Announcements for Sun., Nov. 13
INSIDE: Gospel of Matthew, Parents’ Night Out, Synod Delegation to Peru
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.
Worship
Join us for worship!
Sunday, Nov. 13:
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. 16:
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.
Synod "World Hunger Expo"
Saturday, Nov. 12, 9am–noon… THIS Saturday! Our Savior’s Lutheran, 359 N. Leonard St., West Salem. Come hear Bishop Felix speak, plus opportunities to hear and share what's being done around our synod and other synods, see new resources and much more! Email synod office to register!
Clothes Closet Urgent Need
The First Teen Clothes Closet could use more of the following for teens…
Winter gloves
Mittens for teens
We have plenty of hats and scarves. Please be sure donations are gently used or new, clean, and teen styles; drop them off in the baskets of our main entryway.
Butter Braid Delivery
Butter Braids are scheduled to be delivered to the church on Nov. 14, and should be available for pickup after 2pm.
OWLs
On Wednesday, Nov. 16, the OWLs, a group for those 55+, will have their monthly potluck at noon in Fellowship Hall. 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.
Sugar Creek is Hiring Year-Round Staff
Sugar Creek Bible Camp is hiring year-round and summer staff! Do you know someone who might be a great program director or maintenance person in a faith-based, supportive, outdoor ministry environment? How about a horse wrangler? Counselor? Support staff? For more details and to apply, visit 1stlu.org/next.
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.
Fabric Needed
Looking for Christmas or plaid fabric donations for the Recreational Therapy Department at Riverside Transitional Care (Bethany Lutheran Homes). The fabric is for residents to make craft projects in December. The fabric may be in smaller or larger pieces. Please drop off by Dec. 2 at the Riverside facility; 2575 South 7th Street. Any questions, please contact Tracy at 608-406-3900. Thank you for helping the residents with their Christmas activities.
Road to Bethlehem @ Sugar Creek
Begin your journey any 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.
Oh Come, Oh Come and Volunteer
It’s beginning to look a lot like Advent! Sugar Creek is preparing for their annual Road to Bethlehem. That means, they need you! They need volunteers to help greet people, be actors (no lines to memorize), help with animals, read scripture, and sing. Please call or email Lucy (program@sgrcreek.org or 608-734-3113) if you are interested or have any questions. Time commitment is Dec. 3 from 1–6pm. Pizza dinner after event for all who volunteer!
Reaching Out to Onalaska Runners
With our sign on Main Street, we can reach out to Onalaska… and have some fun while doing so! The Y’s Jingle Bell 5-mile starts at the Houser Y and runs past First as racers turn onto Main. So let’s encourage the runners! Send a photo/video with a caption to andy@firstlu.org by Sunday, Dec. 4, so that they can see your smiles, cheers and inspiring messages. For full details, visit 1stlu.org/next.
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/next. 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/next.
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!
Sunday School
Sunday, Nov. 13
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Nov. 20
9:15am Sunday School
Questions about Sunday School? Visit 1stlu.org/sunschool.
Grade 1 Faith Building Block: Ten Commandments
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, 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
Questions about Confirmation? Visit 1stlu.org/confirm.
