Announcements for Sunday, Feb 2 2025
INSIDE: Continued support for those affected by California wildfires • Annual reports now available
The 2024 annual report is available to pick up at the Welcome Center or download, and you will receive a 1-page summary with your 2024 contributions statement in the mail.
Join us for worship!
Sunday Worship, Feb. 2:
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 Worship, Feb. 5:
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Support for those Affected by California Wildfires
Multiple wildfires have broken out across Los Angeles County in California, with over 100,000 people under evacuation orders. Sparked by dry conditions, strong winds and a limited water supply, these fires have destroyed homes and businesses and have led to injuries and loss of life.
This disaster is just one of many — including hurricanes, war and famine — to which Lutheran Disaster Response is still responding. Your gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response equip us to respond quickly and generously, wherever and whenever disaster may strike.
Firefighting efforts continue in Southern California, and we won’t know the full impact until the fires are extinguished. Even as these fires still burn, Lutheran Disaster Response is here to support the families and communities that will be rebuilding their lives.
Sunshine Team
The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. NEXT: Feb. 6, 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.
Discipleship Matters
Thursdays, Feb. 6–27. COST: $35. Sign up at lacrosseareasynod.org.
Luke for Dummies: We will be hearing a lot of stories from the Gospel of Luke in worship this year. Join Pr. Brad Lindberg on a journey through this wonderful gospel story to learn a little more to help us worship throughout the year.
Aging and Your Faith: Whether you are walking with an aging parent or friend, or entering your third act yourself, Pastor McPeak will explore challenges and gifts that are unique to the faith experience as we grow older.
Youth Retreats @ Sugar Creek
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!
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)
March 22: Daily Bread Elementary Retreat (Grades 1-5)
More Events @ Sugar Creek
Below are some upcoming events offered by Sugar Creek. For more info or registration, visit www.sgrcreek.org or call 608.734.3113.
February 9 – Winter Fun Day
February 13-16 – Winter Craft Retreat
February 28 – NEW: Planetary Parade Retreat
High School Super Bowl(ing)
WHO: High school youth
WHAT: Super Bowl(ing)
WHERE: West Bowl Lanes, Feature's in West Salem
WHEN: Feb. 9 from 4-6 pm (arrive at church at 3:30pm for carpool)
COST: $20? (This was kind of unclear on the website; Megan will call to check)
QUESTIONS: Reach out to Megan Olson, High School Events Director: megan@firstlu.org
Annual Tailgate and Appreciation Party!
All members are invited to attend First’s Annual Tailgate and Volunteer Appreciation Party on Sunday, Feb. 9, at 11:45am. We will reflect on 2024 and look ahead to 2025, elect new Vision & Leadership Team and Foundation members, along with Sugar Creek, Assembly delegates, complete a variety of other business and cap it all off with appreciation of our volunteers! Save the date to be a part of the body of church at First! The annual report is available to pick up at the Welcome Center or download, and you will receive a 1-page summary with your 2024 contributions statement in the mail.
Ride to Church Coordinator
In 2024, First Lutheran increased our giving enough to create a Transportation Fund. In the future, anyone who needs a ride to church, but has a difficult time getting in and out of a car, can access this fund so that a ride can be arranged with an appropriate provider. First needs a person to coordinate these rides. Would you or someone you know be a good candidate to 1) receive requests for rides, 2) make reservations and 3) troubleshoot any Sunday morning/Wednesday night obstacles so that those who want to worship in-person can? Contact Pastor Stanton with any questions or nominees: jason@firstlu.org.
Young Youth Dance Party!
On Sunday, Feb. 16, from 2–3:30pm, 1st–5th graders are invited to put on their party attire, bring a loved one, and come dance the afternoon away in the Fellowship Hall. There will be a “photo booth,” snacks, some V-day games, and all the dancing! Questions? Contact Katie Pierre, Young Youth Events Director: katie@firstlu.org.
Jazz Worship Wednesday, Feb. 19
Mark your calendars and be sure to join us for a special worship service of jazz liturgy on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 6:15pm, led by Jon Ailabouni.
OWLs Updates
The OWLs outing in February will be to see the musical The Marriage of Figaro. They’ll fly to see the performance at the Viterbo Fine Arts Center; meet at the church at 4:30pm on Friday, Feb. 21. We will have dinner at a local restaurant before the performance. COST: $31, dinner is on your own. RSVP to OWLs volunteer coordinator Brian Narveson (630-816-5917 / owls@firstlu.org) to reserve a space.
The OWLs February potluck will be a week later than usual, on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at noon in the Fellowship Hall.
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, Feb. 21, 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 their 2025 camp and trip expenses. RSVP your child or sign up to volunteer at 1stlu.org/nightout, by Wednesday, Feb. 19.
Invitation to Change Lives
This year our big three goals have to do with the local housing crisis, our own youth & family ministries and the ways we care for creation. If our financial gifts increase by $30,000 in 2025, then in 2026, we will write a $10,000 check to Pathways Home, invest $10,000 in our new David & Terry Lee Youth & Family Ministry fund, and pay $10,000 toward our solar panel project. If we get to 200 intent cards, a challenge gift of $5,000 will be given to First Lutheran, so please return your statement of intent card by Feb. 23. With your increased giving, we can continue to change lives because First Lutheran’s ministry welcomes all, builds community and serves our neighbors. Fill out your intent card for 2025 at 1stlu.org/intent.
Faith Web Ideas for February
Here’s an idea for what you can do to strengthen the bond of your Faith Web this February: Send a valentine to your faith web! Even more ideas & caring conversation questions in handout at the Faith Webs table and to download at 1stlu.org/webs.
We still need a few more supporters to complete our webs! Stop by the Faith Webs table in the narthex after any worship service, and learn more at 1stlu.org/webs.
Friends of the Warming Center
The Warming Center provides shelter for the unhoused from November through 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.
Community Supported Agriculture
First Lutheran has, once again, offered to be a pick-up site for CSA boxes of produce from Small Family Farm in La Farge. Though deliveries won’t start until June, you can buy a share now. For info about products, prices and schedules, go to smallfamilycsa.com, or ask for a flier in the office. Prices typically increase March 1.
Ash Wednesday Worship
Join us for worship on Ash Wednesday, Mar. 5, as we begin the season of Lent.
12:15pm in-person worship (with a light lunch offered beforehand, at 11:30am)
6:15pm in-person worship and live stream
All services will include the imposition of ashes.
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 helps 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: Mar. 17. 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, May 1, 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.
Sugar Creek Summer Reg Now Open
Sugar Creek Bible Camp offers 17 unique and powerful summer camp programs, plus retreat ministries for youth in elementary school, middle school and high school – and adults and families! The camp is located on 660 acres in the bluffs and valleys of southwestern Wisconsin. Come learn, relax, encounter Christ and have fun at Sugar Creek Bible Camp! Explore sugarcreekbiblecamp.org for more information about next summer.
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, Feb. 2
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Feb. 9
9:15am Sunday School
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool
Grade 4 Faith Building Block: Apostles’ Creed
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, Feb. 2: parents/guardians only
Sundays, Feb. 9 & 16: parents/guardians with children
Sunday, Feb. 23: Faith Building Block lifted up in worship
Confirmation
Sunday:
Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Class
Wednesday:
5:05pm Confirmation Class: Being Still - Fireside Rm
7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
