Dear Friends at Norway Grove, Fellow Grape Stompers and Servants in the Kingdom:

It was the best party ever. A huge thank you to Laura and Jill and Elaine. They are the best church staff I have ever worked with. There is always one or two on staff that are good, but to have every person on staff be so gifted, pleasant and helpful, and happy to work together is a wonderful experience.

A huge thank you also to Don and Donna Stoltenberg for inviting us to the Landmark. Thank you, Donna, the Bar-B-Que was delicious, as were the brats, hot dogs and salad. And Don, your hospitality is a gift.

Thank all of you who had time to spare and took the time to come and enjoy the party. Leaving is not always this much fun. You have given me a heart full of happy memories.

Thank You and God Bless.

Twice Interim Pastor… ( I hope that doesn’t make me a two-timer).

Rev. JoAnn Fabie

What can be said that wasn’t
said by angels singing over heads of
shepherds – dumb – awed – stunned.

What can be given that wasn’t
given by wisdom beyond reason
and seen as King of Earth and Heaven.

Each day the Angles sing.
Gifts of Love keep giving
Enter now. Share the Joy
Revel in God’s Glory.

While most of the world is celebrating Christmas already, here at NGMLC we are moving
through the season of Advent, the four weeks of preparation and anticipation before Christ’s birth. We are excited to bring HOPE, JOY, PEACE and LOVE to you through music throughout the season.

Dec. 11 – 9:30 am worship service - Enjoy the music of three youth pianists, a vocal soloist, and our Chancel Choir.

Dec. 17 – Sunday School Christmas Program rehearsal (time TBA)

Dec. 18 – 9:30 am worship service - The annual Sunday School Christmas Program will be held during service. This year’s program is titled “The Perfect Gift” and will serve as a good reminder to all of us that Jesus is the reason for the season! The Kids Tone Chimers will also perform two songs that morning.

Dec. 24 – 4:00 and 7:00 worship services – Norway Grove’s music groups will be presenting a variety of music during our Christmas Eve services. The Tone Chimes, Kids Tone Chimes and featured vocalists will be participating in the 4:00 service, and the Chancel Choir and featured vocalists will be participating in the 7:00 lessons and carols service.

Students of all ages are invited to sign up to play preludes and offertories throughout December. I am sure several of you are hard at work on Christmas pieces and we would love to hear your music! You can catch me at church to discuss performance opportunities!

Jill Buchheim

NGMLC’S first-ever “Praise with Pints Hymn Sing” event was held at the Landmark on Sunday, November 27, from 4-7 pm. Nearly 60 people were in attendance for a fun evening of favorite hymns, crowd participation skits, and a joy-filled send-off for Pastor JoAnn. Many thanks to Don Stoltenberg for hosting the event and preparing brats, bbq sandwiches, potato salad and chips; to Laura McGoveran for all of her help behind the scenes; and to all who came and participated in the event!

Jill Buchheim
Organizer

Five Grief Support Opportunities - In January, Agrace HospiceCare will offer three new grief support group series, a recurring support group and provide an introductory session for those grieving the death of a loved one. All of the sessions are open to the public and are provided without charge. All groups require pre-registration and are held at the Don & Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, in Madison unless otherwise noted.

Journey Through Grief – Sun Prairie will be held January 10 – February 21 (Tuesdays), from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at St. Albert The Great Catholic Church, 2420 St. Albert Dr, Sun Prairie. Call Jim Haefs-Flemming to register at (608) 327-7146.

Journey Through Grief will also be held January 24 – March 6 (Tuesdays), from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Family Center, 8025 Excelsior Drive, #110, in Madison. Call Beth Porcaro to register at (608) 327-7416.

Kids Support Group will be held January 23 – February 20, (Mondays), from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Call Jessie Shiveler to register at (608) 327-7135.

Bridges Weekly Support Group is held every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pre-registration not required.

Introduction to Grief is an informative session for adults that offers suggestions on how to navigate the grieving process and provides information about Agrace HospiceCare grief support groups. This session is available by appointment only. Call Mary Severson at (608) 327-7182 to make an appointment.

EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR in JANUARY - A free educational seminar on words that can comfort those in the workplace suffering a loss will be presented by Agrace HospiceCare in January. The session will be held at the Don & Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, in Madison, on Tuesday, January 10, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. “Grief in the Workplace: Help for Employees, Supervisors and Managers” is a presentation that offers insight on what workplaces can do to assist employees who are grieving. Participants will learn practical suggestions and recommended procedures for dealing with grief in the workplace. Pre-registration is requested; please call Laura Jennings, Agrace HospiceCare public affairs, at (608) 327-7192.

FAMILY CAREGIVER EDUCATION SERIES
Monday, December 5, 5:30 - 7 pm
Hawthorne Library, 2707 East Washington Ave., in Madison. Join us to learn about topics of interest to families and friends of those with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia on the first Monday of each month. The topic will be “Improv(ising) your way through the maze of care giving” with special guest, Carmela Mulroe. Dementia is such a tricky thing. We all want to find the solution to ‘fix’ it. We want to say the ‘right’ thing, provide the ‘right’ activity or do the ‘right’ interaction that puts everyone at ease. Yet, it is a moment to moment adventure that cannot be adequately taken when we as caregivers are thinking ahead to our next task. Please join us as we have fun and discover the inner resources available to us as caregivers.
No registration necessary - just drop in. Questions: 608.232.3400

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE:
The facts, the future and how you can help move research forward Thursday, December 8 - 6:30 to 8 pm at Oak Park Place, Grandview Hall, 718 Jupiter Dr., in Madison. Dr. Cindy Carlsson from the WI Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Paul Rusk from the Alzheimer’s Alliance will discuss the latest treatment and prevention methods, the importance of a healthy lifestyle and local services available to help. They will also focus on how to participate in Alzheimer’s research studies seeking adult children of parents with Alzheimer’s disease. Space is limited; light refreshments served. RSVP at 608.232.3400. This seminar is presented in partnership by the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Oak Park Place Madison.