INSIDE: Chicken Dinner, OWLs Watch Party, Nursery Now Open on Sundays

Worship

Join us for worship!

• Sunday, Apr. 25:

  • 8am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person (reg required). Nursery available, limited to 4 children (reg required).

  • 10:30am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person (reg required). Nursery available, limited to 4 children (reg required).

• Wednesday, Apr. 28:

  • 6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person (no registration required)

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 & in-person with precautions

  • Education: Peer Ministry and confirmation small groups in-person with limits & precautions, all others online

  • Small groups: online & in-person with precautions

4K Faith Building Block: The Keys

• Sundays, Apr. 25: parents/guardians with children via Zoom

• Sunday, May 2: 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.

Women’s Ministry: Dorcas Circle

The Dorcas Circle is meeting from 1-3:30pm every other Tuesday. Next meeting: Tuesday, Apr. 27, 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.

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.

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Tickets are still available for sale in the office through Apr. 26, 8am–4pm on weekdays (ring the doorbell to the left of the main entrance when you arrive); you can also purchase a meal at the door. Meals cost only $10 presale before Apr. 26, $12 at the door. And most importantly, all funds raised go to support youth going to Sugar Creek Bible Camp! Meals are provided by Premiere Catering, and will available for pick-up at First Lutheran on Thursday, Apr. 29, 11am–7pm.

OWLs Watch Party: Oklahoma!

The OWL’s movie watch party (A Night Out at Home) is set for Thursday, April 29 at 6:30pm. Last month we traveled to Siam to meet Anna and the King. This month we return to the USA with a musical trip to Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma." Set in the Oklahoma Territory in the early 1900s, this joyous celebration of Frontier life is a story of tender romance and dangerous passion. Come and enjoy this Academy award winning musical and relive the famous songs "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top," "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,” and "People Will Say we're in Love.” Come join the fun. Cocktails and conversation at 6:30pm with the movie starting about 7pm. To get Zoom information and help, contact volunteer coordinator, Brian Narveson, at owls@firstlu.org.

COVID-19 Vaccines

Now that everyone is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, you might have questions about how to find a vaccine appointment! Visit the website lacrossecounty.org/covid19 (click on the vaccine tab) to see all of the local vaccine options. If you are interested in signing up at the community-based vaccination site at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, register at vaccinate.wi.gov and check out the FAQ's about the site. Still have questions? Email covid19@lacrossecounty.org or call the State vaccine hotline at 1.844.684.1064.

Preschool Springfest

Springfest, on Sunday, May 2, is our preschool’s major fund-raiser. The preschool invites you to browse the tables and place bids in their silent auction following worship that Sunday; all bids will support the ministry of First Lutheran Preschool… so consider any bid over face value as a donation to the preschool’s ministry (and a good way to lock-in that bid)!

Knitters and Crocheters

The knitters and crocheters are meeting via Zoom every other Monday, 1-3:30pm. The next meeting is Monday, May 3. Contact Katy Wood to join, or ask questions.

Sugar Creek Volunteer Work Weekend

Your helping hands can get the camp ready for campers this summer! Come with your family or your co-horted group, or come by yourself and enjoy the blessings of serving others by making ready your Bible Camp! The work day is on Saturday, May 8, but volunteers are welcome to come and stay over the night before. Friday night lodging and Saturday meals are FREE for volunteers at this event! Visit the camp website for further details and how to RSVP yourself or your group: sugarcreekbiblecamp.org.

Affirmation of Baptism

On the Sunday, May 9, at 1pm, and Sunday, May 23, at 1:30pm, we finally bless our confirmands of 2020 as they affirm their baptism before our community of faith.

Blood Drive

Thursday, May 20, 12:30-5:30pm. Every day ordinary people are saved by some pretty extraordinary people. People who give blood. Your donation could be the most valuable gift you ever give. Just ask anyone who’s ever received. Walk-ins welcome; appointments encouraged, schedule yours at 1stlu.org/blooddrive. Please bring a mask and photo ID.

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.

Baptismal Preparation


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

Confirmation Camp…
for Youth going into grades 8 & 9

Our upcoming confirmation students get a chance to start their confirmation journey in the beautiful valley of Sugar Creek, the week of Sunday, June 13 through Friday, June18. We will learn in faith together while we do Bible study, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, campfires, and so much more! This summer confirmation camp is for youth going into both 8th & 9th grade. Questions? Contact Pastor Karyn at karyn@firstlu.org.

Small Groups May Consider Being In-Person

First Lutheran small groups may gather in-person with precautions:

1. Capacity of gathering spaces will be capped at 25%.

2. Masks will be expected to be worn at all times, in all places.

3. There will be no food or beverages at this time.

4. Distances of 6 feet will be kept between small group participants.

5. Hugging, handshakes and other physical contact are discouraged.

For full guidelines, see our one-page document: Small Group Expectations During a Pandemic. Small group leaders should do the following:

1. Connect with Bridget Crave for details.

2. Connect with Tamara Schonsberg regarding room usage.

3. Connect with Andy Stutesman regarding promotions.

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!

Stephen Ministry

If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office: 608.783.2236.