Announcements for Sunday, November 26
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Advent Around the Table
Advent is a season full of rich traditions for both home and church. We invite everyone to join us on THIS 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!
NEWSLETTER ASSEMBLY
It’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Tuesday, November 28, at 9am, to assemble the December newsletter. See you there!
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.
Sunshine Boys
The Sunshine Boys next meeting is early, on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 9am! They will be decorating the sanctuary and the building for Christmas. Rolls and coffee are supplied to replenish your reserves! Dues are free! Contact Mike, our custodian, with any questions: mike@firstlu.org.
Baptismal Preparation
A baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Dec. 2, at 10am in the narthex for anyone who is considering or has scheduled a baptism. To register or ask questions, contact the church office: 608.783.2236 / office@firstlu.org.
OWLs Fly to Festival of Carols
On Saturday, Dec. 9, the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will embrace the Christmas season with UWL’s “Festival of Carols” at Christ Episcopal Church, in La Crosse.
They will leave from the church at 4pm to enjoy a local restaurant before the concert.
RSVP to Brian Narveson at
owls@firstlu.org or 608.526.9700 by Friday, Dec. 8.
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. Questions? Contact jared@firstlu.org.
Free Babysitting!
On Sunday, Dec. 10, noon–3pm, the 8th grade confirmation youth will offer free babysitting at the church so you can shop. Donations will be used to purchase animals for the ELCA Good Gifts program that helps to grow the church, fight hunger and transform lives.
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. Supplies are limited! 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.
Sunday School Christmas Worship
It is a wonderful time of year and a great way for our kids to spread their Christmas joy! Wednesday, Dec 13, during 6:15pm worship!
Christmas Caroling
Sunday, December 17, 5–8pm.
Hop on a bus and take a ride around Onalaska to visit and carol to those who need extra Christmas cheer!
RSVP at 1stlu.org/caroling.
Blue Christmas
Thursday, December 21, 6:15pm. Please join us at First Lutheran for an hour of worship including music, prayers, candlelight and reflection on what God is up to amidst our blue feelings around Christmas. Before worship, starting at 5:30pm, there will be a time for a light meal and conversation.
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!
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 Dec. 3, 9, 12, 17 and 30. To volunteer as an individual or group go to 1stlu.org/rotary.
Synod School of Theology
Grow in faith, develop your spirituality, deepen your discipleship, discern your baptismal vocation, and learn more about the Bible, theology and the Church. Courses include: Bible, Theology, Church History, Ministry Skills and Spiritual Development. The first session begins January 4, 2018. Talk to our pastors if you’re interested, and find more info at 1stlu.org/theology.
