Welcome to Pastor Ron & Mary Strobel, and their son Benjamin! They arrived in DeForest in late December, and Pastor Ron led us in worship on Sunday, January 1st.

Pastor Ron is looking forward to meeting and getting to know everyone at Norway Grove. Please note his walk-in office hours are:
Tuesdays - 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesdays* - 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Saturdays - 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
*On the second Wednesdays of the month, Pastor Ron will lead worship services at Walnut Grove and Parkside in DeForest, so walk-in office hours will switch to Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to noon.

These are not the only times you will find Pastor Ron at Norway Grove, but these are times when you can come in without an appointment and expect to find him here, barring emergencies of course!

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.

The purpose of a prayer group is to give members of the church the opportunity to engage in a ministry of prayer for the church, other members, specific concerns, and local and world events. Our prayer group will further the mission of being a church that listens for and serves God in prayer. The prayer group root the church in the purposes of God the Creator, prepare the church for the presence of God in Jesus Christ and opens the church to the power and work of the Holy Spirit.Our prayer group meets twice a month on Monday evenings at church to share with each other our prayer concerns. After sharing and caring for each other, we meet at the alter to pray to our Lord. We all take turns praying for whatever our concerns may be which where brought up during our sharing time. When our personal prayers are finished we pray the Lord’s Prayer together.  Come be a part of our group on the 2^nd or 4^th Monday of the month. We meet for approximately 1/2  hour and any personal  prayer concerns offered each week will be kept confidential. Our prayer group is committed to praying together, trusting that God will listen and bless those for whom we are praying for.September prayer group meeting dates are on Monday, September 12^th and Monday Sept 26^th , both nights begin at 6:30 and we gather at Norway Grove Memorial.Prayer does not change God, but changes him who prays. We invite you to come be a powerful part of prayer.

Blessings, Veronica Eicher

It was at first too bright. I could not look straight on. But then the orange wafer kissed the far horizon in communion with the chalice, Dipped, so slowly disappearing slipped into the sea.
There is so much that is happening right now in this last week before Labor Day. So much thought and planning, meeting and meaning … all filled with hope and expectation. We begin again. Sunday School for the 3 year olds through the fourth grade on Sunday morning and Kings Kids and Confirmation on Wednesday night. Plus opportunities for adult discussions on both Wednesday and Sunday!
I am on vacation … writing this from a condo on the beach in Florida. The evening is just perfect, the surf not too rough and while I know so much is happening at NGMLC, I am sitting here guilt free because the leadership has done and is doing what needs to be done. However, in just a few days the rest of us will be needed to activate the plans so carefully and thoughtfully prepared. We, too, each of us, has a part to play. We are God’s supporting cast, sometimes moving the plot along, sometimes just making the lunch, but we are each important and necessary to God.
It is easy to forget that God knows and cares for each of us. We can become so involved with the business of living, the demands placed upon us by others as well as ourselves that God’s love is rarely felt. This is particularly true as the fall schedule begins. I must admit, it could be where I am right now but it is now so clear to me that we must take time, we need the time to step away, rest and pray.  
So in that busy schedule … put it on your calendar, in your Day-book, add it to the list:  Stop, breath, look at the sky, sunrise, sunset …  This world was not begun by us and without us will go on spinning. God has assured us saying, “Be still and know that I am God!” Psalm 46. Verse 10.
While we are here, lets not miss the beauty of being alive.
God’s Love,
Pastor JoAnn

