Announcements for Sunday, September 17
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Focus Groups
LAST CHANCE: THIS SUNDAY, Sept. 17, at 9:15am or 11:45am. Since completing our 2014 Strategic Plan, First Lutheran has prepared for a large-scale campaign to address deferred maintenance needs, mortgage debt, staffing needs and more. Leadership is excited to present these plans to the congregation and give ample opportunity for feedback and questions. Please attend a one-hour focus group meeting in the Fireside Room at First to hear and say more so that we can move forward together. Child care is available; no need to sign up.
Middle School Milestone
At First Lutheran, we are deeply committed to bringing the presence of God into the lives of children everywhere they go. This life milestone is for sixth-graders and their parents/guardians as they transition from elementary to middle school and celebrates that each child is made in the image of God. We spend our time in four weeks talking about being created in the image of God, how God is in the midst of change and ways that we can feel connected with God through spiritual practices. Week one starts Sunday, Sept. 17, 9:15am in the fellowship hall.
OWLs Potluck
Brian and Mary Narveson would like to invite all the OWLs, our group for those 55+, to their home at W7572 Price Ct. in Holmen (Holland) at noon on Wednesday, September 20. Pray for a beautiful day where everyone can gather on the deck overlooking the Mississippi River Valley. The focus will be storytelling. Mary has been a writer and fan of poetry for many years, and will share some of her favorite poems, but we ask everyone to bring a favorite poem of yours to share with the group. It can be anything from a poem you have written, a favorite Psalm or a poem that has touched you. If you need directions to the Narvesons’, they can be contacted at 608.526.9700 or owls@firstlu.org. Many older GPS units do not know where Price Ct. is, but Google Maps can print you an excellent map. They will be glad to email you a map on request.
School of Theology in La Crosse
The fall session of the Synod School of Theology will run from Sept. 21-Oct. 26 (all classes on Thursday evenings, 5:30pm and 7:30pm) with Bible Intro class for new students on Sept. 14. For more info and registration go to 1stlu.org/theology.
COME FOR SUPPER
First Lutheran is assisting with Come for Supper on Tuesday, September 26, at Our Savior’s in La Crosse. First Lutheran will help with food donations and volunteering to serve and clean up. The sign-up sheets are at the Welcome Center. Call Gloria Kubiak if you have questions, 608.498.2762.
LifeTouch Church Directory Photo Sessions
First Lutheran is updating its membership directory this year, and photo sessions are available from Oct. 10-21. We encourage you to book your session soon so that you can pick the best time for you and your family; do so by going to 1stlu.org/lifetouch, or call the church office for assistance. Members who have their photos taken for the directory will get a free color copy of their portrait and a free directory. Don’t wait — make your appointment today!
Sympathy to the family & friends of Rev. Paul Roe
We lift in prayer the family and friends of Rev. Paul Roe, who died September 11, 2017, in Bloomington, MN. Rev. Paul Roe was pastor at First from 1962-1976. The funeral was on Saturday, September 16, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, in Minneapolis. If so desired, memorials may be directed to the Paul Roe Scholarship Fund at Luther Seminary, Lutheran World Relief, or St. Olaf College. Condolences may be shared at gillbrothers.com.
Welcome Baskets
Welcome baskets are a way to welcome a new neighbor into your neighborhood. The baskets are a gift bag tied with a bow, filled with some goodies from church and from our community. They are available to sign out at the
Resource Center across from the church office.
Gift Cards for Youth Ministries: Target & Walmart Now available
We have added Target and Walmart to the assortment of gift cards we offer for sale in the church office. The cards come in denominations of $50 and $100. We continue to offer Kwik Trip, Woodman’s and Festival cards. People who buy these cards through the church help our young people go to Bible camp and on mission trips.
Clothes Closet Needs
- Hoodies: all sizes
- Guys belts: especially smaller sizes
- Wallets
With the new school year upon us, the First Teen Clothes Closet’s schedule is getting busy. We are in need of volunteer hosts, especially for Monday evenings when we shuttle teens from Trinity Lutheran Church’s Children’s Clothes Closet. Go to 1stlu.org/closethelp to choose a shift you can work. If you have never volunteered before, or need a refresher course, contact Bridget Crave at bridget@firstlu.org, or another one of the steering committee members. Thank you for helping us reach teens in our community!
Travel to the Holy Land
With Pastor Kent and Dr. Lee Johnson on November 2-13.
$3,999 includes flights from Mpls. Most Christian tours of the Holy Land focus entirely on the sites associated with the events and people of the Bible, especially those linked to Jesus. This 12-day tour does this and much more. We will visit key sites in Bethlehem, Galilee (Nazareth, Capernaum) and Jerusalem (Temple Mount, Mount of Olives, Church of the Holy Sepulchre.) Guided by our Synod’s commitment to accompaniment with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), you also will meet with members of the ELCJHL and Israeli and Palestinian groups struggling for peace and justice today. Contact Pr. Kent at pastorkentj@gmail.com. There are only a few seats left!
Sugar Creek Bus Trips
Adult Bus Trips:
- Oct. 1-7 Washington D.C. and Gettysburg Tour
- Nov. 21 Fireside Dinner Theatre: “Miracle on 34th St.”
- Nov.26-Dec 2 Nashville Christmas Tour