Your First Coffee
All are welcome to join us each Wednesday morning from 9 to 11 a.m. in the fellowship hall at First Lutheran.
Journeying Through Grief Together: We’d like to offer a time for sharing, encouraging, providing assurance and hope for all who may be grieving. We will be using Stephen Ministries “A Time to Grieve” book to facilitate our walk together. All are invited to join this group (men and women), as we meet the first Monday of each month beginning November 3 at 1 p.m. at First Lutheran. (Alternating churches).
LAST CALL…The East Norway Lake 150th memorabilia will be on sale on Sunday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Nov. 23 in the church entryway. If you would like to get some good bargains OR would like to order Christmas gifts, you must place your order by Sunday, Nov. 23. This is the last time the memorabilia will be available for purchase. Orders will arrive before Christmas. Thank you for your support of the 150th Anniversary, it is greatly appreciated!
STEWARDSHIP DEDICATION SUNDAY is Sunday, Nov. 16. A few weeks ago, we had the lesson in our Gospel where Jesus heals 10 people suffering from a skin disease. Only one of the ten turned back to give thanks. (Luke 17:11-19) I shared that day a quote from our Theological Conference Speaker, Dr. Mark Allen Powell. In case you missed it, he said, “The second happiest people are ones who are grateful.” Of course, that makes a person wonder who are the first happiest people? To that he said, “People who are generous are the happiest ones” We do have much for which to give thanks, and blessings of time, talent, and treasures in which we can be generous. Our Annual Stewardship Sunday is Nov. 16. This is a time in which we remember all we have comes from God and we celebrate the many opportunities we have to share our gifts in mission and ministry.
CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY IS NOV. 23...On Sunday, November 23, we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of the church year. “Priest forever and king of all creation” is how the Prayer of the Day describes the Son of God. The one who came to live among humankind, rules as king of all creation.
COME AND WORSHIP ON THANKSGIVING EVE! Thanksgiving Eve worship will be held on Wednesday, November 26 at 7 p.m. at East Norway Lake. Come for a meal served by our youth starting at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome!
“Pray without Ceasing” initiative from the ELCA, which encourages congregations to come together in community prayer, will continue with two services monthly in alternating church buildings and times. In November we invite you to join us on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7:45 p.m. at First and again on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. at East. During the service there will also be a time to share your personal prayers, if you wish. All are welcome to come and gather as we pray for our world, nation, communities, and lift each other up in prayer. Invite a friend or two!
Strength and Balance Training for (not just) seniors looking to improve their balance and strength are invited to join on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran. We look forward to helping you take the next step towards a healthier, stronger you!
THE BARN THEATRE presents “Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer” The Norway Lake Parish is planning to attend a matinée showing in December. The date will be determined and a signup will be available at each church. Stay tuned!
ADVENT AT THE OLD LOG CHURCH
Join us for an Old Fashioned Norwegian Advent Service at the Old Log Church, Sunday, Nov. 30 at
2 p.m. The service will include carols in English and Norwegian and a short homily.
There will also be singing and dancing around the Christmas tree!
Enjoy fellowship following the service with Norwegian treats, coffee and hot cider with a treat bag to go.
Dress warm as the church is not heated.
THE SEASON OF ADVENT BEGINS
Sunday, November 30. Advent is not Christmas. It is the season of preparation prior to the Christmas season. It is the time when we prepare our hearts for Christ’s birth...and it includes aspects of past history, of the present, and of the future. We remember Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem long ago...we invite Jesus into our hearts anew each day...and we prepare for his return in glory in the future. Please worship with us during the season of Advent as we prepare for the coming of the Christ-child at Christmas!
LOOKING AHEAD TO ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS...
Please plan ahead and mark your calendars for the Advent and Christmas events in our Parish.
Nov. 30 Advent 1 “Hope” with Holy Communion
8:45 a.m. at First; 11a.m. at East
Dec. 7 Advent 2 “Peace” with Holy Communion
8:45 a.m. at East; 11a.m. at First
Dec. 14 Advent 3 “Joy”
Children’s Christmas Program
Joint Worship at 9:30 a.m. at East
Dec. 21 Advent 4 “Love” with Holy Communion
8:45 a.m. at East; 11 a.m. at First
Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Worship with Holy
Communion / Candle Light Service
4:30 p.m. at First; 8:30 p.m. at East
Dec. 25 Christmas Day Joint Worship with Holy Communion
Joint Worship at 9:30 a.m. at First
Jan. 1 Christmas 1 Service of Carols with Holy Communion
Joint Worship at 9:30 a.m. at East
FRIENDLY REMINDER: The Norway lake Parish continues to collect Teals receipts for their 1% return program for Non-profit organizations. Baskets are located in the narthex at each church.
ATTENTION: Katie will be updating the parish telephone directory – copies of the directory are in the fellowship hall at both buildings. Please carefully look over your address, phone numbers and emails. If you would like any information added, please do so! We would appreciate cell phone numbers and emails as we update the directory. Thank you!
LENTEN SCHEDULE FOR 2026
The Joint Councils have approved the continuation of the following Lenten schedule: supper will be served each Wednesday during Lent beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by worship at 7 p.m. The Joint Councils are seeking groups or organizations who would like to plan, prepare, and serve one of the five meals. If you are interested, please call the parish office.
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR...
The deadlines for the 2025 Annual Reports are set: All written Committee reports are due Thursday, Jan. 2. All Financial Reports are due Thursday, Jan. 9. Thank you! Annual Meetings are as follows: FL Annual Meeting will be Sunday, January 19, following the 11 a.m. worship service. Please join us for a meal served by the Parish youth prior to the meeting. ENL Annual Meeting will be Sunday, January 26, following the 11 a.m. worship service. Please join us for a meal served by the Parish youth prior to the meeting.
