First Lutheran Church

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Announcements for Sunday, June 27 2021

Andrew Stutesman

Inside: Rev. Felix Malpica elected Bishop, Sunshine Team meets on July 1

On Sun., June 13, following the fifth ballot, Rev. Felix Malpica was presented to the La Crosse Area Synod assembly as our new bishop. Rev. Malpica will begin the transition process over the next few weeks and months. He will be installed as Bishop on Sun., Sept. 26 by ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. The site for this service has not yet been determined.

Worship

Join us for worship!

Sunday, June 27:

  • 8am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person

  • 10am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person

  • Nursery available, limited to 4 children.

Wednesday, June 30:

  • 6:15pm: Premiering a short pre-recorded service, including hymn, reading, message and prayers, on Facebook and YouTube.

COVID-19 Update

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

No Precautions for In-Person Worship

Worship services are now offered in-person, indoors at both services without precautions. Outdoor worship will be offered occasionally (about once a month) during the 10am service, and if weather permits. Registration, masks, and social distancing are no longer required. For a full breakdown of current precautions, visit 1stlu.org/precaution.

Courageous Men’s Group

The Courageous Men’s Group are men of all ages who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 6am in the Fireside Room for a time of fellowship and study. Contact Jim Knutson or the church office for more info: jim@firstlu.org.

NEEDED: Gently Used Sheets for Quilters

The First Lutheran quilters need sheets (gently used) and can always use fabric. Donations may be dropped off at the church office.

Sunshine Team

The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. Next meeting: July 1, 9:30am. Various jobs: outside raking, trimming bushes, sweeping, cleaning, pulling weeds. Help make First Lutheran look nice! Refreshments are supplied to replenish your reserves! Dues are free! Questions? Text/call Dave at 608.780.0135.

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 in to the church office; the office closes at 4pm on July 1.

Synod School of Theology

Two summer sessions remain. Log-in to Zoom here for all sessions.

  1. July 8: The Church and Criminal Justice

  2. July 15: Economic Life: Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All

Wheelchair Available

A member has offered to donate a barely used wheelchair to any person or family who could use it. If that's you, contact the church office and we'll contact the member: 608.783.2236 / office@firstlu.org.

Amplifying the Voices of Black Youth in the La Crosse Area

Sign up for this FREE two-part video series via ZOOM…

  • July 10, 10am–noon: Black students share their experiences

  • July 17, 10am–noon: Black students’ parents share

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. Registration is required so Zoom links can be sent out. RSVP to office@lacrosseareasynod.org to register.

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.

Church Women United: Human Rights Celebration

The annual Church Women United Human Rights Celebration will be on Monday, July 12, from 4:30–6pm, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Onalaska, 701 Well St. There will be a collection of items for New Horizons: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouth wash, bug spray, lotions and phone cards. A box lunch will be prepared for each guest. Call Becky at 608.799.6297 to register. All are welcome.

Parents’ Night Out

Bring your children for an evening of fun with the middle and high school youth groups’ fundraiser! WHERE: at First Lutheran, WHEN: Friday, July 23, FOR: Birth–12 are welcome (Birth–3 will be in the nursery, ages 4 and up in Fellowship Hall)

  • Registration from 4:45pm-5:30pm

  • Followed by dinner and activities till 8:30pm (parents can pick up early if needed)

COST: Free will donations will assist the middle and high school students with 2022 Sugar Creek Bible camp, mission trip and ELCA Youth Gathering.

Opening: Preschool assistant teacher

First Lutheran Preschool is currently looking for a new assistant teacher. We are looking for a team player who can provide loving, quality care and education to our children and families.  Hours are approximately 8am-12:15pm, Monday-Friday. Interested applicants should email preschool@firstlu.org.

Lutheran World Relief Personal Care Kits

First Lutheran will be collecting items for LWR’s Personal Care Kits the next two months, and will assemble them during Vacation Bible School in early August. The kits require the following items:

  • Light-weight bath-size towels (between 20” x 40”and 52” x 27”), dark color recommended (shop for light- or medium-weight towels, which are easier for kit recipients to hand wash and air dry, take up less storage space and are considerably less expensive than the fluffier towels we may prefer to use).

  • Bath-size bars of soap equaling 8 to 9 oz. any brand, in original wrapping (no hotel soap).

  • Adult-size toothbrushes in their original packaging (Toothbrush multi-packs may be used by sealing an individual toothbrush in a business-size envelope; no plastic bags or wrap).

  • Sturdy combs, remove packaging. (No brushes; please provide medium- to wide-tooth combs, so that members in all the communities we serve can utilize them).

  • Metal nail clippers (attached file optional), remove packaging.

Bring donations to the church on Sunday and place at the altar, or to the church office on weekdays from 8am–4pm.

Please give new items only. Please do not donate items with any religious symbols, messages or a group’s name, the U.S. flag, patriotic or military symbols, or references to the armed forces, including camouflage. Do not enclose items in plastic bags.

Vacation Bible School

Save the dates! Sunday–Thursday, Aug. 1–5, 5-8pm each day.

ELCA Youth Gathering Info Meeting

Sunday, August 8, time and location TBD, The ELCA's Youth Gathering is less than a year away! July 24–28, 2022… in our very own backyard of Minneapolis, MN! The gathering is open to all youth entering grades 9–12 in the fall of 2022, plus 2022 graduates. And details need to be shared regarding the mission trip in 2022. Come to this informational meeting to learn more about these great, upcoming events!

Sugar Creek Golf Fundraiser

GOLFERS: Join Pastor Stanton on Monday, Aug 23 at Viroqua Hills Golf Course (4 person, best ball) to raise money for Sugar Creek. It's $75 each, but FLC is covering the first $25. RSVP to the church office (608.783.2236 / office@firstlu.org) or e-mail jason@firstlu.org.