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Diana Butler Bass’s new book, Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening, highlights the reality that the institutional church is no longer relevant for many of our neighbors and friends. Many people in the United States, faithful churchgoers for decades, are
dropping out because Christianity is dull, the arena of folks who never want to change or always want to fight amongst themselves. On Sundays, other things are more interesting- sports, shopping, Facebook, family time, working in the garden, biking, hiking, sipping lattes at the local Panera Bread. Or just working. With difficult economic times, lots of people work on Sunday mornings.

Butler Bass points out that in previous generations, scholars referred to 11:00 a.m. on Sunday morning as the most segregated hour in America, meaning that European-American people went to one church, and African-American people to another. Now, the line of segregation is between those who go to church and those who do not. And judging by the lack of automobile traffic on Sunday mornings it is not hard to figure out which group is growing.

There is hope. There is always hope. The church has grown and contracted numerous times during its 2000 year old history. Endings are often beginnings. Decline is the gateway to renewal. Worshipping at times other than Sunday mornings is an ancient practice. Gathering in each other’s homes can strengthen our faith community. We are called to move with the Spirit instead of against it. Scripture encourages us to participate in cultivating a faith community that is rooted, authentic, and dynamic. Instead of waiting around, we can display renewal in our personal lives, at Norway Grove, and in the greater DeForest community. We are empowered by the gift of the Holy Spirit to be a community of faith that celebrates a diversity of viewpoints; a community that is firmly rooted in our neighborhood; a community that is intentionally seeking renewal as a means to facilitate a relevant and life-giving message.

Pastor Ron

Did you know that the first known trumpets date back to 15,000 BC? Trumpets made of silver and brass were discovered in Egypt in the tomb of King Tut.

In Numbers 10:1-10, God instructs Moses on the fashioning of trumpets and tells him how and when they are to be used. These ancient trumpets were probably what we would refer to today as herald trumpets. They were used as signals or as fanfare rather than playing tunes, as the modern trumpets do. I’m sure Ron and Jill are glad we don’t follow biblical dictates regarding use of trumpets: over burnt offerings, fellowship sacrifices, all joyous occasions and festivals, at the beginning of each month, to call citizens to assembly, and as signals in battles.

The Bible also mentions a number of musical instruments, especially in the Psalms, where lyres, harps, tambourines, trumpets, and psalteries are mentioned often. In fact, the first mention of musical instruments is found only 4 chapters into Genesis where, in verse 21, it refers to Jubal as the father of the lyre and flute, or, depending on the translation, stringed and pipe instruments.

The book of Daniel, Chapter 3, also lists instruments to be used, and instructs that, when they are heard, all must bow down and worship the golden statue created by King Nebuchadnezzar. Failure to bow down is what got Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego thrown into the fiery furnace.

We at Norway Grove are very lucky to have so many gifted musicians, both young and old. Thanks to all you instrumentalists and vocalists for your service to our Lord through your gifts. I hope all of you continue to use your talents to praise God in song.

Elaine Jaeke, Choir and Tone Chimes Director

Sacraments = “The Christian Rites ordained by Christ which impart the means of divine grace. The Lutheran Church has two, the Catholic Church has seven. Each church thinks it’s right, and we will find out some day.” ~ Luther’s Small Dictionary: This is Most Certainly True ~ Janet Martin and Suzann Nelson

According to Martin Luther’s definition, a sacrament is that which is:
*Commanded by Christ;
*A promise of grace, and;
*Accompanied by an earthly element.

By this definition, only two commands by Christ fit this description: baptism and communion. In both cases the word of promise that is delivered is the forgiveness of sins. Sacraments are, in essence, a continued proclamation of God’s grace and love to the sinner. Whenever one is baptized into Christ, the proclamation of being a member of God’s family and the forgiveness of sins are declared not only to the recipient, but to the hearers who are present as well. The ritual “act” of baptism physically delivers this promise and is not simply plain water. Instead it is water used according to God’s command and connected with God’s word. Likewise, when communion is distributed, the forgiveness of sins is both proclaimed (1 Corinthians 11:26) and physically delivered to the recipient. It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ himself for us Christians to eat and to drink.

Why is simply preaching the word not sufficient? Why are sacraments needed? Well, it’s not for God’s sake - but for humans. Human beings need “things” that are tangible and real to hold onto. The sacramental elements of wine, bread and water give people these real and tangible ways in which they can grasp hold of the promises of God.