About Us…

About Us…

Rooted in history, growing in faith, welcoming all.

Norway Grove Memorial Lutheran Church is a place where history and community come together. Our story began with Norwegian immigrants who established a church in the farmlands just north of Madison, WI. (Click here to learn more about our history.)

Norway Grove Memorial Lutheran Sanctuary

Today, you can still see our Norwegian heritage reflected in the Scandinavian details of our sanctuary and in members who are descendants of our founders. But we are more than our past—we are a church that welcomes all who are seeking a faith community.

At Norway Grove, worship is casual, meaningful, and rooted in God’s love. You’ll find a warm, inviting atmosphere and many ways to grow, serve, and connect—whether it’s helping form faith in our children, reaching out to our neighbors, serving on church council or a ministry committee, joining the book club, or sharing your leadership or musical gifts in worship.

We believe faith is best lived in community, and we invite you to experience our welcoming, down-to-earth approach to following Christ together.

Who We Are

Rooted in history, growing in faith, welcoming all. Norway Grove Memorial Lutheran Church is a place where history and community come together. Our story began with Norwegian immigrants who established a church in the farmlands just north of Madison, WI. (Click here to learn more about our history.) Today, you can still see our Norwegian heritage reflected in the Scandinavian details of our sanctuary and in members who are descendants of our founders. But we are more than our past—we…

What We Believe

We Are Lutheran! Rooted in the teachings of Martin Luther, we believe God’s love and forgiveness are pure gift—nothing we can earn, only receive by faith. Through Jesus Christ, we are fully forgiven, deeply loved, and called to live with gratitude. Norway Grove Memorial is a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). Being an ELCA Lutheran means believing that God loves and forgives everyone through Jesus and trying to live that love in everyday life by worshiping,…

Contact/Office Hours

Norway Grove Memorial Lutheran Church 820 River Road, DeForest, WI 53532[View Map]608-846-9711 Office Open (Office Manager Available): Monday – Thursday, 9:00am – 3:00pmSunday, 7:00am – 11:00am CONTACT INFORMATION:

Staff and Church Council

Called to Serve, Committed to Community At Norway Grove, our Church Council and staff work together to guide the mission and ministry of our congregation. The council, made up of dedicated members elected by the congregation, provides leadership, prayerful direction, and oversight of church life. Alongside them, our staff serves faithfully to carry out the daily ministries that keep our church thriving. Together, council and staff partner with the congregation to nurture faith, strengthen community, and share God’s love in…

Committees

Find your place. Share your gifts. Join the mission. Norway Grove has several committees that help guide and manage the life of the church. We invite you to consider sharing your time and talents by volunteering with one of these important groups. Growth Committee Norway Grove’s Growth Committee works to expand and strengthen the congregation by welcoming newcomers, encouraging active participation, and fostering deeper connections within the church community. The committee develops outreach efforts, supports visitor follow-up, and creates opportunities…

The History of Norway Grove Memorial Lutheran Church

A Heritage of Faith Norway Grove Memorial Lutheran Church was founded on a rich history of faith and resilience, beginning with the first Norwegian settlers in the DeForest area. The first Norwegians came to the Townships of Windsor and Vienna in 1844. During the next three years, many settlers came here from Sogn, Norway, to the community lying in the northwestern part of the Town of Windsor and the adjoining portion of the Town of Vienna. This region became known…

A History of the Pastors Serving Norway Grove

A Legacy of Faithful Leadership Over the past 178 years, Norway Grove Memorial Lutheran Church has been blessed with the leadership of 33 pastors. Each brought unique gifts and a faithful spirit, part of our congregation’s story through the generations. We give thanks for their dedication and the ways they have guided us in faith. Pastor Dietrichson Shortly after New Years of 1847, the Norwegian settlers from Norway Grove, Spring Prairie, and Bonnet Prairie invited J. W. C. Dietrichson, pastor…