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Blessings to our Veterans

We give thanks for the men and women who work or who have worked to protect our nation and world. We especially pray for our veterans and the chaplains and volunteers of this church who bring them comfort.

Faith Alive! U: Listening As a Spiritual Discipline

Presented by Steve Spilde THIS 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.

Frolic!

This group is for parents/guardians and their children ages birth to 3 years old, and meets the second 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! 

Islamophobia in Action

Monday, Nov. 12, 6pm, Cameron Hall of Nations, 1300 Centennial, UWL. Free & open to the public; come hear Dr. Louise Cainkar from Marquette University. This talk focuses on why some aspects of American culture promote Islamophobia, including through its history and media portrayal of Muslim populations around the world. It also looks at the harmful impacts of Islamophobia on American men, women, and youth.

Parent Share needs nursery help

Do you love young children? Tuesday morning Parent Share is looking for helpers to play with preschoolers from 8:30–10am. If you’re interested in helping (you don’t have to commit to every Tuesday), contact the church office (office@firstlu.or 783-2236) or talk with Carla Stanton.

Blessing Retail Workers 

We invite all retail workers in our area to join us on Sunday, Nov. 18, for worship and a special blessing as they prepare for the upcoming demands of the holiday season.

Thanksgiving Eve 

In place of our usual worship on Wednesday, Nov. 21, members of First are invited to join in a special, ecumenical worship service on that Thanksgiving Eve at 7pm, at Onalaska United Methodist, 212 4th Ave. N.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

This year’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be on Thursday, Nov. 22, from 11am–2pm at the Onalaska Armory. The Onalaska Rotaries are organizing the event this year and are looking for volunteers and donations. To make a monetary donation, send checks (made out to OEF) to: Onalaska Enhancement Foundation, Thanksgiving dinner, 415 Main St., Onalaska, WI 54650.

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. 25, 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.

Blood Drive

Tuesday, Nov. 27, 12:30-5:30pm. Every day ordinary people are saved by some pretty extraordinary people. People who give blood. Your donation could be the most valuable gift you ever give. Just ask anyone who’s ever received. Walk-ins welcome; appointments encouraged, schedule yours at 1stlu.org/blooddrive. Please bring a photo ID.

Clothes Closet Special need!

Winter boots for 4 middle school boys: men’s sizes 8 (x2), 10 and 12. Can you help? Call the First Lutheran Church office (office@firstlu.org/608.783.2236) if you have gently used or new winter/snow boots in these sizes to donate. Thank you!

Sabbatical Together: Art & Spirituality

Saturday, Nov. 17, 1o:30am-4pm. On this one-day retreat take a trip to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and learn and practice Visio Divina, the spiritual practice of praying with images. We will start the day at First Lutheran learning about Visio Divina, then drive to Winona for lunch and then visit the museum together, practicing slowing down and exploring how we connect personally with art at the museum. You will also have time to explore the museum on your own. The Lily grant will cover cost of admission, but you are responsible for your meal. Led by Bridget Crave. Min. 4 people, max. 12. Open to anyone 14 years and up. Sign up by Nov. 12.

COME FOR SUPPER

First Lutheran is assisting with Come for Supper on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 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. 

Baptismal Preparation

A baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Dec.1 , 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.

‘19 Mission Trips

During the week of July 21–26 in 2019 our middle school youth will serve in Duluth, MN and our high school youth will serve in San Francisco, CA. For more info & registration go to 1stlu.org/missiontrip.

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP: DONATIONS NEEDED

Our middle school youth group is looking for donations of drink mixes, snack items, desserts, canned fruit, money for meals, etc., along with a Foosball table, air hockey table, ping-pong table, corn holes, yard games, and card games. Donations may be brought to the office; contact office regarding large item donations: office@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!

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!

Grief Support Group

Due to the holidays, the Grief Support Group that typically meets on the third Thursday each month will not meet in November and December. The group will resume on January 17, in 2019.

Questions? Contact Director of Small Group Ministry, Bridget Crave: bridget@firstlu.org. More info at 1stlu.org/griefsupport.