INSIDE: Connecting with the Gospel of Luke • Jazz Worship • Parents’ Night Out

Join us for worship!

Sunday, Nov. 17:

• 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, Nov. 20:

• 6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available. Be sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy, led by Jon Ailabouni.

OWLs Fly to Weber Center

On Saturday, Nov. 16, the OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) will fly to the Weber Center to see Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, a must see for anyone who appreciates clever, thought-provoking theater. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare, enjoy philosophical humor or simply love well-crafted theater, this play promises a memorable and enriching experience. Meet at the church at 4:30pm, and before the play we’ll have dinner at Piggy’s. RSVP to volunteer coordinator Brian Narveson: owls@firstlu.org / 630-816-5917. 

The November potluck will be Wednesday, Nov. 20, at noon in the Fellowship Hall. Bring one of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes to pass. 

Connecting with the Gospel of Luke

Are you looking for a connection between scripture and everyday life? Or maybe a way to dig deeper into the gospel of Luke? If so, join Pastor Karyn for one or both of these opportunities: On Nov. 18 and 25, from 6–7pm, an overview of the gospel Luke… and starting on Dec. 2 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. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.

Jazz Worship Wednesday, Nov. 20

Mark your calendars and join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 6:15pm, led by Jon Ailabouni.

Grief Support Group

Carrying on after the death of a loved one can be difficult and lonely. Join with others who listen and care for each other. Every third Thursday: 10am in the Upper Room. NEXT: THUR., Nov. 21. Led by Carla Stanton.

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, Nov. 22, 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 until 8pm (parents can pick up early if needed)

COST: Monetary donations will assist the middle and high school students with their 2025 camp and trip expenses. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout, by Wednesday, Nov. 20.

High School Extra Event

The high school youth group’s “extra event” for November is a shopping trip to Rochester! Saturday, Nov. 23, 10am-4pm. Questions? Contact High School Events Director Megan Olson, megan@firstlu.org.

Advent Around the Table

Advent is a season full of rich traditions for both home and church. We invite everyone to join us on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 9:15am in Fellowship Hall for our annual Advent Around the Table event. We will create advent crafts for our homes and learn more about this particular season, have great fellowship and grow in our faith as we kick off the Advent season.

Reaching Out to Onalaska Runners

With our sign on Main Street, we can reach out to Onalaska… and have some fun doing it! Festival’s Thanksgiving Turkey Trot and the Y’s Jingle Bell 5-mile both run past First as racers make their way along Main Street. So let’s encourage the runners! Send a photo/video with a caption to andy@firstlu.org by Tuesday, Nov. 26, so that they can see your smiles, cheers and inspiring messages. For full details, visit 1stlu.org/next.

Choir for Thanksgiving Eve Worship

On Wednesday, Nov. 27, First Lutheran members, along with our brothers and sisters in Christ from Onalaska United Methodist Church, will gather at 5pm to rehearse their song for the Thanksgiving Eve Ecumenical worship service. Open to all people ages 14 and up, no long-term commitment, no audition and no formal training required. Questions? Contact corissa@firstlu.org.

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Worship

Everyone is invited to a special ecumenical worship service at First Lutheran on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, Nov. 27, at 6:15pm, with our brother and sisters in Christ from Onalaska UMC.

Onalaska Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Organizers of the annual Onalaska Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the National Guard Armory expect to prepare and serve more than 1,600 meals on Nov. 28. The event brings together people in need, people unable to spend the holiday with family and friends, and people who are alone for the holiday. Dining is in-person, by carry-out or delivery. In-person dining and carry-outs are from 11am–2pm. Deliveries can be scheduled for 11am, noon or 1pm. To register for a delivery, visit octd.org/deliveries. Organizers also are looking for volunteers and monetary donations. Learn more at octd.org.

Office Closures

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

• Closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28

• Closed all day, Friday, Nov. 29

• Closed at noon, Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24

• Closed Christmas day, Wednesday, Dec. 25

• Closed at noon, New Year’s eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31

• Closed New Years day, Monday, Jan. 1 

• Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 20

Faith Web Ideas for November

Here’s an idea for what you can do to strengthen the bond of your Faith Web this November: Exchange your favorite soup or pie recipe! Find even more ideas and caring conversation questions on a new handout available at the Faith Webs table in the narthex.

Those looking to connect with and support youth in their summer ministries can still do so! Learn more about Faith Webs at 1stlu.org/webs and by stopping at the Faith Webs table in the narthex. Thank you for entering into the shared goal of raising and supporting our kids! Together we are building community! 

Friends of the Warming Center   

The Warming Center provides shelter for the unhoused during from November through April. There are many ways to serve, from taking a shift in the shelter to providing a meal. Learn more and sign up at 1stlu.org/next.

