Announcements for Sunday, December 31
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Frolic!
This group is for parents/guardians and their children ages birth to 3 years old, and meets the last Sunday, at 9:15am in room 102. We sing, dance, play and pray together to learn ways to raise our little Christians in the home. We welcome newcomers all the time — join us!
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 Group
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. Meeting the first Thursday of the month, 1pm in the Upper Room. Led by Nancy Beguin
Questions? Contact Director of Small Group Ministry, Bridget Crave: bridget@firstlu.org. More info at 1stlu.org/griefsupport.
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 Jan. 4. Talk to our pastors if you’re interested, and find more info at 1stlu.org/theology.
Synod Anti-Racism Training: The Hidden Power of Racism in Our Community
It can be uncomfortable to talk about race, racism and racial injustice, and yet engaging in this conversation is important. This workshop will use On Behalf of Our Children: Wisconsin’s Racial Disparities and the Call of the Gospel, a resource from the Wisconsin Council of Churches to begin to unpack the hidden power of race and God’s call to us in the midst of it. Thursday, Jan. 11, 9:30am-4pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran, 4141 Mormon Coulee Rd, La Crosse. Cost: $10, includes refreshments, lunch and program material. Register by emailing office@lacrosseareasynod.org, or calling 608.788.5000 by Jan. 8. Questions? Contact Pastor John Dumke at jfdumke@gmail.com or 630.675.8910
Frolic! Worship
First Lutheran Church wants to personally invite you to a special worship honoring and lifting up members of our congregation who are aged birth-three years old.
Who: Birth-three year olds and their families,
What: Worship, Where: First Lutheran,
When: January 14, at both worship services.
Please join us for a time focused on honoring this age group and to receive a holding cross.
Sugar Creek Winter Fun Day
Embrace our Wisconsin winter with some outdoor fun and have wonderful faith-filled fellowship while we do it. On Sunday, Jan. 14, we will leave after church (second service) and return around 6pm. Come for an afternoon of snow tubing, broomball, snowshoeing, wagon rides and more!! Cost: $7/person. RSVP: beth@firstlu.org
Stephen Ministry Classes Start in Jan
A Stephen Minister is a good listener to a person in crisis, bringing Christ into the relationship. Come join us and see how Stephen Ministers make a difference in the church. A new Stephen Ministry class is starting Monday, Jan. 15 from 6-8pm, for 20 weeks. Meeting in the Mary Room. RSVP by contacting Pastor Karyn (karyn@firstlu.org) or Gloria Kubiak (608.498.2762).
OWLs Go Driftless
The OWLs, our group for those 55+, are flying to the new Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center in Lansing, Iowa. The adventure begins at church at 9am on Thursday, Jan. 25; back by 3pm. RSVP to Brian Narveson at owl@firstlu.org by Wednesday, January 24 if you plan to attend.
Sign up for flowers for 2018
The sign-up sheets for the 2018 flowers are on the bulletin board. If you would like to honor a loved one, check the bulletin board and sign up for an open week of your choice. You can also contact the church office to inquire about openings: office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236.
Sugar Creek High School Retreat
6pm, Friday, Jan. 26–2pm, Sunday, Jan. 28. Come spend a weekend in the beautiful valley of Sugar Creek Bible Camp. This retreat will be full of outdoor activities, learning together, good food, campfires, night games and more! Cost is $85, and Jared will provide transportation in the church van. RSVP to jared@firstlu.org (reminder: Jared is out of the office until Jan. 21).
Volunteer Appreciation Party!
A warm thank you! Why? To thank everyone for being Christ’s hands and feet! Sunday, Jan. 28, 11:45–1:30pm in Fellowship Hall. RSVP by Jan. 24 at the Welcome Center or call the church at 608.783.2236.
Faith Alive! U
Join other adults for an afternoon of exploring, questioning and learning about your faith. Faith Alive University takes place Jan. 28 from 1–3:15pm, following the volunteer appreciation party. You will have the opportunity to attend two 1-hour classes: The Gospel According to Harry Potter, Bible 101, Comparative Religions, and Faith & Doubt. Childcare will be available. Register at 1stlu.org/faithaliveu.
Before the After
Before the After is a planning tool to be used by anyone, any age, to outline your wishes, prepare and organize pertinent documents and eliminate possible tough decisions for your loved ones. Plan your Before the After, ask questions of knowledgeable individuals, open communication with family or friends and coordinate all your information in one place. Tuesday, January 30, 6–8pm, in Fellowship Hall. More info: 1stlu.org/b4after.
Young Youth MP3 Night!
For grades 3–5, on Friday, Feb. 9, 5:30–8:30pm, in Fellowship Hall. Why? To have fun and build faith-based relationships!!! Wear your most comfy pajamas and bring a sleeping bag and pillow to lounge on if you like. We’ll meet, eat, play a couple of games and settle in for a movie and popcorn. This event has always been a huge hit and everyone has a great time together!!
Baptismal Preparation
A baptism preparation session will be Saturday, February 10, 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.
Financial Peace University
We all need a plan for our money. Dave Ramsey’s class will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more! This is a nine-week course that runs Feb. 11 through April 15, from 6-7:30pm at First Lutheran. A supervised nursery is available during class time for children age 4 and younger, if you make reservations in advance; to reserve childcare call the church office at 608.783.2236.
Clothes Closet needs gloves, hats
With winter (finally) arriving, we have many guests in need of warm hats and gloves — we are especially short on more masculine styles. Please consider donating cold weather gear ASAP. Many of our guests walk to and from school, which means a lot of time out in the cold. Gently used winter coats are also welcome! Thank you for warming heads, hands and hearts with your generosity!
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.