Announcements for Sunday, June 23, 2019
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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 THIS Sunday, June 23, between worship services in the narthex and learn all you need to know to get started!
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.
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 congregation’s 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.
Prayer shawl knitters meeting during the summer
The prayer shawl knitters will continue their ministry through the summer, but on Sunday mornings between services rather than on Wednesday evenings. All knitters are welcome. The yarn and pattern are provided; knitting needles are provided, too, if you need them.
Baptismal Preparation
A baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Aug. 3, 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.
Back-To-School Shoes
The First Teen Clothes Closet is again partnering with the Children’s Clothes Closet at Trinity Lutheran Church to provide back-to-school shoes for children and teens during Trinity’s annual block party in August. For the past two years, we have provided approximately 130 pairs of new athletic shoes in adult sizes 7 through 13 to help ensure teens have the shoes they need for school (including PE classes). If you would like to support this effort, you can purchase NEW athletic shoes, men’s or women’s, in the sizes mentioned, or make a monetary donation to the effort. The block party and shoe distribution will be Monday, Aug. 12. We also welcome volunteers who would like to help that day. Email closet@firstlu.org. Thank you for your past generosity in meeting this community need!
Courageous Men’s Group
Members of the Courageous Men’s Group are men of all ages who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 6am in the Fireside Rm for a time of fellowship and study. Contact Chad Schultz, Jim Sysimaki, or the church office for more info: courageous@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.
Stephen Ministry
If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office.
OWLs
On Wednesday, July 10, the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will have their monthly potluck at noon in the narthex. Shane Lamb, award-winning potter and owner of La Crosse Clay, will demonstrate how to throw vessels on a wheel and talk about how he started out in pottery. On Wednesday, July 24, the OWLs fly to Circus World in Baraboo, WI. Leaving church at 8am, lunch in Baraboo and return about 4pm. Cost of Circus World is $20, and lunch will be on your own. RSVP to owls@firstlur.og by Monday, July 22.
Vacation Bible School
Plan 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.
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.