Announcements for Sunday, November 3, 2019
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Butter Braids Fundraiser
All order forms must be turned in THIS Sunday, Nov. 3, with the money. Orders will be available for pick-up on Sunday, Nov. 17.
Faith Alive! Storytellers Social
On Sunday, Nov 3, at 7pm, the Faith Alive Story Tellers will host a gathering with apps and beverages at the home of Pat and Lori Lunney, 416 Pralle Rd., Onalaska. We will have an opportunity to welcome new storytellers, collectively decide what talks we want to do in 2020 and bring additional ideas to this offertory time ministry. If you have an interest in sharing stories that convey the good work our congregation is doing, please join us or reach out to Pat Lunney at 608.769.9166. Middle school and high school students and young adults are encouraged to become storytellers. RSVPs requested but not required.
OWLs Fly to Mayowood
On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will go 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. 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
2020 Mission Trip Info Meeting
Meeting Sunday, Nov. 10, 9am in the Mary Room. Trip dates: July 25-Aug. 2 to Niagara Falls. Deadline for registration: Feb. 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.
Blessing Veterans
We invite veterans in our community and families to join us on Sunday, Nov. 10, for worship and a special blessing for the work they do to protect our nation and world.
Faith Alive! U: Imprisoning a Generation
A Faith Alive! U course presented by Pastor Kent Johnson, Sunday, Nov. 10, at 6pm: Imprisoning a Generation. This documentary 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, 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.
Tara Shilts Ordination
Tara Shilts, a member of First Lutheran who served a one-year internship here in 2018, will be ordained into the ministry of Word and Sacrament at First Lutheran. Members and friends of the congregation are invited to attend this worship service, which begins at 1pm on Saturday, Nov. 23. Light refreshments will follow. Tara is a staff chaplain at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse.
Parent Date Night
Save the “Date”: 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.
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.
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.
Thanksgiving Eve Worship
A little later than our usual worship on Wednesday, Nov. 27, members of First are invited to join in a special, ecumenical worship service that Thanksgiving Eve at 6:30pm, here at First, with our brothers and sisters in Christ from Onalaska United Methodist.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
This year’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be on Thursday, Nov. 28, from 11am–2pm at the Onalaska Armory. The Onalaska Rotaries are organizing the event this year and are looking for volunteers and donations. To make a monetary donation, send checks (made out to OEF) to: Onalaska Enhancement Foundation, Thanksgiving dinner, 415 Main St., Onalaska, WI 54650.
Advent Around the Table
Advent is a season full of rich traditions for both home and church. We invite everyone to join us in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 9:15am, for our annual Advent Around the Table event. We will gather to create advent crafts for our homes, and costumes for the Christmas Program. 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.
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.
Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
If the weather ever makes you wonder whether your group is meeting for their ministry, check our Web:, Facebook page, or update the office with your cell number and provider so that we can text you. 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!
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.
Parent Share
Join Carla Stanton, member of First, certified spiritual director and mom of three, in room 201 every Sunday morning at 9:15am. At Parent Share, we pray and talk about raising our children faithfully.
Parking Lot Ministry
This ministry needs warm and friendly faces to greet guests and worshipers who come into the parking lot, giving help if needed at the giving umbrellas to those who need one when it’s raining. Come to the Welcome Center to receive more information and sign up to help.
Companion Ministry
The gift of communion is Christ’s invitation for us all. Homebound members or those in nursing home care cannot make it to church and still would love to also receive that gift. Companion ministers help provide the service of delivering communion to them. They visit these members, usually monthly, give them communion, and have wonderful conversations. Good friendships are formed and the members receiving the communion feel grateful for that gift. If you love visiting with and helping people, consider becoming a companion minister. It is a very fulfilling job. Talk to one of the pastors for more info.
COFFEE WITH PASTOR KARYN
Coffee with Pastor Karyn is open to all and meets at 6:30am each Wednesday at Panera. See you there!
Sunday School
Sunday, Nov 3
9:15am Gr 1 FBB: 10 Commandments (2nd meeting, parents/guardians & child) - Fellowship Hall
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Nov 10
9:15am Gr 1 FBB: 10 Commandments (3rd 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
Wednesday:
7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups
7:00pm Confirmation Class: Doubt — Destructive or Constructive?
Questions? Contact Pastor Stanton, jason@firstlu.org.
Middle & High School Youth Groups
Youth groups will NOT meet THIS Sunday, Nov. 3. On Sunday, Nov. 10, youth groups will attend Faith Alive U to watch the documentary Imprisoning a Generation. On Sundays, Nov. 17 & 24, youth groups will meet at 5pm as usual in the Mary Room. Questions? Contact volunteer Andrea Dombroski: 608.790.5631 or MHyouth@firstlu.org
