Announcements for Sunday, December 16, 2018
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OWLs Christmas Potluck
On Wednesday, Dec. 19, the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will have their annual Christmas potluck at noon in the narthex. Optional: bring a gift for the exchange; the theme this year is “My Favorite Christmas Decoration.” Can be purchased or handmade; keep under $10. Also, please bring a few Christmas goodies to share in addition to your potluck dish, and wear your favorite Christmas sweater or outfit. Questions? contact Brian Narveson at owls@firslu.org.
No Grief Support Group in December
A reminder to all members of our grief support group that there is no meeting in December. The next meeting will be Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019. Questions? Contact our Director of Small Group Ministry, Bridget Crave: bridget@firstlu.org.
Blue Christmas
Friday, 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.
Christmas at First
Christmas Eve worship times: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 11pm. All will be candlelight and all will be with Holy Communion. Christmas Day worship time: 10am, with Holy Communion.
Kettle Ringers
The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign is looking for bell ringers! They still have sites with many shifts that have not been filled. Please consider donating two hours of time for this worthy cause. Every dollar helps those in need in our community. Register online at SAlacrosse.org or call 608.782.6126.
Trinity Children’s Clothes Drive: Urgent Need!
Please help our partners at the Children’s Clothes Closet in La Crosse with donations of gently-used or new clothing from infant sizes through youth size 16-18. Their inventory is so low that they are closing the doors until after the first of the year. Donations may be dropped off in the First Teen Clothes Closet bins in the entry or in a donation bin located outside the Children’s Clothes Closet at Trinity Lutheran Church in La Crosse (1010 Sill St., near the covered entrance on the Charles Street side of the church).
Calling All Learners: Save These 2019 Dates
The Synod School of Theology’s winter term is ready to go. Jan. 10 at Galesville: Len Liptack leads an awesome Bible Introduction. Jan. 17-Feb. 21 on Thursday evenings at Our Savior’s, West Salem: Libby Howe on Congregational Dynamics, Jake Sorenson on Intergenerational Ministries, and Ben Morris on Gender in Ministry. Call the synod office to register for one or all, 608.788.5000. More info: 1stlu.org/theology.
English Lutheran ski trip
Join members of English Lutheran for a ski trip to Winter Park, CO. The trip will be Feb. 7-11 and costs $550 for 4 nights of lodging and
3 days of skiing. Transportation and meals cost extra. Sign up before mid-January at skidaddy.com/EnglishLutheran. Call Glenda Ehler for more info: 608.385.8540.
Faith Alive! U: Discernment
A Faith Alive! U course presented by Pastor Ben Morris on Sunday, Jan. 13, 6pm. Upon graduation, should I go to the less expensive tech school far away, the medium priced state school that’s only a couple hours away or the pricey private school nearby? Should I pursue a different career? How can I know whether we’re ready for retirement? Discernment at EVERY age is challenging. Our local campus ministry Pastor Ben Morris will provide fun ways to consider how to discern the will of God amidst our many options.
Good Gifts Ornaments
Choose a Good Gifts ornament from the giving tree in the narthex, take it home, and go online to ELCA.org/GoodGifts to make your donation. Write on the back of the ornament and give as gift.
NEW-MEMBER SESSIONS
By choosing to become a member, individuals and families commit to being part of a shared mission. People who would like to become members of First Lutheran are invited to a three-week introduction to the church, presented in a small-group setting. The group will meet in the evening on Sunday, Mar. 24 & 31, and Thursday, Apr. 4. To register your family or ask questions, call our church office at 608.783.2236 or email 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.
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!
Helping Hands
If you need help with small jobs around the house or if you need a couple of meals or groceries delivered, just go to the “Helping Hands” board by the nursery and make out a slip with a description of what you need help with and your telephone number. Then anyone who thinks they can help out can take the slip and call the number to work out the details. This ministry is open to all in need of help AND to those who can provide the help. There is no set group of “helpers” so we need involvement from all who can be a blessing to someone else. Thanks!