INSIDE: Ash Wednesday Worship, Small Group Lent Study: Beyond Question

Worship

Join us for worship!

Sunday, Feb. 19:

• 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.

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22:

• 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 are 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.

Global Missions Variety Show for the La Crosse Area Synod

Sun., Feb. 19, 3pm, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill St., La Crosse, WI 54603. Come see some incredible talent in our area. Join the La Crosse Area Synod in a fundraiser for our companion synod, Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (ECCB). All money raised will go toward assisting their mission to help Ukraine refugees.

Meal Train for Payne Family

A meal train has been created to support the Payne family over the next few months, following the death of their daughter. To sign up for a meal, go to 1stlu.org/next.

Knitters

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

Feminism Untapped: Finding Joy in the Journey

Feminism Untapped is hosting its first forum on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Press Break Late Night (118 3rd St. South, La Crosse) titled: Finding Joy in the Journey. Speakers include Tracy Littlejohn, Alice Holstein, Chandra Crane, and Heidi Svee. Each will talk briefly about finding joy in their experiences and backgrounds, the adversity that they face, and overcoming obstacles. Doors will open at 5:20pm for networking, and food will be available for purchase. Panelists will speak at 5:45pm, and the night will wrap up by 7pm.  More info: facebook.com/feminismuntappedlax

Ash Wednesday Worship

Join us for worship on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, as we begin the season of Lent.

• 11:30am light lunch - Narthex

• 12:15pm in-person worship

• 5:30pm dinner - Fellowship Hall

• 6:15pm in-person worship & live streamed

All services will include the imposition of ashes.

Lenten Small Groups: Beyond Question

Oftentimes, a person reads a book to discover answers. What if you invested a few minutes a day throughout Lent, using a devotional so that you could dwell longer in questions? Beyond Question is a daily devotional that provides a question rooted in a gospel text along with a connecting piece of “Biblical Wisdom”, a “Transformative Thought”, a “Psalm Fragment”, “Questions to Ponder” and a “Prayer for Today”. The book is available for purchase in the narthex or the church office. You may choose to use Beyond Question on your own, but it will likely become much more meaningful by gathering with a small group once a week. Small groups will meet once a week on Wednesdays or Sundays throughout Lent beginning Wednesday, Feb 22, and Sunday, Feb 26. Current options include:

• Wednesday mornings, Coffee with Pastor Karyn, 6:30am: Narthex

• Wednesday nights, 5pm: Upper Rm

• Wednesday nights, 7pm: Upper Rm

• Thursday afternoons, 1:30pm: Upper Rm

• Sunday mornings, 9:15am: Thomas Rm

• Sunday mornings, 11:45pm (light lunch provided)

Sign up at 1stlu.org/next and more information will follow. Invite a friend to join you!

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, Feb. 24, 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 2023 Sugar Creek Bible Camp and potential mission trip. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout, by Wednesday, Feb. 22.

Synod Study for Lent: “Church & State”  

Sunday evenings during Lent, Feb. 26–Mar. 26, 6:30–7:30pm via Zoom. Join Pr. Joanne Richmond of the synod Church in Society Committee in this study regarding the relationship between faith and nation, church and state, which exists in each of us while simultaneously being lived “out” in our daily lives.The purpose of this study: to engage in conversations about citizenship in the context of Lutheran thought, most specifically a Lutheran understanding of baptism, with the hope of relieving any confusion we experience as we live as baptized children of God. Registration required for ZOOM link and for ongoing preparatory info. For reg email office@lacrosseareasynod.org or call 608.788.5000. COST: Free.

Bible Readers Deep Dive: Revelation

Join Pastor Stanton online for 10-15 minutes per weekday 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 and YouTube channel.

Response to Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

We know Lutheran congregations are always among the first to respond and the last to leave in times of emergency. 

Lutheran Disaster Response and its partners are prepared to accompany our neighbors impacted by these earthquakes. 100% of your gifts to "Middle East Crisis" go to supporting earthquake survivors and other people affected by disasters in the region. Give now at 1stlu.org/LDR.

Lutheran World Relief teams are already coordinating a response, and it is your compassion and generosity that will rush emergency care. Gifts to LWR's emergency response fund will deliver critically needed care for families like water, medical care, shelter and essential supplies. Give online at lwr.org/quake or mail a check to Lutheran World Relief, PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21297-1061. Write QUAKE in the memo.

Prostate Cancer Support

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment(s), and after-effects is tough and worthy of peer support. Recently, a non-medical First Lutheran member found himself on this path and would like to make himself available for e-mail, phone or in-person conversations with anyone interested in having a friendly ear to listen and provide mutual support. Email awh051230@gmail.com or call the church office for a phone number. 

Community Supported Agriculture

First Lutheran has, once again, offered to be a pick-up site for CSA boxes of produce from Small Family Farm in La Farge. Though deliveries won’t start until June, you can buy a share now. For info about products, prices and schedules, go to smallfamilycsa.com, or ask for a flier in the office. Prices typically increase March 1.

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. Next meal: Friday, Mar. 3. More info and reg at 1stlu.org/warm. Questions? Contact bridget@firstlu.org.

Volunteer Appreciation Party

Sunday, Mar. 5, 11:45am. A warm thank you for everyone who brings Faith Alive at First Lutheran! RSVP at 1stlu.org/vaparty. Questions? Contact kathryn@firstlu.org.

Sugar Creek Events

• March 15: EARLY Enrollment Deadline for Summer Camp

• March 17-19: Middle School Retreat

To register for the above events, contact the camp at 608.734.3113 / camp@sgrcreek.org.

Preschool Open House

Join us for our open house on Thursday, Mar. 16, from 4:30-5:30pm. Come meet the teachers, see the classrooms, get class options and registration info for the 2023-24 school year. We accept children ages 2 and up who are potty trained.  Registration is Monday, Mar. 20, from 9:30am–noon for church members, and 10:30am–noon for the community. To register stop into the First Lutheran Preschool during the registration times above, or call the preschool at 608.779.4504.

Baptismal Preparation

The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Apr. 1, 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, Mar. 26. Min. attendance required: 2 families. 

Mabel Anderson Scholarship

The Mabel Anderson scholarship application is now available online at 1stlu.org/scholarship. Completed applications are due on Saturday, Apr. 1. Students may apply if they will graduate from high school in the spring and have plans to pursue post-secondary education. The application includes writing an essay and completing a worksheet that reflects the student’s involvement in church activities. Contact the office with any questions: office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236.

New-Member Social

By choosing to become a member, individuals and families commit to being part of a shared mission. People who would like to become members of First Lutheran are invited to a social at David Reay’s on Thursday, Apr. 20, 6pm, where you will get to know more about First and the staff in a relaxed atmosphere. To register your family or ask questions, call our church office at 608.783.2236 or email office@firstlu.org.

Sugar Creek Summer Reg Now Open!

More children, youth, families and leaders are putting “first things first” with a retreat at Sugar Creek. Why? Because fun, safe, meaningful adventures in the great outdoors make the difference! Reserve your adventures and encourage practical leadership skills and a deep sense of purpose rooted in God’s love. Sign up today at www.sgrcreek.org (no risk; refundable deposit before June 1).

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 LWR.org.

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 elca.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 LIRS.org.

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, Feb. 19

  • 9:15am Sunday School

• Sunday, Feb. 26

  • 9:15am Sunday School

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

Confirmation

• Sunday:

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

• Wednesday:

  • 5:30pm Ash Wed Dinner - Fellowship Hall

  • 6:15pm Ash Wed Worship

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