Announcements for Sunday, July 4 2021
INSIDE: church office closed July 5; Synod School of Theology; Amplifying the Voices of Black Youth in the La Crosse Area
God’s blessings to all this July 4th. In observance of Independence Day, the church office will be closed on Monday, July 5.
Worship
Join us for worship!
Sunday, July 4:
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, July 7:
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:
Worship: online & in-person WITHOUT precautions
Small groups: online & in-person WITHOUT precautions
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 description of current precautions, visit 1stlu.org/precaution.
Coffee with Pastor Karyn
Coffee with Pastor Karyn is open to all and meets at 6:30am each Wednesday in the narthex. See you there! Questions? Contact karyn@firstlu.org.
Synod School of Theology
Two summer sessions remain. Log-in to Zoom here for all sessions.
July 8: The Church and Criminal Justice
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
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. First Lutheran will be hosting a watch party in Fellowship Hall. To RSVP email bridget@firtlu.org.
Outdoor Worship on Sunday, July 11
First plans to do outdoor worship every so often during the summer, weather permitting, and the next one is scheduled for Sunday, July 11 at 10am. We gather on 5th Ave (between First and Pertzsch Elementary). Bring your own lawn chairs. There isn't a lot of shade, so consider a wide brim hat and sunscreen. Park in our lot or side streets as usual and it will be obvious where we're meeting. We will commune, hear good music from our praise band and pray together in person. Pastors will notify members by Sunday morning, around 7am, if outdoor worship will need to be indoors due to weather.
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 9: 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.
Opening: Bookkeeper
First Lutheran Church is looking for a part-time bookkeeper to work approx. 8-10 hours/week. Primary responsibilities include accounts payable, account reconciliations and preparation of monthly financial statements. Flexible hours are available. Associate Degree in accounting with some experience is preferred. Resumes can be submitted to office@firstlu.org by July 16. Call 608.783.2236 or email office@firstlu.org with any questions.
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
Plan ahead to be here for Vacation Bible School this summer, Sunday, August 1 through Thursday, August 5, 2018. Invite your neighbors! For 4K through Grade 5 in the fall (3 year olds are welcome to attend in the nursery). Register at 1stlu.org/VBS.
Sunday August 1–Thursday August 5
5pm dinner in Fellowship Hall
6–8pm VBS program
Thursday, August 5 Only…
5pm all-church picnic at Van Riper Park
~6pm swimming at Onalaska Aquatic Center!
Also: 1) Help in the kitchen! Many hands will make light work. Claim ONE night between Sunday, Aug. 1 through Thursday, Aug. 5 to prep, serve and clean up the meal all VBS families will enjoy together. Food will already be purchased. Menus are decided. We just need a couple hours of your time. 2) Bake/Make bars/cookies too! That's how dessert gets done. Email jason@firstlu.org if you can take a kitchen shift or bake.
All-Church Picnic and Waterslide!
All are welcome to the closing celebration of VBS, starting at 5pm on Thursday, Aug. 5 at Van Riper Park. We’ll eat together outdoors (First will provide the main course; bring desserts/treats to share) and then close with water fun at the Onalaska Aquatic Center!
ELCA Youth Gathering & Mission Trip Info Meeting
Sunday, August 8, 11am in the narthex. The ELCA's Youth Gathering is just a year away! July 24–28, 2022… in our very own backyard of Minneapolis! 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.
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!
