Announcements for Sunday, Mar. 8, 2020
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Faith Alive! U: The Assembly Worshiped, the Singers Sang
Performance by Eddie Kim:, Sunday, March 8, at 6pm. Join us for an evening of contemporary and traditional worship music. Eddie will play music, and you will be invited to sing along. Along the way, we will discuss things like: If worship musicians aren't "performing," then why do we typically have them "up front" where everyone can see? No music background is needed! During this session, we will celebrate our thanksgivings and laments made tangible when "the whole assembly worshiped, the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded" (2 Chronicles 29:28). Childcare is available: a supervised kid zone for grade-schoolers, adult supervision in the nursery for younger kids. Community meal beforehand at 5:30pm.
OWLs Fly to Wabasha
On Wednesday, March 11, the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will fly to Wabasha to tour the National Eagle Center, with a stop along the way at Lark’s Toy Store & Museum. Cost: $10, lunch is on your own. Leaving church at 9:30am, returning about 3:30pm. RSVP to Brian Narveson at 630.816.5917 or owls@firstlu.org by Monday, March 9.
Preschool Open House
Join us for our open house on Thursday, March 12, from 4:30-5:30pm. Meet the teachers, see the classrooms, get class options and registration info for the 2020-2021 school year. We accept children ages 2 and older who are potty-trained. Registration is Monday, March 16, from 9:30am-noon for church members, and 10:30am-noon for the community.
To register, stop into the First Lutheran Preschool during the registration times above, or call the preschool at 608.779.4504.
Parent Date Night
Save the “Date”: Friday, March 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.
Drawing from the Well
This group is for women of First and the greater La Crosse area seeking to support one another in their spiritual growth. We gather to enjoy a breakfast and develop a deeper relationship with one another. We meet on the second Saturday of the month, 9:30-11am, with the next one on Saturday, March 14, in the Upper Room. Contact our Director of Small Group Ministry, Bridget Crave, for more info: bridget@firstlu.org.
Lent Around the Table
We invite everyone to join us on Sunday, March 15, at 9:15am in Fellowship Hall for our Lent Around the Table event. We will gather to work on Lent projects together. Along the way, we will learn more about this particular season, have great fellowship and grow in our faith as we prepare our hearts for Holy Week.
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, March 20, in Fellowship Hall, ends Saturday, March 21, at 9am. Bring your air mattress and sleeping bag, but DON’T PLAN TO SLEEP! Questions? Text Andrea: 608.790.5631.
Mission Trip Mtg
The middle & high school mission trip to Niagara Falls will have a planning meeting on Sunday, March 22, at 9am in the Mary Room. Questions? Contact volunteer trip coordinator 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!
Graduation Milestone
Graduates: You and your parents/guardians are cordially invited to mark the milestone of your graduation at First Lutheran’s High School Graduation Recognition Dinner on Sunday, March 22, from 6-8pm. RSVP to the church office by March 15: 608.783.2236 / office@firstlu.org.
Bug Spray Fundraiser
Through March 25. 50% of sale goes towards youth funds. Information packet is available to pick up from church office, at mission trip meetings, or at youth group on Sundays. Turn order forms in, with money, to the church office by Wednesday, Mar. 25. Make checks out to First Lutheran. Youth can pick up orders in the office on Apr. 8.
Mabel Anderson Scholarship
Applications are now available. Completed applications are due no later than 3pm on Wednesday, Apr. 15. Students may apply if they will graduate from high school in the spring and have plans to pursue post-secondary education. The application includes writing an essay and completing a worksheet that reflects the student’s involvement in church activities. Application forms are available at 1stlu.org/scholarship or in the church office during office hours, M–F 8am–4pm.
Habitat for Humanity
Applications from low-income individuals and families for Habitat for Humanity housing will be accepted through Mar. 20. For more info go to habitatlacrosse.org.
Spiritual Gifts Retreat
Fri. March 20, 7pm - Sat., March 21, 3pm at Sugar Creek Bible Camp. Fee: $50, includes one night’s lodging and 2 meals. To register contact the synod office office@lacrosseareasynod.org / 608.788.5000.
Synod School of Theology
The spring 2020 term of the Synod School of Theology will run from Mar. 26-May. 7 (all classes on Thursday evenings,) with a Bible Intro class for new students on Saturday, Mar. 14. For more info and registration go to 1stlu.org/theology.
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.
Opening: Nursery Attendants
First Lutheran is seeking part-time nursery attendants. Attendants must be 18 or older. The position is paid. Nursery kids range from newborn through 4 years. Inquire in the office, call 608.783.2236 or e-mail us at office@firstlu.org.
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. Price increases April 1. For info about products, prices and schedules, go to smallfamilycsa.com, or ask for a flier in the office.
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!
Baptismal Preparation
A baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Apr. 4, 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, Mar. 29.
Min. attendance required: 2 families.
Palm Sunday Breakfast Fundraiser
Sunday, Apr. 5: Fundraiser for youth going on mission trips and to Bible camp. No coffee hour nor Sunday School between services. Breakfast will be served 9-noon. Food donations are needed, and youth can raise funds by working at the breakfast; sign up for both at 1stlu.org/palmsun.
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.
Celebrating 50 Years of Women’s Ordination
You are invited to the La Crosse Area Synod's recognition of the 50th anniversary of women’s ordination in the ELCA, with worship on Wednesday, Apr. 29, 6:30pm at First Lutheran, and a reception following worship. ELCA Presiding Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton, will preach. Childcare will be available.
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, Mar. 8
Kindergarten FBB: Lord's Prayer, lifted up in worship
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Mar. 15
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: The Assembly Worshiped, the Singers Sang (elective op.)
Wednesday
7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups
Questions? Contact Pastor Stanton, jason@firstlu.org.
