INSIDE: Lenten Small Groups • Sugar Creek Sunday • Family Photos for Upcoming Member Directory

Worship

Join us for worship!

Sunday, Feb. 26:

• 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, Mar. 1:

• 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.

Welcome to Jesse Klosterboer

This Sunday we extend a warm welcome to Jesse Klosterboer, Executive Director at Sugar Creek Bible Camp. He will be sharing the ministry of the camp during worship on Sunday, and kicking-off Sunday School in the sanctuary between services. Interested in summer camp, or have other questioins? Connect with Jesse after worship at his display in the narthex.

Grade 4 Faith Building Block: Apostles’ Creed

• Sunday, Feb. 26: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship

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; a couple of small groups begin THIS Sunday, Feb. 26. Current options include:

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

• Wednesday nights, 5pm: Upper Rm

• Wednesday nights, 7pm: Fellowship Hall

• 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. Invite a friend to join you!

Household Photos & Upcoming Member Directory

This summer First plans to print new directories for members. But unlike previous years which involved scheduling a sitting and enduring a sales pitch, this year we will be creating them ourselves and printing them in-house. The new print directory will necessitate up-to-date info for members in our database, so are asking the following of all members…

1. Update your contact info!

   • The easiest way to do this is through our online directory; simply log in at 1stlu.org/directory. Need to set up an account? Email a request to andy@firstlu.org.

   • NOTE: Lots of fields for both family and individuals can be included or excluded from the directory. They are included by default, so any field you want to “exclude from directory” needs to be checked.

   • You can also send updated contact info to andy@firstlu.org, with the following updates: address, phone numbers, and emails, AND if you want them included or excluded from the directory

2. Provide a family photo!

   1. The easiest way to do this is to get an informal snapshot taken between services at our “photo booth” to the right of the Welcome Center. Volunteer photographers have offered their time and talents to help take the photo. This is nothing formal! We just want to be able to add faces to the names in our database! We hope to provide this photo booth through Apr. 30, so make certain to take advantage as soon as possible.

   2. You can also email a family snapshot to andy@firstlu.org.

Questions about the online or print directory? Email andy@firstlu.org.

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.

Newsletter Assembly

It’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Monday, Feb. 28, at 10am, to assemble the March/April mini-newsletter. See you there! 

Holden Evening Prayer

Join us for Holden Evening Prayer during our Lent worship, on Wednesdays at 6:15pm.

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.

Courageous Men’s Group

The Courageous Men’s Group are men of all ages who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 6am in the Fireside Room for a time of fellowship and study. Contact Jim Knutson or the church office for more info: jim@firstlu.org.

Sunshine Team

The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. Next meeting: Mar. 2, 9:30am. Various jobs: cleaning, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, washing windows and cleaning carpets. Help make First look nice! Refreshments are supplied to replenish your reserves! Dues are free! Questions? Contact Dan at dan@firstlu.org.

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.

Kindergarten Faith Building Block: Lord’s Prayer

• Sundays, Mar. 5 & 12: parents/guardians with children

• Sunday, Mar. 19: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship

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, sharing in conversation and growing together in faith. The session lasts for three weeks, and afterwards, the Faith Building Block is lifted up in worship.

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.

Western Donation Drive-Thru Events

Western Technical College will once again be hosting a drive-thru donation event for Suits for Success on Friday, Mar. 10, from 8am–5pm, in Lot C. In addition, students in Western's IT-Computer Support Specialist programs will be collecting E-Waste during this time as well.

• E-Waste Recycling Event: will accept modems, cable boxes, speakers, mice, PCs, networking equipment, mobile devices, keyboards, gaming systems, LCD monitors, laptops, and printers.

• Suits for Success Donation Drive: collecting new or gently used professional clothing and medical scrubs. 

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.

Sing on Palm Sunday!

The next choir performance will be for Palm Sunday, and rehearsals start up fresh on Wednesday, Mar. 22, at 7pm in the sanctuary. Open to all people ages 12 and up. No audition and no formal training required, just a desire to enhance worship through the beauty of music! Full schedule and sign up at 1stlu.org/choir. For more info contact Todd Saner at todd@firstlu.org.

School of Theology Spring Retreat    

Sat., March 25, 10am–3pm, at Prince of Peace Lutheran, La Crescent. TOPIC: Spiritual Practices, led by Pastor Mike Woods. COST: $40 plus food (TBD). Email or call to reg: office@lacrosseareasynod.org / 608.788.5000. The retreat will require a Spiritual Gifts inventory be done prior to attendance. 

Easter Flowers

Your gift of $15 to the Easter Fund will be used to purchase flowers to beautify the sanctuary on Easter Sunday. Remaining contributions go towards purchasing new paraments. Please make your gift by Sunday, Mar. 26. Gifts can be placed at 1stlu.org/give, or use the form in the announcements page and turn into the office.

Graduation Milestone & Recognition Dinner

Graduates: You and your parents/guardians are cordially invited to mark the milestone of your graduation at First Lutheran’s High School Graduation Recognition Dinner on Sunday, March 26, from 6–8pm at the church. Let us take this opportunity to honor you and your accomplishments as you prepare to become a 2023 graduate. RSVP to the church office by March 15: office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236.

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.

Palm Sunday Breakfast Fundraiser

Sunday, Apr. 2: Fundraiser for youth going on mission trip and to Bible camp. No coffee hour, Sunday School nor confirmation between services. Breakfast will be served between services. Food donations are needed, and youth can raise funds by working at the breakfast; sign up for both at 1stlu.org/palmsun.

First Teen Clothes Closet's High School Art Show

Sunday, Apr. 2, 1–3:30pm, at the First Teen Clothes Closet in Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill Street, La Crosse (park on Charles St. and enter south door). Our clothes closet is partnering with art students and teachers at Onalaska and Logan High Schools to bring teen art to our walls! We would love to have you come and see what they've created, while also touring our clothes closet! Light refreshments will be served.

Holy Week Schedule

Holy week is the week leading up to Easter Sunday on April 9, starting with Palm Sunday on April 2. Join us for worship every day of Holy Week…

• Palm Sunday, Apr. 2, worship at 8:00am & 10:30am.

  • Palm Sunday breakfast in Fellowship Hall.

  • No Sunday School nor Confirmation classes.

• Monday, Apr. 3, worship at 6:15pm.

• Tuesday, Apr. 4, worship at 6:15pm.

• Wednesday, Apr. 5, worship at 6:15pm.

  • Gr. 5 Faith Building Block, bread baking, 4pm.

• Maundy Thursday, Apr. 6, worship at 12:15pm & 6:15pm.

  • Gr. 5 Faith Building Block lifted up at 6:15pm worship.

• Good Friday, Apr. 7, worship at 12:15pm & 6:15pm.

• Faith Story Dinner Theater, Apr. 8, at 5:30pm.

• Easter Sunday, Apr. 9, worship at 6:30am, 8:00am, and 10:00am (updated).

  • No Sunday School nor Confirmation on Easter Sunday.

The office will be closed at noon on Friday, Apr. 7 and all day Monday, Apr. 9.

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).

Fundraising to Support Our Youth

Your weekly groceries, gas and shopping money can support youth ministry! Scrip cards are often sold in the narthex on Sundays between services, and are also available in the church office M–F, during office hours. 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.

Stephen Ministry

If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office: 608.783.2236.

Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather

If bad weather ever makes you wonder whether your group is meeting, check our website, Facebook page, or update the office 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, Feb. 26

  • 9:15am Sunday School

• Sunday, Mar. 5

  • 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 Dinner - Fellowship Hall

  • 7pm Confirmation Small Groups

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