Announcements for Sunday, Mar 23 2025
INSIDE: OWLs March Potluck • Springfest Donations
Our OWLS (Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) know how to have a good time at their potlucks, and the next one is this Wednesday, Mar. 26, at noon. Learn more below…
Join us for worship!
Sunday Worship, Mar. 23:
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, Holden Evening Worship, Mar. 26:
5:30pm Lent supper, in Fellowship Hall
6:15pm: live stream at 1stlu.org/live, and in-person. Nursery available.
Lent Devotions & Small Groups
This year First is offering two options for devotions during Lent…
Journeying Through Lent with Luke: an excellent Christ-centered guide to the Gospel of Luke for daily, individual devotion AND a weekly First Lutheran small group of your choice. This resource provides a daily 1) Bible text, 2) devotion by Nancy Koester, 3) meditative questions and 4) a prayer, every day from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. Cost for the book is $10. You can pick the book up at the Resource Center outside the church office, and sign up for a small group at 1stlu.org/next. Invite a friend to join you!
Coming Back to Life, Devotions and Activities for Lent: In spring, after a long winter’s nap, an amazing thing happens: the world comes back to life! This devotional is full of ideas and activities that can help us wake up, too, preparing our hearts, minds, and communities for Easter’s great celebration. Each week, biblical texts and creation’s wonders inspire practices you can try yourself, with your family or with your friends. Grab your free Lent devotional kit at the Faith Webs table, and over the next 40 days, week by week, we’ll look for treasures that can help bring us back to hope, back to love, back to life!
Springfest Donations
Are you a local business owner or artisan? Our First Lutheran Preschool is looking for donations for its Springfest silent auction fundraiser. Sponsors and silent auction gift baskets are needed. Bring donations to the church office by Tuesday, Apr. 22, noting the value of the donation if it’s not obvious. Questions? Contact melissa@firstlu.org.
Courageous Men’s Group
The Courageous Men’s Group is for men of all ages and meets 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 Potluck
The OWLs (Older Wiser Lutherans at First, for anyone 55+) March potluck will be Wednesday, Mar. 26, at noon in the fellowship hall. Special guests will be members of the Coulee Region Giving Hearts Choir. This non-profit group brings together individuals in the early to middle stages of memory loss, along with their caregivers, to share a love of music and sing in a choir. Having the choir means we will have 20 extra people to feed. Please bring extra potluck to share.
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 is in the choir room most Wednesdays, at 7:30pm. Everyone 14 and older is 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.
Holden Evening Prayer
Join us for Holden Evening Prayer during our Lent worship, on Wednesdays at 6:15pm. There is a light supper beforehand at 5:30pm, in Fellowship Hall.
#NoPlasticsforLent
The #NoPlasticsforLent initiative, led by Young Adults across the church, calls us to:
Prayer for creation
Lament the ways we have been complicit in the degradation of the earth
Care for our neighbor in fasting from the things that are hurting our planet
Develop a commitment to practice during this 40 days that turns your attention towards caring for creation. This could be fasting from single-use plastics, eating locally, using eco-friendly cleaning supplies, shopping at farmers markets, etc. Commit to sustainability practices that make sense for you and are possible for you in your context or community.
Graduation Milestone & Recognition Dinner
Graduates: You and your parents/guardians are cordially invited to mark the milestone of your graduation at First Lutheran’s High School Graduation Recognition Dinner on Sunday, March 30, from 5:30–8pm at the church. Let us take this opportunity to honor you and your accomplishments as you prepare to become a 2025 graduate. To RSVP at 1stlu.org/next or contact the church office: office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236.
Faith Web Ideas for March
Here’s an idea for what you can do to strengthen the bond of your Faith Web this March: Sit together for Holden Evening Prayer each Wednesday throughout Lent! Even more ideas & caring conversation questions can be found in the handout at the Faith Webs table and to download 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.
Mabel Anderson Scholarship
The Mabel Anderson scholarship application is available online at 1stlu.org/scholarship. Completed applications are due on Tuesday, Apr. 1. Students may apply if they will graduate from high school in the spring and have plans to pursue post-secondary education. The application includes writing an essay and completing an online form that reflects the student’s involvement in church activities. Contact the office with any questions: office@firstlu.org / 608.783.2236.
Sunshine Team
The Sunshine Team meets on the first Thursday of every month. NEXT: Apr. 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.
Volunteer Work Weekend @ First
Who says the Sunshine Team has to have all the fun! Everyone is invited to help with spring cleaning at First Lutheran on Saturday, Apr. 5, at 9am. Great opportunity for youth needing volunteer hours! Great opportunity for all to make First look nice! Refreshments are supplied to replenish your reserves!
Baptismal Preparation
The next baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Apr. 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, Mar. 30. Min. attendance required: 2 families.
Child Engagement Survey
The Engaging Children Initiative of the La Crosse Area Synod wants to hear about your experiences with the church and how they can better address children's spiritual needs! All families and congregations connected to the synod are invited to participate in this survey! This will allow the whole ECI team to develop resources, training, and more that benefits your community and the whole church. The survey takes less than 15 minutes, and can be taken at 1stlu.org/next.
Cottage Meeting
As a part of stewardship for the upcoming year, the congregation is invited to a cottage meeting after the second service on Sunday, Apr. 6, in the narthex.
What do you already love about First Lutheran?
What are our greatest opportunities as a church?
Where could we direct our generosity and energy in the future?
The leadership of First Lutheran want to hear your ideas about where God may be calling us in 2025 and beyond. Lunch will be provided. Come ready to talk about your ideas!
