INSIDE: Daylight Savings Begins • All Saints Sunday • Election Day of Prayer

Join us for worship!

All Saints Sunday, Nov. 3:

• 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.

Tuesday, Election Day of Prayer, Nov. 5:

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

Wednesday, Nov. 6:

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

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!

• November 2: Hallowed Be Your Name Elementary Retreat (Grades 1-5)

• 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)

Fall Back! (Daylight Saving Ends)

Daylight saving time ends at 2am, this Sunday, Nov. 3. Don’t forget to change your clocks Saturday night! (Otherwise, you’ll just be early for church!)

First Sunday High School Gathering

NEXT: Sunday, Nov. 3, 11:30am(ish)–2:30pm, heading to Escape Room. 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. EXTRA EVENT: Shopping in Rochester, Nov. 23, 10am-4pm.

Election Day of Prayer

This year, on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, in answer to the call to fear, love and trust God above all things, First is calling everyone to practice our faith and citizenship by praying together on Election Day.

1. First seeks to pray every hour for a Spirit-led election process. Go to 1stlu.org/next to sign up for any given hour, but it is not expected that you would pray for the whole hour.

2. First will worship together, in-person and live streamed, at 6:15pm. This will be a short Holden Evening Prayer service centered around a specific scripture and include some songs and a reflection. Step away from worry and stress and step into God’s peace. 

Coffee with Pastor Karyn

Coffee with Pastor Karyn is open to all and meets at 7:00am each Wednesday in the narthex. See you there! Questions? Contact karyn@firstlu.org.

Join Faith-based Leaders to Learn About Dementia

• Wednesday Nov. 6, 12:30-1:30pm, American Legion Post 336, 731 Sandlake Rd., Onalaska

The session includes the same information and complimentary refreshments. Nearly 7 million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias and more than 11 million people provide unpaid care. Here in La Crosse County, we are not untouched by the prevalence.  By 2040, there will be 4,000 people living at home or with family (not in facility-based care). And many of these families are part of your faith communities. Join other faith-based leaders to learn about dementia and awareness of local resources and opportunities. Register at 608-785-5700 or adrc@lacrossecounty.org.

Peer Ministry Kick-off

Starting Wednesday, Nov. 6. 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. Questions? Contact megan@firstlu.org.

Sunshine Team

The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. NEXT: Nov. 7, 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.

FLY Flight Crew

"FLY" is the name our kids have chosen for their "First Lutheran Youth" group. And FLY "Flight Crew" is the name our adults have chosen to describe how we plan to move forward with Faith Formation at First. Much like a sports, show choir or band booster club meets to dream about how to support our kids in their activities (and then shows up to actually support the activities) we want parents to do the same as we shape the faith formation of our kids. Meeting the second Wednesday of the month; NEXT: Nov. 13, 5:30pm. Food and child care provided.

OWLs Fly to Weber Center

On Saturday, Nov. 16, the OWLs 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.

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 2023 Sugar Creek Bible Camp and potential mission trip. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout, by Wednesday, Nov. 20.

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 starting Nov. 1. Organizers also are looking for volunteers and monetary donations. Learn more at octd.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.

Friends of the Warming Center   

The Warming Center opens Nov. 1 and provides shelter for the unhoused during the between November–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. Questions? Contact our building and grounds manager, Dan, at dan@firstlu.org or by calling the office at 608.783.2236.

Volunteer Opp: Road to Bethlehem

Road to Bethlehem is an interactive drive-through live nativity at Sugar Creek Bible Camp held on the first Saturday of December (this year, Dec. 7). After, guests are invited into the Manna Center for hot chocolate and Advent-themed activities. 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.

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. 

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.

Christmas Events Insert

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

Faith Webs

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! We are building community! 

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.

Prostate Cancer Support

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment(s), and after-effects is tough and worthy of peer support. Recently, a non-medical First Lutheran member found himself on this path and would like to make himself available for e-mail, phone or in-person conversations with anyone interested in having a friendly ear to listen and provide mutual support. Email awh051230@gmail.com or call the church office who will provide a phone number. 

HELP ministry

The Health Equipment Lending Program (HELP) is a ministry offered by Holmen Lutheran Church. People can borrow health-care equipment, ranging from crutches, walkers and wheelchairs to commodes and shower chairs. Also available are items to keep, such as transfer belts, braces and disposable briefs. For more information, contact Mary Nicolai at 608-498-0439 (text or leave a voicemail).

Sunday School

• Sunday, Nov. 3

  • 9:15am Sunday School Christmas Program Rehearsal

• Sunday, Nov. 10

  • 9:15am Sunday School

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.

• Sunday, Nov. 3: parents/guardians only

• 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 “Does God have a Gender?” - Fireside Rm

  • 7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups: Pastor Stanton leads small groups to discuss the following…

    • Review the purpose/methods of sermon notes

    • Review what was learned at ConFest in October

    • Talk about how each group will lead worship on a rotational basis as reader/usher/projection leader etc.

  • 7:45pm: Parents/guardians are asked to join confirmation discussion with Pastor Stanton; to clarify questions and set up a worship leadership calendar

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