INSIDE: Sunshine Team, Baptismal Prep, Synod Fall Work Day

Join us for worship!

Sunday, Sept. 29:

• 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, Oct. 2:

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

Wearing orange in Remembrance of Indian Boarding Schools

Monday, Sept. 30 is the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools. Why do we need a Day of Remembrance? Residential or boarding schools inflicted trauma on Indigenous children that is still being felt today, generations later. Indigenous children were taken from their families, some as young as 4. These children often were put on trains and taken as far away from their community as possible. Many of these children died and were buried on the grounds of the schools. Many who survived were no longer accepted in their own communities. Many of these children were forced to believe in Christianity and weren’t allowed to speak their language, sing their songs, or dance their ceremonial dances. This forced erasure of Indigenous culture is still felt in every tribal nation across the country. Learn ways you can support this day by wearing orange and more:  Visit ELCA.org/IndianBoardingSchools 

Wednesday Night Study Group

This fall, Pastor Stanton and Pastor Karyn are leading 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, Wednesday evenings at 7pm, meeting in Fellowship Hall. There is no better time than now to return to the roots of our identity as Lutherans. RSVP at 1stlu.org/next.

Sunshine Team

The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. NEXT: Oct. 3, 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.

Youth Opp: Call to Be Advocates

For high school youth and young adults: Join us for "Called to be Advocates" at Pine Lake Camp, Waupaca, Oct. 4–6. The event will begin Friday between 4–6pm and end around noon on Sunday.  We'll offer great speakers, time for relaxation and getting to know other youth, and opportunities to build advocacy skills and to take action. Register HERE. More info at loppw.org/resources/youth-advocacy/. This event is being hosted by the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin and the six ELCA synods with congregations in Wisconsin and the UP. Note about our main speakers:

• David Scherer combines rapping, dancing and storytelling to inspire people to break down the barriers that divide them and work for justice for all people.  

• Rev. Jonathan Barker is a climate advocate and parish pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Kenosha. 

Baptismal Preparation

The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Oct. 5, 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, Sept. 29. Min. attendance required: 2 families. 

Jazz Worship on Sunday, Oct. 6

Mark your calendars and be sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Sunday, Oct. 6, at both the 8:00 & 10:30 services, led by Jon Ailabouni.

First Sunday High School Gathering

NEXT: Sunday, Oct. 6, 11:30am(ish). After the kids eat, they will make their way to the Hidden Trails Corn Maze in West Salem. If fewer than 13 kids show interest, we will all fit in the church bus. If there are more, we might need a driver or two to chip in. RSVP your youth with Megan: megan@firstlu.org.

ALSO: 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.

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: Oct. 9, 5:30pm. Food and child care provided.

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.

Coulee Region Hunger Walk

The Coulee Region Hunger Walk/Run/Bike is a nonprofit dedicated to raise funds, raise awareness and end hunger among our neighbors. This year's event will be Oct. 13, starting at 1:30pm at Myrick Park. Walk, run or bike with family and friends. If you prefer, you can participate virtually; just remember to register online. In fact, First plans to participate virtually at Sugar Creek during Play Days mentioned above! This is a fundraiser with 30% going to the Hunger Task Force, 30% to Wafer, and 40% to your preferred food nonprofit. You are encouraged to get sponsors, or form a team for some friendly competition. Register at couleeregionhungerwalk.org or in person the day of the event.

Lutheran Youth: Let’s Jump!

Sunday, Oct. 13, 4–6pm, a synod-wide fellowship event at Jump Start Adventure Park that includes pizza, drink and JUMP SOCKS! For: Youth in grades 6-12. Cost: $15. Coordinated by La Crosse Area Synod LYLE committee. Questions? Contact our High School Events Director, Megan Olson: megan@firstlu.org. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.

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 camps and trips next summer. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout, by Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Volunteer Work Weekend @ First

Who says the Sunshine Team has to have all the fun! Everyone is invited to help with fall cleaning at First Lutheran on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 9am. Great opportunity for youth needing volunteer hours! Great opportunity for all to make First look nice as we look forward to the upcoming holiday season! Refreshments are supplied to replenish your reserves!

Fall Festival

Save the date on your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 26, 2–4pm, and join us here at First for an afternoon of fall activities and trunk-or-treating! Sign up to help prep and with activities at the event 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 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)

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.

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.

410 Prayers

Join Kathryn for a time of prayer, every Monday–Friday, at 4:10pm, on our Facebook page.

Happy Birthday!! 

If you have received a birthday postcard from First in the last several months and still have it, bring it to church Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm, or on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings, and pick up a small gift.

Help Those in Need

If you are looking for ways to help locally, go to the Ugetconnected site to find a variety of needs, from writing letters to or drawing pictures for seniors, to delivering pre-packaged meals or sewing. It's hard to keep track of all the organizations, so this is a great spot to find out how you can help. Go to 1stlu.org/needs.

Sunday School

• Sunday, Sept. 29

  • 9:15am Sunday School

• Sunday, Oct. 6

  • 9:15am Sunday School

More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool

Grade 3 Faith Alive Building Block: The Bible

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, Oct. 6: parents/guardians with children

• Sunday, Oct. 13: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship

Confirmation

• Sunday, Sept. 29:

  • 9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes First Day - FS

• Wednesday, Oct. 2:

  • 5:05pm Confirmation Class - FS

  • 7:00pm Gr 8–10 Confirmation Small Groups - NX

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