Bible Readers Deep Dive: Psalms

Join Pastor Stanton for an online study of the Psalms! Life consists of 1) seasons of well-being, 2) seasons of hurt and 3) moments of surprise when we are overwhelmed with the new gifts of God. The Psalms—more than any other part of the Bible—are able to accompany us through all the seasons and moments! Each weekday, Pastor Stanton posts a 5-10 minute deep dive into the Psalms. Find it at: FirstLutheranOnalaska.org, facebook.com/1stlu and youtube.com/1stlu.

Free Clean Fill

Approximately 20 yards of sand and pea gravel, available behind the church house. Take as much as you like. Must pick up. We are about to get rid of what’s left, so act soon if you want some. Questions? Contact our building and grounds manager, Dan, at dan@firstlu.org or by calling the office at 608.783.2236.

All Church Lunch & Christmas Decorating!

After the second service on Sunday, Dec. 1, join us for lunch and to help decorate First to make it festive and twinkle for the upcoming Christmas season! This is a great Confirmation service opportunity, as well as a great event to share together as a Faith Web!

First Sunday High School Gathering

NEXT: Sunday, Dec. 1, 11:30am(ish), for games and crafts. Parents/guardians take turns providing the meal each month; serving and cleaning up. Sign up for just one of the months, and we'll be set for the year! Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.

Baptismal Preparation

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

Road to Bethlehem @ Sugar Creek

Begin your journey any time between 2–5pm on Saturday, Dec. 3. Journey through the Advent story by visiting live-action worship stations offering carols, scripture, prayer and the chance to visit a live nativity. Enjoy refreshments at the end! This is an outdoor event, so dress appropriately for the weather. There is no cost, but we invite you to consider an offering to benefit the ministry and mission of Sugar Creek Bible Camp. Non-perishable food items will be collected to benefit local food pantries. This is also a great service opportunity! Sugar Creek is looking for 6 congregations or families to adopt a post on the nativity trail, with 2–8 helpers for each station. You'll receive a script, props, costumes, a heat source and a few live animals! You provide the people and bring back great photos to share your adventure! Have old Christmas pageant costumes? Sugar Creek is seeking donations of gently used costumes for events like Road to Bethlehem. Interested? Contact Sugar Creek at 608.734.3113 / camp@sgrcreek.org.

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 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: Dec. 9. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.

The Christmas Giving Tree

Help make Christmas special for area kids and families by buying NEW items for them. We are again partnering with La Crosse County Human Services and Hope Restores, and have a list of people and items they or their social worker have requested. Make sure that tags are attached to the outside of the wrapped gift. If you purchase gift cards, please wrap them in a box. Gifts should all be turned in to First Lutheran by Sunday, Dec. 15. Questions? Email office@firstlu.org.

ELCA Good Gifts

Wondering how to make a positive impact in the world right now? At elca.org/goodgifts you can choose from 50 charitable gifts to give in honor of friends and loved ones. Each of these gifts makes a real impact in the world, sharing the love of Christ — one goat, water well or school uniform at a time. Start your holiday shopping now and order free, customized cards for each gift you give.

Red Kettle Bell Ringing

The Salvation Army is in need of bell-ringers and relies on support from many groups in the community. Sign up at RegistertoRing.com.

Christmas Events Insert

The Christmas events insert that was included in the November newsletter can be downloaded at 1stlu.org/nextsteps.

Christmas Flowers for the Sanctuary

If you would like to give a rose in honor or memory of loved ones to decorate for our Christmas Eve services, you may do so at 1stlu.org/next. Cost is $5 per rose. Order deadline is Sunday, Dec. 15.

Sugar Creek Youth Retreats 2024-25

Retreats are one of the best ways to build relationships among youth, adult leaders and the wider community. Sugar Creek retreats allow you to show up and be with your age group, knowing that you can enjoy all of the fun and activities. Save these dates for your calendar now! And NEW this season: One retreat is FREE for 2024 summer campers!

• February 7–8: Your Kingdom Come High School Retreat (Grades 9-12)

• March 7–8: As it is in Heaven Confirmation Retreat (Grades 6-10)

• April 26: Daily Bread Elementary Retreat (Grades 1-5)

Snow Birds

Are you heading out? Please let us know if you'll be spending the winter somewhere else. If we know your seasonal address, we can keep in touch by sending you the monthly newsletter. Call or email the office with your winter address: 608.783.2236, office@firstlu.org.

Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather

If bad weather ever makes you wonder whether your group is meeting, check our website, Facebook page, or email office@firstlu.org 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, Nov. 17

  • 9:15am Sunday School

• Sunday, Nov. 24

  • 9:15am Sunday School, Advent Around the Table - Fellowship Hall

More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool

Grade 1 Faith Building Block: Ten Commandements

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, Nov. 10 & 17: parents/guardians with children

• Sunday, Nov. 24: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship

Confirmation

• Sunday:

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

• Wednesday:

  • 5:05pm Confirmation Class “Art & Prayer” - Fireside Rm

  • 7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups

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