Announcements for Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020
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Annual Potluck
All members are invited to First’s Annual Potluck on THIS Sunday, Feb. 9, at 11:45am, where we will eat together and our kids will play together, all while the adults share our greatest faith stories from the past year. God is doing all kinds of things at First Lutheran, so our Annual Potluck will be a celebration of what has been and a look ahead to what will be.
Caring for Creation
Do you have a passion for sustainability? Ideas for how we at First Lutheran can become an “eco-congregation”? A desire to be a good steward to our land? Join our small group that aims to move toward being a more eco-friendly congregation. This group is open to all ages, and will meet next on Sunday, Feb. 16, 9:15am at the House. Contact Jenn Wiesjahn for more info: jjk2880@yahoo.com or 608.397.6897.YAGM APPLICATION
Young Adults in Global Mission
The ELCA YAGM program invites young adults (ages 21-29) into a year-long international journey of service. If you, a friend or a family member would be interested in such a journey, go to elca.org/yagm and begin the application process. The application window closes Feb. 15.
Faith Alive! U: Lutheran Worship … Why?
Presented by Pastor Stanton, Sunday, Feb. 16, at 6pm. In worship... why do Lutherans stand up and sit down so often? Why sing the Kyrie in Latin? Why sing the Kyrie at all? Too often, Lutherans apologize for our style of worship without understanding how effective it is at shaping humans into Jesus-followers. In an era when many churches are moving toward 'entertainment-as-worship', ELCA Lutherans have an opportunity to distinguish our Christian personality by claiming the rich depth of meaning our worship holds. Join Pastor Jason Stanton for a conversation that promises to be fun, informative and challenging! 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 help with meal at 1stlu.org/meal.
Blessing Office Admins
We invite all those who actually keep our work places together — our office admins — to join us on Sunday, Feb. 16, for worship and a special blessing for all that you do.
Mission Trip
From July 25-Aug. 1 in 2020, our middle and high school youth will serve in Niagara Falls, NY. The registration deadline is Feb. 17! For more info & registration go to 1stlu.org/missiontrip, or contact Karissa Grunden at ym@firstlu.org or 608.790.5631. You don’t need to be a youth to support this ministry! To do so, pick a pledge level from the “Support Their Faith Journey” banner in the narthex. Thanks!
Young Youth MP3 Night
For grades K-5, on Friday, Feb. 21, 5:30-8pm, in Fellowship Hall. Why? To have fun and build faith-based relationships!!! Wear your most comfy pajamas and bring a sleeping bag and pillow to lounge on if you like. We’ll meet, eat, play a couple of games and settle in for a movie and popcorn.
Remembrance Of Haiti Earthquake
On Sunday, Feb. 23, at Good Shepherd Lutheran, La Crosse, Rev. Renee Splichal Larson, widow of Ben Larson, will preach at morning services and then present a program in the afternoon. She is the author of the book, “A Witness: The Haiti Earthquake, a Song, Death and Resurrection.”
Ash Wed Worship
Join us for worship on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6:15pm. Lent small groups start Sunday, Feb. 23. Sign-ups for the small groups 1stlu.org/lentsmlgrp.
OWLs Fly to see Little Women
On Saturday, Feb. 29, the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will fly to UWL to see Little Women, the Broadway musical. Meet at church at 4:30pm. Cost: $18. RSVP to Brian Narveson (630.816.5917 / owls@firstlu.org) by Monday, Feb. 24.
Community Supported Agriculture
First Lutheran has, once again, offered to be a pick-up site for CSA boxes of produce from Small Family Farm in La Farge. Though deliveries won’t start until June, you can buy a share now. For info about products, prices and schedules, go to smallfamilycsa.com, or ask for a flier in the office.
Bug Spray Fundraiser
Feb 23 thru March 25. 50% of sale goes towards youth funds. Information packet will be available to pick up from church office, at mission trip meetings, or at youth group on Sundays.
Sugar Creek Winter Fun Days
Though First will not be going as a group this year, members are still invited to come to Sugar Creek for a wonderful family outing on these Sunday afternoons:Feb. 9 and 23, from 1-5pm. There’ll be snow tubing, broom ball, snow shoeing, wagon rides, and more! Cost (includes lunch): $7/person or $30/family. Call or email to register your fam: 608.734.3113 or camp@sgrcreek.org.
2020 Flowers
The sign-up sheet for 2020 flowers is on the bulletin board. If you would like to honor a loved one, check the bulletin board and sign up for an open week of your choice.
Parent Date Night
Save the “Date”: Friday, Mar. 13. 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 help middle and high school students with their mission trip in 2020.
Lock-In!
RESCHEDULED! (3rd time’s the charm!) 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 Friday, Mar. 20, in Fellowship Hall, ends Saturday, Jan. 25, at 9am. Bring your air mattress and sleeping bag, but DON’T PLAN TO SLEEP! Questions? Text Andrea: 608.790.5631.
Spiritual Gifts retreat
At Sugar Creek, March 20-21. Register now: office@lacrosseareasynod.org / 608.788.5000.
Memories Community Grounds Cafe
March 26, 1–2:30pm. For persons living in the community with dementia, memory concerns, caregivers and friends. You're invited to join our memory cafe community as we make memories along the journey! Registration not required. If you or someone you know would benefit from attending these memory cafes, please invite them. Questions? Contact bridget@firstlu.org.
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!
New-Member Social
By choosing to become a member, individuals and families commit to being part of a shared mission. People who would like to become members of First Lutheran are invited to a social at Red Pines on Thursday, Apr. 16, 6pm, where you will get to know more about First and the staff in a relaxed atmosphere. To register your family or ask questions, call our church office at 608.783.2236 or email office@firstlu.org.
Sugar Creek summer reg now open!
Your child or grandchild can have an amazing new experience this summer with the caring staff and beautiful creation of Sugar Creek! Now is the time to register, before your desired week fills up. Popular programs fill up fast! More info & reg at www.sgrcreek.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!
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.
Sunday School
Sunday, Feb. 9
9:15am Gr 4 FBB: Apostle's Creed (2nd meeting, parents/guardians & child)
Sugar Creek Sunday
9:15am Sunday School for Preschool–Gr 1 - Choir Rm
9:15am Gr 2–7 - Pertzsch Community Rm
Sunday, Feb. 16
Gr 4 FBB: Apostle's Creed, lifted up in worship
9:15am Kindergarten FBB: Lord's Prayer (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
Wednesday
7pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups
Questions? Contact Pastor Stanton, jason@firstlu.org.
Middle/High School Youth Groups
Grades 6-12 gather THIS SUNDAY, Feb. 9: 4pm to serve clothes closet, 5pm meal and 5:30pm activities and devos. Sign-up to bring an item for meal at 1stlu.org/ymeal. Questions? Text Andrea: 608.790.5631.
