Announcements for Sunday, September 3
Download here…
To view the PDF files you may need the free Adobe Reader or some other PDF viewer. Want to view all this on your iPad or Kindle? Check out these tutorials…
Focus Groups
Since completing our 2014 Strategic Plan, First Lutheran has prepared for a large-scale campaign to address deferred maintenance needs, mortgage debt, staffing needs and more. Leadership is excited to present these plans to the congregation and give ample opportunity for feedback and questions. Please attend a one-hour focus group meeting in the Fireside Room at First to hear and say more so that we can move forward together. Child care is available; no need to sign up. Meetings will be limited to the first 30 who arrive so that everyone’s insights can be heard.
- Sun., September 3, 9:15am or 11:45am
- Wed., September 6, 7:15pm
- Sun. September 10, 9:15am or 12:45pm
- Wed., September 13, 7:15pm
- Sun., September 17, 9:15am or 11:45am
Grief Support Groups
Carrying on after the death of a loved one can be difficult and lonely. Join with others who have experienced loss, and listen to and care for each other. Two groups to choose from, both meeting the first Thursday of the month:
- 1pm in the Upper Room, led by Nancy Beguin
- 7pm at Gloria Kubiak’s home; call Gloria at 608.498.2762 if interested in joining
OWLs Fly to Storytelling Festival
On Saturday, September 9, at 10:30am the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will fly to the
La Crosse Storytelling Festival at Myrick Park. Cost is $5 ($3 off if you have a library card). Before the event, the OWLs will eat at a local restaurant. Meet at the church at 10:30am and return by 4pm. Please RSVP to Brian Narveson by Sept. 7: 608.526.9700 / owls@firstlu.org.
Sugar Creek Quilt Auction
The quilts on display in the narthex have been made by First Lutheran quilters and will be auctioned off at Sugar Creek Bible Camp’s annual quilt auction on Saturday, Sept. 9, starting at 10am at Sugar Creek. For more information about the auction, craft fair and fun run/walk on this day go to sugarcreekbiblecamp.org.
Blessing of Backpacks
Youth and adults, bring your backpacks, briefcases, messenger bags, purses, etc. to church on Sunday, September 10, so that we may bless the start of your new school year!
First Fest
On Sunday, September 10, we invite you to join us to relax, catch up with friends, introduce yourself to visitors or members you’ve yet to meet, listen to great music, have lunch and have some fun! This is also registration day for Sunday school, confirmation and Frolic! (a small group for parents and their children birth to three).
Middle School Milestone
At First Lutheran, we are deeply committed to bringing the presence of God into the lives of children everywhere they go. This life milestone is for sixth-graders and their parents/guardians as they transition from elementary to middle school and celebrates that each child is made in the image of God. We spend our time in four weeks talking about being created in the image of God, how God is in the midst of change and ways that we can feel connected with God through spiritual practices. Week one starts Sunday, Sept. 17, 9:15am in the fellowship hall.
Gift Cards for Youth Ministries: Target & Walmart Now available
We have added Target and Walmart to the assortment of gift cards we offer for sale in the church office. The cards come in denominations of $50 and $100. We continue to offer Kwik Trip, Woodman’s and Festival cards. People who buy these cards through the church help our young people go to Bible camp and on mission trips.
LifeTouch Church Directory Photo Sessions
First Lutheran is updating its membership directory this year, and photo sessions are available from Oct. 10-21. We encourage you to book your session soon so that you can pick the best time for you and your family; do so by going to 1stlu.org/lifetouch, or call the church office for assistance. Members who have their photos taken for the directory will get a free color copy of their portrait and a free directory. Don’t wait — make your appointment today!
School of Theology in La Crosse
The fall 2017 session of the Synod School of Theology will run from Sept. 21-Oct. 26 (all classes on Thursday evenings, 5:30pm and 7:30pm) with Bible Intro class for new students on Sept. 14. For more info and registration go to 1stlu.org/theology.
Clothes Closet Needs
- Hoodies: all sizes
- Guys belts: especially smaller sizes
- Wallets
With the new school year upon us, the First Teen Clothes Closet’s schedule is getting busy. We are in need of volunteer hosts, especially for Monday evenings when we shuttle teens from Trinity Lutheran Church’s Children’s Clothes Closet. Go to 1stlu.org/closethelp to choose a shift you can work. If you have never volunteered before, or need a refresher course, contact Bridget Crave at bridget@firstlu.org, or another one of the steering committee members. Thank you for helping us reach teens in our community!
Travel to the Holy Land
With Pastor Kent and Dr. Lee Johnson on November 2-13.
$3,999 includes flights from Mpls. Most Christian tours of the Holy Land focus entirely on the sites associated with the events and people of the Bible, especially those linked to Jesus. This 12-day tour does this and much more. We will visit key sites in Bethlehem, Galilee (Nazareth, Capernaum) and Jerusalem (Temple Mount, Mount of Olives, Church of the Holy Sepulchre.) Guided by our Synod’s commitment to accompaniment with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), you also will meet with members of the ELCJHL and Israeli and Palestinian groups struggling for peace and justice today. Contact Pr. Kent at pastorkentj@gmail.com. There are only a few seats left!
Sugar Creek Bus Trips
Adult Bus Trips:
- Oct. 1-7 Washington D.C. and Gettysburg Tour
- Nov. 21 Fireside Dinner Theatre: “Miracle on 34th St.”
- Nov.26-Dec 2 Nashville Christmas Tour