Announcements for Sunday Jan. 23 2022
INSIDE: Annual Report Available This Sunday, Parents’ Night Out, Sugar Creek Winter Fun Days
In advance of First’s Annual Meeting on Sunday, Feb. 6, an abbreviated one-page annual report for 2021 will be mailed to households in your year-end financial statements. A full, more in-depth annual report may picked up at the Welcome Center or downloaded at 1stlu.org/report (both available starting Sunday, Jan. 23).
Worship
Join us for worship!
Sunday, Jan. 23:
8am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person wearing masks. Nursery available.
10:30am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person wearing masks. Nursery available.
Wednesday, Jan. 26:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person wearing masks. Nursery available.
COVID-19 Update
Pastors and our COVID Advisory Panel gather to evaluate when and how the church can be open. These are our current recommendations:
Worship: online & in-person wearing masks and social distancing
Small groups: online & in-person; precautions determined by entire group
Precautions for In-Person Worship
Worship services are offered in-person, indoors at all services. Currently we are asking, for the safety of ALL members, that everyone wear a mask during worship. Registration and social distancing are currently not required for most services. For a full description 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.
Newsletter Assembly
It’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Friday, Jan. 28, at 10am, to assemble the February newsletter. See you there!
Parents’ Night Out
Bring your children for an evening of fun with the middle and high school youth groups’ fundraiser! WHERE: at First Lutheran, NEXT: Friday, Jan. 28, 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: Monetary donations will assist the middle and high school students with 2022 Sugar Creek Bible Camp, mission trip and ELCA Youth Gathering.
Sugar Creek Winter Fun Days!
Sledding, tubing, broom ball, snow shoeing, cross country skiing and all sorts of outdoor winter fun just waiting for you to enjoy on two Sundays, Jan. 30 and Feb. 12. Equipment provided. Gather around the fireplace for chili and a hot dog lunch served between 1-3 pm. Hot chocolate with marshmallows and coffee to warm you up too! Call 608.734.3113 or email office@sgrcreek.org to let us know you will be going! Cost: $10/person, children under 4 free; includes all activities and meal.
The Mountaintop
First Lutheran encourages our members to attend The Mountaintop at the La Crosse Community Theatre, Jan. 28–Feb. 6. On Apr. 3, 1968, after delivering one of his most memorable speeches, an exhausted Dr. King retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel while a storm rages outside. When a mysterious stranger arrives with some surprising news, King is forced to confront his destiny and his legacy to his people. Winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Play, The Mountaintop is a gripping re-imagination of events the night before the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Info and tickets at 1stlu.org/mtop.
Invitation to Change Lives with a Youth & Family Minister
Faith Changes Lives! First Lutheran is ready to grow our ability to be a place where faith is formed for every age and stage of life. In 2022, we will designate $20,000 of increased giving to support the salary and benefits of a new youth & family minister as well as our current staff. Join us by providing your statement of intent in worship on Stewardship Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, by 1) filling out the intent form at 1stlu.org/intent, or 2) mailing in/dropping off the intent card (coming this month in the mail) at the church office no later than Feb. 13, 2022.
Sugar Creek Summer Reg Now Open!
Your child or grandchild can have an amazing new experience this summer with the caring staff and beautiful creation of Sugar Creek! Now is the time to register, before your desired week fills up. Popular programs fill up fast! More info & reg at www.sgrcreek.org.
Quilters Need Sheets
First Lutheran's quilters need sheets, sheets & more sheets! They can be cotton, cotton-blend or flannel. They can be any size. They can be used, but please, be sure they're clean. Drop them off at the church office during regular hours or when you're here for church on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings. The quilters say thank you!
Sign Up for Flowers for 2022
The sign-up sheets for the 2022 flowers are on the bulletin board. If you would like to honor the memory of a loved one check the bulletin board and sign up for an open week of your choice. You can also contact the church office (office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236) to inquire about openings.
Calling all snapshots from 2021! #faithalive365
We’re looking for photos & videos from 2021: weddings, baptisms, Christmas program and ALL OTHER special events and ministries. Help us to collect and remember all the events from this past year! Email them to andy@firstlu.org or post them to our Facebook page, Twitter or Instagram with hashtag #faithalive365. Thanks!
YAGM’s are Back for 2022
ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) will be back in the world, in 9 foreign countries in 2022-23! YAGMs are young adults aged 21–29 and this is the time to reach out to new candidates. Application deadline: Feb. 1, 2022 (priority deadline Jan. 15.) Learn more at elca.org/yagm.
Sunshine Team
The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. Next meeting: Feb 3, 9:30am. Various jobs: cleaning, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, washing windows and cleaning carpets. Help make First look nice! Refreshments are supplied to replenish your reserves! Dues are free! Questions? Text/call Dave at 608.780.0135.
