INSIDE: Office closed on Labor Day • Entering Middle School Milestone • Wednesday worship resumes

Join us for worship!

Sunday, September 1:

• 8am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.

• 10am: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.

Wednesday, September 4:

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

LAST DAY! Save on Sugar Creek for 2025

Save now for summer 2025 at Sugar Creek! By placing a $100 deposit by TODAY, August 30, 2024, you will receive a $50 savings voucher to be used for summer 2025 enrollment. Call the camp office at (608)734-3113 or email office@sgrcreek.org to place your deposit today!

Office Closure

The church office will be closed Monday, Sept. 2, for Labor Day.

Blood Drive

Tuesday, Sept. 3, 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 have ever given. Just ask anyone who’s ever received it. Walk-ins welcome; appointments encouraged, schedule yours at 1stlu.org/blooddrive. Please bring a mask and photo ID.

Changes in Worship Times

With summer drawing to a close, worship times will be changing once again, and will be as follows…

• THIS Wednesday, Sept. 4

  • 6:15pm, Wednesday evening worship resumes

• Sunday, Sept. 8 (First Fest Sunday)

  • Sunday worship changes back to 8am & 10:30am

Sing!

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 Choir! Practice will be in the sanctuary every Wednesday, at 7:30pm. Everyone 14 and older are welcome… there is no audition and no formal training required, just a desire to enhance worship through the beauty of music! For more info contact Corissa at corissa@firstlu.org.

Sunshine Team

The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. NEXT: Sept. 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.

Faith Webs Evaluation

Our youth have been blessed with summer ministries at Sugar Creek Bible camp, serving in South Dakota and worshipping and learning in New Orleans, and blessed that much more with a Faith Web of supporters! We'd like to learn more about the impacts of this ministry. If you were a member of a Faith Web this past year, please take a short (1 minute) survey at 1stlu.org/next!

First Fest Dinner Theater

Join us on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 5pm for a murder mystery party where you will take the roles of Marshall Inglewood and his guests and staff during a masquerade party held at the Governor's mansion. A free will offering to cover the cost of the food will be taken at the door. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today at 1stlu.org/next!

16th Annual First Fest!

On Sunday, Sept. 8, we invite you to join us for worship at 8am or 10:30am, and after the second service, relax, catch up with friends, introduce yourself to visitors or members you’ve yet to meet, listen to great music, have lunch and have some fun! FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, so INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!

First Sunday High School Gathering

Come to First Fest on Sunday, Sept. 8 where we will have a dunk tank and an inflatable miniature golf course. Teams will be created. Winners will win prizes. Then… We’ll do some ‘extra’ fun events, too. Ideas include: a bonfire in October, a shopping excursion in Rochester, bowling in January, a board game tournament in March (madness!), an excursion to the Dells in April and lots of summer ideas like canoeing, hiking, golfing and more. We know high school is a FULL time job with sports, jobs, romantic lives, academics and more. We are not suggesting anyone must come to ALL the things we’re proposing. But we also know ‘church’ is the group where we remember who we really are. Come when you can, for yourself and for each other!

Donation Drive for Non-food Items

The Onalaska-Holmen Food Basket provides lots of food to lots of people... people who also often struggle to buy non-food essentials. To help meet that need, First Lutheran will collect non-food items for the food basket for 2 weeks in September. You can start bringing donations to the church on Monday, Sept. 9, and we'll wrap up the drive on Sunday, Sept. 22. The food basket prefers items in small or medium sizes so that they can provide supplies to more families. For example, think about donating two small or medium size jugs of laundry detergent instead of one megasize jug. Here are some ideas for what to donate:

• Dish soap

• All-purpose cleaners

• Toilet bowl cleaners

• Laundry detergent

• Personal care items

• Shampoo & conditioner

• Soap

• Body lotion

• Deodorant

• Paper towels

• Tissues

• Toilet paper

• Diapers sizes 4, 5 & 6

• Adult diapers

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

RING!

Are you open to trying something new? Join the fun—ring bells! We welcome widely varied musical backgrounds. No experience necessary! We’ll begin with the basics and learn to work together. Musical ability is a skill that can be taught. Do you want to be involved? The bells rehearse Tuesdays at 5pm in the choir room, starting Sept. 10.  For more info, contact Jim Knutson at jim@firstlu.org. Ring ‘dem bells!

Free Migrant Justice ZOOM Event

Tuesday, Sept. 10, 6:30pm. Professor Eastman has experience and expertise from studying at the border. She will address immigration from a historical, political, and religious perspective. Participants will be challenged to consider how various narratives about immigrants and migrants are drawn, how the sources of those narratives affect the public's understanding of immigration-related issues, and how to respond to such issues based on Biblical instruction. This webinar will emphasize the importance of civil discourse in discussing immigration-related issues and the necessity of intentionally placing humans at the center of such discourse. Register here.

