INSIDE: Choir rehearsal starts for All Saints Sunday • Parents’ Night Out • Women’s Retreat at Sugar Creek, led by Carla Stanton

Worship

Join us for worship!

Sunday, Oct. 23:

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

• 10:30am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.

Wednesday, Oct. 26:

• 6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.

Current Precautions

• Masking: masks are welcome and not required, and encouraged for those recently exposed.

• Social distancing: not required, but of course, we ask everyone to respect all who desire social distance.

• Hand sanitizing: stations will be available at the entrance and near the welcome center.

• Stay home if you have any symptoms of COVID or had a recent positive diagnosis.

For a full description of current precautions, visit 1stlu.org/precaution.

Wedding Blessings!

Wedding blessings are extended to Pamela Andersen & Scott Johnson.

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.

Are You Registered to Vote in Wisconsin?   

As Election Day approaches, we want you to know that your vote MATTERS! We vote to protect our community, our health, and our shared planet. Learn more about what’s on your ballot by downloading our Wisconsin Voter Guide. As you consider what’s at stake in your vote, be sure to join Faith in Place for our October Monthly Call on Tue., Oct 25, 6:30pm CT to hear from their policy team and to learn how and why they #VoteClimateJustice!

Sing for Saints!

Do you like music? Do you enjoy singing, even if it’s in the shower? Do you appreciate the power of music in worship? Then put all of these things together and join the First Lutheran Senior Choir! First Lutheran is once again excited to offer the “festival choir” format for adding your vocal talents to worship! We know that the busy lives we all lead can limit the number of volunteer activities to which we are able to commit. The next event the choir will rehearse for is All Saints Sunday. Practice begins Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 7pm in the choir room. All are welcome … there is no audition and no formal training required, just a desire to enhance worship through the beauty of music! And the time commitment is just for the one performance (not the entire year). Full schedule and sign-up at 1stlu.org/choir. If needed, child care will be made available (just indicate this need on the sign-up form). For more info contact Todd Saner at todd@firstlu.org.

It's Butter Braid Season

Selling Butter Braids is a popular way for young people to earn money toward their summer camp and trip expenses. The order forms for this year's sale are now available in the church office. The deadline for returning order forms and payments to the church office is Thursday, Oct. 27. The Butter Braids cost $16 this year, and will be delivered to the church on Nov. 14.

Newsletter Assembly

It’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Friday, Oct. 28, at 10am, to assemble the November 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, Oct. 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: Donations will assist the middle and high school students with 2023 Sugar Creek Bible camp and mission trip. Register at 1stlu.org/nightout by Wednesday, Oct. 26.

Women’s Retreat at Sugar Creek, led by Carla Stanton

Friday evening, Oct. 28–Sunday morning, Oct. 30. How do we listen to our Creator, with so many voices and messages bombarding us? Join with Spiritual Director and First Lutheran member, Carla Stanton, as we learn to center ourselves in listening, speaking, relaxing, finding peace and joy even amidst the noise of life. This retreat allows you time for relaxation, adventure, reflection, hearty home-style meals, and fellowship at your own pace. No preparations required; all you need to do is say yes. More info and reg form at 1stlu.org/scbcwomen.

OWLs Fly to Movin’ to the Musicals

On Saturday, Oct. 29, the OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First Lutheran, for anyone 55+) will fly to the Viterbo show choir's concert Movin’ to the Musicals. The show choirs will perform numbers from beloved musicals. If you like Broadway musicals, you will love this show. This great adventure will start at the church at 4:45pm. We will travel to Houghton’s for dinner, followed by the concert. RSVP to Brian: owls@firstlu.org / 630.816.5917. COST: $29 and dinner is on your own. Tickets to Viterbo events many times sell out, so let Brian know as soon as you can if you plan on attending. He will buy the tickets as people notify him, but you can pay him the night of the event.

2022 Year-End Goal

As 2022 began, our stewardship goals focused on three things: Hunger, homelessness and faith formation ministries. With $40,000 of increased giving, we will write a $10,000 check to the La Crosse Hunger Task Force and another $10,000 check to the REACH collaborative, and set aside $20,000 to make our budget fully ready to call a 3rd minister. Your gifts help First Lutheran change lives by providing food, shelter and faith formation ministries. Consider an increase in your recurring contributions or make a one-time offering so that we can make a significant impact in our community and far beyond at 1stlu.org/give.

