Announcements for Sunday, October 1
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OWLs Fly to Sugar Creek
The OWLs will attend Yesterday’s Youth this Monday, October 2, at Sugar Creek. Historian Dick Campbell will present on “Building the Erie Canal,” followed by “The Klondike Gold Rush.” After lunch we will be entertained by the “High-Lo-Men” barbershop quartet and the “Just for Fun” men’s quartet. Leaving church at 8am and returning by 3pm. RSVP to Brian Narveson by October 1: owls@firstlu.org / 608.526.9700. Cost is $10.
Parent Share: Now with Wed option!
Starting October 4, join Carla Stanton, member of First, certified spiritual director and mom of three, in room 201 every Wednesday morning, 9:45-10:45am. (The Sunday Parent Share will also continue to meet at 9:15am between Sun. worship). At Parent Share, we pray and talk about raising our children faithfully. Childcare is available, too, for all children who are not yet attending school.
Baptismal Preparation
A baptism preparation session will be Saturday, Oct. 7, at 10am in the narthex for anyone who is considering or has scheduled a baptism. To register or ask questions, contact the church office: 608.783.2236 / office@firstlu.org.
Grief Support Groups
Carrying on after the death of a loved one can be difficult and lonely. Join with others who have experienced loss, and listen and care for each other. Two groups to choose from, both meeting the first Thursday of the month:
- 1pm in the Upper Rm, led by Nancy Beguin
- 7pm at Gloria Kubiak’s home; call Gloria at 608.498.2762 if interested in joining
Questions? Contact Director of Small Group Ministry, Bridget Crave: bridget@firstlu.org. More info at 1stlu.org/griefsupport.
LifeTouch Church Directory Photo Sessions
First Lutheran is updating its membership directory this year, and photo sessions are available between Oct. 10 and 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!
Drawing From the Well
Next retreat: Sat., October 14, 8:30–10:30am at Panera. This group is for women of First and the greater La Crosse area seeking to support one another in their spiritual growth. We gather together once a month on Saturday mornings to be with each other, enjoy a breakfast, and develop a deeper relationship with one another. Come and get to know other women of the church, or renew friendships. RSVP to bridget@firstlu.org
Family Photos: a Cloud of Witnesses
In the coming weeks, we will ask for photographs of your beloved dead so that we can be surrounded by their witness on All Saints Day. These pictures can be sent electronically (karyn@firstlu.org) or brought in. They will be printed as 4X6, so resolution should be such that they can be printed well from what you submit. If your loved one was a member of our congregation and died this past year, you will receive a letter from Pastor Karyn with a special request. Please note, we will continue to use the photos submitted last year, so no need to resend those photos.
Quilts donated to LWR
First Lutheran’s quilting group boxed up 157 quilts this past Tuesday for shipment to Lutheran World Relief for distribution worldwide. Some of the quilts made by the quilters were kept for local distribution.
Sugar Creek Women’s Retreat
Fri., Oct. 20—Sun., Oct. 22. Ladies, this retreat is just what you need: time away from the stresses of work and home. Come away to meet other women, go for a hike, curl up by the fire with a good book, and more! As the seasons change and leaves fall, we will take time to join together and explore the theme: “Letting Go.” Our featured speaker, Carla Stanton, is a certified Spiritual Director and will lead us through various exercises to discover where God is working in our lives. We will consider the things we might need to let go of in order to make room for new growth. Info & reg. at www.sgrcreek.org.
NEW-MEMBER SESSIONS
We offer several new-member sessions each year to acquaint new members with First and a small group of other newcomers. People who would like to become members of First Lutheran are invited to a 3-week introduction to the church, presented in a small-group setting. The group will meet in the evening on Oct. 22, Oct. 29, and Nov. 2. To register your family or ask questions please call our church office at 608.783.2236 or email office@firstlu.org.
Art and Spirituality Retreat in Chicago
Join Pr Karyn to learn and practice Visio Divina, the spiritual practice of praying with images. The group will visit the Art Institute in Chicago and in addition to other sites, and some free time to shop, site see, or rest. Traveling by van, the group will leave Friday morning, Nov. 17, returning to Onalaska Saturday evening. Cost includes transportation to Chicago, hotel and Art Institute entrance fee. Contact Bridget Crave with questions: bridget@firstlu.org.
More info & reg. at 1stlu.org/artic.
Parish Internship Committee
A parish internship committee is being formed to serve our Vicar Tara Shilts. The committee of 5-8 people meets once a month and exists to give feedback directly to Vicar Tara in an informal, reflective way. Vicar Tara already receives critique and instruction from her supervisor, Pastor Stanton. This is your opportunity to offer leadership as we explore First’s role as a teaching congregation. Contact Pastor Stanton if you are interested in raising up a leader in ministry: jason@firstlu.org.