Warming Center
The La Crosse Warming Center will be open through April 30. The Warming Center provides a place for individuals who are living in homelessness to have a warm place to sleep overnight, shower, do laundry and get a meal. As was done last year, the first two Fridays of each month are "Lutheran Night." A number of local ELCA churches are working together to staff those two Friday nights, and provide food for dinner. Orientation and training is provided. Go to 1stlu.org/warm for more info. Questions? Contact bridget@firstlu.org.
Nominations For Vision & Leadership
Nominations needed! First Lutheran will elect two new members to the Vision & Leadership Team at the Annual Meeting on Feb. 6. Read the following ‘job’ description and consider who you could nominate for this ministry. Send nominations to karyn@firstlu.org.
POSITION: Member, Visioning and Leadership Team.
POSITION SUMMARY: As a servant to the ministry of First Lutheran Church and working in conjunction with pastoral leadership, is responsible for the 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.
Annual Meeting, Sunday, Feb. 6, 11:45am
All members are invited to attend First’s annual meeting on Sunday, Feb. 6 at 11:45am, in the sanctuary. We will reflect on 2021 and look ahead to 2022, elect two new Vision & Leadership Team members, and complete a variety of other business. Save the date to be a part of the body of church at First!
Gundersen Classes for those with Diabetes and Chronic Pain
Two virtual classes being offered by Gundersen Health System. Healthy Living with Diabetes: starts Feb. 16, runs 6 weeks, from 9-11:30am. Healthy Living with Chronic Pain: starts March 30, runs 6 weeks, from 12-2:30pm. Cost: $30. To register call Vicky Jessen, Office of Population Health, Gundersen, (608) 775-6870.
Sugar Creek Events
Feb. 17-20: Craft Retreat
Feb. 25-27: High School Youth Retreat
To register for the above events, contact the camp at 608.734.3113 / camp@sgrcreek.org.
“Courage Conversations” via Waking Up White Synod Read during Lent
Sundays: March 6, 13, 20, 27 and April 3, 6–7pm, via Zoom. Did you miss First’s study of Waking Up White, or want to revisit it? The Waking Up White synod read invites you to engage in conversations about the dynamics of race in your own life, congregations and community. Members of the Synod Church and Society Committee will lead these Zoom-based conversations on Sunday evenings during Lent. There is no fee to participate. Register by e-mail ( melanie@lacrosseareasynod.org) or by calling the synod office (608.788.5000). More info: 1stlu.org/wakingup.
Summer Camp Job Openings
Both Bible camps in our synod are in the process of hiring summer staff in various positions…
Luther Park Bible Camp: What are the benefits to working at camp during the summer time? Listen to this video with some of the Luther Park Bible Camp 2021 Summer Staff expressing their favorite moments. Then share with adults young and old in your congregation and community. Find more about summer employment. Positions available for counselors, lifeguards, worship leaders, cooks, nurses, and more.
Sugar Creek Bible Camp: Apply yourself or recommend others for camp staff positions. Few jobs are as meaningful as the life-changing role of a professionally-trained Bible camp counselor.
Needed: Assembly Voting Members
Participate in guiding the future of our synod! The 2022 La Crosse Area Synod Assembly is planned to be in-person June 10-12 (Friday evening through Sunday noon) at UWL, in La Crosse. An elected voting member will need to attend the assembly & various pre-meetings. If you are interested in serving our synod and congregation as one of First Lutheran’s five voting members, contact Pastor Karyn (karyn@firstlu.org) or the church office (office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236). It’s a great opportunity to be the church!
Volunteer at the ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis
Wish you could attend and be a part of the fun and excitement of the ELCA Youth Gathering, but you’re no longer a teenager? Then check out the volunteer opportunities! Volunteers make the ministry of the gathering happen, and there’s no registration fee! Sign up at 1stlu.org/ygvolunteer. The ELCA Youth Gathering runs July 24–28, 2022 in Minneapolis.
Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
If bad weather ever makes you wonder whether your group is meeting, check our website, Facebook page, or update the office with your cell number and provider so that we can text you. The staff and leadership of First intend to ‘make the call’ by 5pm at the latest so everyone knows what to expect. Be safe this winter!
Stephen Ministry
If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office: 608.783.2236.
Sunday School
Sunday, Jan. 23
Gr 2 FBB: What's Fair, lifted up in worship
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Jan. 30
9:15am Sunday School
Questions regarding Sunday School? Visit 1stlu.org/sunschool.
Confirmation
Sunday, Jan. 23:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes - Fireside Rm
Wednesday, Jan. 26:
6:15pm Confirmation Class - Fireside Rm
7pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups
Questions regarding confirmation? Visit 1stlu.org/confirm.
