Announcements for Sunday, May 26, 2019
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NEWSLETTER ASSEMBLY
It’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Tuesday, May 28, at 9am, to assemble the June & July newsletter. See you there!
COME FOR SUPPER
First Lutheran is assisting with Come for Supper on Tuesday, May 28, 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.
Blood Drive
Friday, May 31, 12:30-4:30pm. 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.
Baptismal Preparation
A baptism preparation session will be Saturday, June 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.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COURSE
Saturday, June 1, 8:45am-5:30pm, at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran. Rostered leaders, youth leaders and volunteers, or anyone who is working with youth in our churches are invited and encouraged to receive this certified training. Learn strategies to help support youth who are struggling with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Cost: $10. Contact Elise Hynek at youth@immanuel-lc.org to register.
Sugar Creek Fundraising Deadline
The final day to turn in funds raised to cover Sugar Creek registration expenses for summer 2019 is Sunday, June 2. Thanks!
Middle School Mission Trip Meeting
The middle school youth going on the mission trip to Duluth from July 21-26 will have their next planning meeting Sunday, June 2, at 11:45am, in the Mary Room. A light lunch will be provided.
Middle School Youth Group
RESCHEDULED: Sunday, June 2, at 5:30pm, the Middle School Youth Group will have their end-of-the-year grill out. Yard games, s’mores and more!
Luren Singers of Decorah, IA
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear the oldest Norwegian-American male chorus in the world sing and entertain you! Thursday, June 6, 7pm at First Lutheran. Pie and ice cream social after concert; no admission charge but donations accepted.
Confirmation Camp
Sunday, June 16-Friday, June 21. For kids going into grade 8. Our upcoming confirmation students get a chance to start their confirmation journey in the beautiful valley of Sugar Creek. We will learn in faith together while we do Bible study, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, campfires, and so much more! Questions? Contact Pastor Karyn, karyn@firstlu.org.
Sugar Creek Golf Fundraiser
Monday, June 17, Viroqua Hills Golf Course. Form a team, grab the clubs, and join us for a GREAT day on the course! These golf outings are FUN way to support the ministries of Sugar Creek Bible Camp! So whether you’re thinking about going pro or you haven’t swung a club since Middle School, join us on the green! Call the camp to register! 608-734-3113.
Worship Assistant Training
Have you thought to yourself, “I would like to try ushering or reading or serving communion or acolyting or being a projectionist” while at church? Are you looking for a way to contribute to this worshiping community but don’t have a lot of time? Come to our Worship Assistant Training Day on Sun., June 23, occurring between worship services and learn all you need to know to get started!
Sugar Creek Explorer Day
For children entering grades 1–5, on Monday, June 24, 7:30am-4:15pm. Why? Experience a day at Sugar Creek (a parent is welcome/preferred)! How: Carpool/van/bus from First Lutheran! Additional info: wear tennis shoes and bring swim suit and towel. Snacks, lunch and water are provided! Cost: $20. RSVP to beth@firstlu.org by June 21; min. attendance: 3.
Summer Book Discussion: Loneliness
Pastor Karyn invites you to join her in reading this summer. Selections have been taken from the long list of “books I want to read” that she has. Join her at her home (4710 Southfield Green, La Crosse) from 9–11am on Saturday, June 29, to discuss Loneliness: Human Nature and The Need for Social Connection by John Cacioppo & William Patrick. RSVP to karyn@firstlu.org.
Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
July 28 from noon-2pm at the first shelter in Rowe Park, for all volunteers who make Faith Alive! happen at First Lutheran.
Vacation Bible School
Plan ahead to be here for Vacation Bible School this summer, Sunday, Aug. 4, through Thursday, Aug. 8. For 4K through 5th grade in the fall (3-year olds are welcome to attend in the nursery). Register online at 1stlu.org/VBS by Friday, Aug. 2.
Lead Sun School & VBS
There are opportunities to serve as a Sunday School teacher and a leader in VBS. A Sunday School teacher is a 1-2 weekend a month commitment in which you connect with our congregations children! It is super easy with the curriculum! VBS is another way to connect, this is so fun and is high energy! If you like to play games or would like to help organize or help in anyway please consider! Contact Beth Miller: beth@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.
Courageous Men’s Group
The Courageous Men’s Group are men of all ages who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 6am in the Fireside Room for a time of fellowship and study. Contact Chad Schultz, Jim Sysimaki, or the church office for more info: courageous@firstlu.org.
Stephen Ministry
If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office.
Underwear & Sock Drive
As part of our 2019 Synod Assembly, we are having a Socks and Underwear Drive!
WHY: Socks and underwear are among the most requested and least donated items at shelters and other charitable organizations. Dignity starts with the basics, so we want to make sure that organizations working in our synod have an ample supply of brand-new socks and underwear to give their clients.
WHAT: Donate new (still in retail packaging) socks and underwear for men, women, youth and children.
WHERE: In the large baskets located in the coat area next to the Welcome Center.
WHEN: Please put all donations in the baskets by June 9.
“Walk • Love • Do” Videos
Complete any/all of these sentences:
“At ________________ (name of ministry setting)
We Walk humbly when we ________________”
We Love Kindness when we ________________”
We Do Justice when we ________________”
Instructions:
Ok to use a cell phone, doesn’t need to be professional
Can do as many as you want, about anything or anyone
No more than 1 minute (really truly)
Shoot horizontally, not vertically
Shoot close up (because your phone is also your mic; no more than an arm’s length away)
Send to andy@firstlu.org or assistant@lacrosseareasynod.org
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for SYNOD ASSEMBLY
Friday, June 14 – Sunday, June 16. Volunteers play an important role in making Synod Assembly. Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to serve in the company of fellow synod members, synod staff, guests and visitors, as “experts in hospitality.” Tasks include assisting with registration, providing directions, handing out info to attendees, and answering questions. In exchange you can attend all or part of the assembly at no cost, including Sat. lunch and evening banquet. To volunteer or to learn more contact Betty Sacia at 608.799.2796 or brsacia@yahoo.com.
Synod-wide Worship Service
Fri., June 14, 7pm at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 612 Division St., La Crosse.
ELCA CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!
Churchwide Assembly (CWA), the triennial gathering of voting members from around the entire ELCA, is meeting this year in our own state… at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee, August 5-10. YOU are invited to consider attending the 2019 CWA as a volunteer; approximately 600 volunteers will be needed to serve as ushers or greeters, provide tech support, etc. Learn more about specific volunteer positions at 1stlu.org/cwa.
RAFL
We know there are a lot of RANDOM ACTIVITIES that you plan at the last minute, and that it’d be fun to meet up with other folks. This is where RAFL comes in: it’s a Facebook Group created for members of First to invite one another on random activities. It’s a great way to get to know others in the congregation better in a social setting, in an informal way. Join the group at 1stlu.org/RAFL.