INSIDE: Bible Readers • Synod Delegation to Peru • Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Worship

Worship

Join us for worship!

Sunday, Nov. 20:

• 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. 23:

• 6:30pm: Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve worship at First Lutheran, with our brothers and sisters in Christ from Onalaska United Methodist. 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.

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.

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.

Knitters

Prayer shawl knitters meet every Tuesday at 3:30pm in the upper room. Open to all!

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.

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.

Baptismal Preparation

The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Dec. 3, 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, Nov. 27. Min. attendance required: 2 families. 

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 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.

The Christmas Giving Tree

Help make Christmas special for area kids and families by buying NEW items for them. We are again partnering with La Crosse County Human Services, and have a list of people and items they or their social worker have requested. Make sure that tags are attached to the outside of the wrapped gift. If you purchase gift cards, please wrap them in a box. Gifts should all be turned in to First Lutheran by Sunday, Dec. 11. Questions? Email bridget@firstlu.org.

ELCA Good Gifts

Wondering how to make a positive impact in the world right now? At elca.org/goodgifts you can choose from 50 charitable gifts to give in honor of friends and loved ones. Each one of these gifts makes a real impact in the world, sharing the love of Christ — one goat, water well or school uniform at a time. Start your holiday shopping now and order free, customized cards for each gift you give. Give by Dec. 11, to ensure that your cards arrive in time for Christmas.

Awkward Family Conversations

You’re all in the kitchen, catching up, nibbling in advance on the Thanksgiving meal when, whammo, one of your relatives makes a politically charged statement that you know not everyone in the room agrees with. The statement has the potential to sink the meal and cause rifts among family members. How do you respond? Come to this workshop to practice having conversations in a way that reflects both the kindness and courage of Jesus. Workshop led by Rev. Libby Howe, WCC’s Congregational Support Coordinator for Peace & Justice Ministries, on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 6:30pm. More info and reg at 1stlu.org/next.

Bethlehem Event @ English Lutheran

Experience the sounds and smells of ancient Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth at English Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Much of the church turns into the village, and many of its members and others become its residents for “The Bethlehem Event.” Takes place Dec. 17 & 18. No admission fee; donations accepted. Reservations are required and fill quickly; learn more at 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.

Double Your Gift to Lutheran World Relief

Thanks to the leading generosity of Nelsonville Lutheran Church in Wisconsin, all gifts given by Dec. 31 to Lutheran World Relief will be doubled — up to $200,000! Your gift will provide food, shelter, medical services and other necessities for those in need in crises around the world. Gifts can be made online at lwr.org/match.

Red Kettle Bell Ringing

We have quickly approached the Red Kettle Season and are excited for the joy and wonders of the season to come. We invite you all to bell ring and join in all the fun of All Things Christmas! The Salvation Army is in need of bell-ringers and rely on the support and love given from many groups in the community, and they’d love for you to join them again this year! Sign up at RegistertoRing.com.

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!

New Members

By choosing to become a member, individuals and families commit to being part of a shared mission. Please let us know if you are interested in membership. One of our pastors will connect with you to find out how we may best be church together in the months and years to come. Call our office for more information at 608.783.2236 or email office@firstlu.org.

Scrip Cards

Your weekly groceries, gas and shopping money can help raise funds for youth ministry! Scrip cards are available from the church office. We have Kwik Trip, Woodman's, Target and Festival cards. To find out what's currently available and when you can buy them, call the church office at 608.783.2236 or send email to office@firstlu.org.

Donations For Ukraine

Lutheran World Relief has committed $7 million to respond to the crisis in Ukraine, and expects to increase this amount as they receive additional support. With millions of individuals displaced in Ukraine and with citizens continuing to flee Ukraine each day, the needs grow daily. Donate at 1stlu.org/LWR.

Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying companion churches and ecumenical partners in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia to respond to the crisis in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Gifts to “Eastern Europe Crisis Response” will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by the crisis in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Donate at 1stlu.org/LDR.

From Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: The U.S. will now welcome up to 100,000 refugees from Ukraine. We need to act fast to prepare for these refugees, currently 90% of whom are women and children. There is an urgent need for resources, including emergency medical care, temporary housing, financial support for basic necessities, and much more. Donate at 1stlu.org/LIRS.

You can also designate gifts to Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service at 1stlu.org/give.

OASIS Respite Program

OASIS is a weekly program for people in the beginning to mid-stages of dementia, Alzheimer's and other brain-related diagnoses. This respite time provides socialization, brain enrichment and activities while the person's caregiver gets a much-needed four-hour break. The suggested donation is $20 per visit for the activities and a nutritious lunch. OASIS is an outreach program of Causeway Caregivers and can be reached at 608-780-0417.

Sunday School

• Sunday, Nov. 20

  • 9:15am Sunday School

• Sunday, Nov. 27

  • 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. 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:

  • No small groups; Thanksgiving Break

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