INSIDE: OWLs “Potluck” In-Person, Grief Support Group, Blood Drive, Worship Changes

Worship

Join us for worship!

Sunday, May 16:

• 8am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person (no registration required, but we ask all to sign-in upon arrival to assist with contact tracing if necessary). Nursery available, limited to 4 children.

• 10:30am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person (no registration required, but we ask all to sign-in upon arrival to assist with contact tracing if necessary). Nursery available, limited to 4 children.

Wednesday, May 19:

• 6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person (no registration required, but we ask all to sign-in upon arrival to assist with contact tracing if necessary).

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 in-person with limits & precautions.

  • Small groups: online & in-person with precautions

No Registration Needed for In-Person Worship

We will continue to mask and keep distance as we know some of our adults are choosing to not receive the vaccine, and none of our kids under 16 qualify. But no more registrations! We do ask all to sign-in upon arrival, to better assist with contact tracing if necessary. For a full breakdown of current precautions, visit 1stlu.org/precaution.

Knitters and Crocheters

The knitters and crocheters are meeting via Zoom every other Monday, 1-3:30pm. The next meeting is Monday, May 17. Contact Katy Wood to join, or ask questions.

Grief Support Group Resumes In-Person Meetings

The Grief Support Group will resume in-person meetings starting Thursday, May 20 at 10am, in the narthex. The group will meet on the third Thursday of the month. The group offers support and information to people who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Questions? Call the church office (608.783.2236), Katie Smith-Ohm (608.797.7915) or Gloria Kubiak (608.498.2762)

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.

Outdoor Worship in May & June

First will continue to do outdoor worship services and has set the following dates for May and June:

• May 23, 10:30am

• June 6, 10:30am

• June 20, 10am

Bring your own lawn chairs, and wear masks. If the weather's bad that day, we'll move inside.

Affirmation of Baptism

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

Women’s Ministry: Dorcas Circle

The Dorcas Circle is meeting from 1-3:30pm every other Tuesday. Next meeting: Tuesday, May 25, 1:30pm. They are meeting via Zoom, and are reading and discussing the book 31 Proverbs to Light your Path, by Liz Curtis Higgs. If you are interested in joining, please contact Katy Wood.

Worship Changes for the Summer

• In-person worship on Wednesdays will transition to online premieres for the summer. They will premiere at 6:15pm on Wednesdays, featuring a sermon and prayers, starting June 2. The last Wednesday of in-person worship for the summer will be May 26.

• Our synod’s annual assembly is taking place the weekend of June 12 & 13, and First Lutheran is the host site for the event. As part of the assembly, there will only be one service at First on Sunday, June 13, and it will be at 9am. This service is open to all, and will be lead by synod leaders, with music provided by our First Praise Band, and the message by Interim Bishop Chris Boerger.

• Starting June 20, Sunday worship times will change to 8am and 10am for the summer.

• Regular Sunday and Wednesday service times will resume in September.

COVID-19 Vaccines

If you have not been able to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment ahead of time, many of our local vaccinators are accepting walk-ins at a variety of locations and times! Some even after regular work hours! Check out all the locations and options at vaccinefinder.org or at lacrossecounty.org/covid19.

Lutheran Disaster Response in India

Lutheran Disaster Response is supporting many companion churches and partners throughout India as COVID-19 surges in the country. Among them is Padhar Hospital, which is purchasing an oxygen generator with LDR support. To support this and other responses in the region, visit community.elca.org/AsiaPacificDisasterResponse

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.

Grant Deadline Extended

The deadline to apply for a First Lutheran Church Foundation Fund Grant has been extended to July 1, 2021. The application form for the grant can be found at 1stlu.org/grant. Completed applications can be turned into the church office; the office closes at 4pm on July 1.

Amplifying the Voices of Black Youth in the La Crosse Area

Join us in this pressing educational program unveiling the perspectives of black youth and their parents in the La Crosse area. Local Black youth shared their perspectives of experiencing racism, bullying and stereotyping in our community from a very young age. This 2-day, synod wide online event will include viewing the video and a facilitated discussion. The purpose is to engage our community in necessary conversations about bias, racism and privilege. We challenge our community to change the environment, policies and practices that disproportionately impact black youth and their families. July 10 and July 17, 10am–noon. More details will be announced as event draws closer.

Volunteer Appreciation Picnic

Our Volunteer Appreciation Picnic will be July 11 from 11:30am–1:30pm at the first shelter in Rowe Park, for all volunteers who make Faith Alive! happen at First Lutheran. Precautions will be in place. Bring your lawn chairs and come to play! Mark the date so that we may celebrate those among us who give their time and energy to Christ’s mission! RSVP by July 11: call 608.783.2236 or online at 1stlu.org/vap.

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.