INSIDE: Cottage Meeting on Sunday • Building Community—Supporting Youth • Play Days @ Sugar Creek

Worship

Join us for worship!

Sunday, Sept. 24:

• 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, Sept. 27:

• 6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.

Cottage Meeting

As a part of stewardship for the upcoming year, the congregation is invited to a cottage meeting between services on Sunday to provide input toward 2024’s “Big Three Ideas.”

• What do you already love about First Lutheran?

• What are our greatest opportunities as a church?

• Where could we direct our generosity and energy in the future?

The leadership of First Lutheran want to hear your ideas about where God may be calling us in 2024 and beyond. At First Lutheran between services on Sunday, Sept. 24, in the narthex. Treats will be a bit more substantial, and no sign-up is required. Just come ready to talk about your ideas!

Funeral for Irv Wittenberg

We lift in prayer the family and friends of Irv Wittenberg, who passed away Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 11am at First. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday at the church from 10am until time of services.

Indian Boarding Schools: ELCA Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling

• Class: Introduction to the Truth and Healing Movement, September 26 (7-8pm). This workshop will explore the truths we seek to learn and the healing we hope to experience, as well as how the movement began, among Indigenous people and within the ELCA. It will also explain the work the ELCA has done recently and how you can participate in this justice movement.

• Class: Indian 101, September 28 (7-9 pm). “Indian 101” explains some of these basics to build a foundation for students to stand in solidarity with Indian people across the United States as we work together to dismantle longstanding systems of oppression.

• Class: Indigenous Thought & Theology, October 26 (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.); November 30 (7-9 p.m.)

No pre-registration is required to participate in these classes. Just go to the Upcoming Events page, scroll to the class listing, and click "join the class" to attend. CLICK HERE to go to the Upcoming Events Page. For more info on the ELCA Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling, CLICK HERE.

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.

Faith Webs (Supporting Youth)

Our goal is to get four households per youth—their primary supporting household and three more—to support them in their ministries… at camp, mission trip or youth gathering. We're going to spend the whole year putting together these families in a deeper relationship, into a deeper community; there are going to be lots of opportunities for time, and prayer and experiences. To be a supporter, go to the scrip card table in the narthex. There, a parent volunteer has a binder… the Book of Faith Webs. And once your name is in the book…THEN it gets to go on a poster. We're asking you to support these youth…

• with your time

• with your prayers

• with your talents

• with your activities

• with some food (of course… their kids after all!), and…

• with money (every child gets the support of $300 per household; over 38 weeks that’s less than $8/week)

You can donate all at once (in church or online at 1stlu.org/give), a little bit each week, or even through the scrip program as you purchase gas and groceries. 38 weeks brings us to June 1, which is when all of these camp and trip opportunities start. And don't just sign up for the kid that you know! Pay attention to where you're being drawn to… because the Spirit can be a beautiful matchmaker, and the Spirit will create those relationships between you. Thank you for being a part of this community and for entering into the shared goal of raising our kids and supporting our kids!

ELCA Youth Gathering: July 2024

• Where: New Orleans, LA

• When: July 16–20, 2024 (with departure and arrival dates being close to these dates)

• Who: Youth entering 9th–12th grade in the fall of 2024, plus 2024 graduates

Registration deadline: Sunday, Oct. 1! Interested youth and families should contact Pastor Stanton ASAP: jason@firstlu.org.

Sugar Creek Summer 2024 Vouchers

While summer 2024 may seem far away, families have an opportunity now to purchase a summer 2024 voucher for Sugar Creek. With a $100 deposit by Sept 30, families will have early access to enroll in their week and program of choice. In addition, they will be locked in at summer 2023's prices as Sugar Creek raises prices for the first time in over 6 years. Vouchers can be purchased by calling the camp office (608-734-3113) or by emailing office@sgrcreek.org. Vouchers are available to all families, and families can purchase multiple vouchers!

Calling All Bakers! Cookies for LuMin!

#CookiesOnCampus is back with LuMin Campus Ministries! Interim Pastor Paul Drees will continue the tradition of bringing hundreds of cookies to UW-La Crosse each week. Five hundred cookies are needed each week. (That’s about 42 dozen!) Our synod congregations have lovingly provided home-baked goodies so students can have a little taste of home. Find more information and sign up here, or contact Jen (admin@luminlax.org) to sign up!

Social Media Smarts

Now available on-demand, "Social Media Smarts" led by renowned thought leader Dr. Angela Gorrell.

Workshop guides you with:

• Ways to help kids live out their faith as they engage with technology

• Insight on where youth are spending their time online—and the associated challenges and opportunities

• A practical and hopeful guide to creating a healthy family rhythm around digital media

Register today for only $27 by CLICKING HERE to get instant access to this workshop and enjoy one year of use! Registration includes a downloadable guide and bonus spiritual practice for families.

Response to U.S. Wildfires

Multiple wildfires broke out on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Exacerbated by strong winds, wildfires on Maui have claimed dozens of lives and have destroyed homes, businesses and lines of communication. Thousands of people were under evacuation orders, some moving to other Hawaiian islands. Wildfires have also affected the Big Island of Hawaii, and the islands remain vulnerable to more fires this season. Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with the Pacifica Synod and other partners to assess the needs of people impacted by the wildfires. We will work with them to provide for immediate needs and recovery amid the widespread destruction. Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to accompanying recovering communities in the years ahead. Gifts given to Lutheran Disaster Response equip us to respond to this, and other disasters, whenever and wherever they strike. Gifts given specifically to “U.S. Wildfires” will be restricted to, and used in full (100%) for those affected by wildfires. Donate now at ELCA.org/disaster.

Hurricane Relief

Hurricane Idalia, the first major hurricane to make landfall in the United States this year, brought life-threatening storm surge, flooding and winds to the Big Bend region of Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. Idalia is just the latest disaster to impact our neighbors in the United States and around the world. Through Lutheran Disaster Response we are prepared to serve our neighbors impacted by Hurricane Idalia even as we continue to accompany partners in Maui after the wildfires and help those experiencing other disasters. We know that recovery often takes years, and through Lutheran Disaster Response we will be working with our partners for as long as needed. In moments such as this one, a gift to Lutheran Disaster Response provides crucial support where it’s needed most. CLICK HERE TO GIVE NOW. By standing with disaster survivors in the United States and around the world, we follow Christ's call to share hope and healing with our neighbors in need.

Sunshine Team

The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. Next meeting: Oct. 5, 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.

Play Days @ Sugar Creek!

All are invited to First Lutheran Play Days @ Sugar Creek! There will be creek stomping, horseback rides, hiking, playing disc golf, campfires and time shared with others! Oct. 6, 7 and 8. If you’ve never been to Sugar Creek, this is your best chance! Come for one, two or no nights. You could just come for a day trip. And you don’t have to have kids in order to come. This is inter-generational time! First Lutheran is willing to cover 50% of the costs, so it will never be more affordable. There are cabins & rooms with AC and personal bathrooms as well as an area for RV/campers. Meals and the costs of counselors are included in the cost, too. Whether you are going for one night, both nights, just one day, just one meal, or even just for worship on Sunday the camp needs to know in order to plan appropriately and safely, so register at 1stlu.org/playdays.

Baptismal Preparation

The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Oct. 7, 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, Oct. 1. Min. attendance required: 2 families. 

Coulee Region Hunger Walk

The Coulee Region Hunger Walk/Run/Bike is a nonprofit dedicated to raise funds, raise awareness and end hunger among our neighbors. This year's event will be Oct. 8, starting at 1:30pm at Myrick Park. Walk, run or bike with family and friends. If you prefer, you can participate virtually, just remember to register online. In fact, First plans to participate virtually at Sugar Creek during Play Days mentioned above! This is a fundraiser with 30% going to the Hunger Task Force, 30% to Wafer, and 40% to your preferred food nonprofit. You are encouraged to get sponsors, or form a team for some friendly competition. Register at couleeregionhungerwalk.org or in person the day of the event.

Puppets Are Coming Back!

The beloved Puppet Ministry will be returning. This fun ministry is looking for 2 more people/supervisors to get this kids where they need to be and do read intros. Be a part of this ministry! Contact…

Monday Meal @ Trinity

For many years, Trinity Lutheran Church on the north side 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 150-200 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: Oct. 16. You can sign up at 1stlu.org/next, or contact bridget@firstlu.org.

Jazz Worship on Wednesday, Oct. 18

Join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at the 6:15pm service. Led by Jon Ailabouni, along Karyn Quinn on bass, Luke Thering on piano and Josh Shively on drums. All confirmands are expected to attend (the service will count as one of your confirmation classes).

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, Oct. 19, 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.

Sing Saints!

Do you like music? Do you enjoy singing, even if it’s in the shower? Do you appreciate the power of music in worship? Then put all of these things together and join the First Lutheran Senior Choir! The next event the choir will rehearse for is All Saints Sunday. Practice begins Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 7pm in the Sanctuary. 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.

Fall Festival

Save the date on your calendar for the evening of Saturday, Oct. 28, and join us here at First for a nice, evening of fall activities and trunk-or-treating!

Connecting with the Gospel of Mark

Are you looking for a connection between scripture and everyday life? Or maybe a way to dig deeper into the gospel of Mark? If so, join Pastor Libby for one or both of these opportunities: On Nov. 13 and 20, from 6–7pm, an overview of the gospel Matthew… and starting on Nov. 20 at 7pm, a year-long journey through the lectionary (our schedule of readings). Both will meet in the narthex. Cost of the yearlong class is $20 for the devotional study book we will use.

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, Sept. 24

• 9:15am Sunday School

Sunday, Oct. 1

• 9:15am Sunday School

More info and online registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool.

Grade 3 Faith Alive Building Block: The Bible

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 (in Fellowship Hall), sharing in conversation and growing together in faith. Most sessions last for three weeks, and afterward, children will have a presence in worship in celebration of the Faith Building Block they learned about.

• Sundays, Sept. 24 & Oct. 1: parents/guardians with children

• Sunday, Oct. 15: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship

Confirmation

Sunday:

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

Wednesday:

• 5:30pm Confirmation Dinner - Fellowship Hall

• 7:00pm Gr 8-10 Small Groups

More info and online registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.