Faith Building Block: Grade 2—What's Fair
Our 2nd graders learn about God’s love and “What’s Fair” in this Faith Building Block.
Wednesday Evening Worship
In-person worship on Wednesdays at 6:15pm, and also live streamed.
Peer Ministry
Peer Ministry is a great way for our 10th graders to learn about how to deal with any situation.
Wed. Night Study Group
Join Pastor Stanton and Pastor Karyn as they kick-off the Wednesday Night Stutesmandy Group with a look at Luther’s Small Catechism.
Parents' Night Out
An evening of fun for elementary kids and younger, and a relaxing night for the parent(s)!
Baptismal Preparation
Contact the office to schedule: 608.783.2236 / office@firstlu.org
Faith Building Block: Grade 4—Apostles' Creed
Our 4th graders learn about the Apostles’ Creed in this Faith Building Block.
First Sunday High School Gathering
Small group for youth in high school. Parents/guardians help provide meals.
Sunshine Team
Meeting 1st Thur of every month at 9:30am, to help with odd jobs around First
High School Retreat @ Sugar Creek
Experience how to connect with the living God at Sugar Creek!
First’s Annual Tailgate
All members are invited to First’s Annual Meeting to look ahead at First’s ministries for the coming year.
Grief Support Group
Join with others who have experienced loss, and receive support from one another. Every third Thursday.
Faith Building Block: Kindergarten—Lord's Prayer
Our students in Kindergarten learn the Lord’s Prayer in this Faith Building Block.
Ash Wednesday Worship
Join us for worship on Ash Wednesday, both in-person and at 1stlu.org/live.
Confirmation Retreat @ Sugar Creek
Experience how to connect with the living God at Sugar Creek!
Holden Evening Prayer
Join us for this special worship service throughout Lent, Wednesdays at 6:15pm
Elementary Retreat @ Sugar Creek
Experience how to connect with the living God at Sugar Creek!
Faith Building Block: Grade 5—Communion
Our 5th graders learn about and prepare for the sacrament of communion in this Faith Building Block.
Mabel Anderson Scholarship Deadline
College scholarship for high school graduates who are members of First.
Palm Sunday Breakfast Fundraiser
Between services enjoy a Palm Sun breakfast, a fundraiser for youth participating in summer ministries.
Faith Building Block: 4K—The Keys
Our students in 4K learn about “the keys” of confession & forgiveness in this Faith Building Block.
New-Member Social
People who would like to become members of First are invited to this informal gathering, where you will get to know more about First and the staff in a relaxed atmosphere. Click here to reg & learn more.
Confirmation Celebration
A time of fellowship for confirmation students, parents/guardians & small group guides.
Peer Ministry Commissioning
Celebrating the youth who worked to become better ministers to their peers.
Foundation Grant Deadline
The application window for the First Lutheran Foundation grant opens Jan 1 each year, and closes on June 1.
Confirmation Camp @ Sugar Creek
Confirmation Camp, for youth entering grade 8 in the fall.
High School Mission Trip @ North Carolina
Serving in western North Carolina, from July 25–Aug 3, for youth currently in grades 9–12
Middle School Mission Trip @ St. Louis
Serving in St. Louis, from July 27–Aug 1, for youth currently in grades 6–8
Parent Share on Sunday Mornings
Join Carla Stanton, certified spiritual director and mom of three, in room 201 every Sunday, 9:15-10:15am while the kids are at Sunday School.
HS Sugar Creek Winter Fun Day!
High school youth are invited to the Winter Fun Day @ Sugar Creek!
Faith Alive! U: Weekend Workshops
Join others for an afternoon of exploring & learning about your faith.
Virtual Christmas Pageant Rerun
In the spirit of Christmas reruns, rewatch our favorite retelling of the Christmas story… our virtual Christmas pageant: Do Not Be Afraid!
Blue Christmas
Join us for a worship service including music, prayers, candlelight, & reflection on what God is up to amidst our blue feelings around Christmas.
Sunday School Christmas Worship
It is a wonderful time of year and a great way for our kids to spread their Christmas joy!
OWLs Christmas Potluck
The social event of the season is the World-Famous OWLs Christmas Party!
Christmas Caroling
Hop on a bus and take a ride around Onalaska to visit and carol to those who need extra Christmas cheer!
Christmas Cookie Decorating
Decorating Christmas cookies together, in the Fellowship Hall.
Road to Bethlehem @ Sugar Creek
Journey through the Advent story by visiting this live nativity at Sugar Creek.
Middle School Movie Night
WHERE: Fireside Room
Open to all middle school youth
Led by Madalyn Olson-Loomis
Middle Schoolers are invited for a movie and popcorn night in the Fireside room! You are welcome to bring pillows and blankets to get comfier if you would like!
Please email the middle school event coordinator, Madalyn, (madalyn@firstlu.org) for any questions and to RSVP for this event!
Questions? Contact…
High School Mission Trip Info Meeting
Learn more about the 2025 High School mission trip to NC.
Onalaska Community Thanksgiving Dinner @ The Armory
Enjoy a meal, and/or help serve, 11am–2pm on Thanksgiving Day, at the Armory. Go to www.octd.org to volunteer!
Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Worship @ First
Join us for an ecumenical worship service at First, Thanksgiving Eve at 6:30pm.
Choir Practice for Thanksgiving Eve @ First
Be a part of this special group choir with Onalaska United Methodist.
Connecting with the Gospel of Luke
Connect with the Gospel of Luke in this short overview led by Pastor Karyn.
Advent Around the Table
Join us for this intergenerational event, to grow in our faith as we begin the Advent season.
High School Shopping
High school youth group will do a little shopping together in Rochester, MN.
OWLs Fly to Weber Center
We start November with a theater outing to the Weber Center to see Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard. This magnificent performance is a must for anyone who appreciates clever, thought-provoking theater. This tragicomedy offers a unique perspective on Shakespeare’s Hamlet by focusing on two minor characters, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and exploring their offstage lives and existential musings. The play is renowned for its witty dialogue, philosophical depth and inventive storytelling, making it both intellectually stimulating and highly entertaining. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare, enjoy philosophical humor, or simply love well-crafted theater, this play promises a memorable and enriching experience. This enchanting evening is Saturday Nov. 16. We will meet at the church at 4:30. Before attending the play, we will have a tasty dinner at Piggy’s. Cost of the theater is $31, and dinner is on your own. If you would like to attend, please email Brian Narveson (owls@firstlu.org) or call him at (630-816-5917). Tickets will be bought in advance, and you can pay the night of the event.
Election Day of Prayer
We invite all to practice their faith & citizenship by praying together on Election Day.
Faith Building Block: Grade 1—Ten Commandments
Our 1st graders learn about the 10 commandments in this Faith Building Block.