Announcements for Sunday, June 23, 2024
INSIDE: Outdoor Worship at 10am • Quilters taking summer break • Synod night at the Loggers
First will worship outdoors on Fifth Ave for the second service once a month during the summer, on the following Sundays, weather permitting…
June 23, 10am
July 21, 10am
August 18, 10am
Bring your own lawn chairs, perhaps a hat to shade your eyes, and a side dish to share at the potluck (though everyone is welcome at the potluck even if you don’t bring anything!). If the weather's bad that day, we'll move inside. NOTE: There is no live stream of the 10am outdoor service.
Join us for Worship!
Sunday, June 23:
8am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
10am: outdoor worship, in-person. Current forecast for Sunday morning: Partly cloudy and feels like 72º. If rain threatens, worship will move indoors. Outdoor worship will not be live streamed.
11am: potluck; we’ll provide the burgers and brats and ask that you bring a side dish of your choice.
Summer Events Insert
Lots of summer events happening at First! View and print a PDF of our summer events at 1stlu.org/next.
Quilters Will Take a Break
The quilters will meet one more time—Tuesday morning at 9am on June 25—before taking a break for the month of July. They will resume on the first Tuesday of August, the 6th, at 9am.
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.
OWLs Fly to Concert in the Park
For our outing in June, the OWLs (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) will attend a concert in the park on Wednesday, June 26, at Riverside Park. The La Crosse Concert Band, invites us to their free, multigenerational concert. They will perform “An American Salute,” conducted by Jaime Greenfield. Expect quality music, a beautiful riverfront setting, and an educational experience for all. Don’t miss this delightful evening of live music! We will meet at the church at 4:30pm and have supper at David Rey's before the concert. If you would like to attend this delightful summer evening RSVP to owls@firstlu.org by Monday, June 24. Bring a folding lawn in case we need to sit on the grass.
Free Clean Fill
Approximately 20–30 yards of sand and pea gravel, available at the church house. Must pick up. Questions? Contact our building and grounds manager, Dan, at dan@firstlu.org or by calling the office at 608.783.2236.
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.
Blood Drive
Tuesday, July 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.
Upcoming Office Closure
The office will be closed on these days in July…
Thursday July 4–Friday, July 5, Independence Day observed
Synod Night at the Loggers
The La Crosse Area Synod would like to invite you to an upcoming FUN EVENT! The La Crosse Area Synod is hosting a night at the Loggers Baseball Game in La Crosse, Sunday, July 7, at 5pm. Tickets for individuals and congregational groups can be purchased online at: LaCrosseAreaSynod.org. Tickets must be ordered by Monday, June 24!
Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
Sunday, July 14, from 11:15am-1pm at the first shelter in Rowe Park, for all volunteers who make Faith Alive! happen at First Lutheran. Bring your lawn chairs and come to play! Mark the date so that we may celebrate those among us who give their time and energy to Christ’s mission! RSVP by July 10 at 1stlu.org/next.
Sunshine Team
The Sunshine Team will take a break in June and July. They’ll get together again on Thursday, Aug. 1, at 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.
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Aug. 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, Jul. 28. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
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.
Vacation Bible School: Start the Party!
Plan to be here for Vacation Bible School this summer, Sunday, Aug. 4, through Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. 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/next.
Sugar Creek Youth Retreats 2024-25
Retreats are one of the best ways to build relationships among youth, adult leaders, and 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!
September 27–28: Pray This Way Middle & High School Retreat (Grades 6-12)
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)
Website Under Construction
The church’s website is under reconstruction for the summer as we upgrade to the latest version offered by our web developer. If you have suggestions for the website, now is a good time to offer them. Send suggestions to andy@firstlu.org.
Stephen Ministry
If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office: 608.783.2236.