Announcements for Sunday, Sept 15, 2024
INSIDE: Job openings • Cookies for college students • Jazz worship
Join us for worship!
Sunday, September 15:
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, September 18:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
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.
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!
Knitters
Prayer shawl knitters meet every Tuesday at 3:30pm in the narthex. Open to all!
OWLs Potluck
The OWLs’ (our Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) September potluck will be at the home of Brian and Mary Narveson, at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Their home is at 2431 Krause Road, Onalaska. Lunch will be at noon, with yard games and socialization after. We look forward to seeing everyone in September! Contact volunteer coordinator, Brian Narveson with any questions: owls@firstlu.org.
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. RSVP at 1stlu.org/next.
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: Sept. 19. Led by Carla Stanton.
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 accept donations through Sunday, Sept. 22. Here are some ideas for what to donate:
Dish soap
All-purpose cleaners
Toilet bowl cleaners
Laundry detergent (small or medium jugs or boxes, not megasize)
Personal care items
Shampoo & conditioner
Soap
Body lotion
Deodorant
Paper towels
Tissues
Toilet paper
Diapers sizes 4, 5 & 6
Adult diapers
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!
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fundraising to Support Our Youth
Your weekly groceries, gas and shopping money can support youth ministry! Scrip cards are often sold in the narthex on Sundays between services, and are also available in the church office M–F, during office hours. We have Festival, Kwik Trip, Walmart and Woodman's cards. We now accept credit cards as a payment method (transaction fees are added to the face value of the scrip card). To find out what's currently available and when you can buy them, call the church office at 608.783.2236 or send email to office@firstlu.org.
“Take a walk through your neighborhood and pray for the health, safety, and
well-being of the residents.”
Sunday School
Sunday, Sept. 15
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Sept. 22
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, Sept. 15: parents/guardians only
Sundays, Sept. 22 & Oct. 6: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, Oct. 13: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
Confirmation
Sunday, Sept. 15:
9:15am Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Classes First Day - FS
Wednesday, Sept. 18:
7:00pm Gr 8–10 Confirmation Small Groups - NX
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
