Announcements for Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019
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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! Didn’t RSVP? No worries! All are welcome, even at the last minute!
OWLs Christmas Potluck
The social event of the season is the World-Famous OWLs Christmas Potluck, THIS Wednesday, Dec. 18, at noon in the Narthex. Optional: bring a gift if you would like to receive a gift, on the theme “My Favorite Christmas Socks,” value less than $10. Also bring a few Christmas goodies to share in addition to your potluck dish. If you have a favorite Christmas sweater or outfit, please wear it. Questions? Contact volunteer Brian Narveson at 630.816.5917 or owls@firstlu.org.Middle/High School Youth GroupS
Young Youth Cookie Decorating
Grades 6–12 gathering this Sunday at 4pm, to go caroling or bake Christmas cookies. Questions? Contact Andrea: 608.790.5631.
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. Everyone is welcome after the program to a reception and pictures in the Narthex!
Preschool and 4K meet at 6pm in the 4K classroom in costume: After their part Preschool & 4K students will sit in the pew with their parents and go back up for the last part of the program.
K-5 meet at 6pm in the Choir room in costume. After the program K-5 students will meet their parents in the Narthex.
Grief Support Group
Carrying on after the death of a loved one can be difficult and lonely. Join with others who have experienced loss, and listen and care for each other. Meeting the third Thursday of the month, 1 pm, in the Upper Room. Questions? Contact Director of Small Group Ministry, Bridget Crave: bridget@firstlu.org. More info at 1stlu.org/griefsupport.
Blue Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 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 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. 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.
Icicle Toes Project
Through Dec. 25. Warm socks for folks who need them will be collected for donation to New Horizons Shelter, a community resource for people 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. Deadline to submit surveys is 5pm Wednesday, Jan. 15.
Baptismal Preparation
A baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Feb. 1, 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, Jan. 27. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
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.
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.
Dementia Re-imagined Book Discussion
On Saturday, 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.
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!
Faith Alive! U: Cultural Humility
A Faith Alive! U course presented by Amanda Goodenough, Sunday, Jan. 12, at 6pm. Cultural humility can enhance communication, foster trust, deepen connections, and improve outcomes when interacting across differences. In the bigger picture, it's a process that can radically transform organizations. Attendees will engage in racial identity reflection, gain a deeper understanding of individual and group membership, and practice cultural humility along the way. 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.
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.
Helping Hands
If you need help with small jobs around the house or if you need a couple of meals or groceries delivered, just go to the “Helping Hands” board by the nursery and make out a slip with a description of what you need help with and your telephone number. Then anyone who thinks they can help out can take the slip and call the number to work out the details. This ministry is open to all in need of help AND to those who can provide the help. There is no set group of “helpers” so we need involvement from all who can be a blessing to someone else. Thanks!
Sunday School
Sunday, Dec 15
9:15am Sunday School, Practice for Christmas Program & Checkout Costumes - Sanctuary
Wednesday, Dec. 18
6:15pm Worship & Christmas Program
Preschool and 4K meet at 6pm in the 4K classroom in costume
K-5 meet at 6pm in the Choir room in costume.
Sunday, Dec. 22 & 29
No Sunday School; have a blessed Christmas!
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 - Fireside Rm
Wednesday:
No Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups; enjoy the Christmas Program!
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 gathering this Sunday at 4pm, to go caroling or bake Christmas cookies. Questions? Contact Andrea: 608.790.5631.