Trunk-or-Treat!

It is time to fill our parking lot with trunks full of treats for the neighborhood kids! We will host trick-or-treaters on All Hallow’s Eve (AKA Halloween), Oct. 31, from 4–7pm. You can come as you and your car are, or come dressed as someone/something else! You provide the candy, we will provide warm beverages. Sign up your trunk at 1stlu.org/trunkortreat.

Hunger Task Force Needs Canned Food

The Hunger Task Force is greatly in need of canned food donations. Your items can be dropped off at the organization’s warehouse: 1240 Clinton St., 8am–3pm.

Hurricane Ian Relief

Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida on Sept. 28 with near Category 5-strength winds, dumping record amounts of rain and causing catastrophic flooding. It then made another landfall in South Carolina, bringing hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge. Ian, as predicted, is one of the worst hurricanes to hit the United States in decades. Along with our partners in the region, Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to respond to Hurricane Ian with immediate relief, including water, clothing, gift cards, tarps and more. Your dollars are also hard at work in communities around the world through Lutheran Disaster Response, including responses to Hurricane Fiona, the drought in the Horn of Africa, the severe storm in Alaska, the war in Ukraine – to name a few. Long after the headlines change, Lutheran Disaster Response will continue to accompany communities on the journey of rebuilding their homes and lives. Together, we can help provide immediate and long-lasting support. Give today to support disaster survivors: ELCA.org/disaster.

Cloud of Witnesses: All Saints Day

We honor our brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before us during a special worship service at noon on All Saints Day, Tuesday, Nov. 1, both in-person and live streamed at 1stlu.org/live.

All Saints Day has long been a day when the church gives thanks for all the saints, the beloved, who have died, especially in the past year. In the coming weeks, we will be asking for photographs of your beloved dead so that we can be surrounded by their witness at All Saints worship. These pictures can be sent electronically (to karyn@firstlu.org) or brought in. They will be printed as 4X6, so resolution should be such that they can be printed well from what you submitted. If your loved one was a member of our congregation and died this past year, you have received a letter with a special request. All Saints Day isn’t only about those who have died but also about those who have been newly baptized. If your child was baptized this past year, you also will receive a special request. Please note, we will continue to use the photos submitted last year, so no need to resend those photos.

Friends of the Warming Center   

It's that time of year again. The Warming Center will open Nov. 1 for unhoused people, and the area ELCA churches have agreed to provide evening meals the 1st and 2nd Friday of each month, November–April. Prepare the meal in your kitchen and drop it off at the Warming Center ready to be served. Other people serve the meal, you just prepare it. You are welcome to use the Hunger Task Force for meal ingredients. More info and reg at 1stlu.org/warm.

Preschool Now Enrolling for Nov. 1!

The First Lutheran Preschool has spots in their Mon/Wed/Fri class and their Tues/Thur class. For more info, email Preschool Director, Melissa Rolbiecki, at preschool@firstlu.org.

'Living with Diabetes' Class

Gundersen Health System is offering a "Healthy Living with Diabetes" class for people who have diabetes, who are pre-diabetes and/or who are caregivers for people with diabetes. The class will be virtual, not in-person, and costs $30. It will be on Wednesday mornings, for six weeks, starting Nov. 2. To register, call 608-775-6870.

Sunshine Team

The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. Next meeting: Nov. 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? Contact Dan at dan@firstlu.org.

Meal Train for Nancy Beguin

Members of First Lutheran have started a Meal Train page for Nancy Beguin, while she recovers from her stay in the hospital. What is Meal Train? When many friends provide support through a meal, Meal Train keeps everyone organized. Meal Train is a free meal calendar tool that makes planning meals among a wide group easy and less stressful. Sign up to help make a meal at 1stlu.org/mealtrain.

Election Day of Prayer

This year, on Nov. 8, in answer to the call to fear, love and trust God above all things, First is calling everyone to practice our faith and citizenship by praying together on Election Day.

