Announcements for Sun. Aug 14, 2022
INSIDE: Listening Session for ELCA Task Force on Civics and Faith Social Statement • Confirmation Orientation • OWLs Potluck
Confirmation orientation is THIS Sunday and Wednesday. Learn more below…
Worship
Join us for worship!
Sunday, Aug. 14:
8am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
9am: Summer Fun! For kids: Snacks and supervised play outdoors (gather at the Welcome Center). For adults: fellowship hour and Parent Share in the Upper Room.
10am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Current Precautions
Pastors and our COVID Advisory Panel get together as needed to evaluate when and how precautions should change. These are our current recommendations:
On Thursday at 12pm, the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Level for La Crosse county was high. HOWEVER, please check 1stlu.org/precaution for the current, up-to-date level.
If HIGH: we ask everyone to mask for large gatherings (such as worship)
If MEDIUM or LOW: masks are optional and welcome
You can also check the following sites for the current COVID-19 Community Level:
CDC COVID-19 Community Level (takes a bit to load)
La Crosse County Health Dept. Facebook Page (they do a fairly decent job of posting a photo when levels change… an orange/red mask indicates a move to HIGH, and a green mask indicates a move to MEDIUM)
Small groups: online & in-person; precautions determined by the entire group
For a full description of current precautions, visit 1stlu.org/precaution.
Confirmation Orientation
Grade 6 & 7: Sun., Aug. 14, 9:15am, in Fellowship Hall
Grades 8–10: Wed., Aug. 17, 5:30pm, in Fellowship Hall
Questions about confirmation for 2022-23? Checkout our confirmation page at 1stlu.org/confirmation and/or contact Pastor Stanton at jason@firstlu.org. Online confirmation registration coming soon.
Confirmation Guides
You don’t need to know the Bible backwards & forwards, & you don’t need a seminary degree. Just a heart for the youth of our church & an hour each week to spend with our confirmation youth. Parents, grandparents, godparents or any faith-mature adult is welcome to facilitate conversation and build relationships between our confirmands on Wednesday nights. Contact Pastor Stanton to nominate someone: jason@firstlu.org/608.783.2236.
Listening Session for ELCA Task Force on Civics and Faith Social Statement
Join Joel Miller in person in the Fireside room on Sunday, Aug. 14, 11am to hear about the ELCA social statement process and provide input to the task force creating the statement. Virtual option will be Aug. 14 and Aug 21 at 7pm on Zoom (code: 995-941-5203). For those not able to attend, you can provide direct feedback to the task force by email at civicsandfaith@elca.org. Learn more: elca.org/civicsandfaith.
OWLs
The OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First Lutheran, for anyone 55+) have their next potluck on Wednesday, Aug. 17, at noon in Fellowship Hall. For the program, Mary Narveson will provide a “clay experience.” She will demonstrate how easy it is to make a simple sculpture in clay. The clay will be provided to everyone so they can experience making their own creation under Mary’s guidance. Mary is an accomplished clay artist who also teaches pottery locally. August is also Brian and Mary Narveson’s 50th anniversary month. They will provide a special dessert to celebrate the momentous occasion with all of their OWL friends. Don’t miss the great food, fun and fellowship. ALSO: On Tuesday, Aug. 23, the OWLs will enjoy the river close-up on the Mighty Mississippi River Boat Tour in Winona, MN. They’ll will meet at the church at 3:30pm, and stop for an early supper before the cruise, which begins at 6pm. Cruise cost: $19.95; dinner is on your own. RSVP to volunteer coordinator, Brian Narveson, at owls@firstlu.org by Aug. 21.
Golf Fundraisers
Luther Park Bible Camp Golf Outing: Thursday, Aug. 11, with 9am start. Sioux Creek Golf Course, Chetek WI. $50 for 9 holes, includes cart. Scramble format ~ Raffles, Prizes & Games. See more. Sign up here.
Bethel Home & Services 24th Annual Golf Outing: Monday, Aug. 15. $85 includes 18 holes of golf, cart, dinner and prizes. For more info or to register contact Thalia at 608.637.6323 or tlaforce@bethelhome.org.
Sugar Creek Golf Tournament: Join Pastor Stanton on Monday, Aug 22, at Viroqua Hills Golf Course, to raise money for Sugar Creek. Reg and check-in at 11am. Shotgun at 12:30pm. 18 holes: $75/person, 4-person best ball, 2 flights with prizes! More info: 1stlu.org/scbcgolf.
Nosh with Neighbors: Pertzsch & Preschool
As a goodwill gesture towards the community of our church, First Lutheran and Onalaska UMC will provide and serve lunch for the staff at Irving Pertzsch Elementary School and First Lutheran Preschool on Thursday, Aug. 25, at 11am (served here, at First). We will need volunteers—of ALL ages—to help set up and serve. RSVP to Kathryn at kathryn@firstlu.org.
Upcoming Sugar Creek Bus Trips
Aug 26-Sept 1: Ark Encounter and Nashville: There are many stops along the way. The Ark Encounter in Williamstown, KY, will awe you with a full-size ark. Tour the Lexington, KY, area with its many horse farms. Opryland Hotel will be your home base in Nashville. You will see the Country Music Hall of Fame, Legends, Lunch & Lyrics, a guided tour that will take you down Music Row, the Capitol and Parthenon. A backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry and the General Jackson Showboat Luncheon Cruise will cap off your stay. On the bus ride home, you will stop in Springfield, IL, to visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum as well as Lincoln's Home. Register soon!
