Announcements for Sunday, October 7, 2018
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Sabbatical Together: Photo Walk
THIS Sunday, Oct. 7, from noon-4pm, (weather pending) take a walk in nature and learn to really see God’s amazing creation through photographing beauty found in humility and imperfection in nature. Bring your cell phone (or an actual camera if you have one). No expertise required, but this experience will be about TAKING a better photo, NOT ABOUT HOW to use your camera. If you know how to press the button on your phone to take a picture, then you have all the expertise you need for this class! We will start at First in Fellowship Hall for pizza and a discussion on pointers and tips for taking better photos, and then off to Perrot State Park for some time outside. Led by Brian Narveson. RSVP at 1stlu.org/sabbatical so we have a head count for pizza. Thanks!
NEW-MEMBER SESSIONS
We offer several new-member sessions each year to acquaint new members with First and a small group of other newcomers. People who would like to become members of First Lutheran are invited to a 3-session introduction to the church, presented in a small-group setting. The group will meet in the evening on Sunday, Oct. 14, Sunday, Oct. 21, and Thursday, Oct. 25. To register your family or ask questions, call the church office at 608.783.2236 or email office@firstlu.org.
Sunshine Boys
The Sunshine Boys serve at First on the second Thursday of each month; the next meeting will be Thursday, Oct. 11, at 9am. The Sunshine Boys are an informal group that performs a variety of necessary tasks around the church; such as grounds clean-up, minor repairs, and other small jobs. Rolls and coffee are supplied to replenish your reserves! Dues are free! Contact Mike, our custodian, with any questions: mike@firstlu.org.
Faith Alive! U: Political Jesus?
A Faith Alive! U course presented by Bishop Arends on Sunday, Oct. 14, at 6pm: People of faith are called to be faithful citizens. Yet, when we speak to political issues, we are often cautioned to be silent due to the separation of church and state. Join La Crosse Area Synod Bishop Jim Arends as he explores the call to faithfulness and action that comes to Christians from Jesus. We will look at the need to speak and act as well as the worries and fears of “going public.”
OWLs
On Monday, Oct. 15, the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will return to the Winona Boat Tour for a fall color cruise. To reserve your spot or to ask questions, contact Brian Narveson at owls@firslu.org.
Blessing Health Care Workers
We invite all staff of our area clinics and hospitals to join us on Sunday, Oct. 21, for worship and a special blessing for all of the care you provide to our community.
Sabbatical Together: Genealogy 101
Genealogy 101, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 6:30-7:30pm. Get started on researching your genealogy. Bill O’Driscoll from the La Crosse Historical Society will present a workshop to help you get started and learn about the resources available for learning more about your family roots. For those interested, you will be encouraged to stay connected and meet occasionally to share successes and struggles and support each other in your genealogy search.
Family Photos… a Cloud of Witnesses
Help us create a visual cloud of witnesses for All Saint’s Worship, Nov. 1 at 11am. We are looking for pictures of loved ones who have died, not just this past year. If you had a loved one die this past year (November 1, 2017–October 31, 2018) and they were a member of our congregation, a letter will be sent to you with a special request. We are also looking for pictures of those who have been baptized this past year. Pictures should be 4x6 and copies that you don’t need back. You can either email pictures to kathryn@firstlu.org or drop them off at the church office. Thanks for your help in creating our cloud of witnesses.
Opening: Childcare @ Church!
First Lutheran is creating a list of young adults willing to babysit our kids aged 5 and up, at First Lutheran, for $10/hour. The need for care providers happens randomly, mostly evenings. If you are interested, call 608.783.2236.
Faith Alive! U: Listening As a Spiritual Discipline
A Faith Alive! U course presented by Steve Spilde on Sunday, Nov. 11, 6pm. Explore practices that allow us to better listen and connect with our children, our spouses, our loved ones and our friends. Steve Spilde is the associate director of the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse and a certified spiritual director who will help us consider our own emotions and desires so we can be more compassionate and gentle with ourselves.
Youth Groups
Middle & high school youth groups gather weekly on Sundays. Starting at 5:30pm all ages will eat together, and then break off into their groups for fun, fellowship & devos. Questions? Contact Pastor Stanton, jason@firstlu.org.
Snow Birds: Keep Us Updated
Had enough of cold weather already and about to winter in warmer climes? Keep us up-to-date by letting us know your winter address / contact info. Contact the church office with your updated information: office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236. Thanks!
Parking Lot Ministry
This ministry needs warm and friendly faces to greet guests and worshipers who come into the parking lot, giving help if needed at the giving umbrellas to those who need one when it’s raining. Come to the Welcome Center to receive more information and sign up to help.
Sugar Creek Women's Retreat
October 12–14. Ladies, this retreat is just what you need: time away from the stresses of work and home in intentional fellowship with other women. Our women’s retreats offer meaningful sessions with topics pertinent to today’s Christian women. Featured Speaker: Rev. Elizabeth “Libby” Howe, Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop of the La Crosse Area Synod. Retreat includes lodging, breakfast, lunch, and supper on Saturday as well as Sunday morning meal. Register at www.sgrcreek.org.
Clothes Closet Needs
Winter is coming! And that means the Teen Clothes Closet will soon be giving out more hoodies, winter coats, gloves, hats and warm scarves. New or gently-used (smoke free) donations are great appreciated, and can be dropped off in the First Lutheran entry way. We are also looking for a heavy duty clothes rack to hang those winter coats on, room dividers to create additional changing areas, and small old-fashioned travel cases or trunks to use as decoration. If you have any of these items to donate, please contact the church office. Other needs: toothbrushes, floss, colored jeans for girls (sizes XS). Thank you! With your support, we have served nearly 100 teens since moving into our new locations!