“Summertime…… and the liv’in is easy…”  Well, that’s the way the song goes. But the truth is, we just trade one schedule for another just as jam packed; different things to do but just as many. However, driving is   easier… living is easier. I love summer but I’m almost always ready for fall. Only when we have one of those non-summer summers… cool and rainy and difficult - then I just feel cheated out of summer and not ready for fall at all. That won’t be the case this year. I’m already thinking ahead. We will need Sunday school teachers. We also need kids. We will need parents and non-parents, people of all situations for teaching and learning, giving and growing.Vacations are meant to be a time away from the stress of the clock, the pressure of deadlines and commitments because, as the saying goes, “The world is too much with us.”God didn’t just run out of things to make on the seventh day of creation and so took a nap. God rested and commanded us to rest on the seventh day, the “Sabbath” and keep it holy, set  apart, separate from the ordinary schedule. I must confess: early in my life I noticed that Sunday was a day of rest for everybody who didn’t work for the Lord. As a typical teen, church was not the most exciting thing to do. Church leaders who remember how they felt growing up have tried to make worship more inviting…. more accessible…. more exciting. But there remains a subtle difference between a rock concert and the most exciting “church”.Rock concerts are friendly places (sometimes, dangerously “friendly”). Church should be friendly, too. When you walk into church is the atmosphere friendly, welcoming, relaxed but expectant?  Do you get the sense that something good is going to happen?  But it is church.. It’s not a rock concert.The fellow who taught preaching when I was in seminary told us that when we preach, Jesus walks among the pews, helping people hear what they need to hear.  Author Ann Lamont wrote that she thought people should wear crash helmets during worship because the Holy Spirit was there and anything could happen. Sounds like it isn’t the seldom visitors who cling to their old story that the roof would fall in if they came to church, but that event, figuratively speaking, is likely to happen for anybody, anytime in worship.The main difference between church and a rock concert, excluding the music, is that we are not just spectators. Worship doesn’t happen for our “entertainment”. It happens for a meeting between us and what the world is not and can never be, left to its own devices. Worship is meeting God. Yes, it is meeting God in friends, fellowship, hymns, songs, old words, new thoughts… but it is the only place we can go to hear the words of God’s forgiveness, God’s desire for us, God’s love revealed in a real human who walked this earth, died, and yet lives in bread and wine and us.So, yeah, I’m thinking ahead about September but first… we have weddings and worship and….. Who knows what will happen between now and then!Blessed Pentecost!  God’s Peace and Joy, Pastor JoAnn 

I hope you have noticed that our world did not end. The good people I know are still here. They have not  disappeared into Heaven or anywhere else. Yet, the threat caused us to take notice, didn’t it? Back in Seminary, when I was facing my final exam in Greek, I was hoping for the Second Coming. But it didn’t happen and I had to take another semester of Greek. There was no “easy way” out. But neither is our time here on earth a designed punishment or sentence we are condemned to serve until our time is up and we are taken “home”.

In an odd way, this little episode generated by an old huckster brings us all back to that big question “What’s it all about?” Why life? And what are we supposed to do with it? Is there one right way? And I was asked if I thought the world would end. Scientists have suggested that the sun will eventually burn itself out and there isn’t enough long underwear to keep us warm if, or when that happens. Within it all I hear “are ya comin’ soon? Come Lord Jesus, come soon.” I should confess, I too, look for an easier way out.

I received a letter in the mail about a conference for Spiritual Renewal. Well, goodness knows I could use a little renewing. It said that Christians were angry and they had a reason to be angry. I immediately thought of newspaper articles I’ve read recently about homeless people getting less care, medical services eliminated, and schools struggling to provide basic education to our children … Yeah, I’m … well, I’m more puzzled than angry. So maybe this conference isn’t for me. As I read further, I found that the conference wasn’t concerned at all about the things I’m puzzled about. These good folks are angry about the very people I believe God loves and welcomes. But I hope we all get spiritually renewed. Goodness knows, we need it.

We need to walk with Jesus, see others through his eyes, see this earth, these fields of tender green promise, this place with all its need as our opportunity, our place to be, to make our mark while we are here so that there will be a better place for those who come after us. Because they will have their own tasks. Here, there is always opportunity. The Second Coming isn’t the easy way out, it is the Helper coming in. Goodness knows  She’s more than Welcome – She’s Necessary.

Blessed Pentecost! God’s Peace and Joy, Pastor JoAnn

 South-Central Synod of Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

                                       God’s work. Our hands.

