Announcements for Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019
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2020 Mission Trip Info Meeting
THIS 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.
Faith Alive! U: Imprisoning a Generation
A Faith Alive! U course presented by Pastor Kent Johnson, THIS 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.
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.
Sunshine Boys & Girls
The Sunshine Boys & Girls serve at First on the second Thursday of each month; the next meeting will be Thursday, Nov. 14, at 9am. Contact Mike, our custodian, with any questions: mike@firstlu.org.
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
Save the “Date”: Friday, Nov 22. Time: Registration 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: Donations to assist the middle and high school students with their mission trip in 2020.
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.
Preschool Offering
We are holding an offering today to raise money for our playground. Our playground has been well loved and played on for more than 16 years. Some of the equipment is cracked, broken, run down and needs to be fixed or updated. We thank you for helping us continue to teach God's love to some of the youngest members of this congregation.
Christmas Events Insert
The November newsletter did not contain the Christmas Events insert, even though the cover suggested it would. We apologize for this oversight; you can download the insert by clicking here. It will also be available at the usher stand throughout November, and as an insert in the December/January newsletter.
Job Opening
First Lutheran is looking for a lead custodian to manage the maintenance of the church buildings and grounds. Flexible hours are available. Pay is $19/hr, 25 hours/week with a pension benefit. Call 783-2236 or e-mail office@firstlu.org to inquire.
OWLs
On Wednesday, Nov. 20 the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will have their monthly potluck at noon in Fellowship Hall. Our speaker will be Kelsey Flock, a dementia care specialist with La Crosse County. She will speak about the Memory Café and other services available for dementia patients and care-givers in the county. Questions? Contact Brian Narveson at owls@firslu.org.
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.
Sunday Morning with Coffee
What do angels, demons, and satan have to do with each other? They are all spiritual beings you'll encounter in the Bible. Ever heard others talk about angels, or the devil, and didn't know what to make of what they have said? This group meets each Sunday during the education hour, in the Mary Room. Grab a cup of coffee, view a short video and discuss with others each week.
Knitters
Prayer shawl knitters meet every Sunday between services and on Wednesdays at 5:30pm in the narthex. Open to all!
Sunday School
Sunday, Nov 10
9:15am Gr 1 FBB: 10 Commandments (3rd meeting, parents/guardians & child)
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Nov 17
Gr 1 FBB: 10 Commandments, lifted up in worship
9:15am 4K FBB: The Keys (1st meeting, parents/guardians only)
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
6:00pm Faith Alive! U: Imprisoning a Generation (elective op.)
Wednesday:
5:00pm Confirmation Class: Being a Public Church - Fireside Rm
7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups
Questions? Contact Pastor Stanton, jason@firstlu.org.
Middle & High School Youth Groups
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