Announcements for Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019
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Christmas Giving Tree
Gifts need to be under the tree by THIS Sunday, Dec. 8. Attach the tag to the outside of the gift. You can also choose a Good Gifts ornament from the giving tree in the narthex; take it home, and go online to ELCA.org/GoodGifts to make your donation. Write on the back of the
ornament and give as a gift.
Faith Alive! U: Public Service as a Christian
A Faith Alive! U course presented by Joel Miller, THIS Sunday, Dec. 8, at 6pm. Miller, a church member and La Crosse police officer, discuss his faith journey and being a police officer, about issues like identity formation and changing personal perspectives to align his faith with his work, about initiatives with the La Crosse Collaborative to End Homelessness and about how to connect your work and faith in ways that are fulfilling and of service to the least of those in your community. Childcare is available — a supervised kid zone for grade-schoolers, adult supervision in the nursery for younger kids. Community meal beforehand at 5:30pm; sign-up to share at 1stlu.org/meal.
OWLs Fly to Sugar Creek for Yesterday’s Youth
On Monday, Dec. 9, the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will fly to Sugar Creek for the Christmas version of Yesterday’s Youth, presented by the Vesterheim Museum, and featuring the music of The DisChords. Leaving the church at 8am. Cost: $10. RSVP to Brian Narveson at 630.816.5917 or owls@firstlu.org by Sunday, Dec. 8.
Christmas Shopping Outing
Friday, Dec. 13, 4:45-8:30pm. Bring your children for a time of FUN while parents get a chance to get out or stay in. Activities include face-painting and games. Present-wrapping available in the narthex. Open to ages birth to 12. Event is open to the public. Cost: Donations to help middle and high school students with their 2020 mission trip.
Young Youth Cookie Decorating
Meet at the church on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 4pm in the fellowship hall to decorate Christmas cookies. The cookies will be given to the residents that we visit when the church goes caroling on Dec. 15 at 4pm. Parents are welcome, even encouraged, to attend the cookie decorating event. Young Youth is a group for children in grades K-2 and 3-5. Questions? contact Beth Miller: beth@firstlu.org.
Blessing Government Employees
We invite all staff of the government at every level to join us on Sunday, Dec. 15, for worship and a special blessing for all the work you do on behalf of our community and country.
Christmas Caroling
Sunday, Dec. 15, 4-7pm. Hop on a bus and take a ride around Onalaska to visit and carol to those who need extra Christmas cheer! RSVP at 1stlu.org/caroling.
Sunday School Christmas Worship
It is a wonderful time of year and a great way for our kids to spread their Christmas joy! Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 6:15pm worship.
Icicle Toes Project
Through Dec. 25. Warm socks for folks who need them. Socks will be collected for donation to New Horizons Shelter, a community resource where people are helped during times of need. Please bring new socks for children or adults to the Icicle Toes Tree in the narthex.
Survey Re: Next Bishop
The La Crosse Area Synod encourages all synod members to read the Our Next Bishop: A Study Guide and Survey and take the Synod Survey Response available at 1stlu.org/nextbishop. The survey is meant to foster the thoughtful discussion and prayerful discernment that is vital in making this call. Take your time; read, reflect and pray. Deadline to submit surveys is 5pm Wednesday, Jan. 15. Questions? Contact the synod office: office@lacrosseareasynod.org.
Blue Christmas
Saturday, December 21, 5pm. Please join us at First Lutheran for an hour of worship including music, prayers, candlelight and reflection on what God is up to amidst our blue feelings around Christmas. After worship there will be a time for a light meal and conversation.
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!
Bell Ringers Needed!
Who knew a bell could provide so much hope! Please volunteer to ring those bells for the major Salvation Army fund raiser. The two-hour shifts helps feed the hungry, shelter a family, provide support for those in need. There are still many open spots at the 22 sites around town. To find a kettle near you register at RegisterToRing.com or call 608.782.2126.
Christmas at First
Christmas Eve worship times: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 11pm. All will be candlelight and all will be with Holy Communion. Christmas Day worship time: 10am, with Holy Communion.
No Evening Worship on Wednesday, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1
On Wednesday, Dec. 25 join us for worship at 10am as we celebrate the birth of Christ on Christmas Day. With worship in the morning, we will not have worship in the evening. Nor will we have worship on Wednesday, Jan. 1. The office will be closed both days. Have a Merry Christmas and a blessed new year!
Dementia Re-imagined book discussion
Jan. 4 you are invited to be a part of a book discussion, Dementia Reimagined, by Tia Powell, M. D. Read the book in December and join the discussion at 9am, at Pastor Karyn’s home. Snacks and beverages will be provided. It’s time to talk about dementia-friendly support and spirituality.
Parent Date Night
Save the “Date”: Friday, Jan. 17. 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.
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.
Hosting Memory Cafe at First
The Memory Café is an opportunity for fellowship for people living with memory loss, Alzheimer’s & other related dementias and their care partners to enjoy regular, social interaction with others to laugh, to learn and create community. We are looking for people to help host March 26 at 1pm. Memory Cafes are informal, relaxed environments.
We need people to provide hospitality, beverages and a light snack and people to lead some sort of fun, engaging program or project. Themes and topics may include: Art, animals, music, creating, food and more. If you are interested in hosting the Memory Cafe, contact Bridget. If you or someone you know would benefit from attending the Memory Cafe, please invite them. The second cafe we are hosting is June 25.
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, Dec 15
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Dec 15
9:15am Sunday School, Practice for Christmas Program - SN
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: Public Service as a Christian (elective op.)
Wednesday:
5:00pm Confirmation Class: Spiritual Practices
7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups
Questions? Contact Pastor Stanton, jason@firstlu.org.
High School at the House
A time for high school members to meet and socialize in a welcoming space, on most Sundays, between services. Questions? Contact volunteer Katie Everson: arne_everson@hotmail.com
Middle/High School Youth Groups
Grades 6–12 gather together tonight for meal and fellowship at 5pm, but come early and help “teen approve” for the clothes closet. Questions? Contact Andrea: 608.790.5631.