The annual synod assembly was held May 14-15 at the Madison Marriott West Convention Center in Middleton. Here are some fast facts:  

Theme - “Telling a Better Story”

Keynote Speaker Dr. David Lose, Assistant Professor of Homiletics at Luther Seminary and author. Lose asked the assembly if we have learned how to see God in our everyday lives and suggested that the key to seeing God is to live into the biblical story and reconsider some of our assumptions that cause us to separate our lives in and out of the church.  As one attendee shared, “Thank you for the inspiration, and for engaging my heart and imagination!” Bishop Burnside: “What If?” Bishop Burnside asked the question, “What if…?” What if we had what-ever resources are necessary to launch or expand or revitalize; to do something entirely new in Jesus’ name in this synod? What would … What could … What should . . . it be?  “What if . . .?”  What if we gathered up and then released the imaginative and abundant gifts of the Holy Spirit to be a witness and to do ministry in new ways? What might we do that we are not currently doing? What could happen that is not happening now? Share your thoughts with him via email at bruceb@scsw-elca.org.  “The Bishop’s Keynote on connecting to Jesus stirred me up!”

Total Attendance: 423

Photos of the Assembly are available at http://bit.ly/AssemblyPhotos2011Synod Assembly 2012  May 5-6, 2012  at Kalahari Resort and Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI For more information on the assembly, visit the synod website at www.scsw-elca.orgRESOLUTIONS #1- A Memorial & Resolution on Energy Stewardship - passed #2 - The Church to Speak & Act to Prevent Bullying, Harassment & Related Violence - passed #3 - Macedonian Spiritual Discipline - passed #4-Resolution of Thanksgiving for Mission Support-passed #5-Protection of Collective Bargaining - passed #6-Calling the Church to Implement the Message on Disabilities - passedSynod CouncilSynod Treasurer - Bruce Hutler Synod Council Clergy - Rev. Erik JelinekSynod Council Lay Female - Hope Seeger Synod Council Lay Male - Ryun BibroSynod Council Lay Male - Del Norland Synod Council Youth - Lily Zeich

Offering

Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church in India ELCA World Hunger $9,086.13 as of 5/16/11. Of that, $855 was online.Newborn and AIDS/Hospice Kits 2,072 were sent to Global Health Ministries so that we might be helping hands that heal.

Macedonia Project The South-Central Synod of Wisconsin received a $15,000 ELCA grant to connect God’s young adults more deeply to Christ: growing as disciples, increasing their personal generosity and their congregation’s mission support. Based on 2 Corinthians 8, we will be encouraged and equipped to be more like the Macedonian Church which exhibited faithful generosity beyond its means. Initiatives will include: Education Events, Leadership Coaching and Equipping, Telling the Story (at Dane County Farmers’ Market and other), Community Building (including social networking), Electronic Giving, Mission Funding.  All congregations in the synod are welcome to participate.

CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!We are Easter people, people of the Resurrection, meaning that we believe we are living with the God who restores, replants, renews us and all things. This Holy Spirit reminds and redirects us, making us ready to forgive others as well as ourselves, instilling in us an awareness of God’s love for us as well as the people around us. And so we set out with hope and confidence and joy because Christ is Risen…  He is Risen Indeed.This month of May is not yet warm. I want to complain but am quickly reminded that our towns have not been blown away by tornadoes; we are not under water or in danger of floods or a nuclear explosion. I will not complain about the temperature.We had a wonderful Easter Day with trumpets and songs and a clean sanctuary and beautiful flowers and a good breakfast and lots of cheerful folks, little boys in vests and ties and little girls in pretty dresses and new shoes. It was grand. And Easter is not over. We celebrate the risen Christ every time we worship together and every time we give thanks and pray for help and wait for answers. The Church celebrates Easter until the Day of Pentecost when we celebrate the empowerment of belief, faith taking actions, leaving locked rooms and fear and boldly telling the Good News that Jesus, The Christ, had risen from the dead. Death was not the end.  Life was not to be lived in fear of death but in love with life and grace and hope, trusting goodness and forgiveness, obeying God because to obey was not a burden but a comfort and consolation.And my morning paper announced in a bold headline that Osama bin Laden had been killed. As Christians we feel more sadness than any joy. The last ten years have seen too much death and fear. We have buried too many soldiers and seen too many wounded people trying to put their life back together. Some wise one said, “We are Easter people living in a Good Friday world” and we are. This world is not heaven. We are earth bound people of faith who see in Christ the connecting bridge between earth and heaven. In Christ and through Christ is the will of God, our hope for wars to cease, killing to end and a love starved world to know the Peace of God. Or just the simple security of a job that provides a sense of satisfaction that we contributed to the common good at the same time receiving the necessary paycheck to cover the cost of living as well as enough left over to share and give joy to others as well as ourselves.  Because we are blessed to live and not afraid to die.So, it is rather cool for May. But the flowers come up anyway.Christ’s Love, Peace, Joy and Enticement.

