Announcements for Sunday, Mar. 15, 2020
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Please note: The PDF version of the announcements in this post may not reflect recent cancellations.
In-person worship has been canceled for Sunday, Mar. 15 and Wednesday, Mar. 18, along with Sunday School and confirmation.
Join us for worship online on Sunday at 10:30am and on Wednesday at 6:15pm, at 1stlu.org/live.
Click here for more details from Pastor Stanton about First Lutheran’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All other ministries and small groups are welcome in First, and can continue to use the building.
All events below are still scheduled to take place, but cancelation is up to the discretion of event leaders.
For the time being we are discouraging the gathering of 10 or more people.
For the safety of our more vulnerable members, we ask everyone to heed the advice of health officials, and to stay home if you are showing any sign of illness.
Middle/High School Youth Groups
Grades 6–12 gather THIS SUNDAY, Marc 15, 4-8pm, for activities and devos. Questions? Text Andrea: 608.790.5631.
Rescheduled: Lent Around the Table
This event has been rescheduled for Palm Sunday, April 5, at 12:15pm, in conjunction with Faith Alive! U: Holy Week… What Does It Mean. We invite everyone to join us on Sunday, Apr. 5 at 12:15pm in Fellowship Hall for our Lent Around the Table event. We will gather to create lent crafts for our homes. 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.
Preschool Registration
Registration for First Lutheran Preschool 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.
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.
COME FOR SUPPER
First Lutheran is assisting with Come for Supper on Tuesday, March 24, at Our Savior’s in La Crosse. First Lutheran will help with food donations and volunteering to serve and clean up. The sign-up sheets are at the Welcome Center. Call Gloria Kubiak if you have questions, 608.498.2762.
OWLs
At noon on Wednesday, March 25, the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will have their monthly potluck. Questions? Contact volunteer coordinator Brian Narveson at 630.816.5917 or owls@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.ch 25. Make checks out to First Lutheran. Orders will be available for pick up in the office on April 8..
Spiritual Gifts Retreat
Friday, 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.
Canceled: Memories Community Grounds Cafe
This event scheduled for March 26, 1-2:30pm has been canceled. Questions? Contact bridget@firstlu.org.
Thrivent Choice Dollars
Eligible members of Thrivent have until March 31 to direct any remaining 2019 Thrivent Choice Dollars. Don’t let these dollars expire, and please consider First Lutheran as your choice. How do you designate your Choice Dollars? Go to 1stlu.org/thrivent.
Chicken Dinner!
Thursday, April 23, 4-7pm, at Onalaska America Legion, 731 Sand Lake Rd. Tickets on sale now, available from youths raising funds or in the church office M-F, 8am-4pm. Tickets packets are due back to the church office by Monday, April 13, by 4pm. To donate food items or to sign up youths to serve at the chicken dinner, go to 1stlu.org/chixdin.
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.
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.
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.
The Small Farm Experience
80% of the world's food is grown on small farms. Ironically, half of the people in the world that are suffering from lack of food live on small farms. How can this be? Come and learn. We will have a fun inter-active, inter-generational activity that will help you learn about the challenges of small farmers, and how ELCA World Hunger works to address these issues. Plan to experience the challenges of small farmers on Palm Sunday, April 5, from 9am-10:45am in the choir room.
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.
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.
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.
Parent Date Night
Save the “Date”: Friday, Apr. 17. 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.
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.
Trinity Clothes Closet
The Children's Clothes Closet is in great need of casual/everyday kids’ clothes sizes 5—8: jeans, leggings, long or short sleeved shirts, fleece jackets, and hooded sweatshirts. Gently used (or new), freshly washed clothing in children's sizes 5—8 only, please! You can drop your donation off anytime (24/7) in the recycling bin next to the little library. The Children’s Clothes Closet regularly serves children and families from La Crosse’s Northside, Summit Environmental School, Coulee Montessori, and North Woods International School.
Sunday School
Sunday School classes are canceled for Sunday, March 15.
Regarding classes on Sunday, March 22, a decision will be made some time during the week.
Questions about Sunday School? Contact Sunday School superintendent Beth Miller at sundayschool@firstlu.org or stop in the Sunday School office in room 206.
Confirmation
Confirmation classes and small groups are canceled for Sunday, March 15 and Wednesday, March 18.
Regarding confirmation next week, a decision will be made some time this coming week.
Questions? Contact Pastor Stanton, jason@firstlu.org.