1. First seeks to pray every hour for a Spirit-led election process. Go to 1stlu.org/electionprayer to sign up for any given hour, but it is not expected that you would pray for the whole hour.

2. First will worship together, in-person and live streamed, at 6:15pm. This will be a short prayer service centered around a specific scripture and include some songs and a reflection, and will include Holden Evening Prayer.

Operation Christmas Child: Pack a Shoebox!

On Nov. 9, 7-8pm, our confirmands (and anyone else willing) will pack shoeboxes for boys, ages 10–14 (the group typically least purchased for). The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way to children in need around the world! Each box is $20. A confirmation guide will be buying the supplies, organizing snacks, etc., and sending the shoe boxes. Our confirmation small groups just need 1) donations and 2) anyone willing to help them pack the boxes. Donate at 1stlu.org/give.

Clothes Closet Update

Hello First Lutheran, can you help us? First Teen Clothes Closet has needs to fill:

• Graphic t-shirts: all sizes

• Athletic pants: XS, S, M, L

• Athletic shorts: XS, S

• Lounging pants/pj’s: XS, L

• Hoodies: XL

• Wallets & fun jewelry

Please be sure donations are gently used or new, clean, and teen styles. Thank you!

Preview of the Gospel of Matthew

Are you looking for a connection between scripture and everyday life? Or maybe a way to dig deeper into the gospel of Matthew? If so, join Pastor Karyn for one or both of these opportunities: On Nov. 14 and 21, from 6-7pm, an overview of the gospel Matthew… and starting on Nov. 21 at 7pm, a year-long journey through the lectionary (our schedule of readings). Both will meet in the narthex. Cost of the yearlong class is $20 for the devotional study book we will use. Register online at 1stlu.org/bmatters.

Upcoming Sugar Creek Bus Trips

• Nov. 16: Fireside Dinner Theater, "White Christmas"

Sign up early! Spots fill quickly. Call for info: 608.734.3113.

2023 Synod Delegation to Peru

Planning is underway for an upcoming delegation to our companion church, Iglesia Luterana del Perú (the Lutheran Church of Peru) or IL-P, for the end of July through the first week of August, 2023. Deadline for application is Nov. 21, 2022. Application form and info at lacrosseareasynod.org.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

The 12th annual Onalaska Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be on Thursday, Nov. 24, from 11am–2pm, at the National Guard Armory, 910 Oak Forest Drive. There will be in-person dining, carry-outs & deliveries. More than 1,600 meals will be served to people in need, those unable to spend time with family and those who are home alone. Delivery request must be in before Nov. 21 and may be made online at OCTD.org, or call 608-667-0994. Available delivery times are 11am, noon and 1pm. Sign up to volunteer at OCTD.org.

Snow Birds

Are you heading out? Please let us know if you'll be spending the winter somewhere else. If we know your seasonal address, we can keep in touch by sending you the monthly newsletter. Call or email the office with your winter address: 608.783.2236, office@firstlu.org.

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, Oct. 23

  • 9:15am Sunday School

• Sunday, Oct. 30

  • 9:15am Sunday School

Questions about Sunday School? Visit 1stlu.org/sunschool.

Preschool Faith Building Block: Praying Together

Throughout the year each age group will have a special “Faith Building Block” session in which parents or special adults are asked to attend class with their child on Sundays at 9:15am (in Fellowship Hall), sharing in conversation and growing together in faith. Most sessions last for three weeks, and afterward, children will have a presence in worship in celebration of the Faith Building Block they learned about.

• Sundays, Oct. 23 & 30: parents/guardians with children

• Sunday, Nov. 6: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship

Confirmation

• Sunday:

  • 9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes - Fireside Rm

• Wednesday:

  • 5:30pm Dinner for Gr 8 & 9 - Fellowship Hall

  • 6:00pm Gr 10 Confirmation Rehearsal Dinner - Fellowship Hall

  • 7:00pm Gr 8–9 Small Groups

• Upcoming:

  • Affirmation of Baptism / Confirmation Worship: Sunday, Oct. 30, 1:30pm

Questions about Confirmation? Visit 1stlu.org/confirm.