Pastor JoAnn … Interim Pastor

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

An outbreak of severe spring storms has wreaked havoc across the southern United States. ELCA Disaster Response is already at work with local Lutheran congregations and the Southeastern Synod staff to assess what is needed. Only one ELCA congregation is reported to have severe damage from a tornado. Please keep in your prayers, Pastor Sandy Niiler and the people of Christ Lutheran in Cullman, Alabama.

This is one of several severe storms this spring. Communities across the Midwest have been fighting back flood waters. A dam in southeastern Missouri was overwhelmed earlier this week, flooding more than 100 homes. In recent weeks, tornadoes were responsible for widespread damage in Missouri and the Carolinas. The ELCA stands ready to respond in all areas affected. Our congregations are experts at serving in their communities—when and where it is needed most. Our first and best response to all disasters is prayer. Please pray for all those affected by these terrible storms.

Contributions can be made to ELCA Disaster Response designated for “U.S. Severe Storms.” All designated gifts will be used entirely (100 percent) in response to these disasters. These gifts will help families whose lives and livelihoods have been disrupted by these natural disasters. Thank you for your gifts and prayers!

Sincerely,

The Rev. Daniel Rift - Director, ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal WAYS TO GIVE: Check or money orders can be sent to:ELCA Disaster Response
39330 Treasury Center
Chicago, IL 60694-9300Write “U.S. Severe Storms” on your check’s memo line.

You can also give by phone at 800-638-3522 or online at www.elca.org/springstorms

T.S. Elliot began a poem with the line, “April is the cruelest month…” Here, the last day of March when the wind is mild but the air still holding cold I hope it does not prove true.For us, April brings to solemn climax the sorrow of our sin which hung Jesus on the cross that cruel day outside Jerusalem. The next day was not better. There was no Gospel, no good news. Jesus was not here. But the next day…. oh the next day wiped all cruelty away. He who was not, Truly Is. Our Lord lives. And so, the dull remains of snow seem less permanent, they’ll go and we’ll see the tender green fill bare trees again.April is not the cruelest month. No month is. Cruelty lives when we deny our sin in eagerness to pin the blame on something else or someone else. It’s not April’s fault at all. April simply holds thirty days for us to pray and watch, repent and weep and finally to rejoice and praise and praise again as Alleluias raise.Come and See.

Please note the opportunities for worship: Wednesdays April 6 and 13, we will eat together at 6:00 p.m. Confirmation and Kings Kids classes meet during that hour. Then at 7 p.m., it’s upstairs for worship and singing “The Holden Evening Prayer” service.Palm Sunday, April 17, celebrates Jesus’ entrance to Jerusalem. And so begins the most solemn expression of our faith. There is no worship on Wednesday of Holy Week, but on Thursday, April 21, at 7:00 p.m. we remember Christ gave us a new commandment that we love one another as he loved us. The next day is the worst day of all, yet we call it “Good”. Because it was for our good … because Jesus’ death was for our good. We have an extraordinary God who, rather than punishing us, allows our own actions to be punishment enough. This God remains faithful in love of us.  Easter Sunday, April 24, is proof of God’s love.Come and See.

God’s Love,

Pastor JoAnn … Interim Pastor