November 16: Fireside Dinner Theater, "White Christmas"
Sign up early! Spots fill quickly. Call for info: 608.734.3113.
Blessing Backpacks & Devices/Students & Staff
Whether you are in school virtually or in-person… whether you are a student in kindergarten, high school, college, or an adult teaching or helping at any of those levels, God is with you every day, in every place. And First wants to kick off this school year with a blessing to remind you of just that. So we invite students and staff, K–college, to have your backpacks, briefcases, messenger bags, purses, laptops, tablets, etc. with them for worship on Sunday, Aug. 28, so that we may bless the start of your new school year!
Outdoor Worship This Summer
First will continue to do outdoor worship services once a month during the summer…
August 28, 10am
September 25, 10:30am
Bring your own lawn chairs, and perhaps a hat to shade your eyes. If the weather's bad that day, we'll move inside. PLEASE NOTE: There will be no live stream of the 10am outdoor service.
Lead Sunday School
There are opportunities to serve as a Sunday School teacher and volunteers. A Sunday School teacher is a commitment of 1 or 2 weekends a month in which you connect with our congregation's children! It is super easy with the curriculum! If you like to play games or would like to help organize or help in any way, please consider! Contact Pastor Stanton: jason@firstlu.org.
Sunday School Teacher & Volunteer Orientation
Sunday, Aug. 28, 5:30pm. For all Sunday School teachers and volunteers: come and learn what this Sunday School year has in store. And thanks again for you sharing your gift of time and talents with this ministry! Location: Fellowship Hall. Questions? Contact Pastor Stanton: jason@firstlu.org.
Grief Support
The Franciscan Spirituality Center offers the following opportunities for grief support. Online reg: www.FSCenter.org.
5-WEEK SERIES: GRIEF CIRCLE (IN PERSON), Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 & Oct. 4, Tuesdays, 10am–noon. Cost: $25 for series; enter code GRIEF60 for discount on online reg. This group is for those who are grieving the death of a loved one. It is a welcoming place to share your thoughts, feelings and concerns, where you can talk about your loss with other people who understand, because they are also grieving. Sometimes friends and family, although well-intentioned, may not understand the meaning of your loss and the depth of your pain. The support of others on the same journey can provide a great deal of comfort and healing.
LISTENING TOGETHER: A MONTHLY GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP (IN-PERSON). Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm; First session is Sept. 12. Cost: Free. Advance reg appreciated; drop-ins welcome. This group meets the second Monday of every month and provides a safe place for those who are experiencing grief and the loss of a loved one to share their stories. You’ll have an opportunity to process your unique experience while receiving the comfort and compassion of others who understand.
Sugar Creek 5K
Registration for the 9th annual Sugar Creek Bible Camp 5K Trail Fun Run/Walk is now open! Being held Saturday, Sept. 10 at 9am, at Sugar Creek Bible Camp, the course makes its way through each of the villages and prominent places on camp. Following the run stick around for the annual camp auction, the presentation of medals, and drawings for door prizes. Register at 1stlu.org/scbc5k.
Sugar Creek Fall Festival
Saturday, Sept. 10. Beginning at 9am: 5K Trail Run and Fun Walk (more info above). At 10am: craft fair, country store, silent auction, and BBQ pork lunch.
Dinner Theater: First Fest Edition!
Join us on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 5pm as we return to the golden age of the 1940s and the famous jazz club "Chez Mort." On this particular night, the club was the scene of a strange accident. Or was it an accident? COST: $10 per person, kids 5 and younger are free. Proceeds will go toward the refurbishment of the church office in anticipation of a third ministry team member. Space is limited, so sign up today at 1stlu.org/dintheater! (Registration closes on Sunday, Sept. 4)
12th Annual First Fest!
On Sunday, Sept. 11, we invite you to join us for worship at 8am or 10:30am, and after the second service relax, catch up with friends, introduce yourself to visitors or members you’ve yet to meet, listen to great music, have lunch and have some fun! FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, so INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!
RING!
Are you open to trying something new? Join the fun—ring bells! We welcome widely varied musical backgrounds. No experience necessary! We’ll begin with the basics and learn to work together. Musical ability is a skill that can be taught. Do you want to be involved? The bells rehearse Tuesdays at 5pm in the choir room, starting Sept. 13. For more info, contact Jim Knutson at jim@firstlu.org. Ring ‘dem bells!
Blood Drive
Tuesday, Sept. 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 have ever given. Just ask anyone who’s ever received it. Walk-ins welcome; appointments encouraged, schedule yours at 1stlu.org/blooddrive. Please bring a mask and photo ID.
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Oct. 1, at 10am in the narthex for anyone who is considering or has scheduled a baptism. To register or ask questions call the church office at 608.783.3326 by Sunday, Sept. 26. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
Sponsoring Ukrainian Refugees
Refugee sponsorship information from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: Sponsorship is a huge honor, gift and responsibility. Learn about what sponsors do by visiting this website for more information on how you can support Ukrainians.
Make Worship Happen!
Worship assistants make worship happen! Usher, read, bake bread, serve communion, lead projection and more. To assist with Sunday worship sign up at 1stlu.org/assistSUN.
