During my mother’s recent visit from Iowa we were discussing her newfound interest in family genealogy. She has spent hundreds of hours learning about our ancestors, visiting cemeteries and library archives, and putting together timelines and histories of our family. I believe her love of genealogy has to do with connections – how we understand ourselves, our past; how we form unions with others, and create families and histories of our own. And working on genealogy is much like solving a mystery; assembling scattered and fragmentary clues until you have a picture of a person, a place, and a time. She thrives at this sort of challenge!Through our discussions I also learned she was instrumental in putting together a history record for the 100^th celebration of our hometown church’s building in 2008. She found herself feeling more connected to her beloved Presbyterian church once she really dug into it’s rich history.  She loved tracking down names of the past and reading through colorful stories that had been collected over the years. But there’s one discovery that came out of our little church’s history that she was most excited to share with me….

Henry John Sammis (1846-1919) was businessman and YMCA worker in Logansport, IN.  Sammis attended McCormick and Lane Theological Seminaries, and was ordained a Presbyterian minister in 1880. He served as minister at First Presbyterian Church of Glidden, Iowa, from 1879-1881 (our home church); then went on to lead congregations in Indianapolis, IN; Grandhaven, MI, Red Wing, MN; and Sullivan, IN. For the remainder of his career, he taught at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles. He was a friend of Daniel B. Towner (1850-1919), who was music director for several well-known churches and schools, including the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. He published several music books and wrote the music for many well-loved hymns, including At Calvary and Only A Sinner Saved By Grace. In 1887, just following an evangelistic meeting held by Dwight L. Moody, a young man stood to share his story in an after-service testimony meeting. As he was speaking, it became clear to many that he knew little about the Bible or acceptable Christian doctrine. His closing lines, however, spoke volumes to seasoned and new believers alike:  “I’m not quite sure. But I’m going to trust, and I’m going to obey.” Daniel Towner was so struck by the power of those simple words that he quickly jotted them down and then delivered them to Rev. Sammis, who developed the lyrics to Trust and Obey. Towner composed the music and the song quickly became a favorite. It remains popular with hymn singers today.

Refrain:  Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey.  (Refrain)

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey.  (Refrain)
 
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, But is blessed if we trust and obey.  (Refrain)
 
But we never can prove the delights of His love, Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, Are for them who will trust and obey.  (Refrain)

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey. (Refrain)
                                                                                                                            (taken from the source www.faithclipart.com)

The congregation of Norway Grove Memorial Lutheran Church will be celebrating our 60^th anniversary on Sunday, September 26^th.  In preparation for that proud day for our church, those attending summer services will hear stories of the church’s rich history that also connect us to our past as well as the hope for an exciting future. It will be a great opportunity to hear about the people and events that have shaped this church into who we are today. We look forward to exploring those connections with you throughout the summer!

Jill Buchheim, Music Director

· We discussed the financing and attendance of the Habitat for Humanity Trip.

· Finances: Last year by this time, we had borrowed additional funds from our line-of-credit. This year we have not, mainly (as many of you know) because there are no additional funds to borrow from. Council continues to be cautiously optimistic but also uncomfortable going into summer when giving usually decreases. So if you have the means and the heart, please consider keeping your giving consistent (or maybe increasing) this summer.

· Number of services per Sunday: There are positive aspects to having either one or two services. Ultimately, Council recommended going temporarily to one service per Sunday and giving the Worship and Music Committee authority to hold multiple services when capacity may become an issue (Confirmation, the Christmas play, etc.). This recommendation, if approved at the upcoming Congregational meeting, would stay in effect till the 2011 Annual Meeting in January (at the latest). At the Annual meeting if desired we could have another Congregational vote on the number of services. If not desired we would revert back to two services as soon as possible.

We also discussed actions of the committees.During the month of June, your Council members will continue to work on revitalizing committees, complete all performance reviews and prepare for the upcoming Congregational meeting on June 13^th.

Respectively submitted by: Jim Simpson

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

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

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

At 12:00 p.m. on September 26^th, the Harvest festival begins. Again, we are looking for your contribution of home canned goods for the harvest booth, and baskets and items for the silent auction. Art work was a big hit last time, so bring on in those quality paintings and prints that you don’t currently have a place for in your home.

The grape harvest was fine this past fall, and the wine of 2009 is going to be another good year, so come and bid early and often for this rare opportunity to have Norway Grove vineyard wine in your home.

Adventure trips went over so well last year that we are encouraging you to think of an adventure trip that you would like to auction off this year. Hunting, fishing, kayaking, canoeing….whatever kind of trip you would like to take someone else on, (maybe you have a cottage that you would like to auction off for a week end????) Its all for a good cause, (the Ministry of Norway Grove), so thanks in advance for your generosity.   Contact Rick Johnson, Kris Smith for the Silent Auction, or pastor Kathy with any questions you may have.