Inside: COVID Advisory Panel, Knitters & Crocheters, Stewardship Week

Worship

• Join us for worship online this Sunday at 8am & 10:30am, and on Wednesday at 6:15pm, at 1stlu.org/live.

COVID-19 Update

• Pastors and the COVID Advisory Panel regularly evaluate when and how the church can be open. These are our current recommendations:

  • Worship: online

  • Education: online

  • Small groups: online

• For an up-to-date list of online options and cancellations please visit firstlutheranonalaska.org/thisweek.

Knitters & Crocheters

The knitters and crocheters are meeting via Zoom every other Monday, 1-3:30pm. The next two meetings are Monday, Jan. 25 and Monday, Feb. 8. Contact Katy Wood to join, or ask questions.

Courageous Men’s Group

The Courageous Men’s Group are men of all ages who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 6am via Zoom for a time of fellowship and study. Contact Chad Schultz or the church office for more info: courageous@firstlu.org.

Coffee and Conversation: Winter’s Two Worst Disasters and How to Survive Them

Winter is always a time when snow or ice storms can trap you inside without heat or electricity.  Winter is also when house fires are at their peak. Are you ready for the worst the season has to offer? Great Rivers United Way is offering Coffee and Conversation, “Winter’s Two Worst Disasters and How to Survive Them,” Thursday, Jan. 28 from 9:30–10:30am. Molly McCormick of the American Red Cross will be offering advice and taking your questions. Find more info on Facebook: facebook.com/events/458995875260803, register for the Zoom link at greatriversunitedway.org/our-work/always-united/coffee-conversation, or call Julie Nelson at 608-796-1400.

Stewardship Week

Simply Giving or other electronic funds transfers help change more lives by allowing you to easily fulfill your intent.  You can sign up for Simply Giving at firstlutheranonalaska.org/giving or alternatively electronic transfers by visiting your bank. If you already participate in Simply Giving, please sign in to increase your contribution in 2021.

Women’s Ministry: Dorcas Circle

The Dorcas Circle is meeting from 1-3:30pm every other Tuesday. Next meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 2, 1:30pm. They are meeting via Zoom, and are reading and discussing the book, Women of Easter, by Liz Curtis Higgs. If you are interested in joining, please contact Katy Wood.

Read 1 Thessalonians in 3 Days!

Pastor Stanton will be introducing this book to Bible Readers starting Wednesday, Feb. 3. Join at any time! These studies are for ANYone who can read, 3rd graders to our eldest friend; members and acquaintances far far away. Use whatever Bible you’d like! Follow Pastor Stanton’s daily guides on Facebook or YouTube, and if you’d like the daily video guides emailed to you contact Pastor Stanton at jason@firstlu.org.

Baptismal Preparation


The pastors are considering baptisms on an individual basis. The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Feb. 5, at 10am. To register or ask questions contact the church office at 608.783.3326 / office@firstlu.org.

Nominations for Vision & Leadership

Nominations needed! First Lutheran will elect two new members to the Vision & Leadership Team at the Annual Get-Together on Feb. 14. Read the following ‘job’ description and consider who you could nominate for this ministry. Position Summary: As a servant to the ministry of First Lutheran Church and working in conjunction with pastoral leadership, is responsible for development of the congregation’s mission and vision. Develops short- and long-term strategies for ensuring the spiritual and physical health and wellness of the congregation. Provides support to staff and congregation members to equip each member with skills to grow in faith and their own personal ministry. Send nominations to Pastor Stanton at jason@firstlu.org.

Annual Meeting, Sunday, Feb. 14 9:30am

The First Lutheran Annual Potluck and annual meeting will look different in 2021. All members are invited to attend an online annual meeting Feb. 14 at 9:30am; the link for the Zoom meeting will be provided closer to the date. We will discuss reopening strategies, elect two new Vision & Leadership Team members, and complete a variety of other business. Please help us meet quorum by attending, from the comfort of your own home!

Fourth Grade Faith Building Block: Apostles’ Creed

• Sundays, Feb. 21: parents/guardians with children

• Sunday, Feb. 28: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship

Throughout the year each age group will have a special “Faith Building Block” session in which parents or special adults are asked to attend class with their child on Sundays at 9:15am, sharing in conversation and growing together in faith. This session lasts for one week, and afterwards, the Faith Building Block will be lifted up in worship in celebration of what the students have learned. Gatherings will meet via Zoom; pastors will send out meeting codes to parents & guardians of youth in each grade before the first meeting.

Faith Alive! U: Teen Mental Health

Mental health issues are increasing for all of us right now, especially teens. What are some practical ways that we can do in our daily lives that will increase resilience and decrease distress? We will explore mindfulness and self-care through breath exercises, affirmations, and meditation, focusing on practices accessible to teens. Join us for a Zoom meeting on Sunday, Feb. 21, at 6pm with Sarah Hennessey, FSPA, a Franciscan sister and a spiritual director at the Franciscan Spirituality Center. A former junior high teacher, she is an active member of Depressed Anonymous and lives in recovery with mental health issues.This event is intended for confirmation students, high schoolers and all adults. To join the Zoom meeting go to the event page at 1stlu.org/FAUzoom.

Sugar Creek Summer Camp 2021

Back in the saddle again! Sugar Creek is excited to be back with world-class summer camp programs for youth this coming summer! As vaccines are delivered nationwide, safety practices are honed, medical knowledge increases, and the camp program and facilities are adapted, the camp is confident in moving forward with plans for summer Bible camp. By the very nature of all their programs at Sugar Creek, the camp is, in many ways, even safer than schools during a pandemic since we keep youth in small groups and run camp activities in the open, fresh, outdoor air. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, youth desperately need real connections in life and in faith. Kids need to be lifted up in ways that only happen in safe, small-group adventures at Bible camp. Leadership, life-long faith, healthy relationships, self-confidence – these are gifts you give your children and grandchildren with time at Sugar Creek. Sugar Creek hopes you will join them for wonderful, safe outdoor adventures in real Christian community. Registration is now open at sugarcreekbiblecamp.org.

Keep Up with Changes: 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.

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!