Announcements for Sunday, Mar. 12, 2023
INSIDE: Daylight Savings Changes, Preschool Open House, Funeral Planning Workshop
Spring Ahead! Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend, so make certain to set your clocks ahead one hour when you go to bed Saturday night, Mar. 11, or you’ll be late for church on Sunday morning!
Worship
Join us for worship!
Sunday, Mar. 12:
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. 15:
6:15pm: Holden Evening Prayer, 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.
Kindergarten Faith Building Block: Lord’s Prayer
Sunday, Mar. 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.
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. 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)
The Church Basement Ladies @ The Muse
Meet four lovable Lutheran ladies you grew up with & loved who serve up lutefisk and lefse with love in the church basement. The musical is set in 1964 in a rural Minnesota Lutheran church that is about to face some changes. Resistant to the change is staunch Norwegian matriarch Mrs. Lars Snustad (Janet Papenfuss.)
Church Basement Ladies has resonated with anyone who grew up in the church. Whether you are Lutheran or Catholic, you know these women from funerals, weddings and potluck suppers held throughout the Midwest still to this day. Grab your church members and make a night of it that you will never forget! Get ready to laugh and cry at these unforgettable characters. Showing three weekends in March: 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 24 & 25; performances start at 7pm. General admission: $28, reserved seats: $32. More info: themuselax.com.
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. NEXT: Saturday, Mar. 11. Contact Bridget Crave for more info: bridget@firstlu.org.
Interfaith Community Conversation: What is Ramadan?
Noon on Wednesday, Mar. 15, at English Lutheran Church (1509 King Street, La Crosse, WI). Our most anticipated topic of the year: What is Ramadan? We will learn more about this wonderful month-long practice and about Islam itself. Shaheera Saleem, member of the Othman Bin Afaan Mosque in La Crosse, will speak about the importance of this time to Muslims as well as other major beliefs and practices of Islam. She also will share her experiences living as a Muslim woman in the U.S., her thoughts about the similarities we share and how we can counter the stereotypes we often hold of each other.
Shaheera Saleem is a doctor, the mother of two beautiful daughters, a member of the Muslim community in La Crosse, and of the La Crosse Interfaith Shoulder to Shoulder Network - an organization that seeks to empower people of all faiths and spiritualities to work together to end anti-Muslim sentiment. Shaheera has spoken about Islam and its practices to a diversity of audiences in the Coulee Region.
NOTE: Lunch is not provided at the church, but feel free to bring your own lunch. There will be beverages. Zoom option available at interfaithleaders.org.
Sugar Creek Early Enrollment Deadline!
Enroll for youth summer camp by March 15, 2023, to receive a free t-shirt with this summer’s design! Official summer t-shirt s are available only through the early-enrollment offer. Choose your shirt size as part of the enrollment process. We can't wait to see you at Sugar Creek this summer!
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).
Sugar Creek Events
March 15: EARLY enrollment deadline for summer camp
March 17–19: Middle school retreat
April 3: Yesterday’s Youth
April 8: Easter egg hunt & brunch
April 29–30: Elementary school retreat
May 6: Spring Volunteer Work Weekend
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. Meet the teachers, see the classrooms, and get class options and registration info for the 2023-24 school year. We accept children ages 2 and older 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.
Lent Food Drive for Onalaska Food Basket
First is hosting a food drive for the Onalaska Food Basket, Mar. 19–Apr. 2. Needed items:
boxed cereal
peanut butter
canned meats & stews
canned soups
pasta & spaghetti sauce
macaroni & cheese
soap & deodorant
toothpaste
shampoo & conditioner
laundry products
household cleaning products
toilet paper & paper towels
diapers
menstruation products
pet food & cash
Bring donations to church altar during the offering.
Funeral Planning Workshop
Sunday, Mar. 19, 11:45am. Sponsored by the Foundation Fund Committee, this special event will focus on thoughtful funeral planning. Pastors Stanton and Karyn, will lead the presentation and discussion on how each of us can make decisions now that will bless our loved ones after our death. Joining them will be Vicar Kathryn, a chaplain at Gundersen. If you would like to know more about thoughtful funeral planning, this session is important for you! Lunch will be provided. We encourage all adults (regardless of age) to join us on March 19. RSVP at 1stlu.org/planning.
OWLs
The OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) will kick off March with our potluck one week later than usual. The potluck will be on the fourth Wednesday, Mar. 22, at noon in the fellowship hall. March is usually cool and damp; bring a dish to warm the body and the soul or add color to the gray days. Sharon Zimmer will present our program, sharing her and Chuck’s journey with Alzheimer’s and sharing her extensive knowledge about the disease. Come and enjoy the food, fellowship and conversation.
The OWLs March outing will be to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN, with a stop in Kellogg, MN, to visit Lark’s Toy Store and Toy Museum, a chance to ride the hand-carved carousel, and then a scrumptious lunch in downtown Wabasha. The OWLs will head home on the Wisconsin side, with a stop at Nelson’s Creamery. This marvelous adventure begins at 8:30am, on Monday, Mar. 27, at the church. COST: $12, lunch is on your own. RSVP to Brian Narveson at owls@firstlu.org / 630.816.5917.
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 older. 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.
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, Mar. 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, March 22.
School of Theology Spring Retreat
Saturday, Mar. 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.
Faith Alive! U: Land Use Acknowledgment Statements
Sunday, March 26, 11:45am. What is a Land Recognition Statement? How is it helpful for a modern-day institution to create and use one? Led by Pastor Ben Morris. Lunch and childcare provided. Confirmands: attendance at this event will count toward one of your yearly confirmation electives.
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, Mar. 26, from 5:30–8pm 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.
Monday Night Community Meals
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. NEXT DATE: Mar. 27. You can sign up at 1stlu.org/monmeals, or contact bridget@firstlu.org.
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, March 26. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
Mabel Anderson Scholarship
The Mabel Anderson scholarship application is 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/palmsunbreakfast.
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 St., 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.
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 create them ourselves and print 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…
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 families 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
Provide a family photo!
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!
You can also email a family snapshot to andy@firstlu.org.
Questions about the online or print directory? Email andy@firstlu.org.
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.
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.
