Announcements for Sunday, December 3
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Sparkhouse Book Fair
Through Friday, Dec 8. Take a look at the display and order books and gifts for the special children in your life!
Parent Share: Now meeting Sun & Tues
Join Carla Stanton, member of First, certified spiritual director and mom of three, in room 201 every Tuesday morning, 8:30-9:30am, or on Sunday mornings 9:15am-10:45am. At Parent Share, we pray and talk about raising our children faithfully. Childcare is available, too, during either session.
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 and care for each other. Two groups to choose from, both meeting the first Thursday of the month:
- 1pm in the Upper Rm, led by Nancy Beguin
- 7pm at Gloria Kubiak’s home; call Gloria at 608.498.2762 if interested in joining
Questions? Contact Director of Small Group Ministry, Bridget Crave: bridget@firstlu.org. More info at 1stlu.org/griefsupport.
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 eat at a restaurant before the concert. RSVP to Brian Narveson at owls@firstlu.org or 608.526.9700 by Friday, Dec. 8.
Free Babysitting!
On Sunday, December 10th from 12 - 3 pm, 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. Children must be signed up in advance; please call, text or email Jill Davidson to sign your child up. Jill Davidson 608-792-5830 or jedavidso@gmail.com
High School Christmas Party
It’s going to be a week earlier, so we can go caroling, too! Get your holiday cheer on Sunday, Dec. 10, 5:30-8:30pm with a devo, games, and a white elephant gift exchange! Bring the weirdest gift you can find and a friend, too!
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 by Dec. 10 with the money. Orders will be available for pick-up on Wednesday, Dec. 20, after 12pm. Questions? Contact jared@firstlu.org.
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!
Young Youth Cookie Decorating
Meet at the church on Saturday, Dec. 16,
at 4pm in the fellowship hall to decorate Christmas cookies. The cookies will be handed out as gifts to the residents that we visit when the church goes caroling on Dec. 17 at 5pm. Parents are more than welcome, even encouraged, to attend the cookie decorating event! Young Youth is a group for children in grades K-2 and grades 3-5. For information, contact Beth Miller: beth@firstlu.org.
Christmas Caroling
Sunday, Dec. 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.
December’s Most Wanted
Items needed at the First Teen Clothes Closet (gently used or new items only, please!):
- Guys and girls skinny jeans (not straight leg... skinny)
- Winter jackets
- Mittens, gloves, hats
- Purses
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. Drop by during the week to pick up yours.
Blue Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 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!
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.
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.
To learn more about these and other announcements, head to our website at www.FirstLutheranOnalaska.org
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