Announcements for Sunday, November 25, 2018
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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. Suggested donation to cover costs is $10; donations will be collected at the door.
Christmas Book Fair
Through Sunday, Dec 2. Take a look at the display in the narthex and order books and gifts for the special someones in your life!
NEWSLETTER ASSEMBLY
It’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Monday, Nov. 26, at 9am, to assemble the December newsletter. See you there!
Blood Drive
Tuesday, Nov. 27, 12:30-4:30pm (NOTE: end time has changed). 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.
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.
OWLs
On Wednesday, Nov. 28, the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will have their monthly potluck at noon in Fellowship Hall. For the program, Ron and Frieda Nowland will give a presentation on one of their travel adventures. On Saturday, Dec. 8 the OWLs will fly to the UWL Student Union for the Swinging Yuletide concert. Cost: $20. Leaving from church at 4:30pm to a local restaurant before the concert. Dinner is on your own. This concert is usually a sellout so please contact Brian Narveson at owls@firstlu.org or 608.526.9700 by Wednesday, Nov. 28, if you plan to attend.
Sunshine Boys
The Sunshine Boys USUALLY serve at First on the second Thursday of each month; but in order to decorate for Christmas, the next meeting will be Thursday, Nov. 29, 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.
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.
Christmas Giving Tree
Tags are available to pick from the Christmas tree in the narthex. Return gifts by Dec. 9.
If you purchase gift cards, please wrap them in a box. Questions? Contact the church office:
office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236.
Faith Alive! U: Being Christian Amidst “Others”
A Faith Alive! U course presented by Pastor Libby Howe on Sunday, Dec. 9,
6pm. How could understanding ‘others’, from Christians of other denominations, to believers of other religions, to non-believers help us to clarify our own Christian identity and purpose? Assistant to the Bishop for the La Crosse Area Synod—and one of our own members!—Pastor Libby Howe will talk about whether we can learn about ourselves by learning about ‘others’ without simply trying to force them in to becoming more like us.
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!
‘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.
Young Youth Cookie Decorating
Meet at the church on Saturday, Dec. 15, 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.
Sunday School Christmas Worship
It is a wonderful time of year and a great way for our kids to spread their Christmas joy! New date and time this year: Sunday, Dec. 16, between services from 9:30–10am.
Christmas Caroling
Sunday, December 16, 4–8pm. 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
Friday, 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.
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!
Advent in Narnia Small Group Study
Looking for a new way to approach Christmas that is more faith focused? Join with others from First in a small group study of Advent in Narnia, Reflections for the Season. The study focuses on Advent themes of grace, love, sacrifice, forgiveness and hope. Join a group for a once-a-week discussion starting Dec. 2, or pick up a book and use it alone as a daily devotional. There a variety of small group times to choose from; sign up at 1stlu.org/narnia. Books are available at church for $15. Questions? Contact our Director of Small Groups, Bridget Crave: bridget@firstlu.org.
Faith Alive Visitations
A group of First Lutheran members have initiated a new Faith Alive mission. Their goal is to “keep-in-touch” with our fellow members who are home bound. The visitation team will keep Faith Alive with phone calls, home visits or by mailing notes to remind “at home” members that our church loves and cares about them. Please notify the church office at 608.783.2236 or office@firstlu.org if you’re aware of an individual or care giver who is either long or short-term home bound.