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: Sept. 11, 5:30pm. Food and child care provided.

Confirmation Guides

You don’t need to know the Bible backwards & forwards, & you don’t need a seminary degree. Just a heart for the youth of our church & an hour each week to spend with our confirmation youth. Parents, grandparents, godparents or any  faith-mature adult is welcome to facilitate conversation and build relationships between our confirmands on Wednesday nights. Contact Pastor Stanton to nominate someone:  jason@firstlu.org/608.783.2236.

Job Openings

First Lutheran seeks to hire three positions to support Youth & Family ministry. 

• Young Youth Event Coordinator: 8 hours per month. The church seeks an adult to organize and lead a monthly event/activity for "Young Youth" which we define as kids in grades 2 through 5. In the past, our Young Youth have watched movies together, baked, gone to the corn maze, or played games in the Fellowship Hall. 

• Middle School Event Coordinator: 8 hours per month. The events/activities may be different but the concept is the same for grades 6 through 8. 

• Birth–Three Coordinator: 10 hours per month. The Birth–Three Coordinator would encourage engagement from families with newborns through age 3 by inviting them to regular Parent Share style gatherings and a monthly 'learn-by-doing' Christian parenting class. 

Contact Pastor Stanton jason@firstlu.org regarding details.

Sugar Creek 5K

Registration for the Sugar Creek Bible Camp 5K Trail Fun Run/Walk is now open! Being held Saturday, Sept. 14, at 9am, at Sugar Creek Bible Camp, the course makes its way through each of the villages and prominent places on camp. Stick around after the run for the annual camp auction, the presentation of medals, and drawings for door prizes. Register at 1stlu.org/scbc5k.

Sugar Creek Fall Festival

Saturday, Sept. 14. Beginning at 9am: 5K Trail Run and Fun Walk (more info above). At 10am: craft fair, country store, silent auction, and BBQ pork lunch.

ELCA Seminaries Virtual Discernment Event

Sunday, Sept. 15, 3–5:30pm. Have you ever wondered about theological education? The ELCA seminaries would like to help you learn more about your seminary options and explore with you where God might be calling you next. Join all seven seminaries of the ELCA on Sunday, Sept. 15. Learn more.

Jazz Worship on Wednesday, Sept. 18

Mark your calendars and make sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the 6:15pm service, led by Jon Ailabouni.

Wednesday Night Study Group

This fall, Pastor Stanton and Pastor Karyn will lead a 10-week class that takes a look at Luther’s Small Catechism, examining this foundational document and how it can help us live more fully and more deeply into what it means to be a Jesus follower who identifies as Lutheran. We hope you join us, starting on Sept. 18 at 7pm, and meeting in Fellowship Hall. There is no better time than now to return to the roots of our identity as Lutherans.

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: These retreats are FREE for 2024 summer campers!

• 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)

Calling All Bakers! Cookies for LuMin!

#CookiesOnCampus is back with LuMin Campus Ministries! Pastor Kathryn Thompson will continue the tradition of bringing hundreds of cookies to UW-La Crosse each week, beginning Sept. 6. Five hundred (about 42 dozen!) cookies are needed each week, and First has signed up to provide 500 COOKIES for mid-September! Cookies need to be delivered to the office by Monday, Sept. 16, at 4pm. Thank you! Sign up to bake a batch of cookies at 1stlu.org/next!

Synod Border Immersion Trip

The synod’s Migrant Justice Team is planning a trip to the US/Mexico Border Jan. 29—Feb. 4/5, 2025 for a border immersion facilitated by Border Servant Corps. Space is limited, applications are open now. This immersion program prioritizes accompaniment, relationships and first-hand educational experiences about border issues. The immersion is designed to expose participants to a comprehensive spectrum of views about immigration and the borderlands through:

• speaking with first-generation immigrants

• visiting local organizations working with immigrant populations

• meeting with government officials to learn about border protection & law enforcement

• learning about immigration law

• building an understanding of the economic policies and realities affecting people on the border and beyond

Visit borderservantcorps.org/border-education to learn more. Questions? Contact Pastor Dione at the synod office: pastordione@lacrosseareasynod.org.

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. 17, 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.

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, Oct. 18, 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, Oct. 16.

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 20–30 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.

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).

Register for Sunday School & Confirmation

Advance registration is now available online for both Sunday School and Confirmation:

• Sunday School: 1stlu.org/sunschool.

  • First day: Sunday, Sept. 8, 9:15am in the sanctuary.

• Confirmation: 1stlu.org/confirm.

  • Gr 8–10 small groups first day: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 7pm

  • Gr 6–7 classes first day: Sunday, Sept. 15, 9:15am, Fireside Rm