bring the “presence” of Christ in so many vital ways - they console, comfort, and confront and are the human touch in an environment that is often without any source of the Word, Sacrament and Faith. Last year, over 12,000 inmates walked through the doors of the Dane County Jail and Chaplain’s John Mix and Julia Weaver were there.Many, many thanks for all of your help and support.

Anne Staniforth and Beth Krey, Co-Chairs of the MALC Quilt Auction Committee