INSIDE: Faith Alive! U • Screwtape Letters Book Study

Worship

Join us for worship!

Sunday, Dec. 31:

• 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, Jan. 3:

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

Office Closures

The office will be closed at the following times in the coming months…

• Closed New Years day, Monday, Jan. 1 

• Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 15

Blood Drive

Tuesday, Jan. 2, 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/next. Please bring a photo ID and mask.

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.

Screwtape Letters Book Study

C.S. Lewis, on his way out of church one Sunday, had an idea for a book about the forces of evil. That book was Screwtape Letters. Join Pastor Karyn on Wednesday evenings from 7–8pm, Jan. 3–Feb. 7 to explore this timeless classic. We will use a lecture series put together by the C.S. Lewis Institute, that highlights the central themes and underlying issues, which will lead us to a clearer grasp of C.S. Lewis' insights into how the forces of evil work against human beings. To join, email Pastor Karyn at karyn@firstlu.org.

Sunshine Team

The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. Next meeting is a bit earlier in the day: Jan. 4, 8:30am. Jobs this month involve taking down the Christmas decorations. Refreshments are supplied to replenish your reserves! Dues are free! Questions? Contact Dan at dan@firstlu.org.

Faith Web Ideas for December

Here’s an idea for what you can do to strengthen the bond of your Faith Web this December: Exchange your favorite holiday food or cookie recipe! Even more ideas & caring conversation questions in handout at the Faith Webs table and to download at 1stlu.org/webs.

There’s STILL TIME to join a web, and there are 60 spots to fill! Stop by the Faith Webs table in the narthex after any worship service, and learn more at 1stlu.org/webs.

Winter Items for Teen Clothes Closet

In October we had 58 shoppers! Over 796 items taken. FTCC needs: teen style winter coats (L/XL/2XL/3XL), winter boots, hoodies (L/XL/2XL/3XL) and athletic pants (L/XL/2XL/3XL). Other than those items, the teen clothes closet is full and is not accepting donations of other items right now.  

Last but not least: Our First Teen Clothes Closet has been chosen for Altra's Impact Award! Thank you to Altra Federal Credit Union for the $7,500 award, and a big thank you to all who work to bring this impactful ministry to our neighbors!

Faith Alive! U Weekend Workshops

Join others for an afternoon of exploring, questioning and learning about your faith. The Faith Alive! U Weekend Workshops takes place Jan. 7 from 11:30am–2:30pm, with lunch and childcare provided.
You will have the opportunity to choose among the following workshops:

• Heidi Svee, of New Horizons: discussing human trafficking

• Joel Miller: presenting on the ELCA’s social justice statement

• Pastor Karyn: presenting on her sabbatical

RSVP at 1stlu.org/next to help us get a head count for the lunch.

Peer Ministry Kick-off

Starting Wednesday, Jan. 10. Peer Ministry is a great way for our 10th-graders to learn about how to deal with any situation that arises, large or small. It makes handling conflicts simple and equips them to be better listeners and be welcoming to those around them. Meeting most Wednesdays from 7–8:30pm at the house. Learn more at 1stlu.org/peermin.

Winter Fun Days @ Sugar Creek

WHAT: Sledding, tubing, broom ball, hot chocolate, hot dogs, hot chili and winter FUN! WHEN: Sundays, Jan. 14 & Feb. 4, noon–5pm. COST: $10/person, children 4 and younger free. RSVP at 608.734.3113 / camp@sgrcreek.org.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration

Monday, Jan. 15, at 7pm. Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre and live on Facebook

What the Hell? 

Join Rev. Libby Howe for an exploration of hell: what it is and isn’t, how it is talked about in the Bible, as well as the spectrum of how Lutherans think about it. We will also explore historical, literary and religious thought that informs our contemporary conceptions of it, and hell’s social function related to the human need for justice for un-righted wrongs and unhealed wounds. Online Zoom class, 7pm–8:20pm, Thursday evenings, Jan. 18–Feb. 8. Register by emailing office@lacrosseareasynod.org.

Synod School of Theology

Winter Zoom Classes: Thursdays, Jan. 18–Feb. 8. COST: $35 each, or $60 for both

• Becoming a Better Listener: 5:30pm with Pr. Nile Sandeen

• What the Hell?: 7pm with Pr. Libby Howe

Register at office@lacrosseareasynod.org or 608.788.5000.

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 3rd and 4th Friday of each month, through April. NEXT: Friday, Jan. 19. 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. More info and reg at 1stlu.org/warm.

Volunteer Appreciation Party

Sunday, Jan. 21, 11:45am. A warm thank you for everyone who brings Faith Alive at First Lutheran! RSVP at 1stlu.org/next. Questions? Contact kathryn@firstlu.org.

New Class Starting in Jan: Financial Peace University

Start the New Year off right, and resolve to change your future by joining the Financial Peace University class at First. Learn to pay off debt fast, save more money, and build lasting wealth. Class starts on Sun., Jan. 21. Sign up today at 1stlu.org/next.

Attention! Seeking Nominations!

First is seeking leaders for the following positions, to be elected on at our next annual meeting, Sunday, Feb. 11. If you or a member you know is interested in serving, please talk to/email Pastor Stanton (jason@firstlu.org) or complete a nomination insert (which will be added to the announcements at worship on Jan. 7 and 14). The Vision & Leadership Team will compile a list of all nominations at their Jan. 23 meeting. That list will then be presented along with the annual report on January 28. No more nominations will be received after Jan. 23.

• Vision & Leadership: The Vision & Leadership Team will be electing leaders at the annual meeting. Two current members are willing to serve a second term, while a third has reached their term limit. A V&L Job description is available upon request in the church office. 

• Sugar Creek Bible Camp Voting Members: Participate in guiding the future of our camp, Sugar Creek! The 2024 Sugar Creek annual meeting is scheduled for Feb. 18, at camp. Voting members are welcome to contribute their own stories and perspectives to the conversation amidst reports and planning for the upcoming year. Support your camp by offering your voice and vote.

• Assembly Voting Members: Participate in guiding the future of our synod! The 2024 La Crosse Area Synod Assembly is planned to be in-person June 7-9 (Friday evening through Sunday noon) in Warrens, WI. An elected voting member will need to attend the assembly & various pre-meetings. It’s a great opportunity to be the church!

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, Jan. 26, 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, Jan. 24.

Baptismal Preparation

The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Feb. 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, Jan. 28. Min. attendance required: 2 families. 

Annual Tailgate! Sunday, Feb. 11, 11:45am

All members are invited to attend First’s annual potluck on Sunday, Feb. 11, at 11:45am. We will reflect on 2023 and look ahead to 2024, elect new Vision & Leadership Team members, and complete a variety of other business. Save the date to be a part of the body of church at First! The annual report will be available to pick up and download on Sunday, Jan. 28.

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. 18, 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

Sugar Creek Bible Camp offers 17 unique and powerful summer camp programs, plus retreat ministries for youth in elementary school, middle school and high school – and adults and families! The camp is located on 660 acres in the bluffs and valleys of southwestern Wisconsin. Come learn, relax, encounter Christ and have fun at Sugar Creek Bible Camp! Explore sugarcreekbiblecamp.org for more information about next summer.

Sunday School

Sunday, Jan. 7

• 9:15am Sunday School

Sunday, Jan. 14

• 9:15am Sunday School: Winter Olympics & Sugar Creek Sunday

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

Grade 2 Faith Building Block: What’s Fair

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.

• Sunday, Jan. 7: parents/guardians only

• Sundays, Jan. 21 & 28: parents/guardians with children

• Sunday, Feb. 4: 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 & 9 Small Groups

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