Announcements for Sunday, May 3 2020
Inside: 4:10 Prayers, Virtual Springfest, Blessing Graduates, Blood Drive
If your life needs “more cowbell!” then make sure to watch our live stream at 1stlu.org/live, where our pastors, on occasion, join in on auxiliary percussion.
Online Worship
Join us for worship online on Sunday at 10:30am and on Wednesday at 6:15pm, at 1stlu.org/live.
Cancellations
In compliance with the recent extension of Governor Evers’ stay at home order, in-person worship has been canceled through May 26, including weddings and funerals. Sunday School, confirmation and many small groups are also affected. Vision & Leadership will determine how we will begin to gather again.
For an up-to-date list of online options and cancellations please visit firstlutheranonalaska.org/thisweek.
Parent Share
Join Carla Stanton, member of First, certified spiritual director and mom of three, in their Parent Share Facebook group, to chat, pray and talk about raising our children faithfully even while we stay safe at home. Questions? Click here to contact Carla.
Coffee with Pastor Karyn
Coffee with Pastor Karyn is open to all and meets at 6:30am each Wednesday on Zoom. Questions? Contact karyn@firstlu.org.
4:10 Prayers
Join Kathryn for a time of prayer, every Monday–Friday, at 4:10pm. Kathryn is posting prayers on both Facebook and Twitter.
First Lutheran Preschool Virtual Springfest
First Lutheran’s preschool will be holding a “Virtual Springfest” on Facebook from May 7–11. Approximately 20 different baskets will be up for auction during this time. The proceeds of the winning bids help support the ministry of First Lutheran Preschool. To browse baskets and place bids, visit facebook.com/flponalaska.
Our OWLs Be Zoomin’
The OWLs are a group at First that welcomes anyone, First Lutheran members or not, who are 55+. OWLs: If you are having technical problems viewing worship services or pastors’ morning musings please call volunteer coordinator, Brian Narveson for help: 608.526.9700. For those already connected with a computer, tablet or smart phone, or even just a regular phone, the OWLs will be holding “Virtual Potlucks” via Zoom. Zoom is a two way video conferencing system where you can both see and hear the people you are talking with. The next one is Wednesday, May 13 at 1pm. Brian wants the OWLs to know they can participate in these virtual potlucks with just a regular phone. For help with Zoom, feel free to contact Brian: owls@firstlu.org / 608.526.9700.
Graduation Recognition
First Lutheran will be blessing graduates on Sunday, May 17, during the live stream of the 10:30am worship service. Join us that Sunday for a special service to honor and bless this milestone, even during this time apart. Graduates will receive more information regarding the details about this service in the coming week.
Blood Drive on Monday, May 18
In times of crisis we lift each other up and ensure a safe and caring place for our neighbors. Your neighbors, friends, and loved ones are at an elevated risk during this latest crisis in our nation. The latest virus we are living through is very serious, but more so is the availability of blood. We are a beacon of hope. Ensuring an adequate blood supply to our communities is not only Versiti’s core mission, but it is our commitment to our hospitals, patients and communities in times of crisis. Versiti Blood Centers will be providing a blood drive on Monday, May 18, from 12:30–4:30pm. They encourages all donors to make an appointment to lessen the amount of people waiting at the blood drive; you can do so at 1stlu.org/blooddrive. To learn more about the safety precautions Versiti is taking during this pandemic, click here.
Virtual Memory Cafe
The ADRC of La Crosse County is excited to share with you this new endeavor to help Memory Cafe participants stay connected: they are offering memory cafés virtually! Let’s stay connected and have fun—we will get through it together! May 19, 10:30am-11:30am join us online, and come ready with your favorite pair of shoes. We will use them for our activity!! Get ready for community, fun and connection! TO REGISTER: Email kflock@lacrossecounty.org for the link to meet online. Use your computer or smartphone to join us! Call Kelsey at 608.785.5780 for help and support in setting this up. We look forward to “seeing” you!
Tentative Come for Supper
First Lutheran will tentatively plan to assist with Come for Supper on Tuesday, May 26, at Our Savior’s in La Crosse. First Lutheran will help with food donations and volunteering to serve and clean up. Call Gloria Kubiak to sign up and for more details: 608.498.2762.
Clothes Closet Not Accepting Donations
Due to the current situation, the First Teen Clothes Closet is not accepting clothing donations at this time. Please save your gently-used clothing for when we are again open for business or find another organization that can accept your donation. We appreciate your generosity and your understanding.
Readers!
We are seeking people of all ages who would be willing to be our readers each week. This would mean doing a video of yourself or family reading the assigned text and then uploading it to a google folder. If you are willing to do this, email Pastor Karyn: karyn@firstlu.org.
Prayers!
Pastor Karyn is looking for people who are willing to be our pray-ers. If you are willing to offer up a prayer or let us know a way we can be praying, send me an email to karyn@firstlu.org. Thanks!
Sewing Face Masks
The La Crosse County Health Dept. provides direction on making face masks for healthcare workers: Go to 1stlu.org/sewmasks for info, modifications to the pattern, and drop-off locations.
Warming Center Needs
Warming Center has moved back to the 3rd Street Catholic Charities building. There are 22 clients continuing to shelter in place, 24/7 at the downtown location. The shelter will continue services 24 hours a day until the Safer At Home order issued by Gov. Evers ends, including any additional time beyond the end of April when they would normally close the Warming Center. The volunteer signup at 1stlu.org/warm has been updated with their current needs. If you have any questions please contact Nora at nknapik@cclse.org.
Morning Musings
Where is God in all this? Who/what shall we pray for today? What are our questions? What is grounding us in a time when everything is shifting? Go to First Lutheran's website, Facebook page or our Youtube channel where each morning, Monday through Saturday by 8am, Pastor Stanton or Pastor Karyn post a "morning musing". It's a great way to stay connected!
Keep Up with Cancellations: Update Your Contact Info
Make sure the office has your current contact info, including current address, mobile number(s), carrier info (for reminders by text), and email(s). Send to office@firstlu.org.
