Announcements for Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019
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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.
Lock-In!
FIRST EVER YOUTH GROUP LOCK-IN for grades 6–12! Escape rooms, dancing, basketball match ups, movies, and lots of FOOD! Starts at 5pm on Sunday, Dec. 29, in Fellowship Hall, ends Monday, Dec. 30, at 9am. Bring your air mattress and sleeping bag, but DON’T PLAN TO SLEEP! Questions? Text Andrea: 608.790.5631.
Bell Ringers Needed
Who knew a bell could provide so much hope! Please volunteer to ring those bells for the major Salvation Army fundraiser. The two-hour shifts help 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. RSVP to bridget@firstlu.org by Jan. 2.
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.
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 (612 Division St, La Crosse, WI 54601). Make sure you designate your gift to “Come for Supper.” Thank you!
Blessing Tech Workers
We invite all technology workers to join us on Sunday, Jan. 19, for worship and a special blessing for all the tech support you provide for your co-workers, family and in-laws.
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.
Blood Drive
Monday, Jan. 20, 12:30-5:30pm. Every day ordinary people are saved by some pretty extraordinary people. People who give blood. Your donation could be the most valuable gift you ever give. Just ask anyone who’s ever received. Walk-ins welcome; appointments encouraged, schedule yours at 1stlu.org/blooddrive. Please bring a photo ID.
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.
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.
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.
Welcome Baskets
Welcome baskets are a way to welcome a new neighbor into your neighborhood. The baskets are a gift bag tied with bow, filled with some goodies from church and from our community. They are available to sign out at the Resource Center across from the church office.
Sunday School
Sunday, Dec. 22 & 29
No Sunday School; have a blessed Christmas!
Sunday, Jan. 5
9:15am Sunday School classes resume
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
GRADES 6 & 7
There are no Grade 6 & 7 Bible classes on Sunday, Dec. 22 & 29. Classes will resume on Sunday, Jan. 5.
GRADES 8 & 9
There are no Grade 8 & 9 small groups on Wednesday, Dec. 25 (join us for worship at 10am on Christmas Day!), and Wednesday, Jan. 1 (have a blessed New Year!). Small groups will resume on Wednesday, Jan. 8
Questions? Contact Pastor Stanton, jason@firstlu.org.