Norway Lake Parish

09/11/2026

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we remember the lives lost and hold all who mourn in prayer.

In the days following 9/11, our global Lutheran partners shared words of prayer and solidarity:

"We join you in the spiritual battle and prayer for forgiveness and love knowing that the battle is not ours but God's, and that the truth and God's victory will always prevail." —LWF Regional Office for Africa (Kenya)

"May there be ways to comfort the mourners as well as the survivors, and may the church be part of that work. May all the deceased rest in peace." —Church of Sweden

"Your pain is our pain. We were shocked to watch this unprecedented act of violence and terrorism. We therefore share your sadness and sorrow for the loss of so many innocent lives." —Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan

"May God help us resist the forces of evil and spread peace in the world." —Protestant Church of the Augsburg Confession of Alsace and Lorraine

08/18/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CyLRFZdg2/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Around 100 people gathered to celebrate the 27th anniversary of the construction of the Old Log Church. The event brought people together like the original church did when it was built.

08/16/2026

07/24/2026

🚀✨ **Galaxy VBS – Day 4: Mission Complete... or Is It?** ✨🚀

What an incredible way to wrap up an amazing week at Galaxy VBS! Our hearts are full as we celebrate everything God has done through our Space Explorers.

💙 **Bible Point:**
**"God loves us, so...serve one another!"**

Today we learned how Jesus, the King of Kings, humbly washed His disciples' feet, showing us that true greatness is found in serving others with love. Just as Jesus served, we are called to serve those around us.

One of the most meaningful parts of our final day was creating **prayer journals** to donate along with the beautiful **pillowcases** the kids decorated yesterday. We pray these gifts will bring comfort, encouragement, and remind each person who receives them that they are deeply loved by God. ❤️

This evening, our Space Explorers did a fantastic job during our **VBS Program**, sharing the songs they learned and celebrating everything God taught them throughout the week. Thank you to all the parents, grandparents, family members, and friends who came to cheer them on—we loved celebrating with you!

To end our mission together:
🎁 Each child received special gifts to remind them of the wonderful week we've shared.
🍪 Everyone enjoyed delicious **Galaxy Bakery cookies**. They were almost too cute to eat!

As we look back on this week, we remember these incredible truths:
❤️ **God loves us, so...love each other!**
🌎 **The God who created the universe created me and loves me!**
✝️ **Jesus is alive!**
🤝 **God loves us, so...serve one another!**

While VBS has come to an end, **our mission continues!** We pray each child leaves knowing they are loved by God and equipped to share that love wherever they go.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing volunteers, families, and everyone who made this week possible. Your time, energy, creativity, and servant hearts made Galaxy VBS a truly unforgettable experience.

Until next time... 🚀

**Mission Continues!** 💙

07/24/2026

Our very own, Nancy Schuh Sawatzky, generously made these adorable space-themed 🚀🪐 kits for our kids to take home! Nancy, the kids loved them! Thank you for sharing your talents with us! 🤗 ♥️

07/23/2026

🚀✨ **Galaxy VBS – Day 3: Our Greatest Mission Yet!** ✨🚀

Today our Space Explorers learned the most incredible news in the universe!

💙 **Bible Point:**
**"Jesus is alive!"**

We discovered the amazing story of Jesus' death and resurrection. Even when it seemed like hope was lost, God had a perfect plan. Jesus conquered sin and death, rose from the grave, and is alive today! Because Jesus lives, we can have hope, joy, and the promise that He is always with us.

What an action-packed day we had!

🍦 We enjoyed delicious **Galaxy Ice Cream**, complete with colorful toppings that reminded us of God's amazing creation.

🎵 We filled Mission Control with joyful **singing and dancing** as we celebrated the good news that **Jesus is alive!**

🏃‍♀️ We played exciting **tag games** that kept everyone moving, laughing, and having fun together.

🚀 Our Space Explorers launched **foam rockets**, reminding us that Jesus sends us out to share His love and hope with the world.

❤️ One of the most special parts of our day was decorating **pillowcases** that will be donated to people in need. Each pillowcase was decorated with love, encouragement, and care to remind someone that they are seen, valued, and loved by God.

We're so proud of our Space Explorers as they continue learning that God's love isn't just something we receive—it's something we get to share with others!

🚀 **Jesus is alive!** That's the greatest mission message of all!

07/22/2026

Please share and invite your friends and neighbors!

07/22/2026

🚀✨ **Galaxy VBS – Day 2: Mission Creation!** 🌎🌟

What an incredible second day of Galaxy VBS! Our Space Explorers discovered that the same God who created the entire universe also created each one of us—and He loves us!

💙 **Bible Point:**
“The God who created the universe created me and loves me.”

Today we traveled all the way back to the beginning as we learned the amazing story of **Creation** from Genesis 1. We discovered that God spoke, and the world came into being! He created the light, the sky, the land, the plants, the sun, moon, and stars, the animals, and finally...people! Everything God made was good, and people were created in His image.

🤖 Our robot friend **Gizmo** returned with another mission, helping us discover that while people can build and create amazing things, only God could create the entire universe—and that same Creator knows and loves each one of us!

Our Space Explorers had an out-of-this-world day:
🌌 Mixed colorful **Galaxy Slime** filled with shimmering stars to remind us of God's amazing creation.
🎨 Created beautiful **foil art** inspired by the beauty of the night sky.
🚀 Played exciting space-themed games and missions.
🎵 Sang energetic worship songs that filled Mission Control with praise.
🍎 Enjoyed fun **space-themed snacks** that were almost too cute to eat!

As you look up at the night sky this week, remember this wonderful truth: **The God who created the universe created you on purpose, knows your name, and loves you more than you can imagine.** ❤️

🚀 We can't wait to continue our mission tomorrow!