Announcements for Sunday, November 19
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Faith Alive Creative Circle
Monday, November 20, 6-9pm.
Meeting the third Monday of each month in the fellowship hall, the Faith Alive Creative Circle is a gathering of people working out their creative muscles. All are welcome to bring whatever project you are working on and enjoy fellowship while doing it. Join us!
OWLs Fly to the Movies
On Tuesday, Nov. 21, the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will kick off the holiday season and fly to Marcus Theatres to see the humorous & heart-warming movie “The Star.” They will meet at church at 4pm, see the movie, then have supper at a local establishment. RSVP to Brian Narveson at owls@firslu.org.
Worship Changes for Wed, Thanksgiving Eve
On Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, Nov. 22., worship will NOT be at United Methodist, but at FIRST LUTHERAN. The worship service will be ecumenical, with our brothers and sisters from UMC and New Hope, and the time will be different, starting at 6:30pm (not 6:15pm). Join us for this special worship service on the eve of Thanksgiving!
Advent Around the Table
Advent is a season full of rich traditions for both home and church. We invite all members of First Lutheran to join us on Sunday, Nov. 26, at 9:15am in Fellowship Hall for our annual Advent Around the Table event. We will create advent wreaths for our homes, chrismons for our trees, and advent calendars to help us keep the days of Advent. Along the way, we will learn more about this particular season, have great fellowship and grow in our faith as we kick off the Advent season.
Sparkhouse Book Fair
Monday, Nov. 27-Friday, Dec 8.
Take a look at the display and order books and gifts for the special children in your life!
COME FOR SUPPER
First Lutheran is assisting with Come for Supper on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at Our Savior’s in La Crosse. First Lutheran will help with food donations and volunteering to serve and clean up. The sign-up sheets are at the Welcome Center. Call Gloria Kubiak if you have questions, 608.498.2762.
Butter Braids Fundraiser
The Butter Braid Fundraiser has started! Youth going to Sugar Creek Bible Camp, National Youth Gathering or on summer mission trips can pick up order forms from the church office. All order forms must be turned in on Dec. 10 with the money. Orders will be available for pick-up on Wed., Dec. 20, after 12pm. Questions? Contact jared@firstlu.org.
Kettle Ringers
Tis the season! Bellringers are needed through Dec. 24. Bell ringing can be done in 2-hour increments, inside or outside. This is a great opportunity for our confirmation kids to gain some service hours — and do it together! Those interested in volunteering during the holidays — or anytime — through the Salvation Army, check out the group’s website at Bells2ring.org!
Gift Ideas
If you are looking for alternative ideas to support the excitement in your household during the Christmas season, Beth has a few solutions… A Star From Afar teaches the meaning of Christmas while encouraging children to go on a hunt for their star, similar to that of the wise men. Kindness Elves leave notes to shine your child’s light into the world by doing random acts of kindness. There are only 5 books and elves left! Both are on display and for sale in our resource center outside the office!
First Teen Clothes Closet
While the closet is largely filled, we do need a few specific items to meet our guests’ needs. If you have clean, gently used men’s coats (especially small and medium sizes) or winter boots for guys or girls, please drop them off in the narthex. Toiletries that are running low include toothpaste and body wash.
You can pick up your photos
Members who had their photos taken for the new church directory and who are getting just the free 8x10 can pick up that photo in the church office — they have arrived. Drop by during the week to pick up yours.
Snow Birds: Keep Us Updated
Had enough of snow already and about to head for warmer climes? Keep us up to date; let us know your winter address. Contact the church office: office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236.
Food Basket seeks volunteers for Rotary Lights
Volunteers are needed to collect food for the Onalaska Food Basket at this year’s Rotary Lights in Riverside Park in La Crosse. Volunteers collect food from drivers as vehicles enter the park. Volunteers are needed for these shifts on these dates: 5–7:30pm or 7:30–10pm on Nov. 25, Dec. 3, 9, 12, 17 and 30. To volunteer as an individual or group go to 1stlu.org/rotary.
Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
If the weather ever makes you wonder whether your group is meeting for their ministry, check our website, Facebook page, or update the office with your cell number and provider so that we can text you. We’ll also notify WXOW.com, news8000.com and the La Crosse Radio Group stations: 106.3, 104.9, 102.7, 100.1, and 1490 AM. The staff and leadership of First intend to ‘make the call’ by 5pm at the latest so everyone knows what to expect. Be safe this winter!
Welcome Baskets
Welcome baskets are a way to welcome a new neighbor into your neighborhood. The baskets are a gift bag tied with bow, filled with some goodies from church and from our community. They are available to sign out at the Resource Center across from the church office.
Helping Hands
If you need help with small jobs around the house or if you need a couple of meals or groceries delivered, just go to the “Helping Hands” board by the nursery and make out a slip with a description of what you need help with and your telephone number. Then anyone who thinks they can help out can take the slip and call the number to work out the details. This ministry is open to all in need of help AND to those who can provide the help. There is no set group of “helpers” so we need involvement from all who can be a blessing to someone else. Thanks!