Announcements for Sunday, October 27, 2019
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Invitation to Change Lives
Since September you had the chance to enjoy eight videos presented by members passionate about ministries that Change Lives in our church, community and the world. If you have not had a chance to view them, check the website or our Facebook page. This Sunday, Oct. 27, and Wednesday, Oct. 30, we will celebrate the many ways we Change Lives, with special music during worship, tasty goodies after each service and displays highlighting the many ministries at First Lutheran Church that Change Lives. You can Change more Lives by returning your RSVP card today or anytime this week, with a commitment to increase your financial contribution for the coming year. It’s your contribution that can Change Lives, in our church and throughout the world.
NEWSLETTER ASSEMBLY
It’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Monday, Oct. 28, at 9am, to assemble the November newsletter. See you there!
Peer Ministry
Peer Ministry kicks-off on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 7pm and will meet in the House on most Wednesdays from 7–8:30pm. Peer Ministry is a great way for our 10thgraders to learn about how to deal with any situation that arises, large or small. It makes handling conflicts simple and equips them to be better listeners and be welcoming to all those around them. Questions? Contact Pastor Stanton: jason@firstlu.org.
Family Photos: a Cloud of Witnesses
All Saint’s Day has long been a day when the church gives thanks for all the saints, the beloved, who have died, especially in the past year. We are asking for photographs of your beloved dead so that we can be surrounded by their witness on All Saint’s Day, Friday, Nov. 1. These pictures can be sent electronically (karyn@firstlu.org) or brought in. They will be printed as 4X6, so resolution should be such that they can be printed well from what you submitted. If your loved one was a member of our congregation and died this past year, you should have received a letter with a special request. All Saint’s Day isn’t only about those who have died, but also about those who have been newly baptized. If your child was baptized this past year, you should have received a special request via email. Please note, we will continue to use the photos submitted last year, so no need to resend those photos.
All Saints Worship
On Friday, Nov. 1, we will honor our brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before us at a special worship at 11am. The service will be followed by a light lunch at noon.
Affirmation of Baptism
We give thanks for the gift of baptism and for these people, one with us in the body of Christ, who will publicly affirm their baptism on this Sunday, Oct. 27.
Kylee Bauer
Max Breiling
Will Chafoulias
McKenna Everson
Skylar Ferguson
Allison Harman
Ayden Larson
James Lee
Jasmine Odegard
Matthew Peterson
Zoey Sander
Meredith Saner
Devyn Schmeling
Chelsey Volden
Kara West
Butter Braids fundraiser
Youths going to Sugar Creek Bible Camp or to Niagara Falls for the summer mission trip can pick up order forms from the church office. All order forms must be turned in by Nov. 3 with the money. Orders will be available for pick-up on Sunday, Nov. 17.
OWLs Fly To Mayowood
On Wednesday, Nov. 6 the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will to the Maywood Mansion in Rochester, to view the mansion decorated for Christmas. Leaving the church at 9:30am. Cost: $25, lunch on your own, at a local establishment after the tour. We already have over 20 people signed up, if you are able to drive please let Brian know. The Christmas Tours sell out fast; RSVP Brian Narveson (owls@firstlu.org, 630.816.5917).
ANTI-RACISM EVENT
Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 7pm, Holmen Lutheran Church. Watch TED Talk: America’s Native POWs, and hear from a group who journeyed to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in June tell why they went and what they experienced. Confirmation classes welcome! Sponsor: Synod Anti-Racism Task Force.
Sugar Creek High School Retreat
7pm, Friday, Nov. 8 – 1pm, Sunday, Nov. 10. Come spend a weekend in the beautiful valley of Sugar Creek Bible Camp. This retreat will be full of outdoor activities, learning together, good food, campfires, night games and more! Cost is $85. Register thru Sugar Creek at 1stlu.org/scbchs. Need help? Contact Andrea: 608.790.5631
Snow Birds
Are you heading out? Please let us know if you'll be spending the winter somewhere else. If we know your seasonal address, we can keep in touch by sending you the monthly newsletter. Call or email the office with your winter address: 608.783.2236, office@firstlu.org.
2020 Mission Trip Info Meeting
Meeting Sunday, Nov. 10, 9am in the Mary Room. Trip Dates: July 25–August 2 to Niagara Falls. Deadline for registration: February 2, 2020. Students can reserve their spot for the mission trip by paying a $100 deposit to Tamara in the church office. Spots are limited and filling fast! For questions about the mission trip contact Karissa at 608.790.2590.
Faith Alive! U: Imprisoning a Generation
A Faith Alive! U course presented by Pastor Kent Johnson, Sunday, Nov. 10, at 6pm: Imprisoning a Generation is a documentary film which follows the stories of four young Palestinians who have been detained and imprisoned under the Israeli military system. Their perspectives and the voices of their families combine to form a lens into the entangled structures of oppression that extend well beyond the prison walls. We will view the documentary together and Pr. Johnson will lead a discussion. Childcare is available: for kids in grade school we offer a supervised kid zone. For kids not yet in grade school, we will have adult supervision in the nursery. Potluck beforehand at 5:30pm; sign-up to share at 1stlu.org/potluck.
Finding Hope in a Divided America
Wed, Nov. 13, 6pm, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, La Crosse. Surprise. Warning. Opportunity. Hope. Author, journalist and Lutheran pastor, Rev. Angela Denker will share some of what she learned while researching her recent book, “Red State Christians.” Stories that surprised her, that gave her pause, but also showed a faith-filled path forward together and hope. Books are available at Barnes and Noble or through Amazon and will also be available that evening. Sponsor: La Crosse Area Synod Church in Society Committee.
Blessing Retail Workers
We invite all retail workers in our area to join us on Sunday, Nov. 17, for worship and a special blessing as they prepare for the upcoming demands of the holiday season.
Parent Date Night
Friday, Nov 22. Time: Registration will be from 4:45–5:30pm, followed by dinner and activities till 8:30pm (parents can pick up early if needed). Bring your children for an evening of fun with the
middle and high school youth groups’ Date Night Fundraiser! Ages: birth to 12 are welcome. Event is open to the public. Cost: Free will donations to assist the middle and high school students with their mission trip in 2020
Baptismal Preparation
A baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Dec. 10, at 10am in the narthex for anyone who is considering or has scheduled a baptism. To register or ask questions call the church office at 608.783.3326 by Sunday, Dec. 1. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS for “COME for SUPPER” ATTENDEES
Come for Supper at Our Savior’s in La Crosse is asking for your help. They will be purchasing winter gloves and personal hygiene items to distribute to supper guests for Christmas. If you would be interested in helping finance the purchase of these gifts, checks for any amount can be sent to Our Savior’s Lutheran (612 Division St, La Crosse, WI 54601). Make sure you designate your gift to “Come for Supper.” Thank you!
YAGM APPLICATION DATES EARLIER THIS YEAR
The ELCA YAGM program invites young adults (ages 21-29) into a year-long international journey of service. If you, a friend, a church family member would be interested in such a journey, go to elca.org/yagm and begin the application process. The application window will open Nov. 1, and close Feb. 15, 2020, with priority given to those who apply by Jan. 15.
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.
Sunday School
Sunday, Oct 27
Gr 3 Assists with 10:30am Worship
Preschool FBB: Praying Together, lifted up in worship
9:15am Gr 1 FBB: 10 Commandments (1st meeting, parents/guardians only) - Fellowship Hall
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Nov 3
9:15am Gr 1 FBB: 10 Commandments (2nd meeting, parents/guardians & child)
9:15am Sunday School
New registrations welcome any time of the year. Contact Sunday School superintendent Beth Miller at sundayschool@firstlu.org or stop in the Sunday School office in room 206.
Confirmation
Sunday:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Bible Classes
2:00pm Affirmation of Baptism / Confirmation Worship ✝️
Wednesday:
7pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups
Questions? Contact Pastor Stanton, jason@firstlu.org.
Middle & High School Youth Groups
Grades 6–12 gather together weekly on Sundays throughout the school year, for meal and fellowship from 5-5:30pm. The groups then split for the remainder of the evening for separate activities. Questions? Contact volunteer Andrea Dombroski: 608.790.5631 / MHyouth@firstlu.org
