INSIDE: Daylight Savings Ends, Election Day of Prayer, Operation Christmas Child

Worship

Join us for worship!

Sunday, Nov. 6:

• 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, Nov. 9:

• 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.

Fall Back! (Daylight Savings Ends)

Daylight saving time ends at 2am, Sunday, Nov. 7. Don’t forget to change your clocks! (Otherwise you’ll just be early for church!)

Parent Share 

Join Carla Stanton, member of First, certified spiritual director and mom of three, in room 201 every Sunday morning at 9:15am. At Parent Share, we pray and talk about raising our children faithfully. Questions? Click here to contact Carla.

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. Reflect with us as we post prayers on our social media, such as Facebook and YouTube.

3. 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.

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.

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) monetary donations and 2) anyone willing to help them pack the boxes. Donate at 1stlu.org/give.

Friends of the Warming Center   

The Warming Center opened 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. Questions? Contact bridget@firstlu.org.

Drawing from the Well

This group is for women of First and the greater La Crosse area seeking to support one another in their spiritual growth. We gather to develop a deeper relationship with one another, meeting on the second Saturday of the month, 9:30–11am, in the narthex, with the next one on Saturday, Nov. 12. Contact Bridget Crave for more info: bridget@firstlu.org.

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!

Butter Braid Delivery

Butter Braids will be delivered to the church on Nov. 14, and should be available after 1pm.

Connecting with 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.

OWLs

On Wednesday, Nov. 16 the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will have their monthly potluck at noon in the narthex. So close to Thanksgiving we ask everyone to bring their favorite Thanksgiving dish to pass. For the program Brian and Mary will tell stories and show photos from their summer trip at several national parks. Questions, contact volunteer coordinator Brian at owls@firslu.org or 608.526.9700.

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, Nov. 18, 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 8pm (parents can pick up early if needed)

COST: Monetary donations will assist the middle and high school students with 2022 Sugar Creek Bible Camp and potential mission trip. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout, by Wednesday, Nov. 16.

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.

Choir for Thanksgiving Eve Worship

On Wednesday, Nov. 23, at 5:30pm, First Lutheran members, along with our brothers and sisters in Christ from Onalaska United Methodist Church, will gather an hour in advance to rehearse their song for the Thanksgiving Eve Ecumenical worship service. Open to all people ages 14 and up; no audition and no formal training required. Questions? Contact todd@firstlu.org.

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Worship

Everyone is invited to a special (and slightly later) ecumenical worship service at First Lutheran on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 6:30pm, with our brother and sisters in Christ from Onalaska UMC.

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 requests 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.

Advent Around the Table

Advent is a season full of rich traditions for both home and church. We invite everyone to join us on Sunday, Nov. 27, at 9:15am in Fellowship Hall for our annual Advent Around the Table event. We will create advent crafts for our homes and learn more about this particular season, have great fellowship and grow in our faith as we kick off the Advent season.

Welcoming Ukrainian Newcomers to the Coulee Region   

The La Crosse Welcome Circle (LWC) has been organized to assist Ukrainians who wish to temporarily resettle in our part of Wisconsin. Many will return to their homeland when that becomes possible, but this local group is offering peace and hope to them in the meantime. The LWC has identified steps needed to assure an easy transition to living in our area but help is needed and they are reaching out to our congregations for assistance. Read more about LWC and how you can partner in this ministry opportunity.

Road to Bethlehem @ Sugar Creek

Begin your journey at time between 2–5pm on Saturday, Dec. 3. Journey through the Advent story by visiting different live-action worship stations offering carols, scripture, prayer and the chance to visit a live nativity. Enjoy refreshments at the end! This is an outdoor event, so dress appropriately for the weather. There is no cost, but we invite you to consider a free-will offering to benefit the ministry and mission of Sugar Creek Bible Camp. Non-perishable food items will be collected to benefit local food pantries.

Christmas Flowers for the Sanctuary

If you would like to give a rose in honor or memory of loved ones to decorate for our Christmas Eve services, you may do so at 1stlu.org/nextsteps. Cost is $5 per rose. Order deadline is Sunday, Dec. 18.

Christmas Events Insert

The Christmas events insert that was included in the November newsletter can be downloaded at 1stlu.org/nextsteps.

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.

Young Adults in Global Mission Resumes

The Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program invites young adults aged 21-29 into a transformative, yearlong journey in international service. Watch an update about some of the ways the YAGM team is bringing the program up to date and making it more welcoming for everyone. YAGM is ready for you! Submit your application beginning Nov. 1. Applications close on Feb. 1, 2023, with priority given to those who apply before Jan. 15, 2023.

Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather

If bad weather ever makes you wonder whether your group is meeting, check our website, Facebook page, or email office@firstlu.org 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!

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). Members can make these changes on their own at our online directory: 1stlu.org/directory. Or you can send them to office@firstlu.org.

Sunday School

• Sunday, Nov. 6

  • 9:15am Sunday School

• Sunday, Nov. 12

  • 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.

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

Grade 1 Faith Building Block: Ten Commandments

• Sunday, Nov. 6: parents/guardians only

• Sundays, Nov. 13 & 20: parents/guardians with children

• Sunday, Nov. 27: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship

Confirmation

• Sunday:

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

• Wednesday:

  • 5:30pm Confirmation Dinner - FH

  • 6:15pm Confirm Class - FS

  • 7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups and Operation Christmas Child: Shoebox Packing

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