Outreach Ministries

Hands that Build, Hearts that Care Since its first trip in 1998, Norway Grove Memorial Lutheran Church has sent an intergenerational Habitat for Humanity team to Marquette, Michigan every summer—including a trip this past July 2025. Over 27 years, more than 300 youth and adults have served on the NGMLC Habitat Team, supported by over 500 congregation and community members. Together, they’ve raised more than $30,000 and helped build over 70 homes for families in the Marquette area. Next Habitat…

Blessings in a Backpack – Nourishing Children, Strengthening Community The Blessings in a Backpack program is tackling childhood hunger by providing students with backpacks of nutritious food to take home on weekends. Part of a national 504(c)(3) initiative, the program serves school-age children in the Free/Reduced Lunch Program, ensuring they have essential sustenance during weekends and school breaks. Launched in the 2013–2014 school year by local residents, the program has grown significantly. In 2023–2024 alone, 6,707 bags of food were…

Norski Nibbles – Bringing Summer Meals to Local Kids Summer is a time for fun and play—but for some children, access to a healthy meal isn’t guaranteed. That’s where Norski Nibbles steps in. This community-driven program provides sack lunches at DeForest Fireman’s Park, Western Green Park, and Lake Windsor Park, helping ensure kids stay nourished while enjoying their summer break. Norway Grove volunteers play a key role, distributing lunches two weeks each summer. Packed in coolers and delivered to the…

Sharing God’s Love Through Food Each week, our congregation helps support our community by contributing to the local food pantry. These donations make a meaningful difference for families in need, and we are grateful for the generosity of all who give. Donations can be brought to the church and dropped off in the Food Pantry Box at back of church.

Extending Christmas Beyond our Walls Each Christmas season, our Giving Tree Ministry brings joy to elderly residents in assisted living and nursing homes. The tree is decorated with paper ornaments, each bearing the name of a resident and a suggested gift. Members of the congregation are invited to choose an ornament, purchase a gift, and return it wrapped to share the spirit of Christmas with someone who may otherwise feel forgotten during the holidays. Through this simple yet powerful tradition,…