INSIDE: Christmas Giving Tree Gifts Due • Christmas Caroling • Sunday School Christmas Worship

Worship

Join us for worship!

Sunday, Dec. 11:

• 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, Dec. 14:

• 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.

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, Dec. 10. Contact Bridget Crave for more info: bridget@firstlu.org.

The Christmas Giving Tree

All gifts should be turned in to First Lutheran by THIS Sunday, Dec. 11. Make sure that tags are attached to the outside of the wrapped gift. If you purchase gift cards, please wrap them in a box. 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.

Bible Matters

Are you looking for the connection between scripture and everyday life? Or maybe a way to dig deeper into the gospel of Matthew? If so, join Pastor Karyn for a year-long journey through the lectionary (our schedule of readings) Monday evenings, 7–8pm, meeting in the narthex. Our yearly readings just “rebooted” with the start of Advent, so now is a great time to join this study! Cost of this class is $20 for the devotional study book we will use. Questions? Contact karyn@firstlu.org.

Sunday School Christmas Program & Worship

It is a wonderful time of year and a great way for our kids to share their Christmas joy! Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 6:15pm worship. Everyone is welcome after the program to a reception and pictures in the Narthex.

• For all students 3 years old through grade 5, arrive by 6pm in costume UNLESS you haven't had a chance to get yours, yet. Costumes will still be available: for 3 & 4 year olds in their 4K classroom, and for K–5 in the narthex.

• Preschool and 4K meet at 6pm in the 4K classroom. Preschool & 4K students will sit in the front pews with their parents.

• K–5 meet at 6pm in the Choir Room in costume. Kids will be seated with their classes and teachers until after the program. K-5 students and their parents can meet up in the sanctuary after the program.

• All costumes can be returned in the narthex after worship.

Transformational Conversations with Debby Irving   

Moving from Fear to Curiosity: an online workshop open to all, Monday, Dec. 12, 6-8pm. “In contrast to the social norms of whiteness are norms and skills designed to develop the authenticity and courage necessary to deeply understand one another in ways that forge connection and develop resilience. These are also ways of being that nurture and grow us personally and collectively. This workshop will explore how to embed new, transformational norms into our personal and institutional practices.” Register here.

Sing for Christmas!

The next event the choir will rehearse for is Christmas Eve. Practice continues on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 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.

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.

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.

Monday Night Community Meal @ Trinity

For many years, Trinity Lutheran Church on the northside of La Crosse has hosted a meal on Monday nights. First Lutheran has agreed to help with this important community ministry by preparing a meal, serving the food, and cleaning up. We need people to plan and prepare the meal to feed 60-80 people, and folks to serve the meal (5-6pm) and help with cleanup. Meal prep can be done at your convenience. Many times people prepare the main course a week ahead, freeze it, and reheat it. Food for the meal can be gotten at no charge from the Hunger Task Force in La Crosse. Our next date is Dec. 19. You can sign up at 1stlu.org/monmeals, or contact bridget@firstlu.org.

Donations for Women’s Clothes Closet

The Women's Clothes Closet, a ministry of Our Savior’s Lutheran in downtown La Crosse, is in need of NEW bras (with tags still on) in sizes 36C–40C. Donations can be brought to First, and placed in a specially labeled basket located in the entryway.

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 the fun of all things Christmas! The Salvation Army is in need of bell-ringers and relies 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.

OWLs in December

The OWLs’ (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First Lutheran, for anyone 55+) not-to-be missed, always exciting, highly regarded “Social Event of the Season” will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at noon in the Narthex. This, of course, is the almost world-famous OWLs Christmas Party and Potluck. There will be fantastic food, a gift exchange, singing and some very fun games. The (optional) gift exchange theme is “Angels.” Max value: $10. Wear your favorite Christmas attire, but leave the ugly sweaters home this year. The annual “Who is most ready for Christmas?” contest will be held with an interesting prize. No need to RSVP, just come, bring a dish to pass, a few Christmas goodies and your holiday spirit. Bring a friend, all are welcome!

Blue Christmas

Wednesday, Dec. 21, 6:15pm. Please join us at First Lutheran for an hour of worship including music, prayers, candlelight and reflection on what God is up to amidst our blue feelings around Christmas. The service will include time for a light meal and conversation beforehand, starting at 5:30pm.

Christmas at First

Christmas Eve worship times: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 11pm. All will be candlelight, and all will be with Holy Communion. Christmas Day worship time: 10am, with Holy Communion. 

MAKE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL! Make worship on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day special and memorable, by assisting as a bread baker, greeter, usher, projection leader, reader, or with communion. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.

Virtual Christmas Pageant Rebroadcast

In the spirit of Rudolph and Charlie Brown, join us to hear our favorite retelling of the Christmas story in the annual rebroadcast of our virtual Christmas pageant: Do Not Be Afraid! It will be “re-premiered” at 8pm on Christmas Eve, on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Office Closures

The office will be closed at the following times in the coming weeks…

• Closing at noon on Friday, Dec. 23

• Closed all day, Monday, Dec. 26 (Christmas observed)

• Closed all day, Monday, Jan. 2 (New Year’s observed)

• Closed all day, Monday, Jan. 16 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

Synod School of Theology

Intro to the Bible: watch a pre-recorded session with Pr. Len Liptack at your leisure, then on Thursday,Jan. 5, at 7pm join a conversation with Pr. Len Liptack, Pr. Mark Bartusch and Dr. Jake Sorenson, members of the School of Theology Board. COST: Free.

Winter Zoom Classes: Thursdays, Jan. 12–Feb. 16. COST: $25 each, or $45 for both

• Early Church History - 5:30 pm with Pr. Margo Peterson

• Letters of Paul - 7 pm with Pr. Barbara Bruneau

Register at melanie@lacrosseareasynod.org or 608-788-5000.

Faith Alive! U Weekend Workshops

Join others for an afternoon of exploring, questioning and learning about your faith. The Faith Alive! U Weekend Workshops takes place Jan. 8 from 11:30am–2:30pm, with lunch and childcare provided.
In addition to the keynote, you will have the opportunity to choose another workshop:

• Keynote by David Rask Behling, of the Northwest Wisconsin Synod of the ELCA, on what endorsing our Welcome Statement may come to mean.

• Pastor Ben Morris, of Lumin Campus Ministry, on land recognition statements.

• Rev. Dione Stepanek, Assistant to the Bishop of the La Crosse Area Synod, on the stories that shape us.

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.

Bible Readers Deep Dive: Revelation

Join Pastor Stanton online for 7-10 minutes per weekday beginning Jan. 9 for a study of Revelation. He will read the Rev. Dr. Barbara Rossing's excellent book, The Rapture Exposed, as well as the Rev. Dr. Craig Koester's commentary, in addition to M. Eugene Boring's commentary… so you don't have to! Revelation is the source of so much controversy. What if it could be a primary source of HOPE for the church in 2023? Find the posts each weekday by 5am on First Lutheran's Facebook page or YouTube channel.

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, Dec. 11

  • 9:15am Sunday School, Practice for Christmas Program

• Wednesday, Dec. 14

  • 6:15am Sunday School Christmas Worship

• Sunday, Dec. 18

  • 9:15am Sunday School

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

Confirmation

• Sunday:

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

• Wednesday:

  • No confirmation small groups; please join our Sunday School youth in sharing the Christmas story at 6:15pm Christmas Worship!

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