Announcements for Pentecost Sunday, May 28, 2023
INSIDE: Pentecost Sunday, Summer Worship Changes
God’s blessing to these and all of our graduates and their families as they celebrate graduation this weekend!
Worship
Join us for worship!
Pentecost Sunday, May 28: REMEMBER TO WEAR RED!
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, May 31:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available. This will be the last Wednesday service before the summer break; Wednesday worship will resume on Sept. 6.
Pentecost THIS Sunday!
Sunday is Pentecost and we will be making windsocks between worship services! If you have a low-heat glue gun or a spare hair dryer that we can borrow, bring it by the church by 4pm THIS Friday (don't forget to put your name on it!). Thanks, friends! And don’t forget to wear red!
Congregational Meeting Update
Members of First Lutheran were requested to attend a congregational meeting that followed worship on Sunday, May 21. The meeting was called to vote on support of our new welcome statement. The motion was passed, and the welcome statement was adopted.
Questions about the welcome statement? Pastor Karyn and Pastor Stanton shared answers to a few questions on Facebook, YouTube and on our website at 1stlu.org/statement. You can also contact them at jason@firstlu.org and karyn@firstlu.org.
Newsletter Assembly
It’s a relaxing way to volunteer! Tuesday, May 30, at 10am, to assemble the June/July mini-newsletter. See you there!
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.
Worship Changes for the Summer
Wednesday worship will take a summer break; last service before break is May 31; Wednesday worship will resume Sept. 6
Sunday, June 11: Worship at 8am will be at First, and worship at 10am will be at Riverside Park with the synod (or at Our Savior’s, La Crosse if there is rain)
Starting June 18 thru the summer: Sunday worship will be at 8am and 10am
Outdoor worship at 10am three times this summer (weather permitting): June 25, July 23 and August 27.
Prayer Network
A Prayer Network is beginning at First! To learn more and be a part of this important ministry, make plans to attend a brief informational meeting on Wednesday, May 31, at 7pm in the narthex.
Communion Preparation
Looking for a way to share your gift of service at First? We have an opportunity for people to set up communion for first and second services on Sundays. Interested or have questions? Contact Pastor Karyn (karyn@firstlu.org) or Deb Dinger (ka0sdt@juno.com); she’s here most Sundays at first service. Your help is greatly appreciated!
Sugar Creek Summer Reg Now Open!
Summer camp registration at Sugar Creek is open, and campers are signing up! Spots for programs are filling up quickly, so make sure you don’t miss out. First Lutheran is happy to reimburse the $100 registration fee (contact the office)! Reg and more info online: sugarcreekbiblecamp.org.
Sunshine Team
The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. Next meeting: June 1, 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.
Grant Application Deadline
REMINDER: Grant applications from worthy organizations wishing to request funds from the First Lutheran Foundation are due by June 1! More information about the Foundation Fund and the grant application, can be found on the First Lutheran website under the “Serve” tab, or at 1stlu.org/foundation.
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, June 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, May 28. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
Nathan Olson's Senior Recital
Don't miss pianist Nathan Olson's senior recital at First Lutheran on Thursday, June 8, at 7pm. Join us for a night of inspiring classical works on piano and viola, followed by a reception. All are welcome!
Synod Assembly for All
Please know that ALL are welcome to these events of the synod assembly…
Like to Serve? Check out Service Projects taking place at Holmen Lutheran, Friday, June 9; sign up to volunteer Assembly weekend.
Like to Sing? Consider joining the Assembly Choir
Like to Learn? Participate in 2 great workshops at the La Crosse Center Saturday afternoon and check out display tables by partner ministries and synod committees. The public is invited to attend 2 workshops at the La Crosse Center on Saturday, June 10. For non-voting members, the cost is $10 for two one-hour workshops or $25 for lunch & two one-hour workshops. You can register in advance or sign up the day of the event. Workshop 1 begins at 2:15 pm. The workshops will repeat and Workshop 2 will begin at 3:30pm. More info at 1stlu.org/assembly.Workshop topics are…
Church as Family: Moving Beyond Survival - by Pastor Karyn
Jesus & Jazz - by Jon Ailabouni, assembly musician and local freelance artist
Cultivating Life: Giving Relationships in Congregations - by Rev. Jay Wittmore, Executive Director of the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
Ministry with the Younger Generation - by Jacob Sorenson, author and director of Sacred Playgrounds
You Serve Where? The Joys and Challenges of a Rural Call - by Dr. Trisha Wheelock, Director of the Moses Project
Life Giving Action in Climate Change: Solar Power and More - by Rev. Janet Wollam, Creation Care Team Chair
Reconciling in Christ Ministry - by Deacon David Behling, Director of Journey House
Like to Worship? You are invited to worship at Holmen Lutheran Friday, June 9, at 7pm and at Riverside Park in La Crosse Sunday, June 11, at 10am.
Enjoy Fellowship? Come to the synodwide picnic at 11:15am Sunday ($10 per non-voting member). We will serve meals until they are gone. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for the picnic. If you know you have a group coming from your congregation, let the synod office know in advance to increase the meal count. Guests are also always welcome to attend the assembly as non-voting members , too.
Want to Contribute? Collect socks, underwear and teen bras to restock local clothing closets in the La Crosse Area. Hold all voting members and assembly planners in prayer. Share some photos of your congregation putting faith into action this past year to add to the Assembly slide show.
Like to Be Connected? Assembly will be live-streamed Friday and Saturday. You can also attend as a non-voting member or as a volunteer.
Confirmation Camp… for Youth Going Into Grade 8
Our upcoming confirmation students get a chance to start their confirmation journey in the beautiful valley of Sugar Creek, the week of Sunday, June 11, through Friday, June 16. We will learn in faith together while we do Bible study, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, campfires, and so much more! For youth going into 8th grade. Questions? Contact Pastor Karyn at karyn@firstlu.org.
Juneteenth Celebration
La Crosse’s annual Juneteenth celebration! Uniting all members of the community in celebration of Black Americans!! Fun, food, entertainment, history, education and connection. At Riverside Park on Sunday, June 18, noon–8pm.
Clothes Closet Needs
The First Teen Clothes Closet is now taking donations for summer attire. Please donate CLEAN, new or gently-used, teen-style clothing and accessories. The donation bins are in between the front doors of our church. Donations can also be dropped off at Trinity Lutheran Church in La Crosse on Mondays from 4-6pm. Feel free to call the church office if you have questions: 608.783.2236. We truly appreciate your donations!!!
Current needs include:
Swimsuits
Hoodies (size XL, XXL and XXXL)
Summer dresses (XL, XXL & XXXL)
Summer skirts (size L, XL, and XXL)
Men's athletic shorts (size XS, S, M, L, XXL, XXXL)
Men's & ladies sweatpants (XS, XL, XXXL, and XXXXL)
Ladies leggings (XXL & XXXXL)
Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, bodywash, and lotion
Jewelry & make up
Outdoor Worship This Summer
First will worship outdoors on Fifth Ave, once a month during the summer, on the fourth Sunday, weather permitting…
June 25, 10am
July 23, 10am
August 27, 10am
Bring your own lawn chairs, and perhaps a hat to shade your eyes. If the weather's bad that day, we'll move inside.
Blood Drive
Tuesday, June 27, 12:30-5:30pm. Every day, ordinary people are saved by some pretty extraordinary people. People who give blood. Your donation could be the most valuable gift you ever give. Just ask anyone who’s ever received. Walk-ins welcome; appointments encouraged, schedule yours at 1stlu.org/blooddrive. Please bring a photo ID and mask.
Lead Sunday School & VBS
There are opportunities to serve as a Sunday School teacher and a leader in VBS. A Sunday School teacher is a commitment of 1 or 2 weekends a month in which you connect with our congregation's children! It is super easy with the curriculum! VBS is another way to connect, this is so fun and is high energy! If you like to play games or would like to help organize or help in any way, please consider! Contact Pastor Stanton: jason@firstlu.org.
Lutheran World Relief Matching Challenge
When you make a donation to Lutheran World Relief by June 30, your gift will be matched — dollar for dollar — to reach our poorest neighbors suffering from hunger and malnutrition right now.
Donations for Rummage Sale to Support Alzheimer’s
OWLs member Sharon Zimmer and her husband, Chuck, have been married for almost 40 years. Chuck was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at age 60, along with PPA dementia (same kind as Bruce Willis). Sharon has a huge goal of raising $5,000 for EndAlz and Alzheimer’s locally. To do so, she is having a rummage sale in mid-June and is asking for donations of all sorts: clothes, furniture, working appliances, toys, sports gear in good condition, etc. (Please no household paint, tires, cribs or outdated electronics that are costly to dispose of.) If you have something you would like to donate, she can be reached at 608.783.6757 / zimmers725@gmail.com. The money raised for Alzheimer’s will go to research and local education.
Vacation Bible School: Operation Restoration
Plan ahead to be here for Vacation Bible School this summer, Sunday, Aug. 13, through Thursday, Aug. 17. Invite your neighbors! For 4K through Grade 5 in the fall (3 year olds are welcome to attend in the nursery). Register at 1stlu.org/VBS.
Stephen Ministry
If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office: 608.783.2236.
Sunday School
Sunday, Aug. 13–17
Vacation Bible School: reg at 1stlu.org/vbs
Questions about Sunday School? Visit 1stlu.org/sunschool.
Confirmation
Confirmation Camp for Youth going into Grade 8
Sunday, June 11–Friday, June 16
Questions about Confirmation? Visit 1stlu.org/confirm.