First Sunday High School Gathering
High school youth gather on the first Sunday of each month, from 11:30am–3pm. NEXT: Apr. 6. WHERE: All Glazed Up to paint some pottery! RSVP at 1stlu.org/next!
Parents/guardians take turns providing the meal; serving and cleaning up. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next! Questions? Contact megan@firstlu.org.
More Events @ Sugar Creek
Below are some upcoming events offered by Sugar Creek. For more info or registration, visit sugarcreekbiblecamp.org or call 608.734.3113.
April 7 – Yesterday’s Youth
April 19 – Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt
May 3 – Volunteer Work Weekend
May 16-18 – NEW: Adult Horse Retreat
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. NEXT: Wednesday, Apr. 9, 5:30pm. Food and child care provided.
Easter Flowers
Your gift of $15 to the Easter Fund will be used to purchase flowers to beautify the sanctuary on Easter Sunday. Remaining contributions go toward purchasing new paraments. Please make your gift by Sunday, Apr. 13. Gifts can be placed at 1stlu.org/next, or use the form in the announcements page and turn into the office.
Palm Sunday Breakfast Fundraiser
Sunday, Apr. 13: Fundraiser for youth going on a mission trip and to Bible camp. No coffee hour, Sunday School nor confirmation between services. Breakfast will be served between services. Food donations are needed, and youth can raise funds by working at the breakfast; sign up for both at 1stlu.org/next.
Faith Story Dinner Theater
On Holy Saturday, between the solemness of Good Friday and the good news of Easter Sunday, join us for a Holy Week edition of Faith Story Dinner Theatre, as we read and share some of the Bible stories that God has given us. WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 19, 5:30pm. Reserve your seat at 1stlu.org/next by Wednesday, Apr. 16.
Holy Week Schedule
Holy week is the week leading up to Easter Sunday on April 20, starting with Palm Sunday on April 13. Join us for worship every day of Holy Week…
Palm Sunday, Apr. 13, worship at 8:00am & 10:30am (in-person & live streamed).
Palm Sunday breakfast in Fellowship Hall between services.
No Sunday School nor Confirmation classes.
Monday, Apr. 14, worship at 6:15pm (in-person & live streamed).
Tuesday, Apr. 15, worship at 6:15pm (in-person & live streamed).
Wednesday, Apr. 16, worship at 6:15pm (in-person & live streamed).
Gr. 5 Faith Building Block, bread baking, 4pm.
Maundy Thursday, Apr. 17, worship at 6:15pm (in-person & live streamed).
Gr. 5 Faith Building Block lifted up in worship.
Good Friday, Apr. 18, worship at 12:15pm (in-person & live streamed) & 6:15pm (in-person only).
Faith Story Dinner Theater, Apr. 19, at 5:30pm (in-person only). Reserve your seat at 1stlu.org/next.
Easter Sunday, Apr. 20, worship at 7am (in-person only), 8:45am (in-person & live streamed), and 10:30am (in-person & live streamed).
No Sunday School nor Confirmation on Easter Sunday.
Sign up to help make Holy Week happen at 1stlu.org/next.
The office will be closed at noon on Friday, Apr. 18, and all day Monday, Apr. 21.
Chicken Dinner!
Tickets are now available for sale by youth through Apr. 16, or in the office, M–F, 8am–4pm, through Apr. 23. Meals cost only $12 presale before Apr. 23, Tickets will be $15 at the door while they last. And most importantly, all funds raised go to support youth going on mission trips and to Sugar Creek Bible Camp! Meals are provided by Premier Catering, and will be available for pick-up at First Lutheran on Thursday, Apr. 24, 11am–7pm. FOR YOUTH: You can checkout ticket packets to sell in the office; Tickets packets are due back to the church office WITH THE MONEY by 7pm on April 16. Youth and families can sign up for a shift to help with takeouts at 1stlu.org/next.
Young Youth Earth Day
Our Young Youth will create recycled bird feeders for members of First to take home. And if time and weather allow, they will also venture out to clean up the block around church! DATE: Tuesday, Apr. 22, 4:30-5:30pm. WHERE: Fellowship Hall. In advance of this Earth Day event, we’re asking all members to please save coated paper cartons and bottle caps! Put in the labeled box in the Narthex before April 13. Think egg, juice and milk cartons, etc.
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.
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: May 19. Sign up at 1stlu.org/next.
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.
Synod Night Out at the Loggers
Save the date! Sunday, June 15, 5pm for a night of baseball fun at Loggers Field on Copeland Ave. Learn more and get tickets at 1stlu.org/next.
Stephen Ministry
If you know of someone who needs a caregiver, please speak with Pastor Karyn, or call the church office: 608.783.2236.
Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
If bad weather ever makes you wonder whether your group is meeting, check our website, Facebook page, or update the office with your cell number and provider so that we can text you. The staff and leadership of First intend to ‘make the call’ by 5pm at the latest so everyone knows what to expect. Be safe this winter!
Sunday School
Sunday, Mar. 23
9:15am Sunday School
Sunday, Mar. 30
9:15am Sunday School
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/sunschool
Grade 5 Faith Building Block: Communion
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, Mar. 23: parents/guardians only
Sundays, Mar. 30 & Apr. 6: parents/guardians with child
Wednesday, Apr. 16, 4-5pm: child only, baking communion bread in Fellowship Hall kitchen
Thursday, Apr. 17: Faith Building Block lifted up during the evening Maundy Thursday worship service
Confirmation
Sunday:
Gr 6 & 7 Confirmation Class
Wednesday:
5:05pm Confirmation Class: The Lord’s Prayer - Fireside Rm
5:30pm Lent Supper - Fellowship Hall
7:00pm Gr 8 & 9 Small Groups
More info and registration: 1stlu